Chapter 4: Observation and Training part 2

***

The morning of the next day began with Catherine and I having breakfast together. Even though we hadn't seen each other yesterday, today, when I got oatmeal with berries and black tea for myself, and she got chocolate pudding and chamomile tea, she addressed me again.

“Listen, Arta, don’t you want to join the strategic games and debate club?” she asked with a slight hope in her voice.

“No,” I replied softly, choosing an unoccupied table.

Catherine asked her next question only after we sat down at the table.

“I just thought that social games would help you overcome your inner inhibitions,” she said quietly, looking me in the eye.

“Catherine, I have no inner inhibitions. As I said, I was just raised that way,” I replied and started my breakfast.

“I understand, you said so,” she said. “But you know, it can be interesting there. I’ve already imagined how much fun we would have together.”

Her desire to push me into social games was understandable, but I couldn't agree to such a step, because neither Reina nor Nova attended that club.

“Catherine, perhaps we can talk about such initiatives next academic year. Right now, I’m too busy with my current studies. I wouldn’t want to miss anything,” I lied, considering this lie to be the most convincing.

“You’re so busy, Arta…” Catherine sighed, and we began our silent breakfast.

After finishing breakfast, we headed to the central academy building, where on the very first floor was a large and spacious fencing hall with high ceilings and polished wooden floors. The walls were decorated with portraits of the twin queens and trophies from past tournaments, and the air was filled with a sense of history that meant absolutely nothing to me.

Even though there were second-year students present at the lesson, preparing for upcoming spars, neither Reina nor Nova were anywhere to be seen. Perhaps their carefree forbidden love once again interfered with common sense, and they decided to skip the class.

“Is this your first class, Miss Holu?” asked the instructor, Lady Fiora, looking with interest at my roommate, who was standing uncertainly next to me at the rack with épées.

Catherine froze for a moment, her eyes shining with a special brilliance as she saw Lady Fiora’s assistant take out an épée for her.

“Yes,” she said with reverence and caution, accepting the training épée from the assistant’s hands. “This is… incredible. I think I’ve dreamed of this my whole life,” she whispered in a low voice so that only I could hear.

Her movements, though uncertain, were full of respect for this weapon, and her gaze frequently turned to the portraits on the walls, where the twin queens were depicted in elegant fencing stances.

I took my épée mechanically and without any interest. For me, it was just another meaningless ritual and an irrational waste of time.

Then Lady Fiora gave the command to approach the training dummies, and the students obediently stood in front of them and froze in anticipation of the start of the lesson.

“Let’s start with the basic stance,” Lady Fiora said loudly, and her voice echoed off the walls of the hall. “Feet shoulder-width apart, right foot forward, body slightly turned. Your movements should be precise and confident; only then will you be able to harm a potential opponent.”

Catherine was literally glowing with delight, repeating every movement with almost religious reverence. Her eyes frequently turned to the historical trophies on the walls, as if she were imagining herself a part of that romantic era that she had never seen with her own eyes.

We practiced the basic stances of wielding an épée, and then the second-year students began sparring, which the first-year students were supposed to watch carefully. Today, there were not enough pairs for all the second-year students, and Lady Fiora, knowing my skill level, invited me to fight one of the second-year bullies I knew. My movements were fast and tactical, and our blades met with the characteristic clang of metal. The duel didn't last long, and Maelys suffered a quick defeat.

“You know, Arta,” Catherine whispered when we finished sparring with Maelys, “you wield an épée as masterfully as the heroines of those legends. It’s… amazing. Most people are simply incapable of achieving such perfection.”

I just shrugged. For me, such praise meant absolutely nothing, and I was only wary that she was romanticizing my image so much.

As soon as all the second-year students’ spars were over, the first-year students’ spars began, and one of the first pairs to participate was Catherine.

“Your turn, Miss Holu,” Lady Fiora called her politely to one of the circles.

Catherine walked to the center of the hall with an expression on her face as if she were going to a sacred ceremony. Her opponent was one of the best first-year students, whom I already partially knew—Olivia Briggs.

The duel didn't last long, but even in defeat, Catherine maintained a certain solemn appearance.

“Don’t be upset,” I said to her after she finished the duel. “You have potential, but it will require independent development.”

Catherine nodded and waited for me to fight again, this time against a first-year. The fight was even faster than the one with Maelys, but for Catherine, it seemed to mean nothing.

When the classes were over, she approached me and, with a slight smile, said, “You really do move like the twin queens from the legends.” She said, looking me straight in the eye. “It’s so graceful, so… romantic. Even in this practice match, I can see that you are an excellent fencer.”

“Romance is wonderful,” I replied, intentionally changing the tone of the conversation. “But you know what could be even more romantic? Mastering the art of fencing with swords,” I said, to switch her attention.

Catherine hesitated and then looked at me in surprise.

“Swords require more strength and control,” I continued, seeing her attention. “Their history is no less rich than the history of épées. And the legends of great swordsmen can be compared to any stories about the twin queens. Moreover, the sword is a universal weapon that can be used not only for beautiful ceremonial receptions but also for real defense. And most importantly, besides me, no one here will teach you this art.”

“Arta, I understand that perfectly, but why don’t you feel this romance too?!” Catherine asked with slight indignation.

“Perhaps because I came from the Tarvarian Empire, I have no romantic associations with the twin queens,” I replied coldly but maintaining a friendly tone.

Catherine seemed disappointed by my answer, but something in her eyes spoke of an understanding of practicality over romance, and with this new understanding, we went to the next lesson, dedicated to the theory of Darkness magic.

***

After reaching the Darkness magic classroom, Catherine and I comfortably settled in the middle rows. The magic instructor was an elderly woman, Magister Kirlena, who had obvious health problems and was clearly finding it difficult to teach the students.

“Welcome, everyone, to this important and often underestimated subject,” the magister said in a hoarse voice. “Today, we will be studying the advanced Darkness spell—‘Blindness.’”

It was a very simple Darkness spell, but I listened patiently to the magister, trying to pay more attention to Catherine than to her.

Catherine, seeing my periodic glances, whispered, “Unlike with Order magic, my proficiency in Darkness magic is quite high,” she said proudly, not realizing that her “quite high” was at the level of dust under my feet.

“Alright, then I won’t distract you,” I replied in the same whisper as she had.

Catherine smiled. “Good, I’m listening to the instructor,” she said and began to listen attentively to the lecture on the basic principles of the blindness spell.

After finishing the theoretical part, Magister Kirlena walked to the corner of the room and pulled a dark cloth off a cage standing in the corner. A wild, almost deafening roar immediately came from the cage.

A hoofed animal covered in scales instead of fur, with blue eyes like the blue sky and horns sticking out all over its head, began to aggressively push its horns against the cage.

Most of the students, including Catherine, were frightened by this unexpected sight, but I didn't care. I watched as Magister Kirlena cast a blindness spell on the creature, and it immediately lay down obediently on the floor of the cage.

“This is a coal-hoof, a very aggressive and carnivorous animal that lives in the high mountains. It hunts during the day and sleeps at night,” the magister said. “Now, come down one by one. Your task is to cast a blindness spell on it before it screams again.”

The blindness spell without enhancements lasted exactly two minutes, and the students had to act very quickly to cast the spell on it. However, even I had to cover my ears today to avoid going deaf, as the first-year students were so unsure of their work.

When it was my turn, I performed the spell in its classic form on the first try. It was no problem for me, and I knew many ways to cause even permanent blindness, but I would never use it on an innocent animal.

Strangely enough, it was Catherine’s turn much later than mine. She confidently walked up to the coal-hoof, and when its blue eyes began to clear, her spell erupted in a huge burst of Darkness and instantly blinded the coal-hoof. By the most conservative estimates, she blinded it for at least an hour.

Magister Kirlena, seeing that something had gone wrong, became sharply indignant.

“Miss Holu! You used an enhanced ‘Blindness’ spell!” she said in a hoarse but irritated voice. “Where did you learn it? Now, because of you, the other students will be without practice.”

Catherine panicked and looked down.

Seeing that the situation was getting out of control, I decided to help Catherine and raised my hand.

“Miss Nox, do you have something to say?” the magister asked with displeasure.

“Magister Kirlena, I could try to use an Order spell to restore the coal-hoof’s sight,” I said politely, rising from my seat.

“Very interesting, Miss Nox,” she said in the same hoarse and displeased voice. “Demonstrate your skills, considering that blindness can only be removed by purification, which is a Light magic spell.”

On the one hand, she was right, of course, but on the other hand, the “Return to Basics” spell could have returned the coal-hoof to its state before the spell was cast. However, due to the lack of knowledge of Order magic among most, she was making a common human mistake. I went out again and stood in front of the cage. Golden threads of Order from my fingers streamed towards the coal-hoof, and a moment later, it roared furiously.

Magister Kirlena cast a blinding spell on it and addressed us. “Miss Nox, excellent work. Now, return to your seat. And you, Miss Holu, be careful and don’t do what you weren’t asked to do.”

Catherine and I returned to our seats. Catherine was clearly unhappy at being reprimanded and gave me a pitiful look, seeking support.

“Arta, but I did everything according to the instructions!” she whispered indignantly.

“Yes, but you weren’t concentrated enough and overdid it. Besides, we talked about the prosthesis; it probably enhanced your Darkness magic too.”

Catherine sighed in disappointment. Her Darkness magic had significantly increased, but she had not yet learned to control it properly. I would probably have to pay more attention to her handling of this type of magic.

***

When the Darkness magic lesson was over, we went to lunch. Catherine was almost silent, and her eyes were full of thought.

Finally, she couldn't take it anymore, and when we had almost finished lunch, she addressed me: “Arta, I need to figure out this prosthesis. I’m going to the library right now and read everything there is on the subject.”

Her persistence was amazing, and I would probably have to admit sooner or later that I was the one who created the prosthesis. She would probably be offended by my deception, but that was the price I had to pay from the beginning.

“I was also planning to go to the library to study materials on Order magic.”

“Alright, then let’s go together,” Catherine said with a soft smile. “I want to put an end to this matter. This prosthesis clearly has some hidden power, and I need to know what it is.”

I smiled back at her, and we, leaving our trays of food, headed to the library, located on the third floor of the central building.

When we arrived at the library, there were many students. Catherine went to the librarian to find out where to find the books she was interested in, and I, taking an old treatise on Order magic by Erronor Griver from 767 according to Illumora time from its usual shelf, sat down in a comfortable armchair and began to pretend to read.

However, I was soon interrupted: Olivia Briggs entered the library and, seeing me, almost ran up to me.

“Oh, Arta, hi!” she exclaimed in an almost loud voice, breaking the usual silence in the library.

“Hi, please speak more quietly. We’re disturbing others,” I replied in an almost whisper.

She put her hand to her lips, as if she had forgotten she was in a library, and her eyes filled with guilt.

“I just wanted you to recommend a book on Order magic for beginners,” she replied in a low voice.

“To start, begin with Amelia Styx, 542 edition. There is one copy in the library. It describes the basic principles of using Order magic very structurally.”

Olivia nodded. “Alright, what else would you recommend?”

“You can read the author known as the One-Eyed Scoundrel. Unfortunately, his name has not survived to this day.” Although I knew very well that his name was Illun Mortemor, this knowledge was far beyond the understanding of this world, to the general information field of the Al’aran petal universe.

“I see. And what else?” she asked again.

“I recommend that you study the materials I named in detail. They will be enough for you for at least a few Veytras,” I said with a slight sigh. She didn’t understand the basic principles of Order magic, but she strove to know what was not given to her by nature.

“But still?” she smiled.

“As soon as you’re familiar with their works, come back, and I’ll recommend something else.”

Soon, Catherine approached us with several thick volumes on the history and practice of magical prosthetics.

“Oh, I see. I won’t disturb you,” Olivia said, seeing Catherine, and immediately moved away, heading for the library exit. It was obvious that she was no longer planning to read today.

“She’s strange,” Catherine remarked, opening one of the books.

“I agree,” I replied quietly, continuing to pretend to read.

I watched carefully as Catherine read about magical prostheses, but the more she read, the more disappointment appeared on her face.

“Alright, let’s finish. My eyes are already hurting,” she complained to me.

“Of course, let’s finish,” I agreed with her. “Are we going to fencing?”

Catherine looked at me and froze for a moment, as if she had forgotten about it.

“Yes, of course, let’s go! I want to learn how to fence with swords and prove to you that I’m a diligent student!” she said with a smile, after which we got up and left the library.

***

The sun had already set behind the horizon, enveloping the Academy of Duality in a soft twilight. The air was cool but not cold—the perfect time for an evening workout. We went to our room to get the wooden swords and then headed to our usual forest clearing.

When Catherine took the sword in her hands, she turned to me enthusiastically: “And what’s on the agenda today?”

“Practicing basic strikes. What else do you want from our second lesson?” I replied with an intentional smile.

Catherine smiled back at me, and we began our training. I couldn't help but notice how perfectly her prosthesis worked: it allowed her to move with a grace she couldn't have dreamed of even with a healthy leg. My magic worked perfectly, although it sometimes enhanced her too much, which raised her questions.

I watched her movements, maintaining a calm and outward indifference. She obediently repeated my every move, and her progress became obvious. With a slight inner satisfaction, I watched her movements and understood that she really wanted to master all the advantages of fencing with swords. Catherine was no longer the fragile girl who relied on crutches. Now she was confident and determined, although her eyes still betrayed an inner struggle to understand her new strength and role.

“You’re getting better,” I said, taking a step forward. My voice was even, with a friendly tone. “But you think too much about how to strike correctly. Sometimes during lunges, you just need to act.”

Catherine lowered her wooden sword, her breathing slightly ragged after the intense workout. She looked at me, and her expression was a mixture of gratitude and curiosity.

“You’re always so composed, Arta,” she said, wiping sweat from her forehead. “How do you manage it? Even when you’re teaching me or watching me, you seem… as if you’re above it all.”

I smiled at her barely noticeably and answered her next questions: “Upbringing and training create habits, and with habits come calmness and an understanding of what you really want.”

She nodded thoughtfully, but her gaze became even more intense.

“And what do you want, Arta? I mean… your real goals or desires?” She looked at me as if she wanted to know my most secret goals, but her expression was only one of sincere interest.

“Goals and desires only matter when they are achievable,” I replied in a calm voice and, to avoid further questions, added, “For now, focus on what you can control. For example, your sword.”

Catherine raised her wooden sword again, but her expression told me that she hadn’t forgotten her question. However, she decided not to insist—at least for now.

“Alright,” she said, lunging towards me. “Then show me a more complex move.”

Our training continued for about another hour, after which we returned to our room. The air inside was a bit cool but cozy thanks to the soft light of the lamp on the table. Catherine sat on the bed, massaging her right shoulder, which was definitely a little sore after the intense workout. I took my place on my bed, getting ready for sleep.

“I remembered something today,” Catherine said suddenly, breaking the silence. “When I was little, my brother often told me stories about Order magic. He said it was the most difficult and noble form of magic because it requires absolute self-control.”

I looked at her, watching her reaction carefully.

“And what do you think about it now?” I asked.

Catherine shrugged. “I used to think that because of the desecration of the Veytra of Order, this magic was gone from our world forever, but now I understand that I was wrong.” Catherine sighed and paused. “But yes, now I understand that my brother was right. Order magic requires absolute self-control, and it seems to me that you are helping me with that.” She smiled and looked at me with eyes full of expectation.

I nodded slowly, agreeing with her conclusion.

“In any case, over time, I will teach you the peculiarities of the magic I know. I don’t promise it will be easy, but you will definitely be able to unlock your potential for both Order and Darkness magic.”

“Yes, I would like to develop my abilities in this direction,” she replied with an even bigger smile. After which, she paused for a moment, thoughtfully touching her prosthesis, and then spoke again. “You know, sometimes I feel that this prosthesis is not just a magical item. It’s as if it were created for me. With it, I feel complete, and it helps me become better.”

“It’s not surprising. The work of the artisans from the Tarvarian Empire can surprise many,” I replied and smiled at her intentionally.

Catherine smiled back at me, and a familiar glint appeared in her eyes.

“Thank you, Arta. I don’t know what I would do without you. But please answer one last question about the prosthesis: when did you manage to take my measurements so that it fits so perfectly?” Her question was one of sincere curiosity, but that didn’t make it any less dangerous.

“To be honest, I had to do it at night while you were sleeping. I’m sorry,” I replied, trying to look as innocent as possible.

“I see. I thought so,” Catherine replied. “Thank you for your honesty and for the surprise!”

I just nodded back, maintaining my usual calmness. But inside, I understood: my investments were yielding results too quickly, and surprisingly, it was pleasant even for me.

***

The night was quiet, as it always was at the academy after curfew. I lay silently in my bed and looked at the window in the center of the room, where one of the three moons of Illumora was displayed. Catherine, it seemed to me, had been asleep for a long time—her breathing was even, and her bed creaked only once when she turned over. But suddenly, her voice broke the silence: “Arta… are you awake?”

I wasn’t surprised. Her restlessness had become an almost familiar background in recent days. Catherine was too inquisitive and too persistent to just silently observe what she didn’t understand.

“No,” I replied without turning. My gaze remained fixed on the window, although I knew very well that she was looking at me now. “Did something happen?”

Catherine hesitated. I could feel her indecision even across the room. She sat up in bed, pulling her knees to her chest.

“I wanted to talk… about my prosthesis.”

I frowned barely noticeably, assuming we had settled all the questions earlier in the day.

“Arta, sometimes when I touch the prosthesis, I feel like you’re next to me. I don’t know why, but it seems kind of strange…” she muttered.

Her feeling was correct: inside the prosthesis was a part of me, and she couldn't help but feel it.

“Does it bother you?” I asked in a low voice.

“Not really. It’s more comforting, you know…” she replied in a friendly manner. “You know, I wanted to ask you something else: you don’t mind that I set my schedule just like yours, do you?”

“If it suits you, then I don’t mind,” I replied, understanding that her presence nearby was a convenient way to monitor my asset.

“I just consider you a friend…” she replied in a low voice. “I’ve never a had friends like you, Arta.”

“And what about Lilian?” I asked, trying to understand what she meant.

“We get along well, but it’s not as close as with you.”

“I understand. Catherine, I’ll try to be a good friend to you.” I slowly turned my head to look at her. Her eyes shone in the semi-darkness and betrayed a peaceful calm.

“You know, Arta,” she began again. “I would like to be near you not only for help or advice. I would like to understand what you need, what you live for, what you do in your free time,” she said quietly. “I would like to repay you with the same kindness that you did for me.”

“I think you’ll have enough time to get to know me. After all, we even live in the same room,” I said in a low voice.

“I agree,” she replied quietly.

“Good night, Catherine. We need to rest. Another school day tomorrow.”

“Good night, Arta!” she stammered and closed her eyes.

I turned on my side and listened to her breathing until it became even and calm again, after which I myself fell into the sleep that my body so needed.