When they arrived at the training area, Austin was already waiting for them. He scanned the seven students and the familiar Jean with a careful, assessing gaze.

  "Good morning, everyone. My name is Austin Evans, and I'll be your combat instructor. I'm not sure how much Miss Clara has already explained, so I'll go over everything. We'll have combat practice every morning, so there's no need to attend the classroom sessions. You can come straight to the training field. During the last week, we'll hold the qualifying tournament in person. Each of you will face your classmates—including you, Lusian. Even though you're already ranked in the academy, feel free to ask any questions you have," Austin explained, his voice calm and authoritative.

  Conwick Briggs, who considered himself the strongest in his class, couldn't contain his excitement:

  "Can we start the qualifying battles right away?" he asked eagerly.

  "Not for now," Austin replied evenly. "But I can schedule the matches for next week. Each of you will have one fight per day. Healing mages and magical potions will be available in case of injuries."

  "Wait a whole week?" Conwick pressed, impatient.

  "Yes. Also, Miss Jean, what are you doing here?" Austin asked, turning to her.

  "Good morning, Professor. I just came to train with Lusian, since we share the same teacher," she replied.

  "Very well, you'll have your chance," Austin nodded.

  Conwick immediately requested a practice session with Kasper, who agreed. He wanted to test his strength against Kara; if he won decisively, he planned to challenge Lusian next.

  The battle began. Conwick struck the ground, activating a Rank 4 spell that shook the platform, attempting to unbalance Kasper. Then he lunged with his sword enveloped in earth mana. Kasper remained unfazed, leaping two meters into the air and executing a downward strike, channeling his magical affinity. Conwick was sent flying, fracturing his left leg upon impact.

  "Sorry, I think I overdid it," Kasper said, concerned.

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  "Damn it! My leg! I thought my body was hardened with earth mana," Conwick exclaimed.

  (Laughing) "Sorry, I'm used to fighting my sister," Kasper replied teasingly.

  Austin approached and handed Conwick a Rank 6 healing potion."This will gradually mend the fracture. Take it for four consecutive days, and you'll be fully healed. No more than one per day, or you risk mana poisoning," the instructor advised.

  "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind," Conwick replied, resigned but relieved.

  Lusian and Jean stepped onto the platform for their training session.

  "Show me everything you've got, sir," Jean challenged, determination in her voice.

  "I hope you'll go easy on this humble man," Lusian replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

  Jean moved first, her sword slicing through the air with lightning speed. Lusian reacted instantly, blocking her opening strike with steady precision. But Jean pressed relentlessly: a swift, precise thrust nearly reached his torso, and Lusian barely dodged, feeling the breeze of the blade graze his shoulder.

  Wasting no time, Lusian countered, sweeping sideways, but Jean intercepted with her own sword and used a push of her body to shove him backward. Lusian stumbled momentarily, his balance shaken, but spun deftly and charged again, driving his full weight toward Jean.

  Their swords clashed with a resonating ring, metal vibrating at the impact. Both stepped back, creating distance to reassess their positions. Lusian studied Jean's stance, seeking a pattern, and launched an attack toward her right side. Jean twisted with feline precision, dodging and flowing seamlessly into a cut aimed at Lusian's left leg. He blocked swiftly and tried to counter downward, but Jean absorbed the strike with absolute control, keeping the offensive pressure.

  "You're quite skilled," Jean said, stepping back slightly. "Your uncle has trained you well, but you still have a long way to go if you want to match me."

  "Thanks for the compliment," Lusian replied, slightly panting. "Let's finish this quickly; we're keeping the others waiting."

  Jean smiled, resolute, and advanced with a full strike, combining speed and power into a single fluid motion. Lusian held his ground, forcing his legs to maintain posture, blocking each of Jean's strikes with impeccable precision. With a calculated move, Jean pushed Lusian's sword aside and lightly placed hers at his throat, demonstrating control and mastery without causing harm.

  "Remember, it's not just about hitting the body," Jean stated firmly. "You can use your sword to unbalance your opponent, break their posture, and gain the advantage."

  "Thanks for the advice. And you? What do you plan to do after finishing the academy?" Lusian asked, still catching his breath.

  "I'm not sure yet," Jean replied, wiping sweat from her brow. "Several families are interested in my skills, but if a particular someone invited me to join their ranks, I might consider it"—and with a quick wink, she added—"you know who I mean."

  Lusian smiled sincerely, determination shining in his eyes.

  "I'd definitely like to have your skill on my side. You'd be a great ally."

  Jean let out a small laugh and nodded, radiating that confident air she always carried.