After getting dressed the two leave their room and wait for Victor. Seeing his eyes drooping Albert can't help but exclaim.
"Did the two of you go out last night".
"No".
"Sorry".
Seeing as the other gave conflicting answers Albert gets more annoyed.
"What are we doing up this early?".
"We have class, did you not read the manual" Albert proceeds to slap Victor with it.
"Its split into four parts, we are heading to training now. Later we will do theory, Joint combat and self-practice".
"How tiring".
The trio along with the other dozen students of class E gathered at one of the fields. Scattered on the dirt mound in the centre lay multiple weapon racks.
Seeing a familiar face Leon walks over to them as everyone awaits the teacher.
"Hey Lydia" as Leon tries to smooth over their last encounter his words are interrupted by three of their classmates.
"So this is the one who needed to rely on her parents to get in" the approaching man snickers while he talks to the woman on his right.
"I saw her trial battle, she was absolutely pitiful. I bet the children in my town are stronger than her" the woman chimes in.
As Leon sees water begin to gather at her eyes he steps forward, declaring his presence.
"What's your problem with her?"
"My problem is, that she is a weakling who is taking up a spot from someone more deserving" the man answers, unhappy with the sudden intrusion.
The reply gives pause to Leon for a second, deciding to forget the politics he focuses on the problem instead.
"You think you have the right to insult someone over a matter they may not even have control over?"
"You're pissing me off, I bet you are the same, using your mommas power to get in here" increasing his tone he shouts at Leon.
The other man points out "I didn't see him do a trial, bet your right".
"Well then how about we show you what real applicants look like. Stone skin" the man unleashes his magic, coating his arms with hardened rock.
He begins swinging at Leon with his right arm.
Dodging gracefully, Leon jabs him in retaliation.
"You bastard" straightening himself, the man strikes with all his might.
Leon moves his left hand in the way catching it. As the stone skin crumbles from the force the man's face darkens.
'Is he just that weak?' the unexpected result leaves some doubt in his mind.
Before either side can continue, a voice booms from the centre "gather up". The arrival of the teacher ends the scuffle.
"Hello students my name is Croyden Wolf. You can call me Mr Wolf. Firstly I just want to address that many people believe Class E is full of rejects soon to kicked out but I believe that each of you holds the potential to move to Class D. That is what I, as this class's teacher, am to help you accomplish". Gathering the attention of every student as their spirits are rekindled he continues.
"This class is meant to serve as way for students to train their abilities using the help of a supervisor. I also intend to prepare you all for the hunt exam in a months' time. First let's pair up everyone, then together you can go through some basic attacks and blocks with several weapons".
"Hey, sorry about last time" Leon tries to restart his conversation
"An no, its no problem. I was just embarrassed and didn't know what to do" as her cute face looks up towards Leon her cheeks slightly redden "thank you for helping me out just before".
"No problem, I'm happy to help anyone who needs it." his voice trails off as he walks over one of the racks. "Is there a particular weapon you want to start with?"
"Uh, I'm not really familiar with any" Lydia answers, slightly worried about her lack of experience.
"Then its probably best to start with the spear, easy to learn and quite useful".
Leon goes and picks up a pair of spears, throwing one of them to Lydia.
"First for hand position you should hold it here. Plants your legs here, you want to use your whole body not just arms". As Leon explains the two begin some basic drills as Lydia slowly progresses.
"Wow Leon, you're such a good teacher" Lydia looks towards him a sparkle in her eyes.
"Thanks, I guess".
As they continue their spar Croyden looks over the pair. Making rounds through the pairs he can't help but think 'this young man is quite skilled'. Continuing onwards he finds the thought coming back again 'this one is also rather talented, is it their nature then as to why they hold back?' Keeping his thoughts to himself, he aids the struggling students.
Finishing with the class Leon meets up with Victor and Albert, the trio then sit up the back of the lecture hall for the next class.
15 minutes or so in and Victor can't take it any more and falls asleep.
"Monster classes can be broken down into classes E to S, with SS and SSS above those. For each of these respective classes exist a human tier. Civillian, Soldier, Captain, Warrior, Knight, Champion, Paladin and Noble. Its expected that a small group of people will be able to beat the corresponding category".
"Hey Albert, what level do you think the strongest students of our grade are?" Leon couldn't help but asking.
"Excluding Galatea, as who knows where she ranks, maybe something like Knight class or even Champion maybe".
"Now above SSS rank is what we call 'monster' rank, named monsters can exist at this level. The existence of each of these is a threat to our kingdom, as such we hope some of the gifted among you eventually reach the rank of Noble or above".
"For your assessment, in a months' time there will be a hunt, then normally you will join some of the second years on an excursion, with the national festival being held in mid-winter and finals during spring. Are there any questions? Tomorrow we will work on magic projection".
Seeing the Lecture wrapping Leon nudges Victor awake.
Leaving class Albert mentions:
"I hope the joint class doesn't have us pairing up with the class B students".
"Yeah, there mostly stuck up nobles" Victor chimes.
"Hey I'm a noble".
"Yeah, you're stuck up to"
"Haha, hey it could be fun" watching the two bicker Leon mentions.
"No" both respond together.
'No was indeed right'.
"Some of the students of class E will be pairing up with you class B students and in a week, you will face off against a Champion. Class A and D will be doing a similar exercise. I'm sure with the talent of you nobles you should be able to fair well even whilst being paired with lowborn". The woman speaking was class B teacher obviously unhappy with the arrangement.
"This exercise is meant to focus on teamwork and learning new skills from your peers" Croyden counters.
"If there is any".
"Now for the pairs class B rank 1 Hela and Class E rank 11 Leon".
Hearing his name called out so early he hears the mutters of the nearby students.
"Sounds like they are pairing the weakest with the strongest, isn't too big a handicap?"
"Then it will just be Hela's solo show".
"Maybe she can suck out his magic, might be the only way he can useful".
"I bet she would do it if she thinks it help her beat Galatea. Does he even have enough magic though?"
Deciding to focus on list instead of the chatter Leon finds out Victor and Lydia are paired with someone he hasn't heard, and Albert isn't paired.
"Alright now go and find your partner" Croyden shouts.
Leon walks over to Hela, her red hair and tall build making her easy to spot.
"Hello there, I'm Leon".
"The student from class E, look how about you just sit back, and I will fight the champion alone. It's not like you will be much help anyway".
"No" Leon immediately responds, the confidence in her eyes stunning Hela for a moment.
Regaining her posture, she leans forward her eyes looking down at Leon "excuse me".
"I will not allow myself to stall because of some silly reason, if you don't wish to practice, I will prepare to fight them alone" the annoyance in his tone clearly present.
"Just don't get in my way" deciding the conversation wasn't going her way Hela leaves angrily.