Since I’ll be battling monsters now, I think it is fair enough for me to learn how to defend myself. Father Thompson has been avoiding me lately, so I spent my time creating spells.

I took Hermes with me and headed early in the morning to a forest south, just outside the city. There’s supposed to be close to no monsters there, and I can practice without the fear of hurting something or myself. When Nicholie heard this, he said he wanted to taste my mana.

That unsettled me… At first I thought it was something suggestive and was about to remind him of his vows – or sin, I wasn’t really thinking clealy – but it turned out to be a test of sorts to know my Attunements.

I was excited regardless, and the test was quite simple, just touching a gem. I expected to be Light Attuned, but to my surprise I’m also attuned to Darkness and Wind. Brother Nicholie was shocked.

“It’s natural for people to be attuned to three or four elements, but to be attuned to Light and Darkness? It’s incredible.”

Yeah, yeah. I’m actually not impressed. I do have a healing light spell after all, and I know enough math to make you cry, Nicholie. To wind, though. The element of freedom, that’s just quite ironic. I did live almost my entire life locked in a closet of fear after all.

In any case, this is bound to be interesting and entertaining.

I had some basic circles drawn on paper. I just have to apply some runes and we are ready to go.

The most basic wind attack is Windcut. I know the incantation and runes required so let’s try it out.

“To the throne high in the sky, I call you. Merge myself with the taste of the unknown and draw the line for those that dare to take away what is ours. Wind: Windcut!”

The paper and the runes were emanating light, sucking off my mana while I was enchanting. Just when I was finishing, I felt an incapacitating pain in my hand. Did I do something wrong?

What on earth? I can’t use offensive skills? This is just unfair. How am I supposed to fight then?

I saw Hermes at my side, curious and cautious of my hand still aching. Does this mean I can only make the creatures I own fight? This is ridiculous. Why would I make a poor thing like Hermes fight for me? I was utterly frustrated. I have to depend on them, but I don’t want them to get hurt… what a dilemma…

I had to discard some of the offensive spells I carried with me. I only have like two supportive spells left – I didn’t bring defensive spells because I wanted to practice attacks first. What a waste. I sat on the ground, still mad. Hermes flew to my lap asking for pets maybe. I started touching his soft feathers and scratching here and there.

“You look like you are having fun, aren’t you?”

It surprisingly calmed down.

“I’m sorry I’m saying this, but I want to become a hunter. That means we’ll have to fight and kill some monsters from time to time. Will you bear this with me?”

I’m not sure if he can understand my words, but he croaked eagerly, like agreeing with me. I kind of feel less guilty even though I’m about to commit animal abuse…

“Ok, since I can’t learn offensive magic and I can’t see results with the supportive spells I have because they enhance magic power, should I try to make my own defensive skills?”

Defensive skills are usually attuned to earth and fire, but that just doesn’t sound fun at all. Fire represents growing; Wind, understanding; Earth, stability; and Water is adaptability. Fire defensive spells are usually for counterattacks, and Earth is mitigation. Earth spells sound like something I should use since I can’t attack, but water sounds more appealing. Since it’s adaptability… what about a spell that allows me to move more freely in battle? Dodging my enemy’s attack while preparing for the next step – yes, I like that.

I took one of the circles that might be best for this task and drew six runes on it. Now, I only need the incantation… How about…

“I call upon the throne within the depths. Chosen one, hear my prayer. Take the gift I offer and surround me with your blessing, like two dots in the sky, dance to the rhythm of my heart and elevate me to new highs!”

My mana flew through the circle and then back to me. I could feel it in my skin, covering every inch of it, making my movements light. This is awesome!

“Hermes,” I called him. “Try to rush at me as fast as you can. Don’t worry. If I did this right, we won’t get hurt.”

Hermes didn’t waste time and started flying. He’s speed was actually overwhelming, and I had a hard time trying to follow. Nevertheless, I was able to dodge every assault, I didn’t even have to think about it, with almost no effort my whole body moved. It was like there was no resistance to me.

Just what I intended. The coat of energy allows me to create distance between me and something near me. The closer to me, the faster I can move. Just like trying to catch something with your hands in the water. This is a good speed spell – it’s bound to be helpful.

Notice: Please Name the Water Skill.

Oh, right. When the skill is created, I can name it… Oh, I know.

“Water: Atlantean Vest!”