{Eren Brown's POV}
"I found it."
I muttered in a low voice as I held the spear I was looking for...
You might be wondering why I'm so happy about this spear; it's a spear that uses Light—something that matches my fighting style perfectly.
It will even increase the efficiency of my attacks to almost double, thanks to the Light element within it.
And on top of that, automatic healing is exactly what I need the most, because the Spear King Art puts a heavy burden on my body.
No matter how you look at it, it suits me perfectly.
"To all students, please return to the gathering area now."
Scarlet's voice pulled me out of my thoughts; and it can be said that her timing is precise as always.
After we gathered and I saw that the heroes had taken the same weapons mentioned in the novel, I let out a sigh of relief; I mean, all my plans would be ruined if any of them changed their weapon at the beginning of the story.
"Now we'll head to the training grounds so you can get used to your new weapons; and today, as a gift from me, I'll let you do whatever you want."
The teacher said, and joy could be seen on the students' faces; you could say they looked like a child who had found a new toy—because you don't get an opportunity every day to enjoy a new weapon with almost no restrictions.
"Ren Foster, Lucas Silver, Mai Fuji, and Eren Brown—you four stay here. The rest of the students may go."
"Alright!"
The rest of the students shouted loudly before leaving and heading to the training grounds, while the four of us remained in our places.
"A sparring session will be held between you in a private arena; and you may use your new weapons in this fight."
After hearing Scarlet's voice, you could see stars in Ren's eyes; he looked like he was moving and jumping in place from excitement—a typical battle addict.
We headed to that private arena, and it looked about the size of a basketball court, with walls surrounding it from all directions; seriously, everything in this academy is the size of a stadium.
I don't know if we can call this one of the benefits of humanity's declining numbers...
When we arrived, Scarlet handed us a device that looked like armor, but small, and it clung directly to the body. I recognized it immediately—because it's the device used in most friendly disputes and training sessions in this academy.
"Alright, students; the device you're wearing is called the Energy Shield. Its function is simple: it creates a shield of energy that surrounds a person's body when they receive a finishing blow, or when their health reaches zero. And you can notice the number 100 in the center of the shield—this is your current health."
Scarlet was speaking calmly; and it can be said that Lucas and I knew exactly what this device did. That could be seen in our almost indifferent expressions—unlike Ren, who looked happy about it, and Mai, who didn't show a reaction but was happy as well.
"You may discuss your strategy for five minutes before we begin this duel."
A faint smile crept onto the teacher's face. It seems she truly enjoys this; how could she not, when she's about to discover raw gems in need of polishing—and by gems, I mean the four of us...
And by polishing, I mean... well, we'll find out soon.
It can be said that Scarlet has a kind of obsession with training students, due to her sad past and her older sister's will: to raise a generation capable of stopping and exterminating demons. And you can tell what kind of generation that is.
"Alright, Eren—do you have some kind of plan, or are we improvising here?"
Mai said to me, unable to hide the excitement in her voice...
"I do have a plan, but it requires patience and precise execution. Can you keep up with me?"
I said with sarcastic confidence, and she gave me a look that said, "Who do you think you're talking to?"
"The plan is simple: we fight them until their health reaches 60, then leave the rest to me. Easy, isn't it?"
She looked surprised and doubtful at the same time.
"Weren't you the one who wanted to see my power?"
I asked her, confident about what her answer would be.
"Fine."
She was confused, but she trusted me—though my confidence left her unsure of what to think.
We discussed a few more details, until a voice interrupted our little conversation...
"Alright, students, take your positions. The duel will begin now. As a reminder, no one will be harmed. Fight with all your strength to win."
The teacher said, taking the referee's stance for real.
We stood in the middle of the arena, waiting for her signal...
The four of us faced each other...
And the signal finally came.
"Begin!"
The moment the teacher said that, I muttered my favorite skill in a low voice...
"Reader's Mind."
My vision shifted into slow motion; and it can be said that I could see every detail around me with extreme precision. But I was surprised by something...
I couldn't see Ren.
Suddenly, I felt danger, and I raised my spear behind my back immediately—then, in the next second, I could be seen flying toward the wall at high speed...
I crashed into the wall, and it could be noticed that my health points became 90. If I hadn't blocked with my spear at the last second, it would have been much lower...
"Ugh."
I groaned from how fast I slammed into the wall; and it can be said that I didn't expect Ren to attack me directly. I mean, he usually likes direct combat, not surprise attacks...
A sword rushing toward me snapped me out of my thoughts; and it can be said that without Reader's Mind, I wouldn't have even seen it.
I rolled to the right side while still gripping my spear; and it can be said that my reflexes have improved. A month of training to control them wasn't wasted...
"You're truly amazing—so try this, then!"
Ren shouted with a smile on his face, and then mana began swirling around his sword at a dangerously intense rate.
I realized what he was trying to do, especially since the aura surrounding his sword was white with a grayish tint.
"First Strike: The Glowing Star!"
Ren shouted, and a star-like shape could be seen forming at the edge of his sword...
I expected this, so in return I gathered as much mana as I possibly could around my spear. I had only one goal in mind: to block this strike...
"Spear King Art, First Form: Thunderbolt."
I muttered in a low voice as I aimed my spear at Ren; and you could see an incredible scene of two colors—gray and yellow—colliding, creating a massive wave of mana...
BOOOOM*
A huge explosion occurred, affecting everyone around us, making Mai and Lucas pause as they stared at what was happening.