Chapter 62 - Let's merge

This class is supposed to help us improve our combat proficiency when using instruments. I imagine, even before entering, that the professor will have us work on our basic weapon handling ability. Beyond that, however, I'm unsure how she could help us reach the next level since every [melody] is different and the purpose of instruments is to channel said [melodies]. While I am curious to see what this class will be centered on, that is not what I am most excited for. What has me enthusiastic about the class is the person teaching it. Lisa Silverthorn, a famous third stage [enlightened] known throughout the nation. As someone who used to be quite into reading about the [enlightened] world, I have been quite infatuated with her. 

It is still hard to believe that I will see her in person, but when I enter the class, there she is. Her auburn hair is tied in a tight bun at the back of her head and and her viridescent eyes look towards a book she holds in her hand. Enthralled by the story within the pages, she bites her lip, making it evident that she is going through a tumultuous passage.

Paper books, or anything made of paper for that matter, are considered old fashioned, but they still exist. It seems Professor Lisa is someone who likes to stick to the old ways, she resembles Aurora in that regard. While comparing the two, I find a seat and prepare to listen. When the time has come, she sets her book down and announces the start of the class. She speaks with a stern voice, in a very professional manner.

"Welcome to my class DaiKar trainees. Now that you're here, let's all go to the practice field."

She points to the wall behind her. 

"Let us not waste any more time."

With a determined stride, she heads straight for the wall, inching closer with every moment. Her confidence is apparent, making me believe there must be some sort of mechanism that will let her through, but she smashes face first against it. Without so much as acknowledging her blunder, she takes a step back, scratches her head, and looks around. Subjected to her stern gaze, no one dares to make a sound. 

"Ah, right. I remember hearing something about this."

She returns to her desk, grabs a controller, presses a few buttons, but nothing happens. The mole under her left eye moves as it witches in frustration. 

"Strange."

Then, she decides to look through her watch, in search of something that could help her. She fiddles with it for a while, but to no avail. Eventually, one of us speaks up.

"W-What are you looking for Professor Lisa?"

She snaps at him immediately.

"Professor Silverthorn to you, and I'm fine thank you, just be patient." 

After that cold answer, not a soul dares to question her anymore. We all patiently wait for her to figure out what it is she is trying to do. She goes through her watch some more, lets out a long sigh and decides to call someone.

"...Yes, mhm, for the training session, yes. Top left, then top right, then center, then access code. Tell me once more…. Yes, I understand, many thanks."

She returns to her watch and methodically follows the instructions she has been given. Finally, when the final input has been made, a loud mechanical sound resonates. The wall comes down, and a large room filled with white is revealed. Without a hint of embarrassment tied to this situation, the professor turns to speak to the class.

"Make your way to this room."

We all hesitantly raise, finding it difficult to simply disregard what just happened. Her lack of care, however, leaves us no choice but to brush it off and head into the room. Upon entering, what I see is a wall lathered with instruments, some even going beyond the four basic ones. Additionally, I also see another man who does not wear the DaiKar trainee uniform. Before my confusion grows, Professor Silverthorn, who has reached one end of the room without me even noticing, commands us to stand in rows in front of her. She then introduces the man.

"This is Professor Quill."

'... Isn't she going to say anything else?'

The dark-haired Professor Quill clears his throat.

"A-Ahem. Professor Silverthorn and I had a discussion, and we have come to an agreement. We believe it would be beneficial if COMB I2-1 and MELO-U2-1 were to be combined this year. We believe the best way to learn to use instruments is through simultaneously learning to better control your [melodies. The two are closely intertwined, after all. I will be pushing your creativeness and providing insight into [melody] improvement and modification while Professor Silverthorn will be furthering your skill. "

Professor SIlverthorn adds on to this.

"Yes, that is correct, now please, grab an instrument from one of the walls, and stand into a flashing square on the ground, one person per square."

We all do as we are told. Then, instructions display onto our watches. 

[Channel your [melody] into your instrument.]

I have since long been able to channel my [melody] into my sharpsong. However, it does not lead to flashy effects like some of the other trainees. I mostly use it as a catalyst for harmonic destruction. Instead of only using my aegis to understand [melodies], I can also use my sharpsong. Besides that, there is not much else I am able to do. I swing my sharpsong, producing musical notes which align with my [melody], and effectively channeling my abilities into it. Another set of instructions appears alongside a stone golem facing me.

[Now with your enhanced instrument, strike Professor Quill's stone golem. If your [melody] is offensive, do so while channeling it or simply make use of it. If not, strike it with pureflow.]

I comply, and perform my strike. Professor Silverthorn's voice resonates in my head 

[Your arm is too high at the beginning of your swing, again.]

That is her [melody]. She was widely known for being a human satellite tower. Even in wastelands, she could serve as an information relay point. One of her epithet is actually the 'watchtower'. According to her, as long as she has the face of the person she wants to talk to in mind, she can send her voice directly to them. The only downside is that they cannot reply. I swing again, and this time, I hear Professor Quill's voice throughout the arena.

"For the next month, your training will be quite simple. You will swing, shoot, or wield your instrument until you have exhausted your pureflow reserves. Then, you will wait a few minutes or so, and do the same thing again. It might sound like a foolish endeavor, but just as your heart and brain are muscles that can be trained, so is the place from which you draw flow. The more you use it, the stronger it will grow! Additionally, as you make use of your flow reserves, Professor Silverthorn will correct your posture while I will make rounds and correct your efficiency!"

A new set of instructions appear on the watch.

[The golem will now strike back, if your [melody] possesses a defensive aspect, channel it into your instrument, or simply make use of it. If not, defend using pureflow or evade]

I expect a slow and clumsy strike, but the golem attacks me with frightening speed and precision, barely allowing me to defend with my sharpsong. I should have seen this coming since this golem is the product of a second stages's [melody]. 

[Block with your manifested aegis, blocking with your instrument is pointless for you.]

I stumble. It is difficult to keep my cool when a foreign voice inserts itself between my thoughts, especially in the middle of a 'battle'.

This training session goes on for the next 2 hours and a half. I strike the golem, it strikes back, and I block it with my [melody]. This golem is surprisingly powerful. I have already had to take a break due to pureflow exhaustion, and I am currently barely able to manifest my shield. 

From time to time, I would hear a voice in my head which would correct my posture or give me instructions. While it does seem pointless, and not much different from what we did back on the mountain peak, I can somewhat grasp its purpose. While Maestro Lauren was tasked with ridding us of fear and hesitation in real battle scenarios, these two are aiming to elevate our technical skill and our proficiency as [enlightened] beyond simple combat ability. Right before class time comes to an end, Professor Quill approaches me.

"Alden? Am I right?"

"Uh, yes"

"Could I ask you a few questions?"

My sharpsong clashes with the Golem's stone skin.

"Y-yes?"

He quickly realizes that I am having a difficulty discussing with him while I am battling the golem. He waves his hand in the air and it freezes. I take a moment to catch my breath, and he continues.

"Which of these processes uses up the most of your pureflow; manifesting your shield, maintaining it, or accumulating damage?"

I stroke my chin.

"Well, I would say probably manifesting it. I use pureflow everytime it comes into existence, but I don't lose any by maintaining it. If I summon it after it has been completely destroyed, however, that is where I use the most pureflow."

He looks me up and down.

"I see that it is fixed in space once manifested, can you move it around?"

"...Yes, but it is a bit difficult and requires a high level of concentration. It's like controlling a strange new limb. I have been practicing, but for that reason, I tend to avoid doing it, especially in combat. I can also wield it if I want to, but I am not proficient with the sword and shield battle style so I do not."

He squints his eyes.

"I see…. Please make it spin around you at an arm's length distance."

I do as I am told.

"Now, please, manifest it once on your right side at about an arm's length then on your left side at the same distance."

I accomplish the task without retorting. I am not sure I understand what he is verifying. Professor Silverthorn soon appears next to him.

"I see you've noticed it too Professor Quill."

"Yes, Professor Silverthorn. He is indeed quite inefficient."

I voice my confusion.

"I'm sorry, what are we talk-"

"Silence." Professor Silverthorn says.

Professor Quill offers an apologetic smile, and they both retreat. I see Professor Silverthorn take out a piece of paper, and both professors discuss as she writes on it. They come back, and hand it to me. Looking around, I notice that a few students are analyzing similar sheets of paper.

Following their example, I observe mine.

Alden Thorne

Exercise for the coming month: Endure hits from the golem while maintaining your shield in its manifested state. Do NOT release its manifestation unless it breaks. Move it in space to block the attacks.

Objective: Increase the shield's manifestation time.

'Sounds easy enough…'