Training Grounds (2)
After his demonstration, Professor McAllister asked, "Is everything clear?"
"Yes, professor."
"Good. Now, start your training."
Erik hated the teacher's demeanor. He had thought that awakening would earn him more respect, but this teacher proved otherwise.
Erik tried to do the man's kicks, but it was clear it wasn't simple.
"Keep your feet on the ground and balance your hips," Professor McAllister said, trying to correct Erik's mistakes with pointers and advice. "Your left foot is too far forward for this move!"
Erik realized he lagged behind his peers in training. His job had eaten up most of his time, leaving little room for practice, and his situation made things even worse. This put him at a clear disadvantage compared to others who had more resources and time to train. Most importantly, they had the chance.
This filled Erik with anxiety. Would he be able to become strong enough before entering the military? Was he doomed to remain behind? It was frustrating to reach the same starting point as others, only to find out they were still leagues ahead.
Yet Erik remained hopeful. Though success never came without effort, he was confident that with the system's help, he would eventually surpass them all.
<I need to inject fighting techniques as soon possible. Let's see what Professor McAllister says and then search for the best training technique I can learn.>
For now, his new strength gave him confidence that the average kid his age and rank wouldn't easily defeat him in a physical fight, but if that held true against people who knew how to fight was still unknown.
It was then that Erik glanced at the other students' training. It wasn't Anderson Worthington who caught his eye, but Amber. She was fighting Nathaniel.
Their movements were swift, and noble compared to his.
Jealousy gnawed at him, and he silently cursed his circumstances. Yet, as he watched them fight, a spark ignited within—a burning desire to grow stronger, to improve, to achieve greatness.
<One day I will surpass them.>
The students weren't allowed to use their powers during sparring sessions, but they didn't need to. Having trained since childhood, those under Professor McAllister's tutelage were skilled fighters, at least compared to those their age.
Most of them came from wealthy backgrounds, likely benefiting from private tutoring at home, which gave them a solid foundation.
Nathaniel threw a punch at Amber, who evaded it and countered with a swift kick. She knocked his leg aside, sending him tumble to the ground.
Nathaniel spun himself around and tried to sweep Amber's shin. She stepped back, readying her next move.
The young man had a different style. He was aggressive and used his higher strength to land blows on her.
In addition, he was quick enough to evade every blow and landed one or two hits per exchange.
Amber stopped her attack mid-air and retreated from Nathaniel. She turned to face her opponent, who was already winding up for a punch.
Amber sidestepped and kicked again, aiming low, causing Nathaniel to fall once more. The disparity in skill between the two was clear.
Though Nathaniel was the strongest in the school when using his brain crystal power, he ranked only third in terms of pure martial prowess.
Erik glanced at the fight, struggling to keep his focus on his own training. Professor McAllister took note of Erik's wandering attention.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing; sorry, professor!"
"You shouldn't waste your time staring at others. Focus on yourself; your life will depend on your training!"
Erik nodded and returned to training, occasionally glancing at Amber's and Nathaniel's fight.
Nathaniel attacked again, hitting Amber in the ribs. She flinched, but quickly moved back. Nathaniel followed up, throwing a punch at her face. Amber jumped, dodging the hit. As soon as she landed, she kicked Nathaniel in the face.
"Do you surrender?"
"To you? Never."
Nathaniel attacked again. Amber dodged most of the attacks, but one connected with her jaw. The impact sent her backwards, causing her to hit her head on the floor. A small cut appeared on her forehead.
Amber stood up, wiping blood from her mouth. She glared at Nathaniel. "You'll regret that."
"We'll see."
They continued exchanging blows. Until Amber landed a powerful kick. Nathaniel fell to the ground, stunned.
"You are not so bold anymore, eh, Nathaniel?" The young man fell unconscious.
"Who are you talking to?"
Gwen, another top student, asked. She was tall for a woman, standing nearly five feet ten inches, with long brown hair reaching past her shoulders.
Gwen was strong and muscular, with a body many men would admire. But she didn't rely on strength alone. Like the smart fighter she was, she didn't just try to overpower them with force.
Gwen also ended her spar. She fought against her, and Amber's friend, Floyd, ranked seventh in the group. Despite trading fierce blows, their bout remained closely matched throughout.
In the end, Floyd surrendered.
Floyd then approached them.
"Damn, I don't know what happened there... I could have won this time."
"Don't worry about it. Next time, maybe," Gwen said.
Since the three had nothing more to do, they observed Erik's training. It was embarrassing.
"Ah… I can't look at it…" Gwen said.
"Let's not judge him," Amber said. "It's not our place. Besides, I've heard he can't afford a private tutor."
"Why didn't he train at school then?" Floyd asked.
"With Logan Reid beating him on every occasion?"
"Why do you know these things? You searched his background?" Gwen asked.
"Of course I did. I had to see for myself who the rumored 'Awakener' was…"
"Yes, but we learned about it this morning. It is a little bit suspicious."
The three students continued watching Erik's training. His kicks were poorly executed, making it embarrassing for them to watch. After a while, they had to look away because of how awkward it was.
Eventually, Professor McAllister instructed Erik to stop his training session.