Students who already knew their preferred weapons wasted no time making their choice. Some were already swinging confidently, practicing slashes, thrusts, and spins. The air buzzed with energy and excitement.
For those who hadn't yet decided, an hour was given to explore and test out different weapons. They could swap as many times as they liked up until the final minute, when some were still struggling with indecision.
"Everyone, come together," Professor Malia called, waving them forward. She began inspecting each student's weapon of choice with a careful eye.
When her gaze landed on Vahn, she smiled lightly and gave a subtle nod. That simple gesture earned him a barrage of glares from nearby students, especially the boys who had been trying unsuccessfully to get her attention.
Vahn had chosen a sword.
Yet, despite his calm exterior, he kept glancing down at the weapon in his hand.
'Why won't it come off?'
Initially, he had picked it up just to test the feel, like everyone else. But strangely, it had latched onto his hand as if glued.
He'd tried shaking it off, subtle at first, then more assertively, but it refused to budge. Suspicious, he had even glanced around to see if someone was playing a prank on him, but everyone was minding their own business.
So he was stuck with the sword until the time ran out.
'Hah…'
Vahn sighed in resignation. He used to understand everything about himself. Now? He barely knew half of who he was. He didn't even know his real last name.
Pushing the thoughts away, he focused on the professor again.
"Now," Professor Malia announced, "whatever weapon you are currently holding will be yours until the day you leave the alliance."
Almost comically, the moment she said those words, the sword in Vahn's hand loosened.
'What?'
His brows furrowed as he raised the sword and inspected it from hilt to tip. There was nothing unusual about it. Nothing visible.
"Is something wrong?" the professor asked, noticing his puzzled expression. She even looked like she was about to suggest switching to a better sword.
Vahn shook his head. "It's nothing," he replied quietly, completely unaware of the envious glares still darting in his direction.
What he didn't know was that none of it had been a coincidence. Far from it.
Hidden in the folds of his military uniform, a second sword vibrated faintly before falling still. If it could speak, it would've screamed: Why would my user pick another weapon when he already had me? But Vahn couldn't hear it. At least not yet.
"Now, on your phones," Malia continued, "under the course section, select your chosen weapon and begin with the first lesson video."
Students nodded and began navigating their devices. Initially, many had wondered how she would teach such a variety of weapons, given her known expertise with the sword. But the solution made sense; Videos.
"Spread out and begin."
As they scattered, Vahn found his own space and followed the instructions.
[Weapon of Choice]
Sword
Spear
Axe
…
The list continued on, offering a wide selection.
He glanced once more at the sword in his grip before selecting "Sword."
[First Lesson: Basic Sword Techniques]
That was the only available lesson for now. He tapped it.
[Hello there.]
'Ah…'
Subconsciously, he glanced up briefly. The professor was smiling at him from a distance. Of course, she was the one in the video.
He looked back down and focused on the screen.
[Now, there are four basic sword techniques in the alliance.]
The video shifted to a full-body view, clearly shot in this very training hall. She wore her military uniform, moving with precision and grace.
[A diagonal slash, a vertical slash, a horizontal slash, and a thrust.]
As she spoke, she demonstrated each move in turn.
The thrust, in particular, caught Vahn's attention.
He had initially considered that a spear might suit him better, but after watching, he wasn't so sure anymore.
'So, I guess it's not that bad, huh?' Relieved, he replayed the video, this time focusing on the slow-motion breakdowns showing posture and movement.
After thirty minutes, he stood and held the sword.
'Raise your arms up to the right, right foot forward, left foot steady, then swing down to the left with your body…' He mimicked the movements.
Shng…
The sword sliced through the air with a smooth, clean sound.
'Nice…'
No one needed to tell him it felt right.
'Now raise your hands straight up, keep the same stance, and swing down vertically.'
Shnngg…
Another clean strike.
'Separate the legs, bend both knees, swing horizontally.'
And again, he executed the move with uncanny precision.
'For the final, let go of your left hand, thrust forward using your body.'
He pushed forward, and the blade pierced the air with a crisp, sharp sound.
"Whew…" He exhaled deeply and looked up, only to find Professor Malia staring at him in stunned silence.
To others, his performance might've seemed impressive. However, to her, a skilled swordsman, it was shocking.
'He really performed them perfectly. And on his first try.'
She could tell. This was clearly Vahn's first time holding a sword, and yet he had mimicked the techniques flawlessly after just a single video.
Vahn noticed her expression and felt a bit awkward under her gaze.
'Is it really that surprising?'
To him, there was nothing strange about copying something after watching it. After all, that was… how he learned.
Malia approached him, her voice serious but with a glint of intrigue.
"Wait behind after class. I have an offer for you."
"Y-Yes," he replied quickly.
Thankfully, by now, the other students were absorbed in their own practice, giving him a much-needed break from their stares.
'What does she want?' He'd noticed her interest ever since he had asked about his weapon. Now, things were even weirder.
'Anyway, I'll find out soon enough.'
Shaking the thoughts away, he resumed practicing the basic techniques, repeating them until they felt more natural.
Like that, an hour passed.
"Class dismissed," Professor Malia announced. "Return your weapons to the racks."
Then she turned, eyes fixed on Vahn.