The good vibes lasted all the way up until our first class of the day: Combat Mastery. Professor Song met us in the dojo after breakfast, arms crossed over his chest, those normally friendly gray eyes fixed in a stern glare.
“Where are the rest of the students?” Clem asked.
“You are my only pupils until the Gauntlet is complete. You have much to learn.” Song gestured to the slightly springy floor in front of him. “Come closer. I’d rather not shout unless I have to.”
We lined up for our instructor, not exactly at attention, but far from relaxed. Song was one of our favorite instructors. The look on his face, though, was unfamiliar and unnerving. Even when I’d almost sucked the life out of Rafael at our duel the year before, Song hadn’t glared at me like this.
“Miss Hark,” Song said. “I understand that combat is not your forte. Still, you must learn to contribute on the field of battle. What is your path?”
Clem stiffened at Song’s assessment. As one of the Thunder’s Children clan, she’d never excelled at combat. Her talents lay in cleverness and a breadth of knowledge few other students could match. I’d selected her for the team because I could trust her and knew she’d be able to figure out puzzles the rest of us couldn’t. She was the brains of the operation. I’d never planned to put her on the front lines of combat.
Song, clearly, had other ideas.
“The Path of the Tempest,” she said.
“And your primary offensive technique?” he asked.
“Thunder’s Sweep,” Clem said. “My aura defense is the Whirlwind Shield, and I have learned the Lightning Serpents.”
“Those are all excellent personal protection techniques. Unfortunately, you lack striking power. You will not be able to pressure your opponents with aggression and may become a liability to your team.” Professor Song sighed. “And you, Eric?”
“Path of the Inferno,” the Resplendent Sun said proudly. “I trained with the Inferno Battle Foundation over the summer. I strike with the Fists of Fire, my defense is the Inferno Field, and I wield the Striking Sun Serpents.”
Song nodded appreciatively and peered at Eric’s core.
“Your battle master has taught you excellent techniques. They’ve neglected your core training, though.” Song put a finger on my friend’s solar plexus. “Your jinsei capacity is quite low for an adept. How long ago did you advance?”
“It’s been eight weeks.” Eric thrust his chest out when he answered. He was proud of his combat skills and didn’t like when others picked at his weaknesses. I wasn’t sure what Song hoped to accomplish by irritating everyone.
“I see,” the professor said. “Spend as much time as possible cycling your breathing. If you can acquire jinsei potions, use those to fuel your core. You must increase your capacity and press for advancement at all times, Eric. The Gauntlet will challenge you in many ways. Unless you expand your core’s jinsei storage, you’ll be exhausted in no time.”
The professor moved to the next member of my team, Abi. For once, he’d exchanged his PDF uniform for a simple gray gi with the triangular symbol of the Titans of Majestic Stone emblazoned over his heart. He stood stoically while the professor analyzed his core.
“Let me guess,” Song mused. “Path of the Impenetrable Defense?”
“Yes, honored Instructor,” Abi responded smartly. “I wield the Armor of Will, Aura of the Guardian, and Boundary of Serpents techniques.”
“No offensive skills at all? Even Miss Hark has the Thunder’s Sweep.” Professor Song frowned. “Do you seek to bore your enemies to death?”
“My defenses are more potent than most at my level,” Abi said stiffly. “My duty is to defend those who cannot protect themselves. I am this team’s rock, and I will not break.”
“No.” Song tapped his chin with one calloused finger. “I don’t think you will. But are you so sure your opponents will break against you?”
I didn’t like the way this was going. It was nice that Professor Song was devoted to preparing us for what was coming. His methods, though, left something to be desired. in my opinion. The longer the professor stared at Abi the more painfully awkward everyone felt.
“Path of the Pauper’s Dagger,” I said to draw Song’s attention from my friend. “My techniques are—”
“I know all about you,” the professor said with a sharp slice of his hand to cut me off. “I also heard that you are badly injured. I appreciate the sacrifice you’re willing to make for all of us. I’m just not so sure it’s the right course of action. For now, you’ll be support for the rest of the team. With your abilities, you can bolster your friends’ weaknesses and enhance their strengths. That may prevent you from further damaging your core.”
I clenched my jaw to keep it from dropping open. I’d volunteered to lead my team. Song, though, seemed to think I’d be doing that from the rear. I didn’t want to believe he was right.
I also wasn’t sure he was wrong.
“Ah, Hagar,” Professor Song said. “I believe you’ve been absent from my classes more than you were ever present. I’m rather surprised to see you here.”
“I keep a very busy schedule,” Hagar said coolly. “I apologize if you took my absences for a lack of interest. I humbly request your forgiveness, honored Professor.”
“Your masters have sharpened your tongue to a spear’s point,” our instructor said with a smile. “But I am not one of your marks, Shadow Phoenix. If you’re to be on this team, I expect you here for every minute of my instruction.”
“I will attend your words with the utmost concentration.” Hagar bowed so low that her Mohawk nearly touched the dojo’s floor. “I follow the Path of the Blood Spider. I strike with the Blood Darts. I am shielded by the Arachnid’s Aura, and the Serpents of Venom bite my foes and shield my allies. I look forward to honing my abilities under your tutelage.”
My jaw did drop open at Hagar’s little speech. She was more polished and persuasive
