Chapter 74: Training on Yultim, Part 2: Mana Zone?

"This, my friends, is the good life," Oda sighed, wrapping a soaked arm around Lars, who simply smirked and leaned back onto the rocky wall.

It's a good thing that Sol made that partition between our baths and the ladies, the mind mage thought. I don't think I would have been able to restrain my anger if someone touched Lucia inappropriately…

This may have been an unlikely situation, but come on! Lars was kind of justified in not wanting anyone of the opposite sex to see his uncovered girlfriend.

After Mereoleona had ordered them to strip, Sol lost it, declaring that she would "not allow filthy men to see her sis's naked body", making a mud wall partition using her Earth Magic (something Ximena would definitely do, Lars noted) and decreed that "anyone passing this wall would die".

Iskra, although technically being genderless, identified as a female, and had therefore gone over to the women's side. The same went for Zaira, and also for Bashir, who had come over to the male side and was now sitting awkwardly next to Lars.

"So, Lars," Oda said, leaning forward and pointing at Bashir. "Explain to me what he is. Like a minor spirit or something?"

"You could say that," Lars replied, twisting a lock of his now longer hair around his finger. "Bashir over here is the Celestial of Instinct, and celestials are like spirits that basically represent five different facets of human nature. He was also assimilated into Yrul when we fought him, which is why he took on wolf-like characteristics."

"Makes sense," Oda said. "So Iskra is a celestial too?"

"Correct," Lars replied. Suddenly, he heard a paddling noise, and turned his head towards a certain teal eyed boy who was approaching him.

"Lars Mertens," Cade said, his eyes staring deep into Lars's soul. "I've a favour to ask of you."

"Go ahead," Lars said, lazily blowing his fringe out of his eyes.

"Celestial host to celestial host," Cade asked, "why is Zoe being so weird? And why is the emotional energy I'm sensing from her pink? Could you tell me? I know your mind magic probably gives you capabilities like that, so I assume you've encountered something like that before."

"I haven't noticed anything," Lars replied, a bit confused.

"I'm majorly confused, so I'll let you two have a one on one conversation," Oda replied, scooting over. Cade came to sit next to Lars, his legs pulled tightly to his chest as the two shared a quiet moment.

"To tell you the truth," Cade replied, "that was kind of an excuse to start a conversation."

"Oh no, I completely understand," Lars replied, waving a hand. "I dislike awkward silences. More so, I'm curious about you. How did you get the way you are? How did you meet Zaira? And what does the celestial form of your magic do? It's a safe space, so go ahead, tell me everything you need."

Cade laughed. "Safe space, huh? A safe space…"

His eyes stared deeply into the rippling water, and then back at Lars. "Alright, I've formulated my answer."

"Shoot," Lars said, looking at him with a focused expression.

"I was born a commoner, like every member of our squad," Cade said. "My parents grew up with next to nothing - my father worked on the fields, and my mother was a weaver. I inherited Thread Magic from my mother, a tool she often used for her weaving. It was a simple life, but one I was happy with. You see, my friends, or those who I thought were my friends, however… that was when I started burning bridges."

Cade looked down. "They would tease me about my magic being too simple, too common, even for them, too useless. One day… I just snapped. The volatile kid who couldn't control his emotions - I ran away from home."

He leaned back, his voice softening. "Then I met Jack. He's rough, psychotic even, but he didn't care about my magic. He saw something in me. He saved me by throwing me into tough situations and letting me fight my way through. He taught me to survive."

Cade's expression darkened. "Jack's a fighter, and I learned to love that too. I owe him my life."

Lars listened closely. "And Zaira?"

Cade's eyes softened. "I met her six months ago. She's timid but strong, a Celestial who feels emotions deeply. I can't always keep up."

Lars raised an eyebrow. "Sounds complicated."

Cade smirked. "Yeah, emotions are tricky. My magic connects people through emotions. I can sense and manipulate those connections, but it's dangerous. Jack taught me to embrace it and use it to pull people together, not push them away."

Lars smiled. "You've come a long way."

"Yeah," Cade replied with a grin. "Still figuring it out."

"And your retelling was highly efficient as well," Lars smirked. "Good job. I feel like I'm getting to know who you are as a person."

…

Meanwhile, on the girls' side, Zoe was talking with Lucia, her normal demeanour returned.

"You know, Zoe…" Lucia said, putting a finger to her chin. "Ever since you met Liora, you've been a lot more… human, if that's a good way to put it."

"I'm as human as I've ever been," Zoe replied.

"No, that's not what I meant!" Lucia exclaimed, waving her hands apologetically, which also inadvertently splashed water on Zoe. "Just that… you're a lot less withdrawn and meaner than the "Ice Queen" you were before. You get less angry, you're being a lot more positive, and overall, you seem a lot happier."

Zoe blushed furiously (not from Cade for ONCE), and turned away, flicking her wet hair. "I'm still the same Zohava I've always been. Again, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yeah, I'm probably just waffling. But it seems like talking things out with Lars really helped lift a weight off your shoulders," Lucia smiled. Zoe, despite her blushing, couldn't resist the redhead for long, and smiled back with a small grin.

Not far away, Liora and Iskra were "analysing" Bell, who was clearly enjoying being fawned over.

"So this is one of the Four Great Spirits? It's an honour to meet you, Lady Sylph," Iskra said, curtseying respectfully.

"The mana emanating from her," Liora said, examining Bell's dress. "So old, yet so refined…"

Bell simply blushed and giggled. "Well, I am one of the Four Great Spirits, after all. I've been around for a lot longer than you."

On the opposite side of the hot spring, Mereoleona leaned back against the rocks with a grin, sipping from a flask she'd somehow smuggled in. Beside her, Charlotte sat with a composed expression, though her cheeks were flushed—not just from the heat.

"Come on, Roselei," Mereoleona said, holding out a cup. "You're too uptight. Relax. Have a drink."

Charlotte stiffened, shaking her head. "No, thank you. I don't drink."

Mereoleona barked a laugh. "Of course you don't. You're still the same tight-laced prude you've always been."

Charlotte's lips twitched, but she stayed silent. Mereoleona shrugged and leaned back to enjoy her drink.

Across the partition, Sol was enthusiastically washing Noelle's hair, her hands working with an eager determination that left Noelle looking both confused and mildly alarmed.

"You know, you'd be perfect for the Blue Rose squad!" Sol said brightly, scrubbing Noelle's scalp with surprising vigor. "We could use someone like you—strong, smart, and ready to leave those filthy men behind!"

Noelle winced as Sol's hands tugged her hair. "I… I'm already in a squad. The Black Bulls."

"Pfft, the Black Bulls?" Sol said with a dismissive wave. "You should join us. You know what we use men for, right?"

Noelle blinked, unsure how to respond. "…What?"

"For menial tasks!" Sol said proudly. "The Blue Rose has no use for men except as errand boys. You'd fit in so well with us. I mean, I even wanted that golden boy, Yuno, in our squad just so I could show him what's what."

Noelle frowned, but before she could respond, Charlotte suddenly tensed. Her gaze flickered toward the partition separating the men's side from theirs. Her face turned a vivid red.

"Is something wrong, Lady Charlotte?" Sol asked, pausing in her recruitment speech.

Charlotte didn't answer. She swayed for a moment, her expression frozen in horrified realization.

Her words died in her throat before she promptly fainted, slipping under the water.

"Sis!" Sol yelped, lunging forward and hauling her unconscious captain out of the spring. "Somebody get her a towel!"

Mereoleona, clearly amused, rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable. And she calls herself a captain. Get a grip, Charlotte."

Noelle, trying to steer the conversation away from the chaos, hesitated before speaking. "Lady Mereoleona… you said earlier that I look like my mother. What was she like?"

The amusement faded from Mereoleona's face, replaced by a rare seriousness. She studied Noelle for a moment before answering. "Acier Silva… she was a warrior. A queen of the battlefield. Calm, composed, and utterly ruthless. She didn't waste time on self-pity or doubt. She fought with precision, elegance, and strength."

Noelle's eyes widened, soaking in every word. "I… I see."

"But," Mereoleona continued, her tone sharpening, "you're nothing like her."

The words hit Noelle like a slap. "What?"

"Your magic control is sloppy. Your confidence wavers. You rely on others to prop you up. Acier would never have stood for that."

Noelle's fists clenched under the water, but Mereoleona wasn't done. "If you want to surpass her—and I mean really surpass her—you have to do it with your own strength. Your own willpower. Forget who she was and focus on who you are."

Before Noelle could respond, Myla sauntered over, her hair wrapped in a towel, a wide grin on her face. "Mereoleona, you've turned into quite the leader, haven't you?"

Mereoleona scowled. "Don't start, old hag."

"Don't be like that," Myla teased, ruffling Mereoleona's hair like she was a child. "I'm proud of you. I used to worry about whether you'd ever live up to your potential, but look at you now. Leading your squad like a true lioness."

Mereoleona swatted Myla's hand away, her scowl deepening. "Stop embarrassing me."

Myla chuckled before turning to Noelle. "And you, little Silva. Don't let this grump get to you. You've got spirit—and that's something no one can take away from you."

Noelle blinked, surprised. "…Thank you."

"Enough of this," Mereoleona growled, standing up and glaring at Myla. "Go back to your own squad and stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

Myla just laughed, clearly enjoying how much she was irritating Mereoleona. "Same fiery temper as ever, I see."

Mereoleona's glare could have melted the springs. "Get out of my sight before I dunk you under."

The rest of the women wisely kept quiet, though the corners of Noelle's mouth twitched into the faintest of smiles. For all of Mereoleona's harshness, there was something oddly reassuring about her.

…

On the men's side, Leopold was loudly challenging Yuno to a spar in the middle of the hot springs. Yuno, as usual, stood calm and uninterested.

"You're all bark, Leopold. Why don't you sit down and relax?" Yuno said, closing his eyes as he leaned against a rock.

Leopold's fists clenched. "Relax? That's what losers do! Come on, Yuno, show me some of that power you're always so smug about!"

Before Yuno could respond, Asta jumped between them, flexing dramatically. "Hey! If you're having a contest, count me in! I'm not going to lose to either of you!"

Yami, sitting a little further back and puffing on a cigarette, rolled his eyes. "You three are killing the vibe. If you want a real challenge, how about you do something fun?"

Asta blinked. "What kind of fun, Captain?"

Yami smirked. "Peeking on the women's side."

A hush fell over the men's side as they processed Yami's suggestion. The Crimson Lion men exchanged looks of confusion, shock, and temptation.

"That's… highly inappropriate," Cade muttered, looking away.

"Is it though?" Yami said lazily. "You're all men. Born men, so act like it. You're not going to let Fuegoleon's sense of honor hold you back, are you?"

Leopold froze at the mention of his older brother. "Fuegoleon wouldn't peek," he said hesitantly.

"Exactly," Yami grinned. "So don't be like Fuegoleon. Surpass him."

Leopold's eyes widened with sudden resolve. "You're right, Captain! To surpass my brother, I must be bold!"

The Crimson Lion men cheered, apparently convinced by Yami's twisted logic. They began climbing the wall separating the springs, their laughter echoing around them.

Yami chuckled and leaned back, clearly enjoying the chaos he'd created without lifting a finger.

"Asta, you in?" Yami asked.

Asta shook his head firmly. "No way, Captain. My heart belongs to someone else, and I'm not going to disrespect her like that!"

Yami rolled his eyes but then turned to the others. "What about you, Lars? Cade? Quinn? Oda?"

Lars raised a hand quickly, his expression horrified. "Absolutely not! My sister and my girlfriend are over there. Are you insane?"

Cade frowned. "It's morally wrong, Captain. No thanks."

"Boring," Yami muttered.

Quinn shivered and whispered, "Myla's on the other side. I value my life, so no."

Oda simply waved his hand dismissively. "My aunt's there, so absolutely not. Find someone else for your insanity."

Yami snorted. "Bunch of cowards."

As the Crimson Lions climbed the wall, some of them began to yell comments.

"Did you see Frida earlier? Bet she looks great wet!"
"That Blue Rose redhead looked like she had a massive pair!"
"Anastacia's legs must be—"

Lars' eyes widened in alarm, and he shot up. "SHIT!"

Before anyone could say another word, Lars clapped his hands together, activating his magic.

"Mind Magic: Mana Zone—Subjugation!"

A powerful wave of mana spread out from Lars, locking onto the minds of the climbers. They froze mid-climb, their bodies unable to move, and then slowly climbed back down like puppets on strings.

The men looked around in confusion as they returned to their side, unable to figure out what had just happened.

Yami frowned. "Oi, Lars, what do you think you're doing? I was just starting to have fun!"

Lars shot him an unimpressed look. "Captain, this is inappropriate, disrespectful, and just plain stupid."

Yami shrugged. "Fix it, then."

With a sigh, Lars waved his hand, commanding the subjugated men to start building a colossal statue of Yami instead. They obeyed, stacking rocks and logs in a chaotic frenzy, somehow managing to make a surprisingly accurate representation of their captain's grinning face.

When Lars deactivated Subjugation, the Crimson Lions looked at the giant statue in bewilderment.

Yami smirked. "Not bad, Lars. Not bad at all."

As Lars sat down, his breath catching up to him, he realized something significant.

"Wait," he murmured to himself. "That was… Mana Zone. I used Mana Zone!"

A smile spread across his face. "I think I've just figured out my next step."

…

On the other side of the volcanic wall, where the air was marginally cooler and the bubbling magma seemed less oppressive, Frida Mertens and Anastacia stood side by side. They leaned against the jagged rocks, gazing out at the rolling steam clouds, though the commotion from the men's side of the springs easily reached their ears.

Frida adjusted her headband with a sharp, almost agitated tug, her lips curling into a scowl. The unmistakable sound of Lars' voice carried over the wall, and she scoffed. "Sounds like my useless little brother is up to something stupid again."

Anastacia arched an eyebrow, glancing at her friend with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "You've been harsher than usual about him lately. Are you alright? You're normally so composed, but it seems like you're losing your edge."

Frida stiffened, her fingers clenching into tight fists at her sides. Her icy glare locked onto Anastacia, her voice dropping to a venomous hiss. "Losing my edge? Don't be ridiculous. The Royal Knights Selection Exam is coming up, and I'll prove to everyone who the real Mertens prodigy is. That little fraud's fifteen minutes of fame are about to end. I'll make sure of it."

Anastacia's brows furrowed as she took a cautious step closer. "Frida, I wasn't trying to provoke you. I'm just—"

"Save it," Frida snapped, her voice cutting through the humid air like a blade. She turned away from Anastacia, her expression hard and unyielding.

Nearby, Lucia had been silently listening to their conversation, her thoughtful gaze flickering between the two women. The tension hung thick in the air, only to be shattered by the bounding arrival of Cara, whose bright smile seemed almost comically out of place.

"Talking about Lars again?" Cara chirped, her tone as cheerful as ever. "You know, he's always been like that—sharp and a little broody. Oh! That reminds me of when we first met!"

Frida rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with disdain. "Spare me your drivel, Cara. I'm not in the mood for your romanticized tales about that insufferable brat."

Cara's smile faltered for only a moment before she pressed on, her voice softening with nostalgia. "We'd just moved to Kikka, and I was nervous about making friends. Then I saw Lars sitting under a tree, scribbling notes in his spellbook like a little scholar. When he caught me staring, he said, 'If you're going to stand there like an idiot, you might as well learn something.'"

Lucia's lips twitched into a faint smile. "That doesn't sound particularly friendly."

Cara laughed, the sound warm and unbothered. "It wasn't. But he helped me understand some really tricky magic concepts that day. After that, he even showed me ways to make my Beast Magic more versatile. Underneath all that seriousness, Lars has always been kind."

Lucia nodded thoughtfully. "It's… surprising. He doesn't strike me as someone who'd go out of his way for others, but it seems he's always had that streak of kindness."

Frida snorted, her voice sharp enough to cut through Cara's warmth. "Kind? Thoughtful? Don't make me laugh. Lars is nothing but a fraud who's coasted on the goodwill of others his entire life. People like you coddle him, fawning over his 'potential,' while I've had to fight for every scrap of respect I've earned. My success is entirely self-made. His is borrowed."

The group fell into a stunned silence, Cara's usual cheer dimming as she looked away, hurt. Even Lucia seemed taken aback by the venom in Frida's words.

"You're pathetic."

The voice came from behind them, low and scathing, and all heads turned as Mereoleona Vermillion approached. Her fiery presence was like a crackling bonfire against the steaming backdrop of the springs. She crossed her arms, her intense amber eyes boring into Frida with an almost predatory focus.

"What did you just say to me?" Frida demanded, her magic flaring subtly as she turned to face Mereoleona.

"You heard me," Mereoleona said, stepping closer. "You're pathetic. I don't know what's more embarrassing—your bitterness over Lars or the fact that you think whining about him will make you stronger."

"I'm not whining!" Frida shot back, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "I'm going to surpass him and prove once and for all that I'm the better Mertens! Teach me Mana Zone, Captain. I'll master it faster than anyone else, and I'll use it to crush him."

Mereoleona's expression didn't waver. She leaned in, her voice low and sharp. "You don't get it, do you? The first job of a Magic Knight isn't to boost your ego. It's to protect the people. Right now, you're so wrapped up in your own bitterness you've forgotten what matters."

"I haven't forgotten!" Frida snapped, her magic surging around her in wild bursts of crystalline light.

"Then prove it," Mereoleona said coldly. "Because all I see is a spoiled noble throwing a tantrum. You want to learn Mana Zone? Earn it. But right now, you're not worthy of my time."

Frida's face twisted with fury. Her crystalline magic coiled around her like a living entity, the jagged edges glittering ominously in the heat. Without another word, she stormed away from the hot springs, grabbing her clothes and throwing them on as she went.

The ground trembled beneath her feet as her magic lashed out uncontrollably. Chunks of volcanic rock exploded into shards, and a massive lavahound emerged from the magma, drawn by the chaos. Frida didn't even pause. With a single, devastating blast of Crystal Magic, she obliterated the creature, reducing it to smoldering fragments.

Mereoleona watched her retreating figure with a mixture of frustration and grim respect. "That girl's got power," she muttered, "but she's aiming it at the wrong target."

Lucia, her expression troubled, turned to the captain. "Do you think she'll be alright?"

Mereoleona's smirk returned, though it was tinged with a rare hint of sympathy. "She'll either burn out or rise from the ashes stronger. Let's see which one it is."

…

As the sun rose above the volcanic peaks, Lars found himself face-to-face with Mereoleona again, the intense glow of molten rock casting flickering shadows across her fierce expression. The air was stifling, heavy with the lingering heat of the springs, but Lars didn't falter.

"I've done it," Lars said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "I've figured out Mana Zone."

Mereoleona raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed as she leaned against a jagged outcrop of rock. "That so?"

Lars nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I've been training nonstop since I relaxed in the hotspring. It wasn't easy, but I've managed to expand my awareness, tap into the mana around me, and draw it into my spells. I can't say I've mastered it, but I understand the basics now."

"Then why are you here, Mertens?" she asked, her tone cutting as a blade.

"Because I need your help refining it!" Lars blurted, his usual composure cracking. "Mana Zone isn't just about understanding it—it's about precision, control, making every ounce of mana count. I know I'm capable, but I need guidance, someone to show me how to take it to the next level. You're the only one who can do that, Captain!"

Mereoleona studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes seeming to pierce through his very soul. Then, to his dismay, she shook her head.

"No."

Lars' heart sank, but he forced himself to speak. "Why not? If you think I can learn it, why won't you help me?"

"Because you don't need my help," she said bluntly. "You already have everything you need to master Mana Zone. You just need to push yourself further—on your own. That's how you'll truly understand it, how you'll make it yours."

"But—" Lars started, only for her to cut him off with a raised hand.

"And you're not the only one," she continued, her tone growing sharper. "Your sister is cut from the same cloth. She's as stubborn and determined as you are, and I have no doubt she'll have learned Mana Zone by the time the Royal Knights Selection Exam comes around. If you don't want to be left behind, then you'd better figure out how to refine it before then."

Lars clenched his fists, frustration and determination warring within him. He opened his mouth to argue, but Mereoleona's fierce gaze stopped him cold.

"Stop looking for shortcuts," she said, her voice a low growl. "You've come this far because you've fought for it every step of the way. Don't cheapen that now. You want to be ready for the exam? Then get back to work."

She turned on her heel, her fiery aura practically scorching the air around her as she strode away. Lars watched her go, his resolve hardening.

"I won't let her—or anyone else—surpass me," he muttered to himself. The image of Frida's scornful face flashed in his mind, and he took a deep breath.

A/N: I cant wait to write Lars and Frida throwing down

The Royal Knights Selection Exam begins very soon! just one more chapter to set the scene, and then we can get into the battles!