It seems just by reading the College Acceptance letter and the ensuing conversation about being attached by the guy with the kitchen knife you might be a Gambit-type from X-Men. He uses a Quarter staff as back up but his main attack is charging cards with energy and throwing to create explosions. Maybe a Full House, Straight, Royal Flush give you different spells and power level? If so that's certainly a Unique approach. Although the classic Fireball, Blizzard, Thunder Bolt are better. I can give this VN a try anyway.