The Venture members who were spectating the fight each had varying expressions on their faces.
Ehioze, Claudette and Killian all seemed intrigued with the fight with impressed looks on their faces, Diaphine and Alcione had smiles on their faces, Eiden looked excited while Herys had … and finally Miles and Sooyun had more serious expressions on their faces.
The fight was interesting to watch especially considering how different the two Fighters were. Kenneth definitely had a more aggressive and straightforward way of fighting while Evaun's was more careful and calculating.
"Excellent work from both of you," Alcione said as the two of them settled back into their seats. "Now, we'll provide our assessments and discuss areas for improvement."
He began, turning his attention to Montgomery. "Montgomery, you're a highly skilled fighter with a remarkable ability to analyze your opponent and base your attacks on precise calculations. That's a significant strength."
"However," Alcione continued, "this methodical approach can sometimes come across as overly cautious. We saw this in your spar with Greywater. You missed several opportunities to attack, which gave Greywater a distinct advantage. It's understandable; you've never faced a loss before, and this is a situation you likely hadn't anticipated."
Evaun flinched slightly, recognizing the truth in Alcione's words. His undefeated record had led him to believe his strategies were flawless, leaving him unprepared to adapt.
"Your approach, while effective in the past, faltered against an opponent whose moves you couldn't predict. This isn't a fault of yours but rather an indication that adaptability is an area needing improvement. In the real world, you won't have the luxury of choosing your opponents. A fighter must be able to adjust their tactics to match their adversary."
Alcione's gaze softened as he finished, sensing Evaun's internal struggle. "It's clear you need to evolve to break through defenses like Kenneth's. It's a challenge, but one you're more than capable of meeting."
Evaun's expression tightened, though he remained silent. Despite his reluctance, he knew Alcione was right. He resolved to enhance his skills and grow stronger, determined to overcome obstacles like Kenneth's defenses.
Turning his attention, Alcione offered a small smile before addressing Kenneth. Her expression remained inscrutable, making it difficult to gauge her thoughts or feelings.
"Kenneth Greywater, you're an exceptional fighter with skills that would impress even a third-year student. Your experience is evident; you handle opponents of any strength or stature with ease. Despite your smaller frame, you can withstand powerful attacks and extricate yourself from challenging situations.
The various techniques you use allow you to inflict significant damage while also minimizing the drawbacks of your strikes. I see you prefer an aggressive stance, which works well in many cases. However, a strong defense is crucial for a fighter, though I suspect that won't be a significant issue for you." Alcione added with a light chuckle.
The others nodded in agreement, not interrupting Alcione. From observing her brief spar with Evaun, it was clear Kenneth was adept at adapting to any position with ease.
"You deliver powerful strikes and employ somewhat unconventional techniques. I noticed you favor an older style of martial arts, which is effective, but I believe incorporating more modern techniques could enhance your performance. While everyone is entitled to their own fighting style, adapting and evolving could be beneficial."
Kenneth listened carefully, considering Alcione's feedback. Although her techniques were considered outdated by current standards, they were cutting-edge in her previous world. While it might be challenging to shift her style, she was open to making adjustments.
"Other than that," Alcione concluded, "there's nothing else that needs changing—"
"I disagree." A deep voice interrupted. Everyone turned toward the door of the training room to see Lucien Canmore standing there, looking as imposing as ever, with a serious expression.
The soft smile on Alcione's face vanished, replaced by a look of panic as he encountered the one person he least wanted to see at that moment.
"Captain…how great of you to grace us with your presence." Alcione said, his voice tight as he struggled to maintain a composed smile.
"She clearly lacks a fundamental quality expected of a Fighter from the prestigious Toleran Academy," Lucien said, dismissing Alcione's greeting.
Alcione's eyes twitched as he struggled to maintain a polite smile. The tension between the two was palpable, and the other members tried to ignore it, not wanting to get caught in the middle of their conflict.
"Are you implying I missed something in my assessment?" Alcione asked.
"Yes," Lucien replied bluntly. "While Greywater is indeed an exceptional fighter, her style is crude, almost primal, especially compared to Montgomery's refined and structured approach. Our academy has a certain image to uphold. Promoting individuality is important, but some refinement would be beneficial."
The room fell silent as the students processed Lucien's words. Realizing that he had essentially insulted Kenneth's fighting style, they turned to gauge her reaction. To their surprise, Kenneth's expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn't heard a word he said.
They were impressed by her level of composure as she sat there patiently waiting for him to finish. Alcione looked at the man with wide eyes not believing what he had just said.
Wait, why am I even surprised? This is Lucien we are talking about. He's always so harsh but still this is too much.
Alcione let out a soft laugh, attempting to reason with him. "Captain, while I understand your point, don't you think you're being a bit excessive? There's nothing wrong with showing some aggression in a fight."
Lucien's expression remained impassive. "You're right—aggression isn't inherently wrong. However, in this case, Greywater is using her aggression to mask a lack of strength. How long can this approach be effective? She's no different from Montgomery, who struggles to adapt against opponents he can't handle. Both need to find ways to demonstrate strength without resorting to such a primal approach."
The students' jaws dropped as they absorbed his words. Not only had Lucien insulted Kenneth, but he had also indirectly criticized Evaun.
Who was this guy?!
Lucien turned to Kenneth, who now wore an amused expression. He raised his brows, clearly taken aback by her reaction.
"Do you disagree with my assessment?" he asked, his tone flat.
Kenneth shook her head, still meeting his gaze. "Not from your perspective, no."
Lucien's brows lifted again. "Oh? Then please, enlighten me," he said coldly.
Kenneth responded, "While you might see my aggressive approach as a way to mask a lack of strength, have you ever considered that I fight this way simply because I want to?"
The comment stunned everyone in the room, including the Venture members.
Lucien paused, his gaze fixed intently on Kenneth.
"…You fight this way because you want to?"
"Yeah," Kenneth shrugged.
"It's enjoyable for me," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "I get to release all my pent-up emotions through my fighting. Plus, it's the only method I know." She didn't elaborate further on her last point.
Lucien's expression grew thoughtful as he processed her words.
The two remained locked in a silent stare, neither willing to break eye contact.
It was Alcione's clearing of his throat that finally prompted them to look away.
"Well, that's noted. We can delve into this further at another time. For now, let's proceed with the other sparring matches," Alcione said, eager to diffuse the charged atmosphere that had settled over the room.
*
Practice had ended and Kenneth wanted nothing more than to take a long shower and lay in bed like the dead. She was exhausted both mentally and physically and she could no longer stand the stares she was getting from Lucien.
Though a part of her was happy at the fact that she got to see him after such a long time, after their last interaction, she couldn't tell whether she still felt the same way.
As she pulled out her watch letting Fletcher know she'd be in charge of cooking tonight, she felt herself being pulled back.
Turning around she was met with Lucien who was staring intently at her. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. Lucien Canmore was strikingly attractive as he towered over Kenneth. His midnight-black hair flowed down his back and instead of partially covering his right eye, they were tucked behind his ear exposing his sharp amber eyes even more. His thin lips that rarely curved into a full smile was now tilted to the side as he searched her face. A subtle, warm scent seemed to envelop Kenneth's senses creating an oddly comforting presence. Despite his stoic demeanor, Lucien's combination of features and intensity made him both captivating and formidable, making the feelings she had tried so hard to push down resurface.
"May I speak with you for a moment?" He asked in a low voice.
"Why, you wish to insult me even further?" She replied, her face hiding her true feelings.
Just as he was about to reply, loud cries of laughter interrupted him as the group of students were chatting away excitedly about their plans for the weekend and cries seemed to only get louder.
Annoyed by their interruption, Lucien shot them with a subtle glare which ended up frightening the students as they fled for their lives. Kenneth who watched the scene was in awe.
"Wow, your ability to clear the room like that is impressive." She remarked with genuine admiration which caused Lucien to give her a stern yet complicated look to which she shrugged.
Lucien let out a sigh as he continued, "It wasn't my intention to insult you. I only wanted to give you constructive criticism."
"It sure didn't sound like it." Kenneth scoffed.
"I apologize, I tend to speak a little bluntly which can often come off as me being rude."
Kenneth's gaze softened as she saw how genuine his apology was. She could no longer find herself being angry, in fact she wasn't even sure she had been angry in the first place. "It's fine, it's not like I took your comment to heart."
Lucien seemed to look relieved with Kenneth accepting his apology.
"You are probably the first person to not get offended by my words." He mumbled to himself.