Chapter 144 - Visiting The Academy (2/2)
”No, they are new terms for the two of us.”
”To explain it briefly, they are two types of martial artists; mainly play the supporting role. Martial artist chefs are similar to alchemists in a sense; only, instead of making pills and potions, they produce spirit food. Through their cooking skills, they can mix the various ingredients and create dishes capable of giving multiple effects that affect the internal flow of spirit power. Although it seems easy to see and many think it's just a matter of cooking, it's a very complex process. The higher the skill of the martial artist and the stronger the effects of amplifying or restoring spirit power after or during a battle. It goes without saying that their presence in war is more vital than the life of ordinary attacking martial artists.
Martial artist musicians cause similar support effects, but they use music. By playing instruments or only with their voice, they can also calm the hearts of allies or increase their courage. At the same time, they can also influence enemies. However, the greatest threat is when they are together. Martial artist musicians are the only ones who can manage to create a group battle formation with strangers. Their union is centered on the music and musical score that they follow. It is no coincidence that their battle formation is called the Battle Concert. Their value is also superior to the lives of ordinary attacking martial artists.”
When Leon finished his explanation, Hei was speechless. In the Forgotten Ocean, he had fought in some large-scale battles, but they were more than other chaotic conflicts where everyone attacked simultaneously. There had never been a precise division of roles between the battle forces, and there was no reason to do so. Yet, the Empire had built a system based on creating a division into the roles of martial artists so as to be able to implement diversified strategies.
”You talked about attacking martial artists, what do you mean?” Hei continued to ask another question as the three of them landed. Leon made them make a general visit to the secondary activities buildings while answering Hei's question.
”Generally, we martial artists are divided into three categories: attack, defense, support. Classic martial artists fall into the attack category; I am also part of it. Those in the defense category are distinguished by their preference for defense techniques. Defensive martial artists focus primarily on protecting the rear where there are the supporting martial artists. Even if they do not have a specific formation such as the Battle Concert, they can temporarily combine their defense techniques and create protective barriers capable of resisting for a long time. They are indispensable when it comes to withdrawing the army and avoiding further losses. Supporting martial artists are everything else. In addition to the martial artist chefs and musicians, there are explorers and those in charge of communicating messages or transporting supplies. Usually, they are among the fastest martial artists as they mainly concentrate on footwork and running techniques.”
”What about the beast tamers? What category do they fall into?” Hei asked since no mention had been made of spirit beasts.
”It depends on the type of spirit beast that the tamer possesses. They can fall between all three. Although not as numerous as other groups, in the academy, you will find several martial artists beast tamers with their spirit beasts. However, most of them are quite reserved toward other people, which doesn't surprise me at all, though.”
”What do you mean by that?” Hei frowned at Leon's strange statement.
”The Sun Empire glorifies as a god the martial artist who led humans to salvation about a hundred thousand years ago, the man known as The Hero. It is no coincidence that the Imperial Family are the descendants of that individual. Although raising spirit beasts is tolerated, many people don't see them favorably, especially if it concerns high-level spirit beasts. The return of the divine beasts and the return of the war - this is what the inhabitants of the Sun Empire fear most. The Hero is seen as a God, but even he perished against the fury of the Snake of Darkness, leading to the division of part of the continent. Since beast tamers are directly responsible for the actions of their spirit beasts, in the past, there have been various incidents of people attacking spirit beasts left alone so as to then blame the tamers for any injuries sustained. Now, these things haven't happened for some time, but beast tamers are now accustomed to keeping a certain distance from others to protect their spirit beasts and themselves.”
Hearing all this, Hei clenched his fists with all his strength while his nails pierced the skin. With anger that gripped his heart, he asked Leon about his personal opinion on the matter.
”What do you think of all this, Leon? Spirit beasts and the attitude of the inhabitants of the Sun Empire?”
Leon seemed surprised by the question but, seeing Hei's serious expression, he understood that that young man with brown skin and long pitch-black hair also carried heavy burdens. Since Hei had been respectful of his situation, Leon decided to answer sincerely without investigating too much. Meanwhile, Lian was silently observing this interaction between the two; likewise, the two little divine beasts hidden in their big brother's clothes were eager to know the response of the new human before them.
”I was born and raised in the Sun Empire, so I can't say I haven't been influenced. I consider The Hero to be a great person - he alone managed to prevent demons from annihilating humanity and gave us the foundation for building a united society. Just for that result, it is worthy of my respect. He is also said to be the strongest human martial artist ever. This statement is true considering that in ancient texts, he is said to have perceived the existence of the seventh rank and wasn't far from reaching it. However, I find this whole matter of hatred against spirit beasts ridiculous. Like how we fight and strive for survival, they, too, do the same. In reality, this world is large enough for everyone - humans, demons, and spirit beasts. But the ego of certain individuals pushes us ordinary beings to embark on roads that we would rather not choose.”
Leon looked upwards, reaching out his right hand and closing it with a fist. He was looking back on something from his past. Upon hearing his response and seeing his actions, Hei loosened his fists and calmed down. Even though many people hated and feared spirit beasts or treated them as objects, it wasn't as if there were no people capable of understanding that they were nothing but living beings with their own personalities and personal dreams.
”Accompany us to see the accommodations,” Hei said to break that atmosphere of silence. There was a sincere smile on his face. He was happy that the first academy student he had met was Leon.
”All right, then follow me. Just keep going straight ahead, and we'll get to the lodgings.”
Leon then began to lead them back to the main road and guided them deeper into the territories of the academy.