Spirit Taming

Chapter 462: Quick Split

"First of all, we had quite the prediction about the tournaments for our students. I know you met a few of the most promising of the first years. We were very shocked to hear that they did not take first place. But that is fine, we are happier to hear that Nova finally has a few good seeds." The vice headmaster was somewhat chatty as he walked them through the building and out a side door.

"When we heard that you already had a business as well, it was just another very impressive fact. For you to all be young and be so developed just speaks to the quality of your group. Coming together must have been a once in a lifetime opportunity that you all took advantage of." Now it seemed that Clark could understand what vice headmaster Gold was talking about.

"I had no intentions of making any friends at all when I joined Nova Academy. I was focused on other things more than you might think. However, I met someone within the test that followed me around. From there, I realized a few things and made other friends. They all were stuck on something somewhere. Together we found paths that we could travel." Clark was purposefully a little stiff and mysterious.

He wanted the others to chime in.

"You already know that Ella is a genius and that I am from the Rolly family. Basically, Clark helped us take things up a notch in our own plans. Don't let him be humble. That's why you can take the time to ask us for a beast analysis. Our repertoire of different beast plans is always expanding.

But our individual beast plans are very unique since they are tailored exactly to the beast with the utmost focus." Isa made sure to take over a little and emphasize what they could do for people.

"I doubt he's looking for a beast plan. He wants to watch us fight. Since I can do that and a few other things, it's best to leave that to me." Ralph was slightly more hot headed than usual. It wasn't that he wanted more focus on himself but that he was annoyed that Isa was only focusing on beast analysis and growth plans. Ralph gave them a forging option now.

A small one due to his limited skills but he was improving well compared to the many years it would take for someone to reach his level currently.

"Healing services are also available along with some minor forging works. We can make some materials. But I would like to inquire about alchemy from you Mr. Gold." Maria smiled slightly while waiting to see what the reply would be.

Meanwhile, Vice Headmaster Gold was very thrown off to see the differences in personalities. It appeared that this kind of group shouldn't at all flow together. He was even looking at Brad who had continued to keep the training grounds near them in his sights without paying any attention. Then Reese was focused on the word instructors the same way Brad was.

It all came to an odd conclusion when he noticed that Jerold was seemingly trying to become invisible and make no sounds. It was odd to see someone training their hiding skills without the help of a beast and so in the open.

"As you can see, we have a variety of skills within the business we have gathered. I may be a little older than my colleagues, but we all have a high standard for ourselves and others. Know that we may offer our family names, but they do not limit us. So it will be very enlightening to be here where family names pale compared to achievements. I saw the stone records ahead already.

They are very interesting." Ella had been observing everything. Her focus had fallen on to five large stone pillars ahead that reached well up towards the ceiling of the cave.

The reason she had focused on them was because they stood out. It allowed her to read the words on it. "These are the pillars of accomplishment. As you noticed, they are very important to our academy. And yes, regardless of family name, this matters more here." Gold was very glad to see that the odd group was very similar to what he and the entire academy believed.

It was why Terra City was able to remain somewhat peaceful.

"We focus on achievements, our own tournaments here allow for students to grow on their own. Some records for body building, beast cooperation, and even non battle related events like forging are here. If you manage to gain the approval of multiple professors, students, and competitions within the academy, you will get your name on these pillars.

It means you are the top student of that category and deserve respect. You can not gain these things by cheating or using outside influence. It is all up to effort."

"That's why I think we will like our visit here. We can train and grow in Terra City the way we want without needing to focus on drama. And we also know that you would not allow any attacks or interference here." Clark saw vice headmaster Gold give a soft nod. He was glad to hear that Purple had made a good relationship and properly shared Terra Academy's values with these students.

"Then, in that case, I will show you to the different locations you wish to explore. And since we have a future business mogul here, know that there is an auction happening tomorrow night. The following morning will be the general bulk sales from the recent overflow of items and other things." The vice headmaster looked at Isa and saw that she appreciated this.

He was not at all trying to butter her up but playing to the strengths of what knowledge he had.

"From that I can guess you have entrance to this auction and would like to bring guests?" Isa knew exactly what was happening.

"Exactly, guests would be able to come with myself and students of my academy here. Two of you can come with me while two of my students. I would like to demonstrate the quality of cooperation to others." This was a show to make sure that the higher families saw that Nova Academy first years were the only ones willing to come and do what others had not. To visit another city and academy.

To build relationships instead of ignoring them completely. It would help the vice headmaster gain power but also expose the group to a few chances. The auction items weren't even something to mention.

"Then we will plan on that. But it looks like we already lost Reese, Jerold, and Brad to the training area." Clark watched as the three wandered toward the groups of students. Reese was headed for the sword instructor, Brad for the student using a shield, and Jerold seemed to be trying to sneak through the crowd of students without being touched. Dodging and sneaking practice.

"Ah, I spoke too much. A bad habit. But that's fine. Let me show you toward the academy forges. They are somewhat large due to their production of student armor and weapons. But there are always orders to fill.

The environment is slightly harsh though." Ralph snorted a little and called out his molten boar.

"We can handle harsh situations, but can your students keep up with us? Grace and I can heat and cool any metal you throw our way." Grace had been silently taking in all of the academy. Now that she was snapped out of this thought of awe, she was very embarrassed to be paused like that. But the frost finch chirped slightly making everyone understand that it enjoyed the praise from Ralph very much.

"Well, I won't stop you, If you wish to rush ahead, the entrance is that building there. We have the forge dug slightly deeper to cut in to a small magma stream coming from lower in the earth. It allows us unique forging methods while also bringing unique energies for metals to take on. But… ah, they are already leaving.

Hopefully for the best though." the vice headmaster started to feel like he was getting lost in the conversation more than usual. Bragging about the academy he was part of might be his greatest weakness.

"Can we please meet the healing and alchemy students? Isa and Ella will document herbs while I ask about beasts that might be my next partner. Clark will usually do his own thing." Maria was still polite but the vice headmaster felt that she was holding herself back. That the students left before him were much more aggressive in their learning than he understood at a glance.

"Of course we can. You may have missed it, but we have an academy building within the garden. It is smaller because it is only for a smaller group of students to use. Not many focus on medicinal healing or alchemy here. It is rare for us since we focus on combat and forging. But I promise you, they are very good." vice headmaster Gold started to walk with a little more focus while chatting.

The group left started to hear a little more about the Terra Academy histories than they thought they would.