It's been four days since Jacob entered this camp, Bernard filled him in with all the useful details.
"Remember, sorcery has many branches." Bernard said earlier.
Necromancers, Casters, Elemental, Tool users, Energy blasters, Enhancers, Adapters, Druids, Alchemists, Disciplinarians, Brutes, Telekinetic and more. Jacob couldn't wrap his head around it. And then there are also many types of Oscuros. Those who multiply sexually and asexually, different categories depending on the strength and size of the Oscuros and now there's the recently discovered hybrid. And the only knowledge they have on them is that they're smarter and deadlier than any type of Oscuros. "Even deadlier than category 5 Oscuros." Miss Melisa said. Overall, his time at the camp had turned out to be better than he'd hoped for. Everyone was friendly to him, some girls took a real interest in his hair, he'd brag about it some time. Susan and Rubble were still at it, throwing curse words across the cafeteria. He wondered what their problem was, but didn't bother to ask.
And the training ground was something else, the training ground in the camp is a vast expanse of open space, nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. The ground is covered in a soft layer of grass, which stretches out to meet the horizon in all directions. A gentle breeze rustles through the air, carrying with it the scent of earth and wildflowers. Some teens are practicing their spellcasting, weaving intricate patterns in the air with their hands as they chant incantations and summon elemental energies. Bright flashes of light and bursts of magical energy illuminate their faces, their expressions a mix of concentration and determination. Others are engaged in mock duels, exchanging banter and friendly taunts as they test their skills against each other. Most challenged Jacob into a duel, he might not be good in class but he's good when it comes to combat.
After all he spent almost his entire life honing his skills and fighting of Oscuros. At the center of the training ground stands a towering ancient oak tree, its gnarled branches reaching skyward like outstretched arms. The tree provides a focal point for the training area, its sprawling canopy offering shade and shelter to those who gather beneath it. The trunk of the tree is etched with intricate runes and symbols, hinting at the deep magical significance it holds for the camp.
The south side of the training ground is equipped with buildings, each designed for a specific purpose. There's the weapons store, training lab called the "Brewery" where the Alchemists train in potion making, gym and a meeting room.
Jacob was sitting on grass, processing all of the things he'd seen and learned.
"You like it here I take it?" Susan said, sitting next to him.
"Yeah, it is a nice place to be," Jacob said, his eyes fixated on Bernard.
Bernard was in the sword fight section, which is mainly swarmed with people like him, the Brutes.
"So are you an elemental or what?" she asked him.
"Well, I can shoot flames right?"
"Yeah but, I've never seen an elemental who summons purple fire before."
"Maybe I'm somewhat unique," replied Jacob, he left out the part he possibly has other sets of skills. The only problem is he'd have to switch to his other self to access them.
"That you are," she smiled.
"What's the deal between you and Rubble?" The words suddenly escaped his lips, but he continued, "I know he insulted you but you guys are still at it."
"I don't wanna talk about it," she said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
Jacob sighed, "sure."
They saw Rubble dueling two people at the same time, one was an elemental and the other one was a tool user. They watched Rubble evade the elemental's wind bursts and duck a swing from the tool user's electronic bat. Coming up with a curled fist, catching the tool user in the gut, sending him flying backwards. Next he came at the elemental with a low kick, snapping it up high and caught him on his shoulder before the elemental blasted him off his feet.
"He's really good," Jacob commented.
Susan said nothing.
"I heard about what happened in Detroit," she said.
"Oh, you mean the hybrid?"
"Yeah, how did you defeat it?"
"Well I incinerated its head."
"I know but how? The last hybrid seen before this one, took about five sorcerers to take it down."
"Well maybe I got lucky and fought with a weaker one."
"Maybe," she said frowning.
"What's wrong?"
"No nothing."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training ground, the teens continued their training with renewed focus and determination.
"So how did you got here?" Jacob asked.
"Well I'm pretty sure you've heard about my family."
Jacob nodded.
"My brother, Lenard, was a student here."
"Yeah I heard about him, he was one the best students right?"
"Indeed, the strongest Caster known to have been here." She swells with pride.
"He now owns his very own private exterminator squad."
Jacob smirked to himself. "Hunting Oscuros as a business...that's kinda neat."
"Yep, one of their men died in Detroit a month ago."
"Oh." Suddenly Jacob realized that there had been sorcerers other than him in Detroit, but he was short sighted, only focusing on finding Oscuros that he never met them in person.
Susan studied him for a while. "Don't worry I'm not blaming you."
"I know, but it still doesn't change the fact that I wasn't there."
"You can't be at two different places at the same time you know."
"I know."
"Anyway my brother and his squad are out there, tracking down and exterminating Oscuros, they're also trying to gather information about Nightshade."
"Yeah, I've heard about them," he remembered those three men. "They're the ones behind the hybrids."
"I don't know how they did it, but they're a dangerous organization and must be put to stop."
"I couldn't agree more," ALEX said from behind. He sat next to Susan.
Alex Fisherman, eighteen years old, was a young man bursting with energy, a raw dynamism that radiated from his lean, athletic build. His face, still slightly baby-faced, his brown eyes carrying a hint of mischief. He had long black hair, which he took great care of.
"Those monsters killed my mother," he said.
"I'm so sorry," Susan said.
"Nah, don't be," he said. "My mom died yes, but she didn't go down without a fight."
"What type of sorcerer was she?" Jacob asked.
"She was a Necromancer," Alex replied.
"So that means you're a Necromancer right?" Susan asked.
"Yep, I first started making potions like my dad," he said. "But I discovered I had a real affinity towards Necromancy…and besides I have little to no patience when it comes to brewing."
"Same here," Jacob said.
"Couldn't agree with you more," Susan said.
"So you became a sorcerer to avenge your mother?" Jacob asked.
"Yep, and you?"
"I just want to get stronger and protect more people from those creatures."
"Sound good, how about you Susan?"
"Trying to be the best sorcerer in the world," Susan replied.
"Running after your brother I see," Alex said. Susan's cheeks flushed red, but she did her best to hide it. "It's getting dark, and dinner will be soon."
They stood up and chatted their way towards the cafeteria...the birth of a new friendship.