Chapter 23

'History of magic' is boring. My upper body is sprawled across the desk in pure boredom. I didn't even register the teacher's name properly at all. I'm pretty sure I'll never use that knowledge at all. Sooo.. I'll just copy on Anna and Eliza's homework. They are, contrary to me, very interested in that class. I've never been a history buff anyway.

I'll just sleep.

So I close my eyes, body relaxing. My ears flatten on my head in a thoroughly relaxed position. Even my tail slowly curl on my lap. I suddenly feel two nails scratching behind my ears and a quiet purr escape me, lulling me even more toward sleep. I know it's those two noticing me slowly drifting. I'm quite glad we're around the back of the class, I know some people turned around when they heard the purr. Because I heard and felt the shifting of clothes. A contended smile spread on my lips.

Aaah. So comfortable.

Sadly my comfort is short-lived. At least that's what it felt like when the bell rang to indicate the end of that class. I still slept around an hour though. I sat back up with a yawn, stretching toward the ceiling. Both girls giggled at my antics.

"Slept well?" Eliza asked in a soft voice.

"That was okay. A desk isn't a pillow sadly. The scratches were nice though." I answer, looking at the desk.

"Well, next time sleep on our lap?" Anna chuckled, a hand in front of her lips.

"No it would be to conspicuous. I don't want to be noticed by the teacher." I shake my head in denial.

Sleeping on the desk? Fine in a sense. At least I'm still 'present'. But totally disappearing? Suspicious. Would have been nice though...

We were going to our next class when Anna suddenly jumped on my back, her arms around my neck. I caught her thigh by instinct.

"Carry me."

"Anna. You are taller than me. If someone should be carried it's me..."

"But you are stronger! You are a melee fighter! I'm a weak little mage!" She whined, her voice more playful than really complaining.

I still carried her with a shake of my head. Of course I would still do it. Be it my twin or... Girlfriend, I still would. Well, at least Eliza isn't asking for a carry too. Even if one glance at her tells me she do want one.

"No." I immediately say.

"I haven't said anything!" She countered.

"You were thinking of it."

"Hmmm. Maybe."

I roll my eyes with a smile. At least the next class isn't far. I wouldn't be tired of a long trek anyway. I did carry them both over hundred of kilometers after all.

The next class is 'Element uses' and I'm pretty excited about it. I hope I'll learn more ways to use my lightning and space. I know there's some informations about it in my head from what I received when touching that Dungeon. But it's still locked. I actually don't even know how to unlock it, yet. Surely closing other Dungeons. Maybe I'll try that theory when we have time later this week.

After we got seated the teacher, a girl that look like an elementary schooler jumped into the podium in front of the class.

Is she lost?... Or is that a real life loli? Damn I'm glad I'm just 'petite'. Poor girl

While I was lamenting her short height, she gave us a bright smile before starting to speak.

"Hello everyone! I'm Chloe Lin! I will teach you all about the elements. Of course, for a few classes we'll talk generally. Then later in the year we will learn about specificities. We'll make groups for each elements. It's important to know. Even if you don't have an element, like barrier masters, because here you will learn what to watch out for! But first, let me present to you most 'basic' elements!" Her voice was bright and sweet, totally contradicting with her role of teacher.

I really felt like I was listening to a kid below my age. It's a bit weird, but I'm sure I will get thrown out of class and maybe failed if I try to ask her age. Never ask a woman's age or you'll get in serious trouble.

"So! There is eight kind of 'basic' elements. Well, for some it depends on the academic views of some people. But! We don't care about that. Just those elements aren't that rare compared to some other more specialised ones." She turned toward the blackboard and started to write. "We have Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning, Ice, Light and Dark."

She wrote the name of each element, going as far as drawing a little sign next to each. I don't know why she choose to draw a... Tentacle... For the Dark element though.

Teacher... I think your tastes are leaking...

"Fire. It's easily one of the biggest explosive element. It's volatile and powerful. It is also pretty useful in Dungeon dives. Be it for light or simply making a campfire. With a Fire user you will never have to worry about dry rations. Just cook!"

This made a few people laugh in the classroom. Some others, surely the fire users, grumbled a bit at getting relegated to a walking grill.

"Anyway. This element is often awakened by people with strong emotions. Not everyone has that trait when they get Fire though. And not every elements are influenced by emotions or things like that."

"Next is Wind. Please. Do not think you can fly with this element. Some people, long ago, tried to. The results were... Well. Maybe if you have a very strong affinity and a lot of power... But right now it's impossible."

Ah. Here goes my dream of being a flying Fox with Anna's element. A single glance at her and I can see she's as disappointed as me. We both giggle quietly while Eliza, knowing us, simply roll her eyes.

"Wind can be as gentle as a breeze, very useful in some weather, or as fierce as a storm. It can even be sharp enough to cut through multiple materials. You can even use it as fan if you create the wind and not just manipulate what is around you. The applications of that elements can be quite complicated sometimes."

I wonder. Can Anna use her wind element to produce an area without any wind. Or even air? Maybe there is a 'air element'. That would be... Problematic. Just thinking of someone capable of cutting all the air around me... A shiver passes through my body. That would really be bad.

"About Water. Very useful in a lot of situation. They can generate and manipulate water. For some reason still obscure for a lot of people though, they can't manipulate ice. Snow? No problem. But ice? Not at all. The moment the temperature of the water reach a point where it changes to ice you will lose your grip on it. Be careful about that. The same for the other way around. If the water changes to steam, you will also stop being about to manipulate it. One other thing. Created water can be drunk. But not a lot. It's charged with mana. And too much mana is never a good thing."

So in other words: don't only count on your water mage. Bring water. That does make sense actually. Or it would be too easy, of course.

"Earth. Plenty of people will tell you this is the most powerful element. It makes kind of sense. After all, we are all walking on the earth beneath our feet. But, the same can be said for wind. So, earth wielders, please get down from your high throne."

Some students shifted uneasily behind me and a quiet giggle escaped my lips. I can see their point of course, but the teacher is also right. Imagine a Dungeon made out of metal only. Where is the earth in there? Nowhere.

"But don't be depressed too. Earth is still very useful. Most constructions are made with the help of Earth elemental users. They are also very adept at manipulating terrain and making shield walls to help protect their teammates. Your camps will be safer with an earth user!"

I feel like she's almost selling the elements each time.

Is she a saleswoman?

"Now, onto the elements some scholars won't acknowledge as 'basic'. Like Lightning. This element is even more volatile than fire. It's almost impossible to direct it properly. So people mostly use large area of attacks. Some very old hermits may manipulate lightning like their own limbs. It's possible with a very very long time of practice. Otherwise? Just point in a direction and fire."

This explanation contradict the way my lightning behave. I'm pretty sure I can use it precisely. I haven't tried yet. But my instincts are telling me it's possible. Maybe... That's why I have that lightning form? I don't know really. But I do know I can.

"Ah also. For all the melee fighters. Don't try to use that element to boost your speed. Our body isn't made to endure that energy at all. And, before anyone point toward her, I know Miss Denki can do it. I don't know how though. Care to tell us your thoughts Miss?" She looked at me with a smile.

"Ah.. Uuuh... I-I don't know. It's... Hm... Natural? I mean... The first time I fought it came to me without thinking." I answer, flustered of the sudden attention.

"Well. I suppose we can't do anything about that. But if you know one day, please do tell me. I'm interested. And maybe it'll help the whole world, who knows?"

I don't know about that. But please don't call for me suddenly anymore

"Moving on. Ice. While water can pierce, Ice does it better. It's also very useful in hot environments. Especially combined with Wind. Ice can also seal things, freeze bodies of water or even make opponents slip. This element is quite versatile."

Sealing. Right. Or create fox-shaped bombs with lightning in it too. Like Anna did on her duel against Philip in the entrance exam.

"Light is... A bit tricky. Yes you can use it as flashbang to blind an enemy. But if you concentrate enough of that element, you can make spears of Light. Capable of piercing enemies. Lot of people likes to create all sorts of weapons with that element. It is very effective against undead. Yes, I know. Pretty cliché. But aren't you glad it is?"

I think almost all the students nodded at that remark. And I can totally understand them. Who wouldn't like a way to deal more damage to undead monsters? I'm glad Anna has that element. I hate zombies. Actually, just thinking of them makes me shrink in my seat and tremble a little. Ears flat against my head and tail bristling slightly. It's not just hate. I'm terrified of undeads. Or anything horror-oriented.

Anna and Eliza notices my trembling and each reach for my hands, squeezing it a little and sending a smile my way. I return it, even if mine is strained.

"That's what I thought. Undeads aren't that common, thanks the Gods, but if you intend to tackle a Dungeon with them in it... Think of Light element users. Or at least bring potions for that."

Uh. I didn't know there was potions for that. I wonder if there's also some for the other elements? Maybe oils to use on weapons? That could be pretty useful for some monsters that needs fire or whatever elements they are weak against.

"There's a last point about the Light element. Some people claim they can use it for healing. But we never got proof. Well, those people were from a few centuries ago and never recorded it. So for now it's only a theory."

I sent a glance to Anna and she just shrugged. She definitely healed me when we escaped the train. So I guess it's not just a theory or a legend. I think we shouldn't tell anyone for now. Maybe later to our party members. If we find some. I do have an idea for one actually.

"Well, the last one. Dark. It's often linked to curses, corruption of the flesh, rot, tentacles. Those things."

No... Tentacles are your wish teacher...

"You can blind opponents, curse them to be slower, you can even do the same as the light element. Aka creating weapons. That Element can be quite effective against monsters with a lot of lifeforce in them."

A few students in the room shivered. Most Dark element users aren't very well liked. I heard that those people are... Very weird. Often seen muttering to themselves, creepy faces and laughs.

She clapped her hands suddenly, like she forgot something to say.

"Oh right. We said earlier that you can't clad yourself with lightning. Know that you can't with any element. The only exception would be Wind. Unless you decide to make it sharp. But otherwise it's the only one you can wrap around you. So melee fighters, you can only put your element around your weapon."

By the time the teacher finished explaining a few more things the bell rang for the end of class.

Time to eat!

[Claire POV]

Jane Denki... A name I heard quite a lot recently. From the entrance exam where she fought four opponent, to the latest duel to the death she had to do. Or she accepted? I don't know really. The details aren't really clear. I did watch it though. And I admit it was quite beautiful to watch.

She did get injured. She wasn't particularly 'elegant'. But she was sharp, decisive and clean.

Those are the quality for a good fighters. And. Well. She's cute.

Okay that has nothing to do with anything. But can't a girl appreciate something cute?!

Anyway. I was surprised to see her in the same class as me for Elements uses. But there's something I have to correct the teacher of... Fire elemental users aren't all rowdy or with strong emotions. Or maybe shyness works?

I know what others says about me. 'You are too shy Claire.' 'Try to socialise a bit more!'.

But I can't! I just freeze when people try to talk to me. I'd rather stay in a corner and be alone reading. Like I'm doing right now in class. At least the teacher won't ask me question like for Jane.

When the bell rang I'm almost the first to leave the classroom. First because my poor Cat ears can't deal with the noises they make when others scrap their chair on the floor while getting up.

Sadly, there's still people noticing me in the corridor leading to the cafeteria. When they see me, their eyes lit up. But that's not with a good light. I know them, in their eyes is a profond greed. They don't see me for who I am inside. Only for my status. Like that upperclassman coming toward me with a 'friendly' face.

"Oh my your Highness! It's a pleasure to see you! How are you in this fine day?" He says, his tone dripping with honey.

I shiver slightly at that. My tail bristling and my ears leaning back. Here it is. Formalities and then he will ask for some connection or whatever.

I don't want to talk! Please go away! Leave me alone! I'm hungry

"H-hi s-senior! I'm... I'm fine. I... And you? Is your father w-well?" I still answer despite grumbling and complaining in my head.

After all, I did learn etiquette and social interactions while younger. I just... Hate it. It's scary and people try to get advantages out of me because I'm too shy.

"He is quite well! Thank you, Your Highness, for asking. Speaking of him, he asked me to inquire about that field idea he had the last time. May I ask for some times to discuss it with you please?" His tone didn't change in the slightest, sending another shiver of disgust down my spine.

His father had the marvellous idea to ask me for some new lands because of an idea he got. I didn't listen last time. Well, I tried. But I got bored of it really quickly so I have no clue of what he's talking about. And I'm pretty sure I refused. I'm not my parents. I don't have that authority.

Apparently that didn't deter him at all.

"I... Hm... Didn't I said last time... I can't do that?... I-I mean. I'm only the princess... I don't have that kind of power over... Over land... He should talk to my parents for that..."

"Oh that's not a problem at all Your Highness! My dear father would just like you to push it forward to your parents! With your support, we are sure their Majesty won't refuse immediately! I assure you, it will be a good deal for you too!"

There. Again. Trying to take advantage of me against Dad and Mom. I sigh internally, I wouldn't have the nerve to sigh in front of him, I really need to be more stern and decisive.

"I... Now's not the time. I-I'm sorry. I have to eat and then go back to class!"

I don't let him react or answer and I just bolt away toward the cafeteria. My tail is still bristled and at the same time coiled around my leg in fright. My ears are also still angled toward the back, but this time to be sure he's not following me.

I sag a bit in relief only when I reach the cafeteria and finally sit down with my food.

Damn it. I couldn't refuse firmly..