Cybernetic Evolution System

I unsummoned Felix. I leapt into the air and landed on the branch of one of the trees. Then I quickly jumped from branch to branch, returning to the teleportation platform.

***

Morning

"Step one: your opening strike must be sharp and committed. Target the neck, shoulder, or dominant hand. You should aim to cripple your opponent and not clash with them."

Fredric's voice reverberated across the stage.

Sometimes we were taught the same lesson for an entire week; other times, a few days. The lessons were simple and easy to understand.

Considering that the majority of students were noble descendants or were sponsored by one, they had various sacred arts which they practised privately.

The lessons were meant to reveal a student's sword skills, making it easy for a novice to grasp. Polish. Insights were provided by the instructors regarding their swordsmanship and ours.

And to make it easy to be implemented into various respected techniques.

At the same time, those who had never trained in a sword could build a solid foundation. And they could further polish their skills and gradually bridge the gap between themselves and their peers.

For someone like me who used brute strength to make up for my lack of swordsmanship, I couldn't afford to miss classes.

Fortunately, I had managed to grasp the sword styles taught in the last class before it ended, thanks to the proficiency points I had earned.

These styles, which I previously spent several days learning, I could now fully grasp within several hours of training.

In some way, I had somewhat become a genius.

"Step two: Don't stop moving after the strike. Let your blade guide you into the next motion. Flow with the enemy's movement. If they block, redirect. If they dodge, adjust. Your sword is dancing, and you're merely following its rhythm."

"Never lock your elbows. Never plant both feet on the ground. Your movement is your greatest strength."

I listened to Fredric's words and mirrored his movements as I swung my sword.

However, it was difficult to concentrate with all the attention directed towards me from the sides and behind.

Fredric had demanded that I move to the front of the class so he could easily study my progress and guide me on how to improve my swordsmanship.

He had stated loudly, 'I don't want to bury the new rising star of the Class Three. The faster you improve your skills before this term's ranking exams, the better for the entire class.'

With that, I drew the attention of everyone in the class.

Anger. Disgust. Curiosity. They were displayed on their faces of the noble descendants and commoners alike.

It was as though they had tasted rubbish at a five-star restaurant and didn't know what to write in their review.

Fredric pretended as if he hadn't noticed and started the class.

He guided my swordsmanship as he had stated previously.

Although I was still annoyed as I knew that I was already entangled in one of his schemes, I couldn't care less about it at the moment as long as I improved my skills.

"Step three: Reposition immediately. Make yourself unreadable. Return to a low or wide stance depending on the counterattack. If you strike ends in front of the enemy's blade, you've already lost."

I quickly spread my feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and my body low. My sword tilted slightly close to the ground beside my right hip.

Then, I swung my blade forward for a low slice.

Swiishh!!

And another one.

Swisshh!!

I returned to my previous stance.

"That's enough," Fredric said.

He stopped his movements and sheathed his wooden sword.

"Now pair up with each other and practice these forms. I will be watching," he instructed.

I took the opportunity to look at the system alert I had received during class.

[ You have obtained a +1% Increase in Weapon Mastery - Sword ] x2

I gained two proficiency points within an hour.

I pondered if there were other ways for me to increase the number the proficiency points I obtained in an hour.

I dismissed the system alert and looked around for a partner.

It was certain that I would have difficulty finding a partner, but I wasn't disappointed that no one had stepped up because I didn't need a sparring partner to gauge the improvements in my skills.

I noticed Delilah-in-training staring at me from the corner of her eye.

Just like me, she probably couldn't pair up with any of the top rankers close to her.

Does she want to pair up with me?

Well... I didn't mind as long as I had the chance to admit her to the hospital again.

Perhaps I could use it to initiate a conversation and gather information on the Zahara Clan's descendants ' schemes.

When our eyes locked with each other, she snorted at me, turned around and walked towards a boy whose face immediately lit up, noticing that she had approached him.

He wasn't among the top rankers.

I stopped paying attention to her.

"Ezekiel, it appears that you are having trouble finding a partner again?"

Not again.

I concealed my frown as I turned to look at Fredric, who stood beside me.

"I'll help you get a proper partner this time around, so what happened yesterday doesn't repeat itself," Fredric said.

Suddenly, I noticed Jaran approaching us.

Fredric noticed this and furrowed his brows for a moment, before his expression became calm.

Jaran halted in front of us.

He nodded at Fredric before turning to me.

"I would like to apologise for what happened yesterday," Jaran apologised. "It was my fault for taking the training too far."

Gasps resonated from the students around us.

Why was he apologising to me?

Another scheme? Was he in this with Fredric?

No. Fredric's expression suggested that he hadn't expected this to happen, but seemed to be looking forward to it unfolding.

"I would like to partner with you. After that, I hope that you can accept one request from me," Jaran said.