backyard that was part of the disciplinary council.
Only the voices of the members and the clash of wooden swords between Morana and Val could be heard in the cool air, which mingled with the light afternoon heat.
As Val had promised on their first day, he tested them, since they hadn't gone through the experience of the Disciplinary Council's entrance exams.
Val, always the bigot - or so it seemed to everyone - had to choose a challenge for the newcomers. Their best and most popular choice was a light saber duel.
Oren spontaneously suggested it, and it was agreed that anyone who lost to him would be punished at his command.
It progressed from the morning, as he fought them one by one, starting with Frenith, then Ethan, and finally Morana.
Morana held her own for a full ten minutes, trying to organize her breathing.
What she had faced in the past nine minutes was an almost invincible defense, something she had never experienced before, not in Mr. Leona's classes, not even in the lands of Olympus.
not even in the lands of Olympus.
Still, she was doing quite well, despite Val's speed and wooden sword strikes.
Val had previously recognized the success of Freneth and Ethan.
Though Ethan struggled against him, unlike Frenith, who - rightfully so - fought him almost equally, before losing to Val's expertise.
As the heat intensified, Val recognized that there was no need to lengthen the duel beyond five paces.
His sword looked like a mirage, until Morana thought he had used mana, which he did, confusing her and shattering her sword into splinters, forcing her to surrender... which she did reluctantly.
He couldn't help but admit his admiration, along with Oren, who was supporting the newcomers against his friend Val.
They both agreed that these three were a good choice for the disciplinary board.
When it was time for the break, they heard Oren's sincere praise, some smiling and laughing, such as Ethan, Morana, and Oren.
while others remained silent, contemplative... Kvale and Freneth.
Then came the summons, as expected, as he had informed them earlier.
Once inside, they each took a chair around the long table that used to seat ten people.
But now, there were only seven ... and one absent.
What was expected... The president doesn't always have to be there, as long as Zev is present and running the meeting, with his heavy voice delivering what he wants to say with clarity and rigor.
It was like a regular report for me, and for the serious Val and Oren.
For the three newcomers, it seemed more serious, especially with all the touring shifts they'd already had at the academy.
When Zev touched on important topics, it was clear that there was no room for humor.
He flipped through the pages of a report, indicating an increase in infighting within the academy, between students of the noble classes - of all ranks - and those of the commoners, and even lower.
He emphasized that this situation is unacceptable, and if it continues, it will bring instability and loss of balance.
He ordered them to ascertain the location of these activities and prevent them during the upcoming curfew periods.
Oren will be in charge of this and will distribute personnel to patrols as needed.
Zev then showed another report, although it was not specifically addressed to them, but to the higher order.
It had to do with the theft of a suction device from the Strager Hall facility last week.
Although it was not within their direct jurisdiction.
the instructions were clear: Extra focus on evening patrols, even if nothing specific has been spotted yet.
Everyone acknowledged this, with one approach and one voice, in preparation for what the time ahead may hold.
The day passed without much fanfare, and the roles of observation and vigilance were the usual routine. Oren told them that, starting tomorrow, they would be able to move more freely and comfortably, but they had to remain vigilant and alert. They did as they were told.
If the term was accurate, the "Disciplinary Elite" was nothing more than a disciplinary team that forced offenders to obey the Academy's orders.
It was relatively easy to get used to the Council's activity in monitoring and attention, and Ethan didn't have to juggle his daily schedule between studying, training, and visiting Dr. Aurelia.
Their first accomplishment came this afternoon, when they stopped a fight between two students who were bullying one of the upperclassmen. Everyone was impressed by the recent effort of the Disciplinary Board, and both Ethan and Frenith felt a sense of accomplishment and mutual approval-perhaps thanks to Morana's enthusiasm, and Ethan and Frenith's greater effort.
After the offending students were sent to the Silver Elite Council, Oren praised them.
The cold night had set in, and winter clouds had thickened in the sky. Oren acknowledged that they should start the evening patrol together, and they agreed.
During the first few hours, with few students in the academy's courtyards, Ethan and Freneth realized how popular and well-known Oren was.
Oren, with his grassy green hair, told them about the tasks he and the former team members had done before they graduated: Stopping unauthorized gatherings, breaking up hooligan fights, and repeatedly winning-especially in the last two years-against Silver Elite swordsmen.
He explained that he misses those days, but he's sure they'll relive them with him as long as they're the new guys.
Ethan and Frenith smiled warmly at his words, as they watched the academy from one of the huge eastern towers, as the lights were turned off one by one in the classrooms and student rooms.
The patrol was coming to an end, the weather was nice and the tower was high, allowing them to see who was left in this part of the courtyard.
The student, who appeared to be a third-year student, stood in the bitter cold alone, until she was joined by a shadowy duo. Their faces and bodies were covered by a long scarf...
As it seemed to Ethan, things seemed to have progressed for the girl, as she got into a fight against the two, but lost and was knocked unconscious by a powerful blow from one of them using a steel instrument.
The three from the tower rushed down in an unsafe manner towards her; the two suspects trying to drag her unconscious body.
At that moment, Ethan was certain that there was not enough time to reach them quickly, especially since the attackers had not yet realized their presence.
Oren, with his sheer experience, was always the fastest, even if it cost him his life. He fueled his body with mana, and took off with small but effective steps, a few seconds ahead of Ethan and Ferenith and far, far away from them
He drew an iron sword, gleaming with steel imported from the spice country, and pointed it at one of the assailants, who blocked it with a sturdy and precious dagger, then left the girl for his friend to pick up and flee.
Wielding a long sword, Oren was certain that his opponent would lose within a few strokes, despite his impressive resistance and experience, which surprised Oren. The clash was fierce, especially when the other intervened, leaving the sleeping girl's body on the ground.
Two vs. one- Oren saw the worst-case scenario unfolding, but he didn't back down. He unleashed a powerful wind spell that knocked one of the attackers away, then surprised the other with a decisive sword strike, questioning him angrily:
"What are you doing? Why are you attacking a girl? Who are you?"
They were disguised with a heavy scarf and a half-mask that hid their faces.
The other surprised him with a sudden attack with his fist, but Oren held his hand with one hand, saying coldly:
"I didn't join the Disciplinary Council in vain..."
But here was the trick: With his other hand, the attacker sprinkled a burning gray powder directly on Oren's face. The powder was so painful that it stung his eyeballs, causing him to scream as he fell to the grassy ground, in pain, unable to see.
The attackers fled without hesitation.
When Ethan and Ferenith joined them, Oren was alone, writhing in pain next to the unconscious girl.
He told them in a choked voice: "Don't stop... go after them... I've been temporarily blinded..."
Fereneth didn't hesitate, responding quickly if visibly reluctantly, while a furious Ethan took off right behind him.