"Hmm?"
This time, Hayden finally felt interested. He wasn't sure what George was talking about.
He raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. "Take care of me? What do you mean?"
George smirked. "Apprentices get certain privileges, you know. Like the ability to challenge Novices to sparring matches. And when I do, I'll make sure you learn your place."
'Ahh… So it was that.' Hayden shook his head as he certainly knew about this. However, it wasn't really something good since sparring against someone weaker wasn't his intention. He would be more interested if the privilege includes being able to practice against Aura Users.
However, after being an Apprentice, the only valuable benefit he could think of getting was the chance to fight against a Squire at least once a week.
These Squires would get one Dawn Point doing this, so they also wanted some Apprentices to request such tasks from them.
Dawn Points was basically a currency they could use. It could be used to request a special lecture, one-on-one training, special items, a restricted book, and so on. However, they weren't for Novices but for Apprentices and above.
Anyway, Hayden's expression remained calm and nodded. He didn't really care since sparring matches were the only thing this person could do.
Furthermore, according to his Lens, the boy was clearly trying to intimidate him, but Hayden wasn't fazed. He wasn't sure about his purpose for doing this or he was just a natural bully, but it didn't matter for Hayden.
"Good luck with your exam," Hayden said simply, turning his attention back to the arena.
George scowled, clearly annoyed that his taunts hadn't gotten a reaction. However, he also couldn't make a scene since there were some Professors watching.
"We'll see how long you can keep that smug attitude, little guy."
***
Hayden watched patiently as ten more students were called out.
The next student was Larl. It seemed that he was actually one of the best students among the testers as he soon heard some whispers talking about him.
Larl greeted Seraphine who hadn't even sweat in all of her matches.
"Begin," Sir Roland announced.
Larl then charged forward as he showed no hesitation in his movements at all.
Seraphine deflected the thrust with a wave of her sword… Carl then tried to continue, but Seraphine's movements were too fast and he couldn't even understand sometimes how he was being stopped.
'This Sword Technique… It's the Western Wave Blade.' Hayden thought as he quickly used his Lens and confirmed that Larl was using a sword style that wasn't taught in the Academy… or at the very least, not that he was aware of.
This Western Wave Blade was something Hayden learned in the Library but he certainly did not practice this.
Larl attempted to charge once again, thrusting his sword toward Seraphine's body… Then, Seraphine smiled the first time and sidestepped…
Then, her blade flicked out to tap Larl's wrist. This move was enough to defeat Larl as his sword fell from his hand, and the match was over in less than two minutes.
However, it seemed that Seraphine was actually satisfied with Larl's performance.
Perhaps, only Hayden, Seraphine, and other Professors noticed that Larl's performance just now was indeed quite good for his age.
Hayden took note of Larl's name as he saw potential in him. He might become a famous swordsman someday even if he couldn't become an Aura User.
***
"George, you're up next." Sir Roland said as several students turned to him.
They knew that George was quite a decent student and he would surely pass to become an Apprentice. Many of them also knew that he should be better than Larl.
As expected, George shot Hayden one last glare before striding into the arena.
He was definitely filled with confidence.
Huu~
He gripped his practice sword tightly, clearly eager to prove himself.
Seraphine then gave George a brief nod, signaling that she was ready.
"Begin!"
As soon as George heard the announcement, charged forward! He didn't waste any time.
As he got closer, instead of thrusting his sword, he actually moved in a circular motion. His sword slashed through the air and landing this hit would surely generate a strong impact…
Seraphine's eyes narrowed slightly as her interest piqued.
Pah!
She blocked the sword and didn't even flinch…
Then, seeing that George was about to do a follow-up attack, she sidestepped the strike.
'This movement…'
She watched as George followed up with a rapid series of slashes with a familiar pattern.
Meanwhile, Hayden watched intently while his Ocularis Lens recorded every detail.
'So it's the Whirlwind Blade Style that relies on momentum and unpredictability. George is using his footwork to maintain balance while keeping his opponent off-guard. But Seraphine… already saw through it.' Hayden thought as he also read about this sword technique.
Then, as Seraphine realized that George was actually using a sword technique that should only be practiced by Aura Users, she decided to end it immediately.
'This is also for your own sake or your muscles will be torn if you continue with the fifth and sixth movement...' Seraphine thought as she struck George's right foot with her sword and made him stumble and fall to the ground…
"Aahh!"
This happened before George was able to shift into a more aggressive stance... He barely fought against Seraphine and he was already down!
Then, as soon as he looked up at his opponent, he saw the tip of Seraphine's sword pointed at his glabella.
It was over!
He didn't even last a minute!