Under the guidance of Instructor Rock, the sleepers were going through the motions of the introductory combat class. Kieron decided to join the combat class anyways since he had the time.
He was very excited earlier for this class before realising that wilderness survival takes priority. So, he was glad he could find the time for this class.
Today was mainly dedicated to testing our general competency and abilities. After that, the Sleepers were going to be separated into groups based on their level, such as novice, advanced or expert, as well as their weapon of choice. Some would be assigned a personal tutor or paired together.
Currently, Sleepers were taking turns delivering their strongest punches to a wide plate attached to a special measuring machine. After each strike, the machine would display a number corresponding to the Sleeper's physical strength.
It seems 10 to 14 is the average. Some do seem to be getting 15 or 16 scores, impressive… Ooo, it seems it's Neph's turn now, I don't actually remember what score she gets.
The slender girl approached the machine and, without much preparation, delivered a sudden, crushing blow.
I'm impressed, that was a the cleanest punch i have ever seen. Sigh... Even with caster's combat skills, I am not used to combat. I'll probably do pretty bad compared to original Caster.
After a short pause, the machine displayed the result: sixteen.
Huh? That's lower than I expected. Well, I suppose she didn't use her aspect, but still. Oh shit, my turn.
Kieron calmy stood in front of the machine, took his stance, activating the amulet and his aspect slightly and shot. The punch was too fast for most to even see it. It was filled with devastating power.
The machine trembled and took more time calculating. Finally, two numbers appeared.
Nineteen.
Everyone gaped at the display, stunned. More than a few admiring looks were thrown at Caster, who simply bowed and took a step back.
Oh, this doesn't feel too bad.
Instructor Rock smiled, "Not bad. Now, we will move to sparring and evaluate your general level of training. I need two volunteers to begin."
***
Nephis decided to massacre every single sleeper in the class during the general sparring. Almost brutal. And as expected, she did not use her aspect.
Again, it seems it's my turn. Phew, I'm excited.
Soon, Kieron and Nephis stood opposite to each other. Caster would have paid her respect, trying to gain favor or at least a favorable impression. However, Kieron had no intention of doing that. After all, he didn't plan on going through with the assassination obviously. Hence, he didn't need the trust… the false trust at least, at least for now. What Kieron needed was to learn, survival was of the top priority.
Even earlier, Kieron had been analysing and usurping all the information regarding the battle Nephis went through to get an advantage. He understood Nephis' battle style to an decent level at least, and given the fact that he had Caster's battle sense imbued in him, this truly gave him an advantage, or so he believed at least.
Kieron walked over towards Nephis, with absolute confidence on the surface, inwardly though, he was nervous. Eventually, he bowed respectfully and took his stance. Nephis followed by doing the same.
In the next moment, Kieron activated the amulet and his aspect again, giving him an immense speed. It was as if he ceased to exist.
Fast, I'm fast baby! Watch this Nephis, I will defeat you!
Kieron seemed to have leaped the multiple meters of distance between them in a fraction of a second. Punching into Nephis's torso precisely at lightning-fast speeds.
However, the punch was full of hesitation, contrary to his earlier confidence. Despite the speed, Nephis quite easily parried it away and started a counterattack, swinging her own arm laterally, creating space between them before jumping in with a down kick to his shoulders.
Kieron reacted in time and jumped backwards, creating distance between them. Utilizing the distance between them, then, he circled around Nephis at high speeds, slowly decreasing the distance between them. Then with a sudden burst in speed, Kieron disappeared from his position and arrived behind the oblivious girl. He swung at Nephis from the behind, Nephis still had the impression that Caster, or Kieron, was in front of her. However, at the last moment, Nephis somehow turned around while skill fully dodging the unskilled swing.
H-How? What the hell?
The moment of uncertainty and confusion was not wasted by Nephis as she started to bombard Kieron with skillful and heavy blows. Kieron didn't feel like he had a chance to utilize his aspect at the moment.
The attacks were suffocating. Nephis was entrapping Kieron. Both physically and mentally. However, no matter how good Nephis was, she was ultimately human, so far. She made a mistake, and Kieron did not fail to capitalize on that.
Elbowing Nephis' face, Kieron gained some distance and activated his aspect again, along with the amulet. Despite the distance created by Kieron, it seemed to have been covered by Nephis instantly, thrusting her claw like fingers into Kieron's face.
Unfortunately for Nephis, Kieron had too big of a speed advantage. Kieron had begun to read Nephis.
Hell yeah, I can proudly say I was better than THE Changing star at some point in my life.
Just as Kieron got cocky and lost his focus momentarily, Nephis launched another combo at Kieron again, and again. Before Kieron could get back into the flow, Nephis had regained the advantage.
Shit, I spoke too soon.
Trying to get back into the flow, he created some space between them again. Unfortunately for Kieron, he got too cocky and despite the realization, he was too late. In the next moment A heavy punch landed on his heart, and another on his liver. The punch happened at such an uncomfortable pace that Kieron almost got knocked out.
Writhing in pain, Kieron clutched his stomach and landed on his knees. However, Nephis was brutal, even in Kieron's current situation, she did not hesitate to launch a kick straight to Kieron's head.
He tried all he could to dodge it, and to an extent he did, but the kick grazed his nose causing him to lose his last bit of focus and fall down on the floor.
Seeing the outcome, Instructor Rock calmy announced, "The winner of the battle is Changing star, Nephis."
Kieron felt like shit and was proud at the same time. He did better than he expected. But he could have won. He got cocky. Getting powers made him cocky. He also used half of his stored time unfortunately.
Hah, this was not worth it.
"It was a good fight Miss Changing Star." Kieron extends his hand for a handshake, but she proceeded to brutally ignore Kieron. Not because she was being purposefully rude, but because she was being rude accidentally. She didn't notice the extended arm.
Or, that's what I'll imagine at least, hah… But what the hell Nephis? I lose then I get ignored… ignored? Really? Lesson learned, don't gloat before victory, and definitely don't underestimate Nephis. What a stupid mistake, I was too blinded with the powers I got that I forgot Nephis is a monster. What incredible mastery over the sword though.