The fight ended with a mixture of cheers and murmurs rippling through the training hall.
Some students clapped in appreciation of the spectacle, while others whispered among themselves, analyzing the match. A few were still stunned by how Rourke had shattered Kalem's shield and armor in a single blow.
Gregor raised a hand, and the shimmering barrier around the arena dissipated.
Kalem pushed himself upright, rolling his shoulders with a sigh. His chest plate was dented, and the residual sting of the impact still lingered beneath his ribs.
He made his way across the arena, collecting the scattered remains of his equipment.
His straight swords, still humming with elemental residue.
The shattered links of his chains.
The bent frame of his shield.
One by one, he returned them to the crate, organizing them with practiced efficiency.
Rourke stepped forward, arms crossed, watching with mild amusement.
"You're strong for your age," he admitted. "But to move forward, you'll need more."
Kalem closed the crate, standing upright.
"I don't plan on being a warrior."
Rourke smirked. "That much, I can tell."
His piercing gaze studied Kalem for a moment before he continued.
"But just to be on the safe side, I suggest you look into Mana-Muscle techniques."
Kalem raised an eyebrow. "Mana-Muscle techniques?"
Rourke nodded.
"They're movement methods where Aura is channeled into the muscles while practicing techniques. The goal is to develop muscle memory, so the body reacts instinctively, even under stress."
Kalem nodded slowly, absorbing the information. It made sense—his style relied on precision, but if his body could move faster and more efficiently without conscious effort, it would be an advantage.
"I see."
Rourke patted his shoulder before stepping away, leaving Kalem to his thoughts.
As Kalem exited the ring, his friends rushed toward him, barely giving him a moment to breathe.
"Kalem! How the hell did you use fire?!" Nara demanded, arms crossed.
"And ice!" Isolde added, her silver eyes gleaming with curiosity."You shouldn't be able to just 'copy' elements like that."
Kalem exhaled. He had expected this reaction.
"It wasn't me using those elements," he explained. "My weapons are designed to channel elemental mana. I just provided the energy."
"So, you didn't actually learn fire or frost magic?" Nara asked, tilting her head.
"No."
Isolde frowned, rubbing her chin. "Still, that kind of adaptability is rare. You weren't just swinging elemental blades around randomly—you adjusted to each situation in real-time."
"It's just preparation," Kalem replied. "I've studied your techniques enough to counter them when necessary."
Isolde smirked. "Clever. But next time, I won't hold back if we spar."
Before Kalem could respond, another voice cut in.
"I have a different question."
Lyra.
Unlike the others, her eyes weren't focused on his battle performance—she was analyzing his choices.
"Why didn't you use the Resonance Blade or Black Thorn?"
The others paused, turning toward Kalem with interest.
Kalem adjusted his gloves, answering calmly.
"Black Thorn has a corrosive venom. If it had given him even a small cut, he could have died. As far as I know, the antidote would take approximately four hours to create."
A hush fell over the group.
"Four hours?" Nara echoed.
Kalem nodded.
"Rourke is tough, but even his body wouldn't endure that long. The risk wasn't worth it."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Fair point. And the Resonance Blade?"
This time, Jhaeros spoke up.
"Yeah, that blade could have cut through his defenses. Why not use it?"
Kalem sighed.
"Because the moment he saw it, he would have stopped taking it easy on me."
Nara frowned. "You mean—"
"I mean," Kalem interrupted, "if I had used it, I wouldn't be standing here. I'd be in a hospital bed."
Silence.
Then—
Nara let out a laugh. "Damn, you really think ahead."
Lyra nodded approvingly. "It's rare for someone to restrain themselves that way. Most would have gone all out."
"Winning isn't everything," Kalem said simply.
The group fell into comfortable conversation, discussing various techniques and what Kalem should work on next.
But as they spoke—Kalem's mind was already elsewhere.
Rourke's words lingered.
Mana-Muscle techniques.
If they could improve his reaction speed, endurance, and efficiency, then they were worth investigating.
Because despite what he had said earlier—
He knew.
If he wanted to survive the dangers outside the academy, he had to be ready.