The Village Disciples

"Don't you think we're possibly rushing this?"

Mr. Oshieru and Akushon can be seen conversing in a small and dimly lit room that contains multiple monitors-- showing various locations of the combat training field, controls to the PA system that was used to publicly address information to the students, and a nice warm cup of coffee in Oshieru's hand.

"Maybe. But this could also allow your students to learn what it means to be on the losing team. Many warriors of the different classes have created monikers from being well-renowned underdogs." Mr. Akushon responded to Oshieru's earlier question.

"That may be so, but isn't it still too early into the year?" Mr. Oshieru attempted to reason, proceeding to take a sip of his coffee afterward.

"Couldn't that also be another reason to do this? They need to be aware of what's ahead. The council has notified all warriors and staff at the academy of the recent plights containing the nearby village raids." Mr. Akushon declared, "Buraun could very well be the next victim of those raids."

Mr. Oshieru only stood there, sipping away at his coffee in thought. Then taking the cup away from his lips and sighing in defeat.

"Fine, we should probably start the match then."

XXX

COMBAT TRAINING FIELD

As both class 1AB and 1AR are preparing, the teachers found an ideal time to announce the match start.

"If we could have your attention, please. We will be starting the match shortly, we heavily advise that you are in groups going into the field. Any strategies or plans that were formulated amongst yourselves can be put into action after you've guaranteed entry to the field." The PA voice advised, unknowingly getting nods from the students, "With this information, please wait for us to allow your release soon by standing in front of the field gates. Farewell and good luck."

After the PA system turned off once more, the students of 1AB and 1AR grouped up in front of the huge metal gates that currently restricted access.

Within class 1AB's entrance, Tanjo can be seen speaking.

"As I said; stick to the plan, we don't know who or what we're really up against. We should be fine as long as we don't rush this and cooperate." Tanjo explained.

The amount of anxiety was suffocating, they went over and revised their 'plan' more times than they could count. Not very confident-- even Meisei was slightly nervous.

"Hey," Akogare started, turning to his classmates, "We got this! They wouldn't do this if we had no way of winning whatsoever. Even if we fail; what would be stopping us from becoming awesome warriors!? Mr. Oshieru even said we were getting held back just so we could become better!" Akogare finished, attempting to lighten up the mood and spread hope among his classmates.

"Yeah, I gue--" Naderamu was cut off by the sound of a ring from the PA system.

"The countdown for the match to start will be beginning; use the given time to wrap up any planning or getting in groups." The PA voice announced, not helping on calming the students' current anxiety issue.

"10,

9,

8,

7,

6,"

All of class 1AB could be seen positioning themselves into a group in front of the gate, all looking towards each other-- then nodding.

"5,

4,

3,

2,

"Here we go!" Akogare quickly added in.

"1."

*BEEP*

The huge metal gates then proceeded to open, a loud beeping sound initiating the action. As the loud gate opened fully, class 1AB rushed into the field.

"Remember; stick in groups of two!" Naderamu called out to her departing classmates.

Looking at the combat training field again. The similarity between the field and a western ghost town is uncanny-- but also giving the class a huge area to work with, both sides of the field are well distanced apart.

Class 1AB's formation looked like this;

Tanjo, Naderamu

Akogare, Sukudo

Meisei, Utsukushi.

Looking at Tanjo and Naderamu, they appeared to be hiding on the rooftop of a building, leaning against apart of a sign attached to the front of the building, offering a small wall to take cover behind.

Naderamu then looked towards Tanjo, "Remember, watch out for Meisei's signal. It'll prove to be a distraction and a signal for us to know when it's time." She explained, getting a light nod in return-- causing Naderamu to squint.

"Why are you zoning out? We need to pay attention, nows not the time to be nervous." Naderamu declared, still not snapping Tanjo out of his mental trance.

Taking a peak within Tanjo's mind, we get to see the mental warfare taking place, 'Wait, what about my magic? What if I can't use it properly? What if I expose whatever the old man said I had!? I don't want to be hunted!' With Tanjo's mental woe, Naderamu's anger and anxiety were rising.

"Yo, Tanjo!" Naderamu quietly yelled, slapping Tanjo on the side of the head. That seemed to do the trick, but revealed Tanjo's horrified expression, making Naderamu's eyes widen, joining in with the contagious fear, "What's the problem, we need to solve it before the signal!?"

Naderamu then noticed Tanjo looking at his hand, making her remember what principal Manabu told her.

Memory:

"Okay; Naderamu, I'm going to tell you something VERY important and secretive-- I trust that you will handle this responsibly," Manabu announced, confusing Naderamu.

"You are to not tell anyone of what happened in the forest, not even your friends. It must stay under wraps." Manabu pleaded, shocking Naderamu.

Memory End:

'What the hell is wrong with his magic?' Naderamu quietly questioned, squinting her eyes in an attempt to hide her growing stress, 'Screw it, I've had enough of this guessing game!'

"Tanjo, what is up with your magic!? I'm not taking 'I don't know' as an answer this time!" Naderamu sternly interrogated, shocking Tanjo.

"I-I really don't kno-OW!" Tanjo tried to falsely explain, getting hit on the head again by Naderamu.

"Even the principal knows you have something weird, she just wouldn't tell me what!" Naderamu revealed, making Tanjo's eyes widen, "Tanjo, you even said yourself that we need to cooperate. This relies on us potentially winning this match!"

Tanjo then suddenly started to recall a previous conversation he had with Nozomu, discussing his problem.

Memory:

"So, have you ever heard of aura amalgamation?" Nozomu inquires.

"Aura Amal-what?" Tanjo asks, now being confused.

Tanjo and Nozomu can still be seen sitting at the dinner table, the food now being eaten into more since last time.

"Aura amalgamation, UH-MAL-GUH MAY-SHUHN." Nozomu corrects, sounding out the somehow puzzling word.

"Okay, what does that word have to do with what happened earlier?" Tanjo questions, still apparently being stumped.

"It's what you seemingly have, it is a combination of auras. Allowing you to use techniques of the aura in use." Nozomu announces, piquing Tanjo's interest, then proceeded to start speaking again, "in this case, your magic sense would be doubled considering you have more magic sense than the average person. But also risking an even bigger drawback when overusing your magic."

Memory End:

'So that's how you say it.' Tanjo absentmindedly thought, 'but what do I tell Naderamu? I'm up against the wall here!'

While Tanjo was contemplating how to respond, Naderamu's patience was dwindling, "So? What's your problem?" She then pressed even further.

"I-" Tanjo hesitantly started, making Naderamu's brow raise in impatience,

"I- what?" She questioned.

"I h-have an aura amalgamation."

XXX

Hey! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Tanjo also seemed to finally confess what he had! You'll have to wait till the next chapter to see how Naderamu responds. Stay tuned to see more!

Have a Good Day!

Peace - Cr1ticalz_