Magic Circle #3

[Akiro Hiroto invites you to his party]

[Do you accept?]

[ Yes / No]

The screen displayed the question, and without a second thought, he accepted-- the thought being registered by the window. Ayama looked to see the student in front of Akiro walking aside and him stepping up to the priest. With his hand on the orb and the priest muttering a small, quick chant-- and a visible screen was displayed overhead.

[ Name: Akiro Hiroto / Age: 18 / Job: Thief ]

[ ATK: 60 / DEX: 90 / SPD: 96 / DEF: 13 / INT: 67 /MANA: 20

[ Skills: Dash, Backstab ]

To him, it was ordinary. It was as normal as it could get, although his peers didn't seem to think so-- their unbashful chuckling and not discreet murmuring were noticeable. Ayama's eyes then turned to the king, the brief flash of disappointment making his stomach drop."H-He's not happy."

"Compared to the rest of them, why is he quite...ordinary?" The king thought, greatly disappointed, "How boorish."

While the rest were proper enough to somewhat cover their mocking, Masashi was quite vocal in his insults. "Hah!" He laughed unashamed, "He's so weak!"

“Ahem!” the Priest interrupted. “Next one, please.”

Ayama observed how this best friend walked away, with a relieved expression. That was unusual to him, but knowing Akiro, he must have had some sort of plan. The blonde stepped forward, his hand being placed on the seer's orb, and Ayama's status is displayed.

[ Name: Ayama Nobu / Age: 18 / Job: knight / Sub Job: none ]

[ ATK: 70 / STR: 85 / DEX: 30 / SPD: 25 / DEF: 65 / INT: 30 / MANA: 12 ]

Almost like the reaction from Akiro's ordinary capabilities, they did show disappointment, but in a more hushed, less-intrusive manner. Masashi still was quite rude thought. "Even his sucks! Be careful, weakness must be contagious!" he sneered, throwing one at Akiro.

Ayama felt a tinge of shame as he joined the ranks of his classmates, but Akiro gave him a reassuring nudge on the shoulder. "Did you see the king?" He whispered.
"Yeah," Ayama was certain, "He's not someone we can trust. What did you do?"
"I used a skill called [Disguise]," Akiro replied, "I think that our statuses should be kept secret for now. For our safety."
Ayama could only hum in agreement, patiently awaiting the king's next move.

With Ayama and Akiro being the last, and most disappointing the king's mood was soured, but he still carried royal professionalism. "Your cooperation was considerable. Now, you will be led to the banquet hall and then to your lodgings. Dismissed."

With the thud of armored feet and armored gauntlets pounding against breastplates, the soldiers present formed two orderly rows on each side of the throne room-- their original positions before the summoning. The priests themselves accompanied the summoned through the throne room's exit, with Sebastian leading the way out.

The king leaned to his right, leaning on his fist, and a frustrated sigh escape his mouth. "Most of them are usable, perhaps worth culturing, but some must be thinned."

The class of twenty-four seemed to be in high spirits after the king gave his word about their 'guaranteed' passage home, although a few years later than they had hoped, this world could be a great distraction for the swamped senior high schoolers. Sebastian left them in a prepared banquet hall, with drinks and food unfamiliar to them.

Save for the two boys with their suspicions, most were elated at the new experience, some more than others. Tomigura Takumi, the chubby geek of the class, was an Ice Mage, “Yessss~~ I'm in another world! Like the shojo manga, I love to read! Ehehehehehehrh--” He cheered, practically slobbering.

Onishi Akiko, the Paladin, repulsed, “Urgh so gross~ Tomigura creeps me out so much! Yuck!”

“Don't mind him, Akiko. Nerds are always creepy,” Sasawa Yaso, the Archer, commented.

Matsumura Shigeko, the Priest, started slapping Tomigura, “Stay away from me you, creep!!”

“Cut it out all of you!!” Kenji Hinote, the Defensive-Type Knight, scolded.

“Give it a rest Kenji,” Yamazaki Toshiyuki, the Martial Artist, appeased, “they won't settle down no matter how much you try.”

“Don't waste your breath, Yamazaki-san,” Nishimura Hitomi advised, “Kenji won't listen, let alone stop.”

“Hahaha, that's true! He never does,” Hashimoto Mari, the Magic Gunner reacted.”

Okuda Keiichi, the Earth Mage, suddenly started freaking out, “Why is this happening to me!!?” Tears flowed from his eyes.

Naturally, some were warier of it all than others, some were handling their stress quite well. “Yosh, Yosh, Keiichi. Be calm. Deep breaths, deep breaths,” Isa Tsukiko, the Healer, comforted.

Yastuke Kanji, butted in, “Haaaaa~ I've been stressed out. Suddenly being in another world you don’t know anything about. Good thing we are strong. But, that won’t matter if you don’t know how to survive.” he explained realistically.

“It's OK, Kanji-kun,” assured Takeshita Eri, the Fire Mage, “we'll all be fine.”

Shimizu Sango, another Healer, cried out, “Waaahh~! Eri-chan, I'm so scared…”

Haruto Itsuki, the High Knight, took this chance to Shimizu, “You'll be fine. I'll protect you, Sango-chan!”

Tahara Maki, the Wind Mage, scolded, “Haruto, now’s not the time to be hitting on Shimizu-san!”

“I–I–I'm not hitting on her!” he blushed.

Tahara Katsumi, the Lightning Mage sneered, “You were. ITwas as big sis said!”

“I–I'm t–telling you, I'm not hitting on her!”

Hamasaki Masashi, the Berserker, rudely intruded in the middle of the group, “Out of the way weaklings! Make way for the strong, plebs!” he puffed, incredibly proud of his newfound strength.

Teramoto Toshio, the Ninja, found this crude. “Jerk! What’s wrong with you!?”

Furutani Ryuta, the Tamer, “Don't waste your life. He's stronger than us. You saw it, didn't you?”

“Yeah he's right,” Matsuoko Rei, the Alchemist, concurred, “If we fight him, we'll get destroyed.

Kagiwara Tsukiko, “I know your feeling. I hate him with all my guts too! But it would only cause us pain if we fight him.”

“But, but--” Toshio reconsidered and clicked his tongue, “Fine!”

“That's right! Know your places, trash!” Masashi yelled before he left them. His malicious gaze rested on Akiro and Ayama, who were silently posted in the corner of the room.

Ayama was disguised as a knight and was certainly stronger than a berserker, so he was not exactly offended. “A lot is going on in this room–yikes."
"Tell me about it," his fellow disguised classmate rolled his eyes, "It's chaos in here-- not too different from in between periods."

Ayama couldn't refute him, clearly seeing the uncanny resemblance. “Uhm, err… maybe. He chuckled.

"His majesty is approaching, settle in your seats," A butler spoke softly, but his tone was stern and unwavering, and the class immediately quieted down, heeding his words, "Thank you."

As the butler had requested, the class immediately quelled down all noise and were making sure to be impeccably respectful, and the king entered, his royal robes fluttering behind him as he entered the door. "I hope you are all settling in, are you enjoying your stay so far?"

The class replied in unison, “Yes, Your Majesty!”

"At ease." With a small grin, the king enjoyed the enthusiasm, waving them down. “You will train together with our kingdom’s military officers within your respective classes and abilities.”

Shinohara Mitsuko, the Light Mage, asked, “Your Majesty, how will the training period be?”

The king turned to the curious girl, taking note of her eagerness, his soured mood slowly being lifted. "Three months, child. In three months, you will all be heroes of the world."

She nodded in satisfaction, “Thank you, Your Majesty. We will do our very best!” she beamed, her peers stirred and buzzing with anticipation.

A familiar man in sanctified sacraments appeared, along with two others. As he entered the room, the mood softened. "Greetings, children, I have been granted the honor of looking after you all." Sebastian smiled.
"Oh, hello, High Priest sir!" Shinora waved.
Sebastian waved in turn before turning to the class, "I am in charge of the healer’s training. Please follow me when I call you. Tsukiko and Sango. The Paladin, Akiko. Then Priestesses, Matsumura. Come.”

The students who were mentioned followed the man without question or complaint, pushing and nudging each other in excitement-- unaware of the difficulty of their discipline training. The small group exited the room and another instructor entered. Contrary to the aged priest, a beautiful woman with a voluptuous figure followed, she was wearing a robe and sported glasses, and a book was held underneath her arm.

“Hurry up old man! I have deadlines after this,” she hurried, talking to Sebastian, whose reply couldn't be discerned. another instructor entered from behind her, taller than she was,

“Patience, I pray.” A knight clad in white shushed, as He took off his helmet revealing his face.

Many of the female students swooned at the dashing, manly face that was just uncovered—a young man in his mid-twenties, whose lush blond hair shone like gold.

“Pardon my disturbance. I am Chief Knight, Kaiser Vanlugard, and this is my fiance, I'm so–”

"I'm the Chief Magician! Address appropriately to these brats!” The woman seethed.

Turning to the students, he cleared his throat, “Ahem! As I have said, I am the Chief Knight instructing all the melee fighters in training." He introduced himself, taking a list from his satchel, "Please follow me, Yasutake, Sasawasa, Toshiyuki, Hitomi, Itsuki, Masashi, Toshio, Furutani, Nobu, and Hiroto. We have several fighters.” He announced this with a friendly and calm smile on his face. A face any woman would fall for.

The Chief Magician was visibly distracted. “A–and I am the Chief Magician—8th-Tier Grand Magician—Olivia Albion. I am leading the following to the Wizard Tower: Takumi, Hashimoto, Keiichi, Katsumi, Rei, Tsukiko, Mitsuko, and lastly, Rei. Now those I have called, follow me! I’m busy!”

The king had excused himself amidst their introductions, so the group exited the banquet hall relaxed and excited about the training to come. While walking to the training grounds, the melee fighters stared in awe at the castle's interior. The Palace’s hallway sparkled with bright embroidery and engravings, which signified the Royalty’s wealth.

The training ground the handsome knight led them to was spacious, with spotless walls, and lush, thriving vegetation. It was circular, with the training platform below ground level and surrounded by steps that function as stairs too. Guards could be seen posted on the farther edges, dutifully guarding the arena.

Masashi whistled as he breathed in the air, bathing in the cloudy sunlight. “Oh, it's quite spacious.”

“Of course, this is where we are to train you, kids.” Kaiser smiled as he walked over to the center of the arena, where crates and racks of equipment were already prepared.

Masashi however did not like the compliment, despite it lacking any malice “Don't lump me in with them! I'm nineteen!”

Kaiser raised his hands in mock surrender, smiling softly at the irritated boy, irking him further. “Ah, in this world, being 20 years old, counts as an adult. it might be different in your world”

"The legal age of Japan is 21." Ayama corrected his thoughts.

"--Anyway, kindly take a seat, where ever is fine-- in fact, I would prefer it if you spread out. Different angles provide varying levels of observation."

At his request, the class did as he suggested, spreading out in the four cardinal directions, and sticking close to their friends. While the class was settling in, Kaiser made short work of his armor, setting it neatly next to the boxes, revealing leather under-armor.

“So to begin our exercise, I will test the waters for a bit.” the knight in the middle hummed, turning around to see all of his students.

Toshio curiously raised his hand, making the knight chuckle. “What do you mean by ‘test the waters’?”

“By that I mean, I will fight you in pairs and test you so that I will figure out the training regimen for each one of you.” Kaiser replied, smiling at the curious boy, "Also, you don't have to raise your hand like that-- I'm not uptight."

At his reassuring words, any residual tension from their bodies dissipated and their morale increased slightly.

“In pairs?” Masashi whined, taking his advice. "Why?"

Kaiser turned to him, his hands on his hips and his shoulders shrugging, "Because you're all too green. Bullying is not my style, you see."

Akiro and Ayama watched as the class bully's veins bulged at the provocation. "This is going to be good." The class president chuckled, "Seeing him humbled is not easy to come by."

Masashi glared at the knight, who just raised his hand, curling his fingers hauntingly. With that, the larger boy suddenly rushed the Knight in a fit of irritation for his pride was hurt by the Knight's remark. “ I'll wipe that smug smile off your face!--[Bull Rush]!!”

As if he was driven by instinct, Masashi activated the skill, subconsciously confident of its results. His speed was fast, but the onlookers who haven't seen a 'skill' was viewing him as if he was in slow motion. A surge of air emanated from Masashi, each of his steps causing a small rumble in the ground.

Kaiser was not fazed by it, not even a tiny bit. “Easy there, I didn't mean to hurt your pride but if inexperienced fighters, such as yourself, fight experienced fighters you'll lose.” he teased, sidestepping and spinning, Masashi's body barely grazing against his armor.

“Shut up!!” Masashi growled, recovering with his hand and he sprinted towards the knight once more.

Kaiser sighed, closing his eyes, “Youth…” he said, shaking his head.

He put his left foot back, and crouched low, his arms open for a reception. Masashi charged into his trap, only to be grappled by his forearms and flung over in the air.

"Eh--" The boy wondered as the world turned upside down, and his consciousness disappeared as he crashed and bounced against the pavement.
Bam!

Masashi was a jerk who threw his weight around, but his classmates felt a little bit of pity for him as he rolled unconscious. Akiro and Ayama were internally celebrating though, vibrating in their seats. The local guards were kind enough to carry him to the infirmary.

Kaiser winked at the awe-ing crowd, pointing at his head, “Patience and a cool-level head are what a fighter needs in battle, or else you'll die.” he explained, "Is that understood?"

Everyone present was shocked; their jaws stooping in awe because Masashi, the class buff, has been defeated. "Yes, sir..."

"Now! Who is next?" He beamed, turning around in the crowd, "Will there be volunteers, or will you be voluntold?"

The atmosphere suddenly got tense with nervousness, everybody turning to each other to see if someone were to step forward, saving the rest of them. Toshimoto mustered his courage and stood up. "I will s-sir!" He nervously answered.
"That's the spirit!" Kaiser praised, "Now come forward!"

He approached the man warily but after seeing the shelf filled with swords of various shapes and sizes, he had an idea; and he chose a curved blade similar to a katana. Kaiser procured a wooden rapier.

“Good choice, young man. Your class is ‘Ninja’ isn’t it?” The man recalled, watching him move to his friend on the seats.

“Yes, Sir Knight. On that note may I fight you with Kenji?” Toshimoto sheepishly requested, the teammate he called over, clearly prepared.

“As you wish,” His instructor nodded, "Comrades are invaluable, remember that!"

“Yes!” Kenji was eager. “Toshimoto-san, let's proceed as planned!” He equipped a shield from the pile.

“You two are quite prepared,” The blonde warrior complimented, raising his hands into a defensive stance, the rapier pointed at them.

“Of course. Running into battle without a plan is suicide,” he replied, kicking off from his original position, Kenji running behind him.

Ayama shivered as Kaiser flashed a piercing grin, shivers being sent down his spine“As expected of the heroes. Come, let’s duel!” Kaiser roared, sprinting head on

"He's a battle junkie-- they're gonna die!"

"F-Fast--" Akiro gasped, Tomshimoto's steps light and quiet compared to Masashi's stomping or Kenji's sprinting.

“Ooooohhhrrrraaaa!!!” Toshimoto and Kenji yelled as they charged Kaiser head-on, the ninja jumping, the training sword flying across the air horizontally. Kenji on the other hand slid down, forcing a frontal, two-way pincer against the unarmed knight. Kaiser responded by crouching low, dodging the ninja's slice. He only needed to deal with Kenij

“Beautiful combination. That’s the spirit!” Kaiser readied his rapier, “But your spirit’s simply not enough–” his foot slamming on the ground, and invoked a skill, “[Thrust]!”

Kenji blocked the Kaiser's attack on time but the attack was simply too strong, and it ended up knocking him a distance. Toshimoto saw an opportunity to attack, but Kaiser snapped his attention to him in an instant, unnervingly like an owl, his eyes glaring with threatening intent.

Toshiomoto grits his teeth, steadying his heart, and invoked a skill, "[ Slash ]!"

Kaiser withdrew his malicious intent, complimenting him, “Splendid!” he remarked-- “But naive! [Parry], [Thrust]!”

Ching!

The long blade met the thinner one, but instead of breaking or repelling it was thrown away; and a thrust attack followed, landing on his stomach- throwing the floating boy away and into unconsciousness.

Kaiser smiled at their performance, the grit of these greenhorns was nothing to scoff at. “Superb timing, but your roles are reversed. The Tanker should be making the opening and not the Dealers.”

Kaiser jumped on top of Kenji's shield and backflipped above Kenji. Kaiser position his body in a way that the tip of his weapon was still pointed at Kenji's exposed head. Upon landing, kaiser's feet were firmly planted on the ground, making him assume a sideways stance.

"Bravo... [Thrust]!" he praised, ending the short match. The wooden tip punched Kenhji's head, throwing him down face first, and rolling toward his unconscious teammate. Most were too awestruck to even react. The display was just that incredible, both in the idea of being impressive and intimidating.

“Uhm,” Sasawa called for attention, “Sir Knight, may I ask to forfeit now?”
“Sasawa Yaso of the Archer class…” he hummed, thinking it over.

“Y–yes sir?” She whimpered, feeling the heavy gaze of their handsome and fierce instructor.

But Kaiser digressed. “I’m displeased, but I'll allow it.”

“Ah, may I also request the same?” Ryuta followed.

“A Tamer, if I’m not mistaken. Then you too are allowed.”

Despite the crowd now aware of the risks, a small handful was not intimidated but was raring to take their turn. Haruto was one of them, he wasn’t intimidated enough to forfeit. “Sir, I volunteer!"

Kaiser watched him brimming with confidence and the desire to learn, and it pleased the man greatly. Without a word, a shared nod of respect was exchanged, and Haruto chose his weapons of choice at the weapon rack. Coincidentally, they chose the same set of equipment—a shortsword and a shield.

“A High-Knight, isn’t it?”

“That is correct, sir.”

Kaiser smirked, “I too, have the class, High Knight. I hope to have an enjoyable match with you.”

Kaiser and Haruto, both in anticipation of each other’s first strike, stared into each other with stillness. But Haruto decided to make the strategic first move, a burst of magical energy exploding and enchanting the hero.

“[Knight’s Morale]!”

“Starting with a buff? To make up for his inexperience, he used an advantageous effect... Brilliant, just brilliant!” Kaiser grinned, raising his sword, "You will be worth training!"

"Thank you for your kind words!"

The knights exchanged blows mirroring each other with parries, thrusts, and shield blocks. Although in a battle of attrition, the battle-hardened fighter lasted longer. Compared to the ones before him, Haruto exceeded everyone's expectations.

Haruto panted as he retreated from Kaiser, “I–I give… up… gugh.”

Kaiser was panting, but not as much as him. “You did well young lad. Although you lost, the choice of buffing yourself before the fight began was outstanding!-- but when the buff ran out, you lost. Therefore, you must train harder.”

Haruto bowed in thanks, “Yes, sir. Thank you for your guidance.” He huffed.

Kaiser turned to the spectators, “Who shall follow this young man's exemplary performance?”

Toshiyuki and Hitomi stood up and volunteered to be next. Toshiyuki, a martial artist, chose some gauntlets. Hitomi chose the same weapon Toshio used. Upon seeing their choice of weapons, Kaiser removed the chest plate of his armor and some leg armor pieces.

“Uhm, sir, why are you removing your armor?” Hitomi asked.

“You both are Samurai and Martial Artists, aren’t you? When fighting speed and power-oriented opponents, having heavy armor will be a disadvantage.”

“We almost had him. Now, we’re screwed,” Toshiyuki whispered.

“If you don't come to me, I'll come to you.” Kaiser charged at Toshiyuki. Panicking, Toshiyuki invoked a skill in response.

“[Trance]!!”

[Trance] was a skill that placed the user into a trance of utmost concentration. In this state, the user will not feel fear nor be affected by minor debuffs.

Kaiser was caught off guard because Toshiyuki's aura changed. He was not scared anymore but focused. The flurry of punches that Toshiyuki launched at the Chief Knight was plentiful as they were fast.

Everyone spectating was shocked to see the Chief Knight blocking attacks. He was only parrying attacks up until this point, But after a few seconds, the Chief Knight threw a clean left hook knocking Toshiyuki out of his [Trance].

“Splendidly done, young man! I was caught off guard. You drew me in and instantly used a skill to catch me!”

The duel between Hitomi and Kaiser ended quickly after the Chief Knight disarmed Hitomi. Toshiyuki was the remaining fighter and wavered in fear. It was disappointing when contrasted to the fights before Haruto. But they still deserved some praise as they performed well, despite their 'trap' not intentionally being a trap.

Akiro and Ayama lastly volunteered. It was about three in the afternoon and the sun had already set. The magic-powered floodlights illuminated the grounds.

Being this late most of the spectators who finished their fight left to eat dinner in the Royal Palace, leaving the Chief Knight and the two alone.

“You shall be my last battle, Akiro, and Ayama. I noticed you observing my prior fights.”

“We were,” Akiro confirmed.

“It seems that I should be more cautious and precise, shouldn’t I?” The knight hummed, his aura changing from cheery, to cold, and cautious.

“Sir Knight, you have the [Appraisal] skill, don't you?” Ayama asked.

“Oh, you noticed? Indeed, I have it at level ‘A.’”

“So, you know our true classes?”

“With no mistake, I do.” Kaiser took a deep breath. “Ayama is a [Hero] and Akiro is an [Assassin]. In a world that is not your own, you instinctively hid your true class for safety, or have I mistaken?”

Kaiser had a growing suspicion as an intense gaze was set on him for the entire day, unnervingly jotting down the smallest of details about himself. He cannot, under any circumstance, underestimate these two."

“You’re correct, sir. Now, what will you do?”

“Depends on how you two do in our bout.”

“If that's the case, sir,” Akiro paused, “we will try our hardest.”

“In respect for your determination, I shall do the same.”

Akiro and Ayama proceeded to the weapon rack and picked out their weapons and armor. The Chief Knight equipped the armor he removed earlier. Akiro chose light leather armor and two wooden daggers and a few throwing stars, and Ayama chose a wooden longsword and a medium-sized shield along with thick armor.

Kaiser fell in thought, “Why would these two hide such classes? They wouldn't have had to deal with the ridicule and mockery of their classmates. There must have been a reason other than instinct.”

“Are you ready now?” Kaiser asked.

“We are!” they shouted in unison.