Chapter 104: The Joint Class [1]

Instructor Valerie guided the first-year students to their designated area, while Instructor Merel did the same for the second year. The arena was divided into three combat zones, allowing multiple matches to take place simultaneously. Each zone was marked with boundaries to enforce the ring-out rule, and magical barriers were in place to protect the spectators from stray attacks.

However, only one of them, the big one at the center would be used in today's event.

Once everyone was in position, a figure appeared at the center of the arena, gathering everyone's attention.

"Hello, as you all know, I am the Instructor of Weapon Mastery Class, Darius Stormwind," The figure spoke. "I will serve as the judge for today's event."

As he himself said, everyone instantly recognized him. He had a reputation for fairness and strictness, and his mere presence added gravity to the occasion. But this also meant, they wouldn't have to worry about the fairness of the event.

Now, everything, everyone was ready.

"Then, let's start the joint class between first and second-year students."

After the announcement, the teachers on both sides sent out two teams consisting of low-ranking students.

The fight lasted about 3 minutes and ended in the second year's victory. Though the first years didn't do bad, the second still had quite the advantage.

The two sides continued sending teams one after another, and after about half an hour, more than 10 matches were held.

And the results...

The first years lost in all their matches. Some of them managed to struggle for 4 or even 5 minutes, while some lost in no more than 1 minute.

The atmosphere in the Battle Arena grew more intense with each passing match. The first years, despite their determination and effort, couldn't seem to overcome the experience and skills of the second years. The scoreboard reflected a series of losses for the first years, but their spirits, while dampened, were not completely broken.

Instructor Valerie observed her students, noting the fatigue and frustration creeping into their expressions. She knew they were giving it their all, but the gap in experience was evident. Still, she believed they still had a chance.

Because...

The main force of the first years hasn't fought yet.

She had four excellent teams which she believed had a chance of victory.

But then again, the elites of the second years hadn't fought yet too.

Just as she was wondering about it, a voice was heard in her mind.

[Haha, you sounded so confident back then, look at the results of your precious students. Pathetic, both you and your students.]

Recognizing the voice, she bit her lip and looked over to the opponent's side. Her eyes landed on Merel, who had just spoken to her using a Mind-Link spell. Merel's smug expression and the mocking glint in her eyes made Valerie's blood boil.

'Huff... No, don't let her provoke you...' She muttered inwardly, trying to ward off the negative thoughts.

But she didn't intend to just continue like this. S~eaʀᴄh the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

She looked at her back, her eyes landing on Emeric and his group.

"You will go this time."

Instructor Valerie's voice cut through the tension in the air, her command firm and determined. Emeric and his group, who had been observing the matches with focused intensity, nodded in response. They understood the weight of her words and the importance of their upcoming match.

Most of all, Emeric has been itching to fight, showing how much has he improved, how much stronger he has become for certain people here.

One obviously Aria whom he had been pursuing since his childhood. And one...

'Brother, watch me.' Emeric muttered inwardly, his gaze landing on a gray-haired young man standing next to the leader of the second-year's seven elites.

Noticing Valerie finally showing some cards, Merel decided to use the chance. Thus she sent the team of the weakest among the seven Elites.

"Hardin, you know what to do."

It was a boy named Hardin, an archer with a sharp eye and quick reflexes but lacked the raw power and experience of his fellow elites. Merel's decision to send him was a calculated move, intended to test the first years while conserving her stronger fighters for later matches.

Hardin stepped forward confidently, his other four teammates following after him.

The two teams ascended to the arena and stood face to face.

"Hey, aren't you Rowan's little brother?" Hardin suddenly asked looking at Emeric. "Since you both have the Ironheart surname. But you don't look like it at all. Ah, right, he is your half-brother, right? Don't worry, since I am friends with him, I will go easy on you."

Emeric's expression remained impassive as he listened to Hardin's words. The mention of his big brother, Rowan, they being half brothers stirred mixed emotions within him, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Today, finally, he had a chance to show off in front of his two favorite people.

"Save your pity. You'll need it for yourself," Emeric retorted, his voice calm but laced with burning determination. "Instructor, let's start already!"

"Hehe, what big words for a mere kid." Hardin chuckled and looked at the professor. "We are ready, you can start the match.

Instructor Darius looked at the team leaders and confirming both teams were ready, he announced the start of the match. "Begin."

"Let's see if you will be confident again while facing my arrows," Hardin smirked coldly taking his potion at the center of his team.

"Hmph, I can easily beat you using my spear." But Emeric wasn't a person who easily backed down. Even when speaking.

Swish!

"Charge!" Emeric and the boy beside him instantly charge toward the opponents, the boy raising his shield, Emeric readying his spear.

'Hehe, come you idiot brother of my friend.' Hardin smirked inwardly while already notching his arrow. He aimed at Emeric who was already near them, and with a gentle touch, he let go of the arrow, sending it speeding towards his target. 'Got you.'