The weekend went by quickly for the group. They spent much of their time in the library, studying the basics of elemental magic and how to combine different elements into more powerful spells.
The books in the library contained vast amounts of magical knowledge. More than what they could comprehend at their current stage of experience. Books on combining elemental magics to produce greater and more powerful spells. Books and tomes that contained detailed instructions on powerful ritual magic that do all kinds of nasty things. Even forbidden, old dark types of magic are similar to blood magic and necromancy.
The necromancy spells held Gavin's interest for multiple reasons, but the fact they were a banned element to be used meant that he would have to be careful as he tried to study that one more. At one point in time, Gavin had walked over to the librarian, a sweet old woman with long gray hair and soft brown eyes. "If these topics are forbidden, why are there books about them in the library for studying?" He asked her quietly as he approached.
She smiled sweetly at him, as if she was used to answering this question a thousand times. "Because of many reason's child. Certain magics are a gateway to catastrophic classes of powers. Abilities so strong they could topple nations and wreak untold devastation upon the world. Instead of someone just learning about them through other methods, this way we can teach and instruct the history of those that have sought that kind of power and the horrible mistakes they have caused throughout history." She replied with her easy-going smile on her face as she explained the reasoning behind their restriction.
Gavin thanked her and went back to studying other topics for the time being with the others. Erza was a big help finding the right books on beginner topics that Gavin would need to get started before he tried to learn more advanced techniques.
Monday came and with it the arrival of the first day of actual classes. Late Sunday night they had all received their class schedules for the upcoming semester. Principal Shepard had gone ahead and placed Erza in the same classes as Gavin per her request at the hospital.
As they sat in their first class bright and early that morning, Gavin couldn't help but stifle a yawn that tried to force its way out. Professor Okeeba Okinawa stood at his desk in front of the room.
"Welcome to your home room class. Take a look around you. Everyone in this room is both your ally and a rival. Everyone here will be expected to support one another during the various tournaments, competitions, and other events hosted throughout the year. Everyone will be expected to push beyond your limits and help one another grow." Professor Okeeba's deep baritone voice captured everyone's immediate attention.
"I will push you every step of the way, as hard as I can. I expect to see you all fall flat on your face, crash and burn at some point over the next few weeks. I will not coddle you. Once you fall, I expect you to dust yourself off, and get back to studying and training," Professor Okeeba said as he looked out among the crowd of students in his room. His face held a deep scowl as he glanced at everyone in the room.
"First thing you must ask yourselves is this. Why? Why do you all seek to learn the ways of the Magi? Is it simply for strength? For fame? How about for wealth and status? You all have your own reasons for learning the ways of the Magi, and I hate to break this to you, but at least a quarter of you will flunk out before the end of the first semester." He stood stoic as he took note of the faces containing anxiety, fear and concern among his students.
Gavin swore he could hear a collective gasp from all the surrounding students. No one expected their homeroom teacher to be this harsh, draconian, and unforgiving to first-year students. It was like he was deliberately trying to discourage them from staying with the program. That's it, Gavin thought to himself. He's trying to weed out the ones that aren't determined and dedicated to going through the program. The ones that might break under the strain and stress of pushing past their limits.
Gavin glanced around at Erza and noticed the bored expression on her face as she listened to Professor Okeeba's speech. "I won't tell you which reasons for learning the ways of Magi are right or wrong. That will prove evident before long. Steel yourselves for the long haul is my greatest advice," Professor Okeeba said as he looked around the room at his first-year students. This group had a few promising individuals, Professor Okeeba thought to himself as he glanced towards one particular black, curly-haired student sitting towards the back. This one in particular keeps surprising me at every turn.
Gavin raised his hand before speaking. "Sir, If I understand you correctly. You are saying that without the proper resolve and dedication to survive the trials ahead, we won't be able to complete the course and be considered fully fledged Magi?" Gavin asked him as he was called upon.
Professor Okeeba nodded grimly. "That is correct, Mr. Johnson. As I mentioned before. Arbitrary reason's such as wealth, fame, power or status will not be enough of a passion or drive to push through when I've knocked you down over and over and shown yourselves, just how weak and powerless you are. You see, many people get a taste of power and think they are destined for more. Destined for greatness. But I am here to squash those foolish dreams and notions. The purpose of being a Magi is to serve a purpose greater than yourself. To give back to the nation and world. Selfish dreams and desires will not survive for long. I intend to see to that myself," Professor Okeeba said as he looked around the room.
He expected to see more fear or dread in his students' faces. But surprisingly, there were only a few that he fully expected to drop out before the first month was over. "I will inform you of this much for now. Within the first four weeks, a small competition will take place. Our sister school, Daedalus Academy from the south, will be sending their first year students for a magical tournament of sorts," Professor Okeeba continued. As he informed the class about the upcoming competition, a murmur of excitement rose through the crowd and almost drowned his own voice out.
"Silence!" he roared out through the commotion. Once everyone settled down, he continued, "In four-weeks' time, they will send a batch of their first-year students to take part in a competition. The specifics of it are not known at this time. Not everyone here will partake in this tournament. Only the top thirty to forty students from Allario's first-year students will partake. This is important. There will be representatives, agents, and other people of great importance at the events. They will be keeping an eye on the growth of you students. The purpose of these little events is to showcase how much you've grown over your time here, and what potential jobs or careers you might be suited for in the future after you graduate," Professor Okeeba said as he leaned against his desk.
"Sounds like a good place to test some new abilities," Gavin muttered to himself, only loud enough for Erza to hear. She glanced at him and smiled softly but said nothing. She was too sore from their weekend activities to have much energy at the moment.
"Now that introductions are out of the way. Who can explain to me the basic fundamental principles of magic?" Professor Okeeba asked the class.
Gavin raised his hand and was called on, "Everyone has a degree of manaflow inside their bodies naturally. Some have more, some have less. It can be increased over time through patience, practice and dedication. Like a muscle that needs to be exercised to grow and strengthen," Gavin answered, recalling what he read in one of the text books.
Professor Okeeba nodded. "That is correct. Well done. Almost a perfect textbook answer," Professor Okeeba said in reply. "But do you understand it, truly understand what it means?" He asked Gavin.
Gavin paused for a moment, considering his words before he replied. "Doesn't that mean that everyone has to use magic continually, or at least somewhat frequently, in order to increase their natural manaflow inside their bodies and therefore be able to produce larger, more frequent spells?" Gavin asked thoughtfully. He thought he understood the principal, but now he was questioning his understanding of the magic principal of manaflow.
"In a way yes that is correct. But if overused, or used in the wrong way, it can lead to damage to the manaflow. You see, everyone has mana, yes. But it goes deeper than that. Mana is controlled and flows through the body through a set of internal systems called mana circuits. The mana circuits act much like the nervious or circulatory system in the human body. Mana flows freely through the circuits until called upon by the imagination and willpower of the user. If the user misuses the mana circuits and tries a spell too complex or too large for their body's current amount of mana, then the circuits themselves can be burned out and damaged in the process and the spell can backlash and harm, or, in worse case, kill the caster." Professor Okeeba revealed and Gavin seemed to nod in understanding.
"So if we say we practice non-stop for days or weeks, our bodies get fatigued and tired. Then if we keep pushing ourselves even more before the body has time to rest and recover, our mana circuits will most likely become damaged, and it will become that much harder to use and control our manaflow, correct?" Erza asked as she spoke up for the first time during that class.
Professor Okeeba looked to her and nodded. "That is precisely what will happen. The mana circuits in the body are designed to only be able to handle so much mana flowing through them without rest or a break in between. Once that threshold is crossed, the results are unforgiving to the Magi. That is why it is so important for you all to get a clear understanding of exactly where your limit is. You can increase the limit, thereby increasing your strength with mana. But, that takes time and a very careful route. One wrong move when trying to do this, and it can be disastrous for you," Professor Okeeba said.
He knew a lot of young people had this romanticized notion in their heads about Magic. That it was this nearly infinite source of power and strength. That they could grow exponentially. His job on the first day was to beat that notion out of them. To make them see that to be a Magi was a serious life or death decision they would have to make. That learning magic was not all about fun and games.
"I know there are some in this class that are already naturally gifted with magic. I am to tell you that, just because you think you have a taste of real power, doesn't mean anything. What power and strength you think you have is minuscule compared to those of us that have taught at this academy for decades," Professor Okeeba said.
Gavin's eyes narrowed on the professor. He couldn't explain it. But it felt like that last comment was directed at him. Who else in the class could resonate with all six elemental types of magic? "Sir, are you saying that someone like me that can use and control all six elements wouldn't be able to defeat you in combat? I will admit. I don't know what all elemental magic you control. But won't the fact that I can use all six put almost everyone else at a clear and instant disadvantage?" Gavin asked. He had no desire to fight a staff member, even in a mock battle. But he was curious about what would happen.
For once, Professor Okeeba had a smile on his face as he addressed Gavin. Whispers spread among the other students in a potential battle or tension between the student and the teacher. "Age and experience trump almost everything Mr. Johnson. If you would like, we can go to the secondary arena tomorrow for class and I will be more than glad to demonstrate the difference in our abilities for all to see," Professor Okeeba said softly as he looked around the room, then his eyes settled on Gavin's.
Gavin felt something strange as he locked eyes with the professor. Something inside him stirred for a moment. He knew it was his wolf rising for the challenge the other male had provoked. "I think that would be very beneficial for all involved, sir," Gavin said. Some of the nearby students let out a cheer and others gasped as they noticed the red ring in Gavin's eyes. His wolf was alot closer to the surface than Gavin cared to admit. The challenge issued from such a strong and fearsome male provoked his wolf. He wanted to beat the other male down and make him submit to his status as an alpha. But Gavin refused to let himself be ruled by the animal inside.
Erza gritted her teeth as she glared at him. He was supposed to be learning from the teachers, not picking a dang fight with them. This was like the first day all over again. Before she could rebuke Gavin for his stupidity, the professor actually laughed, which drew the attention of everyone in the room.
"That sounds like a fine idea. It's been a while since a first-year student had the balls to challenge me so openly. I haven't had to serve someone a piece of humble pie in a very long time," Professor Okeeba said ominously as he accepted the challenge from Gavin. Erza groaned in annoyance as she slapped her forehead, her palm leaving a large red mark between her eyes. She was going to have to beat some sense into her stubborn mate before the first week of classes was even over.
"Thank you sir, I look forward to the event. I'm sure that it will prove educational for me," Gavin said respectfully with a slight bow from his seat. He truly was looking forward to testing his current limits against one of the professors. Professor Okeeba appeared to be Principal Shepard's right-hand man, from what Gavin could gather.
"Then I will make the arrangements. Tomorrow morning, the class is to report to the secondary arena at eight o'clock. We will begin class there tomorrow by having an impromptu sparring match," Professor Okeeba said to everyone. "Are there any others that wish to test their limits tomorrow?" He asked.
Erza instantly raised her hand. She hadn't just been sitting around during the summer, she had been teaching Gavin. She had been pushing her own limits with magic and was curious how well she had fared, so she might as well indulge Gavin in this latest level of stupidity. "Sir, I would be curious to see how well I fare against you as well," Erza's soft, confident voice filled the room as everyone turned, surprise etched on their faces at the red head.
After no one else volunteered for the mock challenge fight then Professor Okeeba nodded. "Very well, Erza O'Malley. Gavin Johnson. You too will participate in a mock fight against myself in the morning," Professor Okeeba agreed as the bells rang, signaling the end of class. "Alright everyone, that is it for today. Report to the arena tomorrow for the start of class. Dismissed," Professor Okeeba said as the students rose and filed out of the room.