Vera 2: An Unexpected Test...
 

OOC: Ecurt sent me the next chapter since he's away this weekend, so I'm posting it up.

"You know...it's always been funny how...nevermind."
"No, go on. How is what funny?"
"It's ironic in a way that our lives are reflections of one another. I bet that when this is done you shall be known as the Supreme Savior, or some other lame name and I...."
She chuckled. "And you will be called the Devilish Demon of Doom."
"Devilish Demon of Doom? I like the sound of that."
"You know...so do I."

"I envy you."
"Don't. Please don't."


* * *

It was morning, and today was a day most people dreaded.
Today there would be Demon handling exercises, and for the first time since the age of the Eternal Guardian, demons had been captured and were actually being used in the lesson.
They were only of the lowest grade (J), but there were a lot of them,and for this reason all of the cadets were gathered together.
Retsa, the new master of the academy, stood out in front of the group, just before the gate into the field. "Now, I know that you most have never fought demons before, and that's okay. We've gathered you all here to gain some experience, something you cannot get simply by reading a book or perfoming drills.
"The teachers here are going to grade you on your performances on how you perform individually as well as with others. The test is about to begin."
With everything explained she began turned to return to her office, pausing only momentarily as she passed Zek. "I hope your eyesight has improved. We have only so many beds in the infirmary."

OOC: Ecurt's message ends, and a quick word from Zek...

"I can assure you my eyesight has never been better, but when a student needs help and panics, they tend to run around, and a mild burn or two never killed anyone. Besides, I made sure the infirmary is stocked with Burn Salve, so there shouldn't be any problems..." Zek replied before Retsa walked off.

Zek then turned to the students and thought, <Hmph, half these children are barely off the bottle, and the other half is lucky to have been able to put their clothes on right this morning. I have a feeling I'll need to cast a lot of magic to help these brash young fools...>.

Zek then said, "Alright, most of you have my class, but for those that don't, I am Professor Feromus. I normally teach Vera Manipulation and Conjuration, but for today, this is a very special occasion. As the new Headmaster said, this is the first time since the days of the Eternal Guardian that we have let our students fight demons, because in the age of peace there was no need. Times are becoming more dangerous however, so you will need the experience if you want to become half-way decent guardians. For now, just get ready for the test, and I or one of the other teachers will be back when the time comes to begin the test." Zek finished his speech, and walked over to converese with the other teachers and class heads who were standing nearby, also there to keep an eye on the students.

Catenan was also there, mop, sponge, and bucket of water ready. The teacers were expecting a lot of blood, and it might hit the walls or something.

Jason came prepared for the test. He kept two zweihanders in his room, a large, thick one he dubbed Flamebellow, because it was the first sword he forged himself in the academy blacksmith shop, and a thinner one of equal length he called Wilhelm's Pride, after his father. He usually trained with the latter sword, as it allowed him to evade and move with more agility. However, it was Flamebellow strapped to his back today.

Still, although he was confident and ready as always, he couldn't shake a bad feeling he had since he saw the demons he and his friends would eventually face. These are lower-level demons? They look a little too vicious for the weaklings the teachers made them out to be... He shrugged it off.

"Professor Feromus, who will take on these demons first?" Jason asked.

Kirin just sat there, jaw hanging open half from suprise, and half from excitement.
Demons...What kind? They can't be too bad, just little bitties. I think.
He was shaking with anticipation born of fear as well as nervous excitement. This was supposedly a Vera focusing test. Typically not a problem for him, but demons, he'd only read about demons in his classes and late at night in his room, maybe seen a display or two in the academy museum. Kirin had no lack of knowledge of demons, but as the rest of the academy students, no experience whatsoever.
Hey, who's excited? 'Cause I know I am!
He yell with obvious sarcasm, hoping to bolster the spirits with some levity
Gonna smack some demons around! Just gimme some burn salve, and it's over!
He walks over to another male student, a friend,and says,
just the man who won't need any, can I have your salve, Jek?
he jokes


ooc: I'll be out most of the day, so can I be a little farther back in the test list for purposes of me being able to post?

Kith was more than a little surprised at the thought of fighting demons. Actually, he was a bit shocked... and a bit annoyed too. I spent all last night studying Vera... like that's going to help ME fight demons!

He was nervous, obviously nervous. Actually, he was downright terrified. Sure, they were weaker demons, but the fact of the matter was that he watched his parents get killed by demons, and he still feared them. He closed his eyes and tried to dispel his fear while he waited for his chance to fight. I shouldn't be afraid... I should be angry. I can do this. Just like they beat them before. They saved my life... I've got to prove myself. His thoughts rambled on like this, as he took deep breaths and tried to steady himself, his hand on his sword.

Ueleg ran through his head all the models for the spells he had practiced for such an occasion. He hoped that his would charge at him then he could create a wave and shatter it which could be quite devastating.
Although he wasn't sure it would be enough against actual demons despite slicing up half the target range and the people in it. He winced, thinking back to the three dozen demerits that had earned him.
He decided that perhaps just stabbing them with a series of ice spears to slow em down then trying out his new gun would work. He could also maybe freeze the blood inside their bodies. But that barely worked on the dog that had attacked him the other day.

It was a puzzle, but above all else he was extatic to finally be able to blow something up he wouldn't get in trouble for.

Sheila nervously looked around. 'De-de-demons?' she thought to herself. She tried to give herself some confidence. I-I can d-do this... There was almost nothing to prepare her for this. Except maybe reading every book in the library, but who would wanna do that?

OOC: Just a quick reminder, this isn't Zek's test, this is something the faculty sprung by surprise on the students I believe.

Zek returned and said, "We have decided it will be safest to put you in teams of two or three, to help with cooperation, and to aid against the demons, who are admittidly a new foe for all of you. For the first test, we will have... you *Points at Jason*, since your so eager, Mr. Thomas (NPC), and Mrs. Sheila. Will you three enter the fighting area, and will the rest of you back up? We will release the first demon for you all to face momentarily."

"Umm... Ok, then..." Sheila cautiously stepped into the fighting arena. She got into a fighting position and waited for the demons to come. 'Just stay calm, Sheila. You are superior to demons.'

OOC: I wish there was some way Catenan could end up fighting some demons, just to show off he can kick anyones ass physically...