How To Survive A Calamity

"Too much bloodlust?"

[Too much bloodlust]

Hearing the affirmation in my head, I held my neck and sighed.

I raised my finger and glanced at the Ring of Solomon.

This artifact had somehow subconsciously activated very subtly and strangely to my emotions and intent during the last moments of my exchange against Derrick at the General Combat Class.

Because of that slight gap, my disguised intent by the Crown Veil's enchantment was subtly released and multiplied by Ruler's Authority.

But I'm not sure if Derrick or the others noticed, but it was most likely.

In the first place, Derrick wasn't an opponent I was hoping, or needed to beat. It was just a light exchange to gauge my level, but i was ready to put considerable intent behind my actions by revealing a little. Even i wbated to see how far i could possibly match up. But the difference between Derrick and i was obvious, even without me holding back anything. That was just the difference between ranks.

And that was how I accidentally ended up releasing a tad bit too much of my bloodlust.

"Well, all is well that ends well.' I sighed again and got up from the bed in the spacious, and well ventilated infirmary.

[It was over as soon as it began.] The synthetic voice in my head seemed to scoff as Meta sneered at me inwardly.

At that, I actually didn't have a comeback this time around.

"What was that about showing Aegis a glimpse of my true ability again? I got my ass handed to me without even realising how..." I mused with a hollow chuckle.

Just then, I felt the presence of a person approach from one side, and the figure of the female staff currently in charge of the infirmary came into view.

She swept her gaze across me oddly for a second, before she said.

"Were you just talking to someone...?"

Silently I nodded, then added dismissively with a shrug.

"No, I was just murmuring to myself."

After saying that, I reached for my coat and was about to leave when I was abruptly stopped by the next thing the nurse said.

"You actually have a visitor."

'A visitor?' I raised my head with a light frown.

And then from behind the curtain, a yet another familiar figure appeared with a small smile as he waved lightly at me. Alexander appeared from the other side with a kild expression as he raised his hand at me.

"Are you alright?" Alex touched his chin slightly and said. There was bandage wrapped around my neck underneath the collar of my shirt which he glanced at, and i rubbed slightly impassively.

"It wasn't that bad." I actually really was fine. Derrick's grip may have been powerful, but i wasn't sure if the instructor had a better control over his strength or not, but he surprisingly didn't crush my neck during that time.

All that was left from the time i visited the infirmary was only a slight squeeze mark, but by then i had already forgotten tte slight pain and disomfort as it was already healed.

But the nurse, nor Alex didn't have to know that.

It was why i could passively say i was alright that easily.

With Alexander unexpectedly by my side, we exited the infirmary in a strange and uncomfortable silence.

Judging by his presence next to me, it was obvious Combat class was over or suddenly cancelled. Which also meant, i successfully somehow managed to survive through my first main class at the academy.

The silence stretched long like a thread, but rather than feel intimidated by the awkwardness and presence of Alex, my mind was occupied with my thoughts, evaluating my actions and the events of the General Combat Class.

I had zero intentions of saying anything until we both made it for the next class after this.

Alex seemed to be of a similar state. There were times when his lips pursed and he made the attempt to speak, but hesitated at the last second.

Whatever it was, Alex seemed to he contemplating his words.

And like that, time continued to pass.

...Until i couldn't take it anymore.

In the silence that drew on longer in the almost sparse hallway of the academy with only the sound of our rhythmic footsteps, i snapped finally.

"Hey, if you've got something to say, just say it already." I glanced at Alexander from the corner of my eyes, and spat out, slightly irritably.

The white haired boy's eyes blinked and widened slightly at my voice. It was almost as if Alex had been sharply woken from his reverie and back to reality, and he gaped slightly as he turned to stare at me dazedly.

"Eh? Oh, i...i was just wondering if you've decided on a Faculty, or major." After a brief moment, Alex said with an awkward smile, and i cocked one of my brows inquisitively at him before relaxing.

"I have." Turning back to face forward as we continued to walk, i daid shortly.

'In fact, i already made up my mind on my faculty, major and specialized courses.'

"Faculty of Combat, Tactical Close Combat major."

This was my most obvious choice.

The three main departments were established to accommodate the natures of the Awakened or Heroes. Awakened possessing an Aura core, and Aura were mostly considered Warriors or Knights, and would often fall into the Department of Combat as their chosen faculty gor obvious reasons.

Awakened with Mana, and Mana cores, called Mages, or Sorcerer, or Mana users were more likely to choose the Faculty of Magic, or Faculty pf Alchemy.

And if an Awakened possess either of those natures or characteristics, but chooses of his or her own will or preference, they may decide to choose the Faculty of Research.

Now the thing was, upon closer inspection, each of these four mahor Faculties were all connected, and interconnected in some manner.

A mage could also choose to have a Major under the Combat department, and when this happens, specialized individuals called Battle Mages, or War Mages are created often in the process.

Same could be the the reverse for Warrior oriented Heroes who chose the Department of research instead.

Although, Alchemy was a little different...

'I don't really know much about that one too...'

I spoke matter of factly to Alex, and as expected, he didn't seem all that suprised by my response or choice.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I was an Aura user, a Warrior by nature, the combat department was my most likely option, as the department of magic required Mana users.

'Yes, matter of 'factly'...'

As Alex and i, side by side, drew nearer to our next class, my footsteps slowly came to a stop as i stood with a casual and dismissive expression before an entrance.

But deep internally, silently in my heart, i thought, estranged.

'But i no longer exists within the boundaries of facts and reason...'

[A/N: Sorry for the delay!]