Chapter 25- Prodigy?

It can't be a coincidence that the teacher under whom Alex would be training is none other than Professor Jullie.

Is it that, because she sympathizes with Alex or is she genuinely the best person to teach him? Alex was unsure, however, talking about potential alone; he had someone else in mind when it came to wielding weapons.

Jullie is more of a mage-warrior, while Alex wants to be a warrior since his magical skills are almost useless in combat.

However, it cannot be denied that Jullie is an exceptional fighter, and someone in the top three strongest teachers in the Soulforge Academy.

Adding up her experience, surely Alex would receive essential knowledge under her tutelage.

With such thoughts, Alex could be seen currently heading toward his classroom.

The intensive training begins after the lunch break. Before that students have to attend the theoretical class, considering the importance of having knowledge before implementing it into practice.

From afar, Alex found a familiar face standing outside the classroom.

Celestria.

Alex had a feeling that she was waiting for him, and since there was no other entrance to enter the class, he discreetly tried making his way inside….

"Uh, Alex!"

…and marvelously failed.

"Celestria." He addressed her, but for some reason, the simple greeting had a major impact on her as the girl's shoulders slumped.

She looked crestfallen.

Alex heaved a sigh. He seriously cannot understand her.

"The class is about to begin." Saying so, he walked past her and entered the classroom.

Little did Alex think that the small exchange was heard by Edric, who was hiding in a corner, and upon seeing Alex walking away after waiting for a few moments, Edric panicked.

Approaching the blond, the raven-haired asked, "Why didn't you talk to him?"

Celestria's eyes were still drawn to the ground as her grip on her bag's strap turned firmer. In a shaky voice, she uttered, "He called me by my full name."

Edric couldn't believe that's the reason why she turned completely silent just now.

"Cela, it's natural for him to show formality with you considering you asked him to pretend that you two never met. And if you get disheartened by his behavior, then you can forget about ever making up with him."

Her eyes turned moist as she looked up at him and complained, "Why do you discourage me like that?"

"Because you are being immature, girl." Suddenly, a third person entered the conversation, and just by the way she uttered those words, one could tell how tired she was of Celestria's attitude.

"Amanda….you can't-" Edric was interrupted,

"Did you turn silent or stutter when you lashed at Alex in the prison?" Amanda asked sternly.

Celestria didn't have to think about that night to shake her head, "No…I didn't."

"So when you didn't feel nervous committing a mistake, why are you failing to utter a simple apology? Or is your ego becoming an obstacle?"

"Never! I can never bring pride in friendship." Celestria immediately refuted, followed by strong determined flames appearing in her eyes as she clenched her fist and said, "I will apologize to him. And that will happen today!"

Edric rejoiced and Amanda just felt elated to see her beloved happy.

If not for Edric she wouldn't even have interfered with this matter. After all, in this situation, she actually is favoring Alex's decision to ignore Celestria. But naturally, voicing it would mean she is looking to make her lover sad.

Soon the trio entered the classroom. Valarie was absent for obvious reasons, and given Alex's and Edric's condition, they also should have been. But well…

"Class, good morning." A lanky man with broad shoulders entered the classroom soon after everyone sat down.

He had pale blue hair that neatly remained combed behind his head and the man looked quite young to be a Professor. But well, Soul Energy nourishes one's skin to the point that one looks younger than one's age.

Soul Energy is essentially a part of every living being but not each one of them can voluntarily wield it as a weapon or means of utility. And those who can are known as awakened.

In this academy, everyone, naturally, is awakened.

And the person on the podium right now goes by the name Simon Ashfield. The Professor of General Studies.

Alex might have heard his name from the book but most of the things related to the man come from the previous owner's memories.

'He's one of my favorite teachers after all….' Alex scoffed.

"Class, unfortunately, I was told to concentrate on those subjects which would be beneficial for your special training. So for now, we will put a pause to the chapter we were studying last time. I hope you all can forgive me." As humble as ever, the man didn't think twice before apologizing for something he could never be blamed for.

Maybe Alex saw himself in this man; that's why he was his favorite.

"Sir, can I ask a question?" The glasses boy with straight purple hair and a height of almost six feet feet stood up.

"Ark, yes go ahead."

The said boy fixed his glasses and asked, "Why is it necessary to participate in the training? Can't we just take the test and get recruited based on our results? I mean recruitment always happens based on what we have learned until now. Now in a few days, what possibly we could learn?"

The scion of the Steelhound family who has been known for their hunting business. Naturally, the son of such an infamous family would have been trained by professionals and the best of instructors.

Considering their teaching, the boy must be feeling this intensive training is a waste of time.

"You assume you cannot learn anything in a few days, right?" The man on the stage asked with a smile. And since Ark presented the question, naturally he agreed.

Simon's smile stretched as while gesturing toward a specific student, he said, "I think you need to rethink your opinion, considering we have a prodigious genius in our classroom."

Every eye turned towards the silver head who was wrapped in bandages and was unfazed by the attention he received.

Taking a pause, Simon added, "Not only did he defeat one of the strongest students of the Soulforge Academy, but he recently slayed a B-rank beast in a labyrinth."

A round of gasps resonated in the class when they heard the news.

Defeating Aiden was still being treated as a whim by people, considering Alex only took one single attack to defeat the undefeatable swordsman. However, a labyrinth?

"Are you for real?"

"Professor, is this true?"

"A labyrinth? And that nerd?"

"B-rank…"

"Lies…not even I have faced a B-rank yet!" The last voice belonged to Ark who stared at Alex with wide eyes.

Celestria had also shock written over her face as she stared at Alex in disbelief.

The same childhood friend of hers who couldn't leave his room after the sky darkened participated in a raid and even defeated a monster of such level?

'Exactly what changed you so much….' Although she asked that, Celestria had a feeling that she knew the reason behind this sudden change.

Simon chuckled, "Believe it or not, that's the truth." Looking back at Ark, he added, "So yes, Student Ark, unless you want to be left behind you have to attend this training for the sake of a better future."

Ark sat back down, but his eyes remained lingering on Alex's back, trying to discern how a nerd got himself such a boost all of a sudden.

'Secret training? No…there is something more…' It was too good to be true.

'I think I have to ask for Mama's help investigating this one…'

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A/N:- How was the chapter? Enjoyable? Celestria's character is a little…childish. But surely, along the way, she would have character development.

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed the story so far, drop a review. Trust me, it helps.