The early morning light filtered through the trees, casting a soft golden glow over the courtyard.
The students, still murmuring about the rumors of Akeh, shuffled to the sides, clearing the space for what was about to happen. It wasn't every day that they witnessed a sparring match involving segun and the first-rates.
Altine stood calmly in the center, her posture relaxed but poised. Her eyes scanned the crowd briefly before landing on Segun. She could feel the tension building around her as the students anticipated what was about to unfold.
Segun turned toward Altine with a skeptical look, his arms crossed over his chest.
"The first-rates want to spar with me?"
He asked, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief. His eyes flickered toward the first-rates, who immediately looked down, avoiding his gaze.
Altine gave a small nod, her voice steady.
"Yes, I heard yesterday that the first-rates were looking to spar with you last night."
There was no accusation in her tone, but Segun's sharp eyes immediately caught the first-rates' uneasy shifting.
Segun's gaze hardened as he eyed the first-rates. He couldn't imagine the first-rates challenging him. Did something happen that made them decide to use my name to cover their tracks, he thought bitterly. He wasn't one to let things slide so easily.
His stare bore into them, and they hesitated, unsure of what to do. Lekan and Taiwo exchanged nervous glances while Adunni fidgeted, her confidence from earlier now fading under Segun's observation.
But then, Altine's next words cut through the tension.
"But you won't be sparring with Segun."
The first-rates blinked, confused.
"Yes...Ha! It's fine if we don't spar with him." Taiwo blurted out, unable to hide his excitement.
"Not sparring with Segun?"
Adunni echoed, her brow furrowed. Sensing there is more behind her words.
Even Segun tilted his head slightly in confusion. The students in the background murmured among themselves, unsure of what to expect now.
Altine smiled, clearly aware of the growing confusion. She spoke calmly, as though everything was going according to plan.
"You will all be sparring with me," she said, letting the words sink in.
"Yes, all of you...including Segun."
There was a pause, and then a wave of disbelief rippled through the first-rates. This was not what they had in mind at all. They had mentally prepared themselves to face Segun, who was intimidating enough. But now Altine, the chief's daughter and a skilled soul master, was stepping into the ring?
"Wait, but..." Lekan started, his voice faltering.
"We thought we'd..."
Altine raised a hand, cutting him off gently but firmly.
"I know this wasn't part of your original plan, but you wanted me to train you, didn't you?"
Her voice carried a quiet authority that silenced their protests.
"Well, I'm doing just that."
The students, now fully attentive, listened closely as Altine explained her intentions.
"I'm sure my sister, Trinity, has already taught you the fundamentals of Soul Guard. With that in mind, I'm going to attempt to read your souls. Your task is simple...do everything in your power to guard against it."
She said, turning her gaze toward Lekan, Taiwo, and Adunni.
The first-rates swallowed nervously, exchanging worried glances. Soul reading wasn't merely a technique for predicting an opponent's combat style...it offered a glimpse into their memories. If Altine were to use it on Lekan and Taiwo, she could uncover the truth: they were the ones who ambushed Akeh.
Altine's eyes shifted to Segun.
"As for you, I'll be helping you refine your soul harmony technique. You've been relying too much on brute force, Segun. Power isn't everything. You need balance."
Segun raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He crossed his arms, silently accepting the challenge. He wasn't one to back down from training.
Finally, Altine addressed the rest of the students who had gathered around to watch.
"As for the rest of you, you'll be observing how to generate energy efficiently by watching our sparring session closely. Understood?."
"Yes!" The students replied in unison, their voices ringing through the air.
With that, she took out a faceless mask from her robe, causing even more murmurs from the crowd. Slowly and deliberately, she wrapped the mask around her face, tying it tightly so that she couldn't see.
The first-rates stared in disbelief. She was going to fight them blind?
"Now,"
Altine said calmly, standing tall and composed, her senses sharp even without sight.
"Whenever you're ready, come at me."
There was a long silence as the first-rates hesitated. The courtyard seemed to hold its breath. None of them wanted to be the first to attack, especially knowing Altine's reputation. But at the same time, they couldn't back down now. Not in front of all the students.
Lekan glanced at Taiwo and Adunni. Taiwo nodded, his expression serious. Adunni took a deep breath, her fingers twitching with nervous energy.
Segun, on the other hand, stood firmly, his usual confident smirk returning to his face.
"What if I don't hold back?"
Altine's lips curved into a small smile beneath her mask.
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
The first-rates took their stance, their energies gathering as they prepared to strike. The crowd of students leaned in, eager to witness the spectacle. The courtyard, once filled with gossip and whispers, now thrummed with anticipation.
This was more than just a sparring session. It was a test...a challenge that would push the first-rates and Segun to their limits. And Altine, blind and composed, stood ready to teach them all a lesson they wouldn't forget.
To be continued...