After finishing the acrobatics training, I made my way to Instructor Kennet's session, focusing on developing my stealth abilities and mastering the art of erasing presence.
When I asked Kael if they were taught this one as well, they said they were. But it was hard.
Apparently, Instructor Kennet was someone who put importance on perfection. This training area was a stark contrast to the previous one. It was dimly lit, with various obstacles and hiding spots designed to challenge one's ability to remain unseen. The environment was perfect for honing stealth skills, with shadows and dark corners offering numerous opportunities to practice blending in.
But, aside from that, nobody was there.
'Or he is already behind me.'
The moment I thought about this, my body moved on its own.
SWOOSH! My head was tilted to the side, and then, from the corner of my ear, something went past.
"Ho...Not bad," the man said, retracing his hand back. His half-naked body was lightly clothed, his chest line wide open, showing a chiseled but not overly muscular frame.
He had an aloof demeanor, but his eyes were cold, the kind of cold that only comes from taking many lives without any ounce of regret. The eyes of someone who had lived in the shadows of blood.
I straightened up, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Instructor Kennet, I presume?"
Kennet nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. Welcome to your stealth training, Astron. I see you've already got good instincts. That's a start."
His presence was intimidating, a testament to his experience and skill. But I had faced intimidating figures before; I was here to learn and improve. And he was not targeting his killing intent to me, as well.
He turned to look at me, observing me from head to toe. "Lean body, indicating agility and speed. You have a natural ability to move silently, and your instincts are sharp. Your balance and coordination are commendable, suggesting extensive training in physical combat."
Kennet's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued his assessment. "You're ambidextrous, aren't you? I can see it in the way you shift your weight and use both sides of your body evenly. That's a rare and valuable trait, especially for stealth and combat."
'This guy…..He is pretty good….'
I am not particularly trying to hide details like this as they are not that disadvantageous for me, even if they are known. But at the same time, I am not particularly showing them off, either. If someone is going to know about such traits of mine, they need to be at least good.
And this lecturer…..He was good.
I nodded, acknowledging his observations. "Yes, I've trained to use both hands equally."
"Good," Kennet said, a hint of approval in his tone. "Being ambidextrous gives you a significant advantage in combat and stealth. It allows you to adapt quickly and use your environment more effectively. It's clear you've had extensive training in various disciplines, but there's always room for improvement."
He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "Your body language shows that you're constantly aware of your surroundings, a necessary skill for someone in our line of work. But awareness isn't enough. You need to become one with the shadows, to erase your presence completely."
Kennet's tone grew more intense. "To achieve this, you must control not just your movements but your very essence. Your breathing, your heartbeat, your energy – all of it must be in harmony with the environment. This isn't just about hiding; it's about becoming invisible to the senses."
"I see." I nodded after hearing his words. This was something that I had already heard before. It was not something new to me. "But, instructor. How long are you going to keep them hidden there?"
Kennet's smile widened at my words. "What are you talking about?" he asked, but the glint in his eyes showed that he knew exactly what I meant.
"The trainees you've hidden all across the arena," I replied, my voice steady. "You've placed them in strategic positions to observe and possibly test me."
Kennet clapped his hands with a hearty laugh. "As expected, you're pretty good. Most wouldn't have noticed them so quickly."
He glanced around the dimly lit room, and suddenly, the hidden trainees began to reveal themselves. One by one, they emerged from the shadows, each looking slightly impressed and a bit wary.
"Well then," Kennet said, still smiling. "Since you've left such an impression, you won't mind if I give you some special attention, would you?"
I shook my head, meeting his gaze with determination. "That's what I was aiming for already."
"Good," Kennet replied, his smile turning more serious as he turned to the other trainees. "Today, you are all going to be training on your own. Until I deal with this cocky guy, at least."
The other trainees nodded at his words as their eyes looked at me with a clear glint.
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