The atmosphere in the Black Squire training sessions had grown tense. Kyle had been avoiding Ray ever since the incident, and Monk and Gary still hadn't exchanged a single word since that day.
However, the shift had an unexpected effect—everyone was now far more focused. The friendly banter that once filled their sessions had vanished. No more casual conversations after their special training; instead, they attended Sir K's lessons in silence and returned to their dorms without lingering.
Gary maintained his top ranking, but after witnessing firsthand the benefits of Black Knight training, he had begun putting even more effort into his sessions. He even incorporated the techniques into his ranking matches, finishing most of his opponents in just a few strikes, no longer toying with them.
