Teaching

Underground Training Hall, After the Duel

"Come fight melee with me. Let me teach you something," Justin said, casually beckoning.

Adonis complied, summoning a golden sword and lunging forward. His blade whistled through the air with force and speed—but Justin simply yawned and deflected it like brushing away a leaf.

"Your swordsmanship is a mess," Justin said bluntly. "No form. No technique. You're relying on your element too much. Let me show you why that's a mistake."

Adonis gritted his teeth and kept attacking—again and again. But Justin dodged effortlessly, moving with such fluid grace that it was like he could predict each move before it happened. No counters, no strikes—just uninterrupted dodging.

Adonis's breath started to hitch. Sweat poured down his brow. He clenched the sword tighter, desperate to land a single blow.

But then—

He paused. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"How did I end up in the corner?" Adonis muttered.

He looked around, stunned. He hadn't even noticed—Justin had slowly led him there.

Justin's smirk deepened. With one smooth motion, he slashed forward, stopping the blade just centimeters from Adonis's throat.

"You lost," Justin said, voice smug. "What a shame. Sword element user… but lost in a sword fight. If word gets out, how will you even walk around in public?"

Adonis clenched his fists. "How did I end up in the corner…?"

"You were too focused on attacking. You never watched your footwork, never controlled the space. I just guided you with movement. Basic tactic," Justin said, stepping back.

Then, he sighed. His expression turned more serious.

"You have too many holes. Within the first year, maybe you're king. But when you face students from second or third year... you'll be torn apart. They don't just rely on their element—they rely on technique. Support magic, body training, battle rhythm. You don't have any of it yet. You're green."

Justin turned and rummaged through a nearby pile of papers and vials. He pulled out a slim book and tossed it to Adonis.

It read: "Elemental Truth and Concepts" By Justin Dawn

"There's one step before achieving a Royal Mana Core. Reach that, and you'll be in a league of your own. But with your Sword Element? It's hard—very hard. If you're serious about getting stronger, read that book. Then come back."

Adonis caught the book, holding it tightly. The cover was plain, but he could feel the weight of significance in it.

"…Why is he helping me?" Adonis thought, watching Justin's back as he walked away toward his chaotic room.

Whatever the reason, Adonis knew one thing—He needed to get stronger.

With that, he turned and made his way back to his own room, the book tucked under his arm like a silent promise.