[center][color=f26522][h1]Ty Varen[/h1][/color][/center]

Over the next two weeks, Ty fell into a steady rhythm of training, cooking, training, yelling at his bitch roommate, and training. Even though professor Nyx was strict and distant, Ty was enjoying the physical training, doing particularly well in the obstacle courses. He was always pushing himself for more weight or better times. It hardly even felt like he was in school. Well... until he had to sit in his seat and listen to History lectures. [i]That[/i] felt very much like school. It was debatable whether he got more notes or drool in his notebook during those lectures. At least professor Nyx wasn't a shock therapist like Mavis, so he was left to be as much of a historic failure as he pleased.

Then, there was the meditation. Ty didn't really know what he was supposed to be doing in those exercises. Reaching out and touching his mana was just something he did instinctively. He could draw and form his mana when he wasn't thinking about it, but when he tried to focus on it, it seemed like some wild, unruly force that refused to be touched. After two weeks with no progress in this regard, it was frustrating, but Ty didn't give up. He knew he needed to control his mana if he wanted to defeat the miracle seven. Unfortunately, this was the brick wall that had kept him stuck in class C. His physical fitness and craftiness had gotten him pretty far, all things considered, but he wouldn't be able to realize his potential until he figured this out... whatever he was supposed to do. After two weeks of routine practice, though, Professor Nyx gave them an exciting announcement. They were going hunting. 

Ty was up at the crack of dawn, packing his idea of "essentials." His survival knife, a waterskin, some jerky for rations, and a bit of flint for starting fires all packed into a small bag slung over his shoulder. He didn't know how long they'd be in the woods for, so it was best to be prepared. He did a few morning stretches while his roommates slept, and left them a note saying, "Sorry, no time for breakfast," then bolted for the train station. He'd seen trains before, but he never rode on one. It was cool that they were going on a real mission, but right now he was psyched up about riding on a marvel of modern technology. His brothers would be jealous!

He sprinted all the way to the station, resting his hands on his knees and panting to catch his breath. He looked around to take in the sights, and surprisingly, he wasn't the first person there. [color=f26522]"Heya, Soph!"[/color] he said, giving his classmate and fellow Might practitioner an emphatic wave. [color=f26522]"You're here early, but I guess that's like you, huh."[/color] The two of them hadn't really spoken much. Only brief formal interactions in class. He wasn't really sure what to think of her. She acted like a proper noblewoman, but at the same time was polite to even those beneath her station. But that was really all he knew about her. Polite. He didn't really know [i]her.[/i] Maybe this would be an opportunity to get her to open up a bit. [color=f26522]"Pretty cool that the school's letting us go on an actual mission, isn't it? I'm pretty pumped! I'm also surprised the professor vouched for us. I thought he hated us."[/color] Ty chuckled. That last remark was only half-serious. He didn't sense any actual malice from the professor, but it was weird for a teacher to be this... distant. 

Ty's thoughts were derailed, though, as a train came chugging into the station. It wasn't theirs, but it was still a fascinating sight. In less than an hour, he'd be speeding along those tracks. [color=f26522]"Oh man, I can't believe we actually get to ride one!"[/color] He stared wide-eyed as people poured out of the train with a childish expression. [color=f26522]"Forget what I said. Professor Nyx is awesome for getting us tickets!"[/color]