After Individual Duels, I had Mana Programming, which was a class mainly aimed at spiritual mana users. Of course, physical mana users could still attend the class like how spiritual mana users could attend Martial Theories, but it wouldn't be super helpful for them.
Thus, like Martial Theories, attendance for this class depended on preference. I wanted to attend both classes because of my merged body and spirit, making both classes useful to me.
The topics for the first day of class were similar to my Specialisations class. Introductions, an overview of the subject, and other preliminary formalities were discussed.
Although I did not learn much from the class, I was oriented well.
'Individual Duels really just thrust us head first into combat...' I chuckled as I thought about my first class of the day. We had no orientation and no prior warning. Just a scroll that told us what to do. I couldn't help but compare the two.
After Mana Programming was Continental Mysteries. It was going to be a class on topics that I had created myself. Therefore, I was probably going to get bored out of my mind while I attended it. It would be very easy to ace its tests and complete its requirements.
What I was excited about though, would be the field trips that went with the class.
When I saw the list of places we were going to visit and confirmed that it was the same as how I had written it, I knew then that I could push through with a lot of my plans. A lot of secrets could come into my hands, therefore making me much stronger.
Finally, my last class for the day was called Mana as an Everyday Art. It was a subject that was very straightforward. It aimed to popularise everyday magic spells and sought to create convenient spells that anyone can cast.
Once I was done with that, I listed down all of the books I wanted to study in preparation for the next classes.
"Huaaaam~" A yawn escaped me as I fixed up my bag. I put my notebook and books back inside, shielding them from the afternoon sun.
Shadows were growing longer every moment, and a cool breeze was blowing throughout the campus. I had been sitting at a table under the high canopy, near an arena where students usually went to fight things out officially.
The arena was built with the same curving architecture and a raised stage. From where I sat, I could watch the battles while enjoying food and drink. It was honestly like watching soccer players play from the stands at the side.
Currently, there was a sad student being pummeled into submission. He was at the centre of the arena stage, receiving the attacks of a stronger opponent with no way to counterattack.
I watched with neutral emotions. Teenagers with their fragile pride and easily disturbed emotions were... interesting to watch, to say the least. There was a lot I could learn from them, at least in terms of technique, and that was what I was doing.
I tried to analyse how I would cinch victory if I was in the weaker student's place. Which flaw could I exploit, and which moment should I make use of to strike?
At what time would victory open its warm arms to me?
With Mana Vision and Sight-Sent Senses allowing me to closely examine the battle, I quickly figured out a few possible moments. Unfortunately, the student never caught on to those possibilities.
He was beaten until he was black and blue. Up until the referee wizard announced his loss.
A few more duels occurred as I watched from far away. I kept running simulations in my head on how to win if I was on the losing side.
My eyes were frankly opened up as I observed a few duels between the upper years. I was able to witness more advanced forms of battle, identify higher-tier spells, and spot some cool martial arts—from movement techniques to fist techniques, to sword and blade techniques.
I took out my pocket watch, and it was five minutes till four. My duel was set to be at exactly four, and it was already written on the board.
I walked forward and moved closer to the arena stage. The duel before us ended early, so I had time to meditate while I stood at the centre.
Thus, I waited.
Eventually, Tiger arrived. He wasn't alone this time. It seemed like several second-years were interested in watching the fight.
The stands were filling up as people were attracted to the spectacle.
It seemed like I was pretty famous. Or perhaps it was the fact that Rank 1s rarely showed their faces on arena grounds. Anyways, many were interested in watching my fight.
I didn't mind. I was confident I could win, especially since it looked like Tiger was only at E- Rank. He wasn't too strong that I could not beat him.
I just needed to be a tad bit more careful. I needed to set things up properly to achieve a satisfying victory.
My strategy to deal with Tiger was to wear him down stamina-wise. All of his stats were higher than mine, but I had abilities that were constantly active and functioned without the need for me to spend anything.
As such,
"Begin!"
"I've been waiting for this the whole day!" Standing a few metres away from me, Tiger crouched down and growled. He was ready to pounce.
"Come at me!"
This time, however, he didn't charge at me with his [ Charge of the Horned Bull ]. So, since he wasn't coming to me, I was indeed going to rush forward.
"Aventine," I whispered, and a dagger appeared in my hand.
"Let's do this," I muttered, while a hiss came in reply. Aventine liked to dine on living beings. If I could draw blood and flesh today, he would be very happy.
Thus, my entire body morphed into a blur as I pushed myself forward, going faster and faster with every step.
Although there were no shadows to spring out from, the basic footwork of the Rushing Shadow Art was enough to help me rapidly close the distance.