"How did you do it???" I asked Lufis, staring at his arm.

"Well, the script said to have a gossamer-like appearance, so after a while, I got the idea to pretend to be like a spider spinning its web." He said.

Well, that sounds nice. I just need to shoot web from my abdomen and spin it with my legs.

Just joking of course.

Looking at Lufis, I motioned for him to continue with his explanation.

"The trick is to release your Xetral from a single spot. I did it from the back of my hand. Then, I slowly spread it out. It took me a while to do it though, so I need a lot more practice."

Holding out my arm, I used Lufis' method for releasing Xetral, but released it only on the back of my hand. It was a very different feeling from what I was used to. I was much more used to Xetral covering much more area. With the added weight on the back of my hand, came strain to my wrist, which was hard for my three year old body to deal with.

Next came the tedious task of spreading out the Xetral over my arm. It was like trying to get water to spread evenly while using a butter knife. It took me about thirty minutes to get the Xetral spread out, and it definitely wasn't even.

Unfortunately, I had to leave before we could start working on the next step, as I had to be home in time for dinner. I promised Lufis as I left that I would practice what we had learned.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

I was suddenly woken up by the sound of someone banging at the door.

"Beldria, I need you medical assistance urgently, Lufis is hurt!"

I recognized the voice of Mikel, Lufis' dad, as he shouted from outside.

"One second!" I heard my mom shout.

Not long after, I heard the door open and then close, while I was left in the dark with only my thoughts.

One Year Later

As I was told by my mother after the event, Lufis had somehow broken his wrist.

After he broke his wrist his parents kept him always at an arms reach while he recovered, never letting me get a chance to converse with him.

After his wrist was healed, we were always watched. We couldn't work anymore on the <etheric blade>. From the hints he dropped while we were playing together, I learned that he broke his wrist while practicing the first steps of the <etheric blade>. As I had learned from experience, concentrating Xetral and releasing it from the back of the hand causes stress on the wrist. After a certain point, his three year old body couldn't take the strain anymore and his wrist snapped.

During this one year period, I couldn't work on any more steps of the <etheric blade> because the scroll was at Lufis' house.

I did make good progress with my gruelling physical training routine. I definitely think I have gained some muscle despite my natural baby fat. I also have better coordination.

Over the year, I have only received a couple of quests, though they did give some good LP despite being easy. I have since raised two levels.

{Status:

Name: Nathaniel Armis

Level: 20

LP: 149/205

Tier: 3

HP: 64

XP: 102

STR: 39

VIT: 35

DEX: 41

DEF: 39

INT: 144

WIS: 103

LUK: 50

CHA: 60

Deviant: Unique-Lightning

Description: Irked, Hungry}

"Guess what Nathaniel! You and Lufis will be starting Beginners School next week! The school is in the town of Wasebly nearby. You will be able to make it home each night in time for dinner, so you don't have to worry about not seeing us too much." My dad told me that weekend afternoon.

I had already figured out something was happening leading up due to my parents attitude.

Still, school? Since I am four, wouldn't that put me in the lowest and simplest class? What a waste of time.

"Welcome class!"

The words hanged in the air before being drowned out by children talking as the teacher entered the room.

Lufis and I were sitting together at our own island(the desks were set up in groups of four, which I artistically dubbed islands).

"Quiet down, please. I need to take attendance."

After several minutes, the teacher managed to get the class to settle down.

"When I call your name, please say present"

"Gadriel Appon"

"Present"

"Nathaniel Armis"

"Present"

"Dylan Castrol"

"Bresent"

"Laira Dronstik"

"Present"

"Miguel Farenwood"

"Here"

"Claire Harenin"

"Present"

"Henrick Kuber"

"Fwwwwpppttt"

At this, about half of the class laughed at his fart noise.

"Now class, settle down. Henrick, I will talk to you later."

"Lufis Lantideniz"

"Present"

"It is an honor to teach you" the teacher replied.

Lufis squirmed uncomfortably in his seat.

"Julia Natal"

"Present"

I droned out her voice as she gave the rest of attendance.

From looking around the room, I counted a total of 26 students, half of which weren't even trying to pretend they were paying attention. It also looked liked it was a mix of ages, ranging from about four to eight. It was weird for me, as I was used to being grouped with the same age group for class.

"William vin Trosik"

"Present"

At this, many of the older girls and some of the older boys started to talk excitedly among themselves.

I turned, facing Lufis.

"What's so special about William? He only looks like he is maybe two-three years older than us."

Lufis looked at me like I was stupid.

"Isn't it obvious from his name? He is part of the Vin nobility."

"Never heard of them."

Lufis sighed deeply and shook his head.

"You can't go around saying stuff like that. Let me explain. First, do you know the name of the first king of Camiare?"

"Yeah, Peter von Grishbark."

"At least you know something. All of his heirs share the same honor, that is the royal title von."

"In the war against the demons, there were four other great warriors who fought bravery. They were basically generals. However, they fought in the front lines leading the charge with their troops. Legend says each would kill hundred of demons of all types, till they were completely drenched in the enemies black blood. Their names were Tristan the Bold, Godrick the Mighty, Justinian the Strong, and William the Warrior. They were awarded titles of nobility after the war by the king, Peter von Grishbark. Each were granted an honorary middle name to show their title. These four noble names, besides von (for royalty), are van, ven, vin, and vun. Godrick received the title van, Tristan received ven, Justinian received vun, and William received vin."

"That makes sense. Thanks." I replied after Lufis' long but useful monologue.

"Class. Please pay attention. Since we have new students today, we should start with their Spirit Familiar Summoning, or as known more commonly in the Xetralite community, Familix Summoning."

The teacher then extended their hands in front of them. Rapidly moving their hands, the teacher began to draw in the air, till a watery looking complex magic circle appeared. Stepping backwards, they lowered their hands and the circle moved to the floor.

"Who would like to volunteer to go first?"