The young man was walking alone from the freshman teaching district with his signature longsword strapped across his back. He wore an ordinary academy training uniform, and there was even a freshly repaired tear on one sleeve, yet the students passing nearby still visibly gave him a second glance.
After all, Level 18 freshmen were already uncommon. Plus, Ryan's recent performance in the training grounds had attracted the attention of quite a few instructors.
Ryan paid little attention to those passing looks. His pace was steady, and apart from the dust clinging to the lower edge of his uniform, there was little indication that he had just finished another demanding training session.
He had taken only a few steps before he spotted that distinct tall figure with an air of arrogance and dominance.
"Victor," he said when they met in the middle of the road.
"Ryan."
Victor's gaze swept across the longsword on his back.
"Finished training?"
