Chapter 30

When everyone was done eating, they left the dining hall and went to the school. It was very crowded, but they managed not to get lost. They got to class and sat where they had previously sat the day before.

"So, did you enjoy sitting with the girls?" Nathan asked in a mocking tone. Eleanor scoffed and said, "Yes, it was far better than sitting with you. I think I might even change seats."

"That would be dramatic, I'm not going to lie. Seriously though, did you enjoy it?"

"It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. They were telling the truth when they said they didn't gossip, so I'm not complaining, at the moment, that is."

"Well, if you ever feel that they aren't your type of friend group, you can always come back and hang out with me," he said with a proud expression.

"No, I'm not saying I'll be with them all the time. I'll still hang out with you."

"Oh, well, that's great. Why is the class so quiet? Oh, Mr. Ryan's here."

He was standing in front of the class, staring deeply at the two of them.

"Thank you, now let's do attendance. You are all here, good. Regular classes begin in 16 minutes, so do whatever you want. I don't care," he said.

"We'll go look for the library after we have lunch. Oh, we also have to start working out so that we can stay in shape," Nathan said.

"I agree."

Time passed, and it was now time for the classes that were actually important.

In a dimly lit classroom, the students eagerly gathered around their esteemed teacher, Ms. Faith.

"Good morning, young mages," Ms. Faith greeted her students with a warm smile. Her eyes sparkled with knowledge and experience. "Today, we embark on a journey to master the fundamental skill of protection in the realm of magic: casting shield spells."

She began by explaining the essence of a shield spell. "A shield spell," Ms. Faith elucidated, "is like a magical barrier that surrounds and protects you from harm. It can ward off physical attacks, deflect projectiles, and even safeguard against harmful magical energies. It's a fundamental skill for any budding mage."

The students leaned in, hanging onto every word. Ms. Faith continued, "Now, the key to a successful shield spell lies in your concentration, intent, and visualization." She held out her hand, and a translucent, shimmering barrier materialized around it. "Watch closely."

She projected her thoughts into the spell, and the barrier turned into a wall that protected her. It then undulated in response to her will. "You must visualize your shield as an extension of yourself, an impenetrable wall that surrounds you completely. Feel the energy flow through you, and let it manifest as this protective barrier."

She then explained the three critical components of casting a shield spell:

1. **Focus**: "To begin, you must find a deep state of focus. Clear your mind of distractions and channel all your attention into the spell. Your intent should be crystal clear – to shield yourself from harm."

2. **Energy**: "Next, gather your magical energy. It resides within you, in your core. Feel it welling up, like a reservoir of power waiting to be tapped. This energy will be the fuel for your shield."

3. **Visualization**: "As you channel your energy, visualize the shield forming around you. See it as a shimmering, protective cocoon. Your mind's eye is the architect, and your will is the builder."

Ms. Faith then proceeded to demonstrate the casting process step by step. The students watched, mesmerized, as her shield spell effortlessly repelled magical darts and conjured fireballs directed at her.

After her demonstration, she turned to her attentive pupils. "Now, it's your turn," she encouraged. "Close your eyes, find your inner energy, and visualize your shield. Feel it forming around you, impenetrable and invincible. When you're ready, channel your energy into the spell, and let it come to life."

The classroom buzzed with magical energy as the students closed their eyes and began to concentrate. With Ms. Faith's guidance, they practiced forming their own protective shields, each one unique and shimmering with their personal energy.

As the lesson concluded, Ms. Faith smiled at her eager students. "Remember, the path to mastery is through practice and dedication. Shield spells are a vital tool in your magical arsenal, and with time and effort, you will become formidable protectors of both yourselves and those in need."

"Tomorrow we'll be testing your shields, so make sure to practice today. You can use the remaining time to practice; just don't hurt each other," she said.

At the back where Nathan and Eleanor were sitting, the two turned to each other.

"Today we'll test each other's shields. I'll throw a rock at you, and you do the same, okay?" Eleanor said.

"That's exactly what I was thinking, except with swords," Nathan exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh, we can also do it with swords. Where are we going to find them, though?" Eleanor asked as she tilted her head in wonder.

"Not sure, we should ask Mr. Ryan since we are going to him last period," he responded confidently, but Eleanor gave him a complex look. "What?" he asked curiously.

"I somehow doubt that he'd give us weapons. If you think about how strict the school rules are," she said.

"We will tell him that we really need them for practice. I'm sure he's not going to turn away students who want to further their studies, right?" Nathan said. His words convinced Eleanor, who smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, I think if we say something along that line, we might have a higher chance of getting him to borrow us some wooden swords. But first, we have to put on a good performance during his class so that he sees that we are aspiring students who want to become the best," she said while nodding. Her words kept convincing her that her plan would work, and Nathan also felt the same way. He was smiling ear to ear as he listened to her.

"That's genius!" he said in amazement. Eleanor smirked with pride, putting her hand under her chin and said, "I know, my genius knows no bounds. You're lucky to have such an intelligent friend."

"Wow, you had to make it about you. How Eleanor of you," he said.

"What!! Don't say that; you will give everyone listening a bad idea of me," she said.

"Who the hell is listeni-" Nathan then looked at the two people in front of them, being Gabriel and Isabella.

"Only now you notice us, how dense of you," Isabella said disdainfully. Gabriel also shook his head in disappointment.

"I'm weird for not noticing, aren't you supposed to announce your arrival?"

"He's right there," Eleanor defended her best friend. Nathan smiled, and she did as well. Isabella and Gabriel simply stared at the two and wondered what they were thinking about.