Daybreak:Volume 1 Chapter 6 - Revision history

Aorii at 03:50, 2 January 2022

2022-01-02T03:50:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:50, 2 January 2022
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	''Whatever, not like I can concentrate here anyway.''		''Whatever, not like I can concentrate here anyway.''

	Without someone she was friendly with --or at least growing friendly with-- Kaede didn't exactly feel comfortable around new people or places. With her books in hand, she ignored the noblewoman's departing screech and headed back to the dormitories.		Without someone she was friendly with -- or at least growing friendly with -- Kaede didn't exactly feel comfortable around new people or places. With her books in hand, she ignored the noblewoman's departing screech and headed back to the dormitories.

	She felt the disdain of the librarian's glance as she walked past.		She felt the disdain of the librarian's glance as she walked past.

Aorii at 23:45, 26 June 2021

2021-06-26T23:45:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 26 June 2021
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	As Professor Albert's assistant, Pascal was not required to attend a class that Albert did not teach. However, since Pascal was planning on being a career military officer, he seized upon the opportunity to sharpen his combat skills. Sure, a commanding officer did not need to be a champion, for they relied on brains and not brawn to lead the men. Nevertheless, it would be embarrassing if a mere lieutenant could break into his future headquarters and defeat him.		As Professor Albert's assistant, Pascal was not required to attend a class that Albert did not teach. However, since Pascal was planning on being a career military officer, he seized upon the opportunity to sharpen his combat skills. Sure, a commanding officer did not need to be a champion, for they relied on brains and not brawn to lead the men. Nevertheless, it would be embarrassing if a mere lieutenant could break into his future headquarters and defeat him.

	"As ~~you all know~~, the most commonly practiced combat magic style in Hyperion is Aura Magic. It is utilized for its multiple stances that shift and adapt to circumstances, as well as high channeling speed which allows rapid mana transfer and spellshaping. However, contrary to many claims, the popularity of Aura Magic is not an indicator of superiority."		"As we've covered before, the most commonly practiced combat magic style in Hyperion is Aura Magic. It is utilized for its multiple stances that shift and adapt to circumstances, as well as high channeling speed which allows rapid mana transfer and spellshaping. However, contrary to many claims, the popularity of Aura Magic is not an indicator of superiority."

	It was difficult to remember that Duke Gaston de La Conde was actually one of the most powerful men in Rhin-Lotharingie. It wasn't because he looked ordinary, as despite being just short of old age, Gaston was a dandy who only ever dressed in silver-lined white clothes and sported a meticulously curled mustache. His long face could be described as dignified and moderately handsome, but far more memorable were his wavy brown curls and a deep, violet gaze.		It was difficult to remember that Duke Gaston de La Conde was actually one of the most powerful men in Rhin-Lotharingie. It wasn't because he looked ordinary, as despite being just short of old age, Gaston was a dandy who only ever dressed in silver-lined white clothes and sported a meticulously curled mustache. His long face could be described as dignified and moderately handsome, but far more memorable were his wavy brown curls and a deep, violet gaze.

Aorii at 18:35, 1 June 2021

2021-06-01T18:35:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 1 June 2021
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	He spun on his leather boots' heels before walking around the bed.		He spun on his leather boots' heels before walking around the bed.

	Today was the first time that Pascal had seen Kaede's sleeping face. Even inside the warmth of the dormitory keep, the ~~small~~ girl snuggled into the thick comforter with only her head exposed. Turned to the side, her snowy hair scattered across her gentle sleeping face. Her expression was serene and peaceful, except for the dark outlines beneath her eyes.		Today was the first time that Pascal had seen Kaede's sleeping face. Even inside the warmth of the dormitory keep, the girl snuggled into the thick comforter with only her head exposed. Turned to the side, her snowy hair scattered across her gentle sleeping face. Her expression was serene and peaceful, except for the dark outlines beneath her eyes.

	Another stab of guilt sunk into his chest, but Pascal steeled himself and shook her through the bedcovers.		Another stab of guilt sunk into his chest, but Pascal steeled himself and shook her through the bedcovers.
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	Despite being engrossed in her own questions, Kaede never forgot to loop in Pascal whenever she found something he could use. Each time Pascal would tap her senses directly to read in. The convenience was undeniable. However it was also annoying, not to mention bizarre to turn pages for a pair of eyes that served as someone else's camera.		Despite being engrossed in her own questions, Kaede never forgot to loop in Pascal whenever she found something he could use. Each time Pascal would tap her senses directly to read in. The convenience was undeniable. However it was also annoying, not to mention bizarre to turn pages for a pair of eyes that served as someone else's camera.

	It was worse when Pascal just dropped into her head without warning, often for no other reason than he felt her curiosity. By the third time, she finally ~~told~~ Pascal ~~to ask first before reaching through her eyes and ears.~~		It was worse when Pascal just dropped into her head without warning, often for no other reason than he felt her curiosity. By the third time, she finally had enough and gave Pascal an earful:

	His reply was a defensive "all right, I promise!"		"Would you ''at least'' ASK POLITELY before you reach through my eyes and ears!?" She fumed. "Or do you also enter girls' rooms without knocking and barging in while they're dressing like some scumbag pervert!?"

			His reply was a defensive "all right, I will ask first in the future, I promise!"

	Apart from all the knowledge of a new world, there were also two other, more personal thoughts that kept bouncing to the fore of her mind:		Apart from all the knowledge of a new world, there were also two other, more personal thoughts that kept bouncing to the fore of her mind:
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	Sighing, Kaede pulled down the bookmark string, closed the tome, and laid it on her bedside table.		Sighing, Kaede pulled down the bookmark string, closed the tome, and laid it on her bedside table.

	''~~One night~~ he~~'ll~~ learn to ask first.''		''Why can't he learn to ask first?''

	And just like that, another day passed in the new world. The rest of the week went by the same way, except after Friday's afternoon chat-break, Kaede was sure she could now consider Marina a new friend. This was an important milestone to Kaede, as it averted, or at least delayed, her fear of becoming a 'shut-in'.		And just like that, another day passed in the new world. The rest of the week went by the same way, except after Friday's afternoon chat-break, Kaede was sure she could now consider Marina a new friend. This was an important milestone to Kaede, as it averted, or at least delayed, her fear of becoming a 'shut-in'.

Aorii at 14:41, 22 May 2021

2021-05-22T14:41:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 22 May 2021
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	"<Ah, that is Emilia de Morini.>" Pascal's voice popped into her head. "<Talk about pot calling kettle black. How does that tramp have the brain capacity to attack you when she can barely scrub two cells together for a passing grade?>"		"<Ah, that is Emilia de Morini.>" Pascal's voice popped into her head. "<Talk about pot calling kettle black. How does that tramp have the brain capacity to attack you when she can barely scrub two cells together for a passing grade?>"

	"<You're not helping, Pascal. And would you knock before tapping in like this?~~</u~~>"		"<You're not helping, Pascal. And would you knock before tapping in like this?>"

	"<Tell her that-->"		"<Tell her that-->"
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	Five people raised their hands. A slightly winded Reynaud was one of those who did.		Five people raised their hands. A slightly winded Reynaud was one of those who did.

	"Good." The Duke smiled. "You cannot win if you're hesitant to ~~unsheath~~ your blade, especially when facing a superior adversary. Your assignment today, class, is to form groups of five and try to land a hit on me. Anyone who succeeds will automatically receive a perfect grade."		"Good." The Duke smiled. "You cannot win if you're hesitant to unsheathe your blade, especially when facing a superior adversary. Your assignment today, class, is to form groups of five and try to land a hit on me. Anyone who succeeds will automatically receive a perfect grade."

Aorii at 16:36, 2 May 2021

2021-05-02T16:36:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 2 May 2021
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	However, even though Gaston was an Oriflamme Paladin and one of the top commanders in the Rhin-Lotharingie military, he spent most of his time teaching students art and dueling while leaving his administrative duties to his mistress Cosette.		However, even though Gaston was an Oriflamme Paladin and one of the top commanders in the Rhin-Lotharingie military, he spent most of his time teaching students art and dueling while leaving his administrative duties to his mistress Cosette.

	"For example: Runic Magic remains a favorite in the Kingdom of Gleann Mòr, ~~nor~~ to mention our Northmen neighbors in the Greater Jarldom of Skagen. Its capacity for precast and contingent spells that may be activated in a second cannot be underestimated -- as many of you learned the hard way from Sir Pascal." ~~Gastone~~ smirked as he turned to the young man in question.		"For example: Runic Magic remains a favorite in the Kingdom of Gleann Mòr, not to mention our Northmen neighbors in the Greater Jarldom of Skagen. Its capacity for precast and contingent spells that may be activated in a second cannot be underestimated -- as many of you learned the hard way from Sir Pascal." Gaston smirked as he turned to the young man in question.

	"The key to winning is found not just in practice and experience, but a thorough understanding of the other styles' capabilities. Runic Magic may bring a large cache of prepared spells that may be dumped into battle in an instant, but its glyphs only activate by touch. This hampers its offensive potential and allows a skilled Aura Magic user to keep his distance until he can level the playing field. Sir Pascal, Mister Moreau, would you be gracious enough to demonstrate."		"The key to winning is found not just in practice and experience, but a thorough understanding of the other styles' capabilities. Runic Magic may bring a large cache of prepared spells that may be dumped into battle in an instant, but its glyphs only activate by touch. This hampers its offensive potential and allows a skilled Aura Magic user to keep his distance until he can level the playing field. Sir Pascal, Mister Moreau, would you be gracious enough to demonstrate."

Aorii at 17:11, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:11:12Z

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Aorii at 19:55, 9 March 2021

2021-03-09T19:55:20Z

Aorii at 17:00, 14 November 2020

2020-11-14T17:00:24Z

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Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2020-11-14T16:46:07Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

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Aorii: P-D edit

2016-02-13T20:03:01Z

P-D edit

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← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 9 March 2021
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	Pascal's last course of the day was held in the second drill hall. It was more of a stone amphitheater, but with a massive stage ringed by only ~~two~~ meager rows of benches. ''Advanced Spellsword Combat'' was an elective class open to upperclassmen and offered every season, so at the moment only thirty-one ~~noble youths~~ stood in loose formation.		Pascal's last course of the day was held in the second drill hall. It was more of a stone amphitheater, but with a massive stage ringed by only three meager rows of benches. ''Advanced Spellsword Combat'' was an elective class open to upperclassmen and offered every season, so at the moment only thirty-one cadets stood in loose formation.

	It was also the only 100% practical course in the academy. Books, parchment, and ink weren't even allowed here. The only acceptable tools of teaching and learning were spells and swords. The usual homework was recovering from injuries, which understandably made students strive for perfection.		It was also the only 100% practical course in the academy. Books, parchment, and ink weren't even allowed here. The only acceptable tools of teaching and learning were spells and swords. The usual homework was recovering from injuries, which understandably made students strive for perfection.

	As Professor Albert's assistant, Pascal was not required to attend a class that ~~the Professor~~ did not teach. However, since Pascal was planning on being a career military officer, he seized upon the opportunity to sharpen his combat skills. Sure, a commanding officer did not need to be a champion, for they relied on brains and not brawn to lead the men. Nevertheless, it would be embarrassing if a mere lieutenant could break into his future headquarters and defeat him.		As Professor Albert's assistant, Pascal was not required to attend a class that Albert did not teach. However, since Pascal was planning on being a career military officer, he seized upon the opportunity to sharpen his combat skills. Sure, a commanding officer did not need to be a champion, for they relied on brains and not brawn to lead the men. Nevertheless, it would be embarrassing if a mere lieutenant could break into his future headquarters and defeat him.

	"As you all know, the most commonly practiced combat magic style in Hyperion is Aura Magic. It is utilized for its multiple stances that shift and adapt to circumstances, as well as high ~~spell acceleration~~ which allows rapid mana transfer and spellshaping. However, contrary to many claims, the popularity of Aura Magic is not an indicator of superiority."		"As you all know, the most commonly practiced combat magic style in Hyperion is Aura Magic. It is utilized for its multiple stances that shift and adapt to circumstances, as well as high channeling speed which allows rapid mana transfer and spellshaping. However, contrary to many claims, the popularity of Aura Magic is not an indicator of superiority."

	It was difficult to remember that Duke Gaston de La Conde was actually one of the most powerful men in Rhin-Lotharingie. It wasn't because he looked ordinary, as despite being just short of old age, Gaston was a dandy who only ever dressed in silver-lined white clothes and sported a meticulously curled mustache. His long face could be described as dignified and moderately handsome, but far more memorable were his wavy brown curls and a deep, violet gaze.		It was difficult to remember that Duke Gaston de La Conde was actually one of the most powerful men in Rhin-Lotharingie. It wasn't because he looked ordinary, as despite being just short of old age, Gaston was a dandy who only ever dressed in silver-lined white clothes and sported a meticulously curled mustache. His long face could be described as dignified and moderately handsome, but far more memorable were his wavy brown curls and a deep, violet gaze.
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	Duke Gaston and the rest of the class quickly left the platform for the benches. They left just Pascal and the fiery-haired Reynaud on stage. Both of them had agreed heartily to the professor's request, but neither of them looked thrilled as they confronted the another.		Duke Gaston and the rest of the class quickly left the platform for the benches. They left just Pascal and the fiery-haired Reynaud on stage. Both of them had agreed heartily to the professor's request, but neither of them looked thrilled as they confronted the another.

	"What's wrong, ''Runelord'', cold feet in the face of superiority?" Reynaud smirked a savage grin as he lowered the mass of his already short stature ~~even further~~. His weapons of choice were a wooden kukri in each hand.		"What's wrong, ''Runelord'', cold feet in the face of superiority?" Reynaud smirked a savage grin as he lowered the mass of his already short stature. His weapons of choice were a wooden kukri in each hand, though one was longer than the other and could almost be considered a falcata. He also wore an open helmet and a brigandine vest for protection, just like every other student including his opponent.

	Pascal didn't even bother to respond. His steely gaze met the challenge with an imperturbable poker face, his wooden estoc ~~held~~ in ~~a classic~~ fencing stance.		Pascal meanwhile didn't even bother to respond. His steely gaze met the challenge with an imperturbable poker face. He held his wooden estoc in an aggressive fencing stance -- the blade raised above his right shoulder, its tip pointed forward and ready to strike.

	"You may begin!" The Duke's words rang like a starting bell.		"You may begin!" The Duke's words rang like a starting bell.

	Leaping forward, Pascal charged Reynaud without delay. ~~His blade thrust forth and slashed down. At the same time,~~ his left hand ~~stretched out~~ with fingers extended, ~~triggering a contingency effect~~ as four rune-engraved pebbles materialized ~~into~~ his ~~hand from his extra-dimensional storage glove~~. These runes activated a split second later, surrounding Pascal with the invisible aura of his anti-projectile ''Repulsion Field'', five rotating turquoise shields of his auto-blocking ''Spellshield Fortress'', and the unseen plates of his weightless ''Barrier Armor'', which grew translucent as the magic-resistant ''Barrier Guard'' layered onto it.		Leaping forward, Pascal charged Reynaud without delay. He stretched out his left hand with fingers extended, activating his extra-dimensional storage glove as four rune-engraved pebbles materialized between his fingers. These runes activated a split second later, surrounding Pascal with the invisible aura of his anti-projectile ''Repulsion Field'', five rotating turquoise shields of his auto-blocking ''Spellshield Fortress'', and the unseen plates of his weightless ''Barrier Armor'', which grew translucent as the magic-resistant ''Barrier Guard'' layered onto it.

	With four powerful defensive enhancements set in the blink of an eye, Pascal could focus his attention completely on offense.		With four powerful defensive enhancements set in the blink of an eye, Pascal could focus his attention completely on offense. He thrust his estoc towards Reynaud's torso. His first stab was light and aimed just beneath the neck. But as expected, the faster redhead dodged it by stepping back and shifting his weight to one side.

	~~But after three leaps back which avoided~~ Pascal's ~~repeated attacks~~, Reynaud ~~flashed~~ to ~~the other~~ side of ~~the platform in a bolt of lightning, literally~~.		Pascal withdrew his weapon immediately and gripped the estoc's handle with both hands. He stabbed forth again, this time for real and aiming at Reynaud's center torso. However Reynaud twisted his body to one side and spun as though he was dancing. Pascal's weapon slid past his opponent's armor just millipaces short of contact.

	~~"Armor Aura Burst!" The redhead called~~, ~~sending out a pressurized blast of air~~ as he used his ~~aura stance switch~~ to ~~conjure an invisible suit~~ of ~~magic armor. Reynaud then crossed his twin kukris before his eyes~~.		But this time Reynaud did not stay on the defensive, as he used his rotation to build momentum which he transferred into a slash from one wooden kukri, followed by the other. Yet with Pascal's layered, magical defenses in place, the two short blades harmlessly bounced off the automated guard of a hovering spellshield.

	~~Meanwhile~~ Pascal ~~activated the second four buffs of~~ his ~~usual defensive array~~, ~~followed by scattering an entire bag of runic pebbles across~~ the ~~arena~~. ~~With~~ the ~~field under his control~~, ~~he charged again~~.		Taking the opportunity, Pascal retracted his estoc and stabbed again, this time angled towards Reynaud's right and beneath the shoulder. His wooden blade was almost horizontal as he soon transitioned the stab into a diagonal, cutting motion. His target was a common weak spot just beneath the armpit.

	However Reynaud unleashed the crimson magic he had pumped into his practice weapons with a set of Ancient Draconic words:		Yet once again Reynaud proved that he was both faster and more agile. The short redhead pivoted his leftover momentum to fall away from Pascal's strike, where he transitioned into a roll before bouncing back to his feet. Before Pascal could follow up with another attack, Reynaud muttered his favorite spell and flashed to the other side of the platform in a bolt of lightning, literally.

			"Armor Aura Burst!" The redhead cried from his new spot, sending out a pressurized blast of air as he used his aura stance switch to conjure an invisible suit of magic armor to layer over his brigandine vest. He then crossed his twin kukris before his eyes.

			Meanwhile Pascal activated the second four buffs of his usual defensive array, followed by scattering an entire bag of runic pebbles across the arena. With the field under his control, he dashed forward again, his estoc raised and ready for another two-handed thrust.

			However before he could even get close, Reynaud unleashed the crimson magic he had pumped into his practice weapons with a set of Ancient Draconic words:

	"Scourge Catalyst Fragmentation Dispel!"		"Scourge Catalyst Fragmentation Dispel!"

	Burst-mode Aura Magic was known for having the fastest channeling speed of all spellcasting styles. ~~However it~~ had a high tendency to overwhelm the nerve conduits and leave the body numb~~. Prolonged~~ use could even lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.		A four-part spell with multiple advanced spellwords normally took up to a minute to cast. However, ''Burst''-mode Aura Magic was known for having the fastest channeling speed of all spellcasting styles. It did had a high tendency to overwhelm the nerve conduits and leave the body numb though, and prolonged use could even lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.

	The X-shaped fire blast sucked in air like a black hole as it soared towards Pascal. His ''Repulsion Field'' popped like a bubble under a gargantuan hammer. One of his turquoise shields then met the attack, breaking into three pieces under its power but shattering the offensive spell.		The X-shaped fire blast sucked in air like a black hole as it soared towards Pascal. His ''Repulsion Field'' popped like a bubble under a gargantuan hammer. One of his turquoise shields then met the attack, breaking into three pieces under its power but shattering the offensive spell.
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	A second lightning-transformation put Reynaud just behind the distracted Pascal. Coming out in a spin and infused with the ward-piercing ''Negation'' spell, his dual kukris struck the Runelord like twin rotor blades, bringing the latter to his knees.		A second lightning-transformation put Reynaud just behind the distracted Pascal. Coming out in a spin and infused with the ward-piercing ''Negation'' spell, his dual kukris struck the Runelord like twin rotor blades, bringing the latter to his knees.

	"Stop!" ~~the~~ Duke called out as he stepped back onto the stage. "Thank you, Sir Pascal. Mister Moreau, please escort him to..."		"Stop!" The Duke called out as he stepped back onto the stage. "Thank you, Sir Pascal. Mister Moreau, please escort him to..."

	Kneeling on all fours and panting in pain did not stop Pascal from cutting in:		Kneeling on all fours and panting in pain did not stop Pascal from cutting in:
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	"The four-part spell Mister Moreau just used is the bane of Runic Magic users' tendency to over-buff themselves. ''Dispel'' is your classic antimagic spell. ''Catalyst'' allows it to push through multiple defenses in an increasingly-powerful cascading chain reaction. ''Fragmentation'' gives it a chance to break past even the most powerful dispel-warding barriers. And ''Scourge'' not only boosts penetration power, but destabilizes the target's own mana to burn their bodies.		"The four-part spell Mister Moreau just used is the bane of Runic Magic users' tendency to over-buff themselves. ''Dispel'' is your classic antimagic spell. ''Catalyst'' allows it to push through multiple defenses in an increasingly-powerful cascading chain reaction. ''Fragmentation'' gives it a chance to break past even the most powerful dispel-warding barriers. And ''Scourge'' not only boosts penetration power, but destabilizes the target's own mana to burn their bodies.

	"Remember that a spellsword relies neither on blasting the opponent nor overwhelming them through pure martial prowess, but by a synergistic combination of arcana, steel, and tricks," the Duke emphasized. "''Barrier Armor'' plus leather and steel will reduce most physical attacks to mere bruises. Infused ''Guard'', ''Resistance'', and other defensive magic diminish most hostile spellfire down to tolerable nuisances. This goes doubly so for alchemy or enchantment spells which a mage's innate ether may outright repulse."		"Remember that a spellsword relies neither on blasting the opponent nor overwhelming them through pure martial prowess, but by a synergistic combination of arcana, steel, and tricks," the Duke emphasized. "''Barrier Armor'' plus leather and steel will reduce most physical attacks to mere bruises. Infused ''Guard'', ''Resistance'', and other defensive magic diminish most hostile spellfire down to tolerable nuisances. This goes doubly so for alchemy or enchantment spells which a mage's innate ether may outright repulse. To score a decisive hit, you must be flexible, you must be adaptive. Think on your feet and respond accordingly, let magic be your fist and bring home victory!"

	"To score a decisive hit, you must be flexible, you must be adaptive. Think on your feet and respond accordingly, let magic be your fist and bring home victory!"

	"Now," Gaston followed by raising his arm into the air with a proud grin. Six quarterstaves lifted themselves from the ground and began to hover in a formation around him. "How many of you think you can land a hit on me?"		"Now," Gaston followed by raising his arm into the air with a proud grin. Six quarterstaves lifted themselves from the ground and began to hover in a formation around him. "How many of you think you can land a hit on me?"

	Five people raised their hands. Reynaud was one of those who did.		Five people raised their hands. A slightly winded Reynaud was one of those who did.

	"Good." The Duke smiled. "You cannot win if you're ~~unwilling~~ to ~~release~~ your blade, especially so when facing a superior adversary. Your assignment today, class, is to form groups of five and try to land a hit on me. Anyone who succeeds will automatically receive a perfect grade."		"Good." The Duke smiled. "You cannot win if you're hesitant to unsheath your blade, especially when facing a superior adversary. Your assignment today, class, is to form groups of five and try to land a hit on me. Anyone who succeeds will automatically receive a perfect grade."