"So how soon are we going to fight that daemon?" Carmine asks
"Not that soon. We still need to gather intel on how we should deal with this Daemon. That should give you ample time for you to teach the basics."
"Not all that reassuring, but okay." Carmine then turns to me "So, like I said, you panic way too much. What my battle showed you... Is only the tip of an iceberg when it comes to real battles. And key to haemomancy... No, magic in general - is to keep focus.
Basically if you accept that the battles are your second nature - then you'll be able to bend your being to your will. What magic is essentially is a battle of art. And it all comes."
She points her finger on my chest "From your heart, and..."
She points towards my forehead "Your brain. Magic is the power of your imagination."
"Okay, but how is it a power of your imagination when there's seemingly classes of elements or something like that." I remember the lessons Oswald gave to us and he mentioned elements during them...
"Just like how one person isn't like the other, every application and type of magic is unique. It merely solidifies as the time goes on, becoming something more comprehensible. And what you may have heard about elements... Is a mere convention." Virgilia explains, growing mushrooms on her fingertips
"That's Virgilia-speak for her sucking at "general" plant-type magic." Carmine jabs, to which Virgilia bumps her with an elbow in annoyance "I think Mycelia have been serving me well enough, thank you very much."
"So basically, you're telling me to let myself loose?"
"Suppose. You still need to think though. You need to combine both your knowledge and your spirit. That's why we have two brains."
"Hmm..."
I try to pull out my dagger before Aden stops "Oi, no making messes in the carriage."
"... My bad." I put the dagger down.
"That's why every skillful magician will tell you to focus, and that's why when you're starting out - you typically close your eyes. Having to see the truth all the time might make you think "realistically", so you might need a "curtain" to spur your imagination."
"That sounds way too far-fetched."
And yet. With my power to influence the flow of time... Perhaps me simply wishing that something would've just stopped was enough...
"Leonid, are there any settlements in your field of view?" Virgilia asks and he shakes his head. Not really talkative...
"Hmm... This is getting nowhere, let's start our training now; step aside, you brats."
"""Huh???""" Me, Aden and sleepy Émile collectively gape our mouths
"Oi, don't blame me, blame this lady for trying to rush things." She points towards Virgilia and she sulks "I thought on-field experience would've been more valuable..."
"Have you gone senile already? This kid isn't ready to battle yet."
"..."
"Perhaps you got way too used to battle-ready kids. Oi, I told you two to step aside, let me access the outside!" She points towards the duo and to me she says to stay.
"Fine..." Aden sighs and drags Émile to the side "Just don't make a bloody mess over here!"
"Baby." Carmine crawls towards me and we lean towards the wagon bed, looking outside.
"For now we'll just focus on projectiles. This should be just enough for the battle that is encroaching upon us. First, make a cut on your finger."
"Uh-huh..."
I do as she said and then I'm told to point my finger like a gun and close my eyes.
"The conditions might not be ideal with all that shaking, but breathe calmly. Normally, unless you're that intent on unleashing a barrage, the blood taken isn't too much. And with your viscosity - it might take a while to form."
"Mhm..."
"Now, imagine what you would use as a blood projectile. Something what you believe could be used effectively..."
When I closed my eyes, there was nothing
I didn't think. I don't think I actually knew what could be used.
I was lost. No matter what I could think of, it just didn't come to me.
Yet as my mind wandered, eventually something began to form.
Something so foreign, yet also so close to my heart.
Like I was predestined to do so.
That fight with Sol... I had a wish. A wish that I too could create something so intricate... So beautiful.
Of course, her fight is associated with colourful flowers around us, fitting for an equally colourful display of mastery.
I think I am starting to get what Carmine says about magic being a form of art.
Sol was a beautiful girl with a bright heart. She knew what her calling was. She was passionate.
To her, I was merely a shadow. Someone who stood in the dark.
Yet, being allured by her light... Perhaps I can too stand in the light.
Now the image is clear.
I want to be by her side.
And stand together strong.
"Hm... Looks like a rather intricate clockhand... Perhaps your affinity with time had an influence on you..."
"Gwah!" I snap back to reality, shooting the arrow, which causes Carmine to jump in surprise.
"Gwahhh!! Don't scare me like that, sheesh! Anyway, looks like you're getting somewhere. Now streamline the process one-by-one, creating these hands should be second nature to you."
Streamline the process?
Should I think of those clock hands?
No, I should be thinking of Sol.
If I want to stand alongside her, I must be strong.
And... I must think of Carolyn. She was the one who opened her arms to me. If I won't survive - she won't forgive herself.
"Improving, improving..."
I think everything's now clear...
I want to live...
I need to live...!
I won't let myself be trampled...!!
No matter what - I will live!!!!!
"Oh! That's good. Now, open your eyes. Let's try a target practice. Hrrrgh--"
She cut her palm and large clumps started to form.
"It might be unusual to shoot like this; but well, you need your eyes for everything, so... Take aim."
Yeah... It is odd being back to reality. It's much more difficult to simply "flow" with everything that surrounds me
"Just breathe, don't overthink this."
... Take aim.
*Swish*
"Yeah, I think we need to repeat the process over and over again until you get exhausted. I could feel your heart racing rapidly when you opened your eyes."
"Bummer."
Of course I can't just learn something from the first try. Unlike them, I wasn't molded by the tumult.
I was... A coward. I think if my sister was alive, she could've picked up the art of magic much quicker than I do.
I suppose... Wielding magic is equivalent to having a drive. In spite of everything... I suppose I didn't want to hurt anyone.
And on just that day alone... I was scared. And I was scared to deny Oswald as well. I just wanted my suffering to end. I didn't want any of this...
Yet... If I keep this up... Maybe I'll have the courage to face the world.
What I saw... As cruel and ugly as it is... It was only the bare surface. When I thought I've seen it all, I've seen nothing yet.
It's about time I grow up.
...
...
"Looks like they fell asleep."
"They've been training for the entire day. The rest is well deserved."
"So, um, Virgilia? How many days have we left?"
"Counting this one, three."
"Are you sure we'll be alright? I'm worried for Fortune over here."
"... We'll be fine. Don't worry, Aden. Let us lay those two down."
"Of course. Also, do you think Bijou will be fine? Knowing that this territory belongs to Black Ravens..."
"... She's a strong woman; she didn't let him claim her back then, and she won't let him claim her now."
"If you say so... Lately she's drinking less than usual... And if she does... Well, y'know."
"..."
"Well, now Fortune's down and cozy. I'm kind of surprised how good Carmita was at teaching him."
"She was always a gentle soul behind her exterior. I should take some points from her."
"I wonder... What's so special about Fortune? You've been kind of harsh towards him, yet it's obvious to me that you care for him quite a lot, why is that?"
"... Why don't you rest up as well? I'll keep a night watch."
"Don't wanna answer? Bummer."