Prepare

Over the next few days I practiced and experimented with Mimicry.

I found that I could create essentially any simple shape that I understood, but complicated structures were out of reach for now. It seems that precision requires some amount of experience with, or a deep understanding of what I am trying to create. This means that a sharp blade is out of my reach for now.

Though that discovery raised a question in my mind. Why can't I replicate the sharpness of the sword I made during my awakening? I couldn't figure it out in the days I had, but I'd made a small amount of progress. The clearer an image in my head, the better Mimicry could replicate it.

I also came up with an idea for my own combat style. Vincent encouraged me to find one at the start of our training, and messing around with my magic gave me a burst of inspiration.

Every martial weapon has things they inherently do better than others. For example, spears for stabbing and range, axes for chopping, and swords for all-round close combat. So why not try to combine all of that into a tricky style of combat that only I can easily use. With Mimicry I can switch weapons on the fly, and make use of different weapons' specialties at my leisure. When swinging down with my sword, why not change the form into an axe for more power, or change it into a spear when stabbing an enemy my sword can't reach. Of course, this only works if I can change Mimicry's form quickly, and that's something I'm actively working towards.

Now I'm standing in front of Vincent in the training grounds, prepared to share my discoveries from this past week.

"Go ahead whenever you're ready." He prompts me.

"Huuu..." I sigh, preparing for a long presentation.

I quickly go through every single thing I'd rehearsed for this moment, without leaving out a single detail. Vincent is vastly more experienced than me, so instead of withholding anything from him, I'd rather get his valuable feedback for my own self-improvement.

He doesn't interrupt me a single time, and maintains his silence for a moment after I finish. Finally, he speaks.

"That's all very interesting, you did well."

"Thank you!" I tried my hardest, so the acknowledgement feels very good.

"And about this 'style' you spoke of..."

"Yes?" I stare at him with bated breathe.

"It seems like it could be effective for you."

"Yes, I put a lot of thought into it."

HELL YEAH!! I knew it was a good idea! I try not to let my excitement show on my face.

"But, don't get too excited just yet. It is still unrefined, and you do not yet have the skills to put it to the test."

Vincent's words pour down on me like a bucket of ice water. I understand what he's saying, and I know he's right, which makes me feel bad about getting ahead of myself.

"However you will not have to do it alone. I will still train yo,u just as I have in the past month. Since you now have a reason to practice weapons other than the sword, we will move on to something new." Vincent says, sporting a rare smile.

"I'm confident that you will be able to become proficient in everything I teach you before you leave for the academy. You've inherited your Father's natural talent, so I have faith." He continues with absolute confidence.

"Thank you! I will meet your expectations and more." I return his smile and confidence with my own.

"Good."

And so begins the final month before what will likely be the most hectic period of my lifetime.

* * * * * * *

A week before the school begins, in a large meeting room within the Faculty Building on the main campus of Shancross Academy.

The Vice Headmaster, a skinny middle aged man whose stature belies the power he holds, leads a meeting with most of the Academy's staff regarding incoming first years and orientation.

The Headmistress' seat is notably empty.

"Now that most of us have gathered, we can begin." The Vice Headmaster starts.

The room stays almost completely silent, despite the large amount of people present.

"We have many promising students arriving this year." A smiling older woman breaks the silence.

"Should we really begin without the Headmistress?" A handsome younger man interjects.

"Oh please Professor Adams, that witch hasn't shown up for a meeting since this time last year." Another younger man with a fierce expression follows.

"Professor Grafton, calling the Headmistress a witch is hardly proper. Also, that is exactly why I think we should wait, since she shows up for these meetings in particular." Professor Adams shoots back.

"Adams, Grafton, calm yourselves. We cannot be bickering right as the meeting begins, there are more pressing matters to attend to. The Headmistress is not present today because she is preparing for the tournament." The Vice Headmaster attempts to break up the brewing argument.

"Madam Valerie, you said there were promising students. Are there any you're keeping an eye on?" He turns to the older woman.

"Yes, there are. The Prince and Princess are obviously very notable, but the Marquis' son, and Duchess' daughter pique my interest." Madam Valerie responds.

The Vice Headmaster nods in agreement. "The Marquis' son is in first place for two of the first year Rankings, correct?"

"That is correct Vice Headmaster Astorias!" A familiar voice shouts from across the room. Most people present turn towards the source. It is Professor Zeal from the Academy Tour, standing in front of his seat as carefree as ever.

"I simply cannot wait to have him in my class!" He continues.

"I see..." Vice Headmaster Astorias appears weary at the sight of Professor Zeal.

The professor sits back down, seemingly satisfied with his addition to the conversation. The Vice Headmaster seems relieved. He pauses for moment to collect himself before continuing.

"Are all the preparations complete for the tournament? We can't leave this to the last second."

"Everything should be ready and we did not run into any problems on the way." Professor Grafton answers.

"Good, then moving on..."

The meeting continued for several hours after that with intermittent bickering. Very few issues were resolved.