Chapter 9: Unexpected Devlopment
“Well. Since I’m kind of in a bad mood right now, let’s go ahead and move on to combat practice shall we”
I went over to the practice dummies. They were your average straw punching bag. If a knife or a sword was used on this, they would have been instantly cut in half. The thing is, I’m going to be teaching a different kind of combat style. One that mixes offense and defense without the use of weapons. Of course, if they master this, weapons can also be incorporated with different styles. Well, time to create the practice dummies.
“Archaic Pyro Elementa”
I imagined several spears flying above each target. Soon mana filled the place and several spears made of flames were flying above us. I could feel the tense mood from the students, but I couldn’t care less. In an instant, the fires engulfed each dummy, turning them to ash. Just as they appeared, the flames quickly died out, and the dummies ashes were riding the wind. I then placed my hand on the ground. Just like the wolf, I immediately conjured the earth spell and soon the place was replaced by different looking dummies. These were different though. Each area of the dummies body was fitted with different targets. Every target you hit, it will send a repulsion action. This means that the dummies will attack you with poles using your own energy, but it won’t just come out from the same place. The dummy will adapt and will strike at other places instead. This was truly a masterpiece designed to increase your reaction speed as well as your stamina since your technically fighting yourself. I walked back to the students.
“Now then, I want you guys to pick a target and practice”
“Practice what?”
“Fighting of course. Oh, and no weapons. You’re only supposed to punch and kick the targets”
I gave them a smile. They all looked at one another and then looked at the dummies.
“umm… what are those?”
“They’re training dummies meant to increase your stamina and reflexes. Well, I could explain it to you but its better experiencing it yourself”
“Um, aren’t you going to teach us magic?”
It was the blue haired girl who spoke. She was currently petting the wolf I made which stared at the other students with and antagonistic glare. Wow, it sure doesn’t like them.
“Well… I would have taught you guys more magic, but right now… It’s better if I calm down for a bit. I’m afraid I might hurt someone”
This clearly made the students conscious of their actions as many looked to the ground. The delinquent boy was still looking at me in confusion, shock and anger. He then stood up and began to exit the training grounds. Punk.
“Anyway, I was primarily going to teach combat abilities so if you guys actually want to learn, then take your places”
Once again, the nobles looked at one another and began picking their training dummies. They looked at one another, confused at what they were supposed to do.
“HA”
One guy punched torso and was instantly punched back. Ouch. His reflexes must be bad since that was a pretty slow blow.
“What the fuck is this thing?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Ahh… good times.
“That, my dear students, is the power of these testing dummies. Basically your job is to continuously attack the targets while dodging your own attacks. Of course, the location is random so you’ll need to react fast. By doing this, you all will be able bring your body up to par with your reflexes, a very effective way of training”
They all began to look at the dummies with doubt. Who would blame them? They’re all noble kids who probably didn’t suffer that much to join. Ugh… if only I realized that I was training nobles. That commoner is still a gem though, but this is really not worth it.
“This is impossible”
One of the girls was beginning to back out.
“Yeah, do you think anyone can do this” “I don’t even know what to do” “This looks painful”
I sighed. They really are weak.
“Hey Lily”
Lily instantly perked up.
“Mind showing the kids how it’s done?”
She nodded. Every student then stepped away from their own training dummies and sat near Lily’s presentation. She took a deep breath and placed her hands in front of her.
“Level 1, 2 or 3”
Oh forgot, about that.
“Start at level 1. They need to see how it works”
“Roger”
Then it began. She began with a slow kick to the leg. The mechanism quickly activated and sent a pole to her face. She quickly blocked this by sliding through it with the back of her hand. She then launched two consecutive punches to the neck and one kick to the side. Of course the dummy retaliated by attacking her in the stomach and her legs. She flexed her body, sliding in between two poles while kicking the other one away. She continued her ballet as she exchanged attacks with the dummy. Alright, time to amp it up a bit.
“Lily, stage 2”
She didn’t answer. Instead her punches became more fluid and her battle style became quicker.
“Whoa she’s fending off one attack after another. Just who is she?”
“Yeah, I can’t believe this is possible”
“She looks cute. You think she’d mind if I ask her out?”
“No chance man… Why do I feel as if the instructor is looking at us”
I ignored the talk and studied Lily’s combat prowess. She still has it. Her style pretty much mixes a bit of martial arts, breakdancing and boxing. I can clearly see how she boxes for her attacks, defends with her feet using martial arts and dodges by breakdancing around the attacks. Truly a scary and very calculative opponent.
“Stage 3”
I saw her smile. Out of nowhere she instantly coated her arms with fire. The students looked surprised as Lily was instantly bathed in flames. She continued attacking the dummies with increased speed. To the student’s surprise, the dummy also began attack with fire.
“Oye, oye. Just what kind of training dummies are those?”
Everyone was shocked to see magic being used by the dummies, but they’re even more dumbfounded with Lily. It was rather simple. By using magic, your just charging the dummies with your own spell… but it won’t be fun to tell them that yet. Well with this, I think we have them in our grasp.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Alright Lily, that’s enough”
Lily instantly grasped the last pole coming at her. She then squeezed it, breaking it into small and tiny pieces. As usual, such overkill.
“Now then. As you can see, the dummies adapt to your level of combat experience. The more you train, the better you get. The better you get, the harder it becomes. That’s what these dummies are made for. That’s why if you don’t have the stomach for this, leave now. But, if you really want to improve… stay and hone your skills. Understand”
Many of the students looked at me. Then, some began walking away. Spineless wimps… the lot of them. By the end of it, only twenty students remain. I look into each of their eyes. They had fear… but they also look as if they made up their resolution. I smiled.
“Alright, now then. I want you guys to start slowly. Get a feel of the dummies. If you tap it lightly, it will send out the pole lightly so you can do this slowly ok. Just know, I will be testing you guys every week to see were you are so try not to lag behind alright”
“YES SENSEI”
I couldn’t help myself and grinned. These kids… they may not actually be so bad.
“Good, I love the strong willed response. For now, we will end here. Dismiss”
Every student began to leave. I alongside Lily began to walk back to the office.
“Ahh… this was actually a fruitful day. I wish nothing bad happens later on”
“With your luck, something bad might happen… speaking of which. Did you notice?”
“Yeah, I noticed”
We walked a couple more feet and made a right into an empty area. I looked back expecting to see something. No one was there though, but I can’t be fooled. I could feel something in front of me.
“So, mind if you come out already”
Silence. But then, a girl came out.
“Oh, blue haired girl. Why are you following us?”
She looked around, her hand still petting the wolf.
“Um… can you please teach me advanced magic?”
“Is that the only reason you followed us? You do know I’m going to teach you guys magic right?”
She shook her head.
“Yes, I know you were going to teach us magic… but I also know you’re only teaching us the basics”
“So then, what exactly are you asking for?”
She looked very nervous as she held her arms to her heart.
“I… I want to learn your worlds advance magic!”
I gave her a blank stare.
“There is no way I can do that”
“Eh… Why not?
“Simply because your body won’t be able to handle it correctly”
She looked down in distraught, but as if she had a sudden boost of confidence, she looked at me once more.
“Then please, teach me of a good way to acquire it. I will do anything so please teach me”
I couldn’t help but be amaze. I honestly didn’t want to teach this world magical circuitry for two reasons. One, this world isn’t prepared for this scale of magical usage. Two, it’s a double edge sword that can kill its user. That’s why it takes a very strong person to wield it since its properties uses the wielders strength as a basis. Even knowing this, why. Why do I feel like I want to teach her? Is it because it’s interesting? Fun? What is becoming of me…?
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(Miselle Reille)
I looked deep into the hero’s eyes. I could tell that he was hiding his true power. What I saw from before… something told me he can do more. That’s why I want to learn. I want to learn more about his world’s magic. If I do, then someday… I can repay the promise I took. He sighed.
“Alright… fine, I’ll teach you”
I couldn’t help but smile. I feel really happy now. My anxiety, my fears. It all disappeared with his voice.
“But, there’s just one rule you have to abide by”
“What is it?”
He gave me a serious expression. Earlier, he seemed to be a rather passive person. Now, I could feel a small amount of his bloodlust leaving him. My body began shaking, but I did my best to look him in the eyes.
“Never tell anyone about this”
I tried to reply but I couldn’t really speak. Instead I nod my head in agreement. He instantly lifted the pressure, and I could once again move. My heart began racing. Wow, I didn’t even noticed that I stopped breathing.
“Well, I guess that settles it. But first, I have to ask. Are you really up for this?”
I looked at him, my eyes filled with resolution. If this was the quickest way I can get stronger, then I’ll do anything for that strength. That’s why there’s no backing out now.
“Yes, I’m prepared for anything that you can throw at me”
“Alright. Just know that at the end of this, you might change how you view the world. Is that fine”
“Yes”
He smiled. Then suddenly, his aura vanished. It was as if he wasn’t even there. I had to keep my eyes on him just to make sure he was there.
“Well, I do hope you don’t regret your decision”
“…?”
Eh. Why is everything upside down? The sky was below me and the ground was above. What is going on? I could feel my consciousness slowly disappearing. I saw the look on the girls face. She was smiling. I wonder why? Mr. Bryan’s face then came into view. He was also smiling. Ugh… I can’t help it anymore. I felt myself slowly going to sleep, but not until I saw my body which kneeled on the ground without a head.
‘Let’s begin’
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Authors note:
SURPRISE, bet you guys didn't expect another chapter... and that ending >:)
Hope you enjoyed
P.S. This is unedited since I also want to surprise my editor >.<