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Chapter 308 73.1 - Two-Sides

I didn\'t have much to think about since I preferred to shut my mind down in times like this. Yet, at the same time, it wasn\'t something that could be easily done.

There were times when my mind would refuse to shut down.

\'With the recent events, the academy seems like they will keep the events simple for a while.\'

Even if the Phantom\'s Land hadn\'t resulted in any deaths or losses, it showed enough danger to make the students and parents feel the tension. Therefore, the academy was rather laying low for the time being.

This could be seen in the recent two weeks when we only had light training sessions and theoretically centered topics.

As I navigated through the deserted campus in recent times, I decided to incorporate a new element into my training routine.

Weighted bracelets adorned my wrists as I began my run around the training grounds. The added resistance tested my endurance and pushed the limits of my physical capabilities. They were on my body most of the time.

With each lap, I could feel the strain on my muscles, the weighted bracelets serving as a constant reminder of the need for perseverance. The cool night air heightened my senses as I pushed myself. Further, the rhythmic thud of my footsteps echoed in the quiet surroundings.

After a considerable run, I entered the training grounds, the dim lighting creating an ambiance of solitude. Though there were people, it was way too little compared to the daytime.

Pausing for a moment, I removed the weighted bracelets, feeling the sudden release of resistance.

As I flexed my limbs, I couldn\'t help but sense a tangible improvement in my constitution and endurance.

It seemed that my speculations regarding the talent limit were correct. The consistent and dedicated training now proved to be important for the sake of my future.

\'I guess the increase in my talent limit really corresponded to endurance and strength.\'

In any case, after finishing Endurance Training 1, I started the second part, where I would be fighting with the golems created by the grounds.

Today\'s focus was on improving my mastery of [Umbral Steps]. After acquiring thanks to my trait [Shadowborne], I had been training to increase my mastery.

Though the skill was good, utilizing it in actual combat always required practice.

Choosing the fourth stage, I knew the golems here were more formidable and required a higher level of skill to overcome. As I entered the designated area, the towering golems stood motionless, awaiting my challenge.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. My daggers and bow were securely strapped to my body, ready for action. The training ground was silent, amplifying the sound of my footsteps as I approached the first golem.

Activating [Umbral Steps], I vanished from my original spot, reappearing behind the massive figure of the golem. The darkened silhouette of its stone structure contrasted with the dim lighting of the training grounds.

–SLASH!

My daggers swiftly cut through the air, aiming for the designated weak points of the golem. The strikes were precise, exploiting the vulnerabilities I had identified through repeated encounters with these constructs.

–WHOOSH!

As I activated [Umbral Steps] once again, I quickly appeared behind one of the golems before it could react.

I continued this pattern, seamlessly moving from one golem to another, honing my agility and mastery of the shadows.

It was crucial to synchronize my movements with the shadows cast by the towering figures, allowing for a seamless transition.

As I trained, time seemed to blur, and the rhythmic pattern of [Umbral Steps] started to become second nature. In a sense, I was getting more immersed in my Trait, making me a lot better in terms of its usage.

The golems, formidable opponents in their own right in terms of defense, served as the perfect testing ground for this unique skill.

\'I guess this makes it perfect for me to escape once I can utilize it. But, there is a distance limit as well as mana consumption. If I were to just simply teleport a short distance, I could use it 20 times in a row until I exhaust all my mana. But, that is in the assumption of me not using any other thing to consume mana, which will most likely not be the case.\'

I have taken many things regarding this skill into note. The mana consumption of spatial leap was high. It made sense since I initially wasn\'t inclined to manipulate space.

A skill that is not compatible with the user would consume more mana and energy compared to the reverse.

\'But, I can still enhance my body with shadows, increasing my speed. I also noticed that, in the absence of daylight, I feel smoother. Possibly, something about night is making me stronger.\'

Those were all the things I had observed while training. Even though my spatial understanding was lacking, at least my enhancement understanding was higher, making the mana consumption less regarding this matter.

There was also a distance limit for the time being.

\'I can at most teleport 1000 meters, but that would consume all of my mana. I need to increase my understanding.\'

With all those in my head, I continued to train in the room.

*********

Morning – History and Arts Club Meeting

The cold day of winter echoed in the academy grounds as the students made their way to their respective events.

Some of them were going to study, some of them were going to train, and some of them were going to associate themselves with the club activities.

That was the general way of the activities in the morning. Astron was also heading to the History and Arts club meeting.

\'This time, it is indoors compared to outdoors. On top of that, we are meeting in the Multipurpose hall. It seems the overseer of the club has some ideas in her mind.\'

Since most of the clubs didn\'t have their observer directly interfered with them aside from some marital ones, most of the time, the ones who were planning the events would be club presidents.

However, in some rare cases, the overseers would be required to be present for legal documentation, and in some rarer cases, those overseers would be directly involved.

Upon reaching the entrance, Astron noticed that the door was slightly ajar. Deciding to seize the opportunity, he made his way inside earlier than the designated time. The warmth of the hall enveloped him, a welcome relief from the biting cold outside.

As Astron stepped into the room, he spotted Senior Maya already present. She sat on the mat, shoes neatly arranged beside her. The sight intrigued Astron, and he approached her with a respectful nod.

"Good morning, Senior Maya," Astron greeted, acknowledging her presence.

Maya looked up with a warm smile, "Ah, Astron. Please, come in. Take your shoes off before joining me on the mat."

Following her instructions, Astron removed his shoes and joined Senior Maya on the mat. The ambiance of the Multipurpose Hall added a touch of solemnity to the meeting.

Maya\'s gaze shifted to Astron as he settled beside her on the mat. Her blue eyes held a mix of amusement and approval. "Astron, you\'re early as usual," she remarked, a playful smile gracing her lips.

Astron continued, "You are not that different in terms of this." His gaze met hers, noting the casual elegance in Maya\'s attire. The blouse accentuated her slender frame, and the open neckline added a subtle allure.

\'Well, that is because I knew you would come early.\'

Maya wanted to say but refrained from doing so. Her blue eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and warmth. "Well, I suppose we both understand the value of being prepared." She stretched her legs, extending them before her while slightly leaning towards Astron.

It was an unconscious act; at least, she did her best for it to be perceived like that while touching his arm with her shoulder.

\'He had grown up once again.\'

At first, she could meet the line of his shoulders, but that didn\'t seem to be the case now.

A momentary distraction overcame her as she played with her toes, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

"Senior, I guess the overseer will now be more active in club affairs." He said without minding Maya\'s touch on his shoulders since no people were around.

The natural light filtering through the hall\'s windows highlighted the delicate features of Maya\'s face, casting a gentle glow.

Maya nodded in agreement, her gaze turning thoughtful. "That\'s true. Actually, the overseer was the one who sent that message about the indoor meeting today."

Astron, not entirely surprised, remarked, "I figured that much."

Maya arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? How did you figure it out?"

"It wasn\'t how Senior Maya would write normally. The tone and choice of words were a bit different."

Maya\'s eyes widened in amusement, a wide smile creeping onto her face as she looked at Astron. "So, you know how I write, huh?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I am sure every member of our club already knows about it," Astron said indifferently.

\'This…..I don\'t care if other people know about it or not, don\'t you understand?\'

Maya couldn\'t believe his obliviousness. "Honestly, Junior! I guess my way of writing is obviously different and not normal," she declared, making a playful attempt to let him know he had missed the point.

Astron, seemingly unperturbed, just shrugged. "Well, yeah, that\'s true."

Maya\'s pout deepened, and she couldn\'t resist a small pinch on his arm. "You\'re impossible." With a facepalm, she clenched her fingers a little, turning her face to the side with a huff.

"Why are you angry, senior?"

"I am not angry."

"You are too tightly gripping for that."

"That\'s..."

–TOK!

Just as the two were talking, suddenly, they heard the sounds of someone approaching.

–SWOOSH!

In an instant, Astron widened the distance between him and Maya, making sure that no misunderstandings would occur. Maya also knew that, so she didn\'t make any noises and silently nodded.

\'I wish it would last a little longer.\' Though, inwardly, she regretted it a little.

As Astron and Maya subtly adjusted their positions, the sounds of footsteps grew closer. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Amelia, Maya\'s friend and a fellow member of the History and Arts Club, walked in. She carried a satchel slung over her shoulder, her eyes brightening as she entered.

"Good morning, Maya!" Amelia greeted cheerfully, taking off her shoes at the entrance. "I hope I\'m not late."

Maya smiled, "Not at all, Amelia. You\'re right on time. Please, join us."

Amelia joined the duo on the mat, creating a friendly triangle as they settled into the Multipurpose Hall. The atmosphere seemed lightened by her presence, but the gaze she threw at Astron was a little different.

\'This little thief is stealing Maya from me.\'

That was what she was thinking. After all, even though she had acted like she had just come here, she was observing Maya and Astron from far away for a while already.

With her entrance, the room started being filled with students one by one.