-1358- Are you sure?

The special training began abruptly before anyone could even adjust.

The golems charged forward amidst the rumbling ground, raising their massive fists and targeting the student knights who were unable to move properly.

In this situation, despite their fear, the students managed to summon their Devices in time and confronted the golems' fierce attacks.

What followed was an unexpectedly difficult battle.

With their bodies unable to move smoothly and their magical power hard to control, the once-proud student knights of Hagun Academy found themselves at a disadvantage, struggling desperately.

No one chose to take the golems' attacks head-on.

Given the formidable presence and sturdy forms of the golems, it was clear that being struck by their massive, rock-and-metal fists would result in severe injuries without the ability to effectively use magic for defense.

Despite their impeded movements, the students did their best to dodge and defend, attempting to muster their magical power, but they were completely on the back foot.

Fortunately, the golems, though incredibly powerful and resilient, lacked speed and agility, allowing the students to narrowly avoid their attacks and remain unscathed for the moment.

However, the golems had another characteristic: they never tired. As long as they had sufficient magical power, they could continue fighting indefinitely. Moreover, these golems were not ordinary; they were Rozen's familiars. Even if damaged, they could recover as long as Rozen supplied them with magical power. Faced with such opponents under these restrictive conditions, the students found it increasingly difficult to cope.

Thus, the training dormitory hall was filled with shouts, the roars of the golems, and the heavy sounds of impacts.

Rozen and Edelweiss watched this scene, exchanging their thoughts.

"Indeed, Kurogane Ikki, Stella Vermillion, and Todo Touka are the most talented."

Edelweiss stated as expected.

While everyone else was struggling to dodge and defend, only Ikki, Stella, and Touka were barely managing to handle a golem each. Though they appeared similarly strained, they fought with a semblance of competence compared to the others.

Especially Ikki, who, despite the hindrance, displayed extraordinary swordsmanship. With his Secret Sword, Saigeki, he repeatedly struck the golem, even discerning its weak points, causing severe damage. However, Rozen's magical power soon restored the golem, and the tough battle resumed.

Stella and Touka also performed admirably, seizing opportunities to counterattack and chipping away at the golems' bodies, causing rocks and metal to fly through the air.

Despite their exceptional efforts, the three were still visibly exhausted, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat.

"Apart from those three, the ones performing best are surprisingly Tomaru Renren and Saijou Ikazuchi, while Kurogane Shizuku and Totokubara Kanata, who should be stronger, are faring the worst."

Edelweiss observed.

As she noted, though Renren and Ikazuchi's performance wasn't as remarkable as Ikki, Stella, and Touka, they still managed to competently engage with the golems.

Contrarily, Shizuku and Kanata, despite their supposed superiority, were merely fleeing and more fatigued than anyone else.

This was understandable.

"Those two are more skilled in using their abilities than in physical prowess. Their physical capabilities are significantly lower, and with their magic constrained, it's natural they'd end up like this."

Rozen remarked, unsurprised.

The others, though not as extreme as Ikki, still leaned towards physical combat and close-quarter fighting. Stella and Touka were obvious examples, but even Renren and Ikazuchi preferred close combat. While their physical abilities weren't as high as Ikki, Stella, or Touka, they were at least at C-rank. Even with the added burden, they could still manage to fight.

In contrast, Shizuku and Kanata heavily relied on their abilities. With their magical power restricted and lower physical capabilities, it was inevitable they'd fare the worst.

However...

"This is just the beginning. Both of them have good magical control. Kanata's control is at B-rank, and Shizuku's is at A-rank. Once they adapt, they'll find it much easier to use their abilities in battle."

Rozen predicted, though his attention was drawn elsewhere.

"He, on the other hand, is showing a rather intriguing performance."

Rozen was referring to Arisuin Nagi.

Unlike the others, Arisuin's combat style was entirely different.

Arisuin's Device was a silver-gray dagger.

His ability allowed him to freely manipulate shadows.

Using this ability, Arisuin immediately sank into his shadow when attacked by a golem. He then continually appeared in the shadows of the golems and other student knights, even throwing his dagger to pin the golems' shadows, restricting their movements.

Seeing this, Edelweiss was surprised.

"I didn't expect I could be wrong."

Yes.

Edelweiss admitted she had misjudged.

Because...

"While others are struggling to use their abilities, he can already use his freely, staying calm and conserving energy, either hiding or restraining opponents. Unlike the others, he avoids direct confrontation, saving much of his strength, magical power, and stamina. In the end, he might be the most likely to remain standing."

Edelweiss concluded.

Everyone else's combat approach would soon exhaust them, leading to them being struck down by the golems.

Even Ikki and Stella were no exceptions.

However, Arisuin's strategy ensured he wouldn't fall easily.

Yet...

"His combat style is more like an assassin than a knight."

Edelweiss observed Arisuin intently.

Still, more than this, she was concerned about Rozen.

"Putting the training aside, are you sure about this?"

Edelweiss questioned Rozen.

The implication was clear.

"By doing this, you've exposed your secret of having multiple abilities. The students might start suspecting your identity. Coupled with my attitude, your true identity could be revealed soon. Are you sure this is okay?"

Edelweiss worried.