The instructor turned toward the students and smiled. "So… you all understand what you need to do, right?"

A few nodded, though their eyes were glazed with disbelief.

'Is that even possible? How the hell did he do that?' Billy, Paul, and Mia silently echoed this thought.

Harold, on the other hand, remained unreadable as earlier.

Derek was equally astonished, but unlike the others, a slow smile spread across his face.

'I don't know how much my speed will increase once I master this… but damn, I can't wait to find out,' he thought, excitement flickering in his eyes.

The instructor then walked over to the table where a box he had brought earlier was resting.

He opened it. Inside, there were more than fifteen small bells.

He picked out exactly fifteen and handed three to each of the students.

"Now," he said in a firm tone, "it's your turn. We'll continue this training for the rest of the class. So… get to the starting line."

The students exchanged uneasy glances before strapping the bells onto themselves.

The moment they moved...

Jingle! Jingle!

Even the slightest movement triggered a sound.

Billy swallowed. Paul winced. Mia forced a stiff smile. Harold simply walked toward the start line, not caring to be bothered by the sounds his bells were producing.

The other three eventually walked toward the start line, followed by Derek.

Once everyone was behind the start point, the instructor's voice rang out. "Alright, line up in order — one behind the other. When I say go, the first person will start. You'll run, cross the finish line, turn around, and stand back in line. We'll do nothing but practice this for the entire class today.

Don't worry, we'll take short breaks in between and continue until the class ends. Any questions?"

No one said a word.

Seeing the silence, the instructor continued, his tone softening slightly. "Listen… there's no need to be nervous. Just focus on one thing — no sound. Once you get used to controlling that, the speed will come naturally. Got it?"

All of them nodded.

"Good. First one.... go."

Billy was already standing at the front. The moment he dashed forward...

Jingle! Jingle! Jingle!

The bells rattled relentlessly. They didn't stop when he crossed the finish line. They didn't stop when he turned back. They only fell silent when he awkwardly returned to his place in line.

His face burned red with embarrassment.

The instructor saw it and, trying to lighten the mood, said, "Don't worry, Billy. That's exactly how it's supposed to be at the start. Next. Go."

Next was Paul.

Jingle! Jingle! Jingle!

No difference.

Then came Mia.

Jingle! Jingle!

Still the same.

After her, Harold stepped forward. He wasn't focused on speed at all — only on suppressing the sound. But even then…

Jingle! Jingle!

A complete failure.

Finally, it was Derek's turn.

He inhaled, centered his focus, and took off — concentrating entirely on silence, careful on every step, every shift of balance, every ounce of movement.

But… the bells showed no mercy.

Jingle! Jingle!

Not a single student was spared.

The bells chimed ruthlessly through the entire class period, again and again, attempt after attempt.

By the time it was over, all five were breathing heavily.

Even Derek.

It wasn't physically exhausting to the point of pain… but the sheer level of concentration they had to maintain made their movements stiff and their minds drained.

"Good work today," the instructor said with an approving nod. "You all trained well. Now go, eat lunch, rest, and be prepared for tomorrow. It won't get any easier."

He chuckled lightly.

______

After that, Derek headed back to the house. The moment he stepped into the dining hall...

"Derek! Over here!"

Art's voice echoed across the room.

Turning toward it, he saw Art and Henry seated together, a spot already saved for him.

Derek dragged himself over and dropped into the chair, letting out a slow breath as his exhausted body sank into it.

What happened? You look exhausted," Henry asked.

"Ugh, don't even ask. Tried learning a new martial technique… and now I'm basically half-dead," Derek sighed. "What about you two? How was your first day of class?"

"It was good," Henry said. "One class was mana-control, the other was on different spell variations."

"Mine was decent too," Art chimed in. "We learned a lot, but the instructor… honestly felt like he hated being there."

Henry nodded knowingly. "That happens. Most of the instructors here are extremely talented. The ones assigned to normal classes often feel like their potential is being wasted, so they don't exactly teach with passion."

They continued eating as the conversation flowed.

"Anyway," Henry said between bites, "what are you doing after lunch?"

"I don't have the energy to do anything that requires my concentration today," Derek replied, leaning back slightly. "Thinking of going to the forest… blow off some steam."

"You mean the academy's back forest? To fight magical beasts?" Art asked, eyebrows lifting.

"Yeah," Derek confirmed.

"Hmm… sounds fun. Mind if I tag along?" Henry asked.

"If you want," Derek shrugged.

"Then I'm coming too," Art added.

"Alright. After lunch, we will rest for an hour and then head out. Be ready by then," Derek said.

"Got it," they replied in unison.

Lunch wrapped up soon after, and the three headed to their rooms to rest.

Exactly one hour later, they met again in front of the Raging Bulls dorm gate.

"Let's go," Derek said as he walked toward them.

"Yeah," Henry and Art replied, falling into step beside him.

Fifteen minutes later, they reached the forest entrance. They tapped their IDs one by one.

After that, they all stepped in together.

"Let's make it interesting," Henry said as they started walking. "Whoever kills the most beasts wins."

Art sighed dramatically. "Great. I already know I'm getting last place."

Derek chuckled. "Sure, I'm in."

As they moved deeper, they saw other students scattered across the forest — some in teams, some alone. Some familiar faces, some total strangers. No one paid much attention to anyone else.

At one point, they even crossed paths with Leo.

He glanced their way, sneered, and walked off without a word.

Derek barely acknowledged him.

A few minutes later, the shift in atmosphere became clear.

They were still walking when a swarm of giant rats erupted from the bushes, launching themselves at the group before anyone could even ready their weapons....

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