Chapter 21: Combat Training – First Spark
The academy's vast outdoor training grounds buzzed with activity under the bright midday sun. Enchanted stone barriers glowed faintly around multiple sparring arenas, designed to contain stray spells and protect spectators. First-year students stood in formation as Professor Kane — a muscular, scar-faced instructor with a booming voice — paced in front of them.
Mei Lin stood with her arms crossed, her expression cool and detached. She had already made an impression in theory class. Now it was time to show that her mind wasn't her only weapon. The Lin family's restoration would not come from hiding.
"Pair up!" Professor Kane shouted. "Basic combat only. No killing blows. I want control, not chaos!"
Mei was paired against a haughty girl from a count's family. The girl smirked as she raised her wand. "Don't cry when I embarrass your fallen house, Lin trash."
Mei's red eyes narrowed coldly. "Talk less. Fight more."
The spar began.
Her opponent launched a rapid series of Fire Bolts. Mei moved like the wind — graceful, precise, and ruthless. She activated a subtle thread of her Wind Heir awakening, enhancing her agility. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a compressed Wind Cutter that sliced through the flames and struck the girl's shoulder, knocking her back several steps.
The girl stumbled but recovered, casting a stronger spell. Mei predicted the trajectory effortlessly and countered with a Black Forge infusion on her practice wand, making her next strike hit like forged steel. The impact sent her opponent crashing to the ground.
"Enough!" Professor Kane called. "Winner — Mei Lin. Good elemental control and decisive finishing."
Murmurs spread among the students. Some looked impressed. Others, especially those aligned with Cedric Harrington, glared with open hostility.
Across the field, Mei noticed Luo Chaos finishing his own match. He had defeated a larger opponent with minimal movement — efficient, almost surgical strikes using bursts of chaotic dark mana. He didn't show off, but his skill was obvious.
As students rotated for water breaks, Luo walked past her slowly. Their eyes met.
"You fight like someone who already knows how this world works," he said quietly, his voice carrying only to her ears. "Calculated. Cold when needed. Reminds me of boardroom battles from… before."
Mei's lips curved into a small, sharp smile. "And you fight like someone who remembers modern strategy guides. Efficient. No wasted movement." She paused, then added in a lower tone, "We really are from the same place, aren't we, Luo Chaos?"
Luo's dark eyes flickered with confirmation. For the first time, he allowed a genuine, albeit brief, smile. "Yes. It's rare to find another. But we must be careful. Too many eyes want to see the Lin family fall even further."
Before Mei could reply, Cedric's loud voice cut through the training grounds.
"Nice little trick, Lin," he sneered as he approached with two followers. "Using cheap wind tricks against someone who wasn't even trying. Your family really is pathetic — relying on sneaky methods instead of true power."
Mei turned to face him, her expression icy. "And yet here I am, undefeated in my matches, while you talk big but hide behind your father's name. If you're so superior, why don't you step into the ring with me right now?"
Cedric's face reddened with anger, but Professor Kane's presence stopped him from accepting.
"Save it for the upcoming Pillars Tournament, Harrington," the professor warned. "Class is not your personal stage for grudges."
Cedric shot Mei a venomous look. "This isn't over, Lin. Your weak family will regret showing your face here."
As he stormed off, Luo stepped closer to Mei once more, offering her a small mana recovery pill discreetly.
"You handled that well," he murmured. "Cold and direct. I like it. Most reincarnators would try too hard to blend in."
Mei accepted the pill, their fingers brushing lightly. A strange warmth passed between them — two souls who understood the weight of memories from another world.
"Don't get comfortable, Luo," she said, though her tone carried a hint of teasing sharpness. "I plan to rise to the top. If you want to walk this path with me, you'll need to keep up."
Luo chuckled softly. "Wouldn't dream of falling behind, Mei Lin."
As training ended and students headed toward the next activity, Mei felt a new sense of purpose. The academy was full of enemies, but she had found her first real ally one who shared her greatest secret.
Yet in the distance, a senior student wearing Jade family insignia watched their interaction with narrowed, calculating eyes.
To be continued...
End of Chapter 21