Chapter 19: Within the Academy 1: Sparring match

The sound of low whispers and marching feet filled the air as the recruits entered a new section of the building.

A vast hall stretched as far as one could see, lined with multiple high platforms all around which were clearly used for intense sparring battles.

Not just that but there was someone else in the hall, another Grey knight probably, who was dressed in a black shoulderless top, and black joggers that fitted perfectly with her white sneakers.

This woman many of them could recognize as one of the people that stood with General Eric during the announcement.

Up close in the light of day, she was even more stunning than before, powerfully muscular and her expression gave off the kind of feeling a kind-hearted and warm person would give — a gentle radiance that seemed to soften the edges of the training hall itself.

But no one was getting fooled by that.

Finn knew, she would be anything but a kind warm person.

Antonio approached her and when he did turned back to the recruits.

"There are three main learning courses you can take in the academy. And each one determines what kind of Knight you would become at the end of your two years of training. One of them is the combat Class, and your instructor, Bethany Antigonous." Antonio said hands gesturing at the woman.

At her introduction many of the students seemed to break into a flurry of murmurs each taking a glance of the woman and obviously back at Frey Antigonous.

The resemblance wasn’t there, yet there was only one family that carried the name Antigonous.

So was Frey related to her?

That was the question on everybody’s mind.

"I am The Combat Instructor, and I will take you to my best capacity, on combat training, countering Magic and the strategies of War." She said with a firm tone, one that dropped with absolutely endless amounts of confidence.

Many of the Recruits seemed eager to begin combat training, battle powerful enemies, and most likely grow stronger.

Finn felt the same, but not nearly as enthusiastic as others.

Antonio let out a low grunt, "There are still two other Courses I will introduce you all too, however that would have to wait till tomorrow. As for the Combat Classes it is crucial and mandatory for all Recruits."

Apparently it was.

Beth took a quick glance of the students and spoke again, "from the numbers I have gotten, there are about eighty students present in this hall, so here is what we are going to do today. Band up in teams of two, you and another against Two others and when prepared take a podium and wait for further instructions."

At the instructions the recruits seemed to move almost immediately.

Those that were excited most especially, began to scatter around quickly searching for opponents or probably allies to take the duel alongside them.

Their mentality was simple, mundane even. Find the weakest opponents to battle, and find the stronger to line themselves with. At least they did so based on appearance.

It was the best strategy in this test.

However, some students did not move an inch from where they stood, they remained calm and simply waited to be picked either as ally or opponent.

Clearly they knew their strength and also knew in the latter whoever was up against them or with them did not matter.

Those were the likes of Frey, Artemis, The shy boy, Terrence, a few others and strangely Finn.

It was a good strategy to find opponents first and not just wait till what remained of powerful opponents to come challenge you. Yet Finn had not moved a spot from where he stood.

Finn did not certainly want to walk up to someone who would instantly recognize him as the Traitors son or some other horrendous name that people had formed for him over the years.

So he stood there, hoping... ’Hoping I get picked by a weak opponent and backed up by someone really powerful.’

Well, that powerful person, wasn’t so far away.

Terrence drew closer to him, the handsome blonde rubbing the back of his head with a honest smile, "I know this would sound strange but..."

Finn raised a brow at the sudden pause from his handsome friend, "what? But what? Don’t leave me hanging."

Terrence lips grew even wider, "you are really great with a sword, and the way you fought the Mech says a lot about that. Still, to avoid any stories that touches the heart of you standing over a bleeding student missing a severed body part how about you... Uh... Be careful."

Finn rolled his eyes, "Stab not Slice, got it."

Terrence blinked a few times, "wait, Finn... That’s not what I meant..."

"Hello?" A voice cut into their conversation.

Finn turned around immediately as the person that spoke was clearly referring to him.

Finn sized the girl up. Four foot four, short curly brown hair that fell in waves across her forehead, light blue eyes that gleamed in the light of the hall, she had a bright alluring smile on her face.

One that Finn found repulsive and very, very mysterious.

"Hello?" She said again after waiting so long for a reply that did not come.

Finn struggled a groan, "what do you want." He answered rudely then pointed at Terrence, "I already have a partner here so go somewhere else."

"That a shame," she pulled back slightly her voice low.

Finn rolled his eyes, "you think."

At his reply she burst into laughter. Her voice so loud and mocking that Finn glanced resentfully at her.

’What the hell does she find so funny?’

Terrence has gotten curious too and decided to ask, "why are you laughing?"

At his question she paused and smiled affectionately, "it’s a shame, you think I was here to ask for a partnership to someone my height? If not for him being so ugly I would have confused him as a woman even... No, that’s not why I am here."

Finn gritted his teeth, ’Would it help if I said I am still growing, not eighteen yet am I?’

But he held his dear remarks to himself and watched the playful girl giggle her way a few feet back then stopped just as she reached a...

A very large man.

He was more than six feet tall, large and muscular, having a small developing patch of beard hair on his chin, his shadow black hair forming a buzz cut on his head, he was nothing short of menacing. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"I am Clara," the girl said. "This is Edmund, and we challenge you and your handsome teammate to a sparring match."

Finn swallowed hard and turned to Terrence saying something in a low whisper, "a honourable guy like you doesn’t hit women right?"

Terrence raised his brows and stuttered, "huh... Why? Yes."

The corner of Finn’s lips curled selfishly, "that’s good to hear."