35 Lorelai Forte

Hokuto woke up to find herself in her room the following day. She looked at the clock-like contraption on the wall of her room and leaped to action in a jiffy - she had apparently overslept. Quickly getting into a fresh change of uniform, she left her old one out on the bed and rushed to the hall of the barracks to meet the others. Hokuto bowed awkwardly in apology but Vermont didn't seem mad, unlike the others who were a bit pissed off that Hokuto held the lesson up.

Astraea had informed Vermont in advance that Hokuto underwent a serious training which might affect her capacity to get up on time today. Vermont knew that it was most likely a result of the cultivation of internal martial arts, thus he was more understanding compared to the kids. Hokuto now felt a lot more clear-headed and less emotional than before.

"Sorry, guys." Hokuto bowed once again but this time the others didn't seem to look at her as angrily as earlier. It might have been due to Vermont glaring at the other kids.

Vermont formally started the day's lesson, which was decidedly less hands-on compared to the mock battle previously. He pointed out that the reason why Hokuto's group shouldn't be underestimated anymore due to their numbers was because in front of absolute strength, strategy meant nothing.

Mercedes and Hokuto both inwardly agreed with this assessment but for different reasons. Soon enough, someone seated next to Mercedes raised her hand. She had long brown hair and despite being only fourteen years old easily had the most mature face out of any of the kids present. Hokuto turned to look at her as Vermont prompted the girl to raise her query.

"Vermont, if that's the case, why bother coming up with strategy? If you theoretically became strong enough to brute force past all obstacles, shouldn't we be focusing on raising combat strength?" the girl asked.

Vermont praised the girl in his heart, she was really thinking critically. "Well, Lorelai, the reason is simple. It's not practical to raise an army of superhumans. We can't achieve this yet."

Lorelai quickly rebutted by pointing at Hokuto, who just awkwardly stared back.

"Astrid is a different example. First, you have to understand that internal martial arts is incredibly difficult to cultivate. You have to have the good fortune to have a body strong enough to withstand it. Clearly, for her to achieve what she has meant that the [Rose Sword Saint] was able to see correctly. On the other hand, do you think you can find people capable of using internal martial arts like cabbages?" Vermont quipped in response.

Lorelai looked at Hokuto and the latter had a better look at her face.

A warm feeling rose in Hokuto's heart all of a sudden. Perhaps it reminded her of home, or perhaps it was something else. However, Hokuto knew she must become Lorelai's friend after this. A discussion soon erupted, though Vermont quickly quieted down the troop.

He soon added that it was still very important to learn about strategic maneuvers and battle tactics because team work and outmaneuvering your opponent could still give you significant edges over them. Hokuto was soon reminded about how the fellows from that new Abyssal Temple organization was able to magically appear in the castle behind all their security.

Hokuto looked down at the ground mournfully as if she was reminded of something. Lorelai noticed this. Vermont continued with his lecture. It finished with much more simple exercise drills in the hall. To Hokuto, these were nothing much. More physically inclined people, like Mercedes, Jonas, and to Hokuto's surprise, Lorelai, were also doing fairly well. Those who struggled appeared to be those who focused fully on magic.

Vermont seemed to be used to such a sight.

By the time it was afternoon, Vermont had dismissed the troop. As everyone was filing out to leave, Jonas and the two sisters mentioned to Hokuto that they had to take care of some Academy-related school work, so they left. Hokuto didn't currently attend the Royal Magic Academy and instead was directly inserted into the army. Besides, as the only disciple of Astraea, she had a certain advantage in terms of status.

Lorelai slowly approached Hokuto and extended her hand. "I'm sorry for picking on you," she said apologetically. "But your strength really amazed me. I was one of the people you punched the lights out of yesterday. My name is Lorelai Forte. I hope we can get along."

Hokuto politely returned Lorelai's handshake. "Don't apologize. I've had a bad week. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lorelai. Just call me Hokuto instead, I prefer this name."

Hokuto couldn't tell Lorelai that it was just an alias. Not yet, anyways. For some reason, Hokuto really wanted to open up to her.

"Did something happen?" Lorelai kindly asked Hokuto. Lorelai was about two heads taller than her, in fact, she was really tall for her age. She seemed to be growing much faster than the average kid her age. It really reminded Hokuto of her mother.

Hokuto shook her head. This kind of matter didn't concern anyone here but herself. She needed to fully focus on her training, but she was glad that Lorelai approached her first. "No, nothing important happened," Hokuto laughed sheepishly. "Anyway, I must hurry and go attend training with my Master." she bowed politely and quietly left.

Lorelai stared at Hokuto's back as she ran out the hall.

"What secrets are you hiding...?" Lorelai muttered to herself.