Magnus Joins the Academy

Division: Son of Envy

Arc: Buzzutsu Academy

Date: September 8, 2024

Location: Buzzutsu Academy

Overview

Buzzutsu Academy receives a highly anticipated exchange student, Magnus Ulthane—publicly hyped as the “Bear of Russia” and a legendary warrior tied to the Nordic Ulthane line. His arrival stirs excitement, rivalry, and insecurity among students, culminating in a one-hour sparring exhibition that exposes gaps in the first- and second-years’ strength, triggers emotional spirals, and forces Troy into a high-stakes match that awakens a new edge to his technique.

Detailed Plot Summary

Two weeks into academy life, Troy settles into a routine while privately using mornings to run—sometimes even teleporting via think tank to places like Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania, where memories of Jack and Warren feel both painful and grounding. Returning from one of these runs, Troy is intercepted by Ms. Godwin, who confiscates a think tank key and reprimands him not just for security, but for his lack of engagement in her curse history class. The scolding hits a nerve, intensifying Troy’s familiar frustration with being unable to simply “be a good student,” even in a world where his survival might depend on knowledge.

Later, an unusually large gathering forms in the courtyard: students and staff alike are waiting for a Russian exchange student rumored to be a major asset. Diego drags Troy into the crowd to socialize, introducing him to Morgana (who enthusiastically offers to make him a cursed tool like a gladius), Bagwis and Lily, and Duncan—who insists on being called “Cypher”—alongside Sasha, whose shark-like teeth and relaxed confidence hint at how techniques can reshape bodies. Conversation reveals social fractures: Bagwis praises Troy’s potential, references Warren as a model of discipline, and lightly critiques Troy’s emotional control and appearance—while also implying the academy already knows about Troy’s near-death experiences. As anticipation builds, Magnus finally arrives with grand theatrical energy… only to immediately ask where the bathroom is, deflating the crowd. Disappointment spreads, and small talk turns cutting: rumors circulate that Magnus’ “technique” makes him explode if used. Bagwis and Diego’s tension snaps into open hostility when Bagwis calls Diego a “nepo baby” living in his brother’s shadow, a jab that lands hard enough to linger even after Ms. Godwin shuts the crowd down and orders everyone to class.

Just when the excitement seems over, Magnus reappears transformed—discarding his suit for a bear pelt and loudly demanding glorious combat. With Mr. C’s reluctant approval, the academy allocates one hour for sparring on the grounds, with Coach Briggs refereeing. In the ring, Magnus dismantles opponents with frightening ease, largely through raw cursed energy and elite physical control. Nicole challenges him first, furious when he claims he doesn’t like hurting women and will “pull his punches.” She launches a bookunai, but it harmlessly ricochets; worse, Jingle doesn’t respond when summoned. Magnus removes Nicole from the circle instantly. The defeat devastates her, and she spirals into self-blame about low cursed energy and being “born weaker,” leaving the grounds entirely. Diego follows and is eliminated even faster—barely able to summon anything before Magnus launches him from the circle. Bagwis attempts a stylish trick using his hat and threads to slingshot himself into an attack, but Magnus calmly catches the threads and slams him out as well.

Sasha proposes a two-on-one with Cypher, and for a moment it seems like they might actually challenge Magnus. Cypher manifests a heavy multi-barreled cannon from his cybernetic arms, firing a blinding cursed-energy blast that freezes Magnus briefly in place. Sasha uses a shark-tooth sword to cut Magnus and summon two shark constructs—Hammer and Bull—drawn to blood. They drive Magnus near the edge of the circle, but Magnus adapts instantly, catches the charging shark construct, and uses it against the other before tackling both Sasha and Cypher out of bounds. He then demonstrates reverse cursed technique by casually stitching his wound closed, leaving Troy disturbed at how much power seems accessible to someone at Magnus’ level.

The sparring escalates when Magnus provokes Renzo, who returns not to fight himself, but to shove Troy into the spotlight by loudly declaring he came to watch Troy “beat his ass.” Magnus seizes on it, calling Troy into the ring with a thinly veiled threat. Still shaken from earlier missions and already battling shame, Troy tries to rationalize escape, but pride and fear trap him. As the countdown begins, Troy deliberately sinks into his darkest memories—the UTC Massacre, Jack’s death, the unspoken accusation of surviving, and Warren’s imagined disappointment—using self-hatred as fuel the way cursed energy responds to emotional intensity. When Magnus strikes, Troy’s bronze armor flares with blue energy that disperses the impact, and something new happens: Troy’s armor can reform rapidly after being shattered, snapping back onto his skin as long as he continues fighting. The exchange becomes brutal and repetitive—armor breaking, reappearing, Troy counterpunching hard enough to bloody Magnus. For the first time, Troy feels a dangerous internal reward loop: hit back or die. He lasts longer than anyone else by far, but the cost is steep; the rapid reformation drains his stamina until Magnus finally lands a decisive kick that sends Troy flying out, ending the match. Though others congratulate him for lasting so long and drawing blood, Troy can’t hear it—he only feels the weight of how far he still has to go. He returns to his dorm and collapses, sleeping through class.

Mr. C records the time each student remains in the ring, with Troy lasting a staggering 0:37.67—far beyond anyone else.

Key Events

• Troy uses morning think tank travel to run in Pennsylvania and reflect on Jack and Warren.

• Ms. Godwin confiscates Troy’s think tank key and reprimands him for dismissing her curse history class.

• The academy gathers to استقبال/receive exchange student Magnus Ulthane (“Bear of Russia”).

• Troy meets/observes key students: Morgana, Bagwis & Lily, Cypher (Duncan), Sasha.

• Bagwis and Diego clash; Bagwis insults Diego as a “nepo baby,” deepening Diego’s insecurity.

• Magnus’ first appearance disappoints everyone when he immediately leaves for the bathroom.

• Magnus returns dramatically in a bear pelt and demands combat; Mr. C authorizes a one-hour spar session.

• Nicole loses instantly; Jingle fails to respond; she spirals and leaves.

• Diego is eliminated immediately.

• Bagwis attempts a thread/hat maneuver; Magnus counters effortlessly.

• Sasha and Cypher fight 2-on-1 using Cypher’s cannon and Sasha’s blood-reactive shark constructs; they still lose.

• Magnus displays reverse cursed technique by healing his wound.

• Renzo provokes Magnus and pushes Troy into the ring.

• Troy fuels cursed energy through grief/self-hatred and repeatedly reforms his bronze armor mid-fight.

• Troy lasts 0:37.67 in the ring—longest by far—before being kicked out and collapsing afterward.

• Mr. C records spar times for all combatants.