Ankeet was a mysterious figure. His piercing blue eyes held secrets untold, framed by long locks of golden hair. Adorning his ears were earrings, delicate crescents reflecting the calm glow of the moon.
Despite his charming appearance, Ahsinav found Ankeet to be a mysterious puzzle. His poker face was a mask, hiding emotions, never once allowing a glimpse of the man behind the mask.
After the disastrous events of the first day, the second day of the academy began. As once again all the students gathered, and a new figure entered the room, "Hello, everyone," he began, his voice commanding attention. "I'm Nobu Mikoto. From now on, I will be your Swordmanship teacher."
"As you're all aware, this class is entirely optional, and if you like to leave, you can." His words hung in the air. Some students rose from their seats and quietly made their way toward the exit. Yet, others remained rooted in their seats. For those who chose to stay, he led them to the training field.
Gathering them in a circle, Nobu Mikoto wasted no time, "Today, we will begin with the basis of every- physical endurance," he said, "Begin with a light jog," he told all the students. "Focus on your breathing, on the rhythm of your steps, let the energy of the earth beneath your feet fuel your movements," he commanded.
Angelica and Rin left the class. Ankeet, Noah, and Ahsinav stayed each with their reasons for choosing to stay. Ahsinav was very interested in learning swordsmanship. As they started running, all the students started getting exhausted. One by one, they dropped to the ground, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as exhaustion set in. Yet Ankeet, Noah, and Ahsinav remained determined.
Hours passed, and still, they pressed on, their muscles burning with exertion. Ahsinav and Noah struggled to keep pace, their bodies screaming for rest. But Ankeet, with his determined resolve, showed no signs of exhaustion.
"Is he even human?" Noah mumbled between his heavy breaths.
With a sharp command, instructor Nobu called an end to the brutal session. As the candidates gathered their breath and strength, Nobu's gaze remained on the trio, "This batch is full of candidates with potential," [Inner voice of Nobu]
"All of you are familiar with the basics of swordsmanship, correct?" Nobu's voice echoed across the training field, "Yes, Sir!" replied all the students. "Excellent. Now, we shall proceed to sparring but remember no one is allowed to use magic." Nobu began pairing off the students, carefully selecting opponents whose skills and strengths would provide a balanced challenge.
One by one they start sparring with their opponents. Finally, Ahsinav's turn came as they introduced themselves, "I am Ivan Evercrest." please don't hold back. "I am Ahsinav Windlops." please you too don't hold back.
As their sparring began Ivan started swinging his wooden sword at Ahsinav. He only dogged them first but as soon as he found an opening he attacked his. Making his sword fly in the sky. I lost Ivan replied
One by one, the students stepped into the sparring ring. Each pair introduced themselves and exchanged their swords with each other.
Finally, it was Ahsinav's turn. Across from him was Ivan Evercrest. His was ready for battle. "Please don't hold back," he declared, his eyes alight with determination. Ahsinav met his gaze with equal resolution. He replied, "And I won't."
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With a swift nod, the sparring began. Ivan wasted no time unleashing a storm of strikes, as it sliced through the air with remarkable speed. Ahsinav skillfully dodged each blow, his movements fluid and precise, but he could feel the pressure mounting as Ivan's attacks grew more relentless by the second. As Ivan aimed what seemed to be his final strike, she found the opening she had been waiting for, launching a decisive attack that left Ivan disarmed and defeated.
"It was a good match," Ahsinav said. Ivan's expression softened, a mixture of surprise and respect flickering across his face. "You're quick," he admitted a hint of respect in his tone, "I underestimated you, Ahsinav. I won't make that mistake again."
As their match ended, it was Ankeet and Noah's turn to take the stage, ready for the clash that was to come. At the teacher's command, the sparring began. Noah launched his attacks, getting fast with each strike. But Ankeet was like a shadow, effortlessly dodging each strike. With each swing, the tempo of their duel increased, the sound of clashing swords filling the air. Ankeet and Noah displayed remarkable skill and accuracy.
But as the intensity of the spar cracked, as Ankeet's focus sharpened, his movements became more calculated and precise. Suddenly, with a burst of speed that seemed almost supernatural, Ankeet vanished from Noah's line of sight, only to reappear behind him in a blur of motion. Noah barely had time to react before Ankeet's strike landed. Despite Noah's valiant efforts to defend himself, he was overwhelmed by the sheer swiftness of Ankeet's attack.
Noah admitted defeat, his respect for Ankeet's skill evident in his eyes. As they exchanged a nod of mutual acknowledgment, Noah knew that he had faced a formidable opponent, one whose mastery of the blade surpassed his own.
"You were good, but you lack ambition," Ankeet told Noah
"Ambition, huh."
As the day drew to a close, suspense hung heavy in the air for the final duel between Ankeet and Ahsinav. With measured steps, they positioned themselves opposite each other, their gazes locked in silence.
At the teacher's command, the duel started. Ankeet struck first, his movements fluid and precise as he launched into a series of calculated attacks. Ahsinav braced himself, feeling the force behind each strike as he defended against Ankeet's onslaught.
Retreating to create distance, Ahsinav gathered his focus and countered with his own set of strikes. But Ankeet was like a shadow, effortlessly dodging his attacks with an almost ethereal grace. Frustration flickered in Ahsinav's eyes as he struggled to predict his next move.
Desperate to turn the tide of the battle, Ahsinav attempted to copy the elusive trick that Ankeet had used against Noah. Yet, despite his best efforts, he couldn't execute it with the same precision and finesse as his opponent. Ankeet saw the opening and swiftly capitalized on it, launching a devastating counterattack that left Ahsinav momentarily stunned.
As the dust settled, Ahsinav knew that he had been, outsmarted, his defeat a humbling reminder of the gap in skill between him and Ankeet. Yet, even in defeat, he found a renewed determination to continue his journey of growth and mastery, inspired by his formidable opponent.
As Nobu observed his new students' performance with satisfaction, he concluded the day's training. "That's it for today," he announced, dismissing the class.
After the class dispersed, Noah approached Ankeet, "How can I improve my swordsmanship?" he asked, hoping to gain some knowledge from his skilled classmate.
Ankeet's response was curt and direct, "I am here to accomplish something that holds more priority," he replied coolly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Please don't try to approach me. I'm not here to babysit you."
Noah felt disappointed at his dismissive attitude, but he persisted. "And you? What was your name again, Ahsinav or something?" Ankeet's words stung, his disdain evident as he continued, "Don't try to imitate my moves. Those are the moves I perfected through training. If it were this easy, everyone would have been able to use them."
With a heavy heart, Ahsinav nodded, understanding that Ankeet's journey was his own and not to be interfered with. Though disappointed by his response, he resolved to forge his path to mastery, determined to prove his worth through hard work and dedication.