Professor Eustass, the Aura Instructor, who was behind the group gently nodded after hearing his fellow professor's conversations.
He had actually been here since the start of the match as he heard that Professor Althea was the mediator of this match…
"He's really suited to practice swordsmanship and learn how to use Aura..."
He had been silent until now, but as Hayden deflected another of Graham's strikes, he couldn't help but comment… After all, he could tell that Hayden seemed to possess a special physique that could harness Aura even at a young age.
It was something that he had never felt or seen before. This wasn't a mere guess but it was something he had been thinking about now for over the past few months.
This match simply solidified his previous guess.
"That boy… he's not just using the basic stances. He's mastered them. Those transitions are too smooth, and efficient, with no wasted motion. It's like he's been training for decades."
Mistress Hannah glanced at him. "Do you think he's had private training? Perhaps from his brothers? Or a Knight hired by his father?"
Sir Schwarz shook his head. "No. This is something different. It's like he's… anticipating Graham's moves before they happen. I've never seen anything like it."
As the match continued, the crowd's conversations grew louder.
Needless to say, Graham's frustration became even more evident. After all, Hayden even seemed to be using him as a training partner and not an opponent!
He also felt annoyed seeing how Hayden was so calm…
"Did you see that? Hayden just countered Graham's thrust with a perfect Side Stance! That's the fourth stance, right? I thought it was useless!" One student exclaimed.
"And now he's using the Charging Stance! He used it defensively… I thought it's used to stab your target's throat."
Carl, on the other hand, felt a bit pity that Hayden's brothers weren't here.
"They shouldn't have visited the marketplace today. This is insane. Graham's twice his size, and Hayden's just… toying with him."
Lila smirked. "Told you. Hayden's not just a kid. He's something else."
***
Graham's frustration reached its peak as he heard the conversations.
As a matter of fact, he believed that those loud conversations were deliberate in order to mess with his focus.
Soon, he charged forward, swinging his sword in a wide, diagonal arc.
Hayden recognized the move immediately—it was the same sloppy attack Graham had used earlier.
Hayden shifted into the Reverse Stance, turned on his heel, and moved his body to face the opposite direction.
As Graham's sword passed harmlessly by, Hayden stepped forward into the Overhead Stance, raising his sword above his head.
Hayden then brought his sword down, striking Graham's wrist.
Pah!
Just like that, the boy's sword clattered to the ground, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Even the professors couldn't hide their admiration.
It was the end of their match.
Mistress Hannah sighed, shaking her head. "I never thought I'd see the day when a seven-year-old could outclass a twelve-year-old in swordsmanship. The Gray family truly is full of surprises."
***
In the meantime, Graham stared at his fallen sword, his face red with embarrassment and anger.
"This isn't over, Hayden Gray," he muttered, tossing a pouch of gold coins at Hayden's feet.
Hayden caught the pouch and gave a small nod. He didn't need to count as his Lens already did it for him.
"Thank you for the match. I look forward to our next one."
The crowd also started to leave after seeing this as there was no more entertainment. Furthermore, they had seen how Hayden used the boring basic stances, so they couldn't help but also start practicing these basic stances once again.
Of course, the swordsmanship professors were very happy to see this and encouraged them all to stick to the basics and master it like how Hayden did it.
Anyway, seeing Graham leave, Professor Althea finally approached Hayden.
"Did you count it? If it's not, I'll be the one chasing him to keep his promise." The pregnant professor said as she waved the signed contract.
"It's alright, Professor… But, I'm actually surprised that you didn't show too much reaction. Did you know I'm skilled with the sword?" Hayden asked. He was undoubtedly curious about this professor.
"It's just a hunch… Don't underestimate a woman's instinct." She replied.
Even his Lens didn't find any lies in her words.
He couldn't help but think whether he was being teased or she was really telling the truth.
In any case, he was happy that the professor didn't make it difficult for him to earn money.
After all, his expenses were currently being handled by his servant, Troy.
It was arranged by his father since he was still a kid who shouldn't have that knowledge about expenses and other kinds of stuff.
"Well… Am I not going to get a tip?" Professor Althea suddenly said.
"How about I ask for a commission instead?" Hayden asked.
"What? You want a pregnant woman to work in the forge for you? Isn't that a bit cruel?" She asked.
"Ugh… Of course not now, Professor… I'm still growing and any weapon I can use now will become useless in just five or so years." Hayden replied since the weight and size of the weapon he could handle would surely change as he grew up.
Professor Althea nodded as it certainly made sense.
"I don't really mind doing that. However, the cheapest sword I make is worth 30 gold coins. Its quality is good but that is only if you're fighting against ordinary people. If you want something better, the price would start at 150 gold coins."
Hayden already knew about this pricing since he had been visiting the forge from time to time and heard about it.
"Yes… That's why these 50 gold coins will be my downpayment. I want something that could handle Aura… I will be staying here in the Academy for about five years anyway."