Chương 3: Chapter 3 : A Duel
Before sleeping, Sunny started performing the shadow dance. After a while, Sunny took a shower and laid on his bed. "Damnation, I feel like my muscles are going to explode in any moment."
'Although I know what I should do to achieve the first step. It seems that my body will have to adapt to the dance. But it seems like I'll achieve the 2nd step in the same week after getting to the first step.'
After that. Sunny slept like a baby. It was a long time since he had a sleep like that. Being in the hollow mountains for 2 years and waking up in his first trial. He hadn't had any good sleep.
....
Early in the morning, waking up fresh. Sunny felt better than ever. He walked to the cafeteria to get his breakfast.
After filling his plate. He saw that the only empty seat was near Cassie. Although in the first life he didn't talk to her, he planned on talking with her every day.
"Good morning, Cassie." Sunny said as he sat on the table.
"Good morning, Sunny!" Cassie replied with a big smile on her face.
'She really was a naive pure girl before the forgotten shore.'
After greeting her, Sunny asked, "So, Cassie. What classes are you planning on joining? " Sunny looked at the blind girl while eating his food
Cassie thought for a while and then said with a sigh, "I'm planning on joining the magic class. And practicing on how to deal with my blindness. What about you, Sunny?"
"Me? I'm planning on joining the wilderness survival class and combat class. " after saying that, the two stayed silent as they were eating their food.
While eating, he noticed the sudden commotion. He turned and saw all the sleepers gathering at a huge screen hanging on the wall of the cafeteria. On the screen was a list of names displayed. Ranking all the sleepers from the weakest to the strongest.
"What's all this commotion about?" Cassie asked as she looked at the place where the loud noises came from
"It's a ranking list, from weakest to strongest. Oh, we're both the last people on the list" Sunny said in a joking voice. But the blind girl was clearly sad
"Who's the first person then?" Cassie asked with curiosity
"Oh, the first place? Well, it seems like it's a girl called Nephis. She also got a true name from her first trial." Sunny said casually, but Cassie looked stunned. A true name in the first trial was not seen before. Maybe 2 times. So, for someone to get a true name in their first trial is shocking news.
"To get a true name in her first trial. She must be very strong." Cassie said while looking at her food that she can't see
'I wonder how would they react when they know I have a true name too. Now that I don't have the [shadow bond], it isn't a problem. Hmm... maybe I'll tell them in the future. But that's for later'
**
Sunny was standing in front of the wilderness survival class door. He knocked on the door and heard someone say, "Come in." Sunny heard the familiar voice and smiled unconsciously while opening the door.
After he got inside, he saw he familiar figure of teacher Julius. With his grey messy hair and absentminded eyes.
"I'm awakened Juluis. You can call me teacher Juluis. Sit down, sit down! What's your name?"
"It's Sunless" Sunny replied with a smile. Missing teacher Julius cheerful spirit. He then looked around and asked, "Am I the only student here?"
"Yeah, those brutes are only interested in swinging their fists and swords around. Very few are smart like you and know the true value of knowledge. Say, young man. Why did you choose the wilderness survival class?"
Sunny thought for a while. "Well, one of the things that almost killed in my first trial was the cruel weather. And master Jet recommended me to enter this class"
"Oh, I see, I see. Wait, did you just say Jet?"
'Oh, here we go again.' Sunny saw as Teacher Julius started talking about her for a while.
"Let's get back to your curriculum. What other courses are you taking?"
"Besides this class, I'm only taking the combat class"
"Okay kid. I'm gonna make sure to make immortal in these four weeks. But first let me see how much you know"
Teacher Julius started asking some questions. And for two hours. Sunny kept answering his questions
Julius looked at Sunny with amazement "Wow kid. I'm not really sure if there is much to teach. You seem experienced enough. But don't worry, even the most experienced lack some knowledge. We're finished for today. I'll see you tomorrow sleeper Sunless. "
After saying goodbye to Julius. Sunny went to the combat class. Some time later. He arrived at a large dojo. He observed the other sleepers and saw Neph.
'Should I fight her today?' Sunny thought for a moment but then dismissed this idea. He already had plans for today's class.
Today was mainly dedicated to test their general competency and abilities. After that, everyone where separated in different groups based on their level. Such as beginner, advanced or expert. As well as their weapon choice.
Currently, everyone were taking turns delivering their strongest punches to a wide plate attached to a special measuring machine. After each strike, the machine will display a number ranking their strength.
The average score was between ten to fifteen. Those with physical enhancing attributes got more than fifteen. When it was Sunny's turn. He delivered a swift punch. He didn't use his Aspect, so he got an eleven.
Nephis then followed after him with a score of sixteen. And lastly, Caster got a twenty-one. Instructor Rock smiled
"Not bad. Now, we will move to sparring and evaluate your general level of training. I need two volunteers to begin."
Nephis was the first to step forward and walk to the center of the ring. A couple of seconds later, a tall and extremely muscular Sleeper followed and faced her.
"The rules are simple. Make your opponent's back touch the floor or throw them out of the ring. Use whatever abilities and techniques you find appropriate."
.
.
.
'This is boring.' Sunny sighed as he saw Neph taking out the sleepers in just one move. He couldn't practice his shadow dance. Neph's moves were all calculated. Looking like some war machine.
"Next" as instructor Rock said that, Caster walked up and entered the ring.
This time. Caster launched a fast strike. But even though he had the speed advantage. Neph was like a war machine. But after a couple of seconds, Caster was able to knock Neph on the floor.
Sunny was certain that Neph would've won if she used her aspect. No, even without her aspect, she could've won easily. But in these spars. The winner is who makes his opponent back touch the ground. which, in this case, Caster did first.
"Next"
Everyone looked at Sunny, as he was the last one. Some of them looked at him with pity. Some with laughter about what's going to happen to this weirdo. But no one was prepared for what's about to happen.
***
Caster looked at the short sleeper as he got in the ring. Although Caster was sure of his victory. He couldn't help but shiver as he stared at Sunny's eyes.
'How could someone have such scary eyes.' Although Caster got scared from Sunny's eyes He quickly calmed himself down
'I'll just end it in one quick strike'
Without giving the short sleeper a chance, Caster quickly launched a fast strike towards Sunny. But then something weird happened.
It seems that he tripped? But shockingly, it helped him dodging the unexpected strike
'What? How could someone be this lucky?' Without giving him a chance to reply, Caster quickly launched another attack.
'What! It happened again?'
Then again. That guy was lucky enough to dodge his attack when he tried balancing back.
'How! How can't my attacks reach him?' For a while. Caster kept on attacking, but it seems that this guy had an incredible luck! He kept dodging his attacks by accidents
The other sleepers looked at this weird battle. As they saw how Sunny was somehow dodging Caster's attacks with just pure luck!
Some of them laughed from this weird battle, the others kept whispering to themselves about that guy having a some kind of luck aspect. Except for one particular sleeper.
'That's....that's amazing' Nephis. Who was focusing on the spar upon her. Was mesmerized by Sunny. Although for others, he seemed like some clown dodging the attacks accidentally.
But to her, Caster was like an open book for Sunny. He...he was dancing, a weird but beautiful dance? His dance looked beautiful but also shapeless. It felt like it could take on any form.
'Could that be related his Aspect? He can understand the core of his opponents technique?' Neph was amazed by how Sunny performed. She was sure that if he wanted. He could take out Caster. But why was he messing around? Neph focused more on the duel.
***
In the corner of his eye, Sunny saw Neph's eye widening
'She took the bait' Sunny smirked as he recalled what he planned for this class. He wasn't planning on getting so much attention. But he also wanted to leave a deep impression on Neph. So that's why he was performing the shadow dance.
To others, he may look like a clown. But Sunny was certain that Neph will see the meaning of his movements. And to no one surprise. She actually knew that he wasn't just dodging by luck.
'Anyway. Now that I have completely understood Caster's swordsmanship style. I'll just act like I've lost' Sunny moved purposely to where Caster was going to attack.
He took the hit on his shoulder and fell down. Looking like his luck has finally ran out.
'Damnation, that still hurts'
After getting up and seeing Caster breath in exhaustion, the class finished, and everyone went to the locker room. Some were laughing about the last fight. And some were congratulating Caster on winning on Nephis. Some tried talking to Sunny but he just gave them a cold stare that made them back off
'I guess having deadly eyes have its characteristics.' Sunny chuckled to himself.
After that everyone went to the cafeteria for dinner. He met Cassie there and chatted with her about their day.
....
While Sunny was walking to his room, he felt someone coming behind him. He smirked to himself as turn to face Nephis who is in front of him now.
"Hey, you, Sunny. Right? I wanna talk for a second" Neph said while crossing her hands above her chest.
Sunny looked at her "Well of course, what do you wanna talk about. Nephis?"
Neph looked at him for a while. "Please follow me, Sunny." Sunny didn't reply as he just followed Neph, knowing exactly where she's going.
Moments later, Sunny found himself in the huge dojo once again.
"Okay, Nephis. If you mind me asking, why are we here exactly?" Although Sunny knows exactly why but he didn't show it. He acted like a harmless sleeper.
"I want to spar with you" Neph pointed her sword to his direction
"Me?" Sunny pointed at himself innocently."Why do you want to spar with someone like me who barely survived against Caster? " Sunny acted all naive and innocent
"Cut the crap. The others may not have seen it. But I did. You were clearly dancing. Every move you did, every motion, It all had a purpose. It was like you were just messing around with him. Am I right?" Neph said in a sharp tone
Sunny kept silent for a while. A big smirk appeared on his face. "Well, I can't say I wasn't expecting you to notice that. yes, indeed. Everything you just said is true, and I could've won if I wanted to. But let's just say.... I don't like people knowing too much about me. But still, why do you wanna spar with me?"
"Well, as you said it yourself. You're an expert swordsman. And since no one is here. I'd like to spar with you without holding back."
"Okay then, I refuse." Sunny teased
A frustrated look appeared on nephis. Clearly wasn't expecting that. "Why do you refuse?"
"What would I gain from sparring with you? I would rather sleep to be honest" Sunny continued teasing Nephis.
She bit her lip and clenched her fist. Not knowing what to say. She thought he would accept. She looked at him with anger.
Sunny looked at her while frowning a little.'Wait, she didn't really think about the possibility that I'd say no.' Sunny was laughing from the inside. 'Man, she looks cute when she's angry.'
Sunny then shook his head. "Okay, I'll spar with you. But if I win. I get to ask you a favor. The same goes for you. " Neph expression switch to happiness, and in just a fraction of a second, she turned back to her indifference face.
"Okay, deal!"
'What are you, some war machine? Why do you hide your feelings' Sunny chuckled to himself as he picked a training sword.
Sunny and Neph stood opposite each other. Both holding their swords in a firm grip. This time, Sunny wanted to win. Not because to prove himself strong. But rather, it's to make her believe that she can lay on him on his back as he deal . He wanted her to know that she's not alone.
'I'd be lying if I also didn't want to show her that I'm stronger than her.'
A moment later. They clashed at each other. They kept striking each other. Sunny, being already familiar with Neph techniques. He was able to easily see through her movements. But Neph wasn't an exception. Her mastery in swordsmanship was beyond what a human can reach. It felt like he was fighting Saint.
Her every move was calculated and so is her strength. But Sunny didn't hold back too. Even without his Aspect. He was still a past transcendent human who reach a whole new level in swordsman.
For a while, the huge dojo was filled with nothing but the sounds of heavy breathing and sword clashing against sword.
Sunny then delivered a final blow that finally took down Neph after sparring for an hour
Neph was laying down, breathing heavily "just... who are you really, Sunny?"
Sunny was forced to reply due to his flaw "an outskirt rat"
Neph looked at him with disbelief. "You can't be just an outskirt rat. You should've been trained sense birth to accomplish this mastery in swordsmanship"
"Well, I'm an outskirt rat whether you believe or not. Anyway, now that I've won. You own me a favor, Neph" Sunny smirked widely
Neph shivered from his stare and covered her body with her arms unconsciously "Don't ask for something weird"
"Ohhh.. and what if I did?" Sunny grinned
Neph eyes turned cold "then I will simply refuse" she said with a sharp tone
Sunny widen his eyes a little. coughing, he said "Anyway. I won't ask for too much. Can we spar every night till the winter solstice?" Sunny had two main reasons for his favor. First, he felt himself getting closer to the first step of the shadow dance while sparring with Neph. And we a few more he'll probably unlock it. Second, it would be a good way to befriend her.
Neph thought for a while and after a minute she said "Okay deal. So next time everyday?"
He nodded. After that both of them got back to their rooms.
"Well, that was a fun day." Sunny laid on the bed while thinking about everything he did today. He felt himself reaching closer to his goals. And hopefully, by the end of this week he will finally reach the first step.
Sunny closed his eyes and went to sleep.
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