For the rest of the class, Zephyr focused solely on the mana barrier spell, trying to get the hang of it. It wasn't particularly difficult to learn, so he was able to pick it up just before the end of the class.
The barrier layered over his body like a skin-tight suit without any notable restriction to his range of motions. He swung his arm around, jumping, squatting, and moving in short dashes to test how the spell held up.
It didn't require as much focus as Galestrike, but there still had to be a conscious effort to maintain the spell at the back of his mind.
"Cool," Zephyr muttered, clenching and unclenching his fingers as he noted the slow mana draw from his core. The spell was efficient even for him.
House Ryvelin's mana barrier spell... He wondered how it compared to other Houses' version of the spell.
House Ryvelin was relatively neutral in the political affairs of the Kingdom of Morva. Situated in the southeastern parts of the kingdom, their territory was mostly peaceful. Trade thrived, and the subjects were satisfied with their rulers.
They didn't like much trouble. Even their young scions were rarely seen throwing their weight around in public.
With the way House Ryvelin conducted their affairs, one would think they were a new house trying not to offend anyone, but in reality, they were an established house with a long history, dating way back to the early days of the kingdom. Their ancestor was one of the pioneers of the Kingdom of Morva. Their family inheritance ran deep, so they weren't to be trifled with. That was why other houses still gave them a lot of respect, leaving the sleeping lion to its own devices.
As Zephyr tested the limits of the spell, he was even more impressed. The level of adaptability of the spell was really high. It melded to his body smoothly, responding fluidly to each movement.
The sound of the bugle announcing the end of the class broke his concentration, making the spell waver before he caught himself, stabilizing the mana barrier before it dissipated.
'Man... I still need to familiarize myself with this spell more before the end of the week test...' he thought.
He canceled the spell and turned towards Cedric. The guy had learned both Mana Barrier and Galestrike. He'd even gone ahead to ask Mr. Wilson to teach him the next spell of the Gale Series, just like he told Zephyr he would, but the man declined, asking him to perfect his simultaneous casting to the point where it was effortless before he would deem him ready.
So Cedric had been locked in focus all through the class, sending out boom after boom of Galestrike while coated with Mana Barrier. The speed at which he was improving his simultaneous casting was outstanding. He could already split his focus after the first day, so casting another spell only taxed him a bit. He was mostly just refining his form now. The only time his spell wavered was whenever he tried to be overambitious, going through motions that required too much exertion.
Zephyr walked up to him with an amused expression. He'd just finished another movement, exhaling as sweat trickled down his forehead. He raised a hand to wipe his sweat, taking note of Zephyr.
"Sheesh... You really want my points for this week, huh?" Zephyr joked.
Cedric paused, thinking for a while before understanding flickered in his eyes.
"Oh, that? I'd even forgotten about it. My main goal is the top spot overall. Mr. Wilson's grading at the end of the week doesn't really mean much to me," he said without lowering his voice, earning him a blank stare from Mr. Wilson some distance away, who had surprisingly picked up on what he said.
Zephyr just shook his head and facepalmed.
"Sometimes I forget you and Jet are one and the same." He sighed.
Cedric shrugged. "It's because I'm powerful. Power is the only thing that matters. When you have power, you don't need to care about what others think of anything you say or do."
"And also, why are you comparing me to Jet? I'm better than that guy." He waved his hand like he was talking about a lesser being.
Zephyr didn't even try to indulge him.
"Whatever... Your practice seems to have driven everyone around here away." He gestured at the empty surroundings where they stood.
"I'm sure they must have been demoralized watching you cast spells so easily."
"Hmph. Just like I said—"
"Yeah, yeah!" Zephyr cut him off, tired of hearing the same haughty statement over and over.
"I'm going to the Central Hall to ask about getting a weapon." He dove into what he came here for in the first place.
"Oh? You're finally getting a weapon?" Cedric's face lit up.
"What weapon do you want to get? I recommend the Warhammer. You're strong, so you should even be able to handle the type I wield."
"What? Warhammer? No." Zephyr shook his head.
"What's with you and Warhammers anyway?" he asked amusedly.
"What's there not to love about it? It's the best weapon there is, as long as you have the strength to wield it." He spread his hands wide like he was preaching gospel.
"Imagine yourself swinging such a weapon around in battle, bashing your enemies' heads in... That's what being a man is all about." He finished with a pant of excitement.
"..."
"You're weird." Zephyr pointed at him matter-of-factly.
"I'm surrounded by weird people."
Cedric just chuckled.
"Hmm, I'm also looking to get a heavy weapon actually. But not a Warhammer. Maybe a Battleaxe?"
"Hoo? That's still a great choice." Cedric stroked his chin.
"Yeah... So I'm headed to exchange merit points for one at the Central Hall."
"No. Don't do that yet. At least get a feel for the weapon before deciding to spend your points."
"Who knows, you might even change your mind and decide to get a Warhammer at the end of the day."
Zephyr rolled his eyes.
"Just join us at the weapon training class today. You can test it out and also try other weapons too."
"Hmm... But that means I'll not get any runesmithing done today." He thought back to Mistress Alyra and their enjoyable time talking about runesmithing. He really wanted to be there.
"It's up to you, man." Cedric stretched, ready to start going for the weapon training class.
Zephyr sighed and followed after Cedric, who had started to move.
'I'll just explain to her some other time,' he thought to himself.