The morning after the three-day monster hunting mission, the students returned to their usual class schedule.
As always, Professor Tharis appeared in the morning to deliver some announcements.
"Alright, listen up. After completing the monster hunting mission, our class's total score is currently… average.
Not the worst, but certainly not as outstanding as it should be."
His voice fell silent for a moment before resuming in a sharper tone.
"For a class expected to have the highest potential—are you satisfied with just this?"
The room fell into silence.
Their reputation as the top class still lingered, and several students glanced toward Kaian, the one responsible for the point deduction due to disobeying orders.
Although Kairos's exceptional performance had helped make up for the lost points, it was only enough to bring the average back to par.
Feeling the stares around him, Kaian lowered his head, avoiding eye contact.
Professor Tharis noticed the tense atmosphere and immediately cut in.
"If you're busy looking for someone to blame—stop it. A class's score is the result of everyone's efforts.
Those who make mistakes deserve a chance to redeem themselves. He was punished, and that's already a lesson."
"From now on, I expect better cooperation. If there's a problem, talk it out—don't throw blame around.
If you stick together, I guarantee our next evaluation will be much better."
Though strict and direct, his words were necessary in Aurelios Academy's competitive environment.
Once Professor Tharis left the room, the tension gradually dissipated.
Everyone realized that blaming Kaian wouldn't solve anything—it would only waste time.
Students began gathering their materials to head to the outdoor training field for their next period—Martial Arts, taught by Professor Baltas.
Reins, clearly the most excited, practically bounced as they left the room.
"Hey Kairos! Hurry up already! I've been dying for this class!
We've had nothing but numbers and history for days!"
"Whether I hurry or not, we still have to wait for everyone before we can start,"
Kairos replied in his usual indifferent tone, causing Fiona to let out a soft laugh.
Once everyone arrived at the field, Professor Baltas began the lesson immediately.
"Last time, you saw me demonstrate spirit core usage.
Today, we'll go step by step into how to properly control it."
"The foundation of using a spirit core is imagining mana flowing from the heart throughout the body.
But today, we'll practice channeling mana to specific areas to maximize efficiency."
He demonstrated on the spot, circulating his mana throughout his body to boost his overall power.
"Watch closely. The mana spreads everywhere—even to unnecessary parts like the arms when you only want to run.
But if I focus the flow just on my legs... the results are entirely different."
He redirected his mana solely to his legs, then burst forward at a much faster speed.
"See? This is what true mana control looks like."
After that, he gave the signal for the students to begin practicing.
"Try it yourselves. It may be difficult at first, but I believe you can all do it.
This method improves both focus and combat ability."
Reins, already fired up, quickly turned to Kairos.
"Kairos! Want to spar a bit?"
"What possessed you to challenge me all of a sudden?"
"No real reason. Just feeling a bit bored.
I've practiced this technique enough, but I've never tested it for real.
You can probably do it too, right? Want to try?"
"And the rules?"
"Bare fists only—no weapons. Close combat only. Spirit core use allowed."
"Alright."
The two of them stepped into an open area while the other students paused their training to watch.
Professor Baltas shook his head with a small smile.
"Those two… hijacking my class, huh? Well, sparring is good training too."
Melina, walking up with Fiona and Irene, called out teasingly.
"Reins! Don't get stomped by Kairos, okay? Hahaha!"
Everyone laughed, though no one underestimated Reins.
He genuinely wanted to test how far he'd come.
Reins took his stance.
"Get ready, Kairos! You might be strong, but when it comes to spirit cores, I've got confidence too!"
At the signal, both launched forward.
Reins concentrated his mana into his legs for speed, then redirected it to his arms for a full-powered punch.
Kairos blocked it, but the impact pushed him back a step.
Regaining his footing, Kairos countered with a jab to create distance and observe.
He was a slow starter—always analyzing before striking back decisively.
He swept at Reins's leg, throwing him off balance, and followed with a flurry of punches.
Reins dodged most but began to see the gap between them.
Kairos was reading his rhythm and pressing forward.
A solid kick landed on Reins's leg, stunning him just long enough for Kairos to throw a heavy punch—barely blocked in time.
"Man, you're too good!"
"You haven't seen anything yet…"
Reins began circulating fire mana across his body.
Flames surged around him.
"Fire attribute mana, huh…" Baltas murmured.
"Top-tier offensive type. This kid's no joke."
"I didn't show this during practice—but now I will! Get ready, Kairos!"
"Flaming Fist: Third Technique—Lion's Hunt!"
He charged forward, flames trailing behind him.
Kairos entered his serious mode—his world slowing down.
With precise senses and lightning-fast analysis, Kairos evaded and deflected Reins's strike with perfect timing.
Reins's flaming fist slammed into the ground, exploding on impact.
"Your punch is amazing, Reins."
Then Kairos unleashed his power.
Red mana sparked across his body like lightning.
"Crimson Thunder Fist: First Technique—Thunderstrike!"
He dashed in and landed a punch to Reins's stomach, launching him back and dropping him to the ground.
"Oww… Kairos, man! Can't you go a bit easy on me?!"
Reins laughed breathlessly from the ground.
Kairos, realizing he'd gone too far, rushed to check on him.
"Ah, sorry... I might've overdone it."
Reins grinned and held out his hand.
Kairos accepted it and pulled him up.
The students applauded, then started mimicking the sparring style to train their mana control and rhythm.
Fiona approached Kairos.
She still had unanswered questions in her heart...
But seeing him surrounded by friends now—
That alone was enough to make her happy.