After the professor shouted, I quickly found a corner seat in the 8th row of the classroom. The size of this class was enormous compared to a typical room on Earth, almost ten times larger. The students were seated in semi-circle arrangements, surrounding the professor who stood in the center.
As I looked around, it seemed like there were at least a hundred students in this class. But why was I placed in a class where characters from novels were present? The thought puzzled me. Arjun wasn't thrilled about being in the same class because he couldn't act freely in front of the main character. Whenever someone tried to train or demonstrate their abilities in the presence of the protagonist, he always seemed to notice something unique about them. As a result, every character eventually became aware of the transmigrated person's power.
Curious about my own abilities, I contemplated calling up my status. I wondered how much stronger I had become, but I hesitated to reveal it openly. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a try and silently uttered the word "STATUS." To my surprise, a window materialized in front of me, displaying various information.
#########
Name: Arjun Macalo
Age: 18
Level: 24
Strength: 90
Speed: 98
Skill: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Art: Speed Sword {2 stars}, Sword Enchanting {6 stars}
##########
Examining my status, I noticed some slight improvements. My level, speed, and strength had all increased a bit. However, the most significant change was the 6-star art I possessed. It was unusual for someone to have a 6-star art, even the protagonist only had a 5-star art at the moment. Satisfied with the results, I shifted my attention back to the professor's lecture.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered what the professor was saying.
Meanwhile, the professor continued explaining, "As I was telling you, our first task this year is to conduct hand-to-hand combat fights between cadets. Following the matches, you will have the opportunity to choose your weapon."
Upon hearing this, the cadets were taken aback and felt a hint of nervousness. However, I was already aware of this arrangement.
"There will be 50 matches, and each cadet will participate in one fight. Follow me," the professor instructed, leading us to a large hall with ten fighting platforms. Each platform had a senior standing on it, who would serve as the referee for the matches.
"They're your seniors, and they will oversee your matches. Proceed to the platform when your name is called," the professor clarified.
The matches commenced, and one by one, the cadets were called to fight. I recognized some of the characters from the novels I had read, although I couldn't recall their exact ranks due to the passage of time.
The fight between Ron Vista, ranked first, and Mill Colex, ranked second, promised to be intense. Ron was a skilled swordsman known for his dual sword technique, which showcased his true power. Mill, on the other hand, wielded two daggers and specialized in precise strikes to vital areas such as the eyes and neck. Despite his talent, Mill had chosen to pursue business rather than combat, as he believed he couldn't match Ron's abilities.
Observing their fight, I contemplated the possibility of befriending Mill and utilizing his VIP power. Individuals with such abilities could prove extremely useful. However, for now, they stood on the platform, facing each other, as the senior referee announced, "Ready... set... fight!!"
Both fighters displayed seriousness in their eyes. Mill initiated the match by lunging towards Ron, attempting to strike him with a punch from his right hand. However, Ron skillfully evaded the attack by folding his right leg and slightly adjusting his left leg position, countering with a punch of his own from his left hand.
Mill was taken aback, shocked by Ron's quick response. In the next moment, Ron's right hand landed on Mill's chest, propelling him six meters away. Mill swiftly regained his footing and assumed a defensive stance.
"What kind of fighting style is this? Where did you learn it?" Mill inquired, eager to discover who had taught Ron such a formidable technique.
Ron replied confidently, "This is my own fighting style, created specifically for me."
Mill, although shocked, had a hunch that Ron was being dishonest. He suspected that Ron had learned from someone else but was intentionally concealing that person's identity.
"You think you can fool me?" Mill retorted, not buying Ron's explanation.
Regardless of whether Mill believed him or not, Ron knew it didn't matter. Undeterred, Mill unleashed his full power, but before he could make a move, the senior referee intervened.
"Stop the match," the senior referee ordered, halting the fight. Confused, Mill protested, "What!? Why?! Hasn't the match properly started?"
"You're fighting too seriously on the first day of the academy. I'm putting an end to this match," the senior explained.
Respecting the decision, Ron complied, saying, "Okay, senior."
However, Mill was dissatisfied and desired to continue fighting. "No! I want to fight more. Hey, you, fight me again!" he challenged Ron, pointing his finger at him.
The senior referee intervened once more, advising Mill, "If you want to continue fighting, ask the professor for permission."
Realizing the consequences of provoking the professor, Mill begrudgingly accepted the situation and stepped down from the platform. He understood that irritating the professor, an A-Class hero, would only lead to trouble.
"You! We'll fight later." mill whispered to Ron before coming down from the platform and Ron answers him with loud voice while looking at him "I'm fine with right now," Ron responded calmly.
Hearing Ron's words, Mill grew even angrier, and I realized that both of them had hot-blooded personalities. It was crucial for me to manage their interactions carefully.