Chapter 33 - Wesley's Swordmanship

The swordsmanship classroom began filling with blue-robed students. It was their first day, and their eyes darted around, taking in everything with fresh fascination.

As soon as they entered, the students noticed the azure-robed elder seated at the front of the room, flanked by two red-robed youths. Though the red-robed students didn’t seem much older than the newcomers, there was an aura of strength and authority about them. The burly, muscular youth with a large broadsword stood out particularly, while the other, a pale youth with a dark scar on his neck, seemed less impressive—aside from his stern presence.

The elder sat casually, wearing an amiable smile that seemed to invite conversation. However, none of the students approached him; instead, many looked uneasy, as if they knew better than to trust anyone in the elder's uniform, regardless of how welcoming he appeared.

Seeing this reaction, Wesley couldn’t help but sigh. It seemed that introducing students to the pressure of the academy elders was a common practice. He’d simply experienced it earlier. In a school filled with noble-born youth, establishing a healthy respect—and fear—of the elders was apparently necessary.

After a few minutes, the bell rang, signaling the start of the period. As soon as it sounded, the Second Elder rose from his seat and stepped forward. He clapped his hands once, drawing the students’ attention.

"Hello, students. I am the Second Elder. You might remember me from the reception following your entrance examination. I’ll be your swordsmanship instructor. Swordsmanship isn’t like other classes; there isn’t one single technique you’ll all learn, as each of you has your own style. This class will focus on building and improving your physical foundation."

The elder paused briefly, allowing his words to settle in before continuing.

"Now, your training methods will differ based on the type of swordsmanship you practice. Please divide yourselves into two groups. Those who practice strength-based techniques, stand to my left. Those who practice agility-based techniques, stand to my right."

The students quickly sorted themselves into their respective groups. As expected, the strength-based group was almost twice the size of the agility-based group. This was no surprise, as strength is the stereotypical ideal for swordsmen. Ask anyone to picture a swordsman, and they’ll describe a muscular figure charging headfirst into battle.

Once the students were divided, the elder resumed his instructions.

"Good. The way you practice will depend on your goals. If you want speed, you’ll train accordingly; if you want strength, you’ll do the same. Wesley! Kellan!"

"Yes, Elder," Wesley and Kellan responded in unison.

"Introduce them to the training armor they’ll be receiving shortly."

"Yes, Elder."

Wesley and Kellan stepped forward to address their groups. Wesley's agility-based group had about twelve students, while Kellan’s strength-based group had upwards of thirty. Wesley stopped about five feet in front of his group and began speaking.

"Hello, my name is Wesley. Like you, I practice an agility-based sword style. Agility-based swordsmen rely on speed, precision, and maneuverability, so we have no need for bulky muscles. The vests you’ll receive are designed to improve your skills in line with these principles. Each of you will take a vest to wear during training and practice. Any questions?"

Wesley spoke quickly, without a change in expression. The blue-robed students listened attentively, and as soon as he asked for questions, one student raised a hand. Wesley acknowledged him immediately.

"Yes?"

"Do we have to use these things."

Wesley looked at the youth who spoke. The youth had neatly cut golden hair and his face was pale, however, unlike Wesley's sickly paleness, his was that of a healthy jade, hinting at his status. As he spoke, the student showed clear disgust and disdain, only one couldn’t tell if he dislike the armor or Wesley.

"No you don't have to use them, but it is strongly recommended. The armor not only helps you improve your body, it also enables you to improve your overall techniques."

"I still think that those things are as useless as they are inelegant."

Wesley couldn’t help but sigh at this students words. He immediately recognized that this youth is some sort of noble, and Wesley simply could not abide by nobles and their air of superiority that caused to disdain many things including people. Wesley spoke again, his voice showing hints of irritation:

"Like I said, you are not required to use them. Since there are no more questions..."

Wesley was about to walk away when a voice from behind him stopped him in his tracks:

"Wesley, stop being so unsociable. Youngster, what is your name?"

The second elder seemed to have caught whiff of Wesley's exchange with the student and was hoping to fan the fires a little. Seeing this, Wesley couldn’t help but frown, this elder seems intent on making everything twice as complicated for Wesley.

"My name is Eltier Fellar."

The youth's voice held a hint of pride as he spoke his name.

"Oh, Fellar. I knew a swordsman named Jay Fellar long time ago. His techniques was rather impressive."

"Oh, that was my grandfather."

"Is that so, hahaha. Well Eltier, Let me tell you that that armor is extremely important, If you don't believe me, you can test yourself against Wesley. He has used the armor for a year, so he is a testament to its proficiency."

Hearing this the golden haired youth was excited beyond words, as for Wesley, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes. It was clear that this elder simply didn’t want Wesley to have an easy time. He could so easily ignore this Eltier, but this elder is fanning the fire and throwing Wesley in it. Wesley immediately turned to the elder and spoke:

"Elder, is that really necessary. This junior clearly doesn’t want to use the armor, there is no point in convincing him."

Hearing Wesley's words, Eltier took it as Wesley not wanting to face him and be embarrased. This caused him to be more emboldened and he spoke again:

"Haha, I think this elder is worried I might hurt him elder. I don't feel like bullying this senior."

"If you hurt him, then that’s because of his weakness and lack of skill, no need to worry about it."

"Well put elder."

Wesley was feeling a headache as he listened to the exchange between the elder and Eltier. Eltier walked forward and stood ten feet from Wesley. He immediately unsheathed his sword which was a long, thin Foil with a highly decorative hilt and wrist guard.

Wesley immediately recognized that this was a fencing sword, a sword technique preferred by nobles. Compared to the dazzling and elegant foil of his opponent, Wesley's dark replica sword was simply too common. Wesley only unholstered his sword from his hib without unsheathing it and spoke as he shook his head in resignation:

"You may begin."

Seeing that Wesley didn’t even unsheath his sword to face him, Eltier felt some anger, but his angered paled in comparison to his disdain; this second year who failed the class is facing him and is even doing so without unsheathing his sword. He believed that Wesley simply gave up on this fight.

"hmph."

After a single snort, Eltier slowly inched towards Wesley. As soon as he was within three feet, he immediately lunged forward, the tip of his Foil heading directly for Wesley right shoulder. Normally, one would aim for the center of the chest to minimize the chances of being parried, but Eltier believed that Wesley had no such capability, he also didn’t want to kill Wesley.

The sword tip rushed towards Wesley in an astonishing speed. Wesley, however, simply stood there unalarmed. The moment the sword was within half a feet of Wesley's shoulder, Wesley immediately raised his right hand which held his sword up.