Chapter 57: Last Minute Training

Chapter 57: Last Minute Training

Chapter 57: Last Minute Training

Concentrate, Loh said.

Stryg clasped his hand around a bundle of flowers. He closed his eyes and took a calm, slow breath. He would normally think of his enemies to elicit the mana within his heart, but this time all he needed was the memory of his failure at the grove. Grey mana pulsed through his veins and into his fingers. Stryg could feel his body absorbing the flowers life force. The petals began to wilt and the stem withered in just seconds.

Stryg looked at Loh expectantly, How did I do?

Again, Loh said in a stern voice.

Stryg nodded, dropped the dead flowers, and grabbed fresh ones from a nearby basket.

If Loh was being honest, Stryg casted the simple drain spell perfectly, even managing to absorb the lifeforce into himself as well. She didnt want the compliment getting to his head, so she kept quiet. Besides, there was something else she needed to discuss with him first.

Master Loh?

Hm? What is it?

I was wondering why do all magi cast spells from their hands? At least every single magi Ive seen casts from their hands, including the professors. We dont have to though, do we?

No, not technically. Loh placed a finger on her chin. There are a few that dont. Its just easier to cast spells from the hands. It feels more natural, more comfortable when we do. In general, magi tend to perform better when casting from their hands. I suppose you could channel your mana into your feet or back instead. Though, it would be a lot more difficult to aim the direction of your spell. The whole concept is commonly seen as one of those things you can do, but why would you?

Stryg finished draining the flowers. Loh nodded in approval.

So, there really is no point to it then? Stryg asked.

Not exactly. Magi who see combat on a regular basis sometimes train to cast with other parts of their body. That way if their arms are injured in battle they will still be able to cast magic with relatively decent accuracy.

I suppose that makes sense. If you cant move your hands, cast with your legs instead, right?

Right Tell me, Stryg. What exactly happened in the grove?

He stiffened, My team managed to get three enemy necklaces and we ended up losing two of our own to Clypeus team. I was the only one left on my team. It was a complete loss.

Hm. Did you know I spoke with your teammates? Callum really tried to defend you, saying how you fought bravely against Clypeus entire team. Kithina didnt want to say a word. You have loyal friends. Of course, when I threatened to fail all three of you unless they started talking, Kithina cracked. I knew something was off, I just didnt realize how much of it was your fault. She told me how you ran off on your own at the very start of the match. Callum and her were forced to try and save you.

Stryg looked away in shame, I overestimated my abilities and underestimated my enemies. My team paid the price. Im ready to accept whatever punishment.

Im not going to punish you, Stryg, Loh sighed.

Really? Stryg asked with wide eyes.

At least not this time. I know what its like to be confident in ones own power, how it can blind one to their own follies, and now you do too. That being said, I dont care if you lie, but never lie to me again. Next time I wont be so merciful.

Understood, Stryg bowed his head. Had this been back in Vulture Woods, First Mother would have beaten him until he was bloody raw.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

There must be trust between master and apprentice, do you understand? Loh placed her hand on his shoulder.

Yes, master, Stryg nodded.

Im not sure you do. You dont really seem to be the trusting type, Loh frowned.

I know you wish to cast tangible shadows, but the shadow spell form has so much more to offer. There are spells you can learn to cast long before you can call yourself a master. For example, with some practice youll be able to cast a spell that enhances your night vision.

I already have night vision, Stryg pointed at his eyes.

Yes, goblins may have better night vision than most species, but the spell Im referring to is better than that. It can even help you see in very low light conditions, youll be able to see even on a cloudy night with a new moon.

I can already see without any light, Stryg admitted.

He had only told Feli, who didnt even really understand what he was talking about. Still, he wanted to try and be more truthful to his teacher. He wanted to try and trust her.

Loh narrowed her eyes, What do you mean without any light?

Remember how I told you that my hybrid traits only started acting up last year? Well, around the same time something happened to me, to my eyes. It wasnt a gradual change like my other senses or physical abilities. One night I suddenly could perfectly see in the dark. I dont know how, but I just can ever since.

Show me, Loh said with skepticism.

She raised her hands. Her shadow deepened into a solid black matte, it expanded and inked across the courtyard, forming a dome of utter darkness around them. It reminded Stryg of the spell he had cast in the Merry Crescent, except this was on a much larger scale.

Now, how many fingers am I holding up? Loh asked.

On which hand? Your right has three, your left has two. Now your mouth is hanging open. You just lowered your right hand. Your left hand has four fingers up now.

Holy shit. Loh waved her hands. The darkness receded back into her own shadow. She walked up to Stryg.

Stay still, she grabbed his face.

Stryg grimaced, but resisted the urge to push her away. Loh stared into his lilac eyes. His pupils size fluctuated.

I had noticed there was something off about your eyes, I just thought it had to do with your hybrid nature.

It doesnt? Stryg mouthed through squished cheeks.

I dont doubt that it does, its just a lot weirder than what I had originally thought. She leaned in closer.

Strygs pupils started to expand and contract in rapid succession.

Your pupils, are they? It cant be, Loh frowned.

She raised her finger and brought it closer to Strygs eye, then further away. She did the same with his other eye.

Stryg, are you scared?

No.

Are you uncomfortable?

...A bit.

How about now? Loh lit a small flame above her finger tip. She brought the flame closer to his face.

He squinted, Yes. Its bright, get it out of my face. His irises vibrated.

Sure. She doused the flame, but kept staring into his eyes. Your irises are practically undulating, incredible. Stryg, your pupils arent reacting to the light. I think theyre reacting to something else.