The Sleepers reacted with a mixture of shock and disdain to Alista's brazen actions on the mat. Instructor Rock questioned the display.
"What happened?" Rock demanded, his voice strained by the audacity of the one-fingered push-up and the middle finger.
Alista replied with an easy lie. "Nothing, just a pervert."
The sparring continued. After defeating several more Sleepers, Alista eventually encountered Caster. He was ultimately defeated at Caster's hands because Caster utilized his Aspect to increase his speed so much that he completely outpaced Alista, preventing the [Battle Analyzer] from keeping up.
After the session, Alista was reassigned to a new, rigorous training schedule based on his proven strength and speed deficit.
Fors, Alista, and Artemis left the hall together.
Alista turned to the princess. "Artemis, can you teach me swordsmanship?"
Artemis looked surprised. "Sure, but aren't these academy classes enough?"
Alista shrugged. "You are the only Legacy I know."
Artemis paused, then admitted, "Just so you know, my swordsmanship is lesser compared to Changing Star."
Alista countered, "No need. I prefer yours." He had analyzed Nephis's style; it was too reactive, too easily read by his [Battle Analyzer], making it unsuitable for adoption. He needed a foundational, aggressive style.
"Let's start from today," Artemis agreed. "Fors, you might want to join this."
Fors shrugged off the offer. "It is not my type," and she left them to their arrangement.
Artemis brought Alista to one of the free training grounds and immediately began teaching him basics. Her instruction was structured and excellent. Alista immediately had an idea where the lessons originated; it was a variation of the Anvil Swordsmanship style, though he wasn't entirely certain of the source.
After the first exhaustive class, Artemis delivered a common martial arts instruction. "Well, practice what you have learned a thousand times."
Alista nodded, sheathing his borrowed training sword. "I've been meaning to ask, why did you come to talk to me? I mean, you are a princess after all."
Artemis was momentarily surprised by the directness of the question, her regal mask slipping. "Well… you looked interesting. Call it a hunch."
Alista nodded, accepting the answer for now. "Well, I have a return question for you."
Artemis was curious now. "Sure, hit me."
Alista went in for the core question that his [Lawyer] Attribute had formulated. "Have you ever been to the Bastion, and have you felt something in your Nightmare that might be related to it?"
Alista saw the immediate warning signal in her eyes. She did not flinch, but her gaze went cold. She maintained her composure perfectly and delivered a firm lie. "No, I never went to the Bastion. And regarding my First Nightmare, I will not discuss it."
"It is understandable," Alista said, backing off instantly. "I will leave you for your own training."
After she left, Alista began a frantic internal analysis. 'Something is clearly off. She is doing things to check on me.' His mind went to the protagonist. 'Shouldn't she be checking on Nephis? Something is going on. Better hope "He" (Adam) is not behind this, manipulating the plot threads.' Alista shook off the paranoia and continued his training.
After some time, Alista was lying down, exhausted. He hoarsely muttered, "This is enough for today."
As he stood up and was about to walk out of the hall, he saw Nephis walking in, clearly intending to train alone. Alista had no desire to involve himself with her, especially since he knew their relationship would inevitably lead to intense, world-saving hardship. He was about to leave the hall when she spoke.
"Spar with me."
Alista turned and looked at her. "A what?"
Nephis showed no emotion, but her voice was insistent. "Spar with me."
Alista, his choice rooted in pure self-preservation, rejected her immediately. "Not interested." And he left the hall.
Nephis stared after him for a long time, her icy gaze fixed on the empty doorway. She started her solitary training, wondering what she would have to say or do differently to convince the unpredictable Blood Emperor to fight her.
Time passed quickly. Alista spent the last month immersed in an intense training regimen. His mornings involved Wilderness Survival and Combat Class. His evenings were dedicated to the swordsmanship class with Artemis, whom he now affectionately called Arty.
Every day, Alista received challenges from Nephis, but he rejected her every time. He was determined not to involve himself with the protagonist's circle until the narrative absolutely demanded it. He watched the countdown, counting every day until his temporary reprieve ended.
And just like that, the final day in the Waking World arrived before the massive transportation event that would occur during the Solstice. Alista Tudor was ready to enter the dream realm,he did everything he could.He went to meet the Professor Julius to on the last day to thank him for his lessons.
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It is a short chapter,kindly review it.