Capítulo 41: Swordsmanship class II

After the intense training session, my muscles ached with a satisfying burn as I returned to my room. The shower was brief but effective, washing away the sweat and fatigue, leaving me refreshed and ready for the day. I changed into the academy's uniform—a crisp outfit that somehow made me feel more focused, more like I belonged in this place. Once dressed, I made my way down to the dormitory cafeteria for a quick breakfast.

The cafeteria here was smaller than the main one in the academy, but it was practical, with a clear purpose in mind. The food options weren't as diverse or fancy as what was served in the academy's dining hall, but they were affordable and filling. It was evident that the academy intended to provide all students, even those with fewer points or resources, with access to a decent meal. This kind of setup was crucial in maintaining a balanced diet, especially when pushing the body to its limits like we did every day.

I picked up a plate of fresh bread with a generous serving of cheese and vegetables on the side. There were eggs, perfectly scrambled, accompanied by a few slices of crispy bacon. As I ate, I thought about the importance of keeping my diet balanced. Back in my old world, we used to think that strength came from just pushing our bodies to the brink. But here, where mana intertwined with physical abilities, maintaining the right nutrients and energy levels became a necessity. Without a balanced intake, even the most rigorous training would only get me so far.

After finishing my breakfast, I felt more centered, ready to take on the day. I decided to make my way toward the academy's blacksmith department later today. Yesterday, I was too worn out to check it out, but today I wanted to see if I could find any concealed weapons or possibly commission a new one. Having the right tools for combat could mean the difference between victory and defeat, and I needed every edge I could get especially if it can help me with the burning vision inside a hall I had, if there even a slight chance it will come to pass I need to prepare for it.

As I left the dorm and made my way across the academy grounds, the sun was fully risen now, casting its light over the buildings and paths. The academy was slowly coming to life, students bustling about, each with their own purpose and direction. The blacksmith department was one of the more intriguing places I had yet to explore—full of potential, full of weapons that could be the key to unlocking greater abilities. My thoughts were focused as I walked, already thinking about the possibilities of what I might find there.

By the time I reached the classroom, most of the students had already settled into their seats. The room buzzed with the usual chatter, filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The main cast members were in their usual spots, engaged in lively discussions. Some were boasting about their training progress, while others exchanged friendly banter, their laughter ringing through the air. Despite the animated environment, there was a sense of underlying tension—a competitiveness that seemed to flow just beneath the surface.

As I settled into my seat, I could feel the weight of several eyes on me—students murmuring in hushed whispers, casting glances in my direction. Some seemed curious, others skeptical, and a few were openly assessing me, as if trying to gauge whether I was worth their attention. It was clear that my performance during the physical training class had left an impression. I could hear bits and pieces of their conversations—words like "strong," "unexpected," and "potential" floating around, creating a buzz that I hadn't anticipated.

Among the main cast, their reactions were more varied but no less noticeable. Some were discreet, stealing glances that they tried to mask as casual, while others watched me more openly. There was a hint of respect in their eyes—a recognition that hadn't been there before. Shin, in particular, stood out. He was usually distant, a guy who kept to himself and didn't bother with those he deemed unworthy of his time. But today, there was a slight change in his demeanor. His gaze was less guarded, more accepting, as though he'd silently acknowledged my presence in the class hierarchy.

Shin gave me a nod, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to notice. It was like a subtle signal—an unspoken approval. The kind of thing that told me I'd crossed some invisible threshold in his mind, shifting from a mere face in the crowd to someone worthy of his attention. For someone like Shin, who rarely showed any outward signs of approval, this was a significant gesture.

As our eyes met for a moment, there was a mutual understanding between us. No words were exchanged, but I knew that I had earned a small measure of respect from him. It wasn't just about physical strength or skill; it was more about showing that I could keep up, that I wouldn't back down easily.

Then, Elanor entered the room, and her presence immediately commanded attention. She moved with a grace that was almost regal, her confident stride making it clear that she held authority here. As soon as she crossed the threshold, I felt the mana in the room shift, almost as if the air itself responded to her presence. It was subtle but unmistakable, like a ripple spreading through a still pond. The ambient mana seemed to gather around her, creating an invisible yet palpable aura of dominance that settled over us like a weight.

This wasn't the first time I'd felt this effect from her, but it never ceased to catch me off guard. The pressure in the room intensified slightly, and even those who were chatting moments before fell silent. Elanor's aura wasn't just something you felt—it was something you experienced. It was as though she had a silent command over the very essence of mana itself, bending it to her will without even trying.

As she took her place at the front of the class, her presence commanded attention. Her black hair was sleek and straight, cascading past her shoulders, contrasting sharply with the pristine white blazer she wore. The blazer's fitted design emphasized her poise and authority, hinting at a disciplined nature. Her silver eyes, almost like molten steel, shimmered under the classroom lights, their intensity unwavering as they scanned the room. Those eyes had a way of holding your gaze, making you feel as though she could see right through you, understanding more than you intended to reveal.

She began the class with her usual routine—taking roll call, her voice calm but carrying a note of firmness that left no room for distraction. As she called out each name, her gaze lingered on certain students, assessing them in a way that felt more like evaluation than simple acknowledgment. When her eyes fell on me, I could feel the weight of her scrutiny, a sharp gaze that seemed to pierce through the surface, as if trying to measure my worth.

It wasn't just a passing glance; it was a deliberate pause, a moment where she seemed to analyze every detail, every movement. I remembered reading in the novel that she had a reputation for having a keen eye for talent. She was known to offer guidance and support to those she believed had potential, regardless of their background or social status. Her attention was a double-edged sword—it could either be a pathway to opportunities or a never-ending challenge to prove yourself worthy.

Right now, it felt like she was still undecided about me, still weighing her options as to whether I was worth investing her time and effort in. The silence in those moments of her scrutiny seemed to stretch, and I knew that in her mind, she was already forming an assessment of my abilities. It was a silent challenge, one that made my resolve harden. If she was testing me, then I'd have to make sure I proved my worth.

She then shifted into today's topic, discussing the roles of hunters in combat and how they were influenced by two primary factors: the mana core and the mana veins. She began by describing the mana core as the heart of one's magical potential, a reservoir that determined the amount of mana a person could store and utilize. "Those with high-quality mana cores," she explained, "can draw upon vast amounts of mana, enabling them to cast more powerful spells or sustain their abilities for longer periods during battles."

"But having a high-quality mana core," Elanor continued, her voice steady, "is only one side of the coin. The second crucial factor is the mana veins, which serve as pathways that channel mana throughout your body. These veins are what determine how efficiently and quickly you can use your mana in combat. It's not just about having a large reserve; it's about being able to release that mana at the right moment and in the most effective way."

She elaborated that those with stronger mana veins often excelled in close-combat roles, like hunters or aura users, because they could channel their mana to enhance their physical abilities almost instinctively. "Hunters, scouts, tanks, and mid-rank support often have these strong mana veins, allowing them to adapt in fast-paced fights, augment their physical strength, and react quickly to threats."

On the other hand, she explained that individuals with higher-quality mana cores, like mages and wizards, usually took on roles that required long-range spells and complex magic. "These individuals have the capacity to release vast amounts of mana," she said, "but they often take longer to channel it into their surroundings because their mana veins aren't as developed. With proper training and a focus on learning magic compatible with their core, they can significantly reduce their casting times and become formidable spellcasters."