Enatic Clans

I have been invited by Marshal Aisla himself to one of his important meetings—Sire Talbetter's counsel regarding his actual lifeforces training and martial integration. Ah, yes, the gátes himself with his feline quirks and purring 'Nyas'. I have heard of some reports that his pilot lectures were a success. Therefore, at first, I buckle down whether it is a hit or miss. While keeping my expectations down.

He said moments later at the dining hall, stating: "Lord Gervðas, would you like to join us in our review later this morning?" he gave me a smirk and a lenient pat on my shoulder - by my assessment, it was sincere and full to say the least.

And I was like, "Sure. What's news, then? Just say: 'A good news', and then, I will consider it." making an uncertain noise, which made me restless at that time.

He was like, responding: "Come. Sometimes, you need to take a slumber or two. Moreso, you would have been quite stressed out lately." and I just replied with a deadpan expression of 'Alright, I accept your invitation' then smiled back at him.

Fast forward to now; hours later. I am situated at the spacious reserved box, exclusive view facing the soldiers and Sir Talbetter in the training gymnasium. And before this happens, I got a word of news from Lord Geoff. He secured a trade deal with his homeland, Haganopolis, a merchant republic whose resources and influence are vital to the operation of this theater. And on the accounts of his final postscript input, he said in his missive:

To the esteemed Augur,

The procession was a success. I got to meet my father in his final respire and do the honors to be one of his pallbearers. With regards to the diplomatic commerce partnership, my aunt Ç agreed to the proposal without hitches and second thoughts. I don't want to trouble Lady Anda and his near final trimester, Lord Gervðas. One of the trade emissaries from the world beyond - fourth reality. Well, they got impressed by my representation as well.

Your mate,
Earl Geoff of the House of Hagan

If I am assuming, this hints at the inclusion of the Diamond Throne. It is big news, then! Haganopolis's involvement is crucial yet we got another! Far more beneficial than the former. It is not a disrespect to the serene republic… the Clan Dynasty of Quxizhou is way above wealthier than the Hagan line - both the senior family and its junior branches combined. And if we compare the Carylle family, Queen Anda's dynasty, to the Quxizhou clan - the latter is in the seventh heavens while the former is buried… unmatched in wealth, prestige, and reach. The Diamond from another world is in its golden age, as far as I believe. A bunch of bureaucrats, warrior-philosophers, siege engineers, and either martial or magical teachers–their arcane lifeforce, 'Qi', was introduced by a drifting middle aged man, styling himself as sifu or sensei, centuries ago.

However, one thing at hand that I'm really concerned about. It wasn't ratified as of yet, we are required to get the royal seal from the queen herself. How unfortunate, this measure is good to be true, however, I am tasked solely as the regent of Kehina for the moment being… I may have the authorization of letters of patents, of marque, and of credit but I need the say from the other four inner circle members other than myself.

"Lord Geoff endorsed this, so probably, it's a given, he would say 'aye' to this matter. Lord Aisla is busy as of now with his training… this. I can bother him no further. I haven't heard a word from Lord Guan whether he landed in the mainland north of Inglovia or still at the seas - venturing southward. Oh yeah, I nearly have forgotten! Lady Wellicia, please forgive for what I'm about to say and I beseech to keep the seventh heaven open to me. Shit, Lord Guan can neither read nor write! For Lord Ameniah, similar to Lord Guan - neither a breath, nor a missive, not a correspondent albeit from his lieutenant, Zechary, coming from him as well. Or maybe, he's dead. Well, for him, he's literate and well-educated. Lady Wellicia knows - 'She' should have at least shown me the signs." I sigh, mumbling through my thoughts, "So right now, I still have two votes out of five… or four, if Lord Ameniah meets his demise." praying for some miracle to transpire. Lady Wellicia, hear your devoted servant's cry.

I can do this with no more than half of the approval of the other inner circle council. I view this authoritarian and exploitative, however.

"... all of the lifeforces but 'Orenda' are surgical and repetitive, like we have discussed a couple lessons ago…" the feline educator begins his lecture, waving his mawwes stick on the makeshift board, while I'm still rendering half-sleep and drowning in my own thoughts.

"Still some self-serving and pompous polities and petty kingdoms either from this world or other planes have angered the Diamonds, hence, the Diamond Route was close to them from trading for about a century or two. Aftermath? Famine, civil unrest, counterfeited goods, and insurrections. And Kehina hasn't yet made contact with these Diajui, let alone the Qixizhou foreign commerce officials. I wish not to offend them." as I drift further into my daydreams, admitting that this lesson is getting intriguing albeit it's just starting. Good job, Sir Talbetter, you just hooked me up.

"And why must the Augur, of all people, be the regent in the first place?!? It's not that I'm unsound to be in this position, but we have Lord Aisla here - who is the Marshal. He's brave and calm. And he seems truly attentive and jolly while listening to the foreign instructor. While me? I suppose I'm still volatile." ranting about my current disposition, I sigh deeply.

Thereafter, Sir Talbetter casts a spell towards the training dummy, which catches my attention. The target is engulfed in flames. The power is not that mediocre nor meager, but the accuracy is pristine. Wow. My jaw drops for just a minimum spectacle.

"Generals, officers, sergeants, and foot soldiers. That is my [Fire Bolt] in mana version. And this…" as he chants another voiceless ability, directing towards the adjacent harmed target.

The aim is a 'lil bit off - not straight to the center. All in all, the dummy is in flames but the power is stronger. Compared to the mana flames, this other lifeforce version of flames is lengthier, fiercer, and the hues of it are much more detailed… redder than the previous skill. Also, there is a sizzling effect.

"Everyone, that is my [Fire Bolt] in 'Vis'. Spot the difference between 'Mana' and 'Vis' of the same ability? Nya?" Sir Talbetter declares, whereas no one voices there.

The marshal then raises his hand and stands, stressing: "Have you used 'Noted [Fire Bolt]', and it seems odd for a second look? Don'cha think, guys?" as General Clyden nods his head, while others murmur.

"Nyo, nyot at all, Marshal Aisla. Just a regular [Fire Bolt] to each lifeforce." the gátes lecturer replies, waving his hand in a gentle dismissive way.

"Really, what is the difference, then? We can't seem to include something. Or am I just being me - having deliriums?" behind his voice, the marshal conflicts himself.

"My 'Mana' [Fire Bolt] is more accurate than my other type of [Fire Bolt], which is 'Vis'. See that, nya?" the gátes lecturer jab his finger, as his students verify the target points, "But the [Fire Bolt] of 'Vis' is brighter both the highlight and outline, including the power output." as he gets closer to the second dummy.

My guess was spot on earlier. Wow! I just feel something is odd from the first time I saw both training targets' distinction. Like my aforementioned, 'Mana' is based on precision while 'Vis' leans to power and intensity. Both the soldiers and officers alike approach the dummy targets in order to inspect and to distinguish each [Fire Bolt].

"Mana's [Fire Bolt] is around 2 mawwes (10 meters) in diameter upon release while Vis's [Fire Bolt] ranges from ~2 mawwes to 5 mawwes (25 meters) in diameter. However, those are just normal [Fire Bolt]s, you see everyday…" Sir Talbetter tilts his gaze up at the ceiling, "... well, at least in the mainland scene, of course." he corrects himself since arcane arts is still in its infancy here.

"So, those are the standards of each and everyone's [Fire Bolt]?" asks one of the lower officers, as she divergents from the rest. I don't know either she is a sergeant or an officer.

"Aye, like I said in the previous lessons: 'Noted Abilities' from the 'Orenda' lifeforce have distinct features. Characteristics such as: Nya, able to change the trajectory. Nya nya, extend to a longer reach. Three, delayed reaction upon impact. Four, constant speed may depend - be it, slowing or increasing. Five, like the example earlier - the size of the ball. And many else, we are yet to be aware of." the gátes lecturer explains, replying to one of his students' curiosities.

"What?" says the same student, a baffling feeling runs, as she expresses in a gentle but a quiet shout tone.

"I, myself, also confused at what Sir Talbetter is speaking about." I mutter, entwining my cross arms. The educator seems contradicting to what he is teaching about.

Sir Talbetter shakes his head, grinning: "The point is: if Mana's [Fire Bolt] has a diameter less than 2 mawwes and the Vis of the same ability's size may enlarge from 2 mawwes to 5 mawwes. A 'Noted Orenda [Fire Bolt] may exceed, I don't knyow… might be 10 mawwes (50 meters) or even 20 mawwes (100 meters), according to my first hand witness. From my own eyes, basically. Some purported they have seen a 'Noted [Fire Bolt]' that is the size of a grain of wheat but the power doesn't subside." the gátes lecturer shares his experience, patting the shoulder of the female lower officer.

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"Yes, Sir Talbetter himself told me that 'Orenda' lifeforce is very raw and has two routes on how to view lifeforces. 'Personal Orenda ability' is a feeling or an expression that is a signature to one's self. 'Noted Orenda ability' borrows to other lifeforce, in order to one's quirk to the established and formalized ability." thinking, as I look at the dome, while massaging my chin.

"… while 'Orenda' is a phenomenon - a universal conduit for both stamina and lifeforces. Like I always tell you and again." he purrs the last word as if to evoke some grandeur towards his students, letting his ears twitch subtly.

"That's why Orenda is known as the gateway lifeforce, nya," he says, flicking his mawwes stick into a pouch with feline flair, "It doesn't just perform. It channels, transforms, and evolves… varying on who you are and what you believe the ability should become. Which is why some Orenda-based spells are just… disparate." reiterating, he punctuates the last word with a subtle sway of his tail.

And there it is. The crux of this whole lecture, buried inside a swirl of charm and feline jargon: Orenda is less about what you do, and more about how you do it - and why. It's interpretive magic. Impressionistic. Romantic. Fluid. Even unstable.

I glance at Marshal Aisla again, who listens intently, almost reverently. I envy him… how he so easily absorbs things that still feel dreamlike to me.

Sir Talbetter continues, "Mana gives you spells. Vis gives you elements. But Orenda, nyah... Orenda gives you selfhood. It's the signature, the lifeforce of imagination, the ink of innovation."

And suddenly, I understand. At least a little. The session isn't just about training soldiers. It's about refining identity, about unlocking potential buried not in muscle or technique—but in intent, emotional clarity, experience, and perspective. An unadulterated, pristine, virgin bridge. Well, we got to thank Goddess Orenda for that.

"Then, Sir Talbetter, why don't you show us your 'Noted [Fire Bolt]'?" as one of the foot soldiers suggests, requesting something out of the gátes's capabilities. Sir Talbetter also told me this… he can't.

"What? I demonstrated my 'Orenda' ability, right? And that's [Espejo], if you have forgotten." his left ear drapes, as the gátes is trying so hard to avoid it.

"But that's 'Personal Orenda Ability' as you claimed in the previous lecture. Creating a mirage of yourself, yes, we know that. But we want to see your 'Noted [Fire Bolt]' or at least one of your 'Noted Orenda Ability'." insists the other soldier, who is probably a lower officer.

Sir Talbetter sighs, admitting: "You know I can't, nya? 'Personal Orenda Ability' is the obversed one while 'Noted Orenda Ability' is the reverse. Overall, they are one of the same within an 'Orenda' coin." his tail tucks between his legs, a gasp ripples across the class.

"You cannot merely slot it into a rigid system like the other lifeforces. Nya… it resists systemization. Orenda grows with the wielder. Hence why 'Noted Abilities' don't simply evolve - they transform, nya."

I straighten my posture, the haze of my inner thoughts slowly peeling away. His words cling to me. Raw, adaptive, transformative. That's how I feel in this role as regent. Ungrounded, unstable, yet brimming with a strange potential no one, not even I, can fully decipher.

Sir Talbetter turns back to the board and strikes it with his stick. "Review time, nya! What defines Noted Abilities under Orenda?" His eyes, those feline slits, search the crowd. I can tell he already knows most of them won't answer right.

"Augur? Lord Gervðas?" he suddenly says, eyes darting up toward me in the reserved box. "Care to grace us with a response?"

I flinch. The soldiers glance upward toward me. I force a breath. "I believe... Noted Abilities under Orenda evolve past their foundational lifeforce structure. They inherit traits from the user. Uhm,... they're not merely cast, uh, they become part of one's martial essence." holding unto the bannister.

Sir Talbetter purrs, grinning: "Aww, you've been listening, nya. At least while half-dreaming in your cozy box." a few chuckles echo among the ranks.

I allow myself to cast a smile. "You're quite the educator, Sir Talbetter." lauding his ability to connect either to his students or a sit-in like me.

"Close. But gratitude for the praises, nya." he bows dramatically, a smirk follows.

And just like that, the lesson flows on, deeper into the differences between lifeforce systems, and I perhaps for the first time that day - start to feel the weight of regency become just a touch lighter.

But still, I think as I watch the soldiers resume their drills, I need that third vote. Or at least a sign from Lady Wellicia. The Diamond Throne cannot wait forever… and ever. I want it to be close to an 'Amen'.

The gátes instructor continues, "Next is to remember your previous session such as 'Basic Basic Physical Magic Application' and your 'Basic Basic Magic Application'. Now, chop chop! Prepare for your labonyatory exercises..."

One of the generals stands up, I believe that is General Clyden, Lord Aisla's personal lieutenant, asking: "Sire, before we begin our arcane-martial practice and since we're right here and right now. What about other lifeforces such as 'Qi', 'Umbra Ultra', 'Prana', 'Pneuma', or others; you mentioned lessons ago - will you demonstrate some of them to us?" with persistent coercion, the general kneels down before the gátes teacher under the pretense of mockery.

"Nya~ Again, like I always tell you. 'Orenda', 'Vis', and 'Mana' are in my arsenal." counting with each finger the instructor has, his ears perk up as he rolls his eyes, "General, you are expecting that I don't possess. Don't. You will be disappointing yourself. Nyow, we ain't got time. Move out!" the educator scoffs at the student, diverting the question while he adamantly pushes his students to their training.

"Remember, guys - generals, officers, and soldiers," Sir Talbetter's voice cuts through while the soldiers are on it, "Orenda isn't for everyone. It's special. Not all can unlock it. Or rather, all can discover it but a few could twist. Some say it's because they can't feel it. Others say they don't want to feel it. Because Orenda is unpredictable. And it's… uh, personal. But if you can connect to it, you can shape yourself as no other lifeforce can." strutting around like a strict educator he portrays, resting his mawwes stick on shoulder.

I watch as his words ripple through the crowd, soldiers shifting uncomfortably in their stances, unsure whether to embrace or reject what he's saying. There are those who seem to hang on every word, their eyes gleaming with excitement. But then, there are the others. Those whose brows furrow, lips pressed tight as they mull over the implications of what's being said. I suppose I can understand their discomfort. This isn't akin to any form of magic they've encountered before. It's not just a tool for destruction, for healing, for utility. It's a gateway to something much deeper. A reflection of the soul itself.

Sir Talbetter flicks his tail again, his usual playful demeanor belying the weight of the lesson. "Now, let's see how you all perform. I'm sure some of you have been dying to give your own version of a [Fire Bolt], nya?" encouraging his students, then he smirks, "Well, too bad. Nya are all a hundred years younger for you to ignite those flames! Show me your own 'Orenda' first before dabbling with the intermediates. And then, we all talk." he takes back his pep talk.

And Lord Aisla, on the other side, is struggling as well. He seems restless and impatient, while he is rolling and jumping around like a toddler who's having a fit. Meanwhile, across the heap of dirt downstairs, in the middle, Sir Talbetter flicks his tail, gathering the hall's attention like a maestro raising his baton.

"Enough chatter," the instructor purrs, voice sliding through the chamber.

He draws a lethargic random gesture in the air with one paw, then snaps his finger, thrusts it forward afterwards. A single ember arcs from the training dummy's smoldering carcass, drifting toward the center of the training arena like a firefly.

The same ash drifts lazily across the gym's midpoint, glowing like a firefly caught in slow motion. The soldiers go mute, eyes tracking its arc until, just as softly. It sputters and vanishes. And its light reactivates once more. Sir Talbetter's whiskers twitch in satisfaction.

"Observe," he purrs, stalking forward, paws silent on the packed earth. "A minute mote of Orenda can carry the same spark as a mawwes-wide bolt of either Mana or whatsoever lifeforce, if your intent matches your breath and your agency or lesson I've told you prior." he inhales deeply, chest rising in a measured swell.

Flames flicker at gátes lecturer's fingertips, coalescing into a mote of searing light no larger than a walnut. With a deliberate exhale, he propels it; the tiny orb hovers, then accelerates, striking the far wall with a crack that reverberates like a distant thunderclap.

A scorch mark, no bigger than a fist - yes, not bigger by any size of what he both demonstrated earlier, wilts the plaster. Gasps ripple through the crowd—some in awe, others in dawning confusion. Lord Aisla's jaw clenches; he lifts a hand as if to speak but falters. Even me, as my forehead starts to ooze liquid for unknown reasons. The rest shuffle, uncertain whether to applaud or repulse.

Sir Talbetter grins, tail flicking. "That, ladies and gentlemen," he falters as he pauses, clearing his throat, "I don't really exactly know what happened, truly…" as the ember's crackling recoil on his nail disperses out of existence, scratching his head while both of his ears droop.

Another gasps, confusion, brow twitches, and hoffs are ostensible in the faces of the soldiers. But ultimately. The crowd riots, expecting to have some answers and ranting about the dramatic pause Sir Talbetter entails. One reason, particularly, is because the gátes educator himself disrupts the practice for a whimsical purpose. It makes me want to sigh a good titter, yet I hold it. Rendering my stomach sore for muffling my own voice.

"What a blunder you made, Sir Talbetter. Now you reap - flashy unexplainable, what you sow - your students' ire. Even if Lady Wellicia was still alive, she can't explain this." keeps shaking my head, teary eyes can't hold it, gagging my mouth with my hand.

"Alright. Alright." Sir Talbetter manages to crowd control his students, "Just a hunch, nyokay? Upon my intuition, it is a 'Noted Orenda Ability' of alien source. If nya'm not mistaken. But I know it is me who did it."

"What?" exclaim in unison, as all of the students nearly erupt again into protest.

"Well, you see - I have my own 'Orenda' ability, which is the [Espejo]. A 'Personal Orenda Ability' and y'all aware of that. To retrace this mystery, I need to research this for myself. Apologies for that." he bows his head to them. As I assume that's the first time that Sir Talbetter doesn't have a concrete answer to provide to his students.

"Not only an astute one, but a sensible lad also." I smile at his demeanor for owning up his failure.

I think I have seen enough - laughter, good input, and alternative perspective. I exit the training arena without needing to excuse myself. I need to thank the marshal after this lesson, opening the door. See the bright sun. Bask on the fresh breeze. Treading to my quarters.