As the classroom followed the Alder to the training grounds, naturally, everyone was filled with anticipation.
However, there was one thing that they feared.
Alder's aura. In a sense, from the moment he had hit the board, everyone was stunned and was no longer talking.
Well, at least not with huge voices like they did.
Soon, they arrived at their destination, greeted by a training ground specially designed to foster safety and enhance practices.
Unlike the typical classrooms, this space boasted ample room, perfectly suited for combat exercises. Magical devices adorned the area, strategically placed to ensure the well-being of the students while they honed their skills against each other.
The atmosphere crackled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as the students prepared themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.
"Now, sit on the ground while circling me," Alder's commanding voice echoed across the training ground as he directed the students to gather in a circle on the ground.
Without hesitation, each student lowered their body, settling into a seated position. Everyone's eyes remained fixed on Alder, and most attention was firmly fixed on their instructor.
"With close unarmed combat as our focal point today," Alder began, his voice steady and authoritative, "we will delve further into the practical application of focusing on your opponent and mastering footwork. Previously, we explored the theoretical aspects, but now it's time to put theory into action."
Alder rose to his feet, his presence towering above the seated students. He took a moment to scan through the eager faces before him; their anticipation was shown in his own focused expression.
He confidently walked towards the center of the circle, taking on the role of the lesson's main focus.
"Watch closely."
With those words, the lesson started….
******
In a sense, close combat was something that was essential for everyone to learn, at least if you wanted to have this false sense of security while walking in such a world.
We all know that close combat won't help a person that much when it comes to dangerous situations like life-and-death ones. Since your enemy will have weapons at their disposal, however, it may help with self-defense when you are close to civilization, and help can come.
The primary objective is to instill in students the idea of fighting and help them comprehend its significance. This knowledge can aid magicians in battling opponents more effectively and enable engineers to create things with greater precision.
This is what they say, and I think it is a pretty logical approach to this topic.
Those thoughts filled my head as I was thoroughly observing the way Alder showed the movements.
'In a sense, the moves he is showing are true basics.' I thought, observing the flawless move set he had shown. 'It is close to perfect for beginners.'
For beginners, it can be challenging to execute complex moves, so focusing on strengthening the basics would be more effective. This was particularly true in his case.
"Arthur and Callius." Though at that moment, I heard Alder calling me.
Looking up at his face, he had a serious expression.
"Come forward," Alder's commanding voice reverberated through the room, prompting me to step up alongside Arthur. As we approached him, my mind couldn't help but ponder his intentions.
'As expected, he chose me.' From the moment the class started, I knew I would be the one that was chosen. 'Since you were glaring at me all the time.'
While walking, I could see the students watching both of us attentively.
Even though they were feeling guilty, that didn't mean they were supporting me. It was slightly different.
While I was reading books or sitting at my desk, I was observing Arthur and Emma from time to time, and I could see they had already become incredibly popular from the start.
If Emma was awkward with others, Arthur was the opposite, as he was easily able to communicate with others. I could instantly see some girls' gaze was on Arthur, though nobody was speaking.
"We will utilize the remaining time to assess your grasp of the basics and what you've learned in this class," he declared, gesturing toward a small chamber behind us. "And we shall begin with Arthur and Callius. Enter the chamber." With those words, we made our way toward the chamber, but before we could step inside, Alder tossed each of us a bracelet.
"Put on these bracelets," he instructed, turning his attention to the rest of the students. "Given that each individual possesses varying levels of strength, these bracelets will temporarily adjust your abilities to a baseline level." He elucidated the purpose and function of the bracelets, ensuring fairness and equal footing among the participants.
'It reminds me of that time.' Though, that brought some unwanted but needed memories.
The memories of that time and the scar on my shoulder were there to show that strength was never defined by rank or power only but also by technique. And one can never be absolute.
As we entered the chamber and walked towards each corner, a voice echoed inside my head.
<New quest [Main Character 2] generated.>
The moment I heard the voice inside my head, I knew what it was about.
--------------------
Quest - Main Character 2
Description - As the main character, there is no way you could lose to the so-called protagonist. Show that you are better than him in every aspect.
Goal – Defeat Arthur Nightlance without using your art or any other skill.
Reward – Increase in the mastery of [All Seeing Eye].
------------------
Seeing the panel was enough to prove my point, as I was wearing the bracelets.
/CLICK/ /CLICK/
With the sounds of clicking, I felt the sensation I had long forgotten.
<Ding! The host is bounded by artifacts.>
<Host's knight rank and page rank are both limited to the 0-star. The usage of Mana and Aura is unavailable.>
With those notifications, I felt the sensation of being weak after a long time, turning my eyes towards Arthur as we both readied ourselves.
"Begin."
With that short notice, we bolted to each other….
------------------------A/N---------------------
I won't hang you on the cliff. More chapters are coming.
And thank you, Mister Zeko323, for gifting a Magic Castle and supporting my novel. I appreciate it and will try not to disappoint you!
Guys, I started a new book. This time it will have a modern hunter theme, where MC will be driven by the feeling of vengeance.
Name is;
You can check my discord if you want. You will be able to see the illustrations here and engage in a conversation with me if I am available.
https://discord.gg/ufP7aaZu
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on f(r)e𝒆webn(o)vel.com