"Don’t you know it’s rude to leave in the middle of a conversation?" she said, her voice maintaining its soft yet threatening tone.

‘Wh-what’s this? How’s this possible? She shouldn’t have an ability, I felt no energy co-’ Seth's confused train of thought was suddenly interrupted as he realized the crucial detail he had missed. ‘No energy... coming from her,’ he repeated to himself, his voice trailing off as he arrived at a terrifying conclusion. ‘A Control Stage esper... or even higher.’

The woman's presence loomed over Seth like that of a monstrous entity. He felt minuscule in comparison, and not only in terms of physical strength, such a powerful esper probably had enough influence to just disappear someone without any consequences. His life now rested entirely in the hands of this unknown woman.

"It seems you've grasped the situation," she remarked, slowly getting closer to Seth. "Just how powerful I am…" she whispered into his right ear, her words chilling his very core. "And how insignificant you are…" she whispered into his left ear.

Then, she took a step back, and the oppressive pressure dissipated, allowing Seth to crumble to the ground, gasping for breath.

"Never judge people based solely on first impressions. As you've just experienced, it can prove fatal to mess with someone you shouldn't," the woman declared. "Now, what's your name, boy?"

“Seth,” he answered with difficulty.

"Seth, I want to think that you are a rather smart boy," she continued, her gaze fixed upon him. "So, I trust you'll be able to recognize the value of the opportunity I'm about to give you."

"And what would that opportunity be?" Seth questioned, narrowing his eyes.

"You desire to participate in the Rising Espers Tournament to awaken your ability, don't you?" she asked, catching Seth off guard.

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Seth was shocked for a moment. Where had she learned that from? Did she figure it out just by this exchange? Seth's shock only confirmed the woman's suspicions.

"However, your arrogance blinds you to the truth. You will be disqualified from the tournament before even having a chance to awaken your ability. Not only that, but the risk of severe injury or even death is so high that it's almost a certainty."

Though Seth remained silent, those words struck him deeply. Of course he knew that, he was way too weak… he didn't have a chance. The tournament was designed to pit the most powerful young espers against each other, those who surpassed even the likes of Jake and Ethan. Yet, when faced with Ethan's ability, what had he been able to do? Nothing. He was powerless, defenseless. The harsh reality he had tried to run from for so many years resonated in his mind: no matter how much he trained, he would always be weak. And even if he could beat his classmates when fighting without abilities, it would mean nothing in the real world where they could effortlessly overpower him.

Frustration consumed him, seeping into his very being. Without even noticing, his teeth and fists clenched tightly, drawing a little trail of blood.

"You overestimate your own capabilities but you are just lying to yourself. Do you think your mentors are fools? Why do you think they've attempted to dissuade you from entering the tournament? They know their students' limitations better than anyone, even better than the students themselves," she stated, her gaze drawn to the blood dripping from Seth's clenched fists. "This may hurt your pride, but it's a truth you need to hear: right now, you stand no chance in the tournament."

Seth lowered his head.

"However, as I said, that's only true as of now," she said, a smirk dancing across her face. "Seth, you have already grasped how powerful I am. Surely, you can recognize the advantages of having someone like me train you."

"Huh?" For the first time in years, true hope flickered in Seth's eyes as he looked up at the mysterious woman. But his rational side quickly took control again. "Why would you offer something like that? What's in it for you?" he asked, suspicious of the woman’s true intentions.

"It doesn't matter, does it? I’m your only option if you wish to have even the slightest chance to awaken your ability. But for now, let's say I'm doing it for my own entertainment," she replied, her smirk lingering. "You've piqued my curiosity, kiddo, something that has happened only once before. And for now, I am doing this to alleviate my own boredom. I look forward to seeing how far someone like you can go." She saw Seth as if he were a mere plaything. He hated it, but she was right, she was his only opportunity. Seth had long awaited a miracle, something that could give him any hope to keep up with the other espers that would be participating. Could this be the miracle he had so long hoped for? The miracle he had bet on?

Drawing a deep breath, Seth sought to calm the tempestuous storm of emotions raging within him. He grabbed his katana and stood up.

He looked at the woman with fiery determination burning in his eyes.

"Very well," she said, a smirk curling her lips. "You may call me Miss Leywin." She walked away, selecting a sword and pointing it towards Seth. "Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, if you're willing to push yourself to your limits and go beyond, you will have a true chance to awaken your ability during the tournament, I assure you that."

Seth assumed a battle stance of his own.

"Now, whenever you're ready, come at me and show me your resolve!" Miss Leywin exclaimed, looking at Seth with determination.