Chapter 8: A Teacher Worth Learning From
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After the match, the academy didn’t forget.
Word of my fight with Rei Takeda spread like wildfire. Some students saw me as a rising contender, a mystery worth unraveling. Others saw me as an anomaly that needed to be put in my place.
And the instructors?
Most of them ignored me.
Most.
<hr>
The Mentor Appears
I didn’t expect anyone to seek me out.
So when I was pulled from my next class and summoned to a secluded training hall, I assumed the worst.
What I got instead…
Was Instructor Kaela Voss.
She stood in the center of the arena, arms crossed, watching me with an expression of mild amusement.
"You''re the problem child," she said.
I sighed. "I really need a new nickname."
Kaela Voss was a former S-Rank Hunter. Notorious for fighting on the front lines against Abyss-class monsters.
She had retired from active duty and vanished from public records—until she resurfaced here as an instructor.
Unlike the other teachers, she wasn’t dressed in formal academy robes. She wore a high-collared, sleeveless combat vest, reinforced gloves, and a long coat with reinforced plating. Her hair was short and messy, silver streaked with black, and her eyes were old, sharp—like someone who had seen too much but refused to look away.
"Vance said you''re interesting," she continued. "I disagree."
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I frowned. "Then why am I here?"
Kaela smirked.
"Because I want to see if he’s right."
<hr>
Training Begins
Kaela didn’t waste time.
"Draw your weapon."
I hesitated. "Here?"
"Unless you''re afraid."
I exhaled. Nyx pulsed against my palm, her amusement bleeding into my thoughts.
"She’s bold. I like her."
I drew my blade.
Kaela moved instantly.
No warning. No hesitation. Just pure speed.
Her foot slammed into my gut, sending me skidding across the floor.
I barely caught myself before she was already on me again.
Her fist blurred—a straight punch aimed at my ribs.
I twisted, Nyx moving to parry.
A mistake.
The moment our weapons clashed, I felt raw force explode through my arms.
Not just strength. Control.
Kaela used minimal movement, maximum power.
I was faster, but she was more efficient.
Within seconds, I was on the defensive, struggling just to keep up.
And she wasn’t even trying.
She caught my next attack, twisted—and I hit the ground, hard.
I groaned. "Okay. That hurt."
Kaela smirked, stepping back. "Lesson one: Strength means nothing without technique."
She offered a hand.
I took it.
Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.
<hr>
New Friends and Enemies
As Kaela’s unofficial apprentice, I got new enemies—and new allies.
<ol>
<li>
The Rivalry with Kaien Deepens
<ul>
<li>Kaien didn’t like the attention I was getting.</li>
<li>He started watching my training.</li>
<li>"Voss is wasting her time," he muttered. "You don’t belong here."</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Elias Wolfe Becomes a Friend
<ul>
<li>He had his own reasons for sticking close.</li>
<li>"You’ve got secrets, Kuro. I like secrets."</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Iris Fontaine, the Ice Queen
<ul>
<li>One of the top students.</li>
<li>Cold, logical, and completely uninterested in anyone beneath her.</li>
<li>But for some reason, she started noticing me.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
A Growing Threat
The academy had its own hierarchy.
But outside the walls?
Something was watching.
Late one night, as I was heading back from training, I felt it—
A presence.
Not human.
Not friendly.
Nyx tensed in my grip.
"We are being hunted, my master."
The academy was supposed to be safe.
It wasn’t.
Something was coming for me.
And soon, I would learn that my fight wasn’t just against students anymore.
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