Although Eren was trying to ignore Zephyr's rejection, he was getting irritated by the continuous requests of Zephyr to spar.
Eren's irritation simmered like a quiet flame within him as he walked away from Zephyr, his mind consumed by the frustrating turn of events. Although he recognized that worrying wouldn't achieve anything, the weight of the upcoming midterm exams and the urgent need for a teammate bore down on him.
The path to the training grounds was a mix of cobbled stone and dew-kissed grass, the light from the illuminating stones brightened up the surroundings as there was still no sign of the sun in the sky.
As Eren reached the training grounds, the imposing figure of Professor Joshua stood against the canvas of darkness, his silhouette commanding attention. Eren wasted no time in approaching the professor, his bow a gesture of respect tinged with regret. "I apologize for oversleeping, Professor."
A stern glance from Professor Joshua met Eren's apology. "You better make up for it with your performance today."
Eren's nod was accompanied by an unshakeable resolve. He understood the importance of showcasing not just academic prowess but also unwavering dedication.
The training session that followed was a grueling test of Eren's physical and mental fortitude. Every movement, every strike, was executed with precision and determination. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, and his muscles ached in protest, yet Eren pressed on.
The sun rose from the horizon, climbing higher in the sky, its warm embrace mingling with the exertion that soaked through his clothes.
As the training reached its end, Eren's breaths were deep and labored. The end of the session brought both relief and exhaustion, a mix of sensations that blended into a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
"Hufff~" Eren exhaled, leaning on his knees to catch his breath.
Just as he was regaining his composure, Zephyr approached him, seemingly undeterred by Eren's previous rejection.
"Hey, Eren. If you don't mind teaming up with him, I have a suggestion," Zephyr said with a playful grin.
Eren straightened, his curiosity piqued. "I'm all ears."
Zephyr's shrug was accompanied by a knowing smile. "I have already teamed up with someone else but I might have a solution for you. I know someone who's also looking for a partner too."
Eren's attention was drawn to Zephyr's pointed finger.
The training session had concluded, the sun inching closer to its zenith, and the academy grounds were typically quiet at this hour, with most cadets nestled in the embrace of their dorm room beds. However, as Eren followed Zephyr's outstretched hand, his gaze alighted upon a solitary figure.
'He hasn't even shown any of his powers; he sure is an excellent assassin.'
Ezio's current power level stood at intermediate 3-star, but Eren understood that this was just the tip of the iceberg. The skills, the techniques imparted by the Assassin King, remained dormant within him.
It was a knowledge that Eren possessed, having known Ezio's capabilities during his past life.Yet, despite his latent potential, Ezio remained unassuming, a mere shadow of the lethal force he could become.
'After all, the Reaper of the Red Moon, that I have heard about, is not a weakling,'Eren mused, his thoughts a whirlwind of speculation.
Eren pondered the reasons behind Ezio's restraint. Was it an order from the Assassin King, or did Ezio harbor his own motivations for keeping his skills hidden? The answers eluded him, shrouded in mystery.
However Eren was perplexed by another aspect—Ezio's current ranking, despite being weaker than Zephyr, Ezio held a rank within the top 80s. Eren couldn't fathom why he hadn't joined a team yet.
"He hasn't teamed up with anyone yet?" Eren's curiosity slipped into his words as he voiced his question.
Zephyr's response carried a tinge of cynicism. "You underestimate the nobles in the academy."
Eren's eyes widened slightly as the realization hit him. He had momentarily forgotten the rigid hierarchy that defined the Frejlord academy. Ezio's current identity was that of a peasant, unaware of his noble lineage. The noble-born students were often exclusive, hesitant to welcome those they perceived as commoners into their ranks. Zephyr's assessment painted a stark picture of the academy's social dynamics.
Eren's mind flashed to his own experiences, both as a noble and a commoner. He had tasted the bitterness of both worlds and understood the disdain with which the privileged often viewed those from humble origins. It was a reality he had hoped would change but found unchanged.
As the weight of the academy's societal divisions settled upon him, Eren's thoughts shifted to another individual—Esmerald. Amidst the chaos of recent events, she had slipped from his mind. Suspicion still clouded her in Eren's eyes. In the Tower of Justice's inquiry, Esmerald had omitted her association with the rebels. Eren had witnessed her presence among them firsthand.
'I should keep an eye on her,' Eren resolved silently. He was convinced that there was a connection between Esmerald and the rebels, but lacking concrete evidence, he could only maintain vigilance for the time being."Well, let's ask him," Eren thought, bringing his attention back to Ezio. A sense of determination welled within him. Despite the obstacles, he needed a partner for the midterm exams.
The only two others who were somewhat close to him in the academy, Evan and Julia, were likely to have paired up with each other, leaving Ezio as Eren's best option.
'Let's ask him right away.'
The academy grounds bathed in the gentle embrace of the morning sun as Eren approached Ezio who was immersed in his training.
---***---
Daily chapter Release~~