Looking away, James was genuinely curious about what this practical class would teach.
"Today's afternoon class is divided into two parts," Mr. Motoyama bellowed. "First, ability development. Second, practical training! If you need a break in between, take one. I won't go into too much detail."
"Regardless of how diverse your innate abilities are, the direction of improvement is the same before you reach the next level: spiritual power and combat might!"
His voice boomed across the arena.
"Use more! Practice more! There are only two ways to increase spiritual power: self-improvement and external augmentation. Today, we focus on self-improvement."
The omission of external augmentation was intentional—a concession to civilian students who couldn't afford rare resources. Their spiritual growth was often slower compared to students from affluent families.
Mr. Motoyama continued explaining the fundamentals: how to concentrate strength, conserve energy, and control power release.
James recognized that the teacher was teaching combat fundamentals—things like positioning, timing, and efficient motion. Skills that often got overlooked.
James' rank as third strongest wasn't just because of talent. He had mastered the basics of swordsmanship in an environment that prized raw spiritual power over refined skill.
Most students didn't grasp how to properly exert force with a blade—how much strength to use, how much to retain, when to follow through, when to feint. Instead, they simply threw power around, relying on their abilities and growing energy reserves.
And to be fair, that approach worked for many of them.
After all, most students at Tianshui County's No. 1 Private Junior High School came from superhuman families. Their abilities were inherited. The rich families without powers simply bought rare materials to speed up growth.
James, however, was different. He built his power through relentless practice. Swordsmanship was his foundation. Unlike summoning or elemental magic, it didn't require expensive external resources. Just a sword—and time.
---
Time passed slowly. The first half of class wound down, and James began to understand the overall teaching style.
It was mostly Q&A.
Students explained their powers; teachers gave advice on how to improve. Others brought up issues they encountered during training.
James didn't ask questions. Neither did a few others, including Shido and Hikari.
Shido, like James, was a civilian student. He hadn't awakened any innate powers. Instead, he chose swordsmanship—the cheapest discipline with the highest potential.
James remembered that Shido and Hikari had about 35 total spiritual power—two levels below his previous stats.
"James-san, would you be my sparring partner for the second half of class?"
After talking with a few boys, Shido and Hikari walked over.
Hearing the request, James nodded. He had no objection. After all, he always trained alone.
What? I still have friends?
After getting James' approval, Shido and Hikari returned to their group, smiling.
"Shido-kun, are you sure about this?"
"I know you're worried," Shido said, placing a hand on a friend's shoulder. "But the Kamisakura Unified Exam is approaching. I have to seize every chance to improve."
"James-san and I both practice swordsmanship. Sparring with him will help."
The boys exchanged glances before one clapped him on the back.
"If he bullies you, we've got your back! Even if we can't win, we won't let you lose alone."
Please don't make it sound like I'm a villain, James thought, overhearing everything with his sharp senses. I'm not a devil!
"Break time! Twenty minutes! Then we start combat training!" Mr. Motoyama announced.
---
Class 1 students split into groups to chat. Shido and his friends tiptoed over to James' side, sneaking glances at him.
James decided to break the ice.
"By the way, Shido, do you live in the new district?"
"Yeah! Chiyocho area. I commute from the No. 5 Zaito Station stop."
With the ice broken, conversation flowed. The boys gradually joined in.
"This competition's important."
"It's the last internal one before the unified exam."
"Actually, my family said the results will decide who represents the school in the Kanto Competition."
"Eh, probably not us. I just hope I do well."
"Wako, you're the best among us."
"No, no—James-san is!"
"Right! I almost forgot—he's actually training with us now."
"James-san was just really busy before, that's all."
The conversation became lively, even drawing the attention of some girls from Class 1, who peeked over curiously.
"I heard Shinomiya Saki and Karita Koji have already reached the next rank," someone whispered.
The group went silent, turning toward James.
He simply smiled.
"That's interesting, isn't it?"
Eyes widened.
From that confident line alone, they understood: James had already reached the rank.
---
"Time to resume!"
Mr. Motoyama's voice cut through the arena. Class 1 students formed pairs. Next door, other classes did the same, their only difference being the instructor.
"Begin combat training!"
Elsewhere, Shinomiya Saki and Karita Koji easily dispatched their opponents.
Then their attention turned to James.
This was his first sparring session outside of a tournament. Naturally, they were curious.
James picked up two wooden swords and handed one to Shido.
He felt the weight of dozens of eyes watching him—but felt no pressure.
What a joke. I've faced bloodthirsty demons. You kids don't faze me.
On the other hand, Shido was clearly feeling the pressure. Not from the crowd, but from James himself. After all, James had already reached the next level.
Shido gripped his sword tightly and charged. The weapon whistled through the air.
James frowned, raised his own sword, and effortlessly knocked Shido's weapon into the sky.
That level of swordplay? It hurt to watch.
"I lost, James-san..."
Shido picked up his fallen sword, looking ashamed.
"Come at me again."
James stood ready.
Shido was surprised but nodded.
"Spread your stance a bit more. Left foot forward."
"Keep the blade angled at the opponent, but don't overcommit. Leave room for adjustment."
"Don't swing with your arms—use your waist."
Each time, James deflected the incoming strike and offered calm, authoritative corrections. Slowly, a smile spread across Shido's face.
Free instruction from a master swordsman!
Everyone nearby stopped what they were doing. Shock rippled through the crowd.
Saki frowned, realizing the threat James posed.
Karita's eyes narrowed to slits.
Could the rumors be true?
Is he really so powerful... that he doesn't even bother to fight us?