The classroom door slammed open with a force that startled everyone inside. The atmosphere instantly shifted, as if the very air had thickened with the arrival of someone powerful. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where a towering figure stood, his presence commanding immediate attention.
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Instructor Reinhardt.
He was a man who seemed to be carved from stone—graying hair, a jagged scar running down his left cheek, and eyes that radiated cold, unwavering authority. His broad frame and intimidating posture made it clear that he was no ordinary instructor. The aura surrounding him exuded dominance, and his every step seemed to shake the very ground beneath him.
Once, he had been an S-Rank Knight, a warrior who had reached the peak of combat. Now, his role had shifted to that of an instructor, but his legendary reputation still followed him like a shadow.
"Everyone, silence," he commanded with a voice that could silence the room with a single word.
There was no need for any further prompting. Everyone snapped to attention, the tension in the air palpable. Even the more casual students, usually immune to authority, couldn't help but feel the weight of his presence.
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Instructor Reinhardt began speaking, his tone low and serious, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"I'm sure you're all aware of the recent attack by the demon worshipers." His eyes scanned the room as if he could see through everyone, judging their reactions.
"You may have heard the rumors, but the truth is that we lost several students during that event. The academy, in its wisdom, has decided that such events are not to be tolerated. We will no longer allow weakness to exist within these walls."
A heavy silence followed his words. It wasn't just the usual talk of training hard; Reinhardt's words cut deeper, reminding everyone that failure or hesitation would result in consequences—real consequences.
His piercing gaze fell on the class. "From now on, I'll be your homeroom instructor. Not just for the theory lessons but for everything. And I can assure you, it will be far more than your regular classes. If you think you've been through tough training before, you haven't seen anything yet."
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A murmur passed through the room, a mix of excitement and apprehension. Reinhardt's reputation was known to all, and there were no illusions here about the kind of teacher he would be. His past as a knight spoke volumes—he was someone who had been through hell and back, and he would expect no less from his students.
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"I'm not here to babysit anyone," he continued, his voice unwavering. "What I offer you is the chance to survive the next time the darkness comes knocking. And if you don't want to die, you will follow my orders without question."
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The room was deathly quiet now, save for the heavy sound of breathing. Reinhardt gave a brief nod, as if satisfied with the effect his words had on everyone.
"Now," he said, "we're heading to the training grounds. All of you, get up and follow me."
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The class hesitated for only a moment before everyone began to gather their things. There was no room for defiance. Under Reinhardt's watchful eye, everyone quickly filed out of the classroom and into the hallway.
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As we walked, I felt the pressure in the air grow thicker. This wasn't going to be a typical training session. Reinhardt wasn't the kind of person to waste time on trivial exercises—this would be about survival, pure and simple.
The corridors leading to the training grounds felt longer than usual, but it wasn't the distance that made them feel this way. It was the sense that something big was coming.
I glanced around at the others. Some of them were nervous, others just resigned to the fact that they would have to give everything they had. I, however, felt a quiet determination rise within me. This was no longer just about survival. It was about strength.
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Instructor Reinhardt was a former S-Rank Knight, and now he was going to be our teacher. His methods would be brutal, but they would also be the fastest way for us to grow stronger.
We reached the training grounds, a large open space surrounded by tall stone walls, with various obstacles and challenges scattered across the area.
"Alright, let's get started," Reinhardt barked, his voice booming in the vast space.
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"Your first task is simple," Reinhardt said as he surveyed the class. "You will fight. And I will judge how well you fight."
The training grounds stretched wide before us, a vast expanse of dirt, stone, and training dummies worn down from years of relentless use. Towering walls surrounded the area, giving it a gladiatorial feel, as if stepping inside meant stepping onto a battlefield.
Instructor Reinhardt stood before us, arms crossed, his gaze sharp as a blade. The way he carried himself was enough to tell us that he didn't tolerate weakness.
"Listen up." His voice carried across the field, unwavering and absolute. "You've had your holidays, but reality doesn't care for your rest. After the recent attack, the academy has decided to intensify your training. If you cannot keep up, you might as well leave now."
Nobody moved. No one would dare.
A smirk tugged at Reinhardt's lips, though it held no warmth. "Good. Then let's see just how much of your so-called talent actually holds up in combat."
He lifted his hand, and in response, several figures stepped forward from the sidelines. At first glance, they looked like students, but something was…off. Their movements were too refined, their posture too disciplined.
"These are your seniors," Reinhardt explained. "Third-year students who are leagues ahead of you in combat experience. Your first task? Survive against them."
Murmurs spread through the group. Some students looked confident. Others…less so.
I remained silent, my black eyes watching the upperclassmen carefully. Their mana signatures were stronger, steadier. This wasn't going to be a simple spar.
"Instructor," Leonhardt, the protagonist, spoke up. "Are we fighting them individually, or…?"
"You'll be in pairs," Reinhardt answered. "I'll be selecting them."
That got a reaction. Pair battles were different from solo fights. Coordination, adaptability, and awareness would be crucial.
Without hesitation, Reinhardt started calling out names.
"Alicia von Rosenheim, you're with Reynard Faulkner."
Seraphina Everfrost was paired with Sylvara Nightwhisper. Luca Ashenpaw with Elena Brightwind. Leonhardt Valerian…paired with a beastkin upperclassman.
Then, finally—
"Alden Blackwood."
I glanced up as Reinhardt's gaze locked onto mine. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face before he continued.
"You'll be fighting alone."
The air grew heavy. Several students turned to look at me, some surprised, others intrigued.
I didn't react outwardly, but inwardly, I understood the reasoning. They still underestimate me. My rank was still in acadmy records officially F+, despite my rapid growth. He wanted to test if I could even keep up.
Or maybe, he wanted to see how I would survive.
Reinhardt gestured, and one of the upperclassmen stepped forward. He was tall, muscular, with short brown hair and piercing blue eyes. The way he carried himself screamed confidence, as if the idea of losing wasn't even a possibility in his mind.
"I'll be your opponent," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Try not to break too easily, kid."
I met his gaze, my expression unreadable. This will be interesting.
Reinhardt clapped his hands. "Enough talking. Get into position."
The trial had begun.
—
To Be Continued...