art 25: The First Training Clash
Part 25 – The First Training Clash
The training hall was filled with tension.
Joe Hyper: "Alright, listen up. Magic is categorized into different types. Everyone with similar magic, group together."
He read the list. Students quickly found their groups—except me.
Joe frowned, confused. "Why is one missing?"
I raised my hand.
"Excuse me, teacher. Isn't wind magic listed?"
The room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at me.
Joe Hyper: "Wind magic…? Rare indeed. So you're Tam Breach."
Whispers spread across the hall.
"Is that him? The boy from the church newspaper?"
"A commoner with rare magic?"
"Impossible…"
I stood firm, ignoring their stares.
Joe Hyper: "Fine. You'll train separately. Wind magic requires unique handling. Let's see what you can do."
He gestured toward the practice field.
I stepped forward. The other students watched, curious.
Joe summoned a barrier. "Try to break this with your wind magic."
I focused, channeling mana. A spiral of wind formed in my hand—the Death Spiral.
With a thrust, the barrier cracked and shattered.
Gasps echoed through the hall.
Joe Hyper: "Impressive… stronger than I expected. But don't get cocky. Power without control is dangerous."
Suddenly, Den Hyper stepped forward, smirking.
"Teacher, let me test him. I want to see if this commoner can handle a real fight."
The hall buzzed with excitement.
Joe Hyper: "Fine. A sparring match. But no killing blows."
Den cracked his knuckles, muscles flexing.
"Ready, Breach?"
I tightened my grip on the Death Spiral.
"Always."
The clash was about to begin—the first test of strength against one of the Empire's strongest heirs.
Back in my dorm room, I lay on the bed, thinking about everything that had happened.
Competing with Henry and Den in the days ahead… God, how much hardship was waiting for me.
I glanced at the flower Patolina had given me, placed by the window. A reminder that even in this cruel world, beauty still existed.
Then Marin's words about the strange tradition came to mind.
"Oh no… I'm doomed. I have to get to the assembly hall before midnight, or the ninjas won't let me through."
This tradition was tied to Flor's legend—when he escaped enemy ninjas to deliver a crucial message before battle. Now, students had to reenact it.
I rushed out, only to find a ninja in the corridor. He charged at me.
I darted toward the girls' dormitory, knowing they had already gone ahead. The door was oddly open.
The ninja lunged, but I slammed the door shut, knocking him out cold.
"Ha! That felt good."
Inside, another ninja stood with a staff, facing Hardy—wrapped only in a towel.
She screamed when she saw me. I quickly cast a wind spell, knocking the ninja unconscious.
Hardy: "Get out!"
"Alright, alright, sorry!" I bolted.
But I couldn't help thinking: That was the first time I'd ever seen a girl In just a towel…
Before I could leave, Hardy shouted again.
Hardy: "Wait! Come with me."
"What? I have to get to the hall!"
Hardy: "Just wait!"
I sighed. Better to stay than endure her endless screaming.
She finally agreed to come, and together we ran toward the hall. Ninjas chased us.
Den Hyper joined us, late as well. Then William Jordan. And finally Henry with Denrys.
Me: "Henry, why are you late?"
Henry: "Well, I…"
Me: "You're the hero—you shouldn't be late."
Henry: "What did you just say? Who am I?"
Oops. Big slip.
"Nothing. Just go."
Den blasted forward with lightning. William followed. Then Henry and Denrys.
Only Hardy and I remained.
"Excuse me."
Hardy: "What!?"
I grabbed her hand and pulled her along.
We finally reached the hall. The Academy director was already speaking.
Everyone stared at us—the late arrivals: Hardy, Den, Henry, Denrys, William, and me. But most eyes were on Hardy… because I was still holding her hand.
I quickly let go.
Director: "These irresponsible children will be punished. Now, sit."
We sat down.
Hardy: "Ugh, why won't this end?"
She was right. Our punishment was cleaning the entire first and second floors of the hall. Everyone mocked us.
Me: "It ends when It's over." I laughed.
Hardy: "Don't laugh, you pervert. It's all your fault!"
Me: "If I hadn't helped, you'd have been even later. Instead of cleaning two floors, you'd be scrubbing the whole Academy." I laughed again.
Her face turned red with anger.
Hardy: "Shut up, pervert!"
Me: "What did you say, angry tomato girl?"
She threw down her broom and stormed toward me.
Hardy: "I'll destroy you!"
Me: "Oh no, I'm shaking in fear. What will you do, tomato girl?"
Hardy: "I said shut up, pervert!"
William: "Enough, you two. Stop acting like children."
Hardy & Me (together): "You shut up!"
William: "What did you just say?"
And so the argument between Hardy, William, and me lasted until the cleaning was finally done.
Magic Rankings in Class S
- Henry – 6-star Ice
- Adriana – 6-star Ice
- Den – 5-star Lightning
- William – 5-star Light
- Estio – 5-star Courage
- Hardy (Agnes) – 5-star Fire
- Tam – 5-star Wind
End of Part 25