Chapter 52: Just Watch And Learn

Author's Note: I am really sorry about the long wait so, this chapter will be a good one. In this chapter, we will start off with the point of view of Alex. This chapter sounded much more bad-ass when I was formulating the story of it in my head so, it might not translate well into this chapter. Enjoy!

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I can't believe I actually made it here on time!

Well, I didn't technically finish all of my food before getting here. It would have been much easier to just ditch the food but, I follow my own principles. That principle is to always finish what you started!

I started eating the food so, I had to finish it as well! And, due to the fact that I want to follow my own principles, I brought the bowl of soup with me as I entered. Oh yeah, and Uncle Ostensio started writing things down on a piece of paper.

He told me that they contain some information about me and that it will allow me to enter the building where the training session is being held. So, that is exactly what I did before arriving here. I finished as much food as I can, brought along the bowl of soup that I was planning on finishing and the papers that hold my information, and just straight up ran inside!

I was also lucky enough to hear the names being called while I was in one of the hallways, so I was able to briefly introduce myself to everyone else there. How did I get in so fast? Well, I am glad to say that my proficiency at creating and manipulating my shadow tendrils have become so high over these past few years that I can pretty much move around like when I was still able to see, maybe even better due to my sense of hearing becoming more honed.

Oh well, enough about me. Let's now talk about the actual training session. Even though I am technically late, the instructors aren't even scolding me or something. Not even the supposed Champion is doing anything to me yet. I wonder where actually is the Champion that is supposed to be supervising all of this. Wait a minute, what did the instructor who told everyone else to introduce themselves sound like?

I like the fact that I am just sitting here at the very back, monologuing to myself while sipping some great soup. Meanwhile, there are actually other children here who are listening attentively to the demonstration that the lead instructor (I only thought he sounded familiar but I don't actually know his name yet). Don't worry, as I completely know what he is doing as I have spread my tendrils there as well, just, not that thickly so no one will see it.

Plus, this is all going according to plan, you see. If I want to make an impact during the Proving, I will first need to show everyone else here why I will become the Number 1 in the test. That is why, I am just sitting here, pretending to not listen in the hopes that another instructor present will get irritated and make me do something. I will then showcase all of the expertise and training I learned during these past few years and shock them all.

Not a bad plan, right? Just like another quote I remember from the same author of a strategy war book from Luke's world. 'The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he can not fathom our real intent.' And yes, I am pretty sure that was how that line went. They will never find out that this was my intent all along!

...

It is kind of weird for me as I am the one who is literally trying to save the world, and yet, here I am trying to get attention from other people. Hmm... I think it is probably because I just want some confirmation that I am not weak anymore, right?

"Hey, you there, 100!"

Yup, my master plan is now commencing!

"Yes?"

"I don't think you were listening to the demonstration the Champion was doing right now. So, you will be going to have a practice match with him!"

Whoa there! I didn't think that you were going to say it so outright like that?! I thought that you adults would have a bit more subtlety when it came to punishing students who weren't paying attention. However, you don't have to worry as I have been analyzing the entire thing with my tendrils. I know all of the movements I need to do to impress them all.

"Hey, Mister Champion, is that all right with you?"

"Sure. After all, they will need to learn from this as it is important."

Okay, I am pretty sure I know that voice now...

I stand up, still carrying my bowl to agitate them more, then walk towards the platform where the Champion is. There is no mistaking it now. This guy is obviously-

"Nice to see you again. I never thought that I would be meeting you again as your student, Glaive Kaneduro. Or, should I say, Instructor Glaive?"

"Hah! I knew it. You really were Alexander after all!"

Hey, he actually remembers me!

"So, you weren't listening, huh? I thought that you would be a bit better than this."

"Oh, don't you worry. I did this on purpose so that I could get a chance to fight you."

"Really now? Alright, I'll allow your cheekiness this time. All of you, watch this closely as it might help you improve! So, anything you want to say to these guys?"

I put my bowl on the ground after I drank it all.

"Yeah. You guys just need to watch and learn from the one who is the best."

"You are sounding a bit cocky there. Here, take this training sword. Don't worry as it is made of wood and I'll be using it as well."

"You can use the wooden sword. I will be using my own."

I bring my shadow in front of me and grab Aether out of it. Man, this is so amazing and exciting all at the same time! I never used Aether against another person in battle before. I only ever trained with it by myself or with Calido. I can't believe that the first opponent I will be fighting while using my beloved sword will be against a Champion. And that very Champion is the guy called Glaive Kaneduro, who even doubles as my teacher!

This fight will definitely go down in history. I am pretty sure that it will. I mean, the first real fight the 7th Hero (which is me) against one of the strongest Champions!