Reese didn't flinch, despite Cedric's sudden appearance just from behind. Instead, she turned her head slightly and responded with her usual calm demeanor.
"Hello, Senior," she greeted politely, remaining completely unfazed by his unexpected approach.
Cedric raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "How is it that you're not startled, even though I snuck up on you like that?" he asked, a hint of playfulness in his voice. It was clear he had hoped to catch her off guard.
Reese smiled softly. "I sensed someone behind me before you even spoke," she replied, her tone light yet composed.
Cedric chuckled, a little disappointed but impressed. "Aww, I really wanted to surprise you, though," he said, shaking his head as if his little trick had been spoiled.
Reese allowed herself a small grin. "I'm afraid that's not possible. I have a pretty good sixth sense and sharp reflexes," she teased lightly, her eyes gleaming with a hint of confidence.
Cedric laughed, his good-natured spirit not dimmed in the slightest. "Well, I suppose it can't be helped, then," he said with a chuckle, running a hand through his hair. He seemed to enjoy the challenge Reese presented, even if it didn't go according to his plan.
The brief exchange lightened the atmosphere, and though Reese remained focused on her upcoming training, she couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. Cedric's cheerful presence had a way of softening the tension around her.
"Thanks to you, I now have a worthy partner to practice swordplay with," Cedric said with a playful grin, as if relieved. His tone was light, but there was genuine appreciation in his eyes. "By the way, you don't have any complaints about being paired with me for practice, right?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Not at all," Reese replied with a small smile. "In fact, it's nice to have you as my practice partner, Senior. Most of the other students seem too busy whispering behind my back while sneaking glances at me." She laughed slightly, casting a sharp glance toward a particular student in the distance who had been giving her side-eye for quite some time. As her eyes met with him, he flinched and quickly looked away.
Cedric chuckled, clearly entertained by the situation. "That's true. It seems like some people's pride is bruised, seeing you here unbothered after all the effort they put in to try and keep you out," he said, his voice laced with mockery.
Reese nodded, her gaze sweeping over the training grounds. The tension in the air was palpable, with a few members of Crimson Claw still giving her cold stares, their defeat at her hands still fresh in their minds. But she remained calm, her posture relaxed, as if none of it fazed her.
"They'll get used to it eventually," she said, her voice steady. "Since they don't have other choices."
Cedric glanced around as well, his smile widening. "I know right." he replied, the confidence in his tone clear. "In the meantime, let's give them something to really talk about, shall we?"
..
Professor Castellanor entered the training ground with a commanding presence, his tall, broad figure casting an authoritative shadow as he strode to the front of the hall. His mere arrival shifted the atmosphere; the students instinctively straightened their postures, eyes locked on him. He had the air of someone who had seen many battles and mastered countless techniques.
"Good morning, class," his voice boomed, sharp yet calm. "Today, we'll be diving deeper into swordplay fundamentals. I'll be showing you techniques that not only require strength but precision—an extension of the body and mind. Watch closely."
With a swift, almost effortless motion, he unsheathed his sword, demonstrating a series of fluid yet powerful strikes. His movements were precise, every swing purposeful. It wasn't just about speed or force; it was about control. His sword seemed to glide through the air, cutting imaginary opponents with grace and deadly intent.
As the students observed in awe, Professor Castellanor's sharp gaze swept over them. "Pair up," he ordered. "Practice these techniques. Remember, your sword is an extension of you—every motion should be deliberate."
Reese found herself paired with Cedric, one of the most skilled students in the class. His reputation preceded him, and Reese had heard from Juniper about his ease and charm. Now, face to face, she could sense the confidence radiating off of him, though not in an arrogant way.
"Ready?" Cedric said with an easy smile, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.
Reese returned the smile, nodding in agreement.
They took their positions and began practicing the techniques Professor Castellanor had demonstrated. Cedric's movements were sharp, quick, and precise, his sword cutting through the air with practiced ease. Reese matched him blow for blow, her focus unwavering.
"You're pretty good," Cedric commented as their swords clashed softly. "I haven't faced anyone this controlled of your age. No wonder those four lost to you like that."
"You could say I'm one in a million." Reese deflected his strike with a smirk. "I try to keep my skills sharp."
Cedric laughed lightly, stepping back to reposition himself. "Well, it shows. A lot of people rely too much on force in these classes, but you've got balance. That's hard to come by."
Reese nodded, appreciating the compliment but keeping her focus. They continued sparring, exchanging light banter between swings and parries. The rhythmic clinking of swords filled the room, blending with the sounds of other students practicing nearby.
"Did you always have an interest in swordsmanship?" Cedric asked, making a swift move that Reese narrowly dodged.
"It's something I've always been passionate about," Reese replied, countering his strike with a fluid motion. "There's something... grounding about it. To me, swordsmanship is more than just skill."
Cedric grinned, enjoying the back-and-forth, both in conversation and combat. "I can relate to that. It's not just about winning. It's about mastering yourself."
"What about you? Why did you choose swordsmanship as your major?" Reese asked, her eyes never leaving Cedric's blade.
"Well, it's partially because it seemed interesting. But the main reason is I'd rather be doing this than drowning in piles of books like the mage-class students. Seeing Julius buried between mountains of research papers all day sometimes makes me question his life choices."
"Mage-class students must have a lot of patience," Reese said.
"I know, right? Like, what is even there to be interested about? I'm pretty sure that's why Julius is already losing all sense of youth and acting like an old man. My poor friend—I'm genuinely concerned for him." Cedric half-joked.
The two continued sparring, each pushing the other to refine their form. Though the practice was rigorous, there was an undeniable rhythm to their movements—a dance of steel and strategy.
As the class went on, Professor Castellanor walked between the pairs, offering occasional advice or correcting form. When he stopped near Reese and Cedric, his eyes appraised their technique for a moment.
"Good form," he said, his voice stern but approving. "Keep refining your control. Always remember that speed without precision is wasteful."
Both Reese and Cedric nodded, thankful for the acknowledgment before resuming their sparring. The class continued in a steady flow, filled with the sharp sound of clashing swords, punctuated by moments of small talk and shared concentration.
By the end of the class, Reese felt a satisfying exhaustion settle in her muscles, a sign of a productive session. She and Cedric shared a nod of mutual respect before parting ways. As the students began to file out of the training hall, Professor Castellanor's words echoed in her mind: 'precision and control'.
It was already lunch time. As Reese stepped out of the training ground, she immediately spotted Juniper waiting for her near the entrance. Juniper waved, her usual bright smile in place.
"Hey! I already grabbed lunch for us," Juniper said merrily, holding up a small cloth-wrapped bundle in each hand. "The cafeteria's crammed right now, so I figured it would be better to find a quieter spot to eat."
Reese smiled, appreciating the thoughtfulness. "Good call. I'm starving after all these training."
Juniper motioned for Reese to follow her. "Come on, I know just the place."
They walked side by side through the academy's stone pathways, weaving past students and bustling groups. Juniper led the way toward a quieter part of the campus, eventually stopping at the corner of Ivyshade Garden, a secluded area tucked behind a row of tall, ancient trees. The garden was peaceful, its flowers blooming vibrantly in the soft afternoon light. A wooden bench sat under the shade of a large three, providing the perfect spot to sit and enjoy their meal.
"Here we are," Juniper said, gesturing to the bench. "Much better than the noisy cafeteria, right?"
Reese nodded, taking a seat and stretching out her tired muscles. "Definitely."
Juniper handed her one of the bundles, and they both began to unpack their lunch, enjoying the quiet serenity of the garden as they settled in for their meal.
As Reese was about to take a bite from her sandwich, the murmur of voices drifted through the quiet garden. It wasn't just casual conversation—there was something unsettling in the mix. Then came the faint but distinct sound of someone sobbing.
"Do you hear that?" Juniper asked, pausing with her food halfway to her mouth.
Reese nodded, her senses sharpening in an instant. "Yes," she replied, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the direction of the noise. Her instincts kicked in, alerting her that something was wrong.
___