LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4: Sparks of Conflict
As the day progressed and all but the last class ended, Riley found himself standing outside a spacious classroom. He glanced at the plaque on the wall and read the words aloud. "Advanced Swordsmanship," he muttered, his tone a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Adjusting his bag over his shoulder, he whispered to himself, "Sword class, huh? Well, this should be interesting. I've read about sword techniques before, but doing them myself? That's a whole different story."
He chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, Riley, just don't make a fool of yourself. First impressions matter, even here."
As he stood waiting, the sound of footsteps caught his attention. A familiar voice, smooth and confident, spoke behind him. "Oh, it's you."
Startled, Riley turned around and saw Rhea Void standing there, her posture as elegant as ever. Her golden-orange eyes held their usual composed gaze, and she looked at him with faint curiosity.
"Rhea?" Riley stammered, immediately spiraling into his thoughts. Why is she here? Of all places? Why does she always look like she's stepped out of a painting?
Rhea raised an eyebrow, a small, amused smile tugging at her lips. "You look surprised. Did you think someone like me wouldn't take this class?" Her voice was calm but edged with playful superiority.
"N-no, that's not it," Riley said quickly, scratching the back of his neck. "I just didn't expect to see you here, that's all."
Rhea tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "And what about you? I wouldn't have pegged you as someone interested in swordsmanship."
Riley chuckled awkwardly. "Well, I figured it couldn't hurt to learn, right? Plus, I'm… trying to improve myself."
Rhea's eyes flickered with faint approval as she crossed her arms elegantly. "That's commendable. Though, swordsmanship is not something one masters easily. It requires discipline, precision, and grace."
Riley nodded, relaxing a little. "Sounds like you know a lot about it."
Rhea gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "One must be prepared for all forms of combat. A blade can often reach where magic cannot."
They continued talking, their conversation easing into a more natural rhythm. While Rhea maintained her composed demeanor, Riley couldn't help but notice small breaks in her façade—tiny moments where her genuine curiosity or amusement slipped through.
The door to the classroom swung open, and in walked Nigel Wright, his presence immediately commanding attention. His sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on Riley. Recognition flashed across his face, and his expression darkened.
"Well, well," Nigel drawled, his tone low but brimming with irritation. "If it isn't the hero-wannabe from this morning."
Riley raised an eyebrow, staying calm despite the venom in Nigel's voice. "I didn't realize stopping two hotheads from destroying half the academy made me a wannabe."
Nigel's fists clenched at his sides as he stepped closer. "You had no business getting involved in that fight. Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"
Rhea's gaze flicked between the two of them, her voice cutting through the tension. "Nigel, if you're so desperate to relive this morning's events, perhaps you should reflect on why someone had to stop you in the first place."
Nigel turned his glare to Rhea, his tone sharp. "Don't think for a second that you're above this, Void. Or that your new friend here"—he gestured at Riley with disdain—"can hide behind you."
Riley smirked, his tone light but firm. "Hide? Pretty sure I'm standing right here. And if memory serves, I was the one keeping you from embarrassing yourself in front of everyone."
Nigel's face reddened, his voice rising. "You think you can talk to me like that? I'll show you your place, Zain!"
Before Nigel could take another step, more students began filing into the room, their chatter filling the space. The sudden influx of people seemed to pull Nigel back, and he stepped away with a huff, retreating to the far side of the hall with his entourage trailing behind him.
Rhea gave Riley an appraising look, her lips curving into a faint smile. "You're surprisingly composed under pressure. Most would falter under someone like Nigel's temper."
Riley chuckled softly. "What can I say? He makes it easy."
A few moments later, the teacher arrived—a tall, stern-looking man with sharp features and a commanding presence. He clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, settle down," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Welcome to Advanced Swordsmanship. Today, we'll be focusing on basic forms and assessing your current skill levels. Each of you will take turns demonstrating a simple series of attacks and defensive stances."
The room quieted as the students listened intently, the energy shifting to anticipation. Riley stole a glance at Rhea, who was already adjusting her gloves with practiced precision. Looks like this is going to be more intense than I thought, he mused, a mix of excitement and nerves building in his chest as the lesson began.
The teacher's voice cut through the chatter of the class. "Riley Zain, it's your turn."
Riley straightened up, his nerves tightening as all eyes turned toward him. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, but before he could move further, Rhea reached out and stopped him.
"Riley," she said softly, her golden-orange eyes meeting his. "Don't make a fool of yourself up there." Her tone was calm but carried a hint of concern she couldn't fully conceal.
Riley chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "I'll do my best. Thanks for the confidence boost," he said with a smirk, before stepping forward to take his place.
Walking up to the rack of wooden swords, Riley's fingers brushed against the handles. As soon as his hand closed around one, something clicked. This feels... right, he thought, a surprising sense of familiarity washing over him.
The teacher approached him, arms crossed. "Alright, Zain. I want you to demonstrate a basic sequence of attacks and defensive stances. Focus on precision and control. No need to get flashy."
Riley nodded, gripping the sword tightly. This should be simple enough, he thought, but deep inside, a strange energy was stirring. It was like his body remembered something his mind couldn't quite grasp.
From across the room, Nigel leaned back, smirking to himself. This will be good. Let's see this idiot embarrass himself.
Meanwhile, Rhea's gaze remained fixed on Riley. Why does he seem so confident all of a sudden? He was nervous earlier. What is he planning?
Riley stepped into the center of the room, facing the practice dummies. Holding the wooden sword firmly, he let out a slow breath, his mind racing. I've seen countless sword techniques in the books I've read, but this... this feels different. Like I've done this before.
He shifted his stance, his feet planting firmly on the ground, and instinctively raised the sword in a ready position. A small smile tugged at his lips. I'll do it my way. Let's see what happens.
With a swift movement, he launched into his sequence. His strikes were precise and fluid, transitioning seamlessly from one attack to the next. Each motion carried an elegance and power that left the room silent. The wooden sword seemed like an extension of his arm, and his defensive stances were equally sharp, displaying a level of skill that shocked everyone.
From the corner of the room, Rhea's eyes widened as she observed. He's... good. No, he's more than good. Where did this come from? Her thoughts raced as she struggled to reconcile the nervous boy from earlier with the confident swordsman before her.
Nigel's smug grin vanished, replaced by a frown. What the hell? He's not supposed to be this good. Who even is this guy?
As Riley reached the end of his sequence, he spun gracefully, delivering a final strike that sent a small shockwave rippling through the room. The sound reverberated, and then there was silence. All eyes were on Riley as he stood there, breathing heavily, the wooden sword still steady in his hand.
The teacher clapped once, breaking the silence. "Impressive," he said, stepping forward. "Your movements were fluid, your strikes were precise, and your control was excellent. For someone new to this class, that was exceptional."
Riley lowered the sword, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Thank you, sir. I just... did what felt natural."
The teacher nodded approvingly. "Natural or not, you've clearly got a knack for this. Keep it up, and you'll go far."
As Riley returned to his spot, he felt the weight of everyone's stares. He glanced at Rhea, who quickly averted her gaze, and then at Nigel, whose face was a mix of frustration and disbelief. Well, Riley thought, that went better than expected.
Riley smiled as he returned to his spot, but he noticed Rhea looking at him with an intense, almost piercing gaze. His smile faltered, and he felt a twinge of fear. Why is she staring at me like that? Did I do something wrong? he thought dramatically, his internal dialogue spiraling. "Uh, Rhea," he stammered, his voice nervous, "I-is everything okay?"
Rhea tilted her head slightly, her golden-orange eyes never leaving him. "That was... unexpected," she said, her tone calm but laced with curiosity. "Where did you learn to handle a sword like that?"
"Oh, uh..." Riley scratched the back of his neck, trying to come up with an answer. "I guess it just kind of... came to me? Honestly, I'm just as surprised as you are."
Rhea's gaze softened slightly, and her lips curved into a faint smile. "Surprised? That's an understatement. You're more skilled than most of the students here, and this is supposed to be advanced swordsmanship."
"I-I guess I just got lucky," Riley replied, chuckling nervously.
As they continued talking, Nigel stood at a distance, his arms crossed and his face twisted in a scowl. His eyes burned with irritation as he watched the interaction. Lucky? he thought, his inner voice practically yelling. Who does this guy think he is? He just walks in here and shows off like that? This morning wasn't enough? His fists clenched tightly. He's nothing but a show-off. I'll put him in his place soon enough.
Meanwhile, Rhea's thoughts were in turmoil. Why am I even talking to him? she wondered, her elegant demeanor betraying none of her inner conflict. I'm the Void princess. I don't get involved with people like this. So why can't I stop asking questions? Why does he seem... different?
Her gaze flickered briefly to Riley, who was nervously fidgeting with the wooden sword he still held. He saved me earlier today, she thought, her cheeks flushing slightly as the memory resurfaced. No one's ever done that for me before. And now he's here, talking to me like it's the most natural thing in the world. She shook her head subtly, trying to dispel the warmth creeping into her cheeks. Get a grip, Rhea. You're overthinking this.
Riley noticed her brief hesitation and tilted his head. "Uh, Rhea? Are you alright?"
She quickly composed herself, her voice steady. "I'm fine. I was just... thinking. Don't let it distract you. You should be focusing on your next steps in class."
"Right, right," Riley said with an awkward laugh. "But, um, thanks for the advice, I guess?"
Rhea nodded curtly, her composed exterior firmly in place, though her thoughts continued to swirl. Seen, she thought, the word echoing in her mind. For the first time in a long time, I feel seen... and it's because of him.