52: '*Basic* Basic Magic Application’ and ‘*Basic* Basic Physical Application’
"Breathe." in unison, we shout: HA.
"That's it. Let me hear nyour souls… now, BREATHE." shouting, Sir Talbetter motivates as strutting around us.
"Ha!"
"At ease, everyone," Sir Talbetter commands, his tail standing upright, "Now - everyone: generals, officers, lower officers, and footmen." he pauses, "... and women, of course." as thinking he might forget to include them. All laugh.
"Today, we will be learning the rudiments of both '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' and '*Basic* Basic Physical Application'. Also, the correlation of these two."
"Hear! Hear!" the crowd follows docilely.
"First of the three '*Basic* Basic Physical Application' is Cardio Management. This application is the discipline and the regulation of air intake and stamina expenditure. When you shout: Ha! You are circulating your air within your lungs while exuding the bad toxins, vice-versa."
"What kind of bad toxins do you mean, Sir Talbetter - shit?" one soldier jests around, as others support him by joining him in laughter.
The gátes instructor doesn't take it to heart, smiling: "It can be. But, more likely nyour breath, if you have halitosis." as his tail and his ears express the opposite.
As Sir Talbetter's rebuttal nearly shatters the soldier's ego, the footman hides his presence among his peers. From the other aisle, soldiers howl behind Sir Talbetter's bastion - heckling the lad who first instigated, as the pro-Sir Talbetter group rallies. This interaction is not entirely out of hate, but out of frolic. Not a passive rivalry among my men, but a dynamic camaraderie.
"Oh the seventh heavens, gods and goddesses, and the very world of Geböþæđ," Sir Talbetter sighs, "Nyou soldiers, regardless how grown up you've become - you all still act like toddlers." the gátes sneers then he scoffs afterwards.
"Oh, is Sir Talbetter getting annoyed… ? Look what you've done, y'all." incites the other female footman on the pro-Sir Talbetter side, she puts the blame on the anti-side.
"Silence." Sir Talbetter hoists his hand, in an open palm, "... such squabble won't make abilities get good, neither your standings anything better…" addressing both factions of the antis and pros.
"Are we all good?" Sir Talbetter asks if all of us are ready to listen.
Some nod while most cry, shouting: "Yes, sir!" then noises go quiet and subsides.
The gátes instructor clears his throat, "Moving on. This technique is probably one of the most vital in '*Basic* Basic Physical Application' - Muscle Management. This application is not any other flexing or showboating cuts, leans, or bulk of one's muscle. Nah. Nah."
"How? Does it matter if 'Muscle Management' differs from 'Cardio Management'?" I raise my hand, asking in a lenient voice as he turns his face unto me.
"Marshal Aisla, it is from the name itself. Yes, from the name indicates, 'Muscle Management' is the manipulation of muscle functions. Nyou lift a finger, that is exerting a force via small muscle movement at the disposal of stamina. Voluntary eye twitching, calf flexing, mouth smiling, and surprisingly, gulping? Yes, all of those activities expend one's stamina. So unnecessary motions really do make someone tiring."
"I've felt that! It's so true." General Clyden agrees to Sir Talbetter's explanation, "Well, you see. That makes sense. I did remember whistling to soothe the tension. My throat tells me to stop overworking, however, my brain says it's okay to resume since it makes my mind relax. However, the sensation creeps up in an insidious fashion." emphasizing, as to setting an example for himself - why is why.
"Of course, General. Our bodies are uttering the limits that shouldn't be pushed so far. We need to respect ourselves. If nya don't, then nyobody will either respect nyour boundaries. No one else will do that but nyourself." Sir Talbetter explains, closing it with a powerful note.
"Oooooo…" says the crowd, we are left amazed in awe.
"First tier in the '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' is-..."
"Are we not going to discuss the last application of the '*Basic* Basic Physical Application'?" a lower officer notices, as he stands and interrupts Sir Talbetter.
"Relax, soldier. We're gonna get there. 'Cause, you know? … these both third tiers of the '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' and the '*Basic* Basic Physical Application' is the same. More likely to a conversion of which is which. Vice-versa. So sit back and listen. I got this, nya?"
"Yeah, yeah." with an exasperated tone, he groans quietly.
I'm going to reprimand his ass for that misconduct! That's so embarrassing. Who is he again? Ah~ right, I realize that his name is Rynthiu. He's Serjeanty Rynthiu! The sideburns, beard, mustache, and his eyebrows - they are all iconic. But I'll be expecting his ass in the war chamber after this class. He needs some re-education.
The gátes instructor cuts right through, "But first of all, the two applications in the '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' is pretty self-explanatory. These are 'Magic Output' and 'Magic Manipulation' or 'Magic Control'." Sir Talbetter elaborates on the two.
"Hence, 'Magic Output' is critical on how to be aware of one's magical energy whether how it is produced or how it is shrinked. 'Magic Manipulation', or the so-called 'Magic Control' colloquially by many magic scholars, is the ability to control or redirect magical energy via oral chant or voiceless chant. Pretty simple, nya?" the gátes lecturer shares the descriptions and the functions of these two applications in just an instant. True, they are pretty no-brainers.
"Uh-huh…" we agree, nodding our heads while
"Now, 'Magic-muscle commutation' is present on both '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' and '*Basic* Basic Physical Application'. This said-concept is learning and controlling the conversion of lifeforce to stamina or from stamina to lifeforce. Vice-versa. The ideal conversation ratio rate is one-is-to-one - for example, three lifeforce points shifts to three stamina points. Or ten stamina converts into ten lifeforce points. In case that you are all wondering, this ain't to offend ny'all, since nyou're still learning how to unlock nyour lifeforce. Nyour stamina to lifeforce conversion rate is fifty stamina points in order to fuel just one lifeforce point. Moreover, let alone nyou can neither even convert from lifeforce back to stamina." he gives us a beforehand - a vision that he sees from us. A bunch of novice arcane weightlifters who barely could even hoist a hefty quarter kilo-xijemo (one kilogram) magical dumbbell.
"So, Sir Talbetter. You, as an elite practitioner… I believe you can do this, huh?" an officer quips, asking the instructor directly.
"Nyeah. Thirty years of mastering this. Studying this since at an early age while I was tending and plowing the land," he agrees, while sharing the backlore of his lifeforce journey, "I got my full education in lifeforce after my accolade into officerhood. Then, as of nyow, I'm still taking tutors in my hometown despite prior experiences." his tail flicking in a naughty fashion.
"Such dedication, you have there, Sir Talbetter…"
"Well, my stamina-to-lifeforce conversion rate is one stamina point (1 stamina point) to one point twenty five lifeforce points (1.25 lifeforce points). One lifeforce point (1 lifeforce point) shifts to one point O five stamina points (1.05 stamina points) or rarely, one point one stamina point (1.1 stamina point). At my peak, I had this one instance - one stamina point into two point thirty three lifeforce points (2.33 lifeforce points) and one lifeforce point rebates to three point six, four, nine stamina points (3.649 stamina points). This isn't about bragging or anything. It's just give or take - since we don't have the instruments to provide such evidence to my claims. Nyonetheless, just take my word with a grain of salt. Nya?"
"How come you even can do that?" asks General Clyden, ignoring the heads up.
"Study, train, master, repeat. Of course, don't forget to rest and to eat. Those two are quite crucial." counsels Sir Talbetter, as the class laughs, "Fret not, guys, y'all have me on your arcane journey. Any setbacks nyou encounter will be spotted right away. Such as akin to my case, that is called 'Magic-muscle commutation' 'imbalances'. Such abnormalities are quite normal for those dedicated ones, but not the talented ones. In your situations, since devotion is given - this is quite facilitated on my part." Sir Talbetter smiles with an assurance on his lips, giving altruistic reasons for keeping all of us under his wing.
"Sir," cries from the farther side, "Can we call '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' and '*Basic* Basic Physical Application' - about them, can we simply refer to them as BBMA and BBPA, respectively… ?" as she suggests. I believe her name is Zylina and she is an officer - Subaltern Zylina.
"Whatever you say, miss … ?"
"Zylina…" I mutter underneath my breath.
"Miss Zylina, sir…" she calls herself without her military rank, displaying humility before the gátes instructor.
"Cohort Master? Cohort Co-master? Phalanx Leader? Column Officer? Cornet? You are blank Zylina?" as Sir Talbetter asks her current military rank.
"Subaltern, she is." I mumble once again.
"Subaltern Zylina, sir!" the same officer rises up then salutes at the gátes instructor.
How could I know that? Of course, she is one of my men! Duh? How could I be the marshal of the Kingdom of Kehina, not screening them - that would be a recipe for disaster.
"Overall, such 'Magic-muscle commutation' conversion imbalances occur due to: fixed by birth, race, mood, spiritual condition, emotional state, conversion strain, mastery, unique passive ability, or by either practice or training, or all of the above. Remember, this is only viable for stamina points to 'Orenda' lifeforce points. An individual like me has four different power currencies: stamina, 'Orenda', 'Mana', and 'Vis'."
"Ooooo…" the class leaves amazed, some rise from their asses while others cover their mouths.
"However, conversion isshhh nyot like stamina-to-'Mana', 'Prana'-to-stamina. Nyo! Nah. Nah. The basic conversion tells us, stamina-to-'Orenda'; first: stamina, then and at last: 'Orenda'. Vice-versa. If stamina and other lifeforce than Orenda involved - from stamina to 'Mana'; should be first: stamina, then: 'Orenda', and finally: 'Mana'. The return is first: 'Mana', then: 'Orenda', and at last: stamina. Also works in other lifeforces. If two lifeforces are in the equations - 'Mana'-to-'Prana'; first: 'Mana', then: 'Orenda', to: 'Prana'. Again, a reciprocal relativity between lifeforces involved, where the 'Orenda' is a third-party. The conduit. Once again, it's a gateway to most, if not most - and 'the mother', the 'OG' of all lifeforces. Do nya understand?!?"
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"Sir. Yes, sir!" we bellow in full force, this time the echo fills the entire training arena with the noise of our fighting spirit.
"Then, if 'Prana'-stamina, first: 'Prana', then: 'Orenda', and lastly: stamina?" a soldier sure stands up, beginning the 'question-and-answer' portion, as she brazenly steps forward. I think her name is Footwoman Second Grade Manaña.
"Correct. 'Orenda' is always the bridge. Without it, 'Magic-muscle commutation' is not possible to happen." Sir Talbetter declares, while adding some few pointers.
"If lifeforce-to-lifeforce, is 'Orenda' still required to be the intermediary?," another one moves up, who's beside between General Clyden and I, whereas Sir Talbetter nods to her unsure query, "... like 'Vis'-to-'Qi'; the source is 'Vis', then the bridge is 'Orenda', and finally the target is 'Qi'. Then, can it be reversed by the same process?" she is General Incarceranda this time who just asks.
"Aye, that's correct too. Like 'Magic-muscle commutation', lifeforce-to-lifeforce is not possible without 'Orenda' itself, of course."
The old officer moves forward then presents his diagram, showing it to the class, where he scribbles ten sequences with a paintbrush on the big scroll hanging on the pasteboard:
(1) stamina → Orenda → Pneuma
(2) stamina ← Orenda ← Pneuma
(3) stamina ↔ Orenda ↔ Lucomagne
(4) Pneuma → Orenda → Vis
(5) Pneuma ← Orenda ← Vis
(6) Vis ↔ Orenda ↔ Pneuma
(7) stamina ↛ Mana
(8) stamina ↚ Mana
(9) stamina ↮ Mana
(10) stamina → Orenda → Vis → Orenda → Mana → Orenda → stamina
Sir Talbetter nods, "Absolutely, Squadron Leader Gabriel Þuk. All of them are true. You're a good listener!" as he praises his attentiveness.
"So, the basic 'Magic-muscle commutation' is between stamina and 'Orenda'? If one-is-to-one sounds ideal, then few may have conversion imbalances like the aforementioned?" as this old officer wants reconfirmation. He is Onager Leader Rupert Bronson Bane.
"Yes and yes. That's right, Onager Leader Bane." the gátes instructor answers the old lad's question.
"Sir?" Lance Sergeanty Meenix calls for the gátes lecturer's attention.
"Yes,... miss Lance Sergeanty?" Sir Talbetter notices the said-lower officer's summoning.
She proceeds to ask with a slight stutter, "Regarding Onager Leader Bane's question, does inter-lifeforce affect the conversion imbalances? Like Lucomagne to Orenda, the rate is two-is-to-one (2:1) and in contrast, when comparing Orenda to Lucomagne - it can be one-is-to-three point fifty-five (1:3.55), 'Orenda'-to-'Lucomagne'-wise." and manages to finish her query.
"Yes, great observation, you have there, Lance Sergeanty. The point is lifeforce-to-lifeforce also has its own conversion disparity which a soluble term is to train, of course. It is not always stamina-to-'Orenda' has the imbalances. Anyway, regardless of how many lifeforces you have - there are always differences." as the gátes instructor concludes Lance Sergeanty Meenix's question.
"What about the pattern of our education, huh? It seems convoluted, or in fact, willy-nilly. If so, I guess we should be grateful since you yourself are offering it. Nya?" she is one of the nepo-officers, her name is Cornet Trinitas of the House of Açaqit, and is one of the leading chargers of the pro-Sir Talbetter clique. The way she conducts herself speaking to Sir Talbetter is patronizing, despite being a human, she mocking the gátes teacher's racial accent is unacceptable.
"No! From what I recall, Cornet Trinitas, most of the syllabus are formal-acquired but just a twist," he pauses, reaching for the cup, "... formal-driven education is very rigid, if nya do nyot know, and bans co-educational effort - even in the smallest details, we will get you a slap on the wrist. I made a decision to provide my very best and with my personal flair because we nyar racing against time." he finishes after he quenches himself. Sir Talbetter's right, the Inglovians might invade us at any time.
"Your point being?" Cornet Trinitas of the House of Açaqit sasses back.
"Yes. The curriculum that I am basing on is from twenty years ago. And to make it more progressive and simple, as I include with my own arbitration just for you. So, listen and learn." and that would shut Cornet Trinitas's mouth up.
Sir Talbetter concludes after the final part of the lecture, "That's it for now in today's lecture time. For our next class, we will be integrating lecture plus demonstrations, nyou all may continue nyour labonyatory or workshop." he urges us to continue our physical training, as he stays on the chair while he plants left elbow on the desk table, sitting in a figure-four style.
"Are we going to ignite our 'Magic-muscle commutation' first-..." approaching him to the front - as the several soldiers and officers alike begin their own solo study, usual pairing, or group experimentation; while I've assumingly one-on-one lesson with Sir Talbetter himself after the slotted lecture.
The gátes lecturer cuts me off first, "Indeed, Marshal Aisla. At least half of both '*Basic* Basic Magic Application' and '*Basic* Basic Physical Application', we may dabble a bit in 'Advanced Basic Magic Application' and 'Advanced Basic Physical Application'." answering my probable question.
I probe him, asking: "So, are you saying, in order to manage a breakthrough with my 'Orenda', I should at least close the gap of six-is-to-one conversion? Or in my situation, if I am too hopeful, may it be three-is-to-one?" about what's the hold up for the curriculum and my certain potential regarding the arcane developmental progress.
"Probably, Lord Aisla. Perhaps." he snorts, both of his ears straightens upright, "Ideally because this is one of things I could think of, academically-tested. But I like your optimism and your enthusiasm." praising my determination. And well, this is out of my character - being too wishful.
"Is it because it is safe? Disregarding how crucial it is amidst the growing tensions with the Grand Imperials? On behalf of my men, Sir Talbetter, sometimes it is better to bypass some regulatory procedures for a little quite of gain. And if we are fortunate about the outcome, then it might be of tremendous significance… !" I reckon but having no qualms against his method, pressing the gátes lecturer to guide in rather a perilous yet impactful pathway.
"Nyahaha~ right. Remember the last time we; General Clyden, you, and I; all have discussed in the war chamber? This is one of the theories of unlocking your first taste of lifeforce." Sir Talbetter suggests with a bit of patience, while ignoring my previous retort.
"Yes, I remember," I confirm my answer to Sir Talbetter, "... and I'm ready to make some sacrifices." claiming, as I look at him straight and sharply in the eyes.
"What?" as the gátes teacher stifles his own laughter, blinking: "What do you mean by that, Marshal Aisla? In times of crisis, we should remain as nonchalant as possible. The first and only one to act as this - it must be you alone. Not General Clyden, and especially not me as well. YOU." Sir Talbetter emphasizes, meaning this talking bipedal feline is believing in me.
"Okay, enough of that. Let me tell you a secret, Marshal. If I have a stamina reservoir of a couple of thousand points and nine thousand lifeforce points. These lifeforces are distributed equally to 'Orenda', 'Mana', and 'Vis' - all of them hold three thousand points."
"Okay."
"Say, in 'Magic-muscle commutation', I have a full percentage of stamina (2,000/2,000) then I have two thousand eight hundred ninety nine out of three thousand (2,899/3,000). If my rate of stamina-to-'Orenda' conversion is 1:2.25, what will happen to both of my stamina and 'Orenda' reservoir?"
"So, you might have a surplus of one hundred and twenty six point twenty five (126.25) 'Orenda' points, summing (3,126.25) 'Orenda' points while your stamina is reduced to one thousand nine hundred (1,900) points."
"Great answer, Marshal. However," my breath hitches, when his tone turns subjunctive - somewhat conditional, "I don't have such a unique passive ability to restore a stockpile like [Overboundary], [Super Reservoir], or ['Moment of Recoil']. The contrast is [Borrowed Time] when one can use ability while on the negative. For example, most people couldn't use an ability reaching zero lifeforce point—however, having [Borrowed Time], one could be convenient and still use abilities negative four thousand over five thousand (-4,000/5,000) 'Mana' points or negative twenty one thousand, five hundred, and thirty two over fifty (-21,532/50) 'Vis' points."
He stops, and he makes it right into the point, sighing: "Well, whatnyever. Therefore, my 'Orenda' points increase, yes. But stay solely at the current maximum of three thousand (3,000) points while my stamina, during the post-conversion, will shift down to two thousand nine hundred (2,900) points."
"Oh?" as I find it so hard, while being dumbfounded.
"Oh nyes, Marshal. OH YES." with delight, his whiskers tell a tone of intrigue.
"Oh right, Marshal Aisla - you know what Leplomics is?" he adds, diverting the conversation, as his legs switch position.
"Yeah, a martial or a physical gathering where all the runners, fighters, weight men, archers, athletes, actors, assemble in the river-mountain of Leplomia. That's the history of it, but nowadays, it's kinda revived by a consensus of enthusiastic lords in the mainland. Whom sponsored by several patricians, syndicates, deilds, few gentry, veteran athletes, clans of performers-turned-investors, and other feudal barons, lords, and nobilities. What of it that you asked, Sir Talbetter?" I explain, then ask afterwards.
"Besides making money, and of course, you know that too. Actually, there was a scandal that transpired around two hundred years prior. As a lifeforce practitioner, it's a novelty. But to all hardcore Leplomics arbiters, a disgrace spawn out of Riivaaja—... no, Kigal's whore's womb."
"What exactly happened during that time, Sir Talbetter? Tell me. You know that I'm interested in it." I don't know exactly what he is talking about.
"What! You didn't know?," pausing, after he then realizes, "Oh, of course, you don't know — it's a classified incident where it was isolated that solely a few are aware of this." as his hiccup hits, "... an athlete who ran twelve kilomawwes (60 kilometers) with no brakes or reposes. The conspiracy is that the runner was translating his reserved 'Orenda' back to his stamina to prolong his air capacity during his run. Right after the investigation, his name was being void from existing in the records and banned for life. Thus, the Leplomics higher executives and several producers restarted the twelve kilomawwes marathon with no lifeforces in use. During that time, it was purely a meat show and brute force… no strategies, just drain your lungs, scream at them, stun your opponent's head - you win, that's it. Nowadays, some magical sports have become incorporated into the categories, veering the looming caveat of civil war one hundred seventy three (173) years ago just due to that." his hands solemnly intertwine each other.
After a diddle-dallying, half of the officers and soldiers go their ways. While solo self-studying individuals prompt to stay their asses in the sand, while the few have mustered the courage to approach the gátes instructor himself - an integrated tutorial learning.
"Marshal Aisla, what are you?" adding, he then asks a simple thing, as the others are just to approach.
"A man, of course? Yes, a man - masculine." the first thing comes into my mind, I spout.
He follows it up with, "Nyes– What does a man do… Nya?" his brows turn widen and his ears are alarmed, his voice becomes serious and dominant.
"They do to protect what they mean to defend, especially their loved ones…" I answer.
"Exactly." he agrees with my answer on what is the duty of a man, "Do you call yourself a man to be the protector of the Kingdom of Kehina whether she is not the queen herself or just a common damsel in the rural folk? If not, then why won't you step down and let your lieutenant handle this position? He seems capable and competent in my point of view—a good reason to retire. And we both know that this method is easier than stubbornly putting up resistance against the Grand Imperial forces, eh? The best decision - no suffering, nothing to think about, just resign into the countryside." Sir Talbetter provides a counterpoint whereas he abandons his racial accent just to convey, urging me to quit manning the post, as he is referring to General Clyden.
"Yes," however, my certainty is not compact, "I will protect every woman - pregnant or maiden, including their children. No, not only them, but also the men who are unprotected and defenseless - incapacitated, lame, blind, deferred, veterans, and unborn as well."
He smirks, "That's even manlier than I even expected of you, Marshal Aisla. I ain't even gonna lie, you see. You have the soul of a defender." Sir Talbetter pats my shoulder, whereas the rest have come just at the right moment.
"A mini-marshal, you might utter?" selling myself short, I return the giggle.