As Alex and Leon entered the bustling classroom, the noise of excited chatter filled the air. The large room was packed with students, all first-years eager to start their journey at Gaia Academy. Alex scanned the room, his sharp gaze taking in every detail, while Leon, sitting beside him, seemed at ease, a playful grin plastered on his face.
The noise level dipped as the door swung open, and a tall, stern-looking man strode in. His presence alone demanded attention. He had sharp, grey eyes that seemed to see everything and a voice that sliced through the remaining chatter like a knife.
"Welcome to your first class at Gaia Academy," he announced. "I am Professor Gerald Blackwood, your combat instructor. Today, we will assess your current level of strength. Follow me to the sparring area."
Without another word, he turned and exited the room, the students quickly falling in behind him. Alex and Leon exchanged a glance, and Leon's grin widened.
"Think he's as scary as he looks?" Leon whispered, nudging Alex.
"Scary? Maybe to someone who hasn't seen real danger," Alex replied calmly.
Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Always so serious, Alex. You've got to learn to relax."
"We'll see how relaxed you are after your match," Alex shot back, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
The sparring area was a large, open space surrounded by tall stone walls. The students gathered in a loose circle, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. Professor Blackwood stood at the center, clipboard in hand.
"Today, we start with a series of sparring matches to gauge your abilities," he said. "First up, Ethan Hale and Leon Gray."
At the sound of the names, Alex's eyes narrowed. Ethan Hale. The name was familiar, and for good reason. In his past life, Ethan had been one of the key figures who had stood against him, a hero destined to bring peace to the world. But for Alex, he had been nothing but a source of pain and betrayal.
Leon stepped into the ring, his usual playful demeanor replaced by one of intense focus. He drew his sword, the metal gleaming in the light, and took his stance.
Ethan Hale was already in the sparring circle, holding his spear with a confident smirk. "Leon Gray, the famous vlogger knight. I've seen your videos, and we've crossed paths at a few parties, haven't we? Let's see if you're as good in person as you are online."
Leon's grin didn't falter. "Guess we'll find out."
Ethan's words weren't just empty bravado. Leon was a well-known figure, not just as Alex Reinhart's knight but also as a social media celebrity. His vlogs, showcasing his training and adventures, had made him famous among the younger nobles. Many in the academy already knew who he was, including Ethan.
The two circled each other, the tension thick in the air. The students watched in silence, their eyes glued to the ring.
Ethan made the first move, his spear slicing through the air as he lunged at Leon with surprising speed. Leon met the attack with ease, his sword deflecting the spear's shaft with a sharp clang. They exchanged a flurry of blows, their weapons clashing with a rhythm that was almost like a deadly dance.
Ethan was fast, each strike precise and calculated, testing Leon's defenses. But Leon was quicker, his movements fluid, his sword an extension of his will. He deflected Ethan's attacks with practiced ease, his focus unbroken.
Then, Ethan's eyes glinted with determination. He channeled mana into his spear, the weapon's tip glowing with a faint blue aura. With a quick muttering of an incantation, he thrust forward, aiming straight for Leon's chest with a mana-infused strike.
Leon's eyes narrowed as he sensed the surge of mana. He wasn't about to be caught off guard. Summoning his own mana, Leon infused his sword with a golden light, raising it just in time to block Ethan's attack. The clash of mana sent a shockwave through the sparring area, causing the onlookers to gasp in awe.
Not giving Ethan a chance to recover, Leon pressed his advantage, driving Ethan back with a series of powerful, mana-enhanced sword strikes. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, each blow resounding with the force of their will.
Ethan gritted his teeth, realizing that Leon wasn't just skilled; he was relentless. In a swift move, Ethan switched tactics, releasing a burst of mana to propel himself backward, gaining some distance. He raised his spear again, muttering another incantation that caused the spear's blade to crackle with electric energy.
Leon responded in kind, spinning his sword to dispel the remaining mana in the air. He advanced on Ethan, his sword flashing with every strike as he sought to break through Ethan's defenses. The sheer speed and power of Leon's attacks left Ethan struggling to keep up, his focus slipping as he tried to anticipate Leon's next move.
The students watching were on the edge of their seats, the intensity of the fight far beyond what they had expected. Even Professor Blackwood, a veteran of countless battles, was impressed. These two are far beyond the average first-year students, he thought, his eyes narrowing. Especially Leon Gray. He's a natural warrior, with an exceptional control over his mana at such a young age…
But Ethan wasn't ready to give up. He summoned all his remaining mana, channeling it into his spear for one final, desperate thrust. He lunged at Leon with blinding speed, his spear crackling with energy, aiming for a decisive blow.
Leon was ready. He raised his sword, channeling his own mana into a powerful defense. The two attacks collided in a burst of light, the impact sending a shockwave through the arena that left the spectators stunned.
When the dust settled, both fighters stood their ground, breathing heavily.
Professor Blackwood stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. "That's enough," he said, his voice steady. "You've both demonstrated exceptional skill. Well done."
Leon and Ethan lowered their weapons, their mana dissipating as they caught their breath. As Leon walked back to stand beside Alex, he grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Not bad for a first day, huh?"
"You're slipping, Leon," Alex replied with a smirk. "I thought you had him when you blocked that last thrust."
Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Hey, I was just warming up. Next time, I'll make sure to win."
Professor Blackwood observed them quietly, nodding in approval. "These two...Leon Gray, especially. The Reinhart family chose well."
As the students began to disperse, Alex's eyes drifted back to Ethan, Liana, and Mira, who were now conversing quietly among themselves. They were formidable opponents, and he knew better than anyone the role they would play in the future.
But Alex was ready. Whatever came next, he would face it head-on.