Chapter 36 - The Instructor Nobody Expected

{Sona POV}

I watched the fight unfold with careful, analytical eyes, my arms crossed as I processed everything I was seeing.

It was impressive—too impressive.

Kiba was fast. That much was obvious. As Rias' Knight, his speed surpassed that of most mid-class Devils. His technique was near flawless, honed by years of disciplined swordsmanship.

And yet…

Malrik was keeping up.

No—he wasn't just keeping up. He was matching Kiba perfectly.

Strike after strike, Kiba moved with the refined grace of a fencer, his enchanted sword cutting through the air in precise, deadly arcs. But Malrik…

Malrik fought differently.

His spear moved like an extension of himself, shifting effortlessly between offense and defense. He countered Kiba's rapid strikes with almost uncanny precision, reacting before Kiba's blade could even come close to landing a real hit. His movements weren't just fast—they were calculated, methodical.

Too methodical.

I adjusted my glasses, narrowing my eyes.

There was something… off.

Not in a way that suggested weakness—far from it. Malrik was fighting without magic. He was relying purely on his physical abilities, and somehow, he was matching a mid-class Devil's strength and speed.

That wasn't normal.

That wasn't human.

Even with a Sacred Gear, humans had limits. A normal human—even a gifted one—shouldn't be able to fight on par with a Knight-level Devil without some sort of enhancement.

So, what was it?

His Sacred Gear? A hidden ability? A secret bloodline?

I didn't like unknown factors.

And Malrik?

He was a walking unknown.

I glanced at Rias from the corner of my eye. She had her arms crossed, watching the fight with her usual composed expression, but I could tell—she was just as intrigued as I was.

If Malrik was hiding something, I was going to figure out what it was.

Was this really just his Sacred Gear? Or… was there something else?

————————

{Malrik POV}

The sound of clashing steel echoed through the training grounds as Kiba and I continued our duel. Our movements blurred, the rhythm of our attacks blending into an intricate dance of spear and sword. 

Kiba lunged, his enchanted blade slicing through the air. I twisted my spear, deflecting the blow with effortless precision before countering with a thrust that forced him back a step.

Then, mid-fight, I glanced over at Issei.

He was watching, mouth slightly open, eyes darting back and forth as he tried—and failed—to keep up with our movements. The poor guy looked utterly lost.

I smirked.

"Issei, pay attention. I'm about to teach you something."

Kiba raised an eyebrow at the sudden shift in focus, but I didn't stop. I easily blocked his next attack, spinning my spear in a controlled arc before stepping back just enough to turn toward Issei.

"Pick up your spear," I instructed.

Issei blinked. "Huh?"

"Pick it up," I repeated, gesturing toward the weapon lying beside him. "You need to stop watching and start learning."

Still confused, Issei hesitated before grabbing the spear. His grip was awkward—like a kid holding a baseball bat for the first time.

"Alright," I said, planting my own spear into the ground. "Let's start with the basics."

I moved closer, tapping his hands. "Grip it like this. Not too tight, not too loose."

Issei did as I said, though his movements were still shaky.

"Now, stand properly," I continued, nudging his legs apart. "A spear is all about control. If your stance is weak, you'll be thrown off balance with every attack."

Issei nodded, trying to adjust.

Kiba, Rias, and the others were watching with mild amusement. Sona, however, was observing with genuine curiosity.

I took a step back, folding my arms. "Now, thrust forward—aim straight, and don't just rely on your arms. Put your whole body into it."

Issei took a deep breath, then jabbed the spear forward. It was clumsy, uncoordinated, and—

I sighed.

"Alright, let's try something different," I muttered. "Copy me, exactly."

I demonstrated a smooth, controlled thrust—every movement clean and precise. Issei tried again, mimicking my motion, but still lacked refinement.

And then—

[Ding! 100X Multiplier Activated!]

[You have gained: Master-Level Instructor!]

A sudden wave of understanding crashed into me. It wasn't just about knowing how to teach—it was instinctive now.

I could see exactly where Issei was going wrong. How to correct him. How to explain things in a way that his thick skull would actually understand.

My body moved before I even thought about it.

I placed a firm hand on his shoulder, adjusting his posture just slightly. "Relax your shoulders. You're too stiff."

I tapped his foot lightly. "Move your back foot slightly outward—this will keep your balance steady."

And then I grinned.

"Now try again."

Issei exhaled and thrust the spear forward—this time, perfectly.

His stance was solid. His grip, natural. His movements, fluid.

He froze, staring at himself.

"Wait… I actually get it?!"

He swung the spear a few more times, his face lighting up in pure disbelief.

The entire group had gone silent.

Even Kiba—who had been skeptical at first—was watching with newfound respect.

Akeno chuckled, her voice laced with curiosity. "Ara~ I didn't realize you were good with students too, Malrik-kun."

Rias tilted her head, analyzing me as she often did. "You never mentioned you could teach."

Sona, however, wasn't looking at Issei.

She was looking at me.

Her sharp violet eyes were filled with calculation.

This wasn't just talent.

This was something else.

I smirked, spinning my spear before resting it against my shoulder.

"What can I say?" I grinned. "I'm full of surprises."