Being called out so suddenly startled Hayden for a bit. He didn't expect to be doing anything aside from copying his instructor after all.
Nonetheless, he also realized that he would indeed be a better demonstrator since his physique was similar to his classmates.
They should be able to copy his movement a lot easier compared to the instructor.
"Yes, Sir Roland."
Hayden then stepped forward and faced his classmates.
Everyone was looking at him with various emotions. However, he didn't care about all of that.
After getting confirmation from the instructor, Hayden took a deep breath, assumed the stance, and executed a series of swings, that was precise and controlled.
If there was a target he had to hit, they would surely see that he was able to hit the same spot without missing.
The other students watched in awe, as they couldn't help but admire Hayden's movements. He even looked really attractive and handsome to some students.
"Now that," Sir Roland said, "is how it's done. Well done, Hayden. You've set the standard for the rest of the class."
Since the class had a few hours in it, Roland allowed them to practice for some time until they were at least able to have a decent form.
Of course, they still needed a lot of practice.
But he had to ensure that they still had the stamina for the next part of the class, so he had to stop them and give them a few moments of rest.
Apparently, the final drill focused on footwork.
Sir Roland didn't plan to go deeper into this topic as it would need several classes to master this. However, since this was the first day of their class, he wanted to keep showing different things so the students would have an idea of what they would learn in his class.
Anyway, he soon demonstrated a series of steps…
Forward, backward, and side-to-side. "Footwork is the key to mobility and balance," he explained. "Without it, you're a sitting duck. Now, everyone, follow me."
It was basic movement and it could hardly be called a foot technique. At most, it seemed to be just an exercise to improve their leg muscles.
However, many students still struggled to keep up. They had sloppy movements, that it seemed awkward and uncoordinated.
William tripped over his own feet, while Brylle was able to copy it with a slower movement. Mylene also fared better, but even she had trouble maintaining their balance.
Of course, Hayden easily followed these steps…
During this time, he used his Ocularis Lens but for two reasons. He wanted to see how the Lens would help him and he also wanted to know if the foot technique was actually needed to practice the Dawn Swordsmanship…
"Let's see…"
Soon, the Lens projected a virtual grid onto the ground, guiding his steps to copy the movement provided by the Instructor...
'This is actually a lot better…' Hayden commented in his mind.
Then, just like that, the Lens was able to complete its analysis and confirmed that the movements they were doing weren't part of the Dawn Swordsmanship.
However, it could certainly help them with their center of balance or control.
Sir Roland watched him, a faint smile on his face. "Hayden, you're a natural. Keep this up, and you'll be giving lessons yourself one day."
***
As the class ended, the students gathered their belongings and headed back to the dormitory.
Hayden lingered behind as he was actually not that tired yet.
If possible, he wanted to practice for a bit more so that once he had felt exhausted, he could start his Foundation Breathing Technique.
Seeing that there were indeed several students planning to train for a bit more, Hayden decided to stay as well.
"Wow! You're still going to practice?" Mylene asked Hayden.
"I need to… I have a sick body before so I'm trying to train as much as I can." Hayden said as he continued swinging his sword.
Seeing this, William, Brylle, and Mylene practiced alongside him. Of course, since they weren't that great with the sword, they would also ask Hayden from time to time and it certainly benefited the three of them.
They could only promise Hayden that they would give him a piece of their meal if they ate together in the cafeteria.
"I'll not decline to that." Hayden said as they all laughed together.
After an hour, the students finally felt tired and left the training yard.
***
The next day was a free day at the Academy, giving the students a much-needed break from their rigorous schedule.
Hayden decided to explore the academy grounds, curious to see more of the place he would call home for the next few years.
Apparently, the campus was vast, with multiple training yards, gardens, and workshops scattered throughout.
As he wandered, his Ocularis Lens scanned the environment, cataloging every detail. Although he had a map given to them, seeing the facilities in person was still a lot better.
Near the edge of the grounds, he noticed a small workshop with smoke rising from its chimney.
The sign above the door read "Professor Althea's Forge."
Intrigued, Hayden approached and peered inside.
The workshop was filled with various sets of weapons and armor, and although the quality wasn't that great according to the Lens, it was all meticulously crafted. They don't look like mass-produced items at all.
"Mhmm?" Finally, Hayden noticed that at the center of the room was a woman in her late thirties. She had a pale face and sluggish movements.
She was hammering a piece of metal, but her strikes lacked some strength to it…
Seeing this, Hayden's Lens focused on the woman.