Soon after his body knew it was safe it lost consciousness.
Makil stood looking at his little brother, eyes filled with curiosity.
"You took on a C-ranked beast after awakening only a few days ago?"
A spark materialized next time him, and Rakanji stepped out.
"His altitude and ability are extremely weak. Even for class B standards. When he undergoes his first takeover, that skill and talent — he'll be a monster."
The usual arrogant Rakanji's eyes looked straight through Kayui. All he could see was an inevitable threat.
A few coughs came from the battered body of Kayui.
"Makil?" He said in between coughs.
He felt a hand grab him and sling him up over his shoulder. The next thing he knew he was back in the nurse's office.
******
"Good morning class." Mr. Kong spoke to the 12 students.
The atmosphere didn't change from the day before. The only difference was that Kayui didn't feel like an outcast, but he didn't feel confident anymore either.
"After yesterday's testing, I realized that a few of you stood out. I believe those three students should be awarded for their valiant hard work—Not to discredit others.
This will not be a reward, but rather an opportunity. Modoru, Kage, and Kayui. You three will be taking on a C-ranked Militia mission. Meet me after class for details."
Icy altitude filled the room and Taz stood up with hostility.
"What about everyone else?!" He said, slamming his fist into the table.
"No one else met the requirements. I am sorry Tazreal. There will be many more opportunities for the rest of class B in the upcoming spring season. Last semester Class A snatched them all."
The altitude grew thicker.
Three roots, dark in color, wrapped around his neck and arms before pulling him down into his seat shutting down the ice altitude in the room. In place of it, a primal eerie altitude took its place.
Modoru looked to the front of the classroom, noting that Mr. Kong's stern face gave a signal, and released his roots.
They slithered away like three ebony snakes and dissipated before anyone could process completely what had happened.
Tazreal coughed a few times, his head hung low before disappearing out of the classroom before anyone could stop him.
Kayui was a little shocked but his expression didn't change throughout the entire commotion.
He didn't like how Modoru reacted to the situation but was he wrong?
It just didn't sit right with him to use power in such an oppressive way.
Regardless, he knew he was too weak to help his friend regardless but he wouldn't stand idle.
The class went by smoothly, and Mr. Kong demonstrated some espionage techniques with altitude that Kayui was already aware of.
Kage, Modoru, and Kayui all stayed after class to speak with their teacher.
Kage stood in front of the other two acting as a leader.
"What's the mission, sir?" Kayui said from behind Kage trying not to let his pride make him act rashly.
"Well, it's nothing too difficult actually. A few miles east of Celestia there's a small rural village forming under a retired Militia leader. Plenty of rumors are already spreading about corruption coming out of here. We want you three to root it out."
"How do we do that?" Modoru spoke, his voice indifferent but Kayui could feel his desire for something he was unsure of.
"If you see anything off, find their leader and bring him in. If you can't bring him back alive, don't hesitate to kill."
Kayui was a little shocked. 'Is this how our country operates?'
"These rumors are hurting us in the capital. We must take these measures to maintain peace."
"Yes, Sir," Kage said, before bowing and walking to the door.
"You have three days until the mission. Meet at the Town Hall in three days. Prepare well."
****
"I need a breakthrough" Kayui spoke to Taz.
They sat breathing heavily after a lengthy sparring session. Tazreal was getting stronger while Kayui's growth was skidding to a stop.
In terms of raw strength Kayui had the edge but Taz made up for it with his ability. Kayui still had no true use for his, so he only used it to amplify his body.
"You're naive kid. You're indirectly calling me weak!" The room was filled with a chill mist.
"You forget you're a year or more younger than everyone here, and were on the same level."
Kayui broke eye contact and looked at his hands. "I'm still not strong enough for my goals."
Taz stood up and walked away calmly. He was already growing used to the constant prideful remarks.
He didn't even spare him a glance. "Run a training simulation. Neuro Viper."
The room transformed into a forest. He could feel the wind and smell decomposition.
In front of him, a purple snake appeared. This one was different in appearance, not that he got a good look last time, but it radiated the same energy.
Its eyes were large and cloudy white, its scales slick and shiny. Its giant body sent a chill down his spine.
He drew his katana and reinforced it with his altitude, and then again with his aura. His mind was clear.
He dashed forward, and the viper mirrored him. It was obviously faster than him.
As a rank C, Neuro Vipers scaled to veteran militia soldiers, or year three academy students.
Its altitude reserves were vastly larger than rank C, its blindness put them down a rank.
A shotgun spray of toxin exploded outward. Kayui sidestepped it and slashed in an arc.
His blade met an ivory fang, sending a crack through it.
The impact slung him up into the air. The viper recoiled in pain.
His body contorted and dropped he dropped his weight.
Being stuck in the air for too long was a death sentence against such a beast.
The moment his feet landed on the grass he attacked again. The viper spun, threatening to impale him on its tail. He didn't slow down.
He dropped low under the tail. It quickly changed direction and slammed toward his back.
He rolled down to the right and bounced up again. The tail followed him up darting towards his stomach.
The sharp blade met scale — the scale won out.
A sputter of blood spat out.
"Simulation over."
The room retracted back into the white space and Kayui landed with a hard thud.
Two figures walked in with white robes and masks.
They patched him up quickly and disappeared back into the main building.
"Again."