By the time Marcus had exhausted his repertoire of basic offensive spells, Leo's defensive matrix had evolved into something that looked more like a work of art than a combat technique.
The crystalline structures pulsed with different colors depending on the type of threat they were designed to counter, and they moved with a fluid grace that suggested they were alive.
"Extraordinary," Professor Ironforge said, making extensive notes on his clipboard. "Mr. Vance, you've just demonstrated magical techniques that could revolutionize our understanding of defensive combat magic."
"I just didn't want to get hurt," Leo said weakly. "That's all. I have a very strong survival instinct and apparently my magic takes that very seriously."
"Your magic is remarkably intelligent," Marcus observed, studying the defensive matrix with obvious professional interest. "It's almost as if it's thinking several moves ahead, anticipating attacks that haven't even been launched yet."
Leo looked at his shields, which were indeed behaving with a level of tactical sophistication that seemed far beyond what he should have been capable of creating. "Is that... normal?"
"Normal?" Professor Ironforge laughed. "Mr. Vance, nothing about your magical abilities appears to be normal. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes the most effective techniques are the ones that break conventional rules."
The shields gradually faded as Leo's magical energy depleted, leaving him standing in the middle of the practice area feeling exhausted and more than a little confused about what had just happened.
"Well done, Mr. Vance," Professor Ironforge said. "Though I think we'll need to develop some specialized training exercises for you. Your defensive instincts are clearly far more advanced than standard curriculum can accommodate."
"Specialized training?" Leo's voice cracked. "I don't need specialized training. I need remedial training. Basic training. The kind of training for people who don't accidentally create revolutionary defensive systems."
"On the contrary," Professor Ironforge said, "I think you need training that can help you understand and control your natural abilities. What you've demonstrated today suggests that you have the potential to become one of the most effective defensive combat mages of your generation."
---
[New Achievement Unlocked: Accidental Combat Genius]
• Description: You've revolutionized defensive magic while trying to avoid getting hurt. This is either impressive or deeply concerning.
• Reward: Recognition as a combat prodigy and invitations to advanced training programs.
• Side Effect: People will now expect you to have opinions about military tactics and defensive strategy.
---
Leo slumped against the wall of the training hall, exhausted by the effort of maintaining a conversation with his own defensive magic. "I just wanted to... not get hit by spells," he said miserably.
"And instead, you've created a defensive system that could change how we think about magical combat," Marcus said with obvious admiration. "That's quite an achievement."
"It's quite a disaster," Leo corrected. "I'm supposed to be learning basic defensive techniques, not revolutionizing the field of combat magic."
From his pocket, Sir Reginald provided commentary with obvious pride. "I have to say, giant, that was the most impressive display of tactical cowardice I've ever witnessed. Your magic has excellent survival instincts."
"My magic has better survival instincts than I do," Leo muttered. "Which is probably why I keep accidentally achieving things that I never intended to achieve."
As the class ended and students began filing out of the training hall, Leo couldn't help but notice that they were all talking excitedly about his "revolutionary defensive techniques" and his "innovative approach to survival-based combat magic."
Professor Ironforge approached him as he was gathering his things. "Mr. Vance, I'd like to discuss the possibility of you participating in some advanced combat training. Your natural abilities suggest that you could benefit from more specialized instruction."
"More specialized instruction?" Leo asked weakly.
"Individual tutoring," Professor Ironforge explained. "One-on-one training sessions where we can explore your defensive capabilities in more detail. I think you have the potential to develop techniques that could be genuinely groundbreaking."
Leo looked around the training hall, taking in the sight of scorch marks on the walls, protective wards that were still glowing from the magical energy that had been discharged during the class, and the lingering traces of his own adaptive defensive matrix.
---
[New Quest Issued: Advanced Combat Training]
• Description: Professor Ironforge wants to give you specialized combat instruction. This will either make you more capable of defending yourself or more famous for your unusual abilities.
• Reward: Improved combat skills and the respect of the academy's military instructors.
• Failure Penalty: Continued confusion about your own magical abilities and the possibility of accidentally creating even more revolutionary techniques.
---
"I'll... think about it," Leo said finally, though he suspected that thinking about it would not make the decision any easier.
"Excellent," Professor Ironforge said. "I'll be in touch about scheduling. In the meantime, you might want to practice your basic defensive techniques. What you demonstrated today was impressive, but it's important to understand the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced applications."
As Leo left the training hall, he felt the familiar weight of unwanted attention and growing expectations settling on his shoulders like a heavy cloak.
"I think," he said to Sir Reginald, "my attempts to avoid becoming a combat specialist are failing as spectacularly as my attempts to avoid becoming an academic prodigy."
"Indeed," Sir Reginald agreed. "Though I have to say, your defensive magic has excellent taste in tactical priorities. Survival first, everything else second. It's a very sensible approach to combat."
Leo groaned. "I don't want a sensible approach to combat. I want to avoid combat entirely."
"I'm afraid that's no longer an option," Sir Reginald said gently. "But look on the bright side if you're going to be famous for something, being famous for not getting killed is probably better than being famous for getting killed spectacularly."
Leo had to admit that was probably true. Unfortunately, he was beginning to suspect that his reputation for not getting killed was going to lead to situations where not getting killed would become increasingly difficult.
---
[Warning: Combat Reputation Increasing]
• System Note: Your defensive abilities are attracting attention from people who might want to test them. Prepare for more challenging opponents and higher stakes.
---
As he made his way back to his dormitory, Leo couldn't help but notice that students were pointing at him and whispering about his "legendary defensive techniques" and his "revolutionary approach to survival-based magic."
His plan for avoiding combat training was not just failing it was failing so completely that he was becoming more famous for his combat abilities with each attempt to demonstrate his incompetence.
"I think," he said to Sir Reginald, "I need to accept that my life is never going to be simple or quiet or anonymous."
"Probably not," Sir Reginald agreed. "But it's certainly going to be interesting."