The training ground buzzed with anticipation as students lined up with their partners, ready for the session. Nox stood beside Thea, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he surveyed the scene before him.
Sylvan stood front and center, his trademark toothy grin plastered across his face as he appraised each student with a quick, discerning glance. But it was Linus who truly caught everyone's attention.
Standing beside Sylvan, Linus cut a pitiful figure. His skinny frame was on full display, his upper body bare and seemingly devoid of any muscle definition. The excitement that had earlier animated his features was now completely absent, replaced by a dull, soulless expression. It was as if the very life had been drained from him.
Oblivious—or perhaps indifferent—to Linus's sorry state, Sylvan cleared his throat. His voice boomed across the training ground, demanding attention.
"Alright, class," he began, his eyes sweeping over the assembled students. "Today, we plunge headfirst into combat training."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "Before we begin, let me impart a crucial lesson—one I've shared with every student I've ever taught. The only true path to improvement in combat is through engagement. It's in the crucible of battle that you truly discover your strengths and weaknesses."
Suddenly, Sylvan's hand came down on Linus's back with a resounding clap, causing the younger man to stiffen like a startled cat.. With a toothy grin, Sylvan added, "And of course, this training forges an unbreakable bond with your partners."
Linus only gave him a sidelong glance and said nothing, his earlier dreams of training was shattered by the harsh reality beside him.
Just a while ago, Linus had been brimming with excitement, imagining himself paired with a dazzling beauty, someone who would make his heart race and his palms sweat But the instant Sylvan had announced himself as Linus's partner, that excitement had vanished faster than free samples at a grocery store. Now, all Linus wanted was for this nightmare to end so he could flee the training ground as quickly as possible.
"That was just a brief overview," Sylvan continued, oblivious to Linus's inner turmoil. "Since this is your first combat training session, Linus and I will demonstrate the basics. Everyone, observe us carefully."
...…..
Sylvan and Linus positioned themselves in the middle of the training ground, surrounded by a ring of eager students.
Nox looked at Linus at the center and saw him looking at him with 'save me' written all over his face. Nox turned away, his eyes brimming with pity. 'Sorry, Linus,' he thought. 'It's not that I don't want to help... It's just that Sylvan is too strong.'
Despite his sympathy, Nox couldn't help but lean forward, intrigued. He wondered if Sylvan would once again expand his horizon and show something new.
"Alright, Linus! Come at me with everything you've got." Sylvan assumed a relaxed stance and said confidently.
Linus blinked rapidly, the reality of the situation sinking in. There was no escaping this confrontation; he would have to face Sylvan regardless. A fleeting thought crossed his mind—perhaps he could impress a girl or two with a display of bravery?
Thinking till here, Linus took a deep breath and lunged toward Sylvan. "Take this!"
...And then, there was silence.
In the next ten minutes, the training ground became a stage for a masterful display of agility and skill.
Not for Linus but for Sylvan. Everyone saw a stark contrast between Linus's struggling attempts and Sylvan's effortless defense. Not only, Linus' attacks seem uncoordinated and lacking in strength but he paused every thirty seconds just to gasp for breath.
Nox watched his friend with a sympathetic expression. 'This is what happens when you neglect your physical body,' he thought, observing Linus's struggle in the ring. Several times over the past few minutes, Nox had been tempted to step in and replace Linus, but he quickly reminded himself that he was in no better condition. In fact, he reluctantly admitted to himself, he was probably even weaker than Linus.
"I think that's enough." Sylvan raised his hand and said with a frown on his face. At those words, Linus immediately halted his efforts and collapsed to the ground, desperately gulping for air.
Sylvan's frown deepened as he surveyed the scene, his usual cheerfulness nowhere to be seen. "You're even weaker than I imagined," he said, shaking his head dramatically. "Tsk, tsk! Right now, you don't need combat training—you need basic body strengthening exercises."
He paused, rubbing his forehead with an exaggerated, speechless expression. "If others knew my students were this weak, I'd be ashamed to show my face."
It was evident that Sylvan was genuinely disappointed. His voice took on a more serious tone as he continued, "Today, I'll formulate a new training plan for you all. Tomorrow, we start your basic body training. So today's class is dismissed."
Without warning, Sylvan bent over and scooped Linus onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Little guy, you're coming with me," he announced, his tone softening slightly. "I'll take you to the nurse for some healing as your body is really messed up"
Without waiting for Linus' agreement, Sylvan strode toward the exit, leaving the others staring after him in confusion, unsure of what to do next. As they only had one lecture today.
As he reached the doorway, Sylvan paused and glanced back, as if suddenly remembering something. "Oh! I forgot to mention," he called out, his usual mischievous glint returning to his eyes, "Since class is dismissed, you're free to go home."
Then, a cheeky grin spread across his face. "Or maybe," he drawled, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, "You can go on a date with your partners? You know, practice some... err... bonding exercises'?"