[This is just edited version of past chapter.. Don't read if you have already read it.]
[First year Aristeia Class, Nexus, Dawn City]
As usual, the students were gathered in the classroom, chatting away.
The students eagerly awaited the arrival of their professor, Kevin, who was expected to make his grand entrance any moment now.
At the front row of desks, a good-looking boy named Ken was engrossed in watching a holographic Sword Arts demonstration on his smartwatch.
Suddenly, a burly guy named James tapped him on the shoulder.
"Yo, Ken! Still in the learning zone, huh?" James grinned mischievously.
Ken looked up, a hint of amusement on his face. "Yeah, James. I got bored waiting for Professor Kevin, so I thought I'd get some sword action on my smartwatch."
James chuckled. "Man, you take procrastination to a whole new level! So, what's the scoop? What do you think Professor Kevin's got in store for us today?"
Ken switched off the hologram and turned to face James, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, my senses are tingling. I reckon he's going to gauge our skill levels.
First, he made us spar like warriors.
Today, he might whip out some intense training or drop some knowledge bombs based on his observations."
James raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Whoa, Sherlock Holmes, we've got a genius in our midst!"
Ken shrugged, feigning modesty. "Nah, it doesn't take a genius. Even a clueless buffoon could piece it together."
James smirked, leaning in. "Well, lucky for me, I'm not a buffoon. That's probably why I didn't figure it out."
Ken's forehead creased with mock annoyance. "You're just trying to twist my words, aren't you?"
James chuckled, his grin widening. "Hey, you know me, Ken. I'm always up for some friendly wordplay."
Just as Ken and James continued their playful banter, the classroom door swung open, revealing their professor, Kevin.
He walked in with a confident stride, capturing the attention of all the students.
James nudged Ken with an exaggerated wink. "And here comes the man himself. Brace yourself, James, for the ultimate test of our sword-wielding abilities!"
Ken chuckled, playing along. "I hope he's not going to challenge us to a real duel. My sword skills might need some serious sharpening!"
As Professor Kevin approached the front of the classroom, his eyes met Ken and James, who promptly straightened up in their seats, trying to regain a more serious demeanor.
Kevin's gaze lingered on the two students for a moment. He knew they were up to something, but decided to let it slide for now.
"Good morning, everyone," Kevin greeted, his voice projecting confidence and authority. "I hope you're all ready for another exciting class today."
James couldn't resist a cheeky remark under his breath, just loud enough for Ken to hear. "Ready or not, here comes Professor Kevin with his secret bag of tricks."
Ken stifled a laugh, barely able to contain his amusement.
Kevin, with his sharp hearing, caught the remark but decided to ignore it, choosing instead to focus on the day's lesson.
"As James so keenly pointed out," Kevin began, a playful glint in his eyes, "today we'll be diving deeper into the art of combat. But fear not, no real duels are on the agenda—at least not yet."
The students chuckled, relieved that they wouldn't be required to prove their skills through life-or-death combat.
Kevin continued, his tone turning more serious. "Follow me to the training area."
Ken exchanged an excited glance with James. This was exactly what they had anticipated.
"Now, let's get started," Kevin declared, his enthusiasm contagious.
***
In the academy's expansive training ground, a vast open space unfolded before the students' eyes.
Stretching as far as the eye could see, the lush green grass created a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
The ground itself, covered in a thin layer of fine dust, bore witness to the countless hours of rigorous training that took place regularly.
Under the bright and sunny sky, Professor Kevin stood at the center of the training ground, his piercing gaze surveying the crowd of students surrounding him.
Dressed in their respective uniforms, the students represented a diverse array of professions.
Some were skilled swordsmen, their blades flashing with precision and agility. Others held bows, drawing back their arrows with focused determination, ready to release them with accuracy and power.
A few conjured magical spells, their hands aglow with mystical energy as they cast potent incantations.
Sweat glistened on foreheads, both from physical exertion and the mental concentration required for their respective disciplines.
Expressions varied among the students as they sparred with their partners.
Swordsmen displayed resolute determination, their faces etched with unwavering focus and calculated moves.
Archers wore expressions of intense concentration, eyes fixed on distant targets, adjusting their aim with precision.
Mages, their brows furrowed in deep concentration, summoned arcane forces with an air of both power and vulnerability.
The training ground resounded with a symphony of actions and emotions. The clash of swords mingled with the whizzing of arrows and the crackling of arcane energies.
As Professor Kevin observed, a mix of pride and scrutiny filled his gaze.
He recognized the unique challenges faced by each profession and appreciated the efforts put forth by his students.
Nods of approval or the curling of a knowing smile accompanied moments of exceptional skill and ingenuity.
Meanwhile, a raised eyebrow or a subtle shift in expression revealed his discerning eye, acknowledging areas where further growth and refinement were needed.
"Okay, everyone, halt!" Kevin's commanding voice echoed across the training ground, piercing through the sounds of clashing swords, whizzing arrows, and crackling spells.
The students swiftly brought their movements to a stop, their gazes shifting from their opponents to their instructor.
A hush fell over the training ground as Kevin stood at the center, radiating an aura of authority.
His voice resonated with unwavering confidence as he addressed the eager crowd of sparring students.
"Now that you've all made remarkable progress with your weapons during these training days," Kevin declared, his tone carrying a blend of pride and anticipation, "it's time to bridge the gap between mere mock fights and the intensity of real battles. Today, we will embark on a daring adventure within a virtual reality dungeon."
The announcement sent a wave of excitement and curiosity rippling through the students.
Their eyes widened, and whispers of anticipation spread throughout the crowd.
The prospect of facing simulated challenges in a virtual realm was unexpected but undeniably thrilling.
Kevin's expression shifted, his gaze sweeping across the expectant faces before him.
"Although you people have made progress in your training, it's evident that you're still lacking the necessary skills for real-life dungeon activities," Kevin's voice resonated with a touch of disappointment.
The students' faces displayed a range of emotions—some were dejected, their shoulders slumping in response to the realization, while others let out sighs of relief, perhaps grateful for more time to prepare.
"In this virtual reality experience," he continued, his voice now infused with a touch of mystery, "you will encounter formidable foes, intricate puzzles, and hidden treasures. It is an opportunity to put your skills to the test and truly immerse yourselves in the art of your chosen professions."
The students exchanged excited glances, their imaginations running wild with the possibilities that lay ahead.
The training ground, once filled with the sounds of sparring, now brimmed with an electrifying energy, a collective eagerness to embark on this new chapter of their training.
Kevin's gaze held a mix of pride and reassurance as he concluded, "Remember, this virtual dungeon activity is not only a chance to showcase your abilities but also an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover the depths of your potential."
"But don't fret," Kevin continued, his tone reassuring.
"To ensure a more comprehensive and challenging experience, we'll be forming 20 groups today. In fact, to make sure we have enough participants, I've invited Class A1 to join us."
The merging of the two classes elicited a mixture of reactions. Excitement flickered in the eyes of some, eager to collaborate and compete alongside new faces.
Others exchanged curious glances, their minds racing with the possibilities of forming alliances or discovering hidden talents within their expanded group.
As the A1 students entered the training ground, a noticeable shift in atmosphere accompanied their arrival.
They moved in a disciplined and regimented manner, following their teacher, an elderly man, with an air of respect and obedience.
They appeared almost synchronized, their footsteps echoing in unison, creating an intriguing contrast to the bustling energy of the other students.
The old man, identified as Professor John Killington, positioned himself beside Kevin, standing tall and composed.
His presence exuded wisdom and experience, commanding attention and respect from both his own students and those of the S-class.
Kevin turned to the assembled students, his gaze shifting between the groups as he prepared to introduce Professor John.
"Okay, as many of you may already know, this is Professor John Killington. He is the class teacher of A1. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will be an invaluable addition to our collective journey." As Kevin spoke, he gestured towards Professor John, who nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.
"Now, let me provide you with some information regarding group formation," Kevin continued, his voice filled with purpose. "To ensure balanced teams, each group will consist of five members, with one member representing each of the following ranks: 01 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, 61 to 80, and 81 to 100."
A sense of anticipation filled the air as the students absorbed the instructions, their minds already calculating the possibilities and potential partnerships. Kevin emphasized the importance of teamwork in battle, highlighting its significance in their training.
"You are free to form your own groups," Kevin declared, his voice carrying a note of encouragement. "However, for those who are unable to form a group on their own, I will deduct points from their scores. Remember, cooperation and synergy are crucial. So, let the group formation begin!"
With Kevin's signal, a flurry of movement and conversation erupted across the training ground.
Students quickly sought out their peers, strategizing, and aligning themselves based on their ranks.
The atmosphere buzzed with a blend of excitement and determination as the students collaborated, striving to create balanced teams that would maximize their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses.
After providing instructions on group formation, Kevin moved to stand beside Sir John, engaging in a conversation with the respected elder.
"How are you, Sir Killington?" Kevin asked politely, adhering to the formalities.
"I am fine. And brat, how many times do I have to tell you not to use too many formalities with me," John replied, his tone laced with a touch of amusement.
John Killington, a distinguished man with a crown of white hair, embodied the wisdom and experience that accompanied his years. His sharp, angular face exuded authority, emphasized by his thick, well-groomed mustache. His piercing blue eyes held a depth of knowledge and a spark of intelligence.
Time had left its traces on his face, etching deep lines around his eyes and mouth, yet these marks only enhanced the sense of calm and serenity that radiated from him. He stood tall and imposing, his posture erect and confident, displaying an air of strength. Neatly combed hair revealed a slightly receding hairline, adding to his distinguished appearance.
Despite his age, his physical condition was remarkable, evident in his broad shoulders and muscular arms, a testament to his disciplined lifestyle. Standing beside Kevin on the training ground, he commanded respect and attention. The students instinctively stood at attention, their eyes fixed on him, eagerly awaiting his words of wisdom.
"Okay, Sir John. What do you think about my students?" Kevin, disregarding the previous conversation about formalities, posed a different question.
Sir John, accustomed to Kevin's mannerisms, did not bother to argue further. Having worked together for years, he understood Kevin well.
"They are good seedlings," Sir John remarked, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "This year's batch is exceptionally talented compared to previous years. However, I have a few concerns."
Curiosity sparked in Kevin's eyes. "About what?" he inquired.
Sir John's face took on a regretful expression as he shared his observations. "Firstly, I've heard that Rain Holmes, one of the finest talents, did not join the academy due to personal reasons. It is truly a loss for us."
"Indeed," Kevin added, a tinge of disappointment evident in his voice. "He seemed like a promising seedling. He could have easily ranked among the top three if he had enrolled."
Sir John nodded, his expression reflecting a shared sentiment. "Indeed, Rain Holmes had the potential to make a significant impact."
"Rain Holmes... what a talent he possesses," Kevin mused, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and disappointment. "I had high hopes for him joining the academy and honing his skills here. It's unfortunate that personal circumstances prevented him from being part of this year's batch."
Sir John's face filled with nostalgia as he delved into the second concern. "However, the second issue troubles me more. This batch reminds me of the time of the 'Great Reshuffle.' I was but a child back then. The stories of the ten great commanders and their feats were etched in my childhood memories."
Pausing for a moment, Sir John turned his gaze towards Kevin, his expression serious. "Kevin, in my opinion, a great change is on the horizon. The peace treaty won't last for long. We must be better prepared."
A flicker of understanding crossed Kevin's face as he nodded in agreement. "I've been harboring the same thoughts," he admitted.
While Kevin and John continued their conversation, the students wasted no time in forming their groups, each seeking companionship and support in their dungeon activities.
The allure of the top rankers, particularly Ken, couldn't be denied. His charm, good looks, and leadership qualities drew a crowd of students eager to join his group. It seemed only natural for him to become the chief of the class, leading his peers with his expertise and charisma.
James, his loyal friend, couldn't resist teasing him, saying, "Looks like you've got your own fan club, Ken. Better not let it get to your head!"
Arya, who was initially a loner, surprised everyone by finding a group to join. As Rain had predicted, she had indeed started making friends. However, what Rain didn't know was that her group consisted of members from his own fan club. Arya had unexpectedly joined the club and formed connections there, finding solace and camaraderie among like-minded individuals.
Emma and Kaya, unfortunately, faced challenges in forming their own group due to the negative impact of Rain's live-streams on their reputation. However, thanks to their influential family backgrounds, they managed to make new connections and find some individuals willing to give them a chance.
Daisy, being a social butterfly, effortlessly assembled her own group. Her friendly nature and outgoing personality made it easy for her to forge connections and establish a sense of unity within her team.
Meanwhile, Maratha, who had always preferred solitude, found herself left with the remaining students to form a group.
Despite her inclination towards being a loner, she understood the importance of teamwork and accepted her circumstances, determined to make the best of the situation and contribute to her group's success.
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