Mandy floated up into the air from where Karah stood. The shorty gazed wearily at her opponent. She hadn't been watched long during the training process but that would be enough. Forgoing casting her amplification spell Karah took a wide stance ready for anything.
"Well, come at me you noob piece of trash."
"If that's what you want."
A plume of smoke coalesced around her legs. A quick turn in the air had her launching fast and hard down toward Karah. Unimpressed she prepared a punch to intercept. The smoky woman didn't reach out a hand or attempt to act as if she was attacking.
Fist met smoke as Mandy blasted out around Karah. Startled, she glanced to either side but was sent a step forward by a sharp blow to the back. Turning round she found the smoke had reformed into a semi-solid form flecked with burning embers.
"That's the best you got, bitch?" She scoffed at the woman.
"I'm just getting started." The reply came out more confident then she felt.
On the sideline Nate was healed and watched on in silence. Both doctors kept close watch on him and the others. Losing blood was no laughing matter and if it came to it he would have to stop the fight. Doctor Mei leaned down slightly so as to speak over the continuing clash.
"Was that supposed to happen during the ritual? I believe it was a more minor fluctuation of power but this felt different."
Nate kept his eyes on the fight for a moment longer. It was for the moment developing into a game of tag. Karah was normally fast and strong as hell. Yet she wouldn't be getting a blow off on Mandy with just her normal abilities. The smoke acted as both a propellant and distraction.
When a fist would nearly make contact her body would blow apart wind casting the smoke all around. He wasn't sure if she was aware but that very same smoke was slowly diminishing. To him it was a limitation of her new physical form. She had as of yet used any magic.
"I believe it was my blood. Or to be more precise the spirit energy within my blood."
"Might I ask how that works?" Dr.White chimed in pulling a chair off the wall to angle himself toward both the battle and Nate.
The young man extended a hand out and a faint magic circle flickered to life on his palm. The Doctors looked on with interest. They had observed his training but not seen him make something so small. Only they would know the difficulty of such refined control.
"It has to do with my soul's nature. Corruption as Wayne has explained comes in a variety of forms. When I use Lupita's bite normally, it does this." A small set of teeth formed and snapped shut originating out of his palm. "The normal bite has a limitation that we've worked to understand."
"Which is?" Dr.Mei asked.
"Well, a few things. The teeth take time to reassemble after being deployed or destroyed. The delay is also affected by the amount of power and size that goes into the spell. You have seen me use a single tooth before? That counts as a single cast of the spell and is why some of them lack the power that a full bite would have. When narrowing the scope I have been focusing the unused energy into the tooth."
"And how does that factor into your blood?" Dr.White pressed.
Lupita shimmered into existence. She was in her humanoid form, the brown skin of her arm entwined along Nate's uninjured one. Twitching wolf ears rotated along with the movements of the battle beyond. He wondered if she came out due to the explanation or that she was worried for Karah.
"Right, we at the moment can't seem to figure out how to reroute the power. I figured some preamble would be good before I used more souls ability. By mixing in my influence while casting the spell I can use a soul from the reserve while doing this."
He stretched out his other hand spell forming in the palm once more. It had been a soft white or blue glow around the circle before but this time it turned a pitch black. Then from the edges a deadly twice as large set of black teeth snapped out fast and hard. Impacting together they shattered, spraying out tiny chunks of teeth.
"So the stories about corruption are true. We learned about some of it in the academy but this is truly impressive." Dr. Mei commented.
"Nate hasn't even told the best part yet, that enhanced set of teeth works on a different timer then the normal one." Lupita added with pride. Both doctors had fully turned their attention away from the battle at this point.
"Wait, then you could easily cast one after another with no delay? Maybe you do have a chance. Does this apply to your other spells?" Dr.White asked excitedly.
"It should if the texts are correct. Tell me Nate, have you found what the difference in your corruption is?"
Nate smiled slightly at the woman, it seemed she knew more then she'd initially led on. He nodded slightly but shook his head as well. If it came to a clinical diagnosis of his ability he couldn't say what it was but in general terms he had some idea.
"My Lord has one very different then my own." Boudica formed her red and purple hair falling down around her shoulders. In a slightly jealous yet all together gentle motion she pulled Nate's other arm to herself. He knew that she hadn't come out over some concern for the current battle.
"In what way?" The doctor continued.
"My corruption affects the physical while his is spiritual. That is the simple part. The more complex part is how they work on a base level. May I borrow a pen, good sir?" She asked with an outstretched hand. To which Dr.White returned one from his coat pocket.
Energy pulsed from Boudica's hand into the pen. They didn't have to show the magic circle but Nate had done so to emphasize the reaction of the ability. In this case the light blue capped pen slowly changed colors. Mixed within the blue was now the swirls of red and purple.
Uncapping the object she placed the tip to the ground and let go. It wobbled where she left it and moving her fingers slightly allowed it to move if not with great effort. At last she cancelled the spell, letting the pen fall to the ground. The plastic was slightly melted in the areas that the color had changed.
"Ta da. It moved on its own like magic." Boudica smiled.
"More like it was ruined like magic." Dr.White grumbled.
"If you noticed how her magic worked then you'll have the majority of what we know. In her case she can increase the base abilities of the object and control it to a certain extent. When she grows in power that should all increase as well."
"Then you don't think yours will increase in power over time?" Dr. Mei asked.
"I couldn't say either way, but that doesn't mean what she's doing is what I've been doing. Her power works with the object and then controls it like a parasite. Mine just makes it run wild till it destroys itself."
"I see. I think I have the picture." Dr. Mei said thoughtfully.
"Could you explain it for me my dear? Some of us don't have schooling." Her husband's words brought round a deathly look but she smiled after only a moment.
"Necromancy or spellcasting really 101. The spells can fall into categories that are wide and deep. Having one spell within that zone doesn't mean it will do the same as the others just that they will appear similar. Nate, do you know about creating magic spells?"
"Not how to make them, just that you can. Teddy is working on finalizing an area spell for the attack. Not sure if it will be ready in time but he seems confident."
"Then let me explain the origin of magic. Spirits have natural magic circles which as necromancers we can use to cast spells. This much is obvious, but other spells are created with the understanding that one finds in these original spells. As the original spell components aren't laid out and only a few points are readily grasped."
Nate turned his look over to the battle Karah was starting to get fed up with the chase. Stopping for a moment at last she let Mandy fly toward her. She'd already used a trick to get behind her before so this time he could tell she was to do the opposite. His knowing wasn't one of supernatural connection but instead having been in numerous fights.
Mandy had always taken a backer position even before Karah arrived. Which meant if she was involved in fighting something really bad had happened. Experience truly made the difference as in that moment Karah sent a feint toward her back. The other woman stayed to her front and whipped out a punch. That wasn't going to do any damage but it would be annoying. If it had landed.
Mandy reached out with her left arm trapping Mandy's outstretched fist. Panic bloomed on her face as her capture jabbed quickly and efficiently. With a loud band she was sent flying up into the air twirling end over end until at last slamming in the roof. The barrier magic shimmered and a pulse cascaded down Nate's back.
"Hold on, I think we're about to see some real action." Nate mused.
Mandy was smoke and flame so her body didn't take the damage a normal person would have. She of course would come running to Nate after the fight to complain about how bad it hurt and kissing her boo boos but that was for later. The roof of the constructed barrier began to quake and warble.
Smoke plumed down from the air cast heavy and thick covering over Karah. As the smoke touched her skin she recoiled in shock. A mark was burned where it had touched her arm. Immediately she activated her magic clouds and lightning pulsed. Scales covering her arms and legs.
*CLAP*
A shockwave flowed out where her hands met parting the smoke. Unlike normal smoke it did not persist for long dissipating as it was blown away. Nate spotted the smile flick onto Mandy's lips before she snapped her fingers. The smoke that never stopped falling was at once turned to a raging inferno. It was a brilliant attack but Karah had already jumped smashing through the slightly burning smoke to slam into the roof next to Mandy.
"Did she just override my barrier? That shouldn't be possible." Dr. White mumbled incredulous.
"It seems the Grandmaster was right about one thing." Nate said coldly.
Fire now coated Mandy's body, the purple flame atop her head turning to smoke. Whirling colors of fire pulsed within her as she stared down at the beautiful napalm-like strike on the ground below.
"AHEM" Karah cleared her throat loudly.
Fear spread across the girls face as she spotted Karah's lone figure clinging to the rafters. Before she could squeak in surprise the girl had swung herself directly into her enemy smashing into her with full force. This time her body did not dissipate.
Flames spurt out the sides of her body as the Scaled fist slammed hard into her body. Each punch elicited loud groans and gasps. Until at last the two fell to the ground. Karah planted herself on the ground making a small quake in the earth. Mandy smashed down, turning the area around her into a blazing inferno.
"In Mandy's case you were talking about how I can't buff individual abilities? Speed or strength, instead it goes across the board." Nate asked.
"Right, her magic doubles her all of her abilities correct?"
"From what we could measure. Stacking the effect also allows for even more power. Doubling each time, though there is a burden on her body from it."
"That would track. I have seen those types of magics. In her case you could create a dedicated speed boost. If you do it should be closer if not out right triple the speed. Just as with your lost efficiency on the individual teeth."
Using the barrier at her feet Mandy called forth a wave of fire that washed out toward Karah's position. A small amount of the lightning and clouds resisted the first wave keeping her body and clothes safe. Much to the chagrin of Mandy as she went all out.
"So that's how other magic is created. You study the magic circles that come from monsters and spirits. Then derive what their makeup is and bobs your uncle."
"It's more difficult then it seems but essentially, Yes." Dr.Mei grew quiet as they all had refocused on the battle.
It was coming to a close as Karah rushed through the waves of flame, minor burns cropping up on her clothes as she did so. Once she reached Mandy both hands raised in the air ready to crack down upon her. Struggling to find a safe way out she commanded all the magic at her disposal into a pillar of flame.
Where Karah stood was swallowed in flames that rocketed to the ceiling. It churned and chewed at her for a long few seconds and then popped. The upturned hands came down blasting everything away from the center and then coming to stop just above the girl's head.
Karah's clothes were nearly completely gone but with nary a scratch or burn. Lightly the hands lowered, tapping Mandy on the head. As she did so the girl fell down into a heap. Long heavy breaths poured out of her mouth as she gasped for air. Her body slowly reformed to look as it had relatively normal with purple hair that smoke ever so faintly.
"I win you turd. You may now pay respect to the top of the food chain." Karah boasted spreading her arms wide.
"I.. Wou…Wouldn't call someone that looks like you top of the food chain. Maybe if it was in a flat chest competition." Mandy replied snidely.
*Bam*
Before anyone could say or do anything else a single fist rocked Mandy into the ground. A loud groan sounded before she weakly stared up at the ceiling. Where she had manipulated the barrier a large hole formed yawning wide into the sky. Nate wasn't worried about her being injured; he could feel as much along the contract, which didn't say anything about how she felt.
*Sniff* *Sniff* "I just got my power. It's not fair." She moaned from the ground.
"You're the one who started it. Shit we talked about this before but now you want to be top bitch? Get in line."
"But I tried really hard. I was burning. Sniff. It hurt."
"Damn, fucking. There, there you winy brat. You ain't got yourself beat enough to take it in stride yet. You did good."
"So I can have dibs?" She questioned hopefully.
"Like hell you can. But thank you."
Mandy sat up and looked at her with confusion. Was she being thanked for getting her ass kicked? Seeing her look, Karah stood up and turned her face away.
"Well, you called me about Nate, and if you didn't I wouldn't be here. So thank you for bringing me here and let's get along for his sake from now on." A small blush came to her face.
"Wow, did you just say three full sentences without cursing?" Mandy marveled which almost earned her another smack to the head. Lupita had left Nate's side and was holding back one of Karah's arms.
"You shit stain little fucking shit back. Ugly ass bitch." Karah swore loudly but was only met with Mandy's laughter. Standing up her legs wobbled a bit before stabilizing.
"Mandy, please try to get along with everyone. Karah is trying." Lupita scolded.
"Sorry, I was just making a joke. Thank you Karah."
"The hell are you thanking me for?"
"For staying by his side while I couldn't." At her words the three girls looked over at Nate who watched with a bemused look on his face.
"I'm glad none of them got seriously injured." He said watching their antics.
"What of your other corruption spirit? Does she have a similar limitation to her or you?" Dr.White asked absentmindedly.
"Are you asking about the great and powerful me?" Theodora appeared before Nate, cutting off the line of sight of the other girls. Her question was met by a silent nod for the doctor.
"When one oh so powerful as I deem it necessary to grace those below myself, I am to become their ruler. Obedience and authority are of no question. Even now my King shall soon take me upon his throne and rule by my side." She continued pompously. Her diatribe earned her an angry look from Boudica, the other girls had already been giving her a stink eye.
"She means to say that she is on the other end from Nate. Controlling the mind and convincing it of whatever she wishes. Twisting the mind can have a result on the body and mind but can't boost it by much." Boudica corrected with scorn.
"I think I have a grasp of why she interfered with your barrier." Nate said, staring at the slowly closing hole. His words bring Dr.White to full attention, slowing the progress on the hole.
"What might that be?" He asked.
"I can feel it in the bond of her magic spells. She has some minor ones which represent the Fire and Smoke. They do double duty for being part of her body. On the other hand I think her unique magic is barrier manipulation of some kind. I can't so for certain till I cast it but it's probably as we saw."
"She can hijack barrier magic to empower other spells?" Dr.Mei asked.
"Mhh, I think so. We'll test more tomorrow if we have time. For now let me rest, the blood loss doesn't feel nice." Theodora and Boudica helped him to his feet. The three started for the steps and were quickly followed by the others. Their shouts and complaints echoing down the halls as they went.
"Do you really think he can make it out of this?" Dr.White asked ruefully.
"He has his contracts to think of doesn't he? If it comes to the end won't he run away like any sane person?" Dr.Mei replied.
"You think that person is sane? No wonder our psychiatric ward is suffering."
"Want me to put you there dear? I seem to remember you having a glib tongue earlier."
"Fine, Fine put me there if you want but you can't say he's sane. Man slashed open his arm like it was nothing, burned someone he loved alive just for the power. If he survives he's not going to be some simple Necromancer."
"HAHAHA, are you kidding me hubby, dear. What did we do to that girl? You think this is any worse, if anything he's better than us. Taking full responsibility for her. They are bound forever if any of his other contracts are to be gone by."
"So you don't think he'll become someone big?"
"I didn't say that. I just mean to say that if we want to survive past the end of things we should come up with a way to make it up to Allison."
Dr.White paused for a long moment. Before nodding heavily. Wiping his hand across the area they were moved away leaving the last of the gym to fix itself under the cool night sky.