Magic of Shadow and Secrets

Training Week 1 of Zadro, Zyler

Training Week 1 of Zadro, Zyler

The day begins with Banthikaar and Endurance Training. The Headmaster told me that my magic is very strong, but my body must be able to handle it. I may not be as muscular as Xeviero or as fast as Romelle, so I agree with Banthikaar when he says that I must practice. I learned something valuable this week with my mentor: I realized how much I love running at dawn. I can enjoy the sunrise as I put in some mild exercise. Sadly, no matter how much I focus, I still cannot harness lightning. I'm not entirely surprised as it is unlikely that I can manipulate more than one element.

Sen, my senior mentor, was just plucked from the battlefield in order to train me. He doesn't seem very pleased about being pulled from the frontlines. Takuma Sen is a man with jade-colored hair and impetuous obsidian eyes. He has intricate white tattoos on his scarred, chestnut skin. With all due respect, although he is extroverted and seems to mean well at times, he can be rather exasperating. Despite his menacing figure, he can be rather nosy and bluntly speaks his mind.

I admit that I was somewhat taken aback when I found out that I was assigned to community services. I assume it is because of my reclusive nature and Banthikaar is implying that I socialize more. Community services were very.....demanding. The people of the Dredston village expected me to take charge in order to compensate for the Bolverkr damages the town suffered from. Banthikaar even encouraged the idea of placing the responsibility of reconstruction and food distribution solely on me. This week has been quite trying.

As I was never familiar with the term "Therapy" until now, I wasn't quite sure what to predict. But by the reactions of my teammates, I assumed it was something vexing. However, spending more time with Banthikaar, my liking for chamomile tea and exchanging pleasantries increased. We usually talked about things we enjoyed.

I told him about the sun rising at dawn and the lake that I sometimes visit to clear my head. He told me about the literature in his office and how he likes applying it to his own life. I discovered that Banthikaar finds reflection invaluable. It helps with improving oneself and learning from the past. Perhaps the Headmaster has more in common with myself than I first believed.

To be frank, Survival Skills with my mentor, Sen, wasn't entirely pleasant. He is rather impatient and loud. Scaring away any potential prey in the wilderness. It is quite frustrating.

Animal Care may also be an activity to get me to socialize some more. I helped a golden retriever deliver puppies. I admit they brought a smile to my lips as I carried a newborn canine in my arms. They seemed so little and delicate. Banthikaar said that at 3 weeks, they'd have to be socialized.

I'm not sure if this is part of training, but Saiyah was struggling with inspiration for her poems, so I invited her to the farm that I was spending my time at. Guessing that she was more of a cat person, I showed her the barn cats loitering around the property. While they were reluctant around me, they took an immediate liking to my friend. They curled around her ankles, bobbed and weaved between her steps. They even purred as she cautiously picked them up. Perhaps this schedule isn't completely intolerable. I guess we will see what is in store for me next week.