>>3556272
>For your charm.

>>3556272
>For your power.
"UNLIMITED POOOWEEEER"

>>3556272
>For your power.
There used to only be 2 paths but they just built the monorail on top of the ruins we left.

>>3556277
This. Let's be the Scipio to Carthage's Hannibal.

>>3556272
>For your power.

>>3556272
>>For your power.

>>3556272
>For your wit

>>3556272
>For your wit.

>>3556272
>For your wit.

>>3556272
>For your wit.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3556278
>>3556298
>>3556329
>>3556347
1
>>3556356
>>3556386
>>3556392
>>3556416
2

>>3556423
>>3556278
>>3556298
>>3556329
>>3556347

>For your power.

You're tall, athletic, and strong, for sure. Almost every athletic club fought over who would recruit you, though you ignored them for your first year at the school. Maybe you'll change that this year, maybe not. But more important than your physical power, especially here, is your raw magic potential. You're not the smartest or most charming individual, but when you use runes, their strength is like no other, and you can even manifest raw magical energy without use of a rune, though it is taxing, and incredibly devastating. You damaged the monorail once, using this power out in the wilderness, but it got repaired impossibly fast, courtesy of the smartest magus in the Academy, Angela Harper. A pity that she hates your guts, but it's not your business how other people feel about you.

Waking up at 500 on the dot, you go through your early morning regimen, long before the rest of the students wake for classes. Running around the grounds of the school, you finish with some push-ups, crunches and pull-ups, getting back to your room just as your classmates begin to stir. Taking a quick shower, you throw on your daily uniform (slacks and a pressed white button down,) and walk quickly to the forum-esque courtyard. It's the start of a new year, and the next class of students is arriving, and as always, the head honchos in charge want to impress the new kids.
(Cont.)

File: Girl.png (789 KB, 900x1253)

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>>3556447

Falling into formation at the head of your class, beside Angela, who stares daggers at you, and another student who you never learned the name of, you await the monorail, which you can see in the distance, approaching the academy quickly. You never got why the school had these sorts of ceremonies. Just seemed like grandstanding to you. Yawning, you tune out the speaker's speech, and salute the new students as they step off the magnetic train. None of them particularly catch your eye, staring past them with an impassive, (if not cold) blue stare. You wait out the rest of the speech and walk forward as soon as you are dismissed, approaching the first other student you see, a shorter, dark-haired girl, who looks incredibly nervous about being here. You sigh. Looks like this first month will be... interesting, to say the least.

Nodding to the girl, you say, "Do you know what we're going to be doing now?" She silently shakes her head, looking up at you with wide green eyes. "I'll be leading you around the academy for the first few weeks, until you get settled here. We do this every year. Last year I had a guide, and next year, you'll be guiding someone else. Any questions?" She shakes her head meekly, again. She's so... soft. You haven't known any Magus to be so apprehensive, but here this girl stands, wordless. "Come with me, then."

You have thirty minutes before this morning's lessons to take this girl around the school. You could do the sensible thing and show her the basic layout, where the classes and dormitories are, or show her a specific place.

>Show her the general layout of the academy.
>Show her a specific classroom. (English, Math, History, Runes, Weapons Training, etc.)

>>3556451
>Show her the general layout of the academy.
Faster she knows her way around on her own the better.

>>3556451
>Show her the general layout of the academy.

>>3556451
>Show her the general layout of the academy.
Surely they must have maps of the grounds for the new transfers?

>>3556451
>Show her the general layout of the academy.

Better toughen up quick, softgurl

>>3556459
>>3556460
>>3556475
>>3556485
Seems that we're all in agreement.
>Show her the general layout of the academy.

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>>3556510
Leading your junior around the school, you quickly take her down the main classroom corridors, through the dormitories, laboratories, and armory's respective hallways, and then, when your thirty minutes are just about up, stop just outside the training grounds, which hold an obstacle course, track field, and outdoor exercise equipment, which are stacked neatly next to the Physical Tempering Facility's west wall. Looking down at the quiet girl, who not once spoke, throughout the whole tour, you say, "Do you have a name?"

Your sudden question causes her to flinch, briefly, but she eventually manages to stammer out "A-Alexis Friedbach, s-sir."

At this, you sigh, and say, "I'm not a 'sir.' I'm a Magus Cadet, just like you. Only call the officers who teach you sir or ma'am, excepting the fourth-year students, who have completed their officer training, but not their magical training. Understand?" Her head bobs once more, green eyes seeming like she would burst into tears at the slightest provocation, and you start walking towards your first class for the day, Runes. "Meet me after mess here, or I'll come looking for you. Got it?"

Alexis reaches out towards you, saying, "W-wait!" You turn your head, curious. "Where do I go right now?" You point right ahead, towards the PTF's open double doors, which show the gymnasium within.

"New cadets are debriefed there. Now, may I go?" Alexis, falling silent again, nods, and you continue to your class.

----------------------

Runes, coincidentally, have always your favorite part of the magics that you call upon. No need to negotiate with capricious magical beings (Thaumatology) and no need to make a binding pact (Summoning.) You formed them, and they did what you wanted. Simple. Direct. Precise. And your magical energies were so strong that you could put more force than most would expect in a single runic letter, making those that underestimate you fools. The class passes by quickly, mostly being re-orientation from the single week you had on break, covering the lessons from before, practicing your form, etc.

The next class for you is English, which you actually look forward to, somewhat. Not because you enjoy the material in any way, but rather, because you have a friend in the class. John Breckenridge, a second-rank magus, but first-rate conversationalist, is your table partner, and he always brings a... if not a smile, at very least, a smirk to your face. Right now, he's talking to someone else, but he turns to you, and startles you out of your thoughts.

"...And that's why they had to rebuild the monorail, right, Marcus?"

>"Whatever John said is absolutely true. Yes"
>"I don't know what you're talking about."
>"No."

>>3556620
>"Whatever John said is absolutely true. Yes"

>>3556620
>"Whatever John said is absolutely true. Yes"

>>3556620
>"Sorry, woolgathering. Run that by me again?"

>>3556620
Supporting >>3556634

I'd rather not fuel any potential rumour mills.

>>3556634
>"Sorry, woolgathering. Run that by me again?"

>>3556620
>Maybe, maybe not. What's it to you?

>>3556634
>>3556658
>>3556666
>"Sorry, woolgathering. Run that by me again?"

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>>3556675
Giving a slight smile, you say, relatively pleasantly, "Sorry, woolgathering. Run that by me again?"

John gives an exaggerated sigh to his friend, and says, "Wouldn't have thought you an airhead, my musclebound friend. As I was saying before," He glances at his friend, "The reason that Angela Harper had to repair the monorail, or so I've heard, is because you walked all the way from Albany, through the monorail itself, blasting it out of your way! So tell me, is this true?" He's wearing that smug expression on his face that he always gets when he knows something is a lie or unsubstantiated rumor, but says it anyways, because he wants to.

Shaking your head, you say, "It wasn't because I walked from Albany, man. Get your facts right. It's because I walked from Long Island, obviously." Smirking, you give him a friendly punch in the arm, and say, " Nah, it's because I was training in the woods, accidentally used too powerful of a rune. No biggie." Leaning back in your chair briefly, you immediately sit back up straight when the instructor starts the lesson. Despite your lackadaisical attitude with John, the instructors made it clear on day 1 of classes: those that slack off in class get thrown out of the academy.

The English lesson is much like the Runes lesson; memory retention, recovery, etc, and so passes quickly, letting you go to History as soon as the lesson is over. Now, you know everything about American history, but there might be a test soon, so do you want to focus on anything?

>The History of Magic
>Pre-WWI America
>Modern Day

>>3556760
>Pre-WWI America

>>3556760
>Pre-WWI America
How does magic change the republic's history, I wonder. Was there a magical civil war? Did 1812 go better or worse for the US, with magic involved? Is there a "magic gap" between the Old World and New?

>>3556760
>Pre-WWI America

Alt-history lessons, yo

>>3556760
>The History of Magic
Let's see what freaky shit people used to be able to do, give us something to work towards.

>>3556760
>>Pre-WWI America

>>3556760
>The History of Magic

>>3556788
>>3556769
>>3556766
>>3556763
>>Pre-WWI America

>>3556760
"The USA was never an involved player on the global scale, excepting their tumultuous origins. From when they broke free from the British Empire, to when brother turned on brother, they mostly remained on the continent of their birth, preferring strict isolation and manifest destiny to the countless wars of Europe. This suited the European great powers just fine, as they were more focused on Africa and the Pacific, at that point. However, when the English attacked in 1868, just three months after the Civil War ended, they expected a weak, broken nation. What they could not have expected was a USA with knowledge of the esoteric arts, as only England and the then-state of Prussia had unlocked the secrets of the unknown. As it turned out, Otto von Bismarck, influential Prussian politician, had lent some of his mages to President Abraham Lincoln, (most likely to keep Great Britain from growing stronger,) who both prevented his assassination in 1867, and trained the first-ever American Corps of Magi.

From there, the USA's influence skyrocketed, as they became players on a global scale, and were, with the annexation of the Canadian territories, the only Great Power on the American continents. After the War of 1868, the only other major armed conflict that the USA was involved in was the Second Mexican-American War, where they annexed border territories, Baja being the most notable. This habit of taking bits and pieces of territory from their neighbors would continue until 1905, when the first World War would begin, plunging the world as well as the USA itself into chaos....."

You read a bit about the US before the first Great War, but it's dry stuff, so you mostly just skim it to save yourself from complete boredom. Too many names, places, and dates to remember. Soon after you finish skimming the chapter, a small chime ~dings~ over the intercom, and you're free to head to Mess.

Do you...
>Eat lunch with John.
>Eat lunch alone.
>Go to the training field.
>Write-in.

>>3556898
>Eat lunch with John.

Stick with the bro.

>>3556898
>Eat lunch with John.

>>3556898
>>Eat lunch with John.
>annexation of the Canadian territories
Good.

>>3556898
>Eat lunch with John

>>3556898
>Eat lunch on the roof
It like you guys don't even anime

>>3556898
>>3556930 raises a good point. Is there a flat roof area to eat lunch, or is it all spikes and domes like we see in the OP image?

>>3556944
There would be access to roofs around the school, but they are usually forbidden to students, and aren't too large. However, you do know of a nook between a roof and another building that you've had lunch on before.

>>3556930
>>3556949

Yeah ok, let's see if the roof is any fun.

>>3556949
Sounds good. Let's eat there.

File: 0d6fbac0aed6a1542f8a2a76d(...).png (1.81 MB, 1025x1450)

1.81 MB PNG

>>3556930
>>3556953
>>3556966

You decide that, since it's the start of a new year, you'll eat in the hidden nook. It's a good view, and you shouldn't be bothered by anyone. Especially not any sad sack first-year cadets. Hopping up on the roof of a smaller outbuilding, and then climbing to the top of the other, when no one is watching, you're on easy street to lunchtown, hopping in the nook and opening the brown bag you grabbed from the mess hall, watching the academy grounds, completely relaxed. At least, you are completely relaxed, until a face looks at you from above, completely upside down, blonde hair falling around her face. Someone flying around Fort Ticonderoga? Is that even allowed? Flipping vertically, the girl looks at you, vaguely friendly. "I don't think you're supposed to be up here, but I'm new, so I don't know. Are you?"

>".... Yes."
>"Are you supposed to be flying around like you own the place?"
>"Does the staff know you're here?"

>>3557076
>"Are you supposed to be flying around like you own the place?"

>>3557076
>"Are you supposed to be flying around like you own the place?"
Turn on the snark!

>>3557076
>"Are you supposed to be flying around like you own the place?"

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>>3557090
>>3557117
>>3557118
Raising an eyebrow, you ask, "Are you supposed to be flying around like you own the place?"

Laughing, the girl gives you a nod of acknowledgement. "Ah, I suppose not. This is restricted airspace, no?" Letting whatever energy was keeping her aloft peter out, she lands on the sloped roof, and placing her foot between the wall and the roof, leans against the roof, almost directly across from you. "Is that better?" You shrug, to which she laughs. "I like you, frowny man. What's your name?"

"Marcus."

"Well Marcus, why're you up here?" To this, you simply raise your sandwich, and the strange girl laughs again. "That should've been obvious to me, huh? Well, Marcus, I won't tell anyone you were up here if you don't tell anyone I was flying. Deal?" Shrugging, you nod, to which the girl smiles brilliantly. "Very good! Well then, maybe I'll see you later?" You shrug again, and she just keeps smiling as she walks backwards off the roof. "Bye!" Falling back, you see the girl float to the ground, like a leaf. Huh. Well, you've seen weirder done with less magic.

Finishing your lunch, you see the soft junior who's gonna be following you around like a lost puppy for the next month wandering around, waiting just outside the training field, and you sigh, dusting off your slacks. Climbing back down to the ground, you approach Alexis quietly, causing her to squeak a little and flinch. She's going to be a lot of trouble to work with, but you can't stand seeing such a weak Magi. You're going to have to harden her.

Before you say anything, Alexis gathers the will to speak to you first, and says, "So-so what're we doing here, M-marcus?"

>"Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?"
>"We're going to run laps until you collapse."
>"We're going to see what you can do, magically."

>>3557390
>"Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?"
Time to find out whether she's a masochist.

>>3557390
>"We're going to run laps until you collapse."
>"and once you do, you're going to push until your arms gave out."

>>3557390
>"We're going to see what you can do, magically."

>>3557390
https://youtu.be/TVcLIfSC4OE

Training montage time

>>3557390
>"We're going to see what you can do, magically."

>>3557390
>"Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?"

>>3557407
>>"Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?"
I will switch to this one

>>3557390
>"Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?"

>>3557390
>"Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?"

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395 KB JPG

>>3557396
>>3557657
>>3557659
>>3557666
>>3557681

Looking down at your underclassman, you channel the spirit of your drill sergeant, and bark, "Your body and spirit are weak. We will turn you into a true magus. Any more questions?" This causes Alexis to blink in surprise and flinch away, and as she tries to stammer out a reply, you point at the track. "We will start with running five miles around the track. I will finish in fifteen minutes. You will most likely not. WE," you emphasize the fact that both of you will be putting effort into this, "then will move on to magic. Understood?" Alexis nods, hesitantly, and follows you to the track.

You finish the run in due time, sprinting the five miles with the speed of a trained athlete, and as you predicted, Alexis is a panting, sweaty mess after the first mile. To her credit, though, you do see her try to finish the run, staggering along, but eventually, when you finish five miles, she collapses in a heap where she stands. Sighing, and jogging over to her, you wipe off the modest amount of sweat that collected on your brow, and hold out a hand, which she accepts. Pulling her up easily with one arm, you set her upright and let her catch her breath. Right after, however, you begin testing her again.

"Cast a spell at me. It can be any rune or force. Just try."

Unsure, Alexis says, "A-are you sure?" To which you nod. At this, your underclassman casts her right hand forth, which glows with a faint energy, and flings a negligible amount of red energy at you. You don't even bother to dodge, instead, bringing your hands together and twisting your index fingers into the sign of defense, Eihwaz. You don't even need to make a proper rune for this weak of a force. Disappointing. The red energy Alexis has flung rolls off you, deflected off an invisible sphere, and dissipates into the air. Frowning, you drop Eihwaz, and stride towards her, asking, "Is that all you can do?"

Flinching away from you, Alexis shakes her head. "I-I can do more with actual runes, a-and I'm good with thaumaturgy! But those aren't allowed outside classrooms, I thought..."

>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."
>"It doesn't matter, you're still weak. I will improve you."
>"It's pitiful, seeing such a soft-hearted Magus. I suppose I can help you out."
>Write-in.

File: Eihwaz.gif (761 B, 144x144)

761 B GIF

>>3560244
(The rune you formed)

>>3560244
>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."

>>3560244
>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."

>>3560244
>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."

>>3560244
>>"It doesn't matter, you're still weak. I will improve you."
Strength is everything.

>>3560244
>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."

Constructive bois.

>>3560244
>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."

>>3560244
>"It doesn't matter, you're still weak. I will improve you."
You are weak and we are stronk.

>>3560244
Actually changing to
>Menacingly approach and stares her down. She must learn to stand her ground.
>"I asked for a Force and what you conjured can barely be called that. It doesn't matter what else you can do if you can't even properly do the basics. I'm going to work you until you can muster a decent Force. Understand?

>>3560244
5 miles in 15 minutes? I guess we have physical enhancement spells.

>>3560279
In part. You do have some runic tattoos for stamina and endurance, but you are an incredible physical specimen, as well. Olympic-tier physicality.

>>3560252
>>3560254
>>3560257
>>3560258
>"You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this."

Writing.

>>3560282
Humans in this world must have a high baseline then because we just broke several world records in a casual workout.

>>3560309
Not all humans. Just mages. And I'm aware of the world record for a 5 mile run, something like 22 minutes, correct?

>>3560244
Sighing, you shake your head. "You're right. But still, most magi can muster forth more raw Potential. We need to work on this." Looking at your wrist, you sigh. The face on the watch reads that the free half-hour is almost over, and you must return to your classes. "But we don't have any time, so, tomorrow, then. Also, if you happen to start training on your own after class hours, that'd be fantastic." And with that, you jog off to your next class, Applied Occult Geometry.

Math has never been your best subject, but you do passably in it, since a couple of the problems involve runes. It's a boring class, with an oppressively dull atmosphere, taught by the most bland-faced human being imaginable. You're glad when it's over, because the next class after that is Combat.

Exactly what the name implies, Combat runs you through several physical and magical training courses, testing your skill in the situations you will eventually be in. Each student has a specialty or affinity to a specific role in combat, which is marked on their record. This eventually ties into the end-of-year Aptitude Exam, which will inform the Academy of the branch you will graduate into. You, however, give this no thought, as the Aptitude Exam is far away, and you have plenty of time to improve in areas which you are weak in.

However, what are you especially good at?
>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.
>Long-range combat. You're a beast with a sniper rifle, and you can cast your Force an absurdly long distance.
>Infiltration. You're incredibly stealthy when you wish to be, and your impressive magical talents let you mask your presence almost entirely, through sheer force of will.

>>3560337
>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.

>>3560337
>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.

>>3560337
>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.

>>3560337
>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.

We remembered the basics of CQC

>>3560337
>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.
I CAST FIST

>>3560337
>>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.
BIG BOY USE STRENGTH

>>3560343
>>3560350
>>3560354
>>3560362
>>3560364
>>3560370
Hm. Not sure, but the votes MIGHT be leaning towards CQC specialization, so I'll call it here for that.

>Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells.

>>3560337
Close Combat. Short-range firearms, melee weapons, and hand-to-hand fighting, supplemented with extremely localized (and extremely powerful) spells. It should come as no surprise, due to your physicality and raw magical strength, that you're the top of your year when it comes to combat and weapons training in general. The class, like the others, is re-orientation and warmup for most of the class, but you never stopped training over the break, so you're mostly bored. At least you're on good terms with your Combat teacher, who lets the class talk among themselves, so long as they train.

After Combat, you take a shower in the locker room, and now fresh and ready for the rest of the day, you head off to Thaumaturgy, a school of magic that you have little opinion on. At least it isn't Summoning.

This class is little more than a review on the last year's course, so you're free to skim the textbook, should you wish to.

(I know the first day is slow-paced, things should pick up when I get the schedule set in stone.)

>Potential and Force
>Aspects
>Outer Beings

>>3560498
>Potential and Force

>>3560498
> Outer beings

>>3560498
>Outer Beings

>"Marcus did you just punch Cthulhu?"
>"Yes, yes I did."

>>3560498
>>Outer Beings
We need to fuck Yog

>>3560498
I'd say Aspects, but I feel a bit outnumbered.

>>3560498
>Aspects
I CAST FIRE FIST

>>3560498
>Aspects
Can we do avatar shit?

>>3560498
>Outer Beings

>>3560498
>Potential and Force

>>3560498
>Outer Beings

>>3560498
>Aspects

>>3560498
>Outer Beings

>>3560498
>Potential and Force

>>3560498
>Potential and Force

>>3560507
>>3560513
>>3560515
>>3560648
>>3560657
>>3561404
Well shit. Looks like I forgot to close the vote before I went to work. Thanks for voting, however, your (you)s are much appreciated.

Calling for
>Outer Beings

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286 KB JPG

>>3560498
"Outer Beings, (sometimes erroneously called 'demons' by non-Magi,) are magical entities that exist outside of our material reality, and instead, reside in a realm of pure thought. These beings, though outside of our conscious perceptions, constantly overlap with our world, untraceable except to Magi and those with extremely spiritually attuned minds. The gulf between our worlds is a large one, which causes most Outer Beings consternation. When powerful Outer Beings reach out to our world, they can pierce the veil, to an extent, and manifest their will on our side. However, this is limited in scope, and results in 'hauntings' and 'possession', which are both simple terms for a complicated concept.

'Hauntings,' as they are known, are when a Outer Being decides to affect our world in some way, shape, or form, be it in warping reality, manifesting directly, or creating phenomena. 'Possession' is when an Outer Being overrides the conscious thought of a being on our plane temporarily, and controls the creature directly. This is usually temporary, and 'possession' is a strong term for an uncommon, transient effect.

This is why Outer Beings negotiate with Magi to form Aspects, as a form of catharsis, in knowing they may effect a world that most may never touch. (More information on Aspects on page 142...)

You shut the textbook, not needing any more distractions from your Thaumaturgy class, and head out quickly, to your Summoning class. This is your least favorite part of the day.

Even more unfortunately, you have to actually do a practical lesson as a refresher, so you draw the circle in pigs' blood, and channel your Potential into the Sigil, summoning the lowest form of Outer Being, a Minor Force (or Imp, as it is colloquially known,) into this reality, bound by the circle. Your job is to convince the demon to agree to a deal before class ends.

The Imp currently sits, content to stare at you with yellow, unblinking, reptilian eyes.

>"So... Do you want to make this easy on the both of us and just do as I ask?"
>"I don't want to even have you before me, Imp, so just do what I want and leave."
>Grimace uncomfortably.
You're incredibly charismatic.

>>3561884
>"So... Do you want to make this easy on the both of us and just do as I ask?"

>>3561884
>>"So... Do you want to make this easy on the both of us and just do as I ask?"

>>3561884
>"So... Do you want to make this easy on the both of us and just do as I ask?"

>>3561884
>"I don't want to even have you before me, Imp, so just do what I want and leave."
Is this the part where Angela laughs at us?

>>3561884
>Grimace uncomfortably.

>>3561884
>"So... Do you want to make this easy on the both of us and just do as I ask?"

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>>3561888
>>3561889
>>3561894
>>3562242
Shifting around, wholly uncomfortable, you say, "So... Do you want to make this easy on the both of us and just do as I ask?" God, you hate Outer Beings. They're just so... slippery. Not literally, of course, but they're hard for you to bind, and generally cause you immense frustration, when you do manage to bind one.The Imp, of course, laughs in your face, causing you to redden in anger.

Though it's only about the size of a small dog, it looks up at you, without a trace of fear, sadistic glee on its' leathery face. "Oh, the big bad Magi wants poor little Vro'ggond to do his bidding, does he? Maybe to start some fires, smash everything in sight like the absolute moron he is?" You grit your teeth, and almost say something, before the Imp continues, cackling all the while. "I bet you're too dumb to see the truth of what's going on around you, just like how you're a hulking brute when trying to ply a demon from its home. And what's this? Oh, I see, your father is-"

At this, you slam down on the Imp with great Force, filling the classroom with an almost blinding light, as you scorch the demon back into the Outer Planes. Panting, and face red with embarrassment, you look to your Summoning teacher, who simply sighs in consternation, and nods at you, marking something on his clipboard. Grimacing something fierce, you turn around quickly, pacing back and forth, while the rest of the class completes the assignment. That is, with the exception of Angela Harper, who approaches you, smirking, ugly glint in her eyes.
(Cont.)

File: Angela.png (396 KB, 700x900)

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>>3562355

"Oh, Marcus, do you need some help with the Summoning? I'd be more than happy to assist, after all, it's just the right thing to do, helping out those intellectually stunted individuals in graduating." This is the worst part. The smugness. "If you don't want my help, then I'm afraid I MUST insist. Just look at what I managed to Bind." Three snakes coil around her arm, eyes glowing with a hidden fire. They must be Imps, shifted in form. However, your attention is drawn back to Angela, because she starts to say something, but then, as if in slow motion, the roof explodes, raining dust and rubble upon the class.

Putting your arms above your head, and forming the Eihwaz rune, you are protected from the majority of the rubble, but the rest of your classmates are not so fortunate. Dust fills the air, preventing your sight.

What do you do?
>Start digging through the rubble for your classmates.
>Clear the air of dust and see what caused the explosion.
>Bide your time, hide under the rubble.

Whatever you choose, roll 1d20. Best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3562375
>Clear the air of dust and see what caused the explosion.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3562382
Seconded

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3562375
>Clear the air of dust and see what caused the explosion.
We must thank whatever exploded for shutting Angela up.

>>3562375
>>Start digging through the rubble for your classmates.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3562399
forgot roll

>>3562400
Doesn't matter dude, it's best of 3

>>3562382
>>3562383
>>3562389
>Clear the air of dust and see what caused the explosion.
>9

Writing.

Ok, I'm going to be at work until 11 PM EST, so expect a post sometime after that.

>>3562375

Clapping your hands together, you emanate Force in a sphere around you, but this doesn't do much more than sear the rubble, charring them black. Sighing, which causes you to breathe in the dust as you inhale, you sputter out a hacking cough. Stumbling about the rubble, you stare up into the hole in the roof, trying to spot whomever caused the collapse, but see nothing. You're about to leave, when you hear someone groaning faintly beneath the rubble next to you. Digging at the rubble with your hands isn't difficult, due to your strength, though you definitely feel the strain that defending yourself from the explosion in such a straightforward manner wrought. Lying on the ground, battered, but not entirely broken, is Angela Harper.

Staring down at her unconscious form, you debate what to do. Of course you're going to pull her out, don't want to get in trouble with the academy for failing to do anything, but what you will do is up for debate. You could, of course, pull her from the rubble and carry her to the Infirmary. This, however, would put you at a disadvantage, should this be an actual combat situation. Alternatively, you could set her in the corner of the room, marking her with the Leben rune to keep her on life support.

What do you do?
>Carry her to the Infirmary.
>Set her aside, and look for a less disagreeable classmate beneath the rubble.
>Mark her with the Leben rune and then leave her.
>Write-in

>>3563937
>Carry her to the Infirmary

Never abandon an asset.

>>3563937
>>Carry her to the Infirmary.
We can always hold it over her.

>>3563937
>Carry her to the Infirmary.
We're not petty, let's get her and anybody else we see.
And maybe unlock tsundere route while we're here

>>3563937
>Carry her to the Infirmary

>>3563937
>Mark her with the Leben rune and then leave her.
Disregard thots

>>3563945
>>3563948
>>3563949
>>3563950
>Carry her to the Infirmary
Writing.

Feeling pretty tired, gonna sleep, and update throughout the day tomorrow. Luckily I don't have work, so I'll be free to write throughout.

>>3564181
Thanks for running!

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>>3563937
Sighing, you decide to take her to the infirmary yourself. Yes, you hate her, and her constantly snotty attitude, and the way she makes you feel like an idiot. But she's also the single smartest Magi at Fort Ticonderoga, and you can't just let her die, potential wasted beneath some rubble. You feel slightly bad, not looking for your other classmates, but the school staff's response should be swift. It's not the best idea, moving an injured person, but magi are generally more durable than regular people. It doesn't negate the need for medical attention, however.

Clambering out of the room and kicking the classroom door open, Angela in your arms, you swiftly emerge from the dust and smoke, coated in gray powder. Finally, you can breathe clearly. Whipping your head back and forth, you scan the hallway, looking for any sign of the attackers. However, you can't see any. You have yet to determine if this is a good thing.

Walking quickly (jogging could make Angela's injuries worse,) you attempt to leave the building, to head to the staff offices, but you're quickly stopped by a gaggle of students, drawn by the explosion, who rush out of their classrooms, confused. Quickly yelling at them parts the crowd, though you do hear some whispers when they see Angela in your arms. No matter, idle rumors are not your concern, especially not now. Exiting the classroom building, you are pleased to see that the staff response is quick as anything, soldiers and magi surrounding the building, and immediately covering the entire area in a magical net.

You explain the situation to the soldiers, and they let you pass, sending two black-clad guards to protect you, ostensibly. Taking Angela to the infirmary, you set her down on a bed, and let the medical Magi take over. For some reason, however, the guards prevent you from leaving, citing "security risks" as the reason. If there was a security risk, you'd be better at preventing it from happening than they would. Ridiculous. So, reluctantly, you sit down on a nearby chair, silently watching the Magi heal Angela. At the very least, you can learn something.

-----------------

A good half-hour later, and the guards are still at the door, watching the hallway intently, and you're still trapped in the Infirmary with Angela. Who, unfortunately for you, now slowly rouses awake, her injuries having not been too serious. While you were waiting, two other classmates came in on stretchers, and the medics heal them currently, their injuries having been more extensive.

Staring blankly at you, Angela looks down at herself, and at where she is, mind racing, figuring out what happened in but a few seconds. She looks set to say something snide or rude, but she blinks, thinking twice about it, and says, softly, "I... thanks for the save, Marcus."

>"So you can be grateful."
>"We're the two First-Rank Magi in our year. We have to stick together, even if we hate each other."
>"I would expect you to do the same."
>Write-in.

>>3564767
>>Write-in.
"You owe me."

>>3564767
>Couldn't live without your snide remarks Angela

It's not like I care or anything B-baka!

>>3564767
>>3564783
I like how sarcastic it sounds.

>>3564767
>"You owe me."
Now all we have to do is resist using the favour to shut her up.

>>3564783
>>3564767
Do we have enough charisma for sarcastic remarks?

>>3564778
>>3564798
I know we are only cadet. But expecting favor from fellow soldier for saving their lives is kinda shitty

>>3564813
Eh, I imagine it's less of a real favour and more "stop acting like such a bitch" favour

>>3564808
Sarcasm, sure. Extremely witty and castigating sarcasm, not really. You're very direct.

>>3564767
>>3564783

>>3564783
>>3564790
>>3564867
"Couldn't live without your snide remarks Angela."

Writing.

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>>3564767
Shaking your head, you sigh in frustration, and cross your arms, frowning darkly. "Couldn't live without your snide remarks, Angela."

Angela, to her credit, responds whip-fast, immediately retorting with, "Couldn't live without your thuggish anger, Marcus." The room falls silent, after that, and you end up glaring at each other until a tall, lanky man, almost matching your height, walks past the guards, wearing full dress uniform. An eyepatch covers his left eye, and his right arm is covered by his jacket, which he wears like some form of cape. He has the silver bars of a First Lieutenant on his shoulder, so you immediately stand to attention, with Angela mimicking the gesture right after.

Holding up a hand, the Lieutenant says, softly, "At ease." You relax slightly, but remain standing, and Angela sits back down, still somewhat pale from part of a building getting dropped on her. "My name is Lieutenant Christoff, and I'm here to ask you a few questions. Now, you were in your Summoning class, correct?" Nodding, you affirm this, so Christoff continues, "Did you see anything unusual, suspicious, or dangerous, before the event happened?"

Thinking back on the situation carefully, you say...

>"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned."
>"Well, Angela had summoned three Imps at once, maybe that had something to do with it?"
>Write-in.

>>3565067
>>"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned."

>>3565067
>"No"
We are eloquent boy

>>3565067
>>"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned."

>>3565067
>"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned."

>>3562355
>Vro'ggond
>"I bet you're too dumb to see the truth of what's going on around you"
Would that be worth mentioning?

>>3565067
>"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned."

>>3565101
I feel like this is how we get in trouble with the thought police and we should only talk about that in private
But I'm seconding this for the record.

>>3565127
I was thinking more in a way of
>Imp pointing out that someone is putting explosions rune on the roof.
Not the
>Your government is not as good as you think.
But most likely he was calling us dumbass

>>3565074
>>3565079
>>3565084
>>3565108
>>3565101
>>3565127
>"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned."
>And mention what the Imp said.

Writing

h-he's coming back, right?

>>3578973
I hope so. Maybe he just went for the milk

>>3578977
he's dead.

>>3579174
No u

>>3579178
Why did you leave us, father?

>>3579186
I had to get bath salt cigarettes and throat lozenges. Also, my writer's block hit me in the nutsack. Sorry for the short post after a week of radio silence.

>>3565067
"Nothing comes to mind. The only dangers were the Lesser Beings being summoned." Pausing, while scratching your chin, you look up at Lt. Christoff, contemplatively. "The Imp did say something like; 'you're too dumb to see the truth,' or something. I don't know what that was about."

At this, Angela scoffs. "You just proved his point, dumbass." You glare at her, she returns the stare, and it's almost back to normal, except for the military officer interrogating the two of you, who coughs, looking at the two of you somewhat coldly.

"If we're finished?" Sighing, Angela nods, leaning back, and you do the same, looking at Christoff instead of your rival. "Now, obviously the staff will be investigating this incident, and upping security all over. However, we hope that the two of you can put aside your differences and be vigilant for anything out of the ordinary. You're the most talented students since... Alexander Friedman. We're sure that you can notice something that our preventative measures can't catch." Looking at each other, and immediately glaring, Angela starts to speak, but Christoff puts up a hand. "It's not mandatory. However, it is recommended. First-rank Magus is all well and good on your record, but 'caught an infiltrator red-handed' is just as impressive, in certain circles."

Looking at Angela, the two of you come to a silent agreement...

>No. You can search alone.
>Hell no. You have training to do.
>Fine. You suppose you can work with her, if briefly.

>>3579211
>Fine. You suppose you can work with her, if briefly.
Dear God he lives

>>3579211
>Fine. You suppose you can work with her, if briefly.

>>3579211
>>Fine. You suppose you can work with her, if briefly.

>>3579211
>Fine. You suppose you can work with her, if briefly.

>>3579211
>Hell no. You have training to do.

Disregard brains, acquire gains.