Agnisotra: Origin Tails

18th of February, Year 580 of the New Kaledonian calendar.

I am bored. The students are behaving and doing their mock battles now with magic skills to force their opponents into CC or just to disrupt their flow of battle. Many had dropped out so I only have 1 group now. They are obedient and learn at a good pace. They are almost good enough to not need me anymore. And this is why I’m bored.

The course that I give is fairly simple. If I had to give a lecture it would boil down to: disrupt the enemy's battle flow and evade what you can’t disrupt. Maybe get into methods of how and the details but that’s it. It’s highly practical because everyone fights differently. So, at this point they just need experience fighting others, that’s it. Easy on the theory, rough on the execution. Most of these students use relatively simple attacks in their fights. They do know more complex magic but they have stopped using them.

Using complex magic was a strategy before the break while they only interrupted, dispelled, or evaded casts. Now they know how to impair their opponent's movement and exploit openings and that’s where complex magic can become your downfall if you’re not aware of its weaknesses.

They tried it a lot in January and I gave demonstrations on how to exploit these and their fellow students picked up on this and did the same. It ended in students shutting each other down completely. The moment they tried complex magic their sparring partner capitalized on its flaws and turned the fight quite one-sided. So, nobody dares to use any. The problem is…

I looked over at a [Fireball] fight where most fireballs got cancelled out, interrupted, or dispelled. Nobody seems to be able to win fights and they become extremely boring to watch. Maybe there is something I can teach them.

Right guys, all your fights are boring, but I understand why. Now instead of boring me to death, how about you take some time to examine your more complex spells and find out how to cover its weaknesses? You can do this by sparring with a friend and exchanging pointers. In real life you’re unlikely to bore your opponent to death so get to it. The next 4 classes will be cancelled. I will still be available for questions. I can even help you out but it will involve me beating you up so be prepared.

I released the students and went to Teppei. I had my sword training early in the morning and it went well. Raishin also makes good progress with the spear. My win rate against Teppei is now 40%.

I kicked his door in. Sup old man! I have a demand!

“Getting cocky because your win rate increased, eh? What ridiculous demand do you have this time? I am not allowing you to lecture in the canteen.” He was maintaining his katana. Shirayuki maintains herself so that’s one problem that I can’t relate to.

I want to take my students on a trip to kill this boredom! I was thinking about Denga!

“This is not a high school… we don’t do trips… And why the jungle?”

I slammed my hands on his desk. Do you know what a dungeon is?

“I am familiar with that term but I want you to elaborate.”

The jungle of Denga should have a dungeon, those pyramid thingies.

“They have only been identified as ancient structures, where have you acquired the information that they are dungeons?”

A map I found in the library of Ash Potato Village.

“Excuse me?”

Long story, it will break boring monotony, they get to see some ancient culture and also fight unusual and strong monsters. There is much to learn!

“And how is this related to Disruption and Evasion?"

It disrupts the boring monotony and we’re evading that annoying professor who wants me to apologize for messing with her lectures.

“You still haven’t apologized to Agatha?”

I did her a favor by making her boring lecture interesting.

Teppei stroked his long grey read and looked at me. “You are serious?”

Yes, I’m serious! You don’t have to be concerned about safety; I can blast the whole area if something messes with the students.

“Yes, that’s also something I’m concerned about.”

How about this then? I won’t tell Crissy that you missed taking her out on dinner because you overslept if you allow this trip.

“You brat! Threatening me, eh?!” He got up and pointed his katana to me.

Come at me old man! I will go 9t on your ass!

He tried to cut me but I traded places with him and he obviously missed.

Come on old man, I’m sure you could use some fresh air.

“And why would you leave out the part where I would also go on this trip?”

To see how you would react.

He sheathed is katana. “I forgot that this is your nature. I have to say I am interested in your full capabilities and these ancient structures where no human has stepped foot in.”

Hmm not entirely correct, your granddaughter and Hayley are probably the first humans to have set foot in a dungeon for the first time in a good 600 years. Although the civilization from that labyrinth doesn’t actually count because they lived in a dungeon so it’s safe to say they’re the first humans since the Great Eraser.

“Hmm, now that I think about it that’s correct. My dear Chris has been the first human to visit a dungeon! I’m so proud! The legacy she will leave behind!”

Yeah, yeah, so are you interested? Don’t you want to see how much Crissy has grown? It’s a good excuse to be close to your granddaughter for an extended amount of time.

“Gregory also warned me that manipulation falls within your nature but the offer is enticing. Let me think over it for a bit. I will give you my answer tomorrow.”

So, there is this guy in my group that has a crush on Crissy…

Teppei slammed his hands on the desk and emanated bloodlust. “When are you leaving for Denga!”

In 2 weeks, February 31st.

“Nobody messes with my Chris! I need preparations!” He stormed out of his office dojo.

Teppei is so easy. Now with this trip confirmed I need to also do some preparations. This university is quite wealthy. It has its own teleport gate. I need to arrange that the class can get teleported nearby. Well nearby… I will have to teleport them to Hiena and then cross the border into the Aquini Kingdom and head south.

I have to make sure that passing the border won’t be a complete pain in the ass. My students are human so they can’t cheat to get over the border like me. I can drop illusions on them if necessary but nobody is going to believe that a random group of 60 non humans want to cross the border. So, it’s probably going to involve stealth.

Since I had some time off, I decided to do 2 things. Explore the strange underwater city I found and attempt to locate Thalia. And scout out what the situation is around the border and the Aquini Kingdom.

I went back to my room and dropped an [Dimensional Anchor]. Now I will scout the Aquini Kingdom first because I want to spend most time finding Thalia as she is still missing…

I dashed toward Hiena which took me 2 days. The first thing that I noticed was that a lot of people were wearing clothes that looked relatively similar. I do remember Crissy and Hayley complaining that clothing became quite expensive but it can’t be that bad right?

I stepped into a clothing store and looked around. Oof the cheapest piece was 6 silver and 80 bronze. This can’t be my fault, right? I don’t know what the status is on Jarn but replacing its king shouldn’t be hard right?

“Hey, are you going to buy anything or not?!”

Sorry wrong store!

I thought about this situation. While I am responsible for assassinating that weak ass king, it’s not my fault that they get 80% of their clothing from there. I am not planning to touch the country of Yzs, but if something happens to that country 80% of the electronium will disappear. That certainly is going to be a bigger problem than clothing getting more expensive. I wish this continent would get it’s shit together.

I arrived at the place where I crossed the border the last time. I put on the disguise I used last time to pass the border.

Excuse me, I have a cousin that wants to go sightseeing in the Aquini Kingdom in 2 weeks with a large group of humans. Do you have any recommendations on how to tackle this?

“I’m sorry but that’s a very bad idea. The Aquini Kingdom is on the verge of going to war with the Igrini Kingdom. Bringing a large group of humans into the country will certainly be noticed and met with problems. I don’t know how long this status will remain. I’m sorry.”

Thank you.

Does this mean that Shania won’t be able to become queen if they go to war? Is this a coincidence or deliberate? I don’t remember how this exactly worked but I think Igrini Kingdom appoints kings in times of war and queens in time of peace. I think I should add ‘Finding Shania’ to the list too. I wonder if Raishin still thinks about her.

I went to the AA and talked to a receptionist there to link and arrange the teleport. It did cost a fee of 50 silver but because the teleport came from the university, I wouldn’t have to pay for every person that would take the teleport.

I also scouted the area and found a mountain pass which was poorly guarded. I would be able to sneak my class through this in stealth. The idea that this whole trip might be a bad idea flashed through my mind but it instantly disappeared. As long as nobody dies it will be a learning experience.

I tugged at my [Dimensional Anchor] and returned to the underwater city. Still as big and empty as ever. I created 12 shadow clones and spread out to look for any clues of Thalia.

2 weeks had passed and I didn’t find anything. I sighed as I returned to my room by tugging at the [Dimensional Anchor]. I wish I could solve problems faster than they could stack up.

I went to visit Raishin and Greg before I would leave the next day.

Wow Raishin, did you finally succeed?

Raishin was sitting in a chair like a king with 3 chicks around him.

Oh, hey girls, this is my friend Agnis and yeah! They’re totally into me! You’re always busy have you found anyone yet?

I don’t make it a point to hunt down chicks… and the one chick I’m trying to find is nowhere to be found…

Raishin got up and approached me. Wait, you never told me this story, is she ok? Is she hot? She must be hot right else you wouldn’t look for her.

Ehm, she is hot yes but I’m not looking for her for the reason you’re thinking of. She is just a good… friend.

Raishin put up a face that was very annoying to me. Oooh! So, you finally fell in love! So that’s why you’re ignoring all the hot chicks around you!

Didn’t I already make my stance clear back in the labyrinth?

Oh right, only immortal chicks, hmm those are hard to find, I will help you look!

It’s fine, I just came here to tell you that I will be gone for a bit, I’m taking my class out to git gud.

I feel sorry for them, good luck!

Hmm so you’re not interested, eh?

Well, you are probably going to give them hell. And if I go, I’ll be away from my chicks and you will give me hell too so good luck!

Hmm ok. Don’t laze around too much else Teppei will reduce your pay again!

Noo not again! Come on chicks let’s get to work! Raishin got up and started to clean up the mess they made.

I went straight to the library. I didn’t need to ask anyone or use my Elgards eyes. I just knew he was there. And I was right. He was reading and had stacks of books besides him. I cleared my throat and changed my voice to that of Teppei.

The students of ‘Summoning and Familiars’ have had a mishap in their laboratory and have summoned a gate which we opened up on the bottom of the ocean. The water is rushing towards this section of the building and I want everyone to evacuate!

Greg closed his book and got up ready to leave. I grabbed him by the back of his collar.

Real Teppei here! This was a prank by Raishin!

Everyone who was about to get up and leave looked around confused.

You are a menace.

I returned my voice to normal. I am going to raid a dungeon with my students wanna come?

I do but unfortunately, I’m quite busy. A professor has challenged my way of lecturing and I need to prove that my methodology is superior. I also still have to give lectures and practicals so I can’t come with you sorry.

That’s fine, which professor was it by the way?

Agatha.

Destroy her for me please. Good look and show no mercy!

Thanks. You be careful it wouldn’t be funny if all the students return safe but you died.

I will be fine!

I guess it’s just me, Teppei and the students. I went to the field where we normally hold our classes. It was silent and empty. We would gather here tomorrow morning. I had only told them we would go on a trip and not where we would go. I drew a teleportation circle on the field and hid it. This was for returning home. After our trip is over, I will draw a teleportation circle to teleport us to this field. Also, this is for emergency measures. If things go wrong, I could gather them in a spot, and let a clone teleport them back while I deal with whatever we need to run from. This should be enough. Now tomorrow will be the special class ‘Combatting Boredom!’