Chapter 706: Echo Training

Chapter 706: Echo Training

A single day was enough to completely transform Dallions training regimen. If before he was forbidden from joining a vast majority of classes, obtaining the Moonstone granted him access to all of them, even those reserved for prodigies like Cheska. Ironically, the vast choice combined with Katkas lessons forced him to pick only one additional subjectEcho Training. All the other time was spent in the library learning new magic symbols and spell combinations so he could get out of the Academy sooner. Occasionally, hed spend some time on potion training and enchanting, though those were rather a means to clear his mind after a long day of remembering spells.

Katkas training started a lot more boring than Dallion expected. Rather than jump right to spell principles, she gave him the simple but annoying task to extend his inner magic starting from one hand to the next while stretching both arms sideways. Initially, Dallion thought he had merely to grab his magic and pull it like a rubber band. As he was quickly corrected the roam was to do all that with his mind alonea rather tricky task even for the nymphs method of casting. On the third day, he finally started making some progress. The miniature threads no longer exploded like clusters of spaghetti, but obeyed Dallions mental commands twisting around each other to form a small rope of magic.

Finally getting the hang of it? Katka asked. The woman seemed to take great pleasure in Dallions failure, to the point one might think that was the sole reason for her accepting this deal. Did I tell you how I came up with that method?

One of the others told you? Dallion asked. His reaction distracted him slightly, but enough to unravel the few inches of rope he had managed to create.

Those idiots? Katka laughed. Some of them are good, but not in this field. This is entirely my contribution. Even the bitch got to compliment me.

The mage never mentioned any names outright, but Dallion suspected that in this case she might be referring to the woman who had been supporting Gassil. The rogue mages memory fragment hadnt revealed her face, but it didnt sound like there were many females in the group.

Droplets of sweat trickled down his face. Gritting his teeth, Dallion tried to reconstruct the rope, but the effort proved too much. The threads were already starting to go their own directions, rebelling to his commands.

I was bored listening to my instructor, so I decided to play about in my realm. Making symbols had always been a pain, so I decided to do something else just for the sake of it. Thats when I achieved this.

Dallions heart was beating like a drum. The simple exercise had a way of exhausting him to the extreme with his glacial pace of progress. He made one final attempt to maintain control of his threads, then finally pulled them back.

Not even two hours? Katka asked mockingly. Youre really slow.

Wiping the sweat off his face, Dallion sat on the floor to catch his breath.

We have chairs, Katka said.

Dallion didnt respond. At first, he thought she was mocking him. There was only one chair, and she was sitting on it. Then he realized: they were magesthey could make chairs. Pushing through the pain, he did just that.

I hear youll be starting echo training tomorrow, the mage said. Curious choice. Whyd you make it?

Is it important?

Im doing you a favor, so yes. Her tone hardened. Why did you choose a useless discipline?

There was nothing Dallion could do but comply. While this was far from a favor, Katka could end their deal under any pretext.

The principles will apply on familiars, Dallion said.

Interesting. You have a lot of those. Yeah, I see that being a good one for you. Good choice. Then again, youre from Earth.

So what?

Spellcraft doesnt follow the standard rules. You dont get punished for experimenting here. If anything experimentation is encouraged as long as you bear the consequences of your messes. Were given principles that determine the laws of the universe. Since were from Earth weve meddled with a lot more so were not afraid to see how our principles apply. The locals, she let out a disapproving snort, they rely on books. Sure its great for the initial foundation, but otherwise useless. For example, why dont more people use nymph casting? Youve seen the advantage it provides.

Because they dont know any nymphs?

They know you. How many have you asked for tips?

What the heck? Dallion burst into instances. Several of them grabbed his harpsisword, a few others picked up the armadil shield, expecting an attack.

Gem? Dallion asked in his unarmed instance. What are you doing?

The mage told me that you need to wake up because you have an important meeting, the aetherfish replied.

It took several seconds for Dallion to decipher the sentence. The mage turned out to be Nil, the meeting was Dallions class, and the pulling of the nose was Gems attempt of waking someone up. A for effort, but other than that, Dallion would have preferred another hour of sleep. Still, what was done was done. Letting the needless instances fade away, he stretched, did some light exercises, then went to get washed with a chunk of water.

Done, Dallion cast a few minor spells covering his clothes with glamor, then went to the dining hall for breakfast. He was hoping to come across some of the other four of his former alliance, but none of them were present. Instead, he had to deal with pretty much everyone else, who were split between keeping their distance and eagerly wanting to chat.

The cost of popularity, Dallion thought. Now he understood why Cheska behaved the way she did. Being known as unapproachable tended to keep people away. Dallion had gotten relatively calm thanks to Phoil and his antics. Now that was gone, leaving the path open to anyone wanting to become friends with one of the popular kids.

It was very tempting for Dallion to use combat splitting to make his escape, but that was unlikely to be of benefit. Instead, he patiently finished his breakfast, stood up and went to class, where the first surprise of the day awaited him.

Hey, Dal. A fury greeted him in the empty room. Well done with the trial.

Palag? Dallion asked. I thought

Theres been a change. Ill have to take over this class. Since its one of the theoretical subjects I qualify.

Great, Dallion thought. Wheres everyone else?

Its a one week course, the instructor explained. Everyone who wanted to be here has been. Now that youre no longer restricted, you get to experience the joys of academia.

I think it has some practical applications

Oh, I agree, but not everyone is like you. Tell me, how many companions do you have?

Five, Dallion said without thinking. Three, he corrected himself soon after.

Thats a big change.

Ones gone and ones in the real world, Dallion said quickly, wanting to move on from the topic.

The fury must have gotten the hint, for he nodded.

Theres plenty more than most get to experience. Even I have only two.

Two? What are they?

Now, now. The fury laughed. Familiars arent something that should be discussed openly. In your case, though, its inevitable. You make rather good use of them so its natural that people would notice. If you make any more companions, though, Id strongly suggest that you keep them hidden for as long as possible.

Understood.

Alright, so lets get to learning.

The fury drew several spell circles in the air. Once complete an outline of a miniature dragon appeared surrounded on all sides by dozens of purple rectangles.