Returning to my previous spot in the training grounds, I could feel some mocking gazes coming from the other students.
I am weak, I know that. I held the lowest rank, my potential is low and even my elemental aptitudes are below par.
My Ice and Darkness affinities were feeble, which meant I had to work twice as hard to master those elements compared to my classmates who possessed stronger affinities.
'Tiresome...'
Yet, I didn't feel depressed. In my eyes this was a mere inconvenience, a temporary setback. I knew I could fix this in the future, so dwelling on present shortcomings seemed pointless.
No matter how many disdainful would be thrown my way, I wouldn't care.
'Status.'
Brushing my white strands of hair away from my face, I called out the System Window.
~~~ Status ~~~
Name: Note Enderfrost
Rank: G
Strength: G
Agility: G+
Stamina: G
Intelligence: G
Charm: F-
<-- Mastery -->
Swordsman [ Lv. 2 ]
The degree of understanding the user has of the sword.
<-- Weapon Art -->
Frostbite's Blade [ ✪✪ ] - Novice Proficiency
Frostbite's Blade is a weak-level technique that infuses the wielder's weapon with a subtle chill, causing a fleeting numbing sensation upon contact.
[ First Technique { Chilly Sweep } ]
The user coats their weapon in a layer of ice, enhancing its cutting power and freezing potential.
<-- Skills -->
Demon's Veil { G }
A skill honed by demons to conceal their distinct racial traits, rendering them indiscernible from other beings.
~~~~~~~~~~
Not much had changed since my last check. Only my swordsmanship has ascended to Level 2, and the first movement of my weapon art, Frostbite's Blade, is now elucidated.
Although I still have a long way to go, I can see progress in my abilities. It might be small but it's still there.
'One step at the time...'
Whispering to myself, I raised my gaze from the System Window, locking eyes straight ahead.
"Thank you all for assembling today. Class dismissed. Don't forget your weapons for tomorrow's session."
Since I was the last on the list, right after my elemental evaluation was over, it didn't take long for Lucas to dismiss the entire class.
Slowly, most of the students went toward their dorms, planning to jump back into their beds. However, I knew that there was no way I could go back to sleep so I decided to stay in the training ground and practice on my own.
"Look at him, Rank 3655, what's the point of even trying?"
As some students departed, their mocking glances and fragmented comments echoed around me.
Fortunately, I had enough brain cells to ignore them.
Only after a solid ten minutes did I draw my sword, hidden at my waist. There was no need to show them I was a hard worker.
I knew that my training would, of course, attract negative attention so I chose to wait until everyone left before beginning my practice.
"3 hours should be enough..."
***
"Where are you going?"
Exiting the training grounds, Eldric asked Arthur who seemed to be half asleep. He was barely able to keep his eyes open as he mumbled a response.
"bed."
Eldric nodded and watched as Arthur stumbled away, his footsteps growing fainter. He then turned his attention to Luna, however his sister was already gone from his view.
This left him, Lily and Adela.
"Do you wanna spa-?"
However, before he could even finish his sentence, Adela immediately shook her head and responded with a firm.
"No, thank you."
The only one left was Lily.
"I give up."
Unfortunately, she didn't feel up for sparring either.
"..."
Looking at the girls in disappointment, Eldric sighed and bid them farewell as he made his way back to the training grounds.
Adela looked at his disappearing figure and sighed. This didn't slip past Lily's notice.
"Go for it."
She nudged Adela's arm, who looked at her with a surprised expression.
"What?"
Her long eyelashes fluttered, she was completely oblivious to what Lily meant.
"Go after him."
Lily clarified with a playful smile.
For a moment, they both grew silent, however, Adela's face began to flush with a faint blush. Realizing what Lily was implying, Adela quickly shook her head and stammered out a response.
"It's no-t like that..."
"It's just...I mean, we're just friends, right?"
Looking at Adela with a smirk, Lily replied.
"Sure, just friends... Of course, you would want him to think of you as more than a friend."
She stuck out her tongue and began walking away from Adela, leaving her standing there with a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
"Go and 'spar' him with your feelings!"
Adela's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she watched Lily walk away and heard her words.
"It's not that easy..."