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Chapter 26 - Practical Class (V).

POV: RENATA SILVEIRA.

Miguel had asked a direct question, and for a moment, I was slightly surprised. That was a serious statement. 

Until then, besides me, only my parents and Helena knew about my enchantments. 

I thought, at that moment, about how shy I had been throughout my life. This difficulty in communicating always meant isolation. 

I remained like that for a long time… until my best friend appeared. Helena helped me deal better with these things, and also with my studies, in a way.

As these thoughts ran through my mind, I activated my marks when I noticed Helena would do the same. 

And there it was, the first and most characteristic mark. 

Essence of the Dreamer, my main enchantment, allowed me to channel an extra force I carried when dreaming, which could be distributed into my magical energy, allowing me to enhance other enchantments or my blows. Its symbol was a simple pouch or some kind of small bag. 

Surrounded by several different objects, some pencils, pens, and other random things.

'Curious…'

It was my most advanced intermediate mastery, originating from the book: The Dream Seller. 

Soon after, there was my most mysterious enchantment, about which I knew little… The Oneiric Reservoir was of intermediate mastery, which was counter-intuitive given how little I knew about it. 

Represented by a simple symbol of a circle filled with some scribbles that looked like strange, illogical patterns… 

It was one of the rare cases of enchantments without a defined book; this type of thing was never well explained. 

But, I remember something my psychologist and professor used to say, that enchantments like these were not new but rather fruits of an idea represented in many different books. 

So, when the Mark was channeled, it wasn't clear what the original book was. 

That's why there was indefiniteness. There was also the fact that this enchantment had its own strange energy reserve…

Third, the most recent enchantment I had added, and the one that surprised me most when I understood its nature… Especially, knowing whom it refers to. Symbolized by a simple ship floating among stars. Ironic… 

After all, it's not every day you get a literary mark from a manga about a stretching pirate… The Darkness of Dreams pervades an oneiric darkness that affects my opponents' senses and spatial coordination. 

It can make them fall from imaginary heights, like in a dream, for example. It was extremely versatile, despite the short time I had used it. 

Another one, also recent, and honestly, one I found very fitting for me… 

It was the Mirror of the Lost Soul, which despite its poetic name, was much simpler than it appeared. 

Of beginner mastery, originated from the work: Everyone Has a Little Genius and Madness. It offered good support for the others, by giving me the ability to reason faster, the problem was that it tired me out at the same speed.

As soon as I finished recalling my enchantments, I turned to Helena, who was also about to reveal hers. 

Then, nodding to her, I began to explain to Professor Miguel how each enchantment worked and how I used them in combat. 

At that moment, I felt completely exposed, but also, I trusted Helena and Professor Miguel; if she believed in him, I would too.

POV: MIGUEL CASTRO.

I observed their explanations intently. It was fascinating how Helena's and Renata's styles contrasted, yet formed an impressive harmony.

"Helena's enchantments are malleable and strong," I commented, maintaining an analytical tone. 

"Renata's, on the other hand, follow simple yet powerful rules. It's as if they represent two sides of the same coin".

As I spoke, I introduced an important concept I had mentioned earlier to them.

"There's an important difference between a JAT and a spike," I explained, observing if both were paying attention.

JAT is an acronym for Jack-Of-All-Trades," I continued. 

"It's an American expression for someone who is a generalist, meaning good in various areas, but doesn't master any. In our context, this applies to a mage who masters various distinct enchantments, capable of performing multiple functions: combat, support, reinforcement… all decently, but without outstanding distinction"

I paused briefly, just to reinforce the idea before continuing.

"The spike, on the other hand, is the opposite. It's the mage who has a peak ability in a specific area. Generally, they have several enchantments within the same field or that perform very similar functions, which makes them deadly effective… but only there"

I concluded the explanation with a practical example.

"JATs tend to have more independence to handle multiple situations and demands. That's Helena's case. But this comes with a price: she needs to learn to ration her energy more wisely, use her enchantments more responsibly, so that their versatility doesn't become a waste".

I turned my gaze to Renata.

"On the other hand, the spike needs to master their strong point to the maximum. If successful, they perform the task with mastery. But, if they fail… they end up in deep trouble, since outside their field, their options are very limited"

I approached a little closer, serious, but without hostility.

"Renata, you need to learn to control the amount of energy you invest in your enchantments better, so that they are more useful in close-range combat".

Both listened attentively, so I went straight to the point.

"Correct your combat stances. Control your energy, and think better about your enchantments. You both master your own powers and know each other's fighting styles well. Use that to your advantage; try to innovate in different ways to surprise your opponent"

The two looked at each other, with a mixture of distrust and curiosity. It was Helena who asked first.

"Why do you want us to change this now?" she asked, frowning.

Renata nodded, reinforcing the doubt.

"Yeah… What's the reason for all this?"

I crossed my arms and replied firmly.

"Because you're going to fight each other. It's the best way to put each of these points into practice, and, most importantly, to understand how you can better deal with it"

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