Tenebrous Wolf-Chapter 42: Weapon’s Training

Learning from the quiet girl was a refreshing change of pace. As it turned out, Yuki was highly knowledgeable in rune language, having been tasked with mastering it as part of her duties.

Klaus wasn't entirely sure what those duties entailed, but one thing quickly became clear that she was an exceptional teacher.

There were moments when he felt overwhelmed and struggled to grasp the intricacies of the runes, yet Yuki never showed frustration or impatience. Despite her extremely quiet nature, she possessed a gentle understanding and never once looked down on his lack of knowledge. Whenever he stumbled, she would simply slow down and allow him the time he needed to catch up.

As a result, Klaus's progress in rune language slowly increased as he improved his understanding.

Slowly, time began to pass and the two decided to end the session. It has gotten relatively late so the library would be closing soon.

Klaus packed his belongings and spoke sincerely:

"Thank you very much. Now, I understand runes better."

Yuki replied without blinking:

"It's nothing. As a Rider, it is my duty to assist Aspirants in any way I can."

"It is?" Klaus echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Riders serve as intermediaries between the Awakened and the Order. We provide guidance, relay information, and ensure that Aspirants like you are properly prepared."

Klaus frowned slightly as he digested this new information. He had heard of Riders before, but most of what he knew came from secondhand sources. They were supposed to be elite in their own right, though their true role seemed shrouded in mystery.

Wait... If I ask her to do anything for me, would she do it?

Suddenly, that ominous thought entered his mind. For example, a lewd service can be considered a way of helping an Aspirant, but he discarded that thought and removed his mind from the gutter.

Surely, that wasn't possible. And Yuki's personality made him uneasy. It truly seemed like she would do anything anyone asks her to do because she had showed no resistance throughout their entire time together.

Some pervert might use that as an advantage to do whatever they wanted to her.

Clearing his throat, he hesitantly asked:

"Then... do you mind becoming my teacher? I mean, when you're free, of course."

Yuki did not answer immediately, as if carefully considering his request. Then, after a brief pause, she replied:

"I'm usually free around break time and seven when my training ends."

"I see, I see. In that case, please give me your contact information. It would be much easier to communicate that way rather than walking all the way to our different departments."

Yuki gave a faint nod before obliging.

Just like that, the two exchanged contact information and moved toward the exit at the same time. As they stepped outside, Klaus took in the crisp night air and stretched his arms over his head.

"Guess this is where we part ways, huh?"

Yuki glanced up at the sky before turning to him.

"For now. But if you require more lessons, I'll be here."

He gave her a small grin.

"I might just take you up on that. Also, if anyone is giving you a hard time, please give me a call."

"What do you mean?"

Yuki tilted her head slightly, as if the thought was foreign to her.

"There's no need to be concerned over me. And in such a situation, I can always report to one of the instructors."

"Y-yeah... that makes sense."

Klaus awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

She was right. If any misconduct occurred, reporting it to an instructor was the logical course of action. His offer to help had been unnecessary.

Even so, he couldn't shake the instinctive urge to protect her.

He sighed.

"In that case, I'll see you later."

"Mh."

With a casual wave, Klaus turned and began making his way to his next class. Along the way, he decided to stop by the cafeteria for a quick meal.

Meanwhile, Yuki Asahina watched his figure gradually fade into the distance. Her expression remained unreadable, giving no indication of her thoughts.

Just as she was about to leave, a hand lightly tapped her shoulder.

"Excuse me?"

Slowly, Yuki turned around to see a boy standing behind her. His black uniform identified him as a fellow Aspirant.

After a brief pause, she blinked and asked,

"How can I help you?"

"Um... about that... I-I need help with something, and I don't have anyone else to ask. So, please, can you help me?"

The boy stuttered as he spoke, his nervousness evident.

Yuki studied his face in silence. He seemed troubled. It was odd that he had approached her specifically, especially since they had never met before, but if he was in need, it was her duty to assist him.

"Okay. Tell me your problem, and I will do my best to help you."

At her calm and straightforward response, a slow, lewd smile spread across the boy's lips. His intent was clear and he had no honest request.

"Alright! Please come this way!"

† †

Some time later, Klaus arrived at the weapon's training class.

Unlike the Tactical Survival class, this one was much more crowded. The students were all going through the motions of the introductory combat exercises under Instructor Kai.

He was a strange instructor, younger than most, just like Lancer Jet. However, the strange thing about him was the white blindfold he wore.

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Noticing this, Klaus speculated that the man was either blind or had suffered a severe injury during his first departure.

Of course, it was none of his business. But he couldn't deny his curiosity.

I wonder how he can fight without seeing. He must have some kind of ability that allows him to sense movement; otherwise, I don't see how he would have become an instructor.

Sweeping his gaze around the room, Klaus took in the scene before him.

Today's session was primarily dedicated to testing each student's general competency and abilities. Afterward, they would be separated into different groups based on their skill level, novice, advanced, or expert— as well as their preferred weapon of choice.

Currently, the class was taking turns delivering their strongest punches to a wide plate attached to a special measuring machine. After each strike, the machine displayed a number corresponding to the individual's physical strength.

Theoretically, such a machine could be built easily. However, considering that many Inhumans here possessed combat-oriented Mysticism that enhanced their might in a variety of ways, it was truly challenging piece of technology.

Most people were scoring between ten and fourteen. This was considered a solid result—something only the most athletic individuals could achieve. However, a handful of Aspirants, particularly those with enhancing Abilities, managed to surpass fifteen.

I wonder what score I'll get... Klaus thought in anticipation.

Truthfully, he had been itching to test the full extent of his physical prowess. Not to sound arrogant, but considering his striking force had been powerful enough to break a car, and even a school bus, he was confident his score would rank higher than the rest. He truly thought so.

His attention shifted as his gaze landed on Adrian, who stepped forward, assuming an offensive stance. In the next second, Adrian delivered a punch that caused the machine to tremble slightly.

Finally, two numbers flashed on the screen.

Twenty-one.

A stunned silence filled the room as everyone gawked at the display. More than a few admiring glances were sent Adrian's way, but the blonde ignored them all and simply flashed a small smile in Klaus's direction.

That guy's truly spirited, huh? Klaus mused with a thoughtful grin.

Then, the moment he had been waiting for finally arrived.

It was time for the mysterious number one, Seraphim, to take her turn.

All eyes followed her as she strode toward the machine.

Nobody knew the nature of her ability, and that mystery filled the room with curiosity, Klaus included.

The silver-haired girl, without hesitation, swung her fist and delivered a crushing blow onto the silver plate. Everyone watched as the machine trembled, and then, displayed on the screen.

Fifteen. Everyone felt disappointed and some even clicked their tongue.

They had expected the number one Aspirant to score higher than fifteen. Then again, she might not have used an ability which could still be impressive. However, they were still disappointed.

On the other hand, Klaus begged to differ. He was more impressed by her technique than her physical score.

It was flawless and even the speed of her execution was top-notch!

Hmm. She seems to have received a lot of training, perhaps from a young age. More than that, what is the ability that pushed her to the number one spot?

Even the combat class instructor seemed impressed by her pure technique. Still, Klaus couldn't pinpoint how that man was able to see her.

Next, Miguel stepped forward. Then, before Klaus could even blink, a tremendous impact echoed.

The sheer force of the blow caused the entire structure to tremble violently, and for a moment, it seemed as if the machine might break under the pressure.

A beat of silence followed. Then, the numbers on the display flickered into view.

Twenty-five.

A collective gasp swept through the class.

"Twenty-five?! What the hell...!"

"That's insane!"

Even those who had been unimpressed by Seraphim's score couldn't hide their astonishment. Unlike her, who relied on precise technique, Miguel's raw power was overwhelming.

Klaus narrowed his eyes.

What the hell was that? The guy just disappeared. I didn't even seen when his first landed on the plate.

He was sure that Miguel had used some kind of ability but didn't think exactly. Perhaps the Vestige was the speed-type, but this was just a speculation that he couldn't confirm.

Regardless, it seemed it was his turn to perform.

Unsurprisingly, not that much people were preparing him any attention. He had already expected as much, but the scene truly warmed his heart.

As he began to smile wryly, a voice shouted from behind.

"Hey, give it your best shot, man! You got this!"

Adrian's voice rang out in encouragement. What a good friend.

Somewhat motivated, Klaus approached the machine, rolling his right arm in preparation.

Even so, he was still a little anxious, but soon cleared his head of all distractions and exhaled.

"Here goes nothing, I guess."

Klaus entered a stance, concentrating and focusing solely on the wide plate before his vision. Something shifted within his eyes.

Then, he arched his hand back and swiftly delivered a devastating blow filled with his full strength.

However, he never could have anticipated what happened next.

BOOM!!

Following an earth-shaking impact, a deafening boom resounded through the training hall as the entire structure trembled under the sheer force of Klaus's strike. The measuring machine, reinforced to withstand the strength of combat-oriented Aspirants, groaned in protest as cracks spread across its surface.

The class fell into stunned silence.

Then, the numbers on the screen flickered wildly before settling.

Fifty.

A collective wave of shock, much greater than last time, rippled through the whole room.

"What...?"

"No way!"

"Did that thing just break?!"

Gasps, whispers, and incredulous stares filled the space as everyone tried to process what they had just witnessed. Even the Aspirants who had ignored him earlier were now looking at Klaus with wide eyes.

Of course, the person most shocked was Klaus himself.

"Eh? W-What? I actually... broke it?" He muttered in disbelief.

It was ridiculous, but a visible deep dent could be seen on the plate as if a cannonball had struck it. At the same time, the machine twitched and sparked erratically.

Seeing this, Klaus let out a disbelieving laugh, questioning his own eyes.

Then, Adrian approached and let out a low whistle, clearly impressed.

"Damn, man. That's on a whole different level. And here I thought my score was impressive. You really punched the hell out of that poor machine."

"No kidding," Klaus replied, still staring at his fist, which was faintly emitting smoke.

"Were you always this strong? I see. So you were hiding your abilities, huh? Is that why you appeared last on the ranking? I truly underestimated you."

"Not really. Ehm... I don't know. I'm just as shocked as you are."

Adrian gave him a skeptical look, his expression practically saying, Yeah, right. From his perspective, it was understandable.

What to do? Klaus thought inwardly as he felt the weight of dozens of stares fixated on him. He had never received this much attention before, and naturally, discomfort crept in.

Miguel's expression turned serious, while Seraphim remained unreadable. Instead of looking at him, her sharp gaze lingered on the number displayed on the ruined machine.

It was those numbers held more significance than the person who had delivered the devastating blow.

Instructor Kai, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke.

"...Impressive. It seems we have a lot of talented individuals in this batch."