Enatic Clans

So, Lord Gervðas comes afterall? That puts a smile on my face. He is then relaxing out in the exclusive box. As I keep staring towards his direction.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sir Talbetter genuflects before us, "Officers and soldiers, good morning." he smiles, as he finally greets the class.

"Good morning." the soldiers give the salutation back, echoes across the gymnasium.

Without much tics, the gátes instructor starts right away, "Alright, this session focuses on arcane applications via my three lifeforces: 'Mana', 'Vis', and 'Orenda'. But for now, I will omit the latter one because all of the lifeforces but 'Orenda' are surgical and repetitive, like we have discussed a couple lessons ago…" his mawwes slaps hard on the pasteboard. Careful, Sir Talbetter. That board was a project made by my soldiers - don't ruin it!

"Are we going for a demonstration this time, Sir Talbetter?" with an expectant look, General Clyden raises his hand, asking for the gátes educator's confirmation.

"Aye, General," Sir Talbetter answers, "As a matter of fact, I've been able to free some of my lifeforce energy within me, so why don't give it a try?" he starts to stretch and breathes sharply, "Now watch." the class cheers, as the gátes's palm opens directly towards the training dummy. He closes his eyes once, then a fireball inerts from his hand, managing to hit the dummy right in the middle!

Sir Talbetter introduces us to his spell, smiling: "Generals, officers, sergeants, and foot soldiers. That is my [Fire Bolt] in mana version. And this…" as he is once again reeling to cast another ability, we are hoping to witness.

"W-w-wait! Sir Talbetter can cast spells more than [Espejo] - his 'Personal Orenda Ability'?" asking myself and scratching my jaw, in my deepest thought, "Oh yeah, of course, he can… ! Who am I kidding with?" as I realize that he came from a prestigious service academy. That makes sense.

And back to reality, Sir Talbetter showboats again with another [Fire Bolt]. But hold on, upon impact the [Fire Bolt]'s explosion is potent, its color is crimson - different from the initial [Fire Bolt], and its fire length is more active akin to a premature propagating fire. And what is that crackling noise onto the burnt mannequin? There is something interesting going on.

"Everyone, that is my [Fire Bolt] in 'Vis'. Spot the difference between 'Mana' and 'Vis' of the same ability? Nya?" everybody stays silent, as the gátes proclaims.

"Have you used 'Noted [Fire Bolt]', and it seems odd for a second look? Don'cha think, guys?" inciting, I rise from my sitting position onto my seat and raise my hand.

General Clyden seems to agree as he bops his head when I look at him, whereas the rest are expressing their thoughts through moderate whispering.

"Nyo, nyot at all, Marshal Aisla. Just a regular [Fire Bolt] to each lifeforce." he waves his paws and answers me in a nonchalant way.

To each lifeforce! Is he saying that I'm hallucinating? I express my frustration failing to uncover, bellowing: "Really, what is the difference, then? We can't seem to include something. Or am I just being me - having deliriums?" I mean is he doing [Fire Bolt: Espejo Style]?

"My 'Mana' [Fire Bolt] is more accurate than my other type of [Fire Bolt], which is 'Vis'. See that, nya?" really, though? So there's no [Fire Bolt: Espejo Style] - it seems that I'm just making stuff up, as I shake my head, "But the [Fire Bolt] of 'Vis' is brighter both the highlight and outline, including the power output." Well, I can see that even without taking a closer look.

"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…" does Sir Talbetter mean the supercontinent of Inglovia?, "... well, at least in the mainland scene, of course." my thoughts exactly - no Kehinans are able to hone their lifeforces but the exiled soldiers from the Inglovia themselves.

"So, those are the standards of each and everyone's [Fire Bolt]?" asks one of the lower officers, she makes her way in the middle of the sandy aisle.

"And when I turn to the voice, it's Lance Sergeanty Meenix. As sharp as she is, great observation, girl!" smiling behind my alternate personality, silently praising my soldier.

"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." Sir Talbetter leans forward, explaining the difference between Mana's [Fire Bolt] and Vis's [Fire Bolt].

She then breathes in a quiet tone, replying: "What?" her eyes widen and her brows curl.

"Didn't he discuss that in the previous session? How come Lance Sergeant didn't seem to remember this? How odd." enquiring this to myself, she is one of the brightest among the lower officers.

"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." as Sir Talbetter is slowly trying to explain the intricacy of a 'Noted Orenda Ability'.

"Alright. I guess…" Lance Sergeanty Meenix pauses, then she goes to her original sitting place, "That makes sense." but her mood says otherwise.

With his purring tone, he answers, "By the way, the function of 'Orenda' is not one-fits-of-all unlike the 'Mana' with regards to healing, offensive capabilities, and supportive assets - basically like what I said, it is a jack-of-all-trades. Sure, 'Mana', like 'Vis', 'Qi', 'Prana' and many lifeforces, is still a child lifeforce to 'Orenda' but the mother of all lifeforce is still far ahead… which leads also to 'Personal' and 'Noted'. And the Basic Basic Magic Application and Basic Basic Physical Application, sustaining while 'Orenda' is a phenomenon - a universal conduit for both stamina and lifeforces. Like I always tell you and again." displaying a little bit of flamboyance to us, where Sir Talbetter's ears are twitching on nuance.

"That's why Orenda is known as the gateway lifeforce, nya. 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." he continues, as he is waving around the mawwes stick in his hand then withdrawing back to his pocket.

True. Sir Talbetter always keeps reminding us, his pupils, about this. 'Orenda' is the bridge between her children lifeforces, as per 'Magic-muscle commutation' of both BBMA and BBPA. And as follows, there is this 'Ability Genealogy', where he also elaborated his [Espejo] ability. On this account as well, 'Personal Orenda Ability' mirrors the user's intention on how to manipulate its own ability while 'Noted Orenda Ability' borrows from the standardized lifeforce's ability to tweak one's flair. If 'Mana' is indeed a generalist lifeforce, then her mother lifeforce, 'Orenda', in the words of our gátes teacher - Sir Talbetter Avante O'Silverpelt de Alcanzantré, is either a multi-specialist lifeforce or a autodidact lifeforce.

"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." my thoughts exactly, the gátes teacher implies, continuing.

Stamina to Orenda? Orenda to Mana? Vis to Orenda? Former, middle, and latter are possible as a direct conversion. Mana to Prana, Vis to Chakra, Qi to stamina, and even reversed such as Chakra to Vis or stamina to Qi; all viable with Orenda amidst the equation. According to the 'Magic-muscle commutation', the overall aforementioned conversions are feasible thanks to the Goddess Orenda.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Then, Sir Talbetter, why don't you show us your 'Noted [Fire Bolt]'?" Manaña insinuates, one of the foot soldiers, who is beside Subaltern Svetlana - one of the lieutenants of General Clyden.

"What? I demonstrated my 'Orenda' ability, right? And that's [Espejo], if you have forgotten." Sir Talbetter's ears tuck down, and it seems he's having a hard time evading this question.

The Footwoman Second Grade presses, demanding: "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'." still unsatisfied.

"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." the gátes sighs while his tail retreats on his crotch. A violent murmur amongst the entirety of the class ensues.

"Eh? How humdrum.", "Impossible!", "Sir Talbetter doesn't have his own 'Noted Orenda Ability' yet he showcased his 'Personal Orenda Ability'? Such intrigue…" as the uproar within the gymnasium occurs.

"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." as the implication he spouts, his retort is rather weak in my opinion.

And right away, the gátes educator doesn't concern himself with the details anymore. He ignores explaining thoroughly since he has no contingent to back it up. I feel you, Sir Talbetter. It is better this way. It ain't about 'just because' or 'I am the one whose authority must be adhered', it is about efficiency, so to speak… afterall, there are lives are at stake. I can't help but to swallow this secondhand embarrassment.

"Review time, nya! What defines Noted Abilities under Orenda?" as he hits the board again. Sir Talbetter, please stop spanking the board with your mawwes stick. And now, he squints his eyes towards the private box upstairs.

"Augur? Lord Gervðas? Care to grace us with a response?"

Lord Gervðas then responds, "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." leaning towards the railings.

"Aww, you've been listening, nya. At least while half-dreaming in your cozy box." Sire Talbetter genuflects and smiles, as it seems that he accepts the Augur's flattery.

After a long series of question-and-answer portions of this lecture - Sir Talbetter manages to give such insights and technical answers towards the soldiers, I look at the celebutante balcony. And of course, Lord Gervðas himself is in pensive thoughts. His brow wrinkles. Elbow planted on the hurdle. Palm on his chin. Lips smacking.

"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..." he claps, proceeding for us in the martial part of the lesson after the lecture portion.

"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?" General Clyden prostrates before Sir Talbetter while the rest are moving on with their physical training.

The gátes instructor rolls his eyes, stressing: "Nya~ Again, like I always tell you. 'Orenda', 'Vis', and 'Mana' are in my arsenal. General, you are expecting that I don't possess. Don't. You will be disappointing yourself. Nyow, we ain't got time. Move out!" dodging the general's query. And this is the only thing Sir Talbetter can do without losing face.

"Remember, guys - generals, officers, and soldiers, 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."

Wait what? Is Sir Talbetter slipping? He constantly stressed as of now and yesterday's and the day before's lesson that Orenda is the gateway to all lifeforce. Without Orenda, we can go further no more - Orenda is the fundamental while other lifeforces are indeed formalized. After a while, I then realize that he means creating one's 'Personal Orenda Ability' instead of getting inspired then innovating to another scion of 'Noted Orenda Ability'? If that statement Sir Talbetter is referring to, then it's true. It is easier to build an ability from an already established skill than having to set your own checks and balances.

I assume the gátes instructor means that everyone can discover Orenda as a lifeforce but not Orenda as a foundation to create an ability from within and of beneath. He also claims that Orenda as a conversion lifeforce is good to have not just to master it but to switch between lifeforces as per most academic guilds and institutional organizations deem standardized. Facilitated. Easier.

"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?" Sir Talbetter winks at us, "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." Sir Talbetter then gives a reality check to every and each one of us.

"Does that mean these lessons are for nothing? Am I just squandering my breath? What is the bigger tapestry in here? Don't you want to go home to Alcanzantré? You're lying, right? You're giving us some sense of false hope if you imply it like that, Sir Talbetter!" whereas I've been thinking this myself too, holding both of my temples, I kneel then roll over the pavement, as I panic when I hear the gátes's statement. Hyperventilating. As my mess permeates, the dust is flying around.

"Lord Aisla, what are you doing?" my personal lieutenant, General Clyden, asks me and this is one of the first times that I'm showcasing an unprofessional display and demasculinized portrait of myself.

I kip up from the dirt then brush off the mud stains, sighing: "I,..." I stop for a second then clear my throat afterwards, "I refer, YOU, General, have been training with this army for decades or even scores! Yet, I concur with what Sir Talbetter says. It's not even comparable, we are just small fries compared to the lowest mammals of the Caliphal-Inglovian Army. You hear?" as I intimately whisper to my privy lieutenant. He looks at me sideways, shrugging his shoulders.

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

Sir Talbetter then beckons to perform random gestures in his right paw - including the indecent slapping sound then snaps his fingers. He jabs in his front, flicking his index finger forward. The crackling sound and sensation emerges from the dummy itself, the light then drifts around.

And to the center, the sparky light is circling the gymnasium's middle. The glowing fever of it stagnates. All we get shocked by the spectacle. Slow. Simple. Sate. As the class follows the gaze of the track of the firefly-esque light. The spark disappears mid-way, then resurfaces again yet once more. The light is sporadic. The gátes instructor casts a smile upon his lips.

He meows, "Observe. 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." afterwards he breathes a mouthful of air, suction within his lungs.

The ember reignites once again in his paw, forming the very light into a minute of nut-size. Sir Talbetter flicks the flame forward, as the adorable ball-like crimson light propels. Then the orb instantly speeds up until it hits towards the wall of the training arena. Perforating the thick layer, then KABLAM! The walls have been breached. The clay turns into rubble, a debris in just a matter of an impact.

Awe and gulps resonate within our thick skins. The size is cute. In contrast to crust semblance and explosive firepower, they are gorgeous and tasty, respectively. The sight of it makes me speechless, reducing me into a point of realization... Power is perseverance and beauty is determination. The soldiers themselves too express their disbelief and anxiety written all over in their faces. Like them, I also desire to be obliged to unlock my own lifeforce.

"That, ladies and gentlemen," Sir Talbetter makes a dramatic and thrilling repose - he breathes a long breath before clearing his throat, continuing: "I don't really exactly know what happened, truly…" then the flame crackling noise in his index finger paw dissipates. All of the confidence of the gátes educator is gone - averting eyes, his feline ears sag, and his tail hides in-between.

Another series of skepticism arrays since most of the question of the recent episode is not yet been answered, a commotion hoots. Generals, officers, cadets, sergeants, and foot soldiers alike express discontent about Sir Talbetter's unclear elaboration, including myself as the Marshal of this army. We anticipate an answer but we only get another mystery of the previous answer. Sir Talbetter promises us to give insight and knowledge - we demand practical application, not brainstorming ideals.

"Alright. Alright. 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." luckily the riot calms down when we are about to await for this secret to be unfolded.

However, crying: "What?" we say almost at the same time. Where another riot closely breaks out once again.

"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." and for the first time, the all knowing Sire Talbetter finally has succumbed into capitulation.

Of course, he is only a feline mortal - an überleben. Who am I kidding? We're just lucky that he is imparting this wisdom to us. Whatever it is as long as the gátes teacher is in his best volition to teach us 'Orenda', 'Mana', 'Vis', and many forms or shapes of lifeforces. That would be enough.