”Emily Anderson.”
As the sound of Eleanor echoed in the classroom, I turned my attention to the girl who was looking somehow lost on her desk.
Her eyes were unfocused, and she seemed to be absorbed in her thoughts. She wasn’t even showing any signs of listening.
“Sigh….”
It seemed like Eleanor shared the same thoughts as me as she released a hearty sigh.
“Emily Anderson!” Eleanor called out once again, this time more assertively. Emily finally raised her head from her desk, her green eyes darting around the classroom as she seemed to be surprised by the attention.
“Ah….” Emily made a startled exclamation, realizing that she was the one Eleanor had been calling.
Eleanor, with a no-nonsense expression, informed her, “Your name has been picked. Now, pay attention. You’ll be facing a fellow cadet in the upcoming exam.”
Emily nodded, understanding as she looked at me. I noticed that she had stiffened a little as she looked at me.
‘Just as I had expected.’
Seeing one of the people who knew about her guild must have made her remember the situation once again.
Eleanor continued, “Now, let’s move on. The next student is…”
I returned to my desk without saying anything, acknowledging Emily’s presence with a subtle nod.
As I settled into my seat, my mind began to work, thinking about the reason behind the seemingly elaborate assignment of writing names with mana and picking opponents.
The process struck me as more than just a creative way to pair cadets for the upcoming exam. It had a strategic element that hinted at the academy’s intention to level the playing field for all students.
The academy may be ruthless, but at the same time, they needed to ensure fairness. Even though there were definitely structures in the academy because of the lineage of the students, at the very least, they needed to make sure that they were neutral.
Therefore, the order in which the cadets picked the papers was crucial. The bottom-ranked students were given the opportunity to choose their opponents first. It wasn’t just a random draw; it was a tactical advantage for those who might lack combat prowess but possessed keen mana senses.
By having the lower-ranked students pick their opponents, the academy provided a chance for those with exceptional mana perception to leverage their skills.
They could observe the mana signatures of their desired opponents and track the corresponding papers.
This way, even if they were at a disadvantage in terms of raw power or combat experience, they had the opportunity to strategize and choose opponents based on their mana properties.
This was the reason why we were asked to write our names with solely our mana. That way, we would expose our mana properties onto the paper, making it easier to track. And if you were a low-ranked student because of your lack of combat prowess, then you could at least choose your opponent.
And if you are both weak and unable to sense your target’s mana correctly, then it means you are at the bottom of the food chain.
The assignment was a clever way to introduce an element of fairness and strategy into the exam pairing process.
It ensured that students with different strengths and weaknesses had an equal opportunity to face opponents they believed they could handle, leveling the playing field and fostering a more diverse range of combat scenarios.
‘And, I didn’t think the opportunity would present itself like this.’
Since the school gave me the opportunity, why shouldn’t I use it? After all, such an exam was perfect for my field, and it was quite easy for me to choose my ‘target.’
‘Now, I only need to encourage a little.’
With that thought, I sat at my desk, waiting for the practical test to start.
********
The students gathered in the newly constructed training grounds, a sense of anticipation lingering in the air. Eleanor, with her commanding presence, stood before them, ready to explain the upcoming duel.
“Now, Cadets,” she began, her stern gaze scanning the assembled students. “We will start with the practical examination. You will be fighting a duel and will use your main weapons.”
Eleanor pointed to the formation in the middle of the training grounds. “This formation is designed to prevent any sustained fatal injuries during the duels. However, we will be monitoring closely, and any excessive force will be immediately stopped.”
The students exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident on their faces.
“Now, step into your assigned duel arenas and prepare to face your opponent,” Eleanor commanded.
As the students dispersed to their respective dueling spaces, Emily found herself unfocused on the impending duel. Her mind was preoccupied with the challenges her guild faced, casting a shadow over the training session.
She thought as she entered the ring. The familiar feeling of her sword on her waist.
‘Also, why did I match with this guy?’
She couldn’t help but think to herself. Maybe fate was playing with her somehow, as he was one of the two who had known about her previous guild situation.
‘Well, it is not like that is important. I should just finish it fast.’
She thought inwardly. She was not in the mood to fight, let alone train. Subconsciously, she regarded Astron below her. It was the normal thought process, considering Astron was still on the lower side of the ranks.
Astron, on the other side of the ring, readied his daggers, determined to give his ‘best’ despite the ranking difference. He understood the unspoken hierarchy but saw the duel as an opportunity to prove his skills. At least, that was how it looked to Emily.
Eleanor’s authoritative voice cut through the murmurs in the training ground, “Begin!”
–SWOOSH!
With that signal, Emily swiftly rushed forward, her sword gleaming in the sunlight.
********
As I looked at the girl in front of me, I gripped my daggers. Normally, the most optimal choice for me would be to utilize my bow from a distance, just like previously.
However, I decided not to do so since I knew about Emily’s speed from the dungeon.
‘Also, I wonder how far she has developed.’
It had been a while since I went to the dungeon exploration with her, so I wanted to see what the average student’s growth was like.
“Begin.”
As Eleanor’s voice echoed from the speaker, I instantly sensed the upcoming ripple from my front.
–SWOOSH!
And in an instant, Emily was before me with her sword flashing.
–CLANG!
My daggers clashed with Emily’s sword, the impact sending a jolt through my arms. It was a strong strike, and I couldn’t help but feel my left arm going numb from the force.
‘She’s not holding back.’
I noticed the intensity in her eyes, a determination that hinted at her going all out from the very start. It seemed she wanted to get over this duel really fast.
“Hmm?” She made a surprised exclamation.
‘But, looking down on your enemy is not good.’
In general, this type of attack would be done if you have prior information about your opponent. Since, in life and death, information is important. Generally, the fighters’ first exchange of blows would serve as a measurement of their strength.
Yet, her just dispersing this step meant she thought I wouldn’t be able to block it.
After our initial clash, instead of pausing, Emily seamlessly transitioned into another strike. This time, a diagonal slash was aimed at my midsection.
SWOOSH!
Thinking on my feet, I tilted my body to evade the incoming blade. Subtly shifting my foot, I managed to slide under Emily’s arm, attempting to close the distance between us. Emily, quick to react, tried to maintain the space, but her explosive power lacked a bit, giving me the opportunity.
–SLASH!
With a swift motion, I closed the remaining gap and managed to cut her on her chest with my dagger.
“Urghk-“
She let out a small grunt of pain, yet she was able to conceal it.
SLASH!
Emily attempted a quick counter-attack, her sword flashing towards me.
‘A donkey counterattack.’
However, I had already anticipated her move and swiftly deflected her slash with my two daggers. The added force from the mana injection in her strike made it necessary for me to use both hands to redirect the attack.
–THUD!
Following the deflection, I threw a quick kick to Emily’s chest, targeting the same spot where I had slashed her moments ago.
The impact made her grunt in pain, a testament to the effectiveness of the strategy.
Yet, instead of pursuing the advantage, I took a step back, daggers still in hand, and eyed her carefully.
“What are you doing?” I called out, my tone measured. “Your mind seems elsewhere.”
She shot me a fleeting glance, a mix of irritation and frustration in her eyes, both from the pain and probably from my words. “I don’t need your concern. Let’s just finish this,” she retorted, readjusting her stance.
“Is that so?” I replied as I looked into her eyes.
–SWOOSH!
Without saying anything, she just rushed to me once again, this time at a faster speed.
‘She is using her skill, huh?’
With my [Perceptive Insight], I could easily see the mana channeled on her legs. Seemingly enough, she was using her skill.
As she closed the distance, she suddenly slashed, even though her blade wouldn’t physically reach me. It was a feint, a distraction.
In response, I quickly deflected the attack with my two daggers, anticipating her next move.
–ZAP!
A beam shot forward from her blade, aimed directly at me. However, I had already seen through her strategy. Using my enhanced reflexes, I adeptly deflected the beam with a precise movement of my daggers.
“You may not want to do it,” I remarked, my tone composed. “Or you may hesitate to make your decision,” I said as I looked into her eyes.
As Emily’s beam attack was deflected with precision, she shot me a glare, her eyes narrowing in frustration. The duel continued, but the tension between us was palpable.
“What’s with the commentary during the fight?” she snapped, frustration evident in her voice.
I met her gaze without flinching, my tone calm and measured. “I can sense hesitation in your blade. You may not want to admit it, or you may hesitate to make your decision,” I said once again, my words intentional as I locked eyes with her. “But, what is bugging you will remain if you don’t take action.”
A fleeting moment of vulnerability crossed Emily’s expression, and she stiffened for a second. Her irritation seemed to be fueled not only by the pain from the duel but also by the acknowledgment of her internal struggle.
‘It is time to end this.’
I sensed the hesitation in Emily’s demeanor, and I decided to capitalize on it. Suddenly, I flashed towards her with a burst of speed.
Seeing me approach, Emily tried to intercept my path, but her attack lacked the force and confidence it needed. It was evident that the internal struggle was affecting her combat abilities.
Swiftly, I forcefully twisted my body, testing the limits of my flexibility as I slid under her strike. Seizing the opportunity, I targeted Emily’s pillar foot, disrupting her balance and causing her to lose control.
–THUD!
Emily stumbled and fell to the ground, her sword slipping from her hand. I moved quickly, putting one of my daggers to her neck, marking the end of the duel.
“I surrender.”
I heard her confirmation as I stood up. Just as I turned to leave, I threw one last look at Emily. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent s ovel(ꜰ)re.nt
“Pride is useless once the regret of not making one’s decisions comes over,” I spoke. “Doing what you know you need to do is the most important, regardless of how you may be perceived.”
With those words, I left the ring.
‘Now, it is up to you to do what you want.’