Ardere's Secondary Magic Training (Private)

Ardere would suddenly hear the heavy stomping of earth but see no one around approaching him which should be strange to the mage indeed, but what was more alarming was the speed of the sounds. Rapid successions of this sound seemed to echo from the cliffs itself which would be impossible unless there was something coming up them. Whatever it was, it was coming alone it seems from the sound it was making, but his worries would then dissipate when the visage of Minh can into view as he smashed his way up onto the cliff face itself seemingly to greet the Flame God with his own kind of an entry.

"I wasn't expecting you to be here so early...was doing some practice climbing on these cliffs here, forgive me if I have been keeping you waiting for too long my dear friend. Now, I hear you are practicing to utilize the aspects of Crash Magic which is something I don't hear that much of anymore. However, since you are considering to do so, I will serve as your pseudo teacher for it. Now mind you this is something that I have not done before either, but I can easily produce the effects of which you are looking for from it."

Minh would then be perched on by a Cheepie who seemed key on using the man as his perch despite being very adorable and out-of-place. Nevertheless, the bird cheeped happily before the man would raise one hand to pet the little creature while awaiting Ardere's response.

(258

Minh only looked upon the man for a moment before looking over to a large boulder that was lying nearby for the two of them to see. He then went over to it before producing earthen energies in his hand before slowly, twisting it almost so it was now visible to Ardere in the form of a faint crackling mass of power before pressing it to the boulder before having it implode almost with a small crater instantly forming on the earthen object.

"Crash magics are much like earthen ones if earth was twisted to do what it was not meant to. While I do not use Crash, I can help you in learning the principles of it, and to begin with, while it may seems simple...it is not simply a magic made to destroy but rather to disassemble..to break apart. However, it is also keen on learning how to conduct this magic without ending up destroying one's self, especially since this is not a magic of your focus, Flame God."

He then turned back to Ardere to present his hand before redoing the same energy forming the crackling mass of power before doing so wrongly with his hand breaking apart almost with a small explosion forming with his index finger being blasted off before slowly reforming itself. It seemed he was making an example of what could happen when one conducts crash magic wrongly.

"This is just a dramatic demonstration but it is the best I can muster to show you the results of improper use. Of course there are other more destructive magics but it is more than enough to display what I am trying to say."

(279

"Now, it is not just being able to destroy massive objects or obliterating them in general. It is more systematic like a knife in the hands of a chef. His cuts are simple yet elegant, planned yet instinct. Instead of just breaking a brick wall into shrapnel, break it into segments following the pattern set by the cement. Break it down to each individual brick, and you'll be understanding the concept of this magic and what it is used for in the world. However, that is just my view on things since others are more adamant on abusing the power merely for the one principle of breaking."

Minh went on speaking for quite a while, seemingly more wise and knowledgeable than his solemn and bluntness would let off. The fact that he knew so much could only hint at his knowledge on magic as a whole, and Ardere can only wonder just what else could this mage have in store if he tried looking hard enough. In truth, Minh was a real hardcore scholar, mostly from boredom and lack of things to do, who has entire caverns filled with shelves of copied tomes which he reads in his spare time when he was not hunting down darkies or training. The lack of his human form meant that he was more at peace in nature, free from all constraints.

"Please forgive my longwinded speech, I am not usually this talkative, but since you were in need of a mentor, I hoped that my knowledge alone can help you progress in this endeavor. Now, is there more you wish to know of Crash magic? There might be somethings I have yet to touch on."

(282

"Earth while it is a solid is more than just a simple brick wall if you look at it. For its components are many, including various minerals and elements, all which come together to form the stones which you break today. Meaning in a basic sense that if you were able to separate each little thing making them up, then you might as well be a master of Crash Magic. For now, you should continue practicing on just being able to master the control of the magic. Then from there, you can practice working on strengthening it as you progress forward. Do note that you may not be as skilled as one who focuses in it, but you can achieve a power close if not leveled with them."

Minh then proceeded to head to a rock face, smashing it with his bare hands which were not really human hands, but the feat of doing so is still impressive by normal standards. From the falling rubble, several large car sized boulders were chucked out at Ardere, landing by him along with many smaller ones. It seemed he was providing the Flame God with supple amounts of practice material.

"Now, you have the materials to work with for some time, and for some more advice, please do take your time in doing this. Like fire, learning in haste could lead to setting loose a force that is out of one's control, and doing so may very well endanger lives or your very own. For a mage such as me, that is not really a problem, but mastery is still just as important."

(270

"You did more than well to be honest, but I have to be honest in saying that the rest of this training may have to be upon your shoulders, seeing that my only form of help right now seems to be providing you with even more test subjects. But, I can see that you might wish to be testing your magic upon other objects, so I may as well provide those. We will see just how far your attempts go. Now, start splitting the small rocks and so forth before moving onto the other untouched test objects. As for me, I will be doing some rathering before bringing back some more interesting things to use."

Minh then proceeded to head off in the general direction of a forest of sorts, most likely gathering things for Ardere to test his magic further on it seems, but it was also a curious thought as to what Minh could be bringing back for the Flame God. As for now, he was left with plenty of boulders, two avian pets, and all the time in the world to be practicing this magic. That and waiting for Minh to come back might take a while, so it was best not to waste time waiting for him. This was even more clear as Cheepie began his weight training, rolling a massive boulder bigger than a man around the cliff edge in little circles in an almost amusing display of strength. This would be offset by Cheepie's movement into his other strength training where he proceeded to carry around said items while flying.

(266

Minh would finally arrive back after a few more hours with what seemed to be a massive piece of luggage behind the man. While it was a rather amusing sight, it seemed to be what he was telling Andere. There were several tree trunks being dragged along with what seemed to be a bear carcass that was probably a gift for the two birds and Ardere if he was one to enjoy the taste of game meats. However, what was more interesting where the strange rocks and ores that he was bringing as well. When he finally arrived at the site, the earthen man set down the large pile of stuff he was dragging with the makeshift sled of smaller logs finally easing up.

"I have brought you some wood to have some fun practicing your Crash magic, of course you are not going to be sculpting any statues or anything at all. Making things like planks or whatnot are possible however, but I have to ask you. What is your purpose for wishing to master this? Are you looking for a challenge? Or is there something more you wish? I would not judge you, I am genuinely curious."

As he asks this, Cheepie would transform into a twenty foot beast of ancient times before descending upon the bear carcass, nosily eating away with a casual tone of its predating with Minh not paying much mind to the bestial giant behind him chomping away.

"Don't pay too much mind to Cheepie, he gets hungry...very hungry at times."

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"It seems to be the same goal with everyone nowadays, to wield great power to destroy all in their path and ambitions, and while I am not saying you are that baseless with your goals, but it is something of a reoccurring theme amongst all the mages I have met over my time on this world. Sometimes, I see those with great power do nothing more than serve as idols, bloated figureheads of protection for the common people, even those of evil are worse as they potentially stand as figures of complete destruction being dangers to even Gaia herself. My magic, that of creation and strength must now be used like a hammer to break down these threats, seeing that others will not. I hope to that you can see what is it that I am striving for here with this little talk. I wish only to see power correctly used and to their most benefiting capabilities.

Look at our 'heroes' powerful, striving always but for what. They do nothing to eliminate the problem at the source, only deal with it when it spreads onto them. They are reactionaries, merely contending to an issue when it appears, nothing more. Yes, they protect and inspire, but that is not enough...not mentioning their power has made them weak...dulled...their mind wittled down to what their power is capable of, nothing more. They are blinded by it.

I know you will be better, I hope you are....I am tired of seeing waste...of fools...Sabertooth has to rise above the others in this regard, Ardere." Minh spoke for the first time in lengths that was unexpected of him, as well as with a tone that seemed...tired...jaded..weathered.

"It is good to have a fellow like yourself have such views being so similar to mine at its core, and it is for that reason that I feel like I have made the right choice of joining this rowdy guild. The people residing in it seem to be much greater than others I have seen. Or at least it is one that contains so many different faces of so many different origins that it bewilders me how all of these different faces fit together like this. Perhaps there is something that even I know not of when it comes to the bonds of camaraderie, and I hope such a thing lasts with us through the coming darkness." Minh would say in response to the display of power that Ardere showed, and the earthen male responded in kind by emanating his own aura, causing several large chunks of earth to begin tearing form the ground to slowly swirl around him in a slow motion. Gradually reshaping themselves into perfect spheres moving around Minh in a sorta orbit. "I do hope my help here with you was enough to kickstart your development of your crash magic as I am not really the greatest person to be teaching it, but I am the closest source of help probably considering our fellow guildmates. In that case, I am glad to have lent a hand in this matter." Minh adds to his words before allowing the orbs to settle in a ring around Cheepie who was resting on a rock in bird form once more, looking rather cheery.

Ardere would reach his hand out to the massive wall of earth that minh had created, channeling all of the energy in his body that he could possibly muster. Feeling the composition of the earth, every molecule inside of it, and disassembling it. There was a rumble for a moment, then the earth split into pieces, causing a massive explosion. Every piece of earth just split, cleanly and scattered across the area. The earth split, and the ground beneath them shook like some sort of earthquake. Anyone looking up at the Serene Cliff would see earth and smoke scatter across the area, and fall right off the cliff sides. There was almost nothing left of the earth that Minh had created, the full force of Crash magic had been taken into effect, and he had completed today's bit of training. Saying good bye to Minh and Cheepie, he would also pack up his things, but he had a feeling he would be back here soon for some more training. The fire mage still had mch to learn about the magic that was crash. The scene looked pretty intense, the area looking like a war zone, but some good ol wind scatter would surely take care of that and repair the earth in which they stood. Sliding on his cloak, he held out his arm for Celica to fly on to and land, and she would do so. Come on Celica, let's get going. For now, he had a grasp of Crash magic, but not forever.

~Exit~

WC: 257/250 Post: 18/30

Post B rank Exam:

It had been several weeks since the fire mage had been in his B rank exam, in which he fought the gang that he formerly knew as the one that had kidnapped him. But now he found himself back at the cliffs, where his Crash Magic training had originally began. He still didn't know everything about Crash, Hell he didn't know everything about himself. During his exam, he had sustained some bad injuries, but nothing that he hadn't already healed. This time Celica would not be with him, this time he needed to be by himself. Seeing the Fenrir bandit gang had began to bug him, it meant that they had been reformed. He though when he burnt Roman's face and the guild hall, which he openly rejected Ryosuke, that the men had left and they had disbanded. He must have found some sort of power that brought him to that level, some weapon or magic to make the men rally back under him. Finding a spot, a rock towards the edge of the cliff, he sat down and began to meditate, thinking about things. He found it quite helpful to be clear of mind when attempting to use Crash magic, for it was an intensely hard magic to control, even more so than flame god slayer. It was the most destructive magic to exist, but he was nowhere near on the level it could reach. That was why he was training, to attain this level.

WC: 251/250 Post: 19/30

Crossing his legs and beginning to meditate, memories flooded through the fire mage's mind. Memories of a blazing town, destruction and chaos. It had been a long time since he had these memories, back since when he had night terrors as a child. He could not help but turn to these places, but then he remembered Sayrn, and a light filled into his mind. A blinding light at first, but then it dimmed a bit so he could see. The young green haired woman had provided something in his life he never truly had before, feelings he never truly felt before. The guild he was now more prominent in; Sabertooth gave him feelings he had never experiences, missions he never thought he would have been on. He had long moved on from that dark path he was on years ago, but now he felt a bit less alone in the world. As much as his loner streak continued to control his life, he could not help but be surrounded by people. For so long he thought he only needed himself, but having partners was not so bad. Sabertooth was a good guild, he gave them a chance and they did not squander it by any means. Now, he had to pay them back for all they had done for him. Things were looking up, but the guild from his past had emerged. His only option was to deal with this so he could keep being happy, and move on with his life.

WC: 253/250 Post: 20/30

As Ardere was sitting on his rock, he began to recap his history. He had not been in this world for very long, but he liked to imagine he had learned much in such a short time. But to defeat the bandits that kidnapped him, and robbed him of his child hood, he had to go back to the beginning. Many years ago, he was born to Fura and Roku Kasai, in a far off place in Ishgar called Midi, attached to the country of Minstrel. The father, Roku, was the town's greatest blacksmith, and a kind man. The mother, Fura, unlike most women in their town, actually assisted her husband and was a blacksmith herself. Two very capable people, with their loving child. Until one day, bandits came through on a raid, something that was a common occurrence in this town. This was no normal raid, however. The townspeople had generally learned to just give them what they wanted, but this time, they wanted the children. The townspeople would not accept this, so they fought back. Roku fought his hardest to keep his young child, but it was not enough. The bandits were beat back, back not after they had stolen a few children. Ardere was only 5 years old, and his memories of his parents were vague. One thing he did remember, was the town was set ablaze before he left. He remembered the fire, and the smoke. Fortunately his auditory skills were not as developed, or he would have remembered the screaming.


WC: 256/250 Post: 21/30

Growing up on the streets was tough, considering most of the bandits were killed off by the time Ardere was 10. Even through all of the years with them, learning to steal and kill, he refused to let the darkness they had imposed on him control him. It didn't take the young boy long to figure out he was more intelligent than the average fighter, even reading in secret. By the time he was 14, he had already amassed enough knowledge to know about the inner workings of magic, being naturally inclined to physical combat, he beat up all of the men in the gang he was in, proclaiming their ways as cowardly and weak. Unfortunately, his best friend, Claude, who was also in the gang, and a kinder soul than even he, was killed in retribution for this. The two had grown up together, played in the dirt together. He never imagined having another best friend until he met Vendredi, the woman who under stood his quest for knowledge, and his loneliness similar to how Sayrn did. The death of Claude destroyed Ardere, and caused the beginning of a long and trying journey, to become a mage. He liked to imagine that he had become a strong one by now, but there was still a level of strength which he was too far away from to attain. He had only met a few mages on this level, but within the next year he planned on reaching that level himself. Hephaestus hadn't called him the Fire King for nothing.


WC: 260/250 Post: 22/30

Fiore, that was the goal, traveling through Ishval was not easy though. The first country he traveled to was Minstrel, one of the largest countries in the continent. They spoke a strange tongue, but he learned how to be proper in this country, he learned some sword fighting and a lot about ships. They held nobility in a high regard, which was not necessarily something he agreed with, but that was how it was. Then traveling through different areas like Joya, the cat nation and Bosco where Take Over was from. He did not visit every country in the continent, but he had visited many. The salmon haired teenager met several mages, and trained in several dojos in the ways of martial arts, until he finally mastered some of them. But just being a hand to hand combatant wasn't enough, he had to become a mage. His oldest memory of magic; flames. He decided to combine his martial arts affinity with flames, and learn one of the oldest fire magics, if not the first; Promethean Flame. And this is when the mage found Fiore, the grandest country in Ishval. Colorful, and full of knowledge, perfect. It was a grand contry, with many libraries which he enjoyed. Not all of the countries had things such as the Rune Knights, but he was interested in them. He was actually interested in many things in this country, but he found their tongue common and easy to understand, which was a plus for sure.

WC: 251/250 Post: 23/30

After many years of avoiding the police, it became ironic that the fire mage found a calling in them. The Rune Knights, had a great ring to it, he thought. Ardere signed up to become a rune knight after seeing one stop an assault and prevent a possible murder. Perhaps this was a place he could amass the knowledge and power he was seeking, and never return to the streets again. He attempted to be a Rune Knight for some time, going through their training exercises, even hunting down a serial killer for them. Unfortunately though, he had not made any friends in the knights. He did not enjoy exactly how the law was, and even though he respected them, he came to want other goals. This is what led the mage to join Sabertooth, a guild of power and ambition. He was not one that only wanted power, but he was a mage and to protect others he would have to get as strong as he possibly could. After much contemplation, the mage decided to join this guild. He found that they were a bit odd and brash, but they were his family. He made friends, and even eventually got a girlfriends, Sayrn. The most gorgeous woman he had ever met in his entire life, and certainly the smartest. She could match him in almost every way, which he liked. He had finally found someone that completed him, and that was the trick to Crash magic, understanding how the pieces fit together and made each other work, but then splitting them apart.

WC: 264/250 Post: 24/30

Ardere stood up from the spot he was meditating on, and would run off of the cliff, then leap off of it. Feeling the wind brush between his thick brown locks, he would dive into the water, tossing off his jacket and cloak letting it be taken away by the wind. Diving into the water shirtless, he would swim around for a moment. His sword was still strapped to his back, which he drew. The unfortunately thing about the seas below the Serene Cliff, was that he heard tales of a sea monster that would come every so often, but rarely attacked people. Though when it did, it destroyed massive ships. Today, he would draw it out. Tapping into the water molecules he narrows his eyes, and an explosion would occur. Ripping through the energy within the water, a violent explosion occurred. Water and steam shooting upwards into the air at least twenty meters, he heard something in the water. With his enhanced slayer ears, he could tell it was movement within the water. Something big came rushing towards him, from under. Just as soon as the massive creature got beneath him, it attempted to swallow him whole. Creating an explosion within the water, he was shot upwards as the beast came after him. Just barely missing it's teeth, he landed on the head of the beast. Repeatedly stabbing his blade into the beast, he stuck it in the beast. Then the massive creature took him for a ride, not one he would enjoy.

WC: 255/250 Post: 25/30