A Bad Dream

[Sarah's POV]

"Now line up here and draw a number from this box on the right. The next one in the line will take a number from the box on the left."

I was nervous when teacher Trixie said, we would have to do a mock battle.

But also I was excited because even though I have measured to have high [Mana], I don't know how high it is. And got excited to test what I learned during the first week.

We didn't have money to spend on tests, so I wasn't able to learn in detail. From what I heard, they will measure us in the Academy during the first month. 

Thanks to my father, I learned <Burn >. That's a crucial spell in blacksmithing. I learned <Grease > from our neighbor, he was a cook. And learned <Freeze > from a butcher in our neighborhood.

I couldn't learn more spells because they cost a lot and we couldn't afford that.

In the first week of this class, we got to learn more of the low-grade spells. That night I was so excited and studied until morning. To my surprise, I was successful at casting <Shock >,<Haste > and <Defense >. 

It was like the more I studied and tried harder, the more I easily grasp the fundamentals of the spells. I tested my [Mana] with the highest cost low-grade spell and was able to cast 11 <Defense >.

I felt like I could cast one more but would lose consciousness after casting.

I was so happy that day. Even though my other attributes are not great. My [Mana] seemed to be great for my age.

I walked up to the box and drew a number.

[6]

After me, it was Young Master's time to draw.

To be honest I am very excited who I will be matched with. I was studying last night on how low-grade spells mostly used in combat. I got inspired by some of them to create my own strategies.

"Now I will call the number starting from [1]. Come to the arena when your number is called."

Teacher Trixie called the numbers starting from [1].

First two matches were short but third one was that guy Dion. He was the one talked to me before class. I didn't like the way he treated Young Master. He was acting like he knew Young Master and that irritated me.

His opponent was a girl with violet hair and dark eyes. They fought for almost 10 minutes.

In the end Dion lost to that girl. It was actually a fight that gave me some insight.

'I can use <Grease > that way? That means she knew she had more [Mana] then his opponent.'

I might use the same method because I am quite confident in the amount of my [Mana].

"Number [6]. Come forward." 

My number got called and I stepped up in the circle.

Then I heard...

"Sarah..."

"U-uh. Young Master."

My opponent is Young Master. Can I even fight against him, let alone win? What should I do? Will he be-. At that moment my thoughts were interrupted.

"Do your best. I don't like it when someone holds themselves back."

Young Master...

That gave me some courage. Okay, I will give my best.

"Yes, Young Master."

I took my stance and waited for the signal.

"3,2,1, START!"

***

*Pant

His mana badge is almost full. I am pretty sure one more hit and it will be my win.

But his eyes are looking at me with great shock and hatred.

I don't like it...

Should I lose but he might hate me more. And he seems to not have much mana.

Even if I let him hit the spells, he can't even fill my mana badge.

When I was about to cast. I felt the same thing I felt in that alley.

A sticky and drowning feeling. 

It's not as bad as that time because I can still breathe but...

I can't stop shaking. This fear... 

I can feel it in my bones.

I can't move.

He was halfway front of me.

And I heard teacher at that moment.

"STUDENT DYLAN, IF YOU DON'T STOP I WILL CAST!"

Why? Why is she shouting from there?

I looked at her in the corner of my eyes.

Teacher is shaking?

Even she is scared?

She's even scared to the point of not coming close here.

I looked at Young Master.

"It's okay, Young Master."

*BOOM

Then a huge <Fireball > run past between us but it was more closer to Young Master.

"STUDENT DYLAN! STOP!"

After that Young Master seems to gain his senses.

Huh? Young Master's arm and leg...

At that moment I felt like I was stabbed in my chest. I was overwhelmed by an indescribable sadness.

"Young Master! Please, someone! Call a doctor!"

I acted with <Haste > and run to Young Master. 

I hold him in my arms, he seems to be lost consciousness.

I looked at teacher Trixie and she still is in a shock.

"TEACHER! Call a doctor!"

With my words teacher came to her senses.

And she hurriedly used a communication device to call a doctor.

But even if they come here fast as they can. 

Is Young Master going to be fine?

Even if he survives, can his arm and leg be-.

Wait, I remember the time Young Master used <Retrieval > on me.

That was not a healing spell. Can it work? 

But I never used it before, I just checked in the book after I heard Young Master that day.

I read how the theory works but...

At that moment, I saw Young Master's face.

His face was so calm, unlike his awake self.

Right at that moment, I made a determined resolution.

Even if it costs me, I will save Young Master.

"<Retrieval >"

With casting <Retrieval >, I focused on my hands and touched Young Master's arm and leg.

This is more draining than I thought!

Why did Young Master used such a spell on me?

After a while I saw his arm and leg gaining it's original form.

At that moment, I lost consciousness.

***

[Trixie's POV]

"Sarah..."

"U-uh. Young Master."

"Do your best. I don't like it when someone holds themselves back."

"Yes, Young Master."

After they took their positions, I gave the signal.

"3,2,1, START!"

Dylan Snowlion, always 1st in exams and a perfectionist. Also a high noble with strong family ties.

Sarah Blacksmith, she was 2nd in the entrance exam under Dylan. She is a commoner and his father is a blacksmith. From the record I saw her having high [Mana] but she never got a detailed inspection. 

I will be watching you closely, Sarah. You might be the one I have been looking for all this time.

***

They are both great at utilizing low-grade spells to their advantages. Even improvising with the use of the spells.

I guess this much is to be expected from the 1st and the 2nd.

From their fight, I come to two conclusions.

Sarah is definitely the talent I was looking for. She has and absurd amount of [Mana] for her age. And fit to be my disciple. I should ask her to come to my office after class.

On the other hand, Dylan is...

Yes, he has great academic prowess and definitely smart. And he has a high amount of [Mana] for his age.

But even from this I can say, his other attributes are subpar to his classmates.

His stamina held up until now, but he is more beaten than Sarah at the moment.

Well, It's about time.

Sarah will win this match.

Wait? What is this?

I am shaking...?

I turned my head to Dylan, and saw him leaking something indescribable.

It's strong enough to even shake me.

What about the students?

I turned back to see all the students in shock.

Some on the floor, trembling and no one even can move.

I am not feeling that ba-.

While I was thinking, the feeling got stronger.

This is dangerous.

I will die?

What is this feeling?

I looked at Dylan. He was getting closer to Sarah. 

No, I have to stop him. Sarah will get hurt.

He's not stopping. 

I want to move and take action, but my body just don't want to come close to him.

"STUDENT DYLAN, IF YOU DON'T STOP I WILL CAST!"

I shouted. I don't think he even hears me.

He was halfway to Sarah and I acted without thinking.

I put 50% of my [Mana] into <Fireball > and I shot it between Sarah and Dylan.

But because my body was so scared of Dylan I instinctively shot it closer to him.

NO!

*BOOM

"STUDENT DYLAN! STOP!"

I shouted but was too late. He was already taking a step.

He seems to came to his senses. The aura disappeared.

"Young Master! Please, someone! Call a doctor!"

Sarah shouted something but I was too shocked to even move.

Dylan's arm and leg...

"They are gone..."

I whispered with a voice only I can hear.

Sarah was holding Dylan in his arms. She looked at me.

"TEACHER! Call a doctor!"

Ah. Yes, I should hurry.

I picked up my communication device and contacted the Academy.

After I told them the situation. They said the doctor and a priest will be here in 10 minutes.

The Academy is a huge place. So it's actually fast. They probably will get help from a magician.

But still will he be fine?

Will I be fine? Dylan is a high noble.

Well, I am the only sister of Duke Crion Silverborne. He holds the power in the south where our Dragonkin Empire is located.

This event will complicate relationships between empires for sure. We have to compensate the Snowlion family. But they're not an easy bunch.

While I was thinking, I heard Sarah.

"<Retrieval >"

What? Is she using an intermediate spell?

That spell can be useful in small wounds and some situations but retrieving an arm and a leg will put too much pressure on her. I can't even stop her from this distance.

While I was running towards them, I saw Sarah collapsing.

Huh?

When I arrived, I saw Dylan fully healed.

She actually did it? This is insane...

I quickly checked Sarah condition. She just seems to be exhausted.

Soon medic team arrived and they took both of them.

***

[Dylan's POV]

Hmm? This is the Snowlion estate?

I found myself in a long hallway.

It was decorated with expensive items and materials.

There was a snowstorm outside.

"What are you doing here, sweetie?"

I looked at the source of the voice.

It's my mom? Stella Snowlion.

I had to look up to see her face.

She has a beauty that I can't even describe.

Her hair, long enough to be on her hips and black like olives. Dark eyes with a tint of pink.

A true beauty that captivates you with just a glance.

*Sob

But why am I crying?

"Ah, sweetie, did you have another nightmare?"

I nodded my head without knowing.

"It's okay. Come here."

She hugged me tight and lift me.

My cry subsided, and I felt a comfort that I hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Look, what do I have here!"

She showed me a plushie. A white lion with patterns on it's back.

"Mr.Lion, Dylan seems to be sad. Will you play with him?"

"Roar! Of course-ar! We will play until dawn-ar!"

She changed her voice and acted like lion was talking.

*Laugh

I laughed and chuckled and she played with me until I slept.

***

Summer.

In the dukedom of Snowlion's, summers are short.

I was in the garden and training my swordsmanship.

"You're here as expected!" said Jennifer.

I felt irritated when I saw her for some reason.

"Why are you always training alone, big brother?"

She asked something I don't want to answer.

Why is she always smiling and on my tail?

Doesn't she fear me like the rest?

When she saw me staring at her.

"...? Something on my face?" 

She said with a smile.

Her face resembles mother. But she has bright gray hair and crimson eyes like my father.

Which makes me mad when I look at her.

"Don't disturb me while training."

"But I want to train with you." said while pouting.

She is only a year younger than me but already surpassed me.

Is she trying to mock me?

Do you just want to show how good you are?

Why can't I increase my proficiency as much as her, no matter how hard I train?

I got angry and leaked my aura without knowing.

She flinched a little but kept her smile and composure.

But I can see, her holding her hand to prevent trembling.

I composed myself, and the aura dissipated in the air.

"Then, I will see you at dinner. Work hard."

She said that with a smile but I could see her saddened eyes. After that she left.

And I started my training once more.

***

In a dark basement dungeon.

There was a man, tied up and muffled.

On the table next to him, there were tools neatly organized.

"Interrogational torture requires efficiency to extract information from enemy spies, whether it's conducted here or on the battlefield. Now, follow my instructions."

Stress positions, hooding, subjection to deafening noise, sleep disruption, sleep deprivation to the point of hallucination, deprivation of food, drink, and medical care for wounds, as well as waterboarding, sexual humiliation.

I learned these methods from my father and increased my efficiency. This was the only time when I realized I could grow by leaps and bounds. 

Every time I tortured, I gained efficiency and attributes faster than ever.

There were a lot of techniques required the use of [Mana] therefore I was able to increase it more than any of my attributes. I also gained efficiency with the other skills.

My father never taught these to my sister. I was the only one who learned these torture methods.

The thing is, this was the only time when I felt alive.

***

"FIRE! GO RING THE BELLS!"

"Huh? What's going on!"

Everyone was running back and fort, carrying buckets of water.

There was a fire in the building front of me.

It was where my sister usually trained.

I remember what I did that day.

Those flames brought me calmness.

But it vanished when I saw them carrying my sister to the outside of the building.

She was coughing but seemed not that hurt.

My father rushed at her and asked.

"Jennifer! Are you okay?"

"Ah, dad. Don't make a fuss. I'm fine." 

She said with a weak smile.

"What happened here? Who..."

While he was talking, father looked at me.

"You... What did you do?!"

He picked me by the collar and shouted.

My sister cut in.

"Dad! Stop it! it's not his fault!"

But my father was furious.

"I know what you are."

He whispered to me and then throw me to the burning fire.

*Pant *Breathe

At that moment I woke up.