CHAPTER - 164

  Narrator: The next day, the sun caressed the arena with a warm, golden light.

  The crisp morning air tempered the sweat that slowly trickled down the foreheads and wooden weapons of the students, engaged in rigorous training.

  Dav, with a calm yet attentive gaze, guided his students with precise movements, correcting thrusts, indicating proper postures, encouraging with brief but effective

  words.

  Gabriel trained side by side with Elysia.

  Their swords clashed in a rapid rhythm of thrusts and parries, their deep and steady breaths like war drums.

  Elysia, focused, left no room for error: eyes fixed on her opponent, steps light yet firm, as if each movement could be the last.

  Gabriel, sweaty but determined, responded blow for blow, learning to read his partner's movements.

  Not far away, Leo and Fin replicated the exercise, challenging each other with shouts of exertion and small proud smiles at each successful strike.

  In the holographic area, Arthur, Lucas, Cedric, and Leona faced a simulated B+ grade monster.

  A massive creature made of stone and shadows moved with ferocity, but the group remained undaunted.

  Leona, hidden behind a rock, blended into the digital terrain debris.

  With swift and precise movements, she utilized the "Thread of Life," supporting her companions from afar, healing minor wounds and restoring their energy without

  ever being noticed.

  Her eyes attentive, and her breath controlled: she wasn't there to shine, but to make others shine.

  Arthur moved in a precise dance.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  His mastery with the sword shone as he moved fluidly, slicing through the air and deflecting attacks, protecting Leona's back.

  Lucas, after each of Arthur's attacks, struck the monster with his spear in a flash, leaving scars of fire.

  Cedric moved confidently, two clones at his side.

  They seemed like a single entity, coordinated, swift, and unstoppable.

  He single-handedly managed the creature's western flank, eliminating enemy fragments with clean and measured strikes.

  Dav observed them all out of the corner of his eye while continuing to train the novices.

  His face serene, but deep in his heart, a small silent pride grew with each of his students' progress.

  When the lesson ended, the sweaty, dirty, and tired students dispersed to their rooms for a well-deserved shower before lunch.

  Dav, along with Eldrin and Kael, walked at a slow pace, exhausted but satisfied.

  Upon arriving at the cafeteria, the warm aroma of food welcomed them like a caress.

  Seated at a table, Selene was already there waiting for Dav.

  Iris and Valeria beside her, curious, caring, full of questions and attention.

  Selene, unaccustomed to such closeness, seemed a bit stiff, as if afraid of making a mistake.

  Her hands gripped the edge of the tray too tightly, but her face softened as soon as she caught, even just from the corner of her eye, Dav's gaze.

  He watched her out of the corner of his eye, his gaze seemingly distracted elsewhere.

  Yet, when their eyes met, his lips hinted at a small smile.

  She returned it, shyly, as if that gesture meant more than a hundred words.

  Kael, Eldrin, and Vittorio sat with him, talking animatedly about the upcoming tournament.

  Kael: In my opinion, Leo has good chances, but I wouldn't rule out Cedric.

  Vittorio: (Smirking) Everyone wants to see Elysia in action.

  Narrator: Meanwhile, Rafael sat with Rugerus, melodramatically lamenting his now-empty classes due to tournament training.

  Rafael: (Sighing theatrically) I feel abandoned, Rugerus...

  like an artist without an audience!

  Narrator: Rugerus chuckled softly, shaking his head.

  His smile so gentle, almost affectionate, as if the complaint itself were a pretext for a game between them.

  Dav, seated next to Lucrezia, exchanged knowing glances and muffled laughter with her.

  Then, she whispered to him with a serious yet impatient tone:

  "Will you continue the story for me? I'm curious!"

  Dav stared at her for a moment, then burst into a restrained giggle.

  With an instinctive gesture, he tousled her hair with an exaggerated caress.

  "Hey! Stop it?!"

  she protested, trying in vain to remove his hand.

  Her face twisted into a grimace of annoyance, but behind the pout was a gleam of amusement.

  The table animated, chatter, laughter, small squabbles.

  And amidst all that noise, Dav turned again to Selene.

  "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice lower, sincere.

  She turned to him with a slight, almost intimate smile.

  "I'm recovering quickly, strangely."

  Dav nodded, with an almost imperceptible gesture.

  Already knowing the reason, but he didn't say it.

  He barely looked at her, then replied softly:

  "I see. That's better."

  END OF CHAPTER - 164