Professor Xiao nodded, satisfied with the attention he had received. "Alright, enough theory for now. Let's put your skills to the test. Follow me, we'll head to the training grounds for some practical exercises."
He led the class out of the lecture hall, through the corridors, and into the open training grounds. The sun beat down on them as they arrived at a large, open area marked with various training circles.
"Today, we'll be practicing basic sparring techniques," Professor Xiao announced. "I want you to pair up and demonstrate your skills. Let's see what you're capable of."
The students began to murmur among themselves, looking for partners. Marl glanced at the girl beside him, who seemed to be waiting for him to make the first move.
"Want to pair up?" Marl asked, his tone neutral.
The girl raised an eyebrow, but nodded curtly. "Fine."
Marl and the girl faced off in the training circle, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze. Professor Xiao nodded, signaling the start of the spar.
The girl, whose movements were fluid and precise, launched a swift kick at Marl. He stumbled backward, trying to defend himself, but she was relentless. Her footwork was light, and her strikes were swift and calculated.
Marl tried to counterattack, but the girl's skills were far superior. She parried his blows with ease, her movements almost effortless. With a swift combination of strikes, she sent Marl stumbling backward.
Professor Xiao watched the exchange, his expression thoughtful. "Good technique, young one," he said to the girl. "But remember, combat is not just about winning, it's about adapting and learning."
The girl nodded, her eyes still fixed on Marl, who was struggling to regain his footing. She didn't gloat, but her expression was triumphant.
Marl, on the other hand, was panting, his face flushed with exertion. "You're... quite skilled," he said, trying to sound nonchalant.
The girl's expression didn't change, but her voice was cool. "I've had more training."
Professor Xiao nodded, his eyes scanning the training grounds where other students were sparring. "Alright, let's switch partners and try some new combinations. Remember, the goal is to adapt and improve."
Marl and the girl parted ways, each seeking out a new partner. As Marl faced a new opponent, he found himself struggling to keep up with the faster and more agile student.
Meanwhile, the girl was paired with a boy who seemed to be her match. Their spar was intense, with both students exchanging blows and neither gaining the upper hand. Professor Xiao watched with interest, nodding his head in approval.
As the training session drew to a close, Professor Xiao called out, "Time's up! Let's wrap things up here. Remember, practice is key. I expect to see improvement next time."
The students began to disperse, chatting among themselves about their experiences. Marl approached the girl, who was standing alone, her eyes fixed on the ground.
"Hey," Marl said, trying to sound casual. "You're really good. What's your name?"
The girl looked up, her expression still guarded. "I'm Lan Yin. And you are...?"
"I'm Marl," he replied, smiling. "Nice to meet you, Lan Yin."
Lan Yin nodded slightly, her expression unreadable. "Likewise."
Professor Xiao gathered the students around him, surveying the group with a discerning gaze. "Today's lesson was just the beginning. As Seekers, you need to develop your skills rapidly if you want to survive in this world."
Lan Yin stood beside Marl, her eyes fixed intently on Professor Xiao. Marl couldn't help but notice her focus and determination.
"For the next exercise," Professor Xiao continued, "we'll be adding an element of unpredictability. You'll be sparring in a simulated combat environment, complete with obstacles and unexpected challenges."
The students murmured among themselves, excitement and nerves evident. Marl felt a surge of adrenaline at the prospect of facing new challenges.
Professor Xiao smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Let's see how you adapt to the unexpected. Pair up and enter the simulation chamber."
Marl turned to Lan Yin, who nodded curtly. "Let's go."
As they entered the simulation chamber, the environment shifted around them. They found themselves standing on a narrow, winding path suspended high above a deep chasm. The air was thick with mist, reducing visibility.
"Begin," Professor Xiao's voice echoed through the chamber.
Lan Yin launched a swift kick at Marl, who stumbled backward, his footing precarious on the narrow path. He retaliated with a series of swift punches, but Lan Yin dodged and weaved, her movements fluid and calculated.
The simulation chamber threw in unexpected obstacles, such as rocks and debris falling from above, and shifting platforms that forced the students to adapt quickly. Marl found himself struggling to keep up with Lan Yin's pace.
Just when he thought he was getting the hang of it, the simulation chamber threw in a surprise attack – a group of shadowy figures emerged from the mist, attacking both Marl and Lan Yin.
Lan Yin's eyes locked onto the figures, and she charged forward, her movements swift and deadly. Marl followed close behind, trying to keep up with her tactics.
As they fought off the shadowy figures, Marl realized that Lan Yin was not just skilled – she was a natural-born fighter. He struggled to keep up with her, but she seemed to be in her element.
The simulation ended abruptly, leaving Marl panting and stumbling backward. Lan Yin stood tall, her chest heaving slightly, but her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Professor Xiao appeared beside them, a nod of approval on his face. "Well done, Lan Yin. Your skills are impressive. Marl, you need to work on your adaptability and reaction time."
Marl nodded, feeling a bit deflated. "I'll try to improve, Professor."
As the lesson drew to a close, Professor Xiao handed out assignments and tasks for the students to work on. "Remember, the key to success is consistent practice and dedication. I expect to see significant improvement next time."
The students nodded, some looking more determined than others. Marl turned to Lan Yin, who was already walking away.
"Hey, Lan Yin," Marl called out. "Want to grab a bite to eat and discuss strategies?"
Lan Yin turned back, her expression unreadable. "I'm not sure, Marl. I have some... personal matters to attend to."
Marl nodded understandingly. "No problem, maybe some other time then."
Lan Yin nodded slightly, before turning and walking away. Marl watched her go, feeling a mix of admiration and curiosity about the mysterious girl.
As Marl walked out of the training grounds, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. He knew that his journey as a Seeker was just beginning, and he was eager to see what lay ahead.
The days passed, and Marl found himself training harder than ever before. He sparred with different partners, trying to learn from each of them. Lan Yin remained an enigma, but Marl couldn't help but feel drawn to her skills and determination.
One day, as Marl was leaving the training grounds, he stumbled upon Lan Yin practicing alone. She was executing a series of intricate movements, her body fluid and precise. Marl watched in awe, feeling a sense of reverence for her skills.
Lan Yin noticed Marl watching her and stopped mid-movement. "What do you want, Marl?" she asked, her voice neutral.
Marl hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I just... I wanted to watch you train. You're really impressive."
Lan Yin's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "Thanks, Marl. But you shouldn't be watching me – you should be focusing on your own training."
Marl nodded, feeling a bit deflated. "You're right. I'll leave you alone then."
As Marl turned to leave, Lan Yin called out to him. "Marl, wait."
Marl turned back, expecting her to say something more. Instead, Lan Yin simply nodded and turned back to her training. Marl smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her.
The training sessions continued, with Marl and Lan Yin occasionally sparring together. Marl found himself improving rapidly, thanks to Lan Yin's skills and Professor