23. To New School XI

While standing on the platform and looking for clues, Mattheia's group quickly realized that this dragon phoenix creature was not taking any actions as long as they did not move forward to the edge.

The question was: why? And the answer could potentially lead them to passing this trial finally.

"Ok, but how are we going to figure out what's the target of this trial?" asked Sherkhan "If we stay here, we are all safe, but the very moment we move at least bit forward, we get hit with spells from this monster."

Kashia shrugged and Dia scratched her head. Only after a longer while, Mattheia finally started talking:

"You mentioned that dragon phoenix is a kind of creature that requires to feed on energy to keep its strength" he addressed these words to Kashia "So I've been wondering, if we are in such an unpleasant spot for it to be, how long can it stand guard without getting tired?

Angel girl did not reply immediately, thinking for a bit.

"It's hard for me to say if I'm to be honest" she finally said "It depends on how active this dragon phoenix is and how big its magical capacity is. If it just circles in the air like the way it is doing now, I would expect no longer than hour before regular one from this species needs to land to get rest, but even then, it would still be capable of fighting. If it was to fight at full strength, I don't think it could withstand more than few hours."

"That doesn't sound like something we could use, if I'm to be honest" Kabanos sighed "With what you said, going into a face-on fight would be a demanding task, and - given the time we already spent here - I doubt teachers would aim for us staying here for hours. So, there must be something else we should notice."

"What if we would involve others who made it here?" Sherkhan suggested "Don't get me wrong, I want to take the credit for taking down a beast like that, but despite what you may think about me wanting to test my skills, I'm not suicidal and will take any help available."

Other three laughed out loud to the point of everyone in vicinity looking at them with suspicion, or even as if they were thinking Mattheia's group lost their minds.

"Sorry, Sher" Kabanos finally spoke to him after managing to stop laughing "It's just we never thought you realized how crazy your jumping in front of any enemy was until now. If it wasn't a school test, I wouldn't let you act like that for sure."

"Really?" Gerhan looked surprised "And here I thought you trusted me that much..."

"There's a difference between trust and letting someone head for their death" Mattheia pat Sherkhan's arm "You are definitely going to become a great, fighter. I have no doubts about it, especially since you realise what you need to change."

"Ok, guys, it's great you are so understanding and showing this bro approach" Dia interrupted them "but we still need to pass this dragon phoenix. I hope you didn't forget."

"Yeah, so what's the plan in the end?" Kashia asked "Are we going to get others onboard with this or you have some amazing plan to go with instead?"

Mattheia took a few steps forward, just a step before the spot where Sherkhan was previously hit by the dragon phoenix's attack. The beast looked at him, and yet, there was no attack aimed at him. 

Moment later, the boy returned to others.

"What was that about?" Gerhan asked him immediately "Where you measuring attack distance?"

Kabanos nodded.

"Indeed, I am wondering what are the conditions for the attack" he started explaining "and it seems there is quite a bit of place to move around without getting attacked. Now, we need to think how to use this information and whether involving others is going to be useful for us."

Kashia clapped her hands.

"So, your point is the beast is not our target, and we should find a proper path?"

"It's a possible scenario" Mattheia confirmed "though it's not that obvious, and we may need to go through trial and..."

A loud, cracking sound echoed as one person from one of nearby groups was launched into the air by the gust of wind caused by a sudden attack from the creature. Somehow, that person was now flying into their direction - Kashia stopped his fall by using wind magic.

"Thank you" the boy bowed to her "For a moment there, I thought I was a goner."

"I doubt teachers would have allowed for something to happen to you" Kabanos told the guy "In case of anything, they likely have someone to react."

The boy shook his head.

"I heard of you, Mattheia Matos del Ros Kabanos, and saw what you did during trials so far" he spoke to Mattheia "I guess, you not knowing much about this city and school competition is true."

"And who are you, and what do you know?" Kabanos asked him.

The boy straightened his uniform for it to look at least slightly better after the hit he received moments ago.

"Pethyr Pathor del Azur Khorizos" the boy introduced himself, his name presenting noble class origin "You guys need to know that competition between schools is on another level in the recent years, so I can imagine teachers pushing us here more than we could expect. Looking at who we have for this event, and how it is different from what my parents told me, I suggest you guys are careful here."

He was about to try and head back to his group, but Mattheia stopped him.

"Wait for a moment."

"Don't worry, I already got a hang of where the border is, I'll manage to get back."

"No, that's not it. I have an offer."

Pethyr blinked, confused by what Mattheia just said, but stopped and waited for what he had to say.

"I get where's your idea coming from" Khorizos said after listening to Kabanos "It may be a good deal for my group, given everyone agrees, but do you even need to do that?" his tone was suggesting he was suspicious "What kind of plan do you exactly have?"

"Just discuss within your group, and feel free to invite anyone who would like to join, that's all. We will get to details once everyone gathers here."

Pethyr was still looking at him with suspicion, but sighed before saying:

"I'll see what can I do."

With these words, he walked towards the place his group was staying.

"Do you really think it's wise to make the group bigger than it is now?" Dia asked once Pethyr walked away far enough to not hear them talking "I understand the reasoning here, but I cannot forget how I was treated before."

"Don't worry, rely on us in case of anything" Kashia told here "Still, what this guy said about this competition between schools. Any of you heard anything about it?"

Mattheia, Kashia and Dia shook their heads, but not Sherkhan.

"What is it, Sher?" Kabanos asked him "Do you know something?"

Gerhan nodded.

"I think I do, but I'm not really sure..."