The day had been long, but Leonidas felt an unusual sense of accomplishment as he walked out of his initial meeting with the faculty. His success at securing the position of Combat Tactics Instructor at Orpheus Royal Academy had been seamless, almost too smooth. The academy's staff, more interested in his credentials than in his past, had given him the green light without much hesitation. Leonidas couldn't help but feel that this new life was easier than he expected — a fresh start, but only if he could keep the momentum going.
Today wasn't just about getting settled into his new role. He had a plan. He needed more than just a title. To truly excel, to reshape the lives of his students, he needed knowledge — practical knowledge that went beyond the usual curriculum.
And so, after finishing up his day's duties, Leonidas made his way to the one place in the academy that could help him: the library.
The Orpheus Royal Library was everything Leonidas had imagined and more. It stretched before him like an ancient temple of knowledge, the tall shelves packed with books, scrolls, and forgotten tomes. Dim light from enchanted lanterns flickered across the room, casting long shadows and lending the space an almost mystical air. The quiet rustling of pages and the soft shuffle of footsteps echoed off the stone walls.
Leonidas walked with purpose through the labyrinth of bookshelves, letting his fingers trail over the spines of texts that covered every subject imaginable — magic, combat, history, and even obscure subjects that seemed out of place in a normal library. But for him, these were not just academic subjects. He needed something practical, something he could use immediately. Something that could make him a better instructor.
As he passed shelves stacked with battle manuals and histories of the various warrior factions, Leonidas's eyes landed on a book that caught his attention. It had a weathered, dark leather cover and stood out amongst the others. The title read: "The History of Professor Edward: A Master of Swordsmanship."
Leonidas hesitated for only a moment before pulling it from the shelf. The name Professor Edward was familiar to him — one of the most respected sword instructors in the academy's history. His disciples were famous, known throughout the realm for their skill and strength. But what made Edward's reputation stand out, especially in this era of Songs Mages, was the fact that he was one of the few warriors to be respected by all. In an age where mages dominated the battlefield with their magic, it was rare for a mere fighter to be held in such high esteem.
That was precisely why Leonidas had to learn more about him. His success wasn't based just on brute force — it was about technique, discipline, and an understanding of the deeper aspects of combat.
With a sense of quiet determination, Leonidas carried the book to a nearby reading nook. He settled into a chair, his legs stretching out as he flipped open the first page.
The history of Professor Edward was a tale of relentless dedication. Born in a harsh kingdom where survival depended on mastering the sword, he had risen through the ranks to become one of the most respected instructors of his time. His unconventional methods had made him a legend. Unlike many traditional sword masters, Edward focused not just on technique but on blending mind and body in a way that allowed his disciples to push past their physical and mental limits.
What intrigued Leonidas the most were the accounts of Edward's unique teaching methods. The man didn't just train his students to swing swords — he taught them to think, to move in rhythm with battle, as if combat itself was a dance. His exercises combined not just physical training but mental conditioning, forcing students to synchronize their bodies with the tempo of combat. This was exactly what Leonidas had been looking for: a way to teach students not just to fight but to feel the fight, to understand it on a deeper level.
Hours passed as Leonidas devoured the pages, absorbed by the insights within. His mind raced with possibilities. He could already see how these methods might apply to his own students — how he could refine their skills, how he could push them to unlock their full potential. He could already imagine them moving with grace, their swords flowing as one with their bodies.
The idea of combining rhythm, breathing, and technique in a new way was exciting. He could teach them how to overcome fear and self-doubt, how to focus and harness their inner strength. It was something fresh, something groundbreaking — and he was eager to get started.
But as the hours slipped by unnoticed, Leonidas suddenly felt a nagging feeling. He glanced at the clock on the wall. Three hours had passed. He hadn't even realized it.
He closed the book and rubbed his eyes, blinking in the dim light. It was then he noticed something else — a student sitting nearby, reading intently. Leonidas hadn't seen her before. She was sitting at a table just a few feet away, her attention fixed on a book in front of her. She had long auburn hair that cascaded over her shoulders, and her features were soft but determined.
Curious, Leonidas leaned forward, trying to catch a glimpse of her book. The title caught his eye immediately: "The Weakness of Beasts: A Comprehensive Guide."
It wasn't a book Leonidas had ever seen before. At first, it struck him as strange. Why would a student be reading such a thing? It seemed more like a practical field guide than a typical academic text.
He watched her for a moment longer, then cleared his throat softly. "Interesting choice of reading material," he said, breaking the silence.
The young woman looked up, startled. She quickly closed the book and glanced at Leonidas. For a moment, there was a flicker of recognition in her eyes. "Oh, um, yes, sir." She hesitated before adding, "I'm Selene. I didn't mean to disturb you."
Leonidas offered a small smile, sensing her nervousness. "No disturbance," he said kindly. "You've got an interesting book there. Beast taming, right? It's not something I see many students studying."
Selene's cheeks turned a shade of pink, but she nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I want to be a Beast Tamer. It's a hard path, though, and not many people understand how dangerous it can be. This book helps me learn about the weaknesses of different creatures, how to read their behavior and exploit their vulnerabilities."
Leonidas raised an eyebrow, impressed. It wasn't often he saw such dedication in a student. "A Beast Tamer, huh? That's a dangerous career," he remarked, his voice thoughtful.
Selene nodded again, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I know. But someone has to do it. People forget how much we can learn from the beasts. They're not just threats. They're part of the world's balance."
Leonidas studied her for a moment, sensing the strength beneath her calm demeanor. She was passionate, just like him. She reminded him of the ambitious young fighters he'd known in his past, the ones who sought to break through their limits.
"Keep at it," Leonidas said, giving her a small nod of approval. "You're on the right track. Knowledge is power, after all."
Selene smiled shyly, clearly grateful for the encouragement. "Thank you, Instructor."
As Leonidas returned his attention to the book in his hands, he couldn't help but feel that the library, with all its hidden treasures, might offer more than just knowledge. It might offer the chance to shape the next generation of warriors. And maybe, just maybe, he could help someone like Selene reach her full potential.
But for now, he would focus on his own path — learning, growing, and preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead.