A Little Test
The day commenced with Arthas attending Rein's class, where a two-hour session covered installments, orientation, and debriefing. The next item on the agenda was the Arcane class.
Out on the field track with students from different blocks, they were distantly scattered. Arson, their Arcanist for the semester, made his presence known.
It was said that he was proficient in flame magic but adept with other elements.
Arson had a robust physique and an imposing demeanor. His mage outfit, though typical, accentuated his figure, and a bright blue gem hung from his neck.
His intense gaze stunned anyone who would see eye to eye. He caught everyone's attention.
Arson addressed the class, "I'm Arson. I specialize in flame magic, but I can handle other elements. I'll keep it brief; line up and demonstrate your arcane abilities, no matter the element."
He pointed his hands towards a dummy target that was relatively distant. It was a wooden straw-doll that Arthas often saw back at home.
There were hundreds of straw dolls evenly spread distance in between, they were being utilized as a training dummy gauging their capabilities. Arthas was prepared, however there was only one spell that he could use right now.
It was the spell that destroyed a mythical creature. He knew that he would be drained and tired after he cast the spell, but he felt safe knowing that he was just at school.
"Destroy the target, first years are first years. I won't expect much"
He gestured towards a distant dummy target, setting the stage for destruction. As students took turns showcasing their skills, ranging from explosive to lackluster.
When it was Anna's turn, Arthas didn't know how much her conviction in restoring her family name was she determined to do. She held up a wooden wand that had a polish shine exuding a glistening glow.
He silently observed her as she weaved her hands in the air and recited an incantation. A fiery ephemeral wind surrounded her body and wand.
Anna's eyes were fully focused on what was in front of her, leaving only her and the target. A spark began to manifest that is becoming larger with every second as she infused focused mana onto the small flame.
Arthas was now able to slightly discern mana flow, but would still have difficulty figuring out even the basic flow and properly see the rate at which it is being used and where it is going.
The fireball blew fast and landed exploding on contact, usually the dummy would be either burned or left unscathed from the weak magic, but this time it was completely charred.
Arson's eyebrow went up impressed by her display of power. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence that one would burn a training dummy but considering they were first years it was impressive.
"You have experience as well as skill, good work. Next!"
There was nothing as nerve-wracking as being asked to present up front, it was one of Arthas's fears, he didn't necessarily like talking or presenting, just that he was forced to do so.
As he walked towards the required distance he remembered what he and Ralia talked about.
"Hey Ralia, if somebody asks me to perform a spell what should I do?"
"Do what you can, you have a large amount of mana, but you aren't capable of using it. Use what you have"
Arthas was learning magic by being taught by Ralia but to a failed extent, he wasn't able to perform even the most basics.
Considering that Incinerate according to Ralia is an intermediate difficulty spell it was surprising at the same time disappointing.
"Well, if they think you're an Arcanist with the property of being a tamer then it's good. Hey, idiot don't eat everything leave some for me—"
Back to the present where he stood at the right distance and has been waiting for permission to fire.
Arthas wondered why it was better to let others know that he is an Arcanist than a summoner.
He never really understood why, back from Earth everyone dreamed of being a summoner. Getting pets and monsters to fight and all idealistic stuff.
"Arthas, you may fire at will, show me everything you have."
'Everything I have huh? To hell with it, you want everything? I'll give you everything.'
He gritted his teeth as he silently chanted Incinerate, the spell that burned through his enemies.
Unbeknownst to him, everyone saw his eyes burn bright blue and hands with a sharpened smile.
His rather explosive and turn of attitude promptly shocked Anna and Arson.
The surrounding area shifted winds and the temperature increased. The roar of flames engulfed the area as every student present watched the firestorm.
The dummies were in the eye of the firestorm as it continued to expand in diameter with blue flames whirling around burning the nearby dummies, charred.
The spell ended quickly, with just a few seconds it managed to burn the ground and leave no trace of any nearby training dummy, even ashes were not found.
'Well damn, I guess I overdid it…'
It was certainly too much, Arthas didn't expect such firepower to come out. Ever since the fight with the Giant Snake he felt that his power was stronger than ever.
Everyone was staring at him with shock and awe, he looked around and even the teachers from other classes stopped and looked at their way.
He looked at his classmates and their faces were all dumbstruck. He didn't know what excuse to make if they asked what just happened.
"A monster indeed…" Arson mumbled surprised by what just happened.
It was an explosive spell and one that would be of great value being taken into account the mana it must consume, it still amazed Arson, who is very efficient with fire magic, but..
"It is Impressive, but not efficient. You slack too much on controlling your mana, and control of your flames is lacking, you still have a lot to learn Arthas. Next!"
After that display of power every performance became dull and lacked luster compared to the spell Arthas performed.
Everyone felt lost and undermined their own spell, in turn weakened their mental capability thus made their spell weak.
Confidence and imaginations play a big role in things like these. According to Ralia, it helps you manifest spells faster and amplify the damage that it would bring.
Arthas felt bad about killing their confidence but what's done is done.
'Mana control, huh'
It was one of the things that Arthas lacked, being thrown into a world filled with magic it wouldn't make sense how he would know how to control mana in a short period of time. People on this planet only learn mana control after a year or even more after being exposed to mana, according to her.
Still he was able to cast even without properly knowing the fundamental meaning of mana. For him it was amazing and a miracle.
But other than that it was difficult to fully grasp its concept. It's like giving a man a gun, they know how to shoot if you show them or give instructions but don't fully understand how to use it efficiently.
'What a dark analogy, but it's the best I can think off'
The class finished with a sullen atmosphere, people were humbled, some idolized, but all of them knew. Arthas was a monster they had to worry about.
"This would be the end of our first meeting. I understand that some of you have some experience, with some being more destructive than others. But nevertheless, I invite all to take the path of being an Arcanist."
He looked at Arthas with eyes of wariness and caution. Arthas didn't know what to make of this although he was used to getting something like this in his past life, it did not sit well with him.
"Before I end, I recommend you rest, your afternoon class after this includes strenuous physical activities. Dismissed"
The sun was high and full of vigor as its sunlight illuminated as Arson left them on the grounds.
It was once again lunch and Arthas had to leave because the people's stares that he garnered were making him uncomfortable. It wasn't a feeling that he was not certainly not used to receiving.
'Don't look at me like that, I didn't expect it to be that destructive as well!'
Anna didn't follow Arthas nor did he look for her. The afternoon came with an even more surprise to Arthas, Physical Education. What came next he didn't expect.