After wrapping up their class with Professor Agnes, the group made their way to the next session, which was set to take place at the training ground. Excitement buzzed in the air as they strolled together, their footsteps echoing on the hard surface.
"Heh, finally!" Dante exclaimed, breaking the silence and flashing a grin.
"What do you mean, 'finally'?" Ren asked, a puzzled expression crossing his face.
"Nothing," Dante replied, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Wow, this guy is crazy," Ren muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, I heard that!" Dante shot back, feigning indignation.
"What do you mean???" Ren replied, trying to act innocent and clueless.
As the playful banter continued between them, Kevin fell into a thoughtful silence. He turned the upcoming sparring match over in his mind. 'We're heading to the training ground, so there's definitely going to be a sparring match, right, system?' he mused internally.
*"Yes, host."*
'System, do you think I could beat the Child of Void right now?'
*"Depends."*
'But I've been really curious. Why does he only have affinities for lighting, space, and gravity when he's known as the Child of Void?'
*"Because he embodies the essence of void, thus his true powers aren't visible to anyone."* The system's voice echoed in Kevin's mind, laden with a hint of deeper understanding, *'just like you.'*
...
Upon arriving at the training ground, the group stepped into the venue that held an electrifying atmosphere. They were greeted by a strikingly handsome man with an air of confidence about him.
"Hello! You must be Class S. I'm Liam Ashborn, your combat professor," he announced with an inviting smile.
"Yes, that's us," the students chorused, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves.
"Great! Follow me," he instructed, leading them toward a spacious arena bathed in brilliant sunlight.
"Alright, pick your sparring partners," he said, gesturing as they adjusted their comfortable combat uniforms.
"I pick Leo!!!!" Dante shouted enthusiastically, his competitive spirit shining through.
"Leo Victor Raven, do you accept Dante's challenge?" Liam asked, locking eyes with Leo.
"Sure," Leo replied in his characteristic monotone, not betraying any emotion.
As the two prepared to face off, they stepped into the arena, the energy crackling with excitement.
"Here we go! I've been waiting for this, Leo," Dante said, his enthusiasm palpable.
"Okay," Leo responded, maintaining his usual expressionless demeanor.
"Match begin!" Liam declared, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. Metal began to shimmer and form around Dante's arm, a sleek gauntlet glinting in the light, while out of nowhere a katana materialized in Leo's hand.
"What???" gasped the onlookers, their surprise evident, while Dante remained laser-focused, determined to execute his plan.
"Hmm, that's his space affinity," Liam observed, nodding as he recognized Leo's unique abilities.
"Wow, that's so cool!" Leto chimed in, clearly impressed.
"Yeah," Miguel added, equally fascinated by the displays of power.
While the students were caught up in their chatter, Dante made his move. "Heh, Leo, take this!" he shouted, as his gauntlet morphed into a massive hammer, ready to be swung down with all his strength.
But just as he was about to strike, Leo vanished from sight in an instant. Dante blinked, confused, turning around just in time to feel an intense pressure that forced him to his knees.
"What?" Dante exclaimed as shock rippled through the group.
"Gravity!" Liam explained, his voice steady as he demonstrated the mechanics of their combat training.
As Dante struggled, Leo's sword pulsed with a brilliant blue glow, crackling with energy, as he materialized right in front of Dante. "It's my win," Leo declared coolly as he delivered a decisive strike.
"Oh, crap!" Dante yelled as the electrified blade collided with him, sending him flying across the arena.
"Match ends. Leo wins!" Liam announced, his voice cutting through the shock of the spectators.
...
As the match concluded, Dante picked himself up from where he landed, surprisingly not much worse for wear thanks to Leo holding back his true power. "Damn, Leo, my dude, you're as strong as a fourth-year!" he exclaimed, still riding the adrenaline from the fight.
"What are your mana stats, Leo?" Ren inquired, curiosity etched on his face.
"B-"
"Damn, are you even human?" Leto interjected, his eyes wide with amazement.
Hearing that, Kevin couldn't resist a chuckle in his mind. 'Well, he's not even human, hahaha.' Just then, the system's voice chimed in.
*"Well, he's technically considered human for now, as the Void and he aren't fully complete yet."*
'Are you sure he's human?' Kevin thought skeptically.
*"Yes."*
'Then why does he seem so emotionless?' Kevin pushed, seeking clarity.
*"Because of the Void."*
'The Void is really quite intimidating,' he thought as he processed this new information.
"So, who's going next?" Liam asked, reorienting the focus of the training session.
"I'll go!" Ren volunteered, stepping forward eagerly. But just as he was about to take his turn, Liam interrupted.
"No, Leo can't fight again since he just finished his match."
"Eh, but I want him, professor!" Ren protested, frustrated at the decision.
"What??!" the class exclaimed collectively, their thoughts racing as they processed Ren's words.
"Hey Ren, did you hear what you just said?" Dante teased, a grin spreading across his face.
"What did I say? I just want him as my opponent!" Ren defended himself, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Suddenly, Kevin chimed in with a smirk, "You said 'I want him,'" bursting into laughter as Ren squirmed under the teasing remarks.
"Eh, I didn't mean it like that!" he stammered, trying to save face, but thankfully, Professor Liam stepped in to divert the attention.
"Okay, okay, that's enough of that. So, who's next?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
"Alright, fine then! I'll choose Kevin," Ren finally declared, determination lighting up his eyes.
"Alright, so what do you say, Kevin Dover?" Liam asked, turning his attention to Kevin with an expectant glance.
"I accept!" Kevin replied with a nod, as they both headed toward the arena, anticipation and eagerness bubbling to the surface for the next round.