Tenebrous Wolf
Chapter 50: Ability Training

Chapter 50: Ability Training

Eventually, Klaus found himself inside the Combat Class. Once again, the room was packed with many Aspirants, all roaming around the hall in search of a weapon that suited their unique abilities and fighting style.

Originally, these Aspirants had already chosen their primary weapons during the first class. However, after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of Seraphim, they were now experimenting with different weapons, hoping to find one that better suited them. Klaus, however, remained unbothered.

He had already spent considerable time thinking and had ultimately chosen the best combat weapon for himself. With his decision made, he retreated to the back of the class and quietly observed.

The weapons hall was separate from the main school building, located off to the side in its own structure. From the outside, the hall resembled an Asian palace, with grand architecture that exuded a sense of tradition and elegance. To enter, students had to scan their ID into a designated scanner, which would then trigger the two massive doors to slide open.

However, the interior of the building was a stark contrast to its exterior. The vast, open space had a towering ceiling that stretched nearly twenty meters high. The room was devoid of any elaborate decorations, save for the countless weapons that covered the walls like an armory of legends. In the center stood a raised circular platform, marking the focal point of the hall.

It was a familiar scene, really. Klaus shifted his gaze and noticed a familiar figure sitting cross-legged at the front of the room, the blindfolded instructor.

His name was Teacher Kai. He was an individual who had survived his First Departure and ascended to the rank of Lancer. Under normal circumstances, such an achievement would grant one a prestigious status as a high-ranking citizen of the Empire. However, in his case, he had chosen to become an instructor and train future Aspirants.

Perhaps it was out of a sense of duty, or maybe a deeper, personal reason. Klaus doubted it was just nobility of heart, but regardless, Teacher Kai was the one guiding this class.

A few seconds later, more Aspirants flooded into the hall. It was then that Adrian entered, his gaze immediately locking onto Klaus, who was seated in his usual spot. Without delay, he approached and plopped down beside him.

"Is it just me, or is this place even more crowded than last time?"

Klaus barely spared him a glance before responding, his tone as calm as ever.

"It’s not just you."

"Hmm. I wonder what the reason behind that? Looks like everyone’s still shaken up from that fight... It’s like they’re scrambling for anything that might give them an edge."

"If something does not work, then it makes sense to try something else, right? We are not limited to only one type of weapon, after all."

"I guess you’re right about that. Chaos is known to be unpredictable. It would be chaotic if you trained in the ways of the sword and then received a spear echo. Wouldn’t that be tragic?"

Adrian shrugged as if it was nothing before he asked,

"Oh, by the way, which weapon did you pick? You didn’t participate last time if I remember, right?"

"Ah," Klaus muttered, already expecting such a question. "You don’t have to worry too much. You’ll see it when I enter the ring so be patient."

"Hey, why won’t you show me now? Are you trying to be secretive? That doesn’t make you look cool, y’know."

What the hell? Who said I was trying to look cool? And more importantly, aren’t I already cool?

While Klaus wished to voice that thought, he already knew that if he actually said it, he would sound arrogant and delusional. Shaking his head, he refocused his attention on the class.

At this moment, everyone had settled down, and Instructor Kai spoke up.

"Good evening, everyone. Today, we’ll proceed with the Combat Class. Just like the previous lesson, you will all take turns sparring with each other. Additionally, you’re free to use any method to score a victory against your opponent, meaning you’re free to use your abilities."

The class seemed excited by this news. It wasn’t difficult to deduce why. Each of them was glancing at the mysterious girl sitting in a corner.

Seraphim.

According to the academy, she was the number one ranked Aspirant in terms of abilities. In such a situation, everyone was curious about the unknown ability that could boost her to number one.

Unfortunately, Instructor Kai added:

"However, this time around, there will be a new rule in place. Each Aspirant will only have one opportunity to fight, and the matchups will be determined randomly. If you lose, you will not be given a second chance to spar today."

A wave of murmurs spread through the class. Unlike the previous lesson where they could challenge someone multiple times, if they lose this time around, that would be end of their turn.

This would serve as encouragement for the Aspirants to give out their all during the sparring match.

Before the murmuring could become heated, Instructor Kai decided to start the match-up himself.

"Now, Derrick Faulkner and Elena Vasquez, come to the arena."

At the call of their names, two Aspirants stepped forward. Derrick, a broad-shouldered youth wielding a massive claymore, moved with measured confidence. Opposite him, Elena, a lithe girl with sharp eyes, carried a pair of curved daggers that glinted under the hall’s bright lights.

Both stepped onto the circular platform, facing each other. Instructor Kai raised a hand.

"Remember, this is still a training match. Do not aim to maim or kill your opponent. Now, begin!"

The moment his hand dropped, Elena vanished.

Her movements were so swift that even some of the more experienced Aspirants struggled to track her. She darted around Derrick like a shadow and launched quick, precise slashes with her daggers. But Derrick wasn’t just a brute with a big sword, he had trained extensively in defensive techniques. He held his claymore like a fortress, using broad sweeps to keep her at bay.

For a few moments, neither side could land a decisive blow. Then, Elena feinted left before suddenly flipping over Derrick’s shoulder, attempting to slice through the gap in his defenses.

Klaus watched with mild interest.

"Elena’s fast, but her strikes lack weight," Adrian commented. "If she doesn’t end this quickly, Derrick will overwhelm her with a single hit."

As if proving his words, Elena went for a risky move. She ducked beneath a wide slash, sliding across the floor to position herself behind Derrick’s legs. With a quick twist of her body, she slashed at his exposed calf.

A sharp sting of pain crossed Derrick’s face, but he reacted instantly, twisting his massive sword downward. Elena barely managed to roll away before the heavy blade slammed into the floor, sending a shockwave rippling outward.

"Close one," Adrian murmured.

Elena had just recovered from her dodge when Derrick charged forward, using his greater reach to swing his claymore in a horizontal arc. She leaped, using his blade as a stepping stone, then flipped in midair.

But Derrick had been waiting for that.

With explosive strength, he launched himself upward, twisted his body and swung his sword in a brutal rising strike.

Elena’s eyes widened. She barely managed to cross her daggers in front of her, but the sheer force of the impact sent her flying. She tumbled across the platform and landed in a crouch at the edge.

Before she could regain her footing, Derrick was already upon her. He slammed his claymore down and stopped just short of her shoulder.

Instructor Kai nodded.

"Match over. Derrick Faulkner wins."

Applause and murmurs filled the hall as Elena stood, visibly frustrated but accepting her loss.

"That was a good fight," Adrian muttered. "That girl, Elena got some serious skills. If I remembered correctly, she belonged to the huntress class."

Klaus raised an eyebrow.

"Huntress?"

"That’s her Awakened Classification. Huntress is just a path under the Fighter Type. Those with the Huntress Class are known for their great battle instincts and physical prowess. You could call them all-rounders, but it seems like she’s only focusing on her speed. Why is she fighting like an assassin?"

Adrian frowned slightly before remembering to smile. Then, he added nonchalantly:

"Well, that’s that. There’s still room for improvement, I suppose. The point of this class is to sharpen our skills, after all."

Awakened Types, huh? Klaus thought inwardly.

There were four main Awakened Types: Fighter, Sorcerer, Psychic, and Utility. Each branched into multiple paths with unique specializations, structured like a video game skill tree.

For instance, under the Fighter Path, there was the Hard Striker, Berserker, Sentinel, Duelist, Reaper, Assassin, Warlord and then Titan.

For the Sorcerer Path, there was the Elementalist Class, which included Pyromancer, Cryomancer, Geomancer, and Stormcaller, as well as advanced paths like Illusionist, Runebinder, Chronomancer, and Necromancer.

For the Psychic Path, there was the Telekinetic Branch, the Mindbreaker Branch with Empath and Dreamwalker, and the Soulforged Branch with Oracle, Specter, and so on.

Lastly, for the Utility Path, there was the Healer Branch with Cleric and Alchemist, the Tactician Branch with Commander and Barrier Master, and the Mechanist Branch with Gunslinger, Techno-Mage, and Summoner.

Each path had its strengths and weaknesses. Of course, this depends on the Ascendant’s ability in question and their uniqueness.

The group continued to watch a few fights. Some ended quickly, while others dragged on longer. Most Aspirants were evenly matched when relying solely on weapons, but the balance shifted drastically once abilities came into play. A person could be physically weak, but their ability alone could be terrifying.

One could possess a powerful body, but if their mind was weak, then it would all be for naught.

This was the case for Shadow Creatures. Most possessed overwhelming physical prowess, but their most terrifying aspect was their abilities. There was always the possibility of encountering a monstrous abomination capable of shattering one’s mind with its presence alone. To prepare for such grim encounters, the academy pitted Aspirants against one another — just like now.

It was impossible to develop complete immunity, but it was plausible to build resistance, even if only a little.

While Klaus observed the matches, one individual caught his attention; a tall, slender girl with long golden blonde hair. Based on appearance alone, she seemed like someone that came from a wealthy background. But unlike the other Aspirants, she was the only one without a weapon. It wasn’t that she had failed to choose one; rather, she had intentionally stepped into the arena unarmed.

Arrogance or hubris wasn’t the issue here. Every Aspirant had the right to select a weapon, just as they had the freedom to forgo one, provided they had the confidence to back it up.

Everytime she entered the arena, she would completely dominate her opponents by either pinning them to the ground with an unseen pressure or blasting them away with green energy beams.

Perhaps her ability fell under the Sorcery or Psychic type. Regardless, she defeated all her opponents.

This was the Fourth Ranked Aspirant, Cecilia von Rosenkrantz.

Would I be able to defeat her on my own if won? Klaus thought uneasily.

Instructor Kai announced,

"Next! Nikolaus and Quinn, step into the arena."

Finally, it was Klaus’s turn. Rising from his seat, he caught Adrian’s voice muttering, "Good luck," accompanied by a familiar smile.

Klaus glanced back and gave a small nod in response before making his way toward the arena. It was time to start his first performance.

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