Jester grinned widely. An hour and a half in Toonworld. But only an hour had passed in Sherra. The implication was clear. More training time. Much more. And it would be even further when he increased his vigor in the future.
He could push his limits. Gain power faster than anyone else. All while maintaining a semblance of a normal life. This was the edge he needed. The one he craved after being defeated by those demons in the Market District.
The rage. The helplessness... He didn't want feel that again. He climbed back into his bed. A quiet resolve settling deep within him.
...
Tuesday arrived, bright and clear. Jester did his usual training routine, bath, and breakfast. Before going to school.
The morning was filled with the usual civil classes. Common Languages, Science, and Mathematics. Jester paid serious attention like always.
His mind processed the normal information in different ways than most people. For him, every piece of information could be a potential tool. For power acquisition. Pranks. And jokes.
His main interests came in the afternoon subjects though. The specialization hours. Jester, Finn, and Sunny gathered their things. Heading towards the Rogue wing of the academy.
The corridors hummed with the energy of students moving to the classes of their chosen paths. Fighters, Sorcerers, Acolytes, Hunters, Rogues... Each with their distinct characteristics.
Their first specialized class that day was Gadget Crafting: Basic Tools & Implements. Ms. Cloveline greeted them at the door. Her usual calm demeanor was intact.
She still wear practical outfits. And thin spectacles for her sharp, intelligent eyes. With hair pulled back in a severe bun.
The classroom was different from the room for Trap Analysis yesterday. Benches were set up here. Each equipped with various rudimentary materials. Small pieces of metal, wood, wires, spring mechanisms, and a selection of basic hand tools. Files, pliers, cutters, tiny hammers.
"Good afternoon, you three." Ms. Cloveline began. "Yesterday, we've met yesterday in Trap Analysis and Disarming Fundamentals. Today, we begin the practical application of the Rogue's ingenuity. Gadget Crafting: Basic Tools & Implements.
"A Rogue..." She said. "... by definition, is resourceful. You should be able to manipulate environments, bypass obstacles, and exploit weaknesses. To do this effectively, you must understand and create your own tools."
She turned on the old projector and walked to the displayed screen. Tapping a pointer against various grainy diagrams and actual examples of gadgets there.
"We are not talking about complex enchantments or high-tech devices here. These are the fundamental, often overlooked, implements that can determine success or failure in critical situations. Useful objects for training, movement, combat, stealth, and disguise."
She started listing them off. Showing physical examples for each: "Lockpicks. Essential for entry and exit. We'll start with these. Learn to craft them from almost anything. A hair clip, a straightened wire, a piece of shim paper. We, rogues, emphasize freedom. Being held by locks is the greatest shame for us."
She held up a slender, polished set of lockpicks. Then a crude set made from what looked like old nails. "The goal is function, not aesthetics. At least... initially."
She moved to the next tools...
"Climbing Gear. Grappling hooks, retractable lines, custom pitons. Not just for scaling walls, but for creating escape routes or gaining advantageous positions. A simple, well-crafted grappling hook can save your life."
She demonstrated a compact hook. Then showed how it could be quickly assembled from a few metal pieces. And a length of sturdy twine.
"Diversion Tools. Timed mechanism, smoke pellets, noise makers, glitter bombs. Simple, yes, but incredibly effective when used with precision."
She showed a slight smile. "Of course a small rock thrown in the opposite direction, a coin skittering across a floor... could also be considered basic diversions. But what if you need more?"
"The objects I previously mentioned are the answer. Along with compressed air canisters, flash powder, rudimentary stink bombs, and several others. Anything that can buy you precious seconds."
She continued with other types of devices...
"Detection Tools... Simple mirrors on extendable rods, listening devices crafted from modified medical stethoscopes. Sometimes, seeing or hearing around a corner without exposing yourself is the only safe option."
"Restraint Devices... Modified ropes, quick-release bindings, even rudimentary restraints made from scavenged materials. For taking down targets non-lethally or securing them temporarily."
"Disguise Kits... Not just usual makeup. Wigs, prosthetic noses or chins crafted from simple clay or wax, clothing alterations. Next year, you will also learn the art of blending in, or standing out in a controlled manner."
Ms. Cloveline paused, letting the scope of the tools sink in. "Your ingenuity is your greatest weapon as a Rogue. Your gear should reflect that. It should be an extension of your quick thinking and adaptability."
Jester watched, absorbed. This was practical. This was exactly what he needed. His previous life had given him theoretical knowledge. But Sherra demanded application.
The thought of being helpless again, like the time against the demons, fueled his focus. If he could craft tools on the fly, adapt to any situation, his chances of survival and victory would skyrocket.
"For today's exercise..." Ms. Cloveline continued. "You will craft a basic lockpick set. Each of you has a selection of raw materials on your bench. High-tensile wire, thin metal strips, small wooden blocks, and various shaping tools."
She gestured to the objects on the benches. "Your goal is to create one tension wrench and at least two different types of picks – a rake and a hook. Precision is key. A fraction of a millimeter off, and your tool is useless."
Ms. Cloveline gave more detailed instructions. And showed them the example on how to use the tools.
Jester looked down at his bench. The materials were simple. Almost crude. He picked up a length of the high-tensile wire. Bending it experimentally.
It was stiff, yet malleable enough with applied force. He remembered watching locksmiths in old movies. The delicate dance of their fingers...
He snapped out of that imagination. He wasn't aiming for finesse yet. Just function. And it was not as easy as it looked.
After almost an hour, Jester had a functional, if not elegant, set. His tension wrench was sturdy. His rake was a bit lopsided, but the undulations were there. His hook, a simple curved tip, was reasonably sharp.
He tested them on a practice lock Ms. Cloveline provided. After a few fumbling attempts, the satisfying click echoed in the quiet classroom. He had done it.
Ms. Cloveline walked by. Observing his work. She picked up his set. Examining it.
"Crude, but effective, Mr. Eventide. The rake needs refinement, but the basic form is correct. Good work."
Her praise was sparse. But Jester felt a surge of satisfaction. This was real progress.
Not long after, the class ended. And Jester felt a slight ache in his hands. But also a renewed sense of purpose. He packed his newly made lockpicks carefully. They were a tangible sign of his growing capabilities.
...
Next up was Dirty Fighting Techniques: Unarmed & Improvised Weapons. Jester, Finn, and Sunny headed to the academy's Dojo E. A large, padded room with various training dummies and a selection of non-lethal practice weapons.
Their instructor was somewhat a surprise. He wasn't the type of figure Jester might have expected for a combat instructor for Dirty Fighting.
The instructor was still a young man. Perhaps in his mid twenties. With an earnest, almost boyish face. And kind-looking eyes. He wore a simple, functional daily outfit. Not combat specialized clothing.
"Good afternoon, Class!" Mr. Larken said. His voice was bright. "I'm Edward Larken. Your instructor. As you've known, our subject is Dirty Fighting Techniques: Unarmed and Improvised Weapons."
He looked at the three students calmly. "Dirty Fighting. Rogue is not a warrior. We're not aiming for fair fights or noble duels. We should even avoid fights whenever possible."
He smiled. "But, sometimes we had no better choice than to fight. In these cases, your advantage lies in your cunning, your quick thinking, and your willingness to fight dirty."
He gestured to the room. "Forget honor for a moment. Forget established combat forms. We're here to learn how to survive, how to win decisively, and how to disappear before anyone knows what hit them."
He began by outlining the core principles:
"Thinking Out of the Box... Your opponent often expects you to fight like a fighter, a barbarian, a sorcerer, or even an average non-transcendent street brawler. Don't give them what they expect."
Mr. Larken paused for a while. Before continuing. "Use misdirection, unconventional attacks, things that break their rhythm and expectation. The element of surprise is paramount."
He demonstrated. Approaching a training dummy. And lifting his fists as if he was about to punch.
But, instead of a direct punch, he swept its leg. As the dummy tilted, he unleashed a barrage of powerful palm and elbow strikes to its body. It was fluid. Unpredictable.
Mr. Larken continued with the next core principle...
"Preparing an Ambush... A smart Rogue rarely engages in an open fight. You control the battlefield. You choose when and where to strike."
He showed his bright smile again. But the three students felt a chill creeping up their spines. Jester noticed it. Behind his harmless appearance, this teacher was very dangerous for his opponents.
"That means scouting, understanding your environment, and setting up the perfect opportunity." Mr. Laren continued. "It's not about standing your ground. It's about making sure your enemy never gets to stand theirs."
He pointed to various corners of the room. "Imagine this room is a narrow alley. Where would you hide? What objects could you use to obscure yourself? What paths would you force your enemy down? Always think several steps ahead."
Jester's mind immediately went back to the demons. He had charged them head-on. An ambush would have been impossible then. But the lesson stuck. He wouldn't make that mistake twice if he could help it.