CHAPTER 48: FIRST VICTORY AT SPAR

The bright sun was high in the sky, showing it was already noon.

The academy grounds were filled with chatter and the steady sound of footsteps. Students walked in every direction—some heading to classes, others toward training halls.

Today, Class A had sparring practice. They were gathered in Training Arena. The training arena was buzzing with excitement.

Today Amon’s opponent was Sam. Sam was in Seraphina’s group during dungeon exploration. He was excited to see how this spar will go on.

Amon stood in the center, his sword in both hands, facing off against his opponent—Sam.

Sam wasn’t a top student, but that didn’t mean he was weak. His dark brown hair matched the color of soil, and his hazel eyes held quiet confidence. In his hands, he carried a heavy axe, gleaming in the sunlight.

Across from him, Amon wore his training uniform, Similar to tracksuit and pants. standing in a balanced stance.

His knees were slightly bent, back straight, and his grip on the hilt was firm. His dark eyes carried a seriousness that few had seen before—gone was his usual playful look. He was really serious now.

Around the arena, other students watched with little interest, most already assuming Amon would lose.

But one pair of golden eyes never left him—Seraphina’s. She studied him closely, her expression unreadable. She was the only person who believe that Amon might win.

Professor Asher, the referee, stood at the edge of the arena. With a heavy voice, he announced:

"Begin!"

The moment the word left his mouth, Amon kicked off the ground, raising his sword just in time to meet the incoming axe.

Clang!

The weapons collided with a sharp metallic sound. Amon’s muscles strained under the impact, but Sam wasn’t nearly as overwhelming as Aisha. Still, the axe’s power forced Amon back a step.

Sam pressed forward with a diagonal slash, but Amon quickly ducked and avoided it. His grip tightened on the hilt as he used the strength in his legs to spring upward, slashing at Sam from close range.

Whoosh!

The sword cut through empty air as Sam jumped back, narrowly avoiding it.

Sam’s eyes narrowed. He charged again, axe swinging down.

Amon didn’t retreat. He met the attack head-on.

Every strike followed a pattern.

If Sam swung vertically, Amon blocked horizontally.

If the axe came from the side, Amon stepped back or ducked.

If it came diagonally, Amon matched it with his own blade in the same angle.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Sparks flew with every collision, echoing through the arena.

The spectators leaned forward, their expressions turning from boredom to shock.

The so-called weakest student of Class A was fighting evenly against Sam.

So far, neither had used mana. But that didn’t last long.

Sam’s axe began to glow faintly as he poured mana into it, his strikes becoming heavier and sharper.

Noticing this, Amon wasted no time. Warm energy flowed through his body and into his sword. The silver blade shone brilliantly, wrapped in his mana.

Their weapons collided again.

BANG!

The impact shook Amon’s arms. His blade trembled violently, and his grip nearly slipped.

’Damn it! I won’t give up so easily.’

He gritted his teeth, steadied his stance, and shifted his weight. Using the footwork he had honed through endless training, Amon spun on his left leg, twisting his body to the side. His sword followed a sharp spinning arc, aiming straight for Sam’s neck.

Sam’s balance faltered from the last exchange, and he barely managed to duck.

But Amon wasn’t done. He had only one hand on his sword now. His other hand hovered near his stomach, where a small sphere of mana had already formed at his fingertip.

"Mana Bullet."

Bang!

The glowing sphere shot forward like a bullet and struck Sam’s left shoulder at point-blank range.

"Argh!"

Sam cried out in pain.

Before he could recover, Amon stepped in and delivered a heavy punch, his fist reinforced with mana.

BANG!

The blow sent Sam crashing onto the arena floor, his axe flying from his grip. He tried to get up, but froze when he saw Amon’s sword tip hovering inches from his face.

Heavy breathing escaped Amon’s lips, but his dark eyes carried nothing but confidence.

The entire arena fell silent.

Then, Professor Asher’s voice broke through.

"Amon Vale is the winner!"

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

Amon sheathed his sword with a calm expression.

Good. I didn’t drag it out. If Sam had started using spells, I’m not sure if I could’ve won.

Still, it was his first real victory in sparring. He extended his hand toward Sam.

"It was a nice fight."

Sam, clutching his injured shoulder, looked at him with honest eyes.

"Yes... You’ve gotten stronger."

Amon’s lips curved into a smile.

Professor Asher also laughed and said"Amon boy you sure had gotten stronger. Good! Good! Keep it up"

"Thanks Professor"

Leaving the arena, he approached Seraphina and Eliana.

"Well? How did I do? That was my first win in sparring," Amon asked, clearly delighted.

Seraphina spoke first, her voice calm but carrying a faint tone of pride.

"You did well. Your agility stood out, but what impressed me more was your battle sense. Keep improving."

Eliana whistled lightly, her crystal-blue eyes twinkling in amusement.

"Not bad at all, Amon. You’re actually becoming stronger. I’m impressed~."

Grinning, Amon bowed his head slightly.

"Thanks, Eliana. And Sera, you’ve been the biggest reason I’ve improved. So, thank you most of all."

Seraphina shook her head. Her golden eyes met his.

"You worked hard. The results are yours."

Amon smiled gratefully, then turned his gaze to Marcus, who stood alone at a distance. Catching his eye, Amon flashed a wide grin full of arrogance.

Showing the happiness if his victory.

Marcus clenched his fists.

For some unknown reason Marcus felt irritation and annoyance by seeing Amon’s smug face.

"Tch. Bastard. It’s just one win."

Meanwhile, Amon only thought of what was coming in next sparring session.

’Next time, it’ll be Seraphina and Arnold. Since their breakthroughs, they haven’t sparred anyone during last two weeks. Since still getting used to their body.That match will be worth watching.’

Thus other spars goes on,

With that, sparring class came to an end.

---

Later that day, after all classes ended, Amon walked lazily down the academy hallway, yawning. The hall buzzed with first-year students heading home.

Pushing past the crowd, he made his way toward the main gate. His footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor. With both hands in his pockets, he hummed a little tune.

As the academy gate came into view, Amon froze.

A girl stood waiting near the entrance.

Her long silver hair flowed like a waterfall in the evening breeze. Her crimson-red eyes were calm, devoid of emotion. Smooth, pale skin glowed faintly in the sunlight.

She was one of the most beautiful girls in the entire academy—and one of the most feared.

Selena Aurellian.

Amon’s lips twitched.

’Shit... Why is she here?’

All he could do was curse silently at the sight of the princess.