Elian wiped the sweat from his brow as he entered the Hand-to-Hand Combat training room. This class always sent a shiver down his spine – a strange mix of excitement and unease. The reason? The combat techniques he used were…unorthodox, to say the least. They stemmed from his encounter with his demonic alter ego, a creature that had gifted him, or perhaps cursed him, with the ability known as Endless Stride. This dark magic enhanced his movements in a way he couldn't fully explain, a secret he guarded fiercely.
Today's instructor, a wiry woman named Derya with eyes that held a lifetime of combat experience, barked out instructions. "Alright, maggots! Today, we're focusing on close-quarters combat. Partner up and let's see what you've got!"
Elian scanned the room, his gaze landing on a stocky boy named Ben, someone he'd sparred with before a long time ago in the past. Ben, known for his brute strength, approached Elian with a confident grin.
"Ready to get flattened again, Aetheris?" he booed.
Elian offered a neutral smile. "We'll see about that, Ben."
They took their positions, circling each other cautiously. Ben, true to form, launched into a clumsy but powerful attack, aiming a wild haymaker at Elian's head. Here's where things got interesting.
Elian felt a familiar tingle course through his veins, an echo of Endless Stride. Almost instinctively, he dipped under Ben's swing with an impossible grace, the world seeming to slow down for a split second. He capitalized on the opening, delivering a swift kick that sent Ben stumbling back with a surprised grunt.
Ben shook his head, a flicker of annoyance replacing his initial confidence. He lunged again, this time with a more controlled jab aimed at Elian's chest. But again, Elian moved like a phantom, his body seemingly defying physics as he slipped past the attack with an unnerving fluidity.
Frustration etched itself on Ben's face. He huffed, launching a series of desperate swings, each one easily evaded by Elian. It wasn't just his movements; Elian felt a preternatural awareness, an anticipation of Ben's attacks before they even landed.
"What the…" Ben muttered, his voice laced with confusion. "How are you doing that?"
Elian, struggling to keep his movements under control, simply shrugged. He couldn't explain it, not without revealing his secret. He needed to end this quickly before he lost control.
Spotting an opening, Elian countered with a series of strikes of his own. Unlike Ben's brute force, Elian's movements were precise and efficient, exploiting weaknesses in Ben's defenses. A well-placed elbow sent Ben reeling backward, a pained groan escaping his lips.
Seizing the opportunity, Elian pinned Ben with a swift maneuver. Ben stared at him, a mixture of disbelief and grudging respect in his eyes.
"Alright, that's enough!" Instructor Deryas
voice cut through the tension. She had been observing the spar with a growing interest, her initial amusement replaced by something akin to curiosity.
Elian and Ben stepped back, both panting heavily. Ben offered Elian a shaky handshake. "You… you were incredible," he conceded.
Elian returned the handshake, a sense of relief washing over him. He'd managed to win without fully unleashing the power of Endless Stride, keeping his secret safe.
Instructor Deryastrode towards them, her gaze fixed on Elian. "Aetheris," she said, her voice devoid of its usual gruffness. "You have a natural talent for this, a remarkable awareness and agility. Where did you learn to fight like that?"
Elian swallowed, his heart pounding in his chest. "Just… self-taught, instructor." It wasn't a complete lie. He had technically taught himself, using the instincts and techniques granted by the dark magic.
Instructor Derya gaze narrowed, but she didn't press the issue. "Well, Aetheris," she continued, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, "keep it up. You might just become something special here at Arcana Academia."
Elian couldn't help but grin, a surge of pride warming him from the inside out. He might be harboring a dark secret, but his skills were undeniable. And with Instructor Deryas recognition, he knew he was on the right path – a path that would lead him to mastering his unique abilities and becoming a powerful Battle Mage, one fight, one secret step at a time.