To Ortara, the Warrior Nation
Under Dean Calix Solenute's farewell, the students boarded the Wind Path one by one, soon feeling their bodies lift into the air. The direct route to Ortara, guided flawlessly by Professor Rohan Heywards, carried them comfortably to their destination.
Normally, the Wind Path sacred law required a clearly defined endpoint with an existing formation array. Fortunately, Ortara National School housed a Celioum church branch for exchanges with Solemnute, avoiding any issues.
In truth, inviting the Celioum church inside Ortara had sparked controversy. Solemnute could potentially invade via Wind Path if ill intentions arose. But as longstanding allies against the Salvation Cult, bound by a treaty ensuring strict oversight of the church, the branch was permitted. Restricted from proselytizing to promote coexistence and exchange, it still filled the Celioum faithful with pride as the first foreign religion in Ortara.
"Oh..."
About two hours into the journey, they beheld Ortara National School—rugged, utilitarian buildings starkly different from Solemnute Adem's sacred elegance. The architecture prioritized function over aesthetics, its sturdy, rough-hewn structures exuding an imposing presence unlike Solemnute Adem's graceful sanctity.
From the Wind Path, Ludenberg Lavante recalled Dean Calix's parting words.
'A nation of belligerent warriors—they might prove troublesome in many ways. Clashes are inevitable. What results would arise from knight aspirants of Solemnute Adem facing warrior candidates of Ortara National School?'
To Ludenberg, this was yet another proving ground. A land of warriors, many without divine power—unlike Solemnute, where everyone but him possessed it.
'I'll know once we clash. There must be strong ones among them. Could be interesting in many ways.'
Lost in thought, he heard Ashytara Solenute floating beside him ask, "Lud. What're you thinking about so deeply?"
"Just wondering how strong the students at Ortara National School might be."
"Yeah? No one'll be stronger than you, though."
"We'll see once we test it. Especially intriguing that there are many warriors without divine power, like me."
"Ah..."
"Oh, Tara. One thing I'm curious about."
"What?"
"Ortara's warriors maximize physical prowess without divine power, then rely on priests' support to handle erosion beasts, right?"
"Yeah. They usually train in pairs—a warrior and a priest. The priest grants divine power to their warrior, who channels it to strengthen their body."
"Kinda fascinating..."
"And get this—they're even more unique: all Ortara priests are women. So pairs often become romantic. Though not all warriors are men, so they usually end up as close friends."
Ludenberg, hearing this, asked Ashytara with a complicated expression, "So if you'd grown up in Ortara, you could've become one of their priests?"
His face betrayed clear discomfort. Imagining Ashytara raised in Ortara, skipping Solemnute's baptism at twelve and pairing with someone else, made his chest tighten.
Noticing his unease—though unsure why—Ashytara hurriedly replied, "Technically, but it's a meaningless hypothetical. I couldn't become one now anyway. And there's no guarantee I'd awaken Ortara's divine power."
"True. You're a Solem priestess..."
For some reason, those words instantly eased the tightness in Ludenberg's chest.
"Yeah. And I have no intention of going to Ortara. Solemnute's where I was born and raised."
"Right."
"Anyway, enough of that... What do you plan to do first when we arrive?"
"Dunno yet. I'll follow the professors' lead for now. Think about it if free time comes."
"Then wanna wander around with me when we get some?"
"Was planning to anyway, even if you hadn't asked."
"Haha, busted?"
"Plenty of headaches ahead, sure, but also fun stuff. Lots to pique my interest... Though I'm most curious how they fight."
"Me too. Senior Dalia said they hold friendly matches yearly, but I'm wondering what this year's will be like."
"Friendly matches?"
"Yeah. Solemnute Adem students versus Ortara National School students, showing off skills. Since they fight in warrior-priest pairs, it's 2-on-2 teams."
"2-on-2..."
Ludenberg gazed steadily at Ashytara, who smiled back at him.
"What?"
"Nothing, just."
He brushed it off, but Ashytara vaguely understood. He was wondering if she'd team with him. The thought thrilled her; she struggled to suppress her rising smile.
As they chatted, the enveloping wind barrier began descending.
"Ah. Looks like we're here."
"Yeah."
When it fully landed, they took in the rugged church branch—somewhat at odds with typical Celioum aesthetics.
"Alright, everyone's arrived. Let's disembark."
Leading professor Hainkel Hereis, ever the guide, greeted the Celioum priests at the Ortara branch before exiting.
Waiting outside were Ortara National School students and faculty.
"Welcome, professors and students of Solemnute Adem."
A booming-voiced middle-aged man approached, fitting the "warrior nation" moniker. He appeared to hold a position akin to Hainkel's, his robust physique striking.
"It's been a year, Professor Hannot Raham."
"Haha! Long time, Professor Hainkel. Hope you've been well."
"Well? We've had an outstanding freshman class this year—most rewarding."
"Oh ho. We've got exceptional warrior candidates too. This friendly match will be something to look forward to."
"Your first-years must be impressive."
"Haha, you could say that. We'll avenge last year's loss this time. Upperclassmen have been sharpening their blades. It'll be a thrilling match."
"Can't wait."
As professors bantered amiably yet competitively, Solemnute Adem first-years eyed Ortara students warily. Ortara's physiques stood out—honed for strength over divine power reliance.
Ludenberg recalled Ashytara's words: That kind of body infused with priestly divine power. A curious combat style. Wonder what skills they possess.
A strange anticipation welled up. Nothing confirmed growth like a strong opponent.
I'll see soon enough. Follow the professor for now... Opportunities to fight will arise naturally. And those competitive stares—they harbor a rivalry with Solemnute Adem too.
Confirming the rivalry in their gazes, Ludenberg's excitement surged.
The students, having sized each other up, followed the two professors to the grand auditorium under their guidance. A welcome ceremony awaited.
The auditorium's vast, rugged interior suited its imposing grandeur. The welcome for Solemnute Adem students featured Dean Deahim Talrod's address and a choral performance by Ortara's theology students. Though simple, their reception felt genuine—not mere rivalry, but mingled curiosity toward foreigners from another school.
Afterward, students received private rooms despite their numbers, which Solemnute students appreciated for the personal comfort.
Unpacking in his quarters, Ludenberg couldn't help anticipating his week in Ortara. The students he'd met, including at the ceremony, were highly skilled. Solemnute's were excellent too, but Ortara excelled in raw physicality without divine power.
Unlike Ortara warriors needing priestly buffs, Solemnute students wielded divine power directly—but still, seeing peers like himself stirred an odd kinship in Ludenberg.
This'll be fun. And in 2-on-2 teams... I could sync with Tara. It's been ages.
Above all, though, he was thrilled at the chance to fight alongside Ashytara.