The Interview (2)

"I would like to join the Department of Elementalism."

Why? Because Enna was in it. I had no other reason to join Ishiyama.

At my words, another man stood up from the sofa beside me.

"Ah, my Saint. But, why would you want to do that?"

"I have always been intrigued by Elementalism."

What was Elementalism? Lianne had explained to me in detail.

Basically, the people in this world had mana flowing inside their body. Mana in its simplest definition is visible energy. They can channel it out directly or with the help of machines. The technique allowed them to acquire certain superhuman traits but like I had previously said, EVERYONE can be killed.

Just like how Hiratsu died even though he could morph his body into a rock.

The ability to change the form of the mana into a specific element and manifest it in the tangible world, is called Elementalism.

The mana inside the body usually had affinities towards certain elements while at other times, it was just neutral or plain, as one might call it.

Plain or pure mana could be used widely in a variety of industries, mostly as a source of energy, so it wasn't considered a waste however people had their own bias towards it.

While the mana with specific affinities wasn't impure as such, it only meant that the person would naturally progress in that direction much further and more easily.

The most desired elementalists were the ones using:

Photons- Light Elementalism

Electrons- Electric Elementalism

Neutrons- Radioactive Elementalism

Common ones found everywhere included: Fire Elementalism

Ice Elementalism

Water Elementalism

Earth (Rock) Elementalism

Air Elementalism

A few rare ones included:

Resonance: Sound Elementalism

Rejuvenation: Healing Elementalism

The classes weren't exclusive and only indicated what the person had polished and used their mana for. So people could naturally learn more than one type but they had to dedicate the time and resources to train it.

It was better to train one skill than practice a thousand. For example, a child who kept forming rocks on his skin as a shield would, with years of training, be able to make it as hard as a metal.

Most people had mana, however a select few trained it enough to get significant output.

The techniques required to cultivate it were all outdated when modern AI-based devices took over the task. Now, much larger output could be achieved with a much less mana decay rate. People can now simply train their output using technology made available with years of research.

However, not everyone reached greatness as the body naturally had its limits. Just like how not everyone could run a marathon or how certain people could out lift others in the gym.

So in summary, the people in this world had an extra ability which they had incorporated in their daily lives.

This ability was used everywhere, starting from the military to the streets of Reji city where performers earned their daily wage.

Enna is an electric elementalist, that is why she is naturally considered capable in the job market. She could join the security force or just work as an Engineer on a ship.

When I had asked Lianne what type I was, she had answered something which was beyond my expectations.

There are two more classes. However they are so rare that only documented cases have been reported in history.

One is Shadow Elementalism. The mechanism wasn't explored or studied so little to no information exists about it.

The only records people have are of people, starting from the Dark ages, practicing inhumane rituals in the name of the Devil.

However, actual people possessing such powers were killed in great battles against The Holy Army.

And the second is my Divine Elementalism.

Only the Saints chosen by God can use this.

There is usually only one or two Saints every century.

Since, the Saints are a depiction of God's will towards mankind, they are revered as Great Beings.

They have strong offensive powers and healing powers, however, it is said that the cost they pay for such miracles are quite heavy unlike normal Elementalism.

Coming back to current matters, my plan was to follow Enna, and she was currently studying the basics of Elementalism and perfecting her own art.

"It has always been my wish to study the history of Elementalism and since the Saintess is already present, I want to explore my options in other fields. Possibly a combat related job."

I lied through my teeth.

"In that case, let me help you My Saint."

I turned to see the person who had just spoken.

She looked like a woman in her late twenties. With spectacles and had shoulder length-brunette hair, she seemed to be a well established teacher.

"My name is Collete Dallaire. I am in charge of the Department of Elementalism."

She politely bowed.

"Combat?", a voice interrupted her.

"What can a guy like him do in combat?"

I turned towards this person who was deliberately trying to pick a fight.

At the end of the sofa, I saw two people, with identical hair colours, staring at me.

Their faces resembled the man's picture which John had shown me.

'Belford's children, huh?'

They had brown hair and exuded an aura of luxury.

I looked at the boy. His nose was crooked and he was wearing a similar shaped extravagant ear-ring.

'That earring stores mana as a reservoir', Lianne told me.

He was ready to fight me, getting all jumpy in his seat. His expression and actions were brass and rowdy.

I shifted my gaze to the next person.

The girl wasn't ugly unlike her brother, and she had jewellery all over her body.

She was wearing an earring too, but hers was shaped more like a rhombus, spirally decorated with intricate gold.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down, head to toe. She paused for a second on my face, then on my chest and finally on my trouser.

'Rich guy's twin children. One was an arrogant brat and the other, a conniving sister.'

'That's stereotyping, Ray but I will agree with your remarks', Lianne said.

"If he's so strong to seek combat, he should be fine with a little spar with me, right?", the brown haired douche declared.

"That's a great idea! We should have a spar to see if the Saint is worth his mettle." The old bald man finally spoke after all this time.

"But Professor Wang, you cannot ask the Saint to engage in combat", another man sitting beside the principal said.

"But why not? The Saint himself claims to want combat, so what is wrong with a little spar?"

[Divine message received from ???]

Suddenly, I received something.