Chapter 29

Accelerated Training

Due to the act of war posed by the Azani to the South-East of the continent, the training for the homestead seven was accelerated. During the siege, many students were noted for acts of bravery. The most notable was Lykan. Not for the fact that he did more than others, but the fact that he was a Bronze ranker who went above and beyond his station.

It was all hollow, at least to Lykan. He realized after the fact that it was due to his rank that he had been held back. Well, his bronze rank, and the fact that he was the official protectorate of Telka a healer and a truly talented Mage. With both of those distinctions, it was only logical for Lykan to be hamstrung and held in the back lines.

In a way, it was his own doing. He had purposefully crafted this path forward. He knew that if he revealed his true strength, he would have been expected to be on the front lines. Yet, something about that seemed like it would be hollow. He tried to think about why, but the more he thought, the more he realized he would be missing a part of himself.

All the officers were taught to increase their Magical Abilities first and foremost, then to rely on Skills second. This was not the path that Lykan wished to walk for himself, at least not yet.

He realized he had been given a golden, no, a platinum, opportunity. The details of which constantly glowed in his mind’s eye. Even after the ambush and his actions taken, his Skills had once again increased.

Skill Base Plus Modifier Rating Universal Linguist (Maximum) Spear Mastery (Maximum) Sword Mastery Expert + (Platinum) Sage Quick Step Adept + (Platinum) Expert Universal Literacy (Maximum) Regeneration (Maximum) Meditation Beginner + (Platinum) Adept Focus Expert + (Platinum) Sage Magical Ability Base Plus Modifier Rating Energy Absorption (Maximum) Energy Sensing (Maximum) Energy Control Sage Energy Alteration Expert + (Platinum) Sage

Still, he was far from the place he wanted to be. He knew from his conversations with Shai’jan that he was at the point where his Focus could allow him to help direct his flight, but his meditation wasn’t high enough to circulate his bodily energy fast enough throughout his body to get the lift he needed.

Lykan, as always, was practicing in the training yard. This was the only time he truly felt free while at the Magi Academy. Every other minute was spent cleaning his uniform or room, accompanying Telka to class. Helping Telka with her studies and then martial training in the morning. Here in the evening was the only time he felt like he could improve. The only problem was he realized that he improved far quicker during combat than he did by just focusing on his own advancement.

In a way, this slower progression made sense. He was primarily focused on increasing Skills that directly related to war and battles. To expect them to grow during times of peace was ridiculous. Still, some of his non-combat Skills seemed to stagnate without direct application in combat.

“There he is. Just as you expected,” the playfully cocky voice of Shai’jan rang out throughout the courtyard.

Upon hearing his words, most students who were training looked up. Everyone but Lykan was focusing on incorporating more Quick Step movements into his different attacks.

Quick Step was a pre-requisite Skill needed for Aerial Combat, but it was not needed to have maxed out. This was found from a confession from the Azani Shaman, turned Sidherthan Professor.

“I told you. Where else would you expect my student to be, but training?” Sword Saint Altier Montague said.

“Your student? Why I thought he was mine?” Shai’jan replied huffily.

“Well, we should let him decide.”

Lykan acknowledged both Masters with a nod as he continued going through his movements at quicker and quicker paces.

By now, everyone was staring at Lykan, whose form was said to be near perfect according to the Sword Saint.

“Now, is it just me, or is he much faster than you?” Shai’jan mused.

“He is young. His body isn’t as mature as mine. Give him time,” Altier quipped.

“You sure it isn’t less a matter of him being young, but more of your being old?” Shai’jan asked.

Fortunately, Lykan finished his movements and came to a stop with a heel spin and a perfectly executed bow.

“Oh wow. Everyone!” Shai’jan said, speaking loudly enough so that everyone who had been staring at Lykan a moment ago had their attentions fully brought to bear on Shai’jan. “That is how you greet us in the future.”

“Shut it,” Altier said, elbowing Shai’jan with a disapproving shake of his head.

“Masters, what may this lowly one do for you?” Lykan said, still not raising from his bow as the two had not responded.

“Rise, and walk with me,” Altier said.

“Us. Walk with us.” Shai’jan amended.

Hearing the two, Lykan just shook his head. He knew this was likely their way of dealing with stress after everything that had gone on. It was clear that the two had a friendly competition going on between them.

With a nod, Lykan was led away from the training fields and off toward a more secluded section of the Academy. Finally, once no one was within earshot, Altier began.

“So there is the question of a promotion for you.”

“Promotion?” Lykan asked.

“Yes, normally after someone performs feats such as yours, they are offered either rewards or promotions. Promotions coming first, especially in the cases of Bronzers like yourself,” Altier said

Bronzers was the unofficial term given to everyone who was just an enlisted member of the military without any true distinctions.

“This would mean a new contract,” Shai’jan interjected.

Upon hearing that, Lykan shook his head. He had already committed close to six years of his life, by his current contract standards. The last thing he needed was to increase that by a few more years.

“See, I told you,” Shai’jan said, turning to Altier.

Altier just nodded his head in acceptance. “Yes, yes you did.”

“So, with that option out of the way. We came to figure out what you would like as a reward.”

Lykan was about to say he didn’t want anything, especially if it came with strings attached.

“And before you say you don’t want anything. Know that you need to be rewarded in front of everyone,” Altier cut in.

Hearing that, Lykan closed his mouth as he contemplated what he wanted.

“This can be anything, from training. To compensations,” Altier continued.

“To training,” Shai’jan said in a way one might say to a particularly slow child.

Seeing the two and their line of questioning, a light went off in Lykan’s mind. “Wait, could I get special training from the both of you?” Lykan asked, suddenly excited. Though he tried to hold back on his thoughts to make sure he wasn’t misreading the situation.

“Training from the both of us? The sword saint and the handsome Azani Flying Swordmaster not bound to the traitors? Why that would be an amazing reward. Wouldn’t you agree?” Shai’jan asked Altier.

Altier just shook his head at the grandiose gestures and wording from his friend. Then sighing reluctantly, he added, “Yes, that would make a fitting reward. I would be happy to take you on as my apprentice, to be the next possible Sword Saint for Sidhertha.”

Only toward the end did Altier truly sound like he meant what he was saying.

“As would I love to take you on as my first true pupil of the Azani Floating Sword Style,” Shai’jan added.

Hearing the two, he looked between them both. “So you two planned for this all along?” Lykan asked.

Altier visibly dropped at hearing the question. While Shai’jan, as over-confident as always, puffed up even larger and proudly exclaimed, “Sure did. What did you think? Altier’s part was a bit flat, at parts, but he will come around.” Shai’jan then paused as he looked at his friend. “Though he should clearly stick to the sword. The stage was never meant for him. Not like me.”

Hearing that, Altier just shook his head before turning back to Lykan.

“So, what do you say?”

Hearing the words, Lykan paused for a second before nodding. “Yes, I would love to learn as much as I can from the both of you.”

He said so with a sincere bow.

“See told you. Flatter the boy, and he will be like putty in our hands,” Shai’jan said.

Altier, for his part, just shook his head, but deep in his heart, he was proud to finally have someone he could call an apprentice.

***

An awarding ceremony was held a few days later, where all of the officer candidates who made contributions. To Lykan’s surprise, Telka was the officer who received the greatest award, the Silver-Cluster.

“For bravery in combat and bringing a whole squad back from the brink of death. You are awarded our highest honor for today,” Dean Mathers said before the full military platoon that had been brought up from reserve status to safe-guard the Academy to prevent such an attack from happening again. Since Lykan had already received his reward, that of specialized training from both Altier and Shai’jan, Lykan was surprised to hear the Dean make his final announcement.

“There is one final award winner. One that we should all take pride in the accomplishments of. This young man with nothing more than sheer determination is the one who cut through the enemy lines and managed to help stop the entryway incursion. His swift actions made it, so Telka had people to save. I am speaking, of course, of Telka’s Protectorate. Though only a bronze ranker, he showed absolute heroism in the light of combat. Single-handedly taking down an Azani shaman and his elite guards. Then he helped lead recovery efforts. For his bravery in the face of insurmountable odds, we are awarding Lykan Vita with the Golden-Cluster. The highest award that can be given to a bronze tier member in our military. Rather than a reward of being promoted to Cadet or Officer, Mr. Vita will have a special award granted. He has been accepted as the official apprentice for both Sword Saint Altier Montague and Azani Flying Swordmaster Shai’jan.”

With that, a loud ruckus broke out as the Dean came back and pinned a golden broach on his right shoulder.

“We expect great things from you.”

Lykan could only nod at the sudden praise.

“With that,” Dean Mathers turned to the crowd, “We have but one final announcement.”

Upon hearing that, everyone in the crowd drew still. “The Winter Formal will be postponed until next week. We will open the dance up for everyone. But know that a few high-ranking delegates and military leaders from our own military will be in attendance. With that, the final announcement was out of the way. I conclude today’s award ceremony. We will now let you speak to the different award nominees,” the Dean said as he gave a look toward Lykan and the others.

What happened next could only be described as mild chaos, according to Lykan and a few of the other students. Telka, for her part, played up the fact that Sidherthan was not her native language and used that as a reason to stay near Lykan. Lykan, in turn, played up the role of protectorate and interpreter by only answering half as many questions directed his way.

“Is it true you two are a couple?” one person in attendance asked, seeing how close they were.

Upon hearing that, both blushed, a dead giveaway that Telka had understood the words being directed her way. But Lykan quickly covered. First speaking in High Elven. “He asked if we were a couple.”

With those words repeated, the blush on Telka’s face grew brighter. Lykan took that as his cue to give the standard Academy definition.

“Unfortunately, Protectorate and their charges are unable to join in any form of intimate relationship. The idea being that I might compromise myself or the mission if I become compromised to the true part of my job. My job, in this case, is to protect Telka,” Lykan answered smoothly.

“So your name is Telka, just Telka?”

Lykan relayed the message. Then gave Telka a chance to form a response.

“My last name technically would be Joranidan, but he was not a direct relative of mine.” There was more as Telka lowered her head in shame. Seeing that Lykan felt suddenly saddened, he had seen her so many days by now but never asked her about her past. He made a note that he would try to ask her again once the time was right.

Lykan relayed, “There is a bit of a personal matter. That said, she is not the first, nor will she be the last person to come to Sidhertha to seek a new start.”

Hearing those words, Telka inwardly relaxed at the smooth cover provided by Lykan. Not for the first time, she was truly relieved that he was there in her life.

There were a few more questions. Then the Swordmasters, Altier and Shai’jan, came forward.

“There you are. Thought you could get out of practice so easily, did you?” Altier asked, his voice booming over the crowd.

With that, both Altier and Shai’jan came forward to claim their pupil. Lykan, for his part, just tried to look chagrined, even though a smile had formed on the sides of his mouth.

“Come on Telka,” Lykan said in High Wood Elven. With that, the two turned as one to the Swordmasters of the school.

“Wait, come back.”

Seeing that the group of people asking questions weren’t relenting, the two Swordmasters gave a silent nod of approval to each other. Then smooth as silk Shai’jan stepped out from the group, interjecting himself between the fleeing students and the mass of dignitaries that were all asking questions of the pair.

“He has wasted enough of our valuable training time. You heard what was said. He now bears both our names as Masters. We must now push him to the fullest of his capabilities if he is to achieve true greatness as a protectorate.” Shai’jan then paused and looked to a female dignitary in the crowd.

Turning on all his charm and charisma, he turned his full attention to the woman, who looked to be a high-level governor of some kind. “But for you, I would always make time for. Might I ask your name so that I might die complete, knowing the true name of beauty?”

The woman paused for a second, then blushed. “I am Cassandra Dane, diplomatic ambassador for Piran.”

“A dragon tamer in the flesh?” Shai’jan pressed. Piran was well known for their tendency to train dragons to improve their military might. Only the strongest and most daring would ever attempt such a feat, but Piran was well known for their military strength. Piran was to the North-West of Sidhertha, separated by great mountain trails with a few trading rest stops that developed as necessary over time. Only dragon riders and blimp users were able to make the trek without the need for using rest stops.

“No. I am no dragon tamer. Which is why I am just here as an ambassador,” Cassandra replied with an air of modesty.

“Well then. Let me be the first to say that I think the blood of the great ones rides through your bones. I can feel my heart beating a staccato rhythm by just looking at you,” Shai’jan said, locking eyes with the woman who looked both flattered by the cultural reference to her people and by the sudden attention she was now getting. The great ones were the first family of dragon riders. They were the ones who defied the heavens and changed their Class from what was originally given to them and changed it to dragon riders.

Cassandra, for her part, looked flustered from all the attention.

Shai’jan gave one last look back to see that Altier and the two students had long since made their escape. With his primary objective complete, Shai’jan set his sights on his new prize.

“Come with me, and I will tell you a secret,” Shai’jan said, holding out his hand to the woman.

The woman was confused for a moment before she reached out her hand to clasp his. As soon as their hands touched, Shai’jan pulled her close to him, then took off to the skies.

Cassandra wanted to protest but quickly regained her composure as she looked down at the world below.

“We are flying?” Cassandra asked.

“That we are. It is funny all the nations in the world have come up with ways to ultimately all meet the same end. Piram flies with dragons, Sidhertha with blimps, my own people, the Azani fly with our powers. Yet, I think we all ultimately do it all for the same purpose?”

“Oh?” Cassandra asked, her body trembling at the suddenly cold night air and the gentle cool breeze that went down her back.

“Yes. I think we all learned to fly, so we could ultimately spend a quiet moment with someone important,” Shai’jan said, staring directly at Cassandra.

Cassandra, for her part, didn’t panic. She had been through much harsher training than this. In fact, her flight here was amongst a fleet of dragons and their riders. She was aware that any harm caused to her here would cause an international incident that the Sidherthan Government would not be able to handle. So she stared back.

“You say they did this to impress a mate?” Cassandra asked, turning her gaze from Shai’jan to the different fires and lights that were all coming to life in the distance as the sun slowly began to settle in the West. In a way, it reminded Cassandra of the aftermath of dragon runs. The dragons would scorch everything in their path for miles, then when they were done, only a black trail with a few burning embers would remain before they too ultimately succumbed to the inevitable.

“Aye, that I do,” Shai’jan said as he too turned to watch the setting sun.

Finally, after a few minutes, the sun set, and Cassandra turned her full attention back to Shai’jan. “So, where do you think this will end?”

With a smile and a wink, Shai’jan replied, “Anywhere and anytime you want it to end. So shall it be.”

“Even if I said right now?”

“Even if it was right now.”

The two hung there in muted silence for a minute while Cassandra bit her bottom lip in wonder before responding, “Okay, I have a plan…”