"…Fair point."
Before Charlotte could say more, a screech cut through the air.
A massive blur descended from the sky, crashing into the centre of the training field like a meteor. Dust and wind exploded outward, causing the students nearby to shield their eyes and stumble backwards.
From the crater stood a towering man, muscles bulging, chest bare beneath a loose black coat. His thick, dark-blonde hair flowed like a lion's mane, wild and untamed.
He threw his head back and let out a boisterous laugh.
"BAHAHAHA! Now that seems to have grabbed everyone's attention!"
The murmurs quieted as every cadet turned toward him, completely stunned.
The man grinned widely, scanning the crowd.
"My name is Instructor Garrick. I'll be your combat instructor for this year. I'll be teaching you actual combat here, so I'm not here to babysit you with mana theory or spoon-feed you foundational garbage."
He stomped his foot once, causing the earth to crack.
