As Alex made his way to the courtyard, he couldn't help but think about what Jiten had told him. The Black Lightning sounded like a legendary figure, and the fact that he had killed the headmaster's daughter and church officials made him seem like a true outlaw. Despite Jiten's excitement, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the whole thing.

When he arrived at the courtyard, he saw a group of students gathered around a tall man in a long black coat. The man was Oswin Hart, a tall and muscular figure with a stern and serious expression on his face. He had sharp, angular features, including a prominent jawline and high cheekbones. His dark, piercing eyes seemed to bore into anyone who dared to meet his gaze, and his thick eyebrows furrowed in a perpetual scowl. He had short, black hair that was neatly combed to one side, and a well-groomed beard that added to his commanding presence. He wore a simple black leather tunic with matching trousers and boots, adorned only with a silver belt buckle and a sword at his side. Overall, he looked every bit the part of a seasoned and feared swordsman.

As Alex approached the group, he could feel his heart beating faster. Oswin looked at the class with disdain, seeing that everyone was already there, he said, "My name is Oswin, and I will be your teacher this year. Let me tell you from the start, I don't care who you are, who your father is, or his friends. Don't expect me to teach you something; I only waste time on those who deserve it. You have to have talent, and don't think you have it just because your sword master told you so. I will be the judge of that. Quickly, everyone grab a sword and come at me."

The students quickly dispersed to grab their swords, but Alex hesitated for a moment. He had never held a sword before and didn't know what to do. Oswin noticed Alex's hesitation and approached him, his scowl deepening.

"What's your name?" Oswin asked, his voice cold and uninviting.

"Uh, Alex," he replied nervously.

"Well, Alex, are you going to stand there all day? Or are you going to grab a sword and join the class?" Oswin demanded.

Alex hurriedly grabbed a sword from the pile and followed the others to the center of the courtyard. Oswin stood at the other end, his sword at the ready.

The students attacked Oswin with their swords, but he easily parried their blows with his own. He moved swiftly and gracefully, his sword whistling through the air as he deftly dodged their attacks. Alex watched in awe as Oswin effortlessly took on the entire class.

Despite his initial hesitation, Alex soon found himself caught up in the excitement of the sparring match. He lunged forward, swinging his sword at Oswin with all his might. But Oswin simply sidestepped his attack and retaliated with a swift strike that knocked Alex's sword out of his hand.

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Alex stumbled backward, feeling embarrassed and defeated. He looked up to see Oswin staring at him with a mixture of contempt and amusement.

As Max and Samantha attacked Oswin, the clang of swords filled the courtyard. The three of them moved in a blur of swift, fluid movements, their swords slicing through the air with precision. Alex watched intently, trying to learn every technique and strategy that he could.

Samantha was the first to fall to Oswin's skillful attacks. Despite her best efforts, Oswin deftly parried her blows and struck her with a swift, decisive blow. She stumbled backward, her sword clattering to the ground.

Max, however, was not so easily defeated. He was filled with excitement and determination as he traded blows with Oswin. His face was a mask of concentration as he attacked with speed and agility.

But as the fight wore on, Max began to tire. His movements became slower and less precise, and Oswin saw his opportunity. He planned to strike at Max's left shoulder, knowing that Max had let his guard down.

But Alex had been watching closely, and he saw the opening as well. Without hesitation, he stepped in and deflected the blow, saving Max from certain defeat. Oswin was surprised by Alex's quick thinking and skillful use of the sword.

Quickly, Oswin dashed behind them and pushed them to the ground, ending the fight. As Alex stood up, he saw that Oswin was smiling at him, a small but genuine smile.

"That's enough for today," Oswin said, standing over the fallen students. "You all need to work on your fundamentals. Go practice as you like, but don't waste my time with sloppy technique and lack of discipline."

As the lesson came to an end, the students were leaving. Alex turned to Max and said, "Max, you were incredible. Next time, you'll get him for sure." However, Max looked at Alex with an angry face and replied, "I would have gotten him if it wasn't for you intervening. You don't even know how to swing a sword and came to this class and interrupted my duel with the teacher. Next time, stay still." Everyone in the courtyard heard what he said and started talking to each other. Alex, seeing his friend like that, said, "Sorry, Max. I just wanted to help you." But Max turned his head and said, "I don't need your help." After that, everyone left the courtyard except for Alex, who was looking at the ground.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind, "What a fool." It was Oswin. He continued, "Alex, I see you've never had any training with the sword. I've been expecting someone like you. You're the only one like that in this class, so I hope you're up for a challenge."

Alex swallowed nervously and replied, "Yes, sir. I'll do my best."

"Good. I like a student who's willing to learn," Oswin said with a nod. "Now, let's see what you're made of."

Alex drew his wooden practice sword and took his position opposite Oswin. He could feel the eyes of the other students on him as he prepared for his first lesson.

"Remember, the sword is an extension of your body," Oswin said, his own sword at the ready. "You must learn to control it as you would your own limbs. Now, come at me."

Alex hesitated for a moment before launching himself forward, swinging his sword towards Oswin's head. But the teacher was too fast, and he easily deflected the blow. Alex stumbled backwards, feeling foolish.

"Again," Oswin commanded.

For three hours, Alex struggled to keep up with Oswin's expert instruction. He could feel his muscles aching and his frustration growing, but he refused to give up. He was determined to learn this skill, no matter how difficult it might be.

After three hours, Oswin approached Alex with a smile.

"Good effort, Alex. You have potential. That's why Max was so angry, he envies the way you easily saw his opening," he said. "But you must work harder if you want to keep up with the other students. Sword arts are not a skill that can be mastered overnight."

"Thank you, Master Oswin. I will do my best to keep up," said Alex as he bowed and left the courtyard.

Oswin looked up at the darkening sky and murmured, "Master..."

Alex felt both exhausted and exhilarated by the experience. As he made his way back to his dormitory, he couldn't help but wonder what other secrets and challenges awaited him in this new world of swordplay and adventure.