Bab 17: First Combat

"Knowledge on how to utilize your ability is required to know and understand your combat style." Alexander said. He walked around the class before pointing to a girl, "What's your ability, young one?"

"H-healing..." Her voice faded as she lowered her head.

"Pfft."

The students laughed - what could a healer possibly want in a combat class?

"Are they any other healers?" Alexander asked loudly, cutting off the mocking laughter from the students.

"Well, too bad." He began, "Unlike what most of my colleagues think, your ability does not completely determine what you can be."

"You can beat up that dumb speed user to a pulp."He pointed at the student who laughed first, "...just like him." Alexander's eyes turned to Jesse, "Come over." He waved Jesse to the middle of the class.

"They say your ability is luck." Alexander began as soon as Jesse walked up to the centre, "I've never heard of such, but it will be a great honour to have a combat with the Lucky one." His clear voice that was devoid of either mockery or admiration fell on Jesse's ears.

"Inspect." Jesse called out in his thoughts.

[Name: Alexander Zephron]

[Race: Human]

[Status - ??]

[Ability - ??]

[Tier - ??]

[Level - ??]

'Even his status bar was hidden?'

The class fell silent, the tension in the air thickening as Jesse stepped forward. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from nerves, but from the anticipation of facing someone as strong as the new teacher.

Alexander stood in the middle of the classroom, his posture relaxed, almost nonchalant. But Jesse knew better than to mistake that ease for weakness. There was a dangerous confidence in the way Alexander held himself, a surety that came from experience and skill.

"Whenever you're ready," Alexander said, his voice calm, as if he were discussing the weather rather than an impending fight.

Jesse nodded, tightening his fists. He needed to act first, to somehow catch Alexander off guard. With a burst of energy, Jesse lunged forward, aiming a punch at Alexander's midsection.

But Alexander wasn't there.

Jesse's fist cut through empty air, and before he could react, a sharp tap landed on his side. He barely had time to register the contact before he spun, trying to follow Alexander's movements. Another strike, this time to his shoulder, and then another to his lower back. Each touch was precise, delivered with minimal effort but maximum impact.

"Do not underestimate your opponent, and never turn your back to your opponent." Alexander taught in-between the fight.

Amidst the frustration that built in Jesse's chest, he could sense a pang of excitement as he swung again, faster this time, hoping to catch Alexander off guard. But again, Alexander seemed to simply glide out of the way, his movements fluid and effortless. A swift strike to Jesse's temple sent his vision spinning for a moment.

Jesse stumbled back, trying to regain his balance, but Alexander was relentless. He moved like a shadow, always a step ahead, always just out of reach. Each time Jesse tried to land a blow, Alexander would dance around him, delivering a light, but disorienting tap in return.

"You're focusing too much on the hit," Alexander's voice cut through the haze of Jesse's frustration. "Your ability isn't just about getting lucky—it's about creating your own luck. Anticipate, adapt, and control the flow of battle."

Jesse gritted his teeth, determination flaring in his chest. He shifted his stance, this time not aiming directly for Alexander but predicting where he might move next. He feinted a punch to the left, then quickly spun to the right, hoping to catch Alexander off guard.

But once again, Alexander wasn't where Jesse expected him to be. Instead, he felt a firm tap to the back of his knee, causing him to stumble and nearly fall. As he struggled to regain his footing, Alexander stepped in close, tapping Jesse's chest lightly with two fingers, sending a sharp jolt through his body that left him gasping for breath.

"Stop chasing shadows," Alexander advised, stepping back. "Your ability is more than you think. Embrace it, and you'll find that luck isn't just about chance—it's about being in the right place at the right time, because you made it so."

Jesse, now panting, could feel the bruises forming where Alexander had struck. Not only was his well-built stamina depleted in mere seconds, but the places where Alexander struck felt numb and painful all at once.

"My ability is not luck." Jesse slowly stood up.

"Is it not?" Alexander blinked like he couldn't understand what Jesse had just said - the corner of his lips pulled up slightly in jest.

Jesse's breathing was heavy, his body aching from the relentless taps that Alexander had so casually delivered.

He, however, feigned another stumble, letting his body sag slightly as though he were on the verge of giving up. It was a gamble - a calculated risk.

Alexander's eyes moved to the cheering crowd, remaining as relaxed as ever.

In a flash, Jesse sprang forward, moving faster than he ever had before. His body surged with adrenaline, and in that split second, it felt as though time slowed down just enough for him to see Alexander's expression shift—from calm, to bewilderment.

Jesse's fist shot out, aiming straight for Alexander's face. The gap between them closed almost instantly, and for the briefest of moments, it seemed as if he had caught Alexander off guard. The distance was too short, too fast. Jesse felt a surge of triumph as his fist closed in.

But before the punch could connect, Alexander's hand moved like lightning. His grip was firm, unyielding, as he caught Jesse's wrist mere inches from his face. The sudden halt in motion jolted through Jesse's arm, stopping him cold.

The two stood there, locked in that instant, Jesse's fist trembling in Alexander's iron grip. Alexander's eyes narrowed as the shock on his face turned into a smile.

"Impressive," Alexander said, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. "You used my own words against me. But..." His grip tightened ever so slightly on Jesse's wrist, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind him of the power gap that still existed between them. "You still have much to learn."

Jesse's breath was ragged, his muscles trembling with exertion. But despite the exhaustion, a grin spread across his face. For the first time, he had seen something shift in Alexander, a recognition that he wasn't just some weakling.

As Alexander turned to address the rest of the class, Jesse allowed himself a moment of pride - even the pain he felt was not enough to hinder his happiness.

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