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We were all dressed in sleek black combat suits loose enough to allow full range of motion without hindrance.
Our instructor then led us into the armory, where every available weapon was a low-tier mana weapon.
As I scanned the assortment, my eyes drifted over various swords and other melee arms, To Bow And Even a Gun.
until something caught my attention: an amazing pair of knuckle gloves.
I chose them without hesitation.
I'm neither a trained swordsman nor a sharpshooter, and besides, I've never been particularly accurate with ranged weapons.
Guns, for example, are almost useless in this world a simple barrier spell can stop a bullet in its tracks.
When We Got Out of The armory.
The instructor stood at the front of the gathered students, his sharp eyes scanning over the faces before him. His voice was crisp and commanding as he addressed the class.
"Today, we will be conducting a friendly spar between Class D1 and Class D2."
A murmur ran through the students, some exchanging glances of excitement, others of nervousness.
"This spar will allow us to evaluate your current level of strength, adaptability, and combat awareness. Each one of you will be wearing a suit enchanted to monitor your heart rate, mana flow, and overall performance in real time."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"This data will be used to determine not only your strengths but also your weaknesses, where you need to improve and how we can push you beyond your current limits."
His gaze swept across the students, landing briefly on Victor, who remained still, his expression unreadable.
"Remember, this is not just a simple duel. Consider it your first step towards survival in this academy. If you hold back, if you hesitate, you will fall behind."
His tone turned sharper, a hint of scorn slipping through.
"And for those of you in Class D2… if you think your rank justifies mediocrity, think again. Show us whether you're failures… or if you actually belong here."
With that, he gestured towards the open training ground.
"Now, step forward. Let's see if any of you are worth my time."
The instructor of this class is Mister Gaius Brandt. He's a massive man, built like a fortress, with muscles that strain against his uniform.
Every step he takes is heavy, each movement controlled yet brimming with raw power.
His presence alone is enough to make some students straighten their backs in silent respect or fear.
From what I've heard through the whispers of my classmates, he isn't just some ordinary instructor.
He's a war veteran, someone who has seen battle firsthand.
The stories say he once fought a demon viscount alone and survived. Some say he even killed it.
Others claim he barely escaped with his life. Either way, the fact remains he stood his ground against a high-ranking demon, something that even seasoned warriors would hesitate to face.
I don't know how much of those rumors are true, but looking at him now, I wouldn't doubt it.
His stance, his gaze, the way he carries himself this is a man who has fought, bled, and conquered death itself.
And now, he's here to train us.
The instructor's voice rang out across the training grounds as he announced the matchups.
"locken Vs henny... Victor vs. Jessica, Carrion vs. Levy, Cardis vs. Tera..."
I Was The third group Of match up, So I get to watch Other people spar.
I watch the spar with a detached curiosity.
The academy insists that these bouts between Class D1 and Class D2 highlight our differences, supposedly to spur the underdogs into action.
But as I observe the matches, I can't help but notice that the gap isn't as vast as they'd like us to believe.
The skills, the energy the techniques on display are nearly The Same level because it The started Of The academy.
Is it really about exposing a gap between the classes, or is it more a subtle ploy to motivate us?
If the difference is so slight, then every one of us, even those in the lowest ranks, stands a real chance to rise.
Perhaps the purpose is to remind us that greatness isn't reserved solely for the elite; it's within our grasp if we push ourselves hard enough.
And yet, there's a dark irony in it all.
The academy wants us to see our peers as both rivals and sources of inspiration.
If we're nearly on par, why then are we doomed to remain in the shadows of the higher classes?
This tension, this forced comparison it's meant to drive us, to ignite that desperate spark of ambition in every low-ranking student.
I can't help but wonder: are they simply using this facade to keep us motivated, or is it a cruel reminder of our own mediocrity?
That was the truth of this academy.
The illusion of hope, dangled just close enough for the weak to believe they had a chance.
They would struggle, clawing their way forward, but eventually, they would hit a wall a wall they could never break through.
Talent.
That was the true gap between classes, not effort, not spirit.
No amount of training could compensate for the difference in raw potential.
Soon, most of them would realize this.
They would watch as their progress slowed, as the favored students soared ahead effortlessly.
And in that moment, despair would set in.
It was cruel. But that was the nature of this world.
I glanced around at the other students watching the match. Some were invested, their fists clenched, eyes burning with determination.
They still believed they had a chance.
'Fools.'
They were nothing but meat shields.
Disposable soldiers to be thrown at the frontlines, their only purpose being to delay the inevitable.
They just didn't realize it yet.
Then It became My turn to step Into the circle.
The rules were simple: the match would end if a student was forced out of the circle or rendered unable to fight.
I turned my gaze toward my opponent.
Jessica stood across from me, a confident smirk plastered on her face.
Her bubblegum pink hair was tied into a high ponytail, swaying slightly as she hoisted a massive hammer over her shoulder with ease.
"Be prepared to get crushed," she said, cracking her neck.
[Status Window]
Name: Jessica Ri Rose
Title: The Chain Titan.
Race: Human (100%)
Class: Mage/Swordsman
Talent Grade: 5 High Star
Current Mage Level: 1 low Star
Strength: 20
Stamina: 21
Durability: 22
Mana: 43
Intelligence: D-
Affinity: Earth
Blessings (1): Blessing of the Valley.
I raised an eyebrow. An earth fighter mancer, huh? That meant she likely specialized in brute strength and defensive enhancements. She probably had skills that fortified her body and increased her striking power.
The instructor raised his hand.
"One… Two… Three START!"
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