CHAPTER 05: COURAGE

Five Years Earlier. Eatogias Military Academy. Elementary Classes.

— So, can anyone remind me of the fundamentals of magic? asked Professor Seon-Joon.

A student raised his hand.

— Yes, Jonathans!

— Magic originates from and draws its power from arcane stones.

— Good. And what must we do to use the favors of the arcane? Selene?

— To use the favors of the arcane, we must prepare our bodies to undergo mutations, to make them compatible with magic, at the risk of petrifying our bodies and crippling us.

— Are you sure?

— Exactly. And that is precisely why it is necessary to equip ourselves with ANIMA to control this fantastic force and transcend human limits.

— However, even with ANIMA, we are not spared from petrification. And don't forget that mutation is not the only method for using arcane stones. One can use them without mutation, although this latter method is even more dangerous than the first, because petrification is severely accelerated and is more severely selective. Note that in the history of the arcane, there is only one being capable of using the arcane without having undergone mutation.

— The Daimyo Dorothy… replied Selene.

— Exactly. Only Dorothy Keyteler is capable of it. And I believe you know the consequences?

— But of course! Because humanity was forced to use magic, despite the risks involved, with the sole objective of fighting the great threat that is the Draugr race, which appeared several hundred years ago.

— And why, for these hundreds of years, have we not eradicated this threat? Instead, we are losing ground?

— Please, professor? asked Uli.

— Yes, Uli, I'm listening.

— We have been fighting a race different from our own for several years. Why not try to live together with them?

The entire class, except for Hiruko, laughed at Uli's words.

— Come on, silence in the room! Obviously, this method was once approved and tested by our scientific unit. But the Draugrs have never shown any sign of communication or reasoning with any animal species, except for peaceful behavior towards poultry. Instead, they only attack us, and the other animals they infect.

— So, how can we overcome them, professor, since they don't want to cohabit with the human race? asked Peter.

— Well, by eliminating them as we do. For that, it's enough to destroy the hearts they possess.

— Just destroy the heart? To think that the military and Daimyos have been lazy and incompetent at the task for years, despite having elite military training, SLAKERs, and even the use of magic at their disposal! exclaimed Peter.

The rest of the trainees agreed noisily, adding that the high-ranking officers preferred to exploit minerals and enjoy privileges rather than go to the front lines.

— Be careful not to underestimate the Draugrs! They do not display signs of intelligence, but they remain formidable adversaries for humans, Seon-Joon reminded them. They have an average length of three meters, thick, hard skin filled with fibers that can only be cut with a Slaker. Their strength is so formidable they can split a bear's skull or shatter a giant tortoise's shell with one punch. Their speed exceeds 38 km/h, not to mention their toxin which can be fatal to you if you haven't undergone mutations.

He added that there were two kinds of Draugrs: the normal ones and the Jengus.

— Professor, what is the estimated number of Draugrs? Jonathan asked.

— We don't know how many they are, nor how they reproduce. Popular belief says they come from the ANCESTOR's punishment towards men, and they will only cease when we stop opposing him and the gods.

— When it talks about divinity, I find that shady, commented Uli.

— Me too, added Hiruko. And I think it's only due to our lack of determination that we still suffer from Draugr aggression, as it has been going on for centuries now.

— It's not for nothing that you are at the academy. If you truly want to change things, then I expect you in 5 years to prove your worth and thus become DAIMIOS, said Seon-Joon, looking Hiruko straight in the eyes. Isn't that right, Hiruko?

— Yes, sir.

— Otherwise, what if we talked about dungeons?...

Dawnchester, 5 years later. 11:00 AM. Military courtyard for the assembly of the 300 preselected candidates.

Hiruko hadn't slept all weekend, unable to believe his incredible reversal of fortune. Being disqualified, then undergoing insane training to finally be accepted? He could barely comprehend his luck, despite the fatigue and lingering aftereffects. Over 2700 candidates had been rejected, but not him.

— Hiruko! How are you?

— Uli? Selene? You're here? Hiruko was surprised to see them.

— Of course, Hiruko! Besides, I was the first selected, you know, to make a strong impression on the examiners. They found me remarkable, Selene boasted.

— I took my turn on the fourth day. I wanted to be in top shape, Uli explained.

— I'm happy for you, guys. If I told you my story, you wouldn't believe me.

— Oh really? Tell us what happened!

Suddenly, a foreign and mocking voice drowned theirs out.

— Well, well, if it isn't our candidate who got refused and begged while whining in front of Sir Kleon?

— Who are you? Hiruko retorted, turning around.

— My name is Ageel, from the country of Zachesh. And you, you must be Goki, right?

— Goki? What's this about?

— So you're not Goki? Then you don't interest me.

— The man you're looking for isn't here. And is this the lousy, failed education a so-called democratic country can offer? You're not at home, so behave like a guest! Uli shot back.

— Am I dreaming or did you just say that to me?

— I forgot, that message also applies to your four wives.

As the two sides prepared for a confrontation, Ageel was interrupted by his superior.

— Ageel, we are not here for that!!! thundered Master Hayabuza.

— Hmph, no need to shout my name, Master Hayabuza. I was just getting acquainted with the Kosuga!

— If you want to settle scores, you should wait for the trials. Otherwise, you risk disqualification. Come on, wait for the assembly with your comrades.

— Alright, I understand. Come on, guys, let's go.

— So, on your side as well, it's not smart to start making enemies before the trials begin, Hayabuza pointed out to them.

— We just responded to their provocations, they started it! Uli defended.

— If they are your students, you should rein in their way of aggressing anyone, added Hiruko.

— So you are Goki Kosuga? Apparently, your reputation precedes you. It's not just them; several soldiers here to take the trials mean you no good.

— Goki? But my name isn't Goki, I'm Hiruko Kosuga!

— Oh really? I wasn't aware there was a second Kosuga in the trial. Are you one of theirs?

Hiruko suddenly realized this was the second time he'd been mistaken for this "Goki Kosuga." Was this a move by Casper? He decided to play along and learn more, while avoiding a direct encounter.

— No, no.

— I should have known that name must be common in both kingdoms. Are you from Inun or from Eatogias?

— I fled the Draugr invasion in our land.

— You are right. I've been learning lately that the kingdom of Inun is losing its lands to the Draugr attacks. Many of my soldiers who went to join the coalition army were killed there.

— And that's exactly why I fully intend to win these trials and become a Daimio.

— Haha ha, you are funny and interesting.

— Laugh all you want. It's to be your superior in the next five years, you know.

— Hey, Hiruko, watch your language! He's still a high-ranking officer in his country and in the army! Selene whispered, worried.

— It's nothing, don't worry. You have to deal with me now. If you don't want to be on the front lines in the coming years, make sure you pass these trials. Otherwise, see you later, Hiruko Kosuga.

As he walked away, Hayabuza thought: "You are far too interesting, I find. Make sure you don't die today."