Episode 2: The First Step
Philosophical Takeaway
Every journey begins with the first step. Even the smallest action, like a drop of water on a boundless lake, sends ripples across worlds we do not yet see.
Kodeiizee made her way to the left side of the Garden of Combat, where tall, varied trees rose like silent sentinels that guard it. The Gardener Bots moved through the pathways in measured intervals, their mechanical arms tending to the leaves, branches, and the flowers with gentle precision. – a peaceful routine that contrasted sharply with the weight of the day ahead.
She stopped at a secluded clearing, half-hidden beneath layered foliage. The air was cool and still. The plants formed a natural barrier around her – a small refuge, untouched by the murmurs of her fellow classmates. It was calm... almost too calm. The kind of silence that exists only something inevitable happened.
This is good, she thought. A place I can steady myself. I've been feeling very tense the moment I got here.
Calm down. I should begin by stretching... before using my Talent Engravement.
She exhaled slowly and started her stretching routine. Each motion was deliberate. Controlled. Her muscles loosened, but her mind sharpened – tracing imagined scenarios, potential matchups, unseen rivals waiting somewhere beyond the trees where she confined herself.
Calm on the outside.
Determined beneath the surface.
The storm would come soon enough, when her name eventually gets called.
She sank to the ground after her stretching routine, settling into a calm meditative posture. Each breath she drew was controlled and deliberate – grounding herself, feeling the world around her. Her mind drifted back to Professor Penton's words, the ones that steadied her when doubt began to creep in
If Professor Penton believed I deserved to be here... Then I need to prove myself that he was right.
The faint sound of footsteps echoed through the garden, growing clearer with each passing second. A presence lingered behind her – close, deliberate.
Her body reacted before her thoughts could catch up. In one swift motion, she pivoted and swept the stranger's legs from beneath them. The figure collapsed onto the ground, and Kodeiizee moved instantly, pinning them down to immobilize their movements.
"I've got to say – Immediately pouncing on someone with reflexes that sharp is impressive. But doing it to your Professor? That is very bold of you, Kodeiizee."
Realizing who she had pinned, she recoiled and scrambled off his body at once. Heat flushed up her cheeks as mortification sank in.
Oh my god... I should've checked first. This is so embarrassing. Especially in front of Professor Penton.
Penton rose to a seated position, dusting himself off as he studied her quietly.
Kodeiizee fidgeted where she stood, her gaze fixed on the ground, fingers nervously rubbing together. Her face was bright red – caught between shock and shame.
He stood up and gave Kodeiizee a pat on the shoulder.
"Having sharp reflexes and impressive combat ability are good," he said, his tone calm but firm. 'But you need to pair them with spatial awareness. When you combine all three, you won't just overpower your opponents physically – you'll outmaneuver them strategically."
Her fidgeting slowed. Kodeiizee straightened her posture and met his eyes, confidence slowly returning.
"By the way... why did you come here, Professor Penton?" she asked.
"I sensed several varying Talent Intensities coming from this area – and from the section beside it," he replied. "My teaching assistants were occupied with the other students, so I came here myself."
I need to test her... to confirm whether my suspicions are correct.
Penton set his things down on the grass and began to stretch, rolling his shoulders and loosening his arms.
Kodeiizee watched him for a moment – and understood immediately what it meant.
"It wouldn't hurt to get a little exercise," he said. "I'll be your sparring partner for your warm-up session, Kodeiizee."
A small smirk formed on her lips. She shifted into her combat stance – one palm extended outward, the other hand drawn into a tight fist near her chest, her feet set apart, the forward one angled toward Penton.
"You might be at a disadvantage, Professor," she teased. "Age-wise"
Penton let out a faint chuckle. "I'll have you know I'm only twenty. I think I'll be just fine."
Their playful banter hung in the air – light and sharp – moments before the sparring began.
Kodeiizee's eyes widened in shock. "You're only twenty?!-"
Penton shifted instantly into his combat stance – one leg bent forward, the other stretched back, his right hand covering the left, which was drawn into a tight fist.
In a flash, he lunged at Kodeiizee with astonishing speed. Her eyes barely kept up, but instinct guided her. She sidestepped to the left, narrowly avoiding his punch.
He recovered immediately, readjusting his stance as his gaze locked onto her.
"Rule number one," he said calmly, "never get distracted in the middle of a fight."
Kodeiizee took several quick steps backward, putting some space between them.
Incredible... his speed and agility just now... that's terrifying, she thought.
Penton didn't give her a moment to breathe. He dashed forward, launching another strike. But this time, Kodeiizee didn't evade – she met him head-on, engaging him in hand-to-hand combat.
Penton threw a right punch toward her face – but Kodeiizee caught his wrist mid-strike, stopping it in place. He immediately shifted, launching a left palm strike toward her stomach. She spotted the movement and blocked it with her free hand.
An opening appeared. Kodeiizee didn't hesitate – she drove a sharp kick into his stomach, followed by another toward his face. The force made Penton break free from her grip and stagger a few steps back.
Her counter-attacks... impressive. She reads my intent and exploits it instantly, He thought.
Kodeiizee met his gaze with a determined smile.
"Professor Penton – thank you for sparring with me," she said softly. "I feel more at ease now. I'm ready to prove that I deserve to be here."
I can't reveal my Talent Engravement... I promised Mom I'd never show it in public. Then I'll use this instead. If I don't... I won't stand a chance against him, she thought.
The air shifted. Her expression hardened – focus sharpened into something fierce. Penton sensed the change instantly.
So my suspicion was right... she's one of them.
His demeanour turned serious. Before Kodeiizee could even move, Penton closed the distance in a blur – appearing in front of her as if he had teleported. He seized her wrist, swept her balance, and pinned her to the ground.
Kodeiizee snapped out of her concentration. Her breath hitched as she realized Penton was above her, their hands locked together. Heat rushed to her face.
"You could've hurt yourself, Kodeiizee," he said gently. "Your focus and determination are admirable – but don't do anything reckless."
He released her and stood, offering his hand. She took it, her eyes lingering on him.
"Your combat ability is impressive. Even in a short spar, it's clear you have remarkable potential," Penton said. "I look forward to seeing how you face your classmates later.'
He picked up his things from the grass and gave a brief wave before walking away.
Professor Penton... he felt so warm... She thought.
Penton walked in silence toward the dueling grounds, his thoughts lingering on the spar.
There's no denying it... she belongs to that family, he thought. The fact that she was about to use a Hidden Talent Method against me is proof. Only the five Talentful Families are capable of that.
His thoughts were cut short when one of his teaching assistants approached.
"Professor Penton – it's time to select the students for the Introductory Combat Assessment."
Penton blinked, snapping out of his concentration.
"Alright Mel, thank you for reminding me," he replied. "Please gather all the students here for the announcement."
As the assistant left, Penton's expression hardened.
I'll have to move carefully. If a member of the talentful families are here... then something major might've happened.
Mel returned with the students, and the other teaching assistants guided them into neat rows, having them sit on the grass to listen to Professor Penton's instructions.
"Welcome back, students. I hope you were able to prepare yourselves for this combat assessment," Penton said. "Before we begin, I'll explain the rules to ensure every duel is conducted fairly."
While he spoke, the assistants finished setting up the dueling grounds.
"First – each duel will last three minutes. There are three ways to win: your opponent surrenders, your opponent is immobilized using non-lethal Engravement Invocations or combat techniques, or your opponent is forced outside the designated duel area.
Second – the teaching assistants will intervene if there is a risk of serious injury. Attacking the assistants is strictly prohibited and will result in a suspension if done so.
Third – respect your fellow classmates, whether you win or lose."
Penton activated the Holographic Display System, allowing it to select the first pair at random. Two silhouettes appeared, then flickered into names.
"Our first duel will be between Leiisha and Zay. Please proceed to the dueling grounds. Everyone else – observe from your positions. The Gardener Bots will provide chairs."
As the two students stepped forward several other professors gathered around to watch the assessment.
The Automated Announcer's voice echoed across the Garden:
"For the first duel of the combat assessment – Leiisha versus Zay. Leiisha is a Summoning Talent Wielder, capable of conjuring summons at will. Zay is a Physical Talent Wielder, known for enhanced physical strength."
The students murmured among themselves, many already assuming Zay had the advantage.
"Hey, Penton! I heard something interesting was happening – mind if I sit beside you?" a fellow professor asked.
"I don't mind," Penton replied. "But don't you have a lecture, Klei?"
"My lecture was shorter than expected, it is only the first day after all." Klei replied.
Klei sat beside Penton, observing the duel grounds.
"For a first-day class activity, this feels a little extreme, don't you think?"
Penton smirked faintly.
"Sometimes, the best way to begin their journey... is with their first real step forward."
A sharp tone echoed through the Garden – the signal for the duel to begin.
Let's see how this turns out... A Summoning Talent Wielder against a Physical Talent Wielder.