Chapter 212: Gara VS Fian
Their attention soon shifted toward the upcoming match, Gara versus Fian.
Both were long-range fighters. Even the five meters between them felt far too close.
Madha raised his hand. "Begin!"
Hush—
Everything happened in an instant, so fast that even Yuvika and Orman couldn’t follow.
In the blink of an eye, Fian was already on the ground, a shimmering water blade hovering dangerously close to his neck.
Gara hadn’t even moved from his spot, his entire body encased within a protective dome of water.
"Wait— Gara can turn his water into a shield?" Andine gasped.
Madha nodded slowly. "So Fian was right... Could it be that I’d lose too if I fought Gara?"
Andine turned to him in shock. Madha was incredibly strong, it was hard to imagine anyone besting him. But then again, Fian was no slouch either...
The dome and blade faded away as Gara released his control, the duel ending almost as quickly as it began.
The winner was clear, Gara.
"What just happened? I couldn’t see a thing!" Orman exclaimed, utterly confused.
"That’s because Fian used his Ghost Walk. He moves insanely fast," Gara explained. "Luckily, I threw up a water barrier the moment the match started."
"But that’s amazing, Gara! Fian’s speed is unreal, yet you still kept up," Andine said, eyes shining with admiration.
Only now did she realize— Gara, Madha, and Fian weren’t just an ordinary group of friends... they were powerful Liners, too.
Gara just waved his hand awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
In truth, he’d only managed to predict Fian’s movements because he knew him so well.
If it had been anyone else, he might not have been so lucky.
Even so, Fian didn’t share Gara’s perspective. Others might not have caught it —their movements were far too fast— but Fian knew exactly what had happened.
The moment his opening strike failed by Gara’s water dome, Gara launched a relentless counterattack.
Fian’s Ice Spikes, meant to block incoming blows, were sliced apart like paper by Gara’s Water Blades.
He could only retreat— and before he knew it, his back hit the ground, a sharp arc of water hovering at his throat.
Gara was simply too strong.
"In our next fight, you’ll definitely beat me, Fian." Gara patted the elf’s shoulder encouragingly.
Fian nodded, though his expression stayed stiff.
Deep down, he vowed— next time, he would master how to use Ghost Walk and Ice Spike at the same time.
Until then, he could only hope Gara wouldn’t pull even further ahead.
The mermaid girl’s eyes softened with sympathy, seeing how downhearted Fian was. But more than that, she finally realized— this academy was truly a place for the strong.
Especially in their class.
"Gara," Andine asked earnestly, "do you think... I can become stronger too? I don’t want to stay as just a healer."
"You can," Gara replied without hesitation.
His gaze met hers, catching the determination blazing in her eyes— and the number above her head rising slightly.
She’d always been kind to him and the others. That alone made him want to help.
"I’ll study more about your mermaid bloodline and talent first. Once I understand it better, I’ll find a way to help you grow stronger."
"Really?" Andine’s eyes sparkled; she almost jumped from excitement.
The group continued chatting casually, occasionally commenting on other students dueling nearby.
But soon, the fights started stopping— one by one, like a wave spreading across the field. Heads began to turn, all facing the podium.
From their position at the edge of the training grounds, Gara and the others couldn’t see what was going on. Curious, they stepped closer.
And thanks to Andine’s familiar appearance with his sister, other students quietly made way for them.
From a distance, they spotted a familiar figure standing on the podium.
"Wait... what’s Kevio doing up there?" Yuvika asked, narrowing her eyes at the human boy bowing slightly beside their instructor.
Standing in front of him was Maul, their green-skinned instructor.
"You are all students of Gyakarta Academy— the one and only Liner Academy in this entire kingdom, in this entire world!" Maul’s booming voice echoed across the grounds, dripping with pride and patriotism. "Only two hundred passed the entrance test! You should be the best of the best!"
The students nodded, puffed up with pride.
But Maul’s next words hit like a hammer.
"Yet this human boy —this one standing beside me— is an example of those who tarnish Gyakarta Academy’s honor!"
All eyes turned to Kevio. Some filled with confusion, others with open disdain.
"He’s from Class E. He’s already fought three of his classmates and lost every single time. After observing his technique, I can tell— he deserved those losses. He’s barely better than someone who just awakened their talent yesterday."
The judgmental stares grew heavier, stabbing into Kevio from every direction.
"He must’ve used underhanded means to get in. There are always groups out there who think money can buy anything. But here..." Maul’s voice hardened, "...things are far crueler than they realize."
"Some groups think they’re special just because they carry an elemental bloodline," Maul’s voice boomed across the field, laced with disdain. "But their bodies aren’t built for battle. They don’t deserve those bloodlines or talents. They’re simply wasting opportunities... opportunities that should’ve gone to those more suited for them."
By now, Gara and his group had made their way to the front rows. Hearing every word clearly, they instantly realized—
something was off about their orc instructor.
Maul extended his hand, pointing toward a large orc student.
"Take him for example— strong, sturdy, and resilient. If he had an elemental bloodline, he could become a true warrior."
Then his gaze snapped back to Kevio, clicking his tongue in mock pity. "What a waste."
He didn’t say the next words aloud, but his lips formed them clearly: "Weak human."
"He’s targeting humans on purpose," Orman muttered, brows furrowed.
The orc’s sharp ears twitched. He turned his piercing gaze toward Gara’s group.
"I heard there are two humans in Class S this year," Maul said with a sneer, "but rumor has it... they don’t actually belong there."
"What’s he talking about?" Andine’s voice tightened; a bad feeling settled in her chest.
...