Clack.
Clack.
Clack.
The rhythmic thudding of wooden weapons colliding echoed throughout the room like a percussion of war drums.
It was a sound sharp and loud enough to sting the ears, followed closely by the grunts of clashing students, their bodies twisting and lunging in practiced chaos.
Each impact reverberated through the spacious hall of the Arcane Bloom Academy's training chamber, painting a battlefield that was equal and elegant.
Just another day.
And yet, Steve stood there—confused.
He blinked once, then again, the early-morning haze still thick in his mind. Apparently, the weapon combat class had started earlier than usual.
But his attention was more fixated on the strings.
His eyes flipped side to side, tracking them like a hawk.
A slow smile crept up his face.
'Wait a damn minute… Does this mean...?' he thought, lips parting slightly.
It clicked.
