Our Soul Nexus

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The lodging was set up to comfortably fit everyone, even if only for one night. The trip wasn't nearly as extensive as the last to Bedrock Forest. Part of the reason was because the village had their own happenings to attend to and couldn't take too much time to deal with the students.

Not only this, but it was probable that Professor Rist didn't want to keep the students from the academy for longer than two days.

But, because of the short time frame, everyone was expected to rise early for a full day of activities. They were split into three groups, herded to one activity after the next, stopping only for lunch.

The first session was an in-depth conversation on the ways a snow mage can survive in the north. It just about sent Rei and Claretta back to sleep, and Ayben wasn't too far off the same.

The second session was far more riveting for Claretta, where the inventory of specialised weapons was showcased by seasoned warriors. Each one had the full attention of Claretta, while Rei and Ayben were only mildly interested.

Ayben felt he was being more than a little ungrateful for the experience, but it wasn't that he thought it was boring, more like he took it all at face value. Any extra information was going through one ear and straight out the other.

Rei didn't seem much different.

It wasn't until after lunch, when the group's final session started, that not only Ayben, but Claretta and Rei all paid close attention.

Their group was taken outside the outskirts of the village for a display of ice and snow magic, a skill set honed to perfection by those in the north. It was fascinating to watch those dressed in thick polar robes move so fluidly with absolute control over the terrain, as if they were the very particles that made up the glaciers and snow.

After the third demonstration of ice control, the group reconvened.

Listari was spear heading the session, her expertise on full display. "Those were our three main ice spells. At your age, most of our village students learn these for basic survival. The next three will be taught to you in smaller groups, since snow control requires a more delicate strategy."

Ayben traded weary looks with Claretta and Rei.

Listari continued, waving her hand over the group in thirds. "One, two, three. Group one, go with Staros." She pointed to a tall male sorcerer with long braided blonde hair, then to the other mage, a woman with a black pixie cut, who had been their sparring opponent. "Group two with me, and group three with Relia."

Ayben was sent into group three, Claretta and Rei splitting up into group two. He felt a little anxious about the choice to part into different groups, but he had no way of requesting a change.

I mean, who am I to ask for the whole group to be trained together? I'm lucky they didn't just leave a few of us out to watch.

It sucked, but Ayben tried to focus on the good use he could get from unique snow spells. He had heard ice cream could only be made by someone with ice and snow magic skills, so if he managed to get the hang of it, his siblings would have a very pleasant surprise the next time he visited.

And maybe he could make some for Rizel, if he had never tried it.

He smiled at the though and it motivated him to fully devote his attention to the mage in front of himself and the seven others in his group.

She flicked her hair from her face, her yellow eyes glaring at each of the faces before her. Ayben felt like she was a little cold, no pun intended, towards them, but perhaps he was overthinking things.