"And that is... There are six students I want to mention. You probably know them since you are all classmates, well first years, right?"

No, you don't. Don't tell anything!

"The first one is sitting at the back of the second row, stand up Adrian boy."

Urgh...

I reluctantly stood up while preparing myself for what was to come.

"That boy there was the first person to finish the test and the fastest one even though he started earlier than you guys. He has the best survival instincts among all of you.

The teacher's words echoed in my ears as I stood awkwardly in front of the classroom, feeling the eyes of my classmates on me. It was really uncomfortable. Because there were two particular burning gazes mixed among them belonging to Aurelius and Emeric. I can understand Emeric, but why the MC as well?

Anyway, thankfully, the old man quickly ended his speech about me though I felt it went on for hours.

He then talked about Emeric, Aurelius, Ren, Aurelia, and Lyra.

"And that's all I wanted to say. With this today's lesson ends." Finally, old man Doome spoke. "We will get to know the specifics of the course in the next lesson. Ah, right, don't forget to bring spare clothes for outdoors and things that you think are essential to survive in a forest."

"Then, see you in the next lesson."

"Ah, a friendly reminder, those who want to skip or find an excuse, the same thing I said earlier applies to you, ok?"

"...Yes." The students replied.

"Good, then goodbye,"

"Ah, I-Instructor." Suddenly called out my sister.

"What is it, Aurelia girl?"

"Um... Do we have to return in the same way we came, or...?" Aurelia asked a question everyone wanted to ask.

Old man Doome chuckled at Aurelia's question, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, good question, Aurelia. No, you don't have to return the same way you came. There is a Teleportation Circle in the center of the Survival Training Hall. You can use it to directly teleport into the Academy's Main Grounds. Now the, till the next lesson."

Doome then left the room, leaving us to ourselves.

I slowly stood up and made my way toward the exit.

I also noticed a few of my classmates following after me, while soon after everyone.

I thought they were stalking me but only after thinking a bit did I understand the reason - we were all going to the same place - the center of the Survival Hall. Haha, I seriously overthought it.

Let's continue pretending to be indifferent...

Ah, I can't wait for tomorrow to come... Hehe...

____ __

"You will be pairing together with a random student today as well." Instructor Darius spoke. "You will have to use the technique you have been practicing these two weeks. Understood?"

"Yes." We replied and quickly found our opponents using the random draw.

Urgh... Luck is probably not my thing.

Because, this time, I ended up pairing with my sister.

"..."

Obviously, there was an awkward silence between us.

Well, after all that happened, it's good she's not looking at me with hatred or...

I'm a bit disappointed in her since she didn't ask anything or say anything to me.

Well, I'm to blame as well since I didn't even try to talk to her after that or try to clean up the misunderstanding. Yeah...

I really want to do it...

I want things to return to what they used to be.

But...

Now is not the time.

I have to wait for both her and my sake and safety.

"Can we start?" My thoughts were interrupted by Aurelia's cold voice. Hah, she really dislikes me, huh...

Then, I will act the same way as in the novel for now.

"...Yes," I replied indifferently.

Then we took our positions and started the practice duel.

Unlike me or Aurelius, she uses a bow, since she is more suited for distance combat. (She is mostly a mage and a healer after all.)

As the training session progressed, I couldn't help but notice the lack of proficiency in the way Aurelia handled her bow and the arrows.

Her movements were stiff and hesitant, lacking the fluidity and precision that came with experience. It was clear that she was still struggling to find her footing in this particular style of combat.

Was it because she was fighting me?

Or because she really has yet to adapt to bows and fighting. She didn't know anything about these before after all. So, this sounds more plausible.

'Urgh...'

Oh, wait...

I know the reason now.

It must be because of yesterday. The PIRAs more precisely.

I remembered it as the place where that one Pira bit started to feel extra numb. Damn, that Pira was must have been with the biggest teeth!

My sister also got bitten by three of them, not to mention all on her feet. Ah, I forgot all of this because I was too engrossed about how to interact with her.

Then again, what should I do?

I can fight easily since my 'injury' isn't that much of a big deal. But hers... I wonder if they are hurting now...

Urgh... I feel somehow guilty now...

S-Should I ask how she is feeling?

Nah, it will be super awkward...

But... my brotherly instincts are telling me to do something.

"Argh!" Suddenly, I heard someone groaning in pain. As I looked over and recognized that familiar figure, a sudden idea came to my mind.

Haha, your brother is really a genius. I complimented myself though pretty much everyone could come up with this if they had a little knowledge.

"Let's stop," I spoke not noticing her expression, and turned toward the instructor who wasn't far from us.

"Excuse me, Instructor Darius," I called him over. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Instructor Darius who heard me turned over with a cold but curious expression. "What is it? If it is something I don't like or is unnecessary, you will be punished remember?"

"Yes," I replied calmly. "Instructor, I wanted to tell you that I want to change my dueling partner."

_____ __

(Author Note: Hi readers. I will apply premium from this chapter so read it when it is free :)

The next chapter spoiler: Aurelia's POV.)