In the principal's office of Magical Steel, Mr. Alvonso was sitting while writing his important letters. While he was writing, a sound of knocking came at the door, three times. The clear sound made his eyes turn toward the door, watching it as the knocking continued, then Mr. Alvonso told the person to come in. When the door opened, it turned out to be Mr. Emilio who had come into Mr. Alvonso's office.
Mr. Alvonso:"(welcoming with a warm smile) Ohh, it's you. Tell me, what do you want, Mr. Emilio?"
*Said Mr. Alvonso, while Mr. Emilio could be seen walking toward him. As he walked, Mr. Emilio spoke to Mr. Alvonso*
Mr. Emilio:"About the Fighter Teachers later on. We are short of Fighters who are willing, Sir. The previous Fighter Teachers don't want to pass it on to other students, and some of them have also decided to retire and take on other jobs."
Mr. Alvonso:"(while thinking) Hhhmmm… It seems we really are taking this seriously, Mr. Emilio." (looking back at Mr. Emilio) "But don't worry, Mr. Arkana is handling that matter."
Mr. Emilio:"That's the problem, Sir. Mr. Arkana is currently focused on being a Magical Steel volunteer in preparation for the upcoming competition. If we give him additional tasks like that, we'll only be adding to his burden."
Mr. Alvonso:"What about you? Can you do it?"
Mr. Emilio:"If I could, I would've done it right away without hesitation. The problem is… I'm busy too, Sir."
Mr. Alvonso:"(a worried expression showing on his face) Oh dear, then who is going to look for one, Mr. Emilio?"
Mr. Emilio:"That's the problem, Sir."
*The two of them then fell silent for quite a long time. Until finally, Mr. Alvonso proposed something*
Mr. Alvonso:"Alright then, here's what we'll do. For now, just focus on your own tasks. Let me think about this matter."
Mr. Emilio: (slightly surprised) "Really, Sir?!"
Mr. Alvonso nodded in confirmation. After that, Mr. Emilio showed a gesture of respect by slightly bowing his head, his right hand placed over his chest, and he said:
Mr. Emilio: "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Alvonso! (raising his head) We will try to complete our tasks as best as we can!"
Mr. Alvonso: "It's alright. (smiling more brightly) Later I'll inform you about the Fighter Teacher."
Mr. Emilio: "Alright!"
Meanwhile, in Shion's class and the others, Mrs. Azizah was teaching them. As Mrs. Azizah's voice filled the room, the atmosphere around Magical Steel school was so calm, for rarely could any other sound be heard, only birds singing in the bright morning.
Mrs. Azizah:"When you become Fighters, it means you have become part of the world's heroes. Why are you called the world's heroes? Because all the Fighters in this world have guarded the peace of the world. They are the ones who protect this world from fear, Fighters are the ones who have rendered great service to the world. In just over 200 years, the interest in becoming a Fighter has risen rapidly all over the world. Because of that great increase, every country and every state has established academic schools within their lands. And do you know what the result of this rise is?" (they all sat silently watching her) "There are many Fighters with their own unique potential, and most of them are recruited by kingdoms as the special forces of the crown, or else become servants of the country."
*As she spoke, most of their faces were so bright with joy, listening to Mrs. Azizah's story. AndMrs. Azizah continued her tale*
Mrs. Azizah:"Isn't that exciting? By becoming Fighters, not only do you become goodness and light for the world, but you also become the force that will wipe out the darkness that lies across the world."
Student:"Across the world? What's over there, Ms. Azizah?"
Mrs. Azizah:"This is our main discussion. We seek an army of a very great scale to destroy the world beyond, for it is cruel and merciless. We already have Fighters who are strong, good, and almost like purity itself. With the perfection we now hold, we can crush that dark and cruel world and create a perfect world without evil. That is what we have dreamed of since long ago. So you, as future Fighters, are you ready to be part of that light?!"
All together: (with full spirit) "WE ARE READY, MS. AZIZAH!!"
Mrs. Azizah: "Are you ready to be part of the perfection of the Fighters?!"
All together: (with full spirit) "WE ARE READY, MS.AZIZAH!!"
Mrs. Azizah: "Do you want to be part of holiness, like an army of angels ready to destroy the enemy's world that lies beside our own? Do you want to destroy it?! (raising her hand) Raise your hands if you are filled with spirit!!"
*All together: (with full spirit, all raising their hands) "WE ARE ALWAYS READY, MS.AZIZAH!!"*
"Heeahh!! That's the spirit...!"
Shion: "Yeeaahh!! That's the spirit I want!!"
Many students were filled with happiness at the thought of becoming Fighters with such spirit and nobility. As they grew cheerful and excited, Mrs. Azizah too felt joy in seeing them so eager, carrying such high spirits to become true Fighters.
Mrs. Azizah:"Next, I will explain about magic techniques, the use of skill abilities, and you will also practice in the field through missions. Before we get to how the practice will work, now we will learn the basics of magic."
As the instructions were being given, Kharim spoke in his heart:
Kharim:"Practice? Could it be that the Fighters who often go on missions are actually doing practice? Quite interesting." (smiling, finding it amusing)
Mrs. Azizah:"Now, first I will introduce you to magic. Magic is a mystic or power used by someone to create a wave of elements through an energy called SHELL. Physiologically, Shell is energy that unites with our body, both in our physical being and in our feelings. All of us can sense each other's Shell. But for now, perhaps some of you may be able to feel another person's Shell. Is there anyone among you who can sense another's Shell?"
None of them raised their hands, though many of them glanced at one another Seeing this, Azizah could only give a smile. Then she raised one hand to her chest. Maintaining her smile, Mrs. Azizah released her power.
Mrs. Azizah:"KYODOTAI ISHIKI!"
At that moment, Mrs. Azizah spread her magic so that it could be felt by everyone. Instantly, the entire class was startled, and some were even fascinated. Shion too began to sense the Shells of the people around him. The magic spread far enough to reach beyond the classroom, all centered on Mrs. Azizah's body. Because of this, Shion happily looked toward Rafaela.
Shion:"I can feel all of your Shells…! Can you too, Rafaela?!"
Rafaela:"(smiling happily at Shion) The same…! Your Shell is big too, Shion."
Shion:"Really? (grinning) Hehehe… thanks. But your Shell, Rafaela…"
Kharim's Shell appeared quite large, but instead it looked more frightening. With a flat and intimidating gaze, Kharim looked at the two of them and said:
"What?"
*They were immediately startled. Kharim himself was confused to see the two of them so surprised*
Kharim:"Why?"
Rafaela:"(making an unpleasant face toward Kharim) Kharim… is this really your Shell's aura?"
Shion:"W-well… not surprising, really. He's always had a scary face, so I'm not shocked at all…"
*Mrs. Azizah returning to her explanation, still keeping her smile*
Mrs. Azizah:"Remember, children, not everything you feel right now is truly another person's Shell. Because this comes from the formation of magic, the Shell you sense is not pure. And since it originates from magic, naturally there is a center. Because I am the one who released the power, the magic that dominates through Shells is centered on me."
*One of the students asked Mrs. Azizah*
Student: "Do you mean… the Shells of others that we are feeling aren't entirely their own, but the magic you released only serves as a medium to open the path?"
Mrs. Azizah: "Correct, though not quite exact. The magic KYODOTAI ISHIKI is a simulation of how Shells work how they interact and recognize one another."
All together: "Ooohhhhh…."
Mrs. Azizah: "Don't worry, you only need to wait until you yourselves become skilled enough to sense the Shells of others. You know, this is only a matter of time."
*They all seemed to understand*
Mrs. Azizah continued her lesson for several more minutes, still giving explanations. But as she spoke, Mrs. Azizah also released the basic elements earth, water, fire, wind, and lightning around her. Many of the students were captivated at the sight of the five elements appearing.
Mrs. Azizah continued her lesson for several more minutes, still giving explanations. But as she spoke, Mrs. Azizah also released the basic elements. Earth, water, fire, wind, and lightning around her. Many of the students were captivated as the five elements appeared.
Seung-hon:"(amazed) I-it's incredible, Mrs. Azizah!"
Friend:"True. They say not many Fighters can dominate all the basic elements at once."
Mrs. Azizah:"Children, these are the basic elements most often used by our Fighters. Wind, we call it KAITEN; water is called MISSUI; fire is HUOOZAI; earth is GENSEEKI; and lightning is DENRYU."
Katatsuke:"(speaking to himself) DENRYU…huh?"
Mrs. Azizah:"In general, Fighters fight with dominance over whichever element they master, and not many Fighters can control all the basic elements. Usually, Fighters can only master one or two. To reach three is already uncommon, (smiling wider) let alone four or even all five."
Rafaela:"(suddenly realizing, surprised) Eh? Wait. Mrs. Azizah has released MISSUI, KAITEN, HUOOZAI, DENRYU, and GENSEEKI. She's already brought out all five elements!"
Shion:"(astonished, eyes sparkling) Whhohoho… Amazing."
All together:"(in awe) AAMAAZIIING…!!"
Mrs. Azizah:"(dispelling the five elements, smiling and blushing shyly) O-oh, you all… Don't embarrass me like that."
Student:"But you really are that amazing, Mrs. Azizah!"
Mrs. Azizah:"(holding both cheeks) T-this is only my experience, don't praise me so much, you'll make me shy. Ahaha… Ahahah…."
*They all watched, puzzled, as Mrs. Azizah smiled shyly to herself. Then she returned to her explanation*
Mrs. Azizah:"Next, in releasing magic. In this world, there are two types of how our power can work. As the foundation, it can be called jutsu, and the second type can be called magic. The way to distinguish whether something is jutsu or magic depends entirely on perception. Surely there will be people who believe their opponent is using magic, when in fact it is jutsu, and the opposite can also happen."
Katatsuke:"(raising his hand) Why must jutsu and magic be separated? Aren't they the same, since both involve releasing magic? Aren't both of them under the same concept of magic?"
Mrs. Azizah:"(looking at Katatsuke while still smiling, then at all the students) You are correct, child. Indeed, jutsu and magic share the same concept. Jutsu, in its essence, is used in a fundamental way. Jutsu serves as an important aspect that envelops us and is applied through many parts of the body, proven through the different categories of jutsu. Meanwhile, magic is universal, its domain broader and deeper, depending on the person.
Now, in using magic. What you see here can be released when the user focuses on one point within their body where the Shell exists. By focusing on that point, the Shell responds to our thoughts, allowing us to release both jutsu and magic. Beyond that, when releasing jutsu we must pronounce words and make signs, the signs may be through hand movements or speech, so that the element we desire may be manifested."
Kharim looked so bored that he laid his head on the desk, tilting it sideways. Not only Kharim, but many of the others were bored as well. Mrs. Azizah seemed to understand the situation, yet she continued her explanation.
Mrs. Azizah:"As I said about jutsu, there are three values of jutsu in our lives: Dojutsu, Kaijutsu, and Kazaikajutsu. Let us begin with Dojutsu. Dojutsu is a magic technique used within the body. The jutsu of dojutsu cannot be manifested outwardly, but can be used internally to increase physical stamina, improve fighting mastery, and heighten bodily agility. However, do not be mistaken, Dojutsu can be used by anyone if we are speaking of its basic form.
Next is Kaijutsu. This is the technique of combination. That means combining one element with another, or one power with another, to create a fusion of elements. I will demonstrate this to you. If you wish to see it, let us go outside. I can see you are all bored, aren't you?"
*Said Mrs. Azizah, smiling, while the students paid more attention as she asked them to follow her*
Before long, the entire class had stepped outside. Now Shion and the others were in the wide schoolyard, surrounded by the buildings of Magical Steel. There, Mrs. Azizah demonstrated in front of her students. She moved her hands, forming the signs of the jutsu she was about to release, and then she unleashed her power.
Mrs. Azizah: "KAIJUTSU, KICHIYOSE O KENKAJUTSU!"
Suddenly, a stone rose from the ground of the schoolyard. The stone that emerged from the earth startled the students slightly. Then, a fireball appeared and burned the stone. Mrs. Azizah then held the blazing fireball, and with one motion, threw it high into the sky. While all the students watched the fireball, Mrs. Azizah snapped her fingers with ease, and instantly the fiery stone shattered under the strike of lightning. As a result, the clouds turned dark, and more bolts of lightning appeared.
Kharim:"Wauu…"
*Some students all together: "Amaziiing…!!"*
Mrs. Azizah:"Ehehehe… (a little shy) Thank you. That was just one small example of how Kaijutsu works. Remember, children, Kaijutsu cannot be combined by two or more people. If you wish to cooperate with your comrades to strengthen each other through combination, that is another matter entirely—and that realm is true magic, called RAITEN. Also, not every power can be used through Kaijutsu. Keep that in mind!"
She spoke with a curved smile, her eyes half-closed, striking a pose with one finger touching the side of her forehead. After the demonstration, Mrs. Azizah said:
"All right, that will be all (Martina: "'That's all,' she says. This was way too long!") for today's explanation. If anyone has questions, please raise your hand."
Martina:"Tchihh… Already boring, and now she wants questions. Who'd even bother?"
Girl(3):"Even if someone does, it'll just be out of obligation so it ends quicker."
Among them, the girl sitting in the very front raised her hand. Seeing her, Mrs. Azizah smiled and said:
Mrs. Azizah:"Yes, MELISA. What would you like to ask?"
Melisa:"Are there other types of jutsu besides Kaiten, Dojutsu, and Kaijutsu?"
Mrs. Azizah:"As for other jutsu, there are indeed many. In addition, there are great people out there who can create entirely new jutsu or magic through their abilities, provided they have sufficient resources such as strong magical capacity. Do you understand?"
Melisa:"Yes, I understand."
Mrs. Azizah: (pausing for a moment, still smiling) "You must remember: in the use of magic, there are some who do not need to chant words or make hand signs. They can release elements—and even more than that. Some can even kill merely with the aura of their body. Not all Cerdiva can reach this phase; in fact, it is an extreme minority. Because they no longer rely on fragments of jutsu in combat, but instead use magic of the highest degree. Even among all beings in this T-10 world, only a very small number exist. So in essence, not everyone can reach such a phase."
Then, the sound of the school bell rang, signaling that it was break time. Hearing the bell, the students immediately grew excited at the thought of rest. Mrs. Azizah clapped her hands to maintain order, saying:
"Calm down… don't run off just yet. After your break, return to the classroom and we will continue our lesson. Do you all understand?"
*All together: "We understand, Mrs. Azizah…"*
*After class ended, Shion stretched his body, then looked at Kharim, who already seemed so sleepy*
Shion:"You're not going anywhere, brother?"
Kharim:"(eyes struggling to stay open) No, Shion… I just want to sleep. So tired… See ya…"
Kharim slowly walked away, leaving Shion and Rafaela*
Shion:"Brother. Do you want me to buy you something?"
Kharim: "No need…!"
Rafaela: "He really does look so sleepy."
Shion: "Well, what can you do. I admit today's lesson was a bit boring too."
After such a long time of Mrs. Azizah introducing matters of Fighters and magic, break had finally arrived. Everyone was overjoyed to be done with what, for them, was a boring lesson. Kharim even hurried just to get some sleep, being so weary.
On the other hand, there was a boy in the same class as Shion and Kharim, he is Jonsen Liebert. He had been watching the two just after they spoke. Then, almost without thinking, he left following the same direction as Kharim.
Unlike Kharim, who immediately fell asleep at his desk, Jonsen went to his own desk to retrieve a book from its drawer. The book Jonsen held looked old and ancient. Afterward, Jonsen once again glanced at Kharim, who had already dozed off. Then, Jonsen left the classroom.