0̵̺͠2̶̞̼̓͠3̸̡̼̓͋̈́̈͠

“You’re quite an odd one, to be honest, did you have a tutor growing up because I think not. Miss Vontaine over there would put up more of a fight compared to your mindless swings, the only reason you got a cut was because of Miss Luxiere’s assistance, though I will have to commend you on the team effort,” Corlissa taunted the boy.

“Also, who are you? I honestly have no idea who you are,” she added only causing more anger to bubble within the auburn-haired boy.

“How dare you?! I am the youngest child of Count Woersh,” he adamantly stated with pride and annoyance.

“Hmmm...what a snob, you won’t last long with that attitude,” Corlissa responded with boredom clearly expressed in her speech and expression. “Anyways, I suggest you step back unless you want to get hurt,” Corlissa added, confusion whirled within his eyes as he was abruptly shot back to where his other classmates were after Corlissa did a single slash using her sword created using water magic.

“I recommend teamwork, I have a handicap anyway so you won’t need to worry, if it makes you a bit more assured I can even use one hand only,” Corlissa stated, many questioning how she had the guts to do so especially since she was facing the most advanced children of their age in the Kingdom.

“If you’re acting all high and mighty up on your pedestal then go ahead!” one of the students shouted out to her, to which she complied with the request and placed her left hand behind her back, this was her rather crude way of motivating her peers.

There were 4 people in Class 1-S, the green-haired boy that had yet to be introduced to Corlissa launched precise long-range attacks alongside Evie as the 2 remaining students who specialised in swordsmanship charged at her. The long-range attacks aimed at Corlissa shot behind her so that friendly fire wouldn’t occur, with the young Veronique’s right hand she deflected the long-range attacks and pushed back the close combat fighters all with a tiny smile on her face.

Amy Vontaine quickly recovered from the attack and dashed again at Corlissa, they then engaged in a flurry of attacks leaving the other students of Class 1-S overwhelmed and unable to find an opening to assist their classmate. Amy was certainly confident in her abilities with the sword but despite her opponent only using the strength of one hand, she was still being overpowered.

Young Miss Vontaine, known as the genius swordswoman since the first time she grasped a sword, she had never seen such a sword style, even though she was exposed to and mastered the art of the most prestigious style of sword fighting in the Kingdom she was unable to comprehend nor predict the young Veronique’s movements. The art of the sword, in the patriarchal monarchy of the Merillis Empire this was considered the talents of males who were considered physically stronger, they viewed mages as a female’s job, launching attacks behind the protection of the males. Amy Vontaine wanted to prove them wrong, that’s why she endured the blisters, the bruises, the blood and the pain of learning the art of the sword.

Her younger brother who tormented her every day after the succession was skipped over her, the rightful heir as the oldest of the Vontaine household, it was instead given to her younger brother who was considered the one who would uphold the high standard of swordsmanship their family was renowned for. Even though she had natural talent, even though she had put in the effort every day, even though she showed results, her parents never changed their decision, they didn’t acknowledge her. They only grew more hopeful towards her younger brother, under the false pretence that since their daughter had such prowess their son could only have more.

She grew accustomed to the suffering every day, emotionally and physically, and embraced it. She used it as the fuel for her flame of ambition, not letting it weigh her down like a lead shackle, this is what made Corlissa acknowledge her, Corlissa commended her on her efforts, bringing joy to Amy.

When young Miss Vontaine witnessed the power of Corlissa who had been able to gain strength on par with those years older than her, she became like a role model to Amy, which was why Amy had been looking forward to the class battle so much.

As the two girls battled at speeds barely able to be comprehended by the third years, Corlissa noticed that Amy was getting faster and more precise by the second, bringing a smile to the Veronique’s face despite the situation which she was in where it seemed that a mere second of distraction could be fatal.

“I’m sorry,” Corlissa whispered so only Amy could hear before she increased her speed further, Amy was left on the defensive as she was slowly being pushed back little by little. The young Vontaine flipped backwards after a few moments of barely holding on while Corlissa’s strikes only grew faster, at the same time when Amy landed on her feet again, the 3 other students hurled as many high-speed, nearly instant ranged attacks in hopes of leaving just a scratch on the young girl.

Their hopes were definitely crushed, with a closed eye smile Corlissa effortlessly blocked every attack, her single arm moving in a blur. This was above the level of Division C, such capabilities were befitting of Division A, the students near graduation. Teacher Illinbur was truly taken aback, he knew that she had talent but never expected it to reach such levels, the ability to keep a clear mind, strategizing while in battle, applying information with physical capabilities allowing her to do so and the main factor impressing Instructor Illinbur was her ability to grow in battle. Such characteristics were found in capable seasoned warriors of war, those who had faced and overcame the terrors of true combat, the ruthless attacks of war.

For a young child to have such abilities, they were not abilities that can be justified simply because she was a genius, those skills were easy to overlook, they were subtle and seemingly simple but they were what made skilled knights. Those skills were the same ones obtained by experienced combatants, they were gained through true, raw, unforgiving battles where both sides had the intent to kill, it can’t be trained, it had to be earned but there was no possible way that a young 8-year-old girl was exposed to such dangers. Even if by the slimmest chance, she was exposed to such, 8 years would not be enough to gain such fearsome skills.

He knew that the Headmistress was spectating somehow and made sure to remind her to notify the King as well as the Duke of such developments.