The morning sun cast a golden glow over the academy grounds, transforming the cool dew into a shimmering veil across the grass. Tristar walked alone across the training field, rolling his shoulders to loosen the tension from yesterday's teamwork trials. The soreness clung to him like a reminder of the mission's intensity, but he welcomed it, it was proof he was pushing his limits.
He wasn't alone for long. Axel approached with his usual swagger, clapping a hand on Tristar's shoulder. "Look at you, Klarent. Can't stay away from training even on a rest day, huh?"
Tristar chuckled, shrugging. "Old habits. Besides, if we want to stay ready, we can't slack off."
Axel's gaze sharpened. "Yesterday, when you were cutting through those constructs. I noticed something in the way you fought. Almost like…magic." Axel's grin was teasing, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "You got interesting trick you've got there, you're not gonna share?"
Tristar's stomach tightened. He'd worked hard to make his technique look natural, blending it with regular swordsmanship. Yet here was Axel, perceptive as ever, catching onto something he hadn't intended to reveal. Tristar managed to shrug, keeping his voice casual. "Just practice. Anyone can get fast with enough repetition."
"Hhhmmm" Axel replied, studying him closely. "If you say so."
Before their conversation could go deeper, Instructor Lynne's commanding voice cut through the air, calling the students to gather around. The group quickly formed, their faces a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Lynne's expression was serious, her eyes sweeping over them as she began.
"Today, you'll be sparring with upperclassmen" she announced, her tone brooking no argument. "Treat them as both mentors and rivals. This is a chance to observe their skills, absorb what you can, and learn."
Tristar's pulse quickened as he spotted the group of upperclassmen stepping forward. These students radiated confidence, each of them standing with a relaxed yet powerful stance. Among them, Tristar noticed a familiar face, the older student from his first day, the one who had watched his sparring with quiet scrutiny. Today, his gaze was fixed directly on Tristar.
"Pair up," Lynne continued, "and remember, this is not a fight for dominance. It's a chance to learn."
As the students began to disperse, Tristar moved toward the older student, who gave him a subtle nod. "Looks like we're facing each other again," the senior said, his voice calm. "I heard about your performance in the teamwork trial very impressive, but I think there's more to see."
Tristar nodded, swallowing down his unease. "I'll do my best."
They took their positions on an open stretch of the field, and Tristar quickly noted his opponent's relaxed stance, though he could feel the readiness in every part of the older student's body. Drawing his sword, he took a steadying breath, focusing on his own stance. This spar wasn't just about skill, it was about keeping his mysterious technique controlled, hidden.
They began slowly, moving in a measured rhythm. His opponent's attacks came in quick, precise bursts, each strike probing Tristar's defenses. Tristar met each blow with a practiced block, adapting to his opponent's tempo. Yet his mind raced as he looked for an opening, something to catch the senior off guard.
Then, without warning, the older student changed tactics. His movements became sharper, his attacks faster and more unpredictable. Tristar's body reacted instinctively, calling on the subtle edge of his technique as he deflected each blow. He felt the familiar tug in his core, the pull of his hidden strength urging him to cut through the air with something more than physical force.
But he held back, keeping his technique at bay. This spar was a test, but he couldn't afford to let his control slip.
The senior's eyes narrowed, his gaze catching Tristar's hesitation. He shifted his weight, delivering a powerful sweeping kick. Tristar tried to counter, but the kick caught him off balance, and he stumbled backward, his sword slipping from his grip as he fell to the ground.
"You're holding back" the senior observed, his tone calm but edged with curiosity. "I can feel it you're just holding yourself, not letting your body free."
Tristar picked himself up, dusting off his uniform. The senior's words hung in the air, both encouraging and challenging. His technique, no matter how carefully he hid it, it has begun to draw attention.
The sparring sessions concluded soon after, and as the students broke into groups to discuss their matches, Axel appeared at Tristar's side, clapping him on the back with his usual energy. "Looks like your fight got intense. You okay?"
Tristar nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah, just… got a little distracked a little."
"Is that all?" Axel's grin was knowing, though he didn't press further. "You're holding something back, Klarent. I've seen glimpses of it. Whatever it is, you should figure it out."
Tristar hesitated, his mind churning over the day's events. "It's not about holding back. It's… finding control. If I can't master it, then it's just a a pretty trick with a risk."
Axel nodded thoughtfully, his usual humor giving way to something more serious. "Fair enough. Just don't forget that sometimes you need to take a leap to see how far you can really go."
Their conversation was interrupted as Yuri joined them, her gaze thoughtful. "I think we all saw something new today. It's not just about being strong. It's about knowing when to use your strength and when to hold it back."
The trio fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own reflections. For Tristar, the spar had revealed more than he was ready to admit, even to himself. His technique wasn't just a tool; it was becoming a part of him, a skill he would need to master fully if he wanted to reach his goals.
As the students began dispersing, Tristar noticed Instructor Lynne speaking with the older student he'd sparred against. They stood a few feet away, their voices low and their expressions serious. He could only catch snippets of their conversation, but his name reached his ears, and a chill ran down his spine.
"…he has a potential" the senior was saying. "He has something, but he's holding back."
Lynne nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Then he needs guidance. And if he's not careful, holding back could be as dangerous as charging ahead unprepared."
Tristar quickly looked away, a mix of emotions roiling in his chest. His technique was no longer just his own secret, others were beginning to see it. With that realization came a sense of urgency. He'd have to decide how to handle the power that was growing inside him, especially if he wanted to prove himself without exposing too much, too soon.
As he walked back to the dorm, Tristar replayed the day's encounters in his mind. Axel's words, the senior's probing, and Lynne's watchful gaze all weighed on him. His technique was no longer just a hidden edge; it was a part of him that others could sense, and with that came the expectation to wield it wisely.
But in the quiet of the empty corridors, a small smile found its way onto his face. Despite the pressure, the doubts, and the mystery surrounding his technique, he felt something new: a flicker of excitement. For all the challenges that lay ahead, he was ready to face them, one step at a time.