The Third Party - Chapter 27

Ken’s POV (12 yrs. and 3 months old)

The houses are far from here, guess I’ll just do with a makeshift room to change in.

“Earth Magic: Earth walls.” four walls having the height of two meters ascended from the ground in front of me, purposefully encasing a space inside, kind of like a box, but no top cover.

“Hey guys, I think this should work.” I say to my companions, they all looked at me, with expressions mixed with confusion and wonder, but mostly wonder, or is that confusion… I don’t know.

“What do we use that for?” asked Icarus.

“We’ll change to our outfit inside it.” I replied. More confusion, haha they look funny.

“Don’t worry let’s just do this.” With a wave of my hand a line formed at the surface of the wall facing me, resembling that of a door, and with a backwards gesture of my hand, the outlined door opened and swing to the side revealing a space inside.

“Oh okay.” said Icarus then turning silent, I smile, hehehehe, Ugh can I stop being such a creep!?

“Now you guys do it.” I said-

“Huh?!” Hm? *blink.x*

“Is there any problem?” I ask.

“Are we not gonna use yours?” asked Princess Lang, *chuckle* I have a solution for that.

“Of course you can, but it’ll consume more time if we do it one by one using only this one, so let’s get you guys to try making one.” I’m still smiling while saying that.

“Well that could be, but not all of us can use earth magic.” said Riyah, nodded along with Flin, her brother and Princess Lang, while the other six, are just watching, how about I make them work.

“Anyone can learn that, guys, this spell is just a simple one, I think you can try it.” I explain.

“But we’ve never done it before.” Riyah said, gesturing to her brother, although she may be including only her brother, I think it still applies to the other two, with their uncomfortable expressions and all. “My magic is only ice and my brother’s fire, how can you prove that we’ll be able to use earth magic.” She added.

“Well you could use your ice magic to create walls, and as for your brother, hmmm… fire is too volatile and difficult to stay still.” I contemplate as I put my hand to my chin and the other folded on my stomach. “How about this, do you know the concept of raw mana?” I ask.

“Yes.” “Not really” said simultaneously by the two, making them look at each other, the sister clearly annoyed at her brother for not-, uhh, reasons unknown to me, while the brother had a cheeky smile.

“Here’s a piece of advice, have you ever outputted your mana without turning it into elemental magic?” the two shook their heads, I look at the other two, Flin and Princess respectively addressing them also -wouldn’t want them to be behind now would we-, the two nodded.

“Imagine letting out your mana in its purest form then sending it out to the ground to pull a brick of rock upwards.” I explain, they just gave me confused looks.

“Try it.” I say encouraging them with a smile, soon enough the four had started doing what I instructed, Flin, Riyah, and Princess Lang’s understanding of raw magic gave them a certain advantage to this as they were able to form a wall of two meters tall.

Quite impressive but still has some flaws here and there such as some are crooked, jagged or had small cracks -but better something than nothing right?-, as for Icarus, he had only risen a wall up to one meter and a half. But the doors were carved quite well, so it’s still fine.

In case you’re wondering how I’m able to keep record of the measurements, I use my magic to measure the objects.

“Great work! This is impressive for your first time, now let’s not waste any more time and change.” I said to them before looking at my other six friends. “You guys can make your own now.”

“Roger!” they said simultaneously, before the ground started shaking as walls rose from the ground in front of my friends, and went inside to change. I look at the other four’s dumbfounded faces. *chuckles*

“You four can go change now.” I said gesturing to their walls, pfft their walls, get it? No? Okay.

“Bu-but-“ “A-“ “How?…” “…” I can already think what you guys are thinking.

“Don’t worry you guys, in time you will also learn how to cast that fast, or do you have other questions you want to ask? I’d be happy to answer them, but for now, let’s change to our outfits first.” I offered a smile at them.

The four went inside of their spaces still in a daze, and I went inside mine, closing the makeshift door behind me.

“Oh wait, before I forget! Make some hooks made out of dirt too!” I shout so they could hear me.

“What for?!” asked Lila.

“So you guys can hang your clothes inside while changing!” I replied.

“Okay!” the six replied, while the other four are just quiet, the sound was mostly coming from my left as that was where the six created their box or rooms for that matter while the other four made theirs by my right.

I think that exchange only lasted for fifteen minutes and another ten for the four’s trying out how to make walls out of raw magic, they’re quite fast learners.

After changing out of my outfit and into the suit, I walked out of my changing room, and willed the walls to bury down leaving nothing left but an even ground, fun fact we made the changing rooms at the middle of the field.

I walked towards the bench where we left our weapons, and others on the table where we ate, and placed my clothes atop the table, I’m still wearing leather shoes as they didn’t have any shoes to change on -wow feeling entitled haha-.

I walk back to the field to find my other six friends approaching the bench, I passed by them still smiling and said to Allen that he will be the leader for today’s morning exercise, and approached the other four standing outside their changing rooms,

With their clothes on their hands, the girls checking out their outfit, while the boys are just standing looking like they do not know what to do. They haven’t noticed that the rest of us buried the walls back to the ground.

“You guys may put your clothes where the rest put them, and please do bury the walls back to the ground, we don’t want our field to be filled with debris.” The four nodded and used their magic to lower the walls to the ground, and proceeded to put their clothes away.

I positioned myself facing the north side waiting for my companions to line up with me, once everyone was settled with a few awkward gestures from the other four, which we just chuckled away.

The training began with our daily exercise, ten rounds jogging around, push-up three sets with fifteen repetitions in three varieties with fifteen seconds rest, squats three sets with ten repetitions with fifteen seconds rest,

A series of core exercises featuring high knee taps, Russian twists, leg raises, hip raises, flutter kicks, plank knees to elbow, chair sit ups, seated in and out, and jumping jacks, each with three sets and ten repetitions done continuously with ten seconds rest in between each exercise. *exhale* that was a good warm up.

A good one hour and a half was consumed, making the time eight fifty.

“Now that we are done with the exercises, we shall now proceed to weightlifting.” said Allen directing the sweating group to the left corner of the field where the equipments are placed relatively near our things.

“Excuse me Allen, what are we going to do with weightlifting?” asked Riyah to which Allen answered…

“It’s here we lift objects in a repetitive manner in order to train and condition our body.” said Allen.

“But aren’t we already training our body with these exercises?” asked again by Riyah. Allen smiled and continued…

“In this activity we will be focusing on developing our bodily strength specifically targeting muscles.” Riyah was confused of the use of word.

“What do you mean by muscles?” she asked.

“I believe Ken can answer that question.” said Allen, gesturing for me to explain.

“Oh it’s our flesh, and in my terms, it’s a body tissue producing movement, specifically ‘body’.” She still looks like she still has questions.

“So you mean we’re going to use all the parts of our body in weightlifting?” she asked.

“Not exactly, we’ll only be targeting specific parts of the body to develop by weightlifting.” I said.

“Then what parts will we be using?” -Riyah-

“It will be the arms, chest, abdomen, and legs.” I said, gesturing to the parts of my body.

“So it’s still an exercise?” Riyah asked in disbelief. I smile.

“Yes, it’s also an exercise, but the good part about this is that it stabilizes our cores as it strengthens our body through repetitive movements, think of it like an enhanced version of the exercise we did minutes ago.” I said with a small smile,

She checked out the equipments, I follow her movement then look at her face, she has a complicated look plastered on her face as she looked back at me.

“Don’t worry, if you think that those big weights are the ones you will be using, then you are wrong, we have specific weights to be used by girls and boys, ideally, bigger weights are for boys, and smaller weights are for girls.” I explain, my friends nodded at what I said and looked at them with encouraging gestures.

“So, let’s do some weightlifting?” I said tilting my head to the side and smiling.

After a series of other weightlifting exercises consisting of push-ups, chest press, squats, pull-ups and dips with three sets and ten repetitions, everyone was in an inhaling and exhaling mess, although some were sloppy.

I’m referring to the four, not that I’m judging since it’s their first time, I’d still say they did a good job, with the constant reminder of going controlled and slow, concentrating on specific points of the body as anchor for the exercise.

A good one hour was finished since I used fifteen minutes to create more equipment so all of us could use one individually.

“What time is it?” asked Wilbert, we’re currently taking a break at the table, the others are either breathing in and out, while some had their heads rested on top of their arms, I would say that all of us should still be standing so as to slowly cool down our bodies but we’ve done that fifteen minutes ago.

“I think it’s almost time for lunch, or maybe it’s still far away.” replied Allen, who was standing at our side facing the table, sweat rolling down on his face, yeah, we’re all a sweating mess alright, let me fix that.

“Wind and Water Magic: Light cleansing sweep.” A breeze swept all of us eleven alarming them, making them look around frantically, the expressions of the ones who were resting their head was hilarious, looking so surprised while looking around but noticed the magic coming from me.

They were all surprised and confused at the same time, when they notice that they are not damp anymore, by using water magic I controlled the sweat from everyone to evaporate or separate from them slowly, making all of us refreshed, as if we just had a bath.

“You’re welcome.” I said then looked up at Allen. “Do you think we can still train with our magic?”

“Yes we still can, but we would be late for lunch.” said Allen to which I nodded.

“Then let’s just focus on improving our mana capacity and magic efficiency.” I said.

“Okay, let’s find our comfortable spots to train our magic.” said Allen as he walked to the field, hmm he really loves basking under the sun, must be a perk for being cold-blooded.

“You guys heard Allen, go and find a spot for yourself to train your magic, I’ll just check in with our masters to update them with our current progress.” I stood up and fortunately our masters have just arrived, probably finished with their morning duties.

For it’s like this, every time we do exercises, our masters do not need to supervise us, as we already know what to do during such activity, but the rest are under their control. I approached our masters and said…

“Masters, we have adjusted our training for magic as we do not have that much time until its lunch, so we decided to just train our magic and skip spell casting for the day.” Master Klein nodded.

“Understood, Lana, Ulysses, let’s give them the magic tools to be used for combat class later.” said master Klein, before turning to me as the other masters proceeded to their direct students.

“Here is your support magic tool, attach it to your scythe it will be useful for you later.” I accepted the trinket, it was just small, twice the size of a marble but smaller than my palm, with my magic I inspected its capability.

Hmm, this is quite impressive, for it enhances the strength and durability once attached to it by a fifth to the weapon, I haven’t tried using an enchanted object on my scythe, I haven’t even really used any enchantment spells on my scythe, guess I’ll find later. Hmmm… it has a red gemstone attached to a silver plate.

“Thank you master, I will now be proceeding to a spot at the field to train.” I said bowing to master Klein.

“Okay, train diligently.” with one last bow, I took my leave and positioned myself at the center of the field relatively close to Allen’s position which is at the south western side of the field near where I am.

“Ken, do we really have to do this?” I turned to the one who spoke of my name, Oh Icarus…

“Yes, but don’t worry, we won’t be using spells today like what we did yesterday.” I explained.

“But how can we train our magic if we don’t use spells.” He said.

“Have you heard of increasing your mana?” I asked.

“I haven’t, why?” he asked, I smile.

“Then you can learn today, but first may I ask, have you tried tapping into the world energy?” I asked.

“Sometimes I did, and only on those desperate times when I don’t have mana.” He said.

“What if I told you that you could use the world energy, draw it in to yourself, to increase your mana?” I said, surprise written all over his face with wide eyes, haha funny.

“How?” he asked.

“Here’s how.” I squatted down and looked up at him to do the same, he reluctantly followed.

“Must we have to do this, it’s kind of hot right now.” He said, voicing out his annoyance.

“You’ll get used to it, now close your eyes and follow what I instruct.” He did what was told and closed his eyes. “Use your mana to reach out to the world energy, once you’ve connected yourself to the energy slowly but surely draw it in to yourself.”

I used my concept magic to enhance my eyes to look whether he was following what I instructed, and surely he was doing a good job at it, although there may be rush and slow moments in his drawing of the energy, it was still a good job.

During the process, his sister approached us together with Flin and Princess Lang and sat down besides one another in a line, the girls on the left side of Icarus, and Flin, on his right, I told them what I instructed to Icarus and they followed suit, now to wait for the signal.

Ahh, here it is, the violent stream of magic flowing out of Icarus in waves, with arcane magic I directly connected my thoughts to him, and yup his thoughts are in a jumbled mess.

‘Icarus, calm down, don’t worry I’ll guide you towards this process.’ I said into his head.

‘Ken?! How did you get into my head? What’s happening to me!?’ he said attempting to open his eyes, but I stopped him.

‘Don’t open your eyes, now do as I instruct, take a deep breath, and exhale, as you can feel the energy coursing within your body crashing from side to sides, take control and merge it with your mana,

Use your strength to do so, but don’t do it forcefully or it’ll backfire against’ you, for just as you have drawn the energy, slowly but surely merge it into your mana.’ I said, and he slowly complied.

I kept my connection to him as far as the process had gone, encouraging him all the way, and once it was done I took off my connection and let him have free reign again, leaving him with a final instruction to diligently continue training, I’m sure he’s thinking that an hour has passed, but only five minutes have passed.

I looked at the other three and didn’t find any slight changes to their mana and the energy being drawn so I took the time to look around at my other six companions, Wilbert was on the east side, while Celine was on the west, Lila accompanied her,

Saber was on the southwest overlooking his sister and Celine while Glen was on a tree by the northeast side of the field, and we all know where Allen is, all of us are in a squat or indian position, this reminds me so much of cultivating.

With all the others secured I waited for the other three’s unique phenomenon to occur before I trained myself. Flin’s happened three minutes later, Riyah’s seven minutes later, while Princess Lang’s happened thirteen minutes later, and each I had guided to stabilizing the chaotic energy inside them,

I had a hard time consoling Princess Lang to follow, with all her unwillingness and stuff, but thankfully I was able to convince her, so no harm done.

Now I shall start cultivating myself.

‘Momentum Magic: Float.’ My body lifted of the ground and hovered just above the average height of a person before using the spell to slowly move my body away from the four who are training at the center towards the southeast side of the field,

I sat myself on a tree and lifted the spell able to accommodate my whole body on a branch similar to what Glen is sitting on and started cultivating.

I should introduce them to an illusion spell.

-After their training the group had lunch at the table-

Setting aside our clothes on a separate table made out of rocks, so we could make space for lunch. The researchers along with their head and our masters are eating on a separate table near from us but not so much that they can hear our conversation and vice versa.

At first the researchers had an argument of where to eat, saying that they need a ‘proper’ place to eat comfortably, but their head insisted that a change of scenery wouldn’t harm anyone -feels like these people are stuck-up, no offense to the head researcher though-,

So they all added a total of five rectangular tables each bench accommodating up to five people while the table for our masters and the head researcher was square.

The food was served by the locals for our visitors, luckily we were served the same food as theirs too, along with the soldiers who ate under the shade of the trees around, they’re littered everywhere.

I earnestly eat my food as if it’s the only lifeline I get due to exhaustion from this morning, wait does this suit comes with enhancing ones appetite? We’re only having curry and rice, so, why?

“Did you guys notice any improvement or difference from the suit we wore for the training today?” I asked, looking at my companions who are eating, a brief silence dropped, maybe they’re just too hungry to answe-

“It improved my mana efficiency and survivability -in training- slightly.” said Glen across me, while his attention was to the food.

“Mine too.” said Lila and Saber simultaneously, the two looked at each other briefly then returned to eating.

“I could say the same for myself.” said Allen finishing his food. “How about you guys?”

“Hmm, not much, it kind of felt the same but at the same time it doesn’t? Do you get what I mean?” I said, contemplating on my magic and training performance, it kind of felt like a slight push if I may so picture out.

“Yeah me too.” said Wilbert, nodded by Celine gesturing out her approval.

“Does the suit not enhance your bodies in anyway?” asked Allen.

“I don’t know, I didn’t go faster, or got stronger, it just felt like a slight improvement.” I said nonchalantly. “On the contrary though, have you guys attached the magical tools our masters gave us?” I ask.

“Yup” “No” “Not yet”… they said simultaneously.

“Huh, I haven’t tried too.” I wiped my face with a handkerchief I always bring when eating and stood up. “But I’ll try it now- Oh! I almost forgot.” I turned towards Flin and said…

“Flin do you have any spell that can disguise your tail and ears away?” Flin looked at me confused before slowly shaking his head.

“What do you mean by that? That’s our way of presenting ourselves, look at me I do not hide my dragon tail and horns.” rebutted Princess Lang. That’s not what I meant.

“I don’t mean to offend princess, I just wanted to ask.” I say with a shake of both hands her way, awkward.

“Then why do you ask?” she asked.

“Um if you don’t mind me explaining, it would have something to do with appearance and assurance for the future, I have taught my friends how to use such disguising spell for the convenience of safety.” I said, she only raised her right eyebrows. *sigh* how can I make her understand.

“Why would we need to use such a cheap trick, when we’re already strong enough to face our enemies head on.” She again rebutted.

“A-“ -me-

“Knock it off you two, can’t you see that some are still eating, and would you just let the guy teach us, there’s no harm in being taught.” said Icarus for suddenly butting in on the conversation, I look at him in surprise and gratitude at his sentiment,

I smiled at him and mouthed a thank you, I just realized, it’s really awkward trying to argue with a person who is sitting while you’re standing.

I walked towards Flin who had finished eating and asked again if I could teach him, which he accepted enthusiastically, albeit with a little shyness, cute, I think I’ll teach the others later, for now I’ll prepare for combat class.

I look at the placement of the sun and said…

“Alright everyone finish your meals fast, it’s almost time for the next class.” Earning me groans of displeasure and chuckles of mischief from the bunch.

“Can’t you at least spare a moment to let us eat in peace?” complained Wilbert.

“You know the rules.” I replied.

“Ugh! Always have to be so demanding *grumbles*.” continued Wilbert as he got into a conversation with Glen complaining about all the stuffs regarding me.

“Ahem! You guys know I can hear you right?” I say, tilting my eyebrows at the two.

“Yeah we know, we’re doing it on purpose.” said Glen making the table erupt in laughter at his attempt at imitating a mocking child’s voice, I shook my head in mischief.

“You guys caught me off guard there.” I said with a little bit of threat underlying on my voice. The two just chuckled lightly and stood up to prepare themselves, followed by the others.

“Must you always be bipolar at every other day?” asked Celine, I tilt my head to the side.

“I’m just upholding our schedule.” I say feigning innocence. For seriously, we still need to finish the whole day of class.

“*Chuckle* okay.” replied Celine in a singsong voice, I rolled my eyes playfully before walking towards my scythe by a tree near the table, along with the sword and bow of Celine,

I took my equipment, the strap to hold my scythe and the weapon just as my two friends readied themselves with theirs, fully clothed in armor now, I think we’re all ready for the class.

“I just gotta attach this.” Putting the tool at the blade of my weapon it attached itself without my permission, huh… handy, it has such a component? Didn’t expect that.

(Looks for his friends)

Gotta catch up to the-

Huh? AGH! What’s happening to my scythe? It’s radiating with so much power! I let go of my weapon and it started floating.

(PULSE)

I gotta get out of here, it might explode!

“Oh My.” -Ken-

*BOOM!*

Too late “KYAH!” (opens eyes and looks frantically at himself) I’m alive! Wilbert? Celine? They protected me.

“Did you guys use protection magic?!” I ask in a hurry looking for any signs of damage both inside and outside using magic.

“YES!” they said simultaneously…

“*EXHALE* You guys didn’t have to yell at me.” I said, making them sheepish.

“Sorry, it’s just that we’re also worried too, and besides you laughed at us too, so we’re even.” said Wilbert.

“haha, right. I’m sorry too.” I said and hugged the two of them.

“What happened?” asked Celine after we part.

“I don’t know but I’ll find out.” I said standing up from my seated position from the ground and approached my scythe, I picked it up from the ground and examined it with my magic, finding absolutely no abnormality from the earlier explosion.

*SHING* (the magical tool attached from the blade floated on mid-air and disintegrated)

*Shine* It glowed red, it said something.

——-