Sparring

Once Ms. Gomez's display of raw strength was complete, she interlocked arms with Flecker before trotting over to a concession stand. While the two enjoyed their date, Class A and B picked opponents.

"Jake," said Arthur in an emotionless voice. The dirty-blonde-haired man raised his head in confusion. "Pick Gary as your opponent. That muscular, silent… externally, I guess, kid. He's a strong opponent."

"But why?"

"Please, Jake," Arthur said, narrowing his eyes as he stared at Gary. The latter, noticing his cold gaze, waved before approaching Arthur and Jake alongside Caroline and Evan. At that point, Alisha had wandered off on her own.

"I was wondering where you were," said Evan, putting his arm on Arthur's shoulder. "Ah, you're hanging out with Garcia. Evan Smith, nice to meet you."

"Jake Garcia," replied Jake, shaking hands with Evan. "Do you mind…"

Without waiting for an answer, Jake pulled Arthur away by the arm. Evan and Caroline watched with confusion, but Gary's eyebrows rose slightly.

"Why…"

"I suspect him of espionage," Arthur explained. Although he didn't want to, Jake was the only person powerful enough to potentially combat Gary in this session. Perhaps, Alisha could, too, but she wasn't here.

Moreover, Jake wouldn't understand without a proper explanation, since he'd been betrayed once, already. The risk was quite high, and the chances of the sparring session being interrupted were increasing.

Arthur noticed Gary's amused gaze. The former shot the latter a smile, to which the latter nodded in acknowledgement.

"Espionage…" Jake muttered under his breath. Murderous intent flashed across his eyes, but went unnoticed by Arthur. "Shouldn't you have told a teacher, first? Why come to me, Arthur? Are you… hiding something, too?"

Arthur gulped inwardly. He was certain revealing such information to Jake was a bad idea, but someone had to keep Gary in check. Also, Jake had hit the mark. The reason he hadn't told a teacher was because of his potential involvement in said 'espionage'.

"No, I'm not," replied Arthur flatly.

Jake's gaze lingered on him for a few seconds before he shook his head and sighed in relief. "Yeah, who am I kidding. Anyway, you need me to spar Gary, right? I'm assuming you also need me to inspect his skills? Perhaps he was holding back when he entered Class B?"

When Arthur nodded, Jake revealed a faint smile.

"Consider it done," with a swift motion, the latter vanished from Arthur's gaze. "In return, teach me that footwork technique some time."

Arthur nodded before letting out a chuckle. He then paired up with Evan for the sparring session.

*

"Gary Anderson," said Gary, shaking Jake's hands as they stood opposite to each other on the training grounds. After the latter requested to be the former's partner during the session, the former was quite confused.

However, the chance to battle a Garcia was like Halley's Comet.

"Jake Garcia," replied Jake, exchanging a firm shake. "I hope you don't mind sparring with me. I was… interested in your combat style, considering you carry around a halberd. It's a style I've never seen."

Gary's eyes lit up. "Do you know about the Spanish Royal Guard?"

"I've read about them in the history books," replied Jake. "They used halberds, right? I've heard halberds can allow foot soldiers to battle armored men on horses."

"True, that," Gary replied, revealing the most fake, diplomatic smile. "Now, shall we begin? I'm sure you didn't approach me to receive a halberd lesson? Although, I'd be delighted to provide you with one."

"Maybe some other time."

"Thought so," said Gary, nodding. "I'm assuming everything goes?"

"Everything goes," Jake confirmed as he unsheathed his longsword. Mana particles arose from the sword, and Jake prepared a barrage of strikes. His specialty was speed, and it wasn't a secret.

However, Gary…

In the practical exam, he hadn't contended due to personal reasons. However, he was still allowed into Class B despite his absence. He didn't score that well on the intelligence and knowledge examination, either.

It wasn't far-fetched to assume he was conducting espionage. But spies wouldn't be so obvious in their work. Jake wondered whether Gary was revealing himself, or whether he wasn't a spy in the first place.

Jake didn't take Arthur's words at face value. The former knew the latter would've never revealed such a secret if he was certain of his assumption. That meant Arthur still needed self-assurance.

Only then would he dig for proof.

Jake didn't mind being the dog in the situation, as powerful combatants were always welcome.

Gary used a halberd, but his fighting style was unknown. It was obvious he used his massive muscles as catalysts to perform strong strikes, but Jake wondered whether that was only a facade.

Perhaps he balanced his strength and speed despite his choice of weapon. It was certainly a possibility, and something that would hinder his strikes if Gary decided to reveal it at a certain moment.

Jake shot forward, preparing to swing his longsword horizontally. His mana cloaked the blade of the sword, emitting a silver glow. Its shine was ethereal as it pierced through the wind pressure that towards Gary's heart.

At that moment, a faint smile blossomed on Gary's face. A gust of wind swept by Jake's face, and a searing pain emerged from his left bicep. Blood emerged from the wound, and it was like time stopped for Jake.

'What… the fuck.'

Jake's widened eyes were bloodshot, and he racked his brain to process what had occurred. At that last moment as the gust of wind approached his body, Jake had stepped to the side as a reflex to protect himself.

Despite that, a shallow cut appeared on his left bicep.

'The speed…'

Since Gary used the halberd, Jake believed his choice of attribute would be strength. The belief was reinforced due to Gary's muscular physique, which displayed the hard work he must've put towards building it.

But it didn't matter? The muscles were practically useless and a diversion.

Gary's specialty was also speed.

Or was it?