15 A New Hope (1/2)
Before the training session, she went to send another letter to Rita. This one was way shorter, less than one page, she cut it as much as possible.
At the Mana training class, both Youko Sato and Captain Pain were present.
”We will start with an announcement.” Youko began. ”After carefully reading all your answers and taking into consideration your personal traits we decided on the squad leader position.”
”From now on your squad leader is Iten Yada.” Finished Captain Pain.
'Nice! Iten is reliable that's for sure.' Orisa was glad, so she started clapping her hands. The squad followed her. Iten adjusted his non-existent glasses, stood up and bowed to the teachers, and then to the squad.
”I will do my best. Thank you for your trust.”
”After taking into consideration a lot of things we decided to appoint a deputy squad leader, in case Iten is unavailable.” Youko continued suddenly. ”We decided to choose a deputy from the female's part of the squad.”
”So, the deputy squad leader will be-” the Captain started
'Oh crap, please, no, not me!' Orisa felt a setup. 'No-no-no, not like this, don't want!'
”-will be Mira Rahna.”
'Huh... what? Mira? Really? Well, it's not me, so it's okay.'
The squad started clapping again, but less enthusiastically. Mira stood up and bowed slightly, eyeing the Captain for some reason. He showed a wide grin and clapped twice.
”I hope you are using your free time wisely.” Youko reminded in a stern voice. ”If you screw up, there won't be a second chance. Now, let's start our practice.”
-
When Orisa arrived at the library, the boys were already there, reading.
”Hey, guys, sorry for the wait. First of all, Iten, I'm so glad for you, congratulations! I think you'll be a great squad leader!”
”Thank you. I hope to meet your expectations.” His voice was calm and even, as always. ”I planned to go to the closed part of the library since I now have access. Would you like me to look for something there?”
”Awesome idea! Let me think...” Orisa thought for a moment. ”Some in-depth information about training and development of abilities?”
”Understood. Well, see you later.”
When Iten left, Orisa looked at Kanai, who was less depressed than usual but still a bit sulky.
”Don't worry. We'll find something. In fact, I have news for you.” She saw Kanai brighten up a bit. ”I've already sent a letter to my friend, so we'll probably hear from her tomorrow.” He nodded, cheered by her words, so she continued. ”Also, I've compiled information about stats. Write it down for future references.”
Strength.
The muscular power; damage with melee weapons and bows; provides toughness. Toughness is an overall resistance to all kinds of damage but is better against physical attacks.
Agility.
The speed of various actions, including attacks and spellcasting; reaction time and reflexes.
Luck.
The power of durational effects, their length, effectiveness. Luck also helps overcome the enemy defense.
Magic.
Spell damage and effectiveness of supporting spells like healing.
Dexterity.
Helps to concentrate on current action without interruption. Mana flow control which speeds up Mana infusion when working with the Seals or complex spells, and allows more actions to be performed at the same time, like Youko's fire and lightning knives.
Spirit.
The amount of Mana and its recovery speed. Mana control - ability to transform Mana into different elements and shapes. Observance. Resistance to elemental damage.
”Got it.” Kanai finished writing it down. ”So, looks like I have an affinity towards durational magic..?” He said uncertainly.
”More or less so. But I have yet to find any suitable school or path to choose with your lack of Agility and Dexterity. But don't worry I'm sure we'll find something.”
”This game sucks, I want a refund...” Kanai muttered under his breath.
”I know, right! It's so stupid and lame!” Orisa instantly became agitated. ”Like, if this was a game, I'm sure there would have been a huge cash shop!”
Kanai vigorously nodded:
”Absolutely! Though, I would pay my month' salary to grab a stat reset...”
Orisa made a move to throw imaginary packs of money into an imaginary display, and they both laughed cheerfully.
”Silence!” Maria hissed at them, making them feel like mischievous kids, so they giggled again.
-
”Hey, sweetie, can I have a moment with you?” Orisa was startled by a voice coming over her shoulder. Kanai looked surprised, too. When she turned around, she saw Nene.
”Oh, Nene, it's you... You scared me, gosh. Don't sneak like that next time, please.”
”Don't worry. I won't sneak on you next time.” She said in a voice that made Orisa shiver.
They went behind the library door, and Nene turned around, looking at Orisa intently.
”I thought we understood each other last time?” She said, getting closer to Orisa.
”What do you mean..?” Despite being lower than Orisa, Nene's presence was intimidating. She emanated a bloodthirsty aura that made Orisa's knees tremble.
”You are spending too much time with Iten. I don't like it.”
”Ah... that's what it is.” Orisa calmed down a bit, though Nene's aura was still pushing her heavily. ”Look, Nene. There are lots of reasons I can state, and they are all true and should be enough. But I'll say just one thing, okay?”
Nene looked like she didn't believe a single word Orisa said. She was like a lion about to jump on his prey who won't be swayed by words. Orisa shivered but finally said it:
”I'm not interested in men.”
Nene was shocked by this revelation. At the same time, oppressive aura disappeared.
”Huh..? Like, really, totally not interested?”
”Yep.” Orisa simply nodded.
”Okay... I say, wanna get closer with my sister, then?” Nene suddenly asked. Now was Orisa's turn to be shocked.
”Amm... Ahem... Well, not right now. All this other world reincarnation business is too much for me. I don't think I need any relationships right now.”
”Okay... So, I say, you are a good girl, Orisa, I like you,” Nene slapped her shoulder, ”call me if you need help.”
And so she strolled away. Orisa spent a few minutes to calm down, then wiped sweat from her forehead and went back to Kanai and books.
”What was that?” Kanai asked when she sat back to her chair.
”Phantom menace.” She said and started reading.
-
Iten returned a few hours later. Orisa smiled and greeted him:
”Iten! Was your journey a fruitful one?”