In Leon's room.
"So, who is that Memma?"
"First off, she's a year older than us and looks like she's been here forever. I don't know exactly when she arrived, but when I got here, she was already around, you know? Anyway, there's this one special thing about her..."
Suddenly, she came to a halt, and the only term that could encapsulate this moment was déjà vu. An abrupt pause lingered, as she anticipated piquing Leon's curiosity, and Leon, having experienced a similar scenario before, didn't take long to break the silence.
"And that is?"
A prideful smile on her face, "She is a genius. A real one," slowly stated so.
"Alright, I'm all on ears."
Already intrigued by her peculiar nature and title, Triss managed to intensify Leon's curiosity with a single sentence. In doing so, she achieved her initial goal, leaving Leon with bright, inquisitive eyes.
It wasn't that he resembled an emotionless, grumpy, edgy character from a random cartoon, but rather, he made a conscious effort to keep his emotions in check most of the time.
"She is just one year older than us, but she is already a Level 3."
He raised an eyebrow in response to such lofty assertions. Achieving Level 3 at the age of fifteen was undoubtedly a commendable feat, warranting a place among the highly talented. However, labeling them as geniuses might be a bit of an exaggeration.
Ultimately, numerous children had the potential to attain such a level at her age, particularly if they hailed from clans.
Children from the clans tended to get stronger rapidly, even without a talent matching Memma's. While they too had limits imposed by their innate talents, many of them were inclined toward reaching at least Level 3.
Just as having a foolish person educated by the finest teachers results in nothing more than an educated fool, their situation mirrored a similar concept. While clans might not be able to elevate them to Level 4, reaching Level 3 was well within their capabilities.
Each clan boasted a minimum of one Level 5. Depending on the tier of the clan, this person often had the opportunity to assume a leadership role. And leaders naturally sought capable members, a common aspiration among clans.
Given this circumstance, Level 5 individuals within the clans also assumed the role of teachers. Moreover, a Level 5 teacher represented a dream for individuals with ordinary upbringings, much like Leon.
"Is that all?"
"Do we need any more reasons?" Answered his question with a question of hers.
But, "Seems like there's more to it," Triss's sly smile busted her easily.
An eyebrow shot to the heavens, "How did you know?"
"Are you kidding me right now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you doing that on purpose?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, it's fine when it's just the two of us, but let's not do that when we're talking to strangers, okay?"
"I really can't follow you."
"I'm talking about your face. Your smile gave you away. It might be a problem in the future. I know you can understand me since that we're both from Rebellious and all."
'Let's see if it will work.'
Leon was attempting to test something, more like trying to confirm a suspicion. In truth, he had two objectives in uttering those sentences. The first one was, quite literally, whatever he said.
He sincerely meant everything he had said and believed it to be imperative for her to recognize that aspect of herself sooner rather than later. It was a better safe than sorry mentality, so to speak.
Approximately twenty seconds elapsed before he reaped the fruits of his test.
The initial nod was succeeded by another, and soon after, a continuous series of nods signifying agreement from Triss, her right hand idly playing with her lips.
"I think… I think you are right. Yeah, yeah. I shouldn't do that."
With a smile that was about to reach his ears, "Yeah. Absolutely."
"So, how am I supposed to fix that?"
"I don't know."
"You're being quite helpful, you know?"
"I honestly have no clue. Maybe just try to be more aware of your expression?"
"What do you mean?"
"Just try not to smile or anything when you're with strangers."
"Well, I'll try that."
In Leon's perspective, addressing these crucial matters beforehand was a necessity. He needed Rebellious to get stronger, and Triss was a member of Rebellious. The possibility of her mistake leading to their downfall loomed, and in his book, one could never be cautious enough.
Now it was time to ask a personal question.
"What did you mean by spar?"
"Don't you know what spar means?"
"Of course, I do. But why would I be sparring with her?"
"Hmph," shot a little angry gaze, "You'd have preferred Claire, wouldn't you?"
"Yes, I would," then in a second added the crucial part, "If she were to not kill me."
"Pervert."
"Let's say I'm a person of high moral standards."
"Yeah, sure."
"Back to my question, please."
Let out a tiny sigh, "In short, she was my sparring partner when I first got here, so she should be yours too."
"There's logic in that. But, in this situation, shouldn't you be my sparring partner?"
"Hmm?" A second later, "Hold on, hold on! You can be right!"
"I know."
"Yeah, yeah. You are right. In this case, I'll be—"
Knock, knock, knock.
Leon heard a nostalgic knock, three humane knocks echoing through the room, prompting him to shoot a glance at Triss.
"This is how you should be knocking," and took his way to the door, didn't even care Triss's mocking gazes.
"Hello," greeted the genius, Leon.
However, the astute genius did something unexpected. She raised her fists and assumed a punching stance, springing lightly on her toes.
Actions speak louder than words.
"Seems like she will be your sparring partner, Mr. Great Mind."
"Weren't you the one going, 'Yeah, yeah, you're right!'?"
Out of reflex, turned her head a bit to the left, "I've no idea what you are talking about."
"Sure," he addressed both of the girls, "Are we doing it in the gym?"
"No. Follow me," and jumped to the front, Triss.
Their walk didn't last long. The destination lay just beneath them, parallel to the gym. The gym stretched out in front of them, on the other side of the base.
Although the door of this location fell short in size compared to the gym's massive entrance, the interior proved to be just as spacious.
"That's the ring," pointed at, Triss, a gray metallic ground.
It resembled nothing more than an ordinary metallic floor upon which Leon and Memma stepped, spanning around to cover half of the room. Everything appeared normal, devoid of anything out of the ordinary.
In fact, there wasn't a single item in the space. Not even ropes were present to confine fighters within the confines of a traditional ring.
For the next ten seconds, the sound of machines working began to fill the air, enveloping their ears. As the cacophony subsided, imposing glass walls materialized with might.
Glass protruded from the edges, encasing the ring and giving it the appearance of a zoo, allowing everyone outside to observe what transpired within. Clearly, the choice of glass walls over metallic ones served the purpose of providing visibility.
"Get ready to defend. I'll count down from three, and Memma's will beat the sh*t out of you, okay!?" Yelled, Triss, although she didn't have to, considering they were literally around twenty meters away from her at the moment.
Leon's eyes were fixed on Memma's. He wasn't merely gazing into her eyes, but scrutinizing her entire being. It wasn't a tactic learned through experience. After all, his experience in fighting was nothing more than a pile of childhood brawls.
This was something he had picked up from novels and movies, and he believed it was the right thing to do. After all, maintaining a professional demeanor would exert pressure on the opponent.
"Three, two, one… Go!"
And nothing happened.
The two continued to gaze intently at each other. Leon projected an air of toughness, while Memma maintained a stoic expression, devoid of any emotion.
If one side was feigning the demeanor of a seasoned fighter to exert pressure, then the other side carried a degree of veteran experience. At the very least, someone who had undergone a few battles.
Then she struck that iconic pose—opened her palms, lifted her fingers upward and downward, back to back. It was a clear invitation as if saying, 'Come here.'
'Fine. Let's get over with this. It's not like I'll be able to beat her anyway,' aware that his impending defeat was inevitable, a smile graced his face, 'But I want to feel the power of a Level 3.'
'One last check. Status.'
[Name: Leon Rastia]
[Race: Human]
[Universal Energy Arts: Level 1]
[Chaos: 1]
[STR: 6 (+9) STA: 0 (+9)]
[AGL: 0 (+10) INT: 0 (+12)]
[Unassigned Stat Points: 4]
[Magic: ----]
'I shouldn't waste my points, though.'
As he had done with the last check, slowly closed the distance. Silently, like a snake, he slid through his feet, inching closer until he was within proximity.
Then, in a burst of speed, he lunged forward to deliver a punch aimed at her head.
Just in a second, a sound echoed through.
Thud!