Not Only About Life and Death

"Today, we'll repeat the previous lesson to see how your move improves. Line up!" Raphael's command started the class.

Students followed his order but did not deftly form formations.

"Why? Are you afraid of bright sunlight?" he quipped when he saw several students covering their faces. The sun was so bright that day.

Hearing that, they quickened their movements. And in a minute, the formation was ready.

"Listen to me and do as I teach!" Columba gave the order.

And the lesson began. Students performed sword moves as they learned from the teacher. They moved forward, brandishing their wooden swords, thrusting them, turning, and more. They were fundamental movements to strengthen and familiarize their body. And the wooden swords were deliberately used because they still couldn't control the power of the blades. It was dangerous if they hurt a friend because of it.

Yeah, everything takes practice.

"Swing your sword stronger," Raphael said to Lisa after seeing her movements in no confidence. "Show your determination," he added.

Class continued. Raphael waited beside her to watch her improvement. "Good. Keep it up," he complimented after Lisa managed to fix her movements and live up to his expectations.

He kept going around to pay attention to each student. Several times, he stopped to correct their posture or give a compliment. He also did correct movements so students could see them clearly.

For almost an hour, they just did the same things. Sweat dripped from their temples, remembering that day was scorching. They felt like they were roasting under the sun.

"Let's rest for a while before moving on to the next lesson."

Instantly, the students ran to the edge under the tree to give the body a little freshness.

"I don't know why we keep doing this," Louis complained as he felt the wind created by his companion by moving the tree. So, it could not only be felt by him but all students.

"Professor already said it. It was for- "Before Thomas could finish his sentence, Jacob cut him off.

"It doesn't have any effect. Why not go fighting? That would be more effective," Jacob sneered.

Students were silent. They might think the truth of what he said or, on the contrary, his words were nonsense.

"What will happen if you fight but don't know how to fight?" Daphne responded with her challenging question.

"Simple. Our instincts will work," Jacob said dismissively.

Daphne seemed to weigh his answer. It was not entirely wrong, but it was also not correct. "Then, in your opinion, what kind of instinct can fight an expert swordsman?" She replied with a crushing question.

"That-"Jacob was at a loss for words. He might not know the answer, or his hurt pride kept him from answering her.

"Give up or fight till the end." Suddenly, Miku joined the conversation. It surprised Carl because she rarely interfered in another conversation.

"Yeah. That's all we can do against expert fighters." Dex followed Miku to join them.

Jacob looked annoyed. This time, it wasn't just Daphne arguing with him but others as well. "There's no surrender for the fighter," he exclaimed steadily.

"Yeah. It's your choice to fight to the end. But, for amateurs like us, the result is known." Daphne responded casually.

"Then you said we should give up? How shallow are you!"

"I said it's a choice. Everyone has a choice whether to give up or keep fighting. Don't force your thoughts on others."

If Thomas and Dex were both partners for cooperation and arguing, then Jacob and Daphne were opponents of arguing with each other. Daphne seemed unable to stop herself from hearing Jacob's ramblings, even though the others felt the same way. But, she represented their voice.

"I'm telling the truth. It's better to lose after fighting till the end than to be ashamed of giving up." Jacob didn't want to lose.

Daphne turned and looked him straight in the eyes. "You know what it means to lose after a hard fight? It's death," she said sharply.

Jacob was silent for a moment. Likewise, all students. Suddenly, a sad silence fell upon them.

"What's this? Why is the atmosphere so mellow?" Raphael came with Columba. They had heard the fierce argument of students and wanted to listen to it too.

"Professor," Lisa called. "Is it okay for a fighter to give up in a fight?" She asked a question that might be in the minds of other students.

Raphael muttered while thinking. But instead of answering, he asked back. "What do you think?"

"I think it's fine for the fighter to give up. That might be a strategy to act defeated, then give a surprise attack." She gave a slightly different answer to the question of life and death.

Raphael nodded. "That's a good thought," he responded, looking satisfied. "I heard your argument earlier, and you're all right about your own choices. Surrender or keep fighting. Those are all right. But think about why you made that decision. Is that part of your strategy, or you don't have other options? Or else."

"The thing to remember is that you can't get carried away by your emotions. It's dangerous when emotions overwhelm you. It will mess up all your actions, including your decisions. And if you make choices just because of your emotions, I'm sure you'll regret it. Nothing good happens when emotions too overwhelm you."

"Including happiness?"

"Yes. Whatever form the emotion takes, it won't be good as long as it's excessive. It blocks the rational side from entering your mind."

"Then what should we do?"

"Haven't you gotten a class for emotion management?"

Students were silent. Some shook their heads.

"You'll get that. It's for the first year, so you'll learn it soon."

"Why? It's because we can't control it?" Jacob spoke again.

"Well," Raphael turned around to look at him. "That's exactly someone like you why the lesson is needed," he said sharply. "The first year is usually filled with overzealousness, high idealism, and glorious images of fighting and what kind of fighter they're going to be. In reality, nothing is certain about fighting. You can win or lose, or you're distracted by your opponent. That's why emotional management is needed."

He stared a little longer to silence him. Then he returned his gaze to the rest of the students. "I'm not the teacher for that, so I shouldn't have to explain it to you. I'm a weapons teacher. Stand up! Let's continue our class."