When they arrived at the training area, Austin was already waiting for them. He observed the seven students and the familiar face of Jean with careful attention.
—Good morning, everyone. I'm Austin Evans, and I'll be your combat instructor. I'm not sure how much Miss Clara has already explained, so we'll go over everything. We'll have practice every morning, so there's no need to attend the classroom—you can come straight to the training field. During the final week, we'll hold the in-person classification tournament. Each of you will face your classmates—including you, Lusian. Even if you're already on the academy's ranking board, if you have any questions, feel free to ask —Austin explained in a firm, composed tone.
Conwick Briggs, confident he was the strongest in his class, couldn't hold back:
—Can we start the classification matches right away? —he asked impatiently.
—That won't be possible for now, but I can arrange the matches for next week. Each student will have one fight per day. Healing mages and potions will be available in case of injuries —Austin replied calmly.
—We have to wait a week? —Conwick insisted, frowning.
—Yes. Also, Miss Jean, what are you doing here? —Austin asked, turning to her.
—Good morning, professor. I just came to practice with Lusian. We share the same mentor —Jean replied.
—Very well, then you'll have your chance —Austin nodded.
Conwick took the opportunity to request a sparring session with Kasper, who accepted. He wanted to measure his strength against Kara's; if he could win decisively, he planned to challenge Lusian.
The fight began. Conwick struck the ground, activating a rank 4 spell that made the platform tremble, trying to throw Kasper off balance. Then he lunged forward, his sword wrapped in earth mana. Kasper, unfazed, leapt two meters into the air and came down with a crushing strike, channeling his magical affinity. Conwick was sent flying, and when he hit the ground, his left leg fractured.
—I'm sorry, I think I went too far —Kasper said, concerned.
—Damn it, my leg! My body was supposed to be reinforced with earth mana —Conwick exclaimed.
—(Laughing) Sorry, I'm used to fighting my sister —Kasper replied playfully.
Austin stepped in and handed Conwick a rank 6 healing potion.
—This will gradually mend the fracture. If you take it for four consecutive days, you'll be fully healed. Remember: no more than one per day, or you risk mana intoxication —he advised.
—Thank you, I'll keep that in mind —Conwick replied, relieved but resigned.
Lusian and Jean stepped onto the platform.
—Show me everything you've got, sir —Jean challenged, her tone steady.
—I hope you'll go easy on this humble gentleman —Lusian replied with a faint smile.
Jean struck first; her blade sliced through the air with deadly speed. Lusian reacted instantly, blocking firmly, but Jean gave him no respite—a quick thrust nearly reached his torso, and Lusian barely dodged, feeling the wind of the blade brush his shoulder.
Without wasting a second, Lusian countered with a lateral sweep, but Jean intercepted it with her own sword and, with a swift motion, pushed him back. Lusian stumbled, his balance wavering, but he pivoted smoothly and charged again, throwing his full weight into the attack.
Their swords clashed with a sharp metallic crash. Both stepped back, reassessing. Lusian studied Jean's stance, searching for patterns, and struck toward her right side. Jean spun like a feline, evading, and in one fluid motion slashed toward Lusian's left leg. He blocked quickly and tried to counter downward, but Jean absorbed the blow, maintaining the offensive.
—You're quite skilled —Jean said, stepping back slightly—. My uncle trained you well, but you still have a long way to go if you want to reach me.
—Thanks for the compliment —Lusian said, catching his breath—. Let's finish this quickly; we're keeping the others waiting.
Jean smiled and advanced with a full-force attack, combining speed and strength in a single motion. Lusian stepped back, forcing his legs to hold position, blocking each strike with precise control. With a calculated move, Jean pushed his blade aside and gently placed her sword against Lusian's throat, demonstrating control and mastery without causing harm.
—Remember, it's not just about attacking the body —Jean said—. You can use your blade to break your opponent's balance, disrupt their stance, and gain the advantage.
—Thanks for the advice. And you? What are you planning to do after the academy? —Lusian asked, still breathing heavily.
—I'm not sure yet —Jean replied, wiping the sweat from her brow—. Several families are interested in my abilities, but if someone in particular invited me to join their ranks, I might consider it —she added with a wink—. You know who I mean.
Lusian smiled, determination shining in his eyes:
—I'd definitely like to have your skill on my side. You'd be a great ally.
Jean let out a soft laugh and nodded, carrying that confident air that defined her.