The class made their way to the combat systems, entering their allotted virtual reality pods.
Inside, Instructor Horvey Doe awaited. He surveyed everyone as they gathered around him, each adorned in a black one-piece combat suit.
When they all gathered, the instructor began, "Today, we will be culminating everything we have learnt about fighting. I expect to see everyone apply what has been taught.
"Of course, I also understand that some of you already have tailor-made fighting styles, and as long as your movements follow the set guidelines, you will pass.
"Remember, this is simply a sparring session, and I don't want to see anyone going overboard." He said, specifically looking in the direction of Zen.
As the instructor of his class, it was his responsibility to be aware of the events that had occurred, and he was quite cognisant of what had transpired between Zen and Alex.
While he found no problem with the kids having their own bouts and challenges, he did not wish for it to grow into a conflict that would follow them once they graduated.
What humanity needed were hunters to fight void creatures and beasts across the universe, and not more enemies who only cared about fighting themselves to show who was the strongest.
For this reason, he wanted to see if those two would simply have a spar.
"The rules are simple: there are none." He flat-out stated. "Use whatever you can to grab the win over your opponent."
His words caused the students to glance at one another in confusion. Some were perplexed as to why he would utter such statements.
Understanding their expressions, he added. "In a fight to the death, there is no such thing as rules. The quicker you learn this, the better your chances of surviving out there."
Their class on survival wasn't just for show. They had been taught that the peace and quiet they enjoyed in the empire was limited to only the empire.
In the vast vacuum of outer space, there were forces—humans—who were hostile to the empire, and one could encounter them at any moment when venturing out to hunt.
"Now, who is going to start? The first to come forward has the option to select their opponent. And that person cannot refuse." He declared, immediately drawing the hands of several students.
Every individual present was highly competitive and had been acknowledged as among the best. However, to truly demonstrate their capabilities, they needed to evaluate their standing in relation to others.
While they had all sparred with their friends by this point, there were still those they hadn't faced yet.
The instructor noticed how many eyes were locked on Alex, Julia and Ross.
"You're about to get really busy, hehehe…" Sophia, standing with Alex and co, commented mischievously.
She marvelled at how the majority of students still wanted to have a piece of the three, especially Alex.
Instructor Horvey looked among the students and chose a girl. This girl had blonde hair and was a Dark-Sclera human named Zephra Leen.
"Yes, Zephra. Step forward." Once chosen, she stepped forward with an arrogant look on her face. "Who do you choose as your opponent?"
Those who knew her already knew who she was going to choose.
She hated the fact that a certain someone in their class barely did anything but had the most attention any girl could get.
However, that person always had a cold vibe that pushed anyone away, a stark contrast to when they were with friends.
"Julia Knight," she stated, pointing at her. The way she stood, trying to emphasise her assets, showed the kind of person she was.
Julia simply regarded her challenger with expressionless eyes, a gaze that further irritated Zephra.
While she had no objection to fighting anyone, the notion that some perceived her as merely an obstacle to be surmounted mildly vexed her.
'I guess making an example out of her would get a message across.'
Julia stepped forward under everyone's gaze. Her demeanour began to transform into her cold and hostile persona the farther she moved away from Alex and Ross.
The instructor observed as the two faced each other. He could even sense the hostile atmosphere, but chose to overlook it. He snapped his fingers, and the environment changed into an arena.
The two combatants stood on the stage while the rest of the audience was seated in the spectator stands.
"Before you begin." Instructor Hrovey asked the girls. "Do any of you wish to use a weapon?"
Zephra chose to use a weapon while Julia shook her head. Her demeanour hadn't changed since she stood before the girl.
To Zephra, however, it felt as if Julia was not taking this seriously, which unnerved her to no end. 'Tch… That smug look on your face won't remain for long.'
There were a couple of mean people who wanted to put Alex and Julia in their place. But with their points on the line, they couldn't afford to misbehave.
Now, however, everything was permissible, and she would be damned if she didn't take advantage of it.
The weapons rack appeared between the two on the stage, and Zephra moved forward to select her choice. Based on her ability, she chose a bow-blade.
This weapon could be used to shoot projectiles, not necessarily physical ones, and could also be transformed into dual blades with slightly curved edges.
Once she made her selection, the rack vanished, leaving the two face to face with a distance of several metres between them.
The spectating students were already seated, waiting for the start of the fight. Alex and Ross barely showed any expression, as this fight's conclusion was essentially set in stone.
"Proceed once the signal is given."
Both combatants nodded and readied themselves. The arena became silent as the countdown concluded.
[Fight!]
BOOM...!
The moment the signal came, a concurrent boom followed, too swift to even process. What everyone expected to see did not happen.
They didn't have the opportunity to appreciate the combat styles each girl would employ and the unique applications of their abilities.
No, none of that happened.
"…"
The observing students could hardly believe their eyes. They were left speechless and wide-eyed, too shocked to react.
Zephra was already embedded in the arena's walls, unconscious, while Julia stood precisely where Zephra was meant to be, concluding the fight.