POV: MIGUEL CASTRO.
The warm weather of that day had subtly changed with the strong gloom that formed around the arena. As if the very atmosphere sensed what was about to happen.
Helena and Renata moved with a naturalness that seemed rehearsed, but I knew it was pure instinct. Without a word, they positioned themselves side by side, keeping their distance from where I stood. And then… It began.
Mantle and Dagger Formation. A strategic formation.
This type of technique was not uncommon for any mage, after all, such strategies were eventually studied when learning to use enchantments better. However, knowing the technique was one thing, using it correctly in combat was a very different matter.
I immediately recognized the formation. It was a common strategic pattern, but they had developed an alteration for long distance or perhaps something inspired by their own enchantments, hard to say.
However, the most important thing: it worked. And it was beautiful to behold.
Helena took on the role of the mantle, maintaining distance through chains and apparent spirits she could control, and creating ways to limit any possible advance.
She also created illusions and means to disorient me for Renata's explosive attacks to succeed in hitting me.
Her movements were broad, firm, and circular. But they were uncontrolled, using a lot of energy to do things with little impact.
Despite the good synergy between them, there was a lack of lethal precision in their attacks.
I did not attack, only absorbed and predicted, molding myself like a living barrier.
Renata… she was a peculiar case. Hidden in the spaces created by Helena, her attacks appeared and disappeared like a dagger thrown with surgical precision.
Her energy was almost blinding, an onyx-colored glow that oscillated between visible and hiding behind a type of gloom created by her hands.
Her attacks did not come with terrifying speed, but their nature was treacherous, as they came from the shadows she created, which made my detection of the attacks difficult. From something pulsating that went beyond my comprehension.
Each strike left shimmering trails in the air, as if reality were being delicately scratched on a white canvas painted with a watercolor brushstroke.
I stopped for a moment, and was left speechless.
Not just skill, both had a kind of choreography built on mutual trust and survival instinct. Both had been friends for a long time, both showed not only talent, but seriousness in their studies and especially in their training.
It was natural to expect them to understand each other so well at this point. There was something in that, or perhaps, just the rare kind of synergy that one doesn't find in just anyone, but trains for.
"They are maestros…" I murmured, unable to hide my surprise.
It was like observing a natural phenomenon.
This girl doesn't know what she got herself into when she entered that library…
She became important from then on; I knew she would be a crucial piece in some way. Even so, seeing this talent, for sure, within her, if well directed, could open doors bigger than anyone imagined.
Until then, I saw her as a conductor, not as a force of impact. However, seeing her there… sustaining the attacks with a force that blended rigidity and flexibility, I had to reconsider my judgment.
And Renata… well, Renata was an even greater mystery.
I maintained my defensive posture, while both moved together, launching various energy combos and synchronized attacks with the spirits.
I focused on carefully observing the energy flows she manipulated. It simply made no sense.
No clear origin, no visible limitation, no apparent logic. It was as if she carried within her a reservoir that defied any attempt at normal categorization.
'An energy reservoir enchantment with no precise description… That's definitely terrifying'
And now, seeing her use this power with such agility, such precision, I was sure of one thing: they needed guidance.
Their strengths were ridiculous, but with proper training, they could become something incredible.
'They'd make first-rate agents, even more than that, I suspect…'
It was no longer enough to observe from a distance. If left alone, they could either destroy their talent or cause great impacts. And both paths would be catastrophic if not well guided.
I sighed.
"Looks like I'll really have to become a teacher for both of them…" I grumbled softly, in a cynical tone, but with a discreet gleam of excitement in my eyes.
"Hmph…"
The field trembled. As if in response to my thought, a series of blows cut through the air towards me.
I did not move immediately; I observed the origin of the attack, studied its purpose.
And then, in a blink, I dodged with fluidity; this time I decided to retaliate the attack with precision and effectiveness.
'Let's take this seriously then'
With a snap of my fingers, I channeled energy into two of my enchantments on my right wrist.
"Squire's Gift," I proclaimed, raising my arms in a high combat stance.
Beside me, a pale glow began to condense. As if the air were being molded by invisible hands.
An avatar emerged: humanoid in appearance, made entirely of gray-bluish energy, with elongated arms that extended from mine.
It was like a shadow projected onto the three-dimensional plane, an extension of my will, but with its own presence.
The avatar moved in perfect synchronicity with me, as if we walked together in a defensive and offensive choreography at the same time. It was beautiful, but imposing. It was standing by my side…
I stepped forward.
"Alright," I said, raising my voice above the noise of the smaller combat around. "We've finished the introduction".
The girls slowed their pace. I didn't give a direct order, but it was as if the entire environment understood that a new chapter would begin there.
"We will begin the first lesson," I declared, firmly. "Meet… Diamond of the Mines".
Upon hearing the name, Helena frowned, breathing heavily, but smiling with the corner of her lips.
"I'm sure I've seen this power in some anime…" she said, confused, still catching her breath.
"But I can't remember which one…"
I didn't answer immediately. I remained silent, keeping a serious expression. But inside… a part of me was amused by the comparison.
Yes, it did have a familiar aesthetic, and, at the same time, it was something only I could conjure.
"The first lesson is about positioning and how to maintain your position".
'Apparently, these classes will be more fun than I expected'