Chapter 15: The First Combat Lesson
By the time Fate, Kyle, Chloe, and Isabelle entered the Rank-S Classroom, most of the students inside barely paid them any attention.
There was a simple reason for that.
Everyone in this room had earned at least one S-rank during the entrance ceremony's qualification tests.
Because of that, the atmosphere felt different—confident, calm, and competitive.
Some students were chatting.
Others were checking their equipment.
A few were quietly observing the room.
As the four of them moved inside, Kyle scanned the classroom and noticed something.
"Hey," he said, pointing ahead.
"We should sit over there. Coincidentally, there are four desks that haven't been taken yet."
He glanced at the others and added,
"And there are four of us, so it's perfect."
"Can't disagree with you there," Fate replied.
They walked over and took their seats, settling into the empty row. While they chatted quietly among themselves, the rest of the classroom continued with their own conversations and activities.
Then—
Fate felt a presence to his left.
He turned his head.
There, sitting quietly at a nearby desk, was Lisa Astryx, calmly reading a book.
The moment she noticed Fate looking at her, she casually lifted her hand and gave a small wave.
Fate froze.
(Lisa Astryx…?)
(What are the chances?)
Still slightly dumbfounded, Fate slowly raised his hand and waved back.
Suddenly, the classroom door swung open.
A man stepped inside.
He had light blue hair, amber eyes, a tall build, and wore glasses that reflected the classroom lights.
He walked straight to the front, standing before the large blackboard.
"Everyone," he shouted firmly,
"settle down at your desks. Your first lesson will now commence."
The classroom immediately quieted as all students sat properly.
Once silence settled in, the man spoke again.
"I am Sirius Valenor, your professor for this year. You may call me Professor Sirius."
After introducing himself, he continued without pause.
"For your first lesson, we will be heading to the Academy Gym. You will be wearing these uniforms."
With a simple flick of his finger, uniforms materialized in front of every student.
They were made from a soft but sturdy material.
Fate activated his skill.
(Dragon Eyes)
Valhalla Academy P.E. Uniform
Rarity: Exclusive
– Made by a fine craftsman of Valhalla Academy.
– Flexible, burn-resistant, and physically resistant.
– Woven from magical wool harvested from an animal race known as Woolkin.
Fate examined the uniform carefully.
(As expected of one of the greatest academies…)
(These are already top-tier uniforms.)
Professor Sirius clapped his hands once.
"All of you, change quickly and head to the Gym. This lesson will take place there."
The students immediately moved toward the changing rooms, which were separated for boys and girls.
After changing, the students gathered inside the Academy Gym.
What greeted them caused several students to tense.
Cages lined one side of the room.
Inside them were monsters—mostly goblins.
Professor Sirius addressed the class.
"For your first lesson, you will all fight monsters," he said calmly.
"But first, tell me—what are the common types of monsters?"
A student raised his hand.
"The most common types are humanoid, beast, undead, and incorporeal."
Professor Sirius nodded.
"Correct."
He began explaining.
"Humanoid monsters—those that walk on two legs and possess intelligence comparable to or greater than ours."
"Beast monsters—those that resemble animals or share similar appearances."
"Undead monsters—creatures that were once dead and returned as mindless monsters."
"Incorporeal monsters—those without physical bodies, often elemental in nature."
After finishing his explanation, Professor Sirius gave further instructions.
"Equip your weapons. No armor is needed."
He looked around the room seriously.
"You will be fighting goblins. Your performance will be judged based on judgment, reaction, and combat sense."
"Consider this a life-and-death battle."
The atmosphere grew tense.
"When your name is called," Professor Sirius continued,
"step forward and prepare yourself."
He began calling names one by one.
Each student fought a goblin, one after another.
Then—
"Chloe Serfort."
Fate immediately turned toward Chloe.
Concern flashed across his face.
"Chloe… are you going to be okay?" he asked quietly.
"Isn't your class more suited for support rather than combat?"
Chloe smiled calmly.
"Don't worry about me," she said.
"Just because I'm a healer doesn't mean I can't fight."
"But—"
She gently cut him off.
"Trust me. I'll be fine. I have my ways."
With that, Chloe stepped forward and equipped her staff.
Fate activated his skill once more.
(Dragon Eyes)
Holy Staff
Rarity: Rare
– A staff containing holy energy.
– Crafted with magic gold for the head and refined quartz for the base.
"Are you ready?" Professor Sirius asked.
"Yes, Professor," Chloe replied.
She took her stance as the cage containing a Level 15 Goblin opened.
The goblin stepped out, snarling.
Without hesitation, Chloe activated her skill.
(Holy Arrows)
Holy Arrows
Rarity: Rare
– Manifests and fires arrows made of holy energy.
– Travels at the speed of normal arrows with increased precision.
– Highly effective against unholy beings.
Five arrows shot forward.
Two struck the goblin—one in the right shoulder and one in the left arm.
The remaining three were narrowly dodged.
Enraged, the goblin charged.
Chloe remained calm.
When it got close enough, she spoke firmly.
"Bind."
The goblin was instantly restrained, forced to kneel.
Seizing the moment, Chloe fired five more Holy Arrows.
This time, all five struck true.
The goblin collapsed.
Professor Sirius wrote on his evaluation sheet.
"Well done," he said.
"Despite being a healer, you showed good judgment and quick decision-making."
He raised his voice again.
"Next—Kara Westhollow."
A female student stepped forward.
She had gray hair, wolf ears and a tail, visible fangs, and a tall, athletic build.
A beastman.
Chapter 15 End