After soundly defeating Marcus, Aiden parted ways with Elias and Kara to make his way to his first class: Weapon Mastery. Following Iris's guidance (who had already memorized the academy's map), Aiden soon found himself standing in front of a peculiar elevator.
"Press the button marked A-12," Iris's voice chimed in his ear.
Doing as instructed, Aiden pressed the button and awaited the elevator's arrival. The doors slid open, revealing an astonishing sight that once again caught him off guard. He had arrived at an immense underground colosseum, a sprawling expanse devoid of spectator seats. Along the walls stood an array of weapons, each representing a different style and type.
At the center of the colosseum, there were already seven students waiting. As Aiden approached them, his [Divine Sense] suddenly flared, warning of danger from above. Instinctively, his eyes shot upward, only to witness an unexpected sight—a man falling from the sky.
"Shit," Aiden muttered under his breath as he activated his [Beastification], summoning his wings just in time to glide out of the path of impact.
His fellow students, equally quick to react, weren't as fortunate and found themselves pinned down by the newcomer's fall. Aiden's sharp gaze assessed the man's demeanor, and a sense of profound danger emanated from him. It was as if the stranger embodied a lethal weapon in human form.
The man had a shock of white hair and a matching beard, belying his age. Despite his years, his bare torso revealed a physique that defied time—muscles honed to perfection.
Recognition struck Aiden like a lightning bolt. This man was none other than Brian Poitel, the legendary Hunter who, seventy years ago, had led the charge to conquer the infamous SS-rank Gate known as the "World-Breaker." He had disappeared after that monumental feat, with many presuming he perished in the aftermath. Yet here he stood, alive and well, defying the passage of time.
"Respects to the Weapon Sage," Aiden offered with a respectful bow.
In response, Brian Poitel burst into hearty laughter. "RAH RAH RAH AHHHAHAH, splendid indeed! You've got sharp instincts and fine manners! Ahahahah..."
The man's eccentricity seemed to match the rumors Aiden had heard about him.
Fifteen Minutes Later|
A group of students, both boys and girls, stood before the instructor's imposing figure. The ones who had been momentarily incapacitated by Poitel's unexpected entrance had been awakened by a wave of palpable killing intent.
"Now, you should all know who I am. I am the 'Weapon Sage' Brian Poitel, a man who vanished from the world's stage seventy years ago. And now, I stand before you as your Weapon Mastery instructor. Allow me to make a few things perfectly clear."
Poitel's gaze swept over the assembled students, his tone commanding attention.
"Firstly, you will not breathe a word of my presence to anyone outside of this class. The consequences of disregarding this directive will be both painful and permanent—for you and your entire lineage."
"Secondly, everything I teach you about weaponry is gospel. Question it, and you're out."
"Thirdly, if I deem any of you unworthy of this course, you will be dismissed without ceremony."
"Lastly, this is not a combat course—it's a weapon mastery class. I will instruct you on the usage and counter-usage of weapons, not the art of combat."
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Poitel's voice thundered.
Responding in unison, the students barked out, "Aye, Sir!!"
"Excellent. Now, a simple question to begin. What, in your opinion, is the ultimate weapon?"
A hand shot up from a student. "Name?"
"Zack Ruff, sir. Mana cannons would be the answer."
Poitel's response was swift and unyielding. "You're out. Next."
Aiden was taken aback by the immediate expulsion. He wasn't the only one shocked by the instructor's response.
"Teacher, you don't have the right to—"
Before the student could finish, a sudden surge of killing intent struck him, turning his vibrant green hair white before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
"Who knows the answer?" Poitel's gaze shifted.
"The human body, sir," Aiden spoke up after a moment's reflection.
Poitel's eyes gleamed with approval. "Exactly! I had a feeling you'd grasp the essence of the question. I'm here to instill in each of you an unassailable truth—the human body reigns supreme as the most formidable weapon in your arsenal."
The instructor's voice held unwavering conviction as he continued.
"In this world of dazzling powers and enchanting magic, remember this fact. Your body, your muscles, your bones—they're a powerhouse. Your reflexes? Sharper than any blade. Your senses? Attuned to the minutest changes in your surroundings. Your body is the original weapon, the one that doesn't require recharging or spells. It's always ready, and it won't fail you."
Poitel's gaze grew intense, his eccentricity tempered by the gravity of his words.
"Your body is not just strength, but precision. A fist, a blade, an arrow—you can control them with pinpoint accuracy. Your body is your arsenal, your senses are your tools. You don't need a scope; your eyes are your scope."
He paused, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
"So remember, amidst the flashing lights and extravagant powers, the human body remains unmatched. Train it, refine it, push it beyond its limits. Because when all else fails, it's your body that'll stand resilient, your body that'll keep fighting."
Poitel's voice thundered with passion.
"For the next two months, I will cultivate your body's control, your body's mastery, your body's potential. Let's begin, shall we?"