MTLNOVEL Chapter 13: Combat class and sparring
The next morning, I woke up, had breakfast, and decided to check out the combat class. On the way, I considered whether I should attend any classes at all—after all, my teacher had already taught me everything I needed to survive. Still, I figured it wouldn't hurt to see how things were run here.
By the time I arrived, almost everyone was already there.
A few moments later, Instructor Rock stood beside a machine designed to measure punching strength. One by one, the Sleepers stepped up to test their power. When the results were displayed, Caster had the highest score with twenty-one. I followed with nineteen, while Nephis came in third with sixteen.
As murmurs spread through the group, I caught bits and pieces of conversation.
"So he's not even that strong?"
"I thought he'd be higher..."
I rolled my eyes. These people really had no idea.
After the test, Instructor Rock explained the rules for a sparring session. Before he could even finish, I stepped into the ring.
"Seems like we have our first participant," he announced. "Who wants to have a go?"
A bulky guy stood up and stepped in. As soon as the match started, he moved toward me with sluggish, predictable movements. I let out a quiet sigh.
When his punch finally neared me, I simply sidestepped and tripped him slightly. He stumbled and tumbled right out of the ring.
"Next," I said, folding my arms behind my back.
The crowd murmured, but another figure quickly stepped forward—Caster.
"Please take care of me," he said with a polite smile.
Two-faced bastard.
As soon as Instructor Rock signaled for us to begin, Caster launched himself at me with impressive speed.
"Hmm. The speed is good," I mused. "But everything else is average at best."
He moved quickly, throwing a series of rapid strikes. Yet, I didn't even need to move my feet. My hands remained behind my back as I dodged each blow effortlessly.
'Teacher I think u messed up my common sense about how strong someone should be...' I thought.
"It's boring," I muttered. Then, without warning, I kicked to my right. My foot connected cleanly with Caster's gut, sending him flying backward.
"Next."
Nephis stood up, walking toward me.
"If it isn't my little Star. What a surprise," I said, smirking.
She didn't seem amused. I could practically hear her grinding her teeth.
"Begin," Instructor Rock announced.
Nephis lunged immediately, her attacks far more refined than the others'. Punches, kicks, feints—she threw everything she had at me. Unlike before, I had to move my arms to block, redirect, and counter her strikes.
"Better than the others," I admitted. "Still not enough."
I caught her wrist mid-strike, twisted it behind her back, and forced her to the ground.
"Good effort," I whispered before releasing her.
After a brief silence, I sighed and turned to Instructor Rock.
"Instructor, would you mind having a go? The others are even weaker than the ones I've already fought."
Gasps spread through the crowd. Overcoming a rank difference was considered nearly impossible, yet here I was, challenging an Awakened without hesitation.
Instructor Rock studied me for a moment before nodding. "If that's what you want."
The training ground fell silent as I stepped forward to face him. His sheer presence exuded power—Awakened strength that should have made this match impossible for me to win.
"Begin," he rumbled.
He lunged, his fist hurtling toward me like a boulder. I sidestepped effortlessly, feeling the force of the air rush past. Another punch followed—fast and strong, but predictable. I twisted out of the way, weaving through his attacks with ease.
This is easier than I thought.
Rock had raw power, but no precision. His movements were brute force, nothing more.
"What good is strength," I mused, slipping past another blow, "if you don't know how to use it?"
His expression darkened. He adjusted his stance and attacked again—this time more calculated. But it was too late. I slipped into his guard, striking his ribs sharply. He flinched. A quick kick to his knee forced him off balance.
Then, before he could recover, I drove my palm into his chest. He staggered back, eyes widening and then spat out a mouthful blood.
I tilted my head. "Is that all?"
Rock exhaled deeply, then nodded. "Winner—Christopher."
Murmurs filled the training ground, but I ignored them. I turned, stepping away from the ring with a smirk.