Chapter 188: Battle arrays part 2.

The group sat down and began thinking about where they might have possibly gone wrong.

'Replay what happened.' Blake began analyzing the footage of what happened.

"Hmmm, I think I know what we are doing wrong." Blake's words drew the attention of the entire team.

"You know when we inscribe an array unto a metal, the flow of energy always beings from the center and spreads to the other parts of the array. The problem here is that we are taking the arrays as individual parts instead of one." Blake explained.

"So???" Brian was trying to understand what part of his speech contained the solution.

Shaking his head Blake decided to explain in detail. "When the flow begins from the center which is my part, the other parts are meant to resonate with the flow of mana."

"That makes more sense." Brian said.

The others thought about it for some time before they decided to try it out again.

"Alright, remember to monitor the flow of mine and construct yours just after that." Blake reminded the team.

Blake began the process and without much difficulty, he had completed the center of the array, but his work was far from done.

The center of the array was the most difficult part of the barrier array. It contained more symbols and it required him to always stabilize the flow of mana to enable the others to succeed.

ZING!

A sharp sound caught the attention of the entire class and when they turned, they were shocked to see Blake's group covered in a transparent barrier.

"Well done. 7 hundred points to each member of Blake's team for being the first to complete the exercise." Professor Hoffenheim said in an excited tone.

"When I gave out the exercise I never expected anyone to complete it because I hardly gave any explanation on how to do it. I wanted to see how far everyone could go by figuring it out themselves, but the result is just amazing." Professor Hoffenheim said.

"Since we don't have much time left, let me give you all an explanation on how to cast the barrier array…"

Professor Hoffenheim went ahead to explain the process to the rest of the class and after that, he tested Blake's group.

"Although increasing the size of the barrier reduces the damage it can take and is totally not necessary. If you guys can increase the size you will be getting extra points." Professor Hoffenheim said.

Blake accepted the request and the team huddled up for a little discussion.

"Should we pour in more mana?" Tessie asked.

"If it was that easy, he wouldn't have bothered testing us." Blake said. "I think pouring in more mana makes the barrier stronger. We should try increasing the size of the symbols."

The suggestion was met with raised brows, but it wasn't as if they had better ideas so they decided to go with it.

With the entire class watching, Blake began a larger center array before the others began constructing their various parts of the array.

'2 birds with one stone.' Professor Hoffenheim thought.

The test was a way of testing Blake's ingenuity and also a demonstration for the rest of the class who hadn't gotten the explanation.

ZING!!

The sharp sound echoed all around the practice room as a transparent done twice the size of the last was covering the group.

"Bravo! Another 500 points to each member of the group" Professor Hoffenheim announced as he gave them a round of applause.

"Nice one guys!" The group had smiles on their faces as they gave themselves hi-fives.

"Alright, that is the end of the class." Professor Hoffenheim snapped his fingers and the students returned to the classroom.

'Great job Blake.' Mack had a proud smile on his face as he stepped through a warp gate and returned to his office.

…

The end of the uneventful elemental mastery class marked the end of the day for the students. After dinner, Blake had a quick rest before heading to the library.

The previous day he was there because of a combat technique, but this time he was going there to update himself on multiple things.

Seeing the effects of a battle array, Blake decided to check the library for anything that might be of help to both his group or the adventurer party.

Also, the main classes for the other specializations were to begin during the next classes, Blake thought it was better he got a head start.

[We both know you are searching for battle arrays mostly for yourself.] The system said but Blake ignored it.

The good thing about a magical library was that it was open no matter the time of the day and he could directly warp into there without anyone knowing of his whereabouts.

"Okay, let's see what we have here." Blake didn't waste any time on the lower floors. He went straight to the 2nd floor.

Blake found a book on forgemastery arrays and the basics of battle arrays, but that was when something hit him.

"Hmm…" Blake felt something was off. So he decided to go and check out the book on Raiju breathing technique.

"Just like I thought. Not that I expected this… You know what I mean." When he approached the bookshelf, another book was in its position.

"I highly doubt that the book was moved, but let's try this." Blake closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on the missing book, activating the locator skill.

"What does this mean?" Seeing no trail to follow, Blake decided to deactivate the system and consult the system.

[The chances of someone having borrowed it is there, but very low judging by it being replaced with another.] The system said. [I guess  someone had placed it there, just for you.]

"I agree. I have noticed that things too good to be true happen to me. From the breathing technique to the rampant amour." Blake said.

[Who is your top suspect?] The system asked.

"Bryon of course." Blake said without thinking.