Fools Paradise

The classroom is full except for the absence of Wittorf. Everyone can feel the awkward tension after what happened the other day. Steel begins the period with a few words.

"Today we will begin the practical application of mana into objects."

Loat raises his hand and waits to be called on. Concern plastered across his face. "What about Wittorf, is he going to be alright?"

"He will be just fine, he just needs some rest. I hope that once he returns you will all help him catch up."

The entire class chimes in "Yes sir!"

Steel extends his hand out and begins to form a ball of energy. Using a little effort he then forms it into a spear. "You will focus your mana into a physical object. Concentrate hard on what you are trying to create and it will take shape." The spear dissipates into dust and Steel points to Caiman. "Caiman try it first."

Caiman smirks if all he had to do was create an object then he would ace it. He was practicing this to begin with before he even joined the academy. "Should be easy." Caiman extends his hand out and focuses a small ball of energy. It slowly gets bigger and then takes shape into a knife. For those looking close enough you could see a bead of sweat start to form on his brow before the knife quickly disperses. "Like I said, easy."

The rest of the class sigh. Steel claps his hands once. "Good job, everyone else I would like you to practice this for the next two weeks and create some kind of weapon." He then slams his fist on the desk and everyone straightens to attention. "Don't tell Wittorf about this assignment until he is healed up, class dismissed."

Loat runs out of the classroom and heads straight towards Wittorfs room. Excited to see how his recovery is doing and also curious to see what his punishment was. When he enters the room he finds Wittorf is meditating while standing on one foot. Deep in thought Wittorf does not even notice Loat is standing 10 feet away from him. Loat looks relieved to see Wittorf doing well.

"So how are you doing?"

Wittorf smiles and opens his eyes to see him new best friend then he grabs his arm as he flexes. "Fit as a fiddle."

Loat smiles back and teases him. "So what's your punishment?"

Wittorf pulls out a piece of paper "I have to meditate for two weeks straight while I recover." He looks questioningly at Loat. "So what was the assignment for this week?"

"I'm not supposed to tell you."

"What do you mean; does he want me to fall behind?"

"You are recovering from what looked pretty serious."

"I feel fine now, I just needed to sleep a little that's all."

"Are you sure your alright?"

"Of course!"

"Alright, he wanted us to practice giving shape to mana we create."

Wittorf looks really excited and begins shaking. "How do we do that?"

Loat shrugs. "I'm not really sure but Caiman already knows how to do it."

"I need to start practicing right away so I don't fall behind!"

"You need your rest first!"

Wittorf waves his worry away. "I'll be fine." He stands up and extends his hand out. Wittorf begins to channel mana into his arm. "See I feel fine, what's the next step?"

Loat rubs the back of his arm. "You have to imagine a ball."

Wittorf grins as a small ball appears in his hand. He looks at Loat with confidence. Suddenly the ball bursts into a liquid mess and drips to the ground as Wittorf follows.

Wittorf is lying in a bed once again. This time he is awake and alone. He fiddles with his thumbs as he stares off into space. He really messed up this time. Steel was going to punish him extra hard for this. Or so he thought.

The Headmaster walks in and gives Wittorf a stern look. "Wittorf, it's only been 2 weeks and this is your second trip to the infirmary for mana sickness." He shakes his head. "I have no choice but to punish you for your behavior. You are working yourself sick and it is causing trouble for you and those around you. You understand that right?"

Wittorf is wounded by the Headmasters words. He knew what he had done was reckless but all he could think about was Caiman "I'm sorry Headmaster; I just wanted to keep up with Caiman."

"How are you going to do that when you're in a hospital bed?" he places his hand on the young boys shoulder. "You're lucky that nothing serious happened to you when you attempted magic during your recovery period.

Steel bursts in the room. "Wittorf what did I say about using magic!"

"That I should only focus on meditation for now while I recover."

"So you did hear me. I thought you might be deaf for a second."

The Headmaster looks at Steel with a serious expression. "Steel, you were supposed to watch over Wittorf while he recovered. You are just as guilty for his condition."

Steel straightens up. He knew the Headmaster was right but he also knew how kids like Wittorf acted "I cannot watch him all hours of the day. It was just a matter of time before he did this."

The headmaster looks back at Wittorf. "I will be leaving now. Your punishment will be one month of remedial classes. The headmaster looks stern. "If you miss even one day you will be expelled." The Headmaster continues. "If you do not follow his instructions to a tee, you will be expelled."

The Headmaster walks out of the room and Steel looks at Wittorf with iron in his glare. "You heard the man. Starting today you will be taking remedial classes."

Wittorf nods slowly. Remedial classes did not sound too bad. Perhaps he could even learn some cool things while he was in them. "Yes sir, when do we begin?"

Steel smirks. "WE do not begin anything; your teacher will be him."

A small older with a hobble to his step His balding white hair is long almost as long as his nose. His eyes hidden under tired bags of skin too worn out to hold much shape walks into the room on cue and smiles. Steel bows his head. "Master."

Wittorf looks confused. Master, This guy must be important if he is getting Steel to bow to him. "Who are you?"

Steel hits Wittorf upside the head for his lack of etiquette "This is Master Coda."

Wittorf extends his hand out for a shake and awkwardly smiles. "Thank you for teaching me."

Coda returns his shake and one eye lifts up from the bags. A grin appearing on his face "Oh but you are confused, I will not be teaching you anything."