SOREN
"…If you see the building over here, that would be our training ground. A wide area to master each of your abilities faster. We do have a rotation of schedule which trade would use it. That would be on your schedule, please see it later in the given pouch earlier in the orientation area." Mister Callahan says, Enhancer's Dean. A bit young, in his 30's? Probably. With already grey hair and a scar in his face. With plastered boredom in his face. This is one of my brother's mentor, Heiji. I recognized from the hair and too much hair gel.
"Look, our Dean is kinda hot right?" I heard two, no three girls talking about that behind my back. Really girls?
"Yeah he sure is…. Do you think he is single?" They said. The boys now have that jealous looks on their faces.
"To remind you all, we are the enhancer types." He started, scanned us, the newly students.
"Well, some says…. Hmmm…. Mostly everyone apparently. We have little Arcanum in our blood so, you know how they say that we are the most boring type of all. Do you agree?" He said, and pick a cigarette in his pocket. Yep, this is Heiji's mentor alright.
"This is candy, you know, if one of your asses reported me." He said, and looks at me. Then bites the candied cigarette. Does Mr. Callahan remember me? Or he thought I would really report his ass. Is that my impression on people? I don't even care most of the time. I'll go ask Selene later.
"No, sir. Enhancers are not the most boring Arcanum." Says the boy in a glasses. "In fact, it's the most helpful one, it could make you a Keeper. Someone who protects the Arcana in this world." And the people too, you know. The boy in the glasses said proudly.
Some student snickers though. He is just being positive, what's wrong with that?
"ERRR! Wrong kid. You didn't even make your point. That is just purely pathetic optimism. Enhancers are the most boring of the bunch. We just buff ourselves, and it would not even work if you are not physically fit. Right Wolfie?" He turned to my direction again. The kid deflates. Yep, he does remember me. With also my nickname. "How's Heiji? Still breathing?"
"..You recognized me huh. And yes he still breathing" I asked.
"Tell him I say hi. Well… Who wouldn't recognize you after the stunt you pulled in Echelon Arena?" He said that only I can hear.
"How did you…." I started.
"Just who do you think recommended you in this school, kid? That's why the director instantly has a liking to you." He said. "I want you to perform for me later, okay."
"…Wait" I said, but he distanced himself away.
"As I said, Enhancers sure are boring BUT most of us had a high mastery of our Arcanum than the rest. We heal faster, and our combat specialty is get close fast enough to not let them cast spell. Is it because of the low Arcanum in our blood? Because our ancestors were ancient warriors? Who knows. Archivist are still studying those theories. We are often underestimated…. Because we do rely on talent and trainings." He said then he looks at me again. Which earns me a stare with my fellow freshmen.
Ha-ha. I don't like attention.
"That is not a bad thing, you know and to motivate you, fellow enhancers – how about a mock battle from one of you and a fellow instructor in the Manipulator trade, specializing in elements in fire, Mr. Gaston? He is skilled, you know." He said. Damn it, he's coming closer. Putting me in the spotlight just in the first day. Great. "I'll pick. And whoever I'll pick should at least land a clean hit."
"Show me what you got, Ashen Wolf of the North." He said tapping my shoulder.
That earns murmurs near me. There goes my supposed bond with my classmates. I just hope they would not treat me differently.
"I know you dislike attention, but trust me – this little performance would make your whole life here much easier. He is watching you, you know." He said, then point me to where I go.
".. I should have paid attention to what's been Heiji saying to you." I said.
"Yes, you should've." He said. "Now go, I'll introduce you to Mr. Gaston in the mock battle arena."
Then he gestures the enhancers group to follow, and see how I fight to the little arena. As we walk, I noticed that – these are the sized of people in the orientation area, but double? Triple? Most students are here. The arena, with some of the creators on it, expanded the area so more students can see.
"Are you kidding me, all are watching?" I said, expecting it to be only the enhancer freshmen.
"Yes, I did kinda bet the director something – and it's just one of it."
"You owed me." I said, pissed off. "What did you bet this time?"
"I'll tell you in another time." He said and wink at me. Ah, this mentor that Heiji warned me about.
Mr. Gaston and I had a quick introduction – with Callahan leading the way and speaking something something in the crowd. I dislike attention like this, but somehow I am itching to fight just to vent my anger to Callahan.
"I am curious to fight you; you know – from why Callahan decided to bet on you." Mr. Gaston said. He is also seems from Callahan's age, but a bit older. He does seem to have that stripe top though that is distracting. "Just purely out of curiosity. It's also pretty rare that the director would arrange a mock battle after the orientation no less."
"Is Callahan's bet that big deal?" I asked.
"Well, of course, it's Callahan." He replied. Of course.
Callahan, explained the rules. Just make a clean hit. The crowd cheers. Whatever they are cheering for. This is dumb. I wanted to go home already and just sleep, play games or just tease my new roommate. Guess I should make this quick.
"….3…2…1… And start"