Chapter 173 Class Resumption
Dan was taken aback when Kyle requested for another duel, usually he was the one that compelled them to fight again but this time Kyle was eager to do so immediately.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that." He laughed and picked up his katana. "Alright, but don't cry to me when you're crawling out of here by the end of the day."
Kyle grinned wider and shifted back into his stance. He had this feeling that he was getting closer and closer and he always improved alot whenever he sparred with Dan.
The sparring resumed with renewed vigor. Dan pushed Kyle harder each time, and the young swordsman responded with equal determination. Their blades clashed over and over with each strike more precise and deliberate than the last.
Each session ended the same way—with Kyle forcing out his sword intent under immense pressure. By the end of their training, Kyle had unleashed his intent a total of seven times! Each time, it came faster and felt more controlled, but it still lacked the refinement of true mastery.
Dan finally called for a halt after many hours of grueling combat. He leaned on his katana and his sharp gaze fixed on Kyle, who was slumped on the floor, drenched in sweat but smiling nonetheless.
"You've made massive progress today," Dan said. "Seven times in one session… You're almost there, Kyle. Mastering sword intent isn't about brute strength or repetition—it's about making it a part of who you are. And you're getting closer."
Kyle pushed himself to his feet, grinning despite the soreness in his muscles. "Thanks, Instructor. I'll keep working at it."
[Sword Intent Mastery: 79.77%]
Kyle's eyes darted towards his status screen and saw the numbers that had taken a massive leap from before, he couldn't help but grin when he saw his progress.
Dan glanced at Void, who had been on the sidelines throughout the session, and then to Kyle. "You beast here seemed to be enjoying the training."
"Enjoying?" Void said back with a hiss. "Watching Kyle stumble around like that was so pathetic. I'm sure I could do better."
"Oh, really? Should I remind you how our last fight ended?" Kyle couldn't help but say with a smirk.
"A fluke, nothing more. If we went at it now, you'd be the one running for cover."
Before Kyle could fire back, Dan stepped between them, raising an eyebrow as he looked between the two. "Wow, what a… unique duo," he remarked.
Unlike most people, he didn't seem surprised in the slightest that Void could talk. Instead, he chuckled and shook his head. "You two might just be the most entertaining team I've seen yet."
Kyle sighed and changed the topic. "By the way, Instructor, I thought you said classes would continue with more intensity during Mission Week. What happened?"
Dan leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "They were supposed to, but almost every student went on missions. There's no point in holding classes when over 90% of the students aren't around. Classes will pick back up next week. After Friday, no more missions can be accepted, and unless there's a special circumstance, every student should to be back by Monday."
Kyle nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense."
The two continued to talk for a while, the conversation drifting to lighter topics as the intensity of the day's training faded. Eventually, Dan dismissed Kyle, clapping him on the shoulder as he did.
"Take care of yourself, kid. And keep an eye on your dragon. He's got a lot of potential."
Kyle smiled, not realizing that Dan had just called Void a dragon. He glanced at his companion, who rested on his shoulder with a lazy look. "Don't worry, Instructor. I'll keep him out of trouble."
***
The warm glow of the morning sun shone brightly on the academy grounds as Kyle strolled toward the homeroom. Clad in his pristine academy uniform, his bag slung casually over one shoulder, he was ready for class resumption.
On entering entered into The massive room was already crowded, nearly every seat filled by students who had returned from their various missions.
The noise was deafening and was filled with laughter, boasting, and whispered conversations. Kyle scanned the room, spotting familiar faces in the crowd.
Zack, Riya, Orion, and Lora sat together, chatting quietly. A grin spread across his face as he adjusted the strap of his bag and made his way toward them.
"Morning, guys," Kyle greeted, dropping his bag onto the desk as he slid into the empty seat beside Zack.
""Early today, Kyle?" Riya asked.
"Figured I'd start this week off right," Kyle replied with a shrug. Experience more content on empire
"So, what's everyone got? Any stories worth telling?"
Riya went first. "I and my team were sent to escort a caravan through the trade routes. There were some minor scuffles with bandits, but nothing we couldn't handle. Honestly, it was more tiring than dangerous."
Zack chimed in, "I was sent to a border village with some other tamers. They had a rogue Tier-2 beast causing trouble. Goliath and I handled it pretty easily, though. You should've seen the look on their faces when we showed up!"
"Lora!" Zack called out as she had been awfully quiet the whole while. "How was your mission? Did you use any of those fancy rune tricks to save the day?"
Lora blinked at the sudden attention and her cheeks tinted pink. "It was… fine," she said after a pause. "We were sent to secure a lost artifact. It wasn't too dangerous, but the runes helped stabilize it for transportation."
Orion, who had been quiet up until now, adjusted his glasses and gave a smug smile. "Unlike the rest of you reckless individuals, I didn't go on a mission. I used the time wisely, refining my skills and working on a project. Honestly, it's surprising how little restraint some of you have."
Zack rolled his eyes. "Not this again, Orion. We get it—you're smarter than us."
"Glad you're finally catching on," Orion shot back with a smirk.
Zack ignored him and turned to Kyle. "Tell us! How was your mission. I bet it's gonna be exciting?"