Chulsoo took a deep breath and raised his stick again. "Alright, now follow my lead. First stance…"
He stepped forward with his left foot, knees slightly bent. His stick pointed straight ahead.
"Left foot forward. Keep your core tight."
Seojun copied his stance easily. Calm. Relaxed.
"Now a basic swing from the right—go!"
Their sticks met in the air.
"Again. Block, then counter."
"Back step. Rotate your wrist—strike low."
Each time, Chulsoo gave instructions with every move, thinking Seojun might need the help But Seojun didn't.
His steps were light, precise. His reactions were fast—but not rushed. Every block and hit matched Chulsoo's exactly.
Chulsoo raised an eyebrow. 'Huh… he's good.'
He picked up the pace.
"Step right—spin—strike again!"
Still, Seojun followed perfectly. His grip never shifted. His mana didn't flare wild like a beginner—it flowed smooth through the stick, steady and quiet.
Chulsoo blinked. 'How come? He controlled his mana perfectly and seems to be not draining and even keeping up.'
He grit his teeth lightly.
Suddenly, Chulsoo stopped talking. No more instructions. His moves became faster.
Chulsoo turned and swung at his side—fast and low.
Seojun stepped back, stick dropping to meet it perfectly.
'He saw that?!' Chulsoo's heart raced. But he was smiling now.
He jumped forward again, faster this time—his stick coming down from above with speed.
Seojun raised his stick in time, their weapons clashing in the middle. The sound echoed in the field.
Tap—tap—block—swing—step—strike!
The movement got quicker. The rhythm smoother. One step after another, like a flowing dance of wood and mana. The students could barely follow them now.
"Okay what's going on?"
"Wait—he's really fast!"
"They're fighting for real!"
"Professor Chulsoo looks serious now!"
Chulsoo narrowed his eyes, still keeping up, but just barely.
He made one more strike—a powerful one with his full body weight behind it. Seojun met it with one arm. Clean block. No movement wasted.
Chulsoo stared for a moment, then slowly stepped back and raised his hand.
Both professors lowered their sticks. Chulsoo laughed, wiping his forehead. "Man… I thought I could surprise you."
Seojun smiled slightly. "You almost did."
Chulsoo turned to the students, still catching his breath.
"That—was proper control. That's what we aim for. No wasted moves. No lost energy."
He pointed his stick at Seojun again. "You want to fight like that? Tame beasts? Strengthen your body and mana? Talk to him after class."
He gave Seojun a playful wink again. More murmurs spread among the students.
"…Did he block that with one arm?"
"Maybe not only taming we an learn from him, after all."
"I want to learn that…"
Chulsoo opened a small pouch from his belt and took out a potion bottle. He drank one to recover some of his mana, then grabbed another one and walked toward Seojun.
But before he could hand it over, he noticed something.
Seojun was surrounded by a few students—some curious, some impressed, and a few still unsure, but watching him closely.
Chulsoo stopped in his tracks and scratched the back of his head. "Huh… he doesn't even look tired," he muttered under his breath. "Doesn't look like his mana drained at all…"
He looked down at the potion in his hand, then back at Seojun.
"Damn," he whispered to himself with a small shake of his head. "That kid's got more mana than I thought. I really need to stop believing rumors."
With a sigh, he wiped the sweat off his forehead and chuckled quietly.
Then, raising his voice, he clapped his hands once.
"Alright, class! Back to your lines!"
The students quickly returned to their spots, standing in formation again.
"Find your partner and try to do what we showed earlier," Chulsoo said, lifting his stick again. "Control your mana. Keep it steady. Focus on the movement."
He grinned and added jokingly, "But don't try the last part. I don't want to send anyone to the nurse's office today!"
Some students laughed as they looked at each other, excited to try it themselves.
The class ended not long after. Professor Chulsoo clapped his hands and told everyone to cool down and stretch.
Seojun gave a short bow. "Thanks for letting me observe."
Chulsoo laughed and waved. "Anytime! Feel free to observe our class. I'll send you my schedule, kid!"
Seojun nodded and turned to leave. He walked across the field, hands in his pockets, the warm sun shining on his back then a loud voice called from behind.
A girl was running toward him, dragging Nathan and Elshienne. Her two High pigtails bounced with every step, and her smile was bright and energetic.
She stopped right in front of him and gave a quick bow.
"Hello, Professor! I'm Bae Nayoung, This two is Nathan and Elshienne Hamilton. We would like to join your class!"
Nathan looked away, pretending to be uninterested. Elshienne crossed her arms, looking slightly embarrassed.
Nayoung stepped forward. "I mean, I want to! But I convinced them too. Right, right?" she looked at both of them with a playful grin.
Nathan sighed. "She wouldn't stop talking."
Elshienne muttered, "She said she'd tell people I was blushing at you."
"Because you were!" Nayoung teased, laughing.
Seojun blinked, a little surprised, but then smiled softly. "Alright then. I'm happy to have you in the taming class."
Nayoung clapped her hands. "Yes! Thank you, Professor Jihoon!"
She paused. "Oh, is it okay if I call you that? Or should I just say Professor?"
"Whatever you're comfortable with."
"Got it, Professor Jihoon!" she said with a big thumbs-up.
Seojun looked at his watch, then turned back to the group. "Do you have class right now?"
Elshienne shook her head. "Our professor is sick, so we're in self-study right now, Se—Professor."
Seojun nodded and smiled a little. "Then join my class."
Nayoung cheered. "Yes please! We're glad to join right now! right guys?! Let's go!"
"Calm down, Nayoung" Elshienne said,
As Seojun led them toward his classroom, Nayoung bounced beside him, looking around with wide eyes. "Wow, Professor! Your class is so far out here! It's, like, in its own little world. I thought we were gonna get lost!"
She pointed at the tall walls surrounding the area. "Is this where the class is going to be held? It looks like a fortress! I didn't know they built walls for the classes. You must really love peace and quiet, huh?" she giggled.
Elshienne and Nathan glanced at the walls, a bit surprised by how high and thick they were. They hadn't paid much attention until now, but the heavy walls did make the area feel isolated from the rest of the academy.
Seojun glanced at the walls as well. "It's for focus. Nothing should interrupt the training."
Nayoung nodded, still looking around. "It definitely feels like no one can bother you here. I like it! Kinda gives off a mysterious vibe. Like something secret is going on." She leaned in, whispering, "Do you train beasts inside, too? Or just students?"
Seojun smiled faintly at her curiosity. "Both."
Nayoung's eyes grew even wider. "That's so cool! I can't wait to see everything!"