At that moment I realized that nothing is real peace

After the breakfast ended, Shiina put down the chopsticks, wiped her mouth and turned to Arthur with an excited expression.

"Arthur, do you want to practice magic?" Shiina suggested. "We are going to the training ground, if you want, we can come with."

She looked up, nodded. "Alright, I also want to see how people practice."

Shiina smiled, while Kazu and Azama were also excited. The group quickly left the cafeteria and went to the training ground - a large area behind the academy, surrounded by high walls to protect from unintended magic explosions.

When they arrived, Arthur saw many other students also practicing. Some are reciting the mantra, creating sharp fire or wind sphere, while others use defensive magic or strengthen the body.

Shiina walked out in the middle of the yard, reaching forward. "See me first."

She closed her eyes, concentrated energy, and only in the blink of an eye, a magic light appeared at her feet. The surrounding atmosphere vibrated slightly, then suddenly, a pillar of fire broke out from her palm, shot straight into the sky before disappearing.

Arthur observed with surprised eyes. "It's impressive."

Kazu laughed. "It's just basic. See me!"

He stomped his feet to the ground, and immediately, a sharp tip of the ice appeared in the air and rushed into the beer. Wood beer is frozen in a snap before breaking into pieces.

Azama shrugged. "I'm not very strong in attack, but the defense is okay."

He reached out, a blue barrier layered around his body, like a transparent but extremely solid shield.

Arthur looked at them performing, offering a strange feeling inside. She wanted to try ... but the words of the creature still made her hesitate.

Shiina turned to her, smiling. "Arthur, do you want to try it?"

Arthur tightened his hand, hesitating for a moment. This is an opportunity for her to know the truth - she really cannot use magic, or just a curse that she can break?

She took a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay, let me try it."

She walked out in the middle of the training ground, feeling the eyes of all three who were watching her. Her heart beat faster when she raised her hand, trying to focus as what they saw.

But ... nothing happened.

There is no flow of energy, no magic light, no fire or ice.

Shiina, Kazu and Azama looked at each other, their faces were a bit confused. Shiina approached, her voice full of encouragement: "It's okay, maybe you just need to focus more. Imagine the energy flowing through your body."

Arthur tried again, focusing as much as possible. She imagined that she was connecting with the magic flow, as Shiina said.

But the result is still the same - nothing happens.

She was dumbfounded, then suddenly recalled the words of the creature: "You will never use magic."

Affordable ... it tells the truth?

In the stream of chaotic thoughts, Arthur was suddenly startled by the bell signaling that the school now rang throughout the academy campus.

Shiina quickly turned to everyone, clapping one. "Stop it, go to class quickly! If you're late, you will deduct the point of the whole group!"

Kazu sighed, capturing his tip of the ice. "A hard study day ..."

Azama seemed more calm, but did not hesitate. "Let's go, Arthur."

Arthur nodded, temporarily putting aside questions about his magic. Although she was still suspicious in her heart, she understood that now it was not the time to find the answer.

Arthur and his group of friends ran all the force towards the classroom, his heart pounded in fear of being late. Fortunately, when they entered, the teacher had just appeared. The group breathed a sigh of relief, quickly looking for a seat.

Today is a magic lesson as usual. The teacher stepped on the podium, clapping one to attract the attention of the whole class.

"Today, we will continue to study on how to control and refine the magic flow," the teacher said. "As you all know, magic is not merely strength, but also control, harmony between will and energy."

Arthur silently listened, trying to remember every word. But in her heart, she was still full of concerns - could she use magic?

The whole class started practicing. Everyone in turn summoned magic, creating light streams, fire, ice or colorful energy waves. Arthur looked around, feeling the difference between himself and them.

It was your turn to try. She took a deep breath, raised her hand like the way the teacher instructed, focusing on feeling the magic flow in the body.

But ... still nothing happened.

There is no light, no energy, without any signs of magic.

A few students began to glance at her, a few whispering. Arthur tightened his hand, trying to suppress disappointment.

Shiina, Kazu and Azama looked worried, but no one said anything. The teacher also did not scold, just frowned slightly, as if thinking about something.

Arthur bit his lip, feeling like something blocked his path. She knew she was different - but to this point? Does she really never use it? Or something she has not discovered yet?

By the end of the lesson, despite his best effort, Arthur could not create even the smallest magic ray. She tried to keep her calm, but she offered a feeling of frustration and anxiety.

When the lesson is about to end, the teacher stood up on the podium, clapping one to attract the attention of the whole class.

"Before the end of the lesson today, I had an important announcement," he said strictly. "Next week, we will have a test of magical competence. This is an important test to evaluate the progress of each student."

The whole class began to whisper, some people were excited, while others seemed worried.

Arthur felt his heart sag. What will I do? If she could not use magic on the test, would she be considered useless? Is she absolutely incompetent?

Shiina touched her hand softly, her eyes full of encouragement. "Don't worry, Arthur. There is still a week left, you can practice more."

Kazu also nodded. "Yes, don't be discouraged. Maybe you're just stuck in a certain step."

Azama was silent, but his eyes seemed to be a bit interested.

The teacher observed the classroom for a while, then his eyes stopped at Arthur. Noticing her worried face, the teacher smiled slightly, the voice calmly:

"It's okay, don't worry too much. Although I can't use magic, but in the test, weapons like guns or swords are also accepted. As long as I can fight and show my abilities , there's nothing to worry about. "

Hearing that, Arthur was startled. She did not expect that in addition to magic, other fighting methods were also allowed in the test.

Shiina turned to Arthur, smiling encouraged. "So you still have a chance! If you can't use magic, you can try weapons."

Kazu nodded to agree. "Yes, there are many students who also choose that way. Some people are good at finding techniques or using long -range weapons instead of magic."

Azama also spoke, his calm voice. "But if you want to fight without magic, you will need to practice hard. The weapon can compensate somewhat, but still need skills to use them effectively."

Arthur clasped his hand, offering a ray of hope. Although she still could not explain why she could not use magic, at least she still had another path.

She took a deep breath, her eyes gradually regained her determination. "So ... I will find a way to adapt."

Shiina tilted his head to think for a moment and then said:

"Arthur, if you can't use magic, I think you should try the gun away. Easy to use the sword and the damage is also higher."

Kazu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the gun is suitable for those who do not have too high physical strength. Just practice the standard shot and can fight well."

Azama crossed his arms, pensive. "But the gun also has disadvantages, especially when confronting those with strong defensive magic. Anyway, if Arthur intends to choose a gun, you should start practicing soon."

Arthur thought for a while. She had never used a real weapon before, but if the gun was a good choice, maybe she should try.

She looked at Shiina and the rest, then nodded. "Okay, so I will try the gun. But ... where should I start?"

Shiina smiled brightly. "You let us worry! We will take you to the academy's shooting school. Will help you get used to the weapons."

Shiina then led the group to the academy's gun training area.

When entering, Arthur was surprised. Contrary to her imagination of a normal shooting field, this place is large and is fully equipped with modern weapons. Other practitioners are practicing, some are removing guns, some are testing accuracy, and some are practicing mobile shooting.

Shiina excitedly introduced: "This is the academy's shot area! There are all kinds of guns, from pistols, rifles to sniper rifles. As long as you find the right type for you, you will not worry about inferior to magic users! "

Kazu crossed his arms and nodded. "Yes, there is a coach instructing how to use guns from basic to advanced. You just need to focus on training."

Azama glanced at Arthur, then said in a low voice: "But do not forget, use guns that require skills and reflex quickly. If you are going to choose it as the main weapon, you must practice seriously."

Arthur nodded, taking a deep breath. She knew this was the only opportunity to make up for not being able to use magic.

Shiina laughed and pulled her to the counter. "Come on, try to see what kind of suit you!"

Arthur looked at a series of guns on display in front of him. She touched a pistol, feeling its weight. This will be a weapon to help her fight in the upcoming test - and probably more.

Arthur picked up the pistol, feeling the coldness of the metal in his hand. She tried to adjust the posture as what was observed from the people around, then took a deep breath, aiming at the beer to shoot in front of her.

Click! She squeezed the trigger.

Doi!

The bullet left the barrel with a stronger force than Ms. Tuong, causing the gun to jerk back. Her arms trembled, and before the reaction, the gun was knocked out of her hand, falling to the ground with a jarring click.

Shiina rushed over, picked up the gun and laughed. "Well, it seems you're not familiar with the shock!"

Kazu also smiled. "The first time everyone is the same. It is important to know how to control."

Arthur rubbed his wrist, feeling a little painful. She bit her lip, a little embarrassed, but not discouraged. "I don't think it's so jerked ..."

Azama, still holding a calm face, walked closer. "You need to grasp more firmly, use both hands to keep balance. Don't be too stressed, let your body absorb the jerk instead of fighting it."

Arthur took a deep breath, received a gun back from Shiina, then nodded. "Alright, I will try again."

She set foot stronger, holding the gun with both hands, squeezing the trigger again - this time, although she was still shocked, but at least she did not drop it.

Shiina shouted. "Very good! Just keep like that!"

After about an hour of continuous shooting, Arthur finally began to get used to the gun. Although she still could not shoot too accurately, at least she was able to control the recoil and no longer dropped the gun.

Shiina patted her shoulder, smiling. "Fast progress! When I first practiced shooting, it took me a week to get used to the muscle recoil!"

Kazu crossed his arms, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, only an hour that you did so was quite good. Just practice more and can use it fluently."

Azama observed for a while and then said in a low voice: "But he still has a weakness. When he shoots, he is a bit tense and has not regulated the breath properly. If he wants to shoot more accurately, he needs to keep calm and control control Breathing. "

Arthur nodded, remembering Azama's words. Although she felt a bit tired, her heart was a bit proud of her progress.

Shiina stretched her shoulders, then laughed and said: "Come on, this practice is enough! Let's go to eat, I'm hungry to faint!"

Kazu laughed softly. "Agree. After finishing eating and counting."

Arthur also did not object. She put the gun into the treasury of the training area, and then with everyone to leave the school, heading to the academy's cafeteria.

When the group was sitting and eating, enjoying lunch after the tired training session, Kazu suddenly spoke:

"Hey, Arthur, do you want to try your sword?"

Arthur was a bit surprised, looking up at Kazu. "Sword? But isn't it more effective?"

Kazu nodded, but then shook gently. "It is true that the gun has a high damage, but the sword also has its own advantages. It is more flexible, can be used in melee, and many people choose to sword because of its diversity. , there is a melee weapon with you is also an advantage. "

Shiina rested his chin. "It sounds good.

Azama added in a deep voice: "In addition, many sword techniques can coordinate with the speed and tactics to avoid. No need for magic, just practice enough, you can still become a strong warrior."

Arthur thought for a while. Although she was more familiar with the gun, Kazu's words were not unreasonable. If she could learn techniques, she would have more options in battle.

Seeing Arthur silently consider, Kazu smiled and said: "Actually, I know a senior specializing in swordsmanship. He is very good, can help you find the style that best suits you."

Arthur looked at Kazu, then nodded slightly. "Alright, so I will try to learn to find."

Shiina applauded excitedly. "Good! After eating, we go to see that seniors!"

After finishing eating, the group quickly left the cafeteria, following Kazu to the academy's sword training area.

Arthur had never been here before, but as soon as he entered, she immediately felt the serious and disciplined atmosphere. The tinkling sounds rang out everywhere when the students fight, the sharp swords swung in the air, creating a strong scene.

Kazu led the group to a corner of the training ground, where a tall man was standing around and observing the practitioners. He has short black hair, sharp eyes and a calm but powerful manner.

"Hoshino!" Kazu called out.

The man - Hoshino - looked at them again. When his eyes stopped on Arthur, his eyebrows slightly raised, as if he understood the reason why the group came here.

"This is Arthur, she wants to learn swordsmanship," Kazu introduced. "Can you help her find the right style?"

Hoshino was silent for a while, observing Arthur from top to bottom. She felt like she was being assessed, but still remained calm.

Finally, Hoshino nodded. "Okay. If you want to learn swords, you must first try to see if it is appropriate."

He walked to the weapon price, pulled out a wooden sword, then threw it to Arthur. She hurriedly grabbed her hand, feeling its weight - more than she thought.

"Hit me a match," Hoshino said, drawing another wooden sword. "No need to win, just show me how you fight."

Arthur tightened the hilt, took a deep breath. She had never held the sword before, but she knew she couldn't back down. If she wanted to become stronger, she had to fight.

Shiina, Kazu and Azama stepped back, observing.

"Alright," Arthur said, raising the sword instinctively. "Start!"

Arthur rushed and swung the wooden sword instinctively, but in the blink of an eye, Hoshino dodged quickly.

Before she could realize what was happening, he used the sword to hit her stomach.

Thud!

The throbbing pain immediately caused her to lose balance and was thrown to the ground.

"Ugh ..." Arthur hugged his stomach, trying to regain his breath.

Shiina stepped up, seemingly worried, but Azama signaled for her to stop and observe. Kazu was not surprised, still standing around.

Hoshino stood still, looking at Arthur with strict eyes.

"Is it too heavy?" He asked, his calm tone.

Arthur clasped his hand, trying to sit up even though he still felt pain.

"No," she responded, weak voice. "It's just ... I did not expect to be defeated so fast."

Hoshino sighed, looking at her with caution. "It is the first lesson-the sword does not mean fighting."

He swayed the wooden sword in his hand, then continued: "You lack posture, lack of tactics, and the movements too easy to guess. If this is a real battle, you will not have a chance."

Arthur bowed for a while, but could not deny those words.

Shiina walked towards her, saying softly: "Hoshino is always strict."

Kazu laughed softly. "That's right. He always wants people to learn what is really useful, not just basic techniques."

Arthur took a deep breath, then stood up. Although her stomach was still in pain, she could not let herself be defeated easily.

"So where do I start?" She asked, her eyes looked directly at Hoshino.

Hoshino observed her for a while, then smiled. "If you get up after that shot, I will teach. But first, learn how to stand right."