NOVEL NEXT Chap 195: Professor Johnny.
The class ended without any problems. Enriq joined the training group as soon as he could move his body properly, and he didn't throw a tantrum or make any foolish comments. I kept them practicing coordination and mobility — it's the most important and basic thing when using dual weapons. Your eyes, brain, and arms must move in special harmony to maintain balance.
A single mistake in coordination will lead to a poor block or a clumsy attack. When you wield dual weapons, it's like knocking down a domino piece — once one falls, all the others follow. The only way to stop it is through sheer willpower.
They spent almost the entire class practicing in pairs, swinging lightly one by one to train their brains to follow the opponent's movements and choose the best possible reaction among countless options. Since the number of students was odd, I paired up with one of them, then switched until I'd trained with all of them.
I didn't stop giving advice for even a moment. Thanks to my Personal World, I could observe each of them while giving instructions to correct their posture and some positions. Everyone seemed excited by the end of the class, each of them thanking me before leaving for their next lessons. "I didn't know being a teacher was so tiring." I nearly emptied a whole bottle of water afterward — my throat was dry from talking so much.
"Monster Theory III…" I was worried because I hadn't taken parts I or II, but Areci reassured me about that course. The structure is basically the same; they study almost the same monsters each year, only adding a few new ones while going deeper into their analysis depending on the grade.
The teacher was an elderly man with bronze skin and silver hair. His posture, vocal tone, and fluid movements revealed his years of experience as a professor. His light jokes during such an important and serious class helped keep the students awake and engaged — this professor mastered that art perfectly.
The class went by in a flash; it's entertaining when it's taught by someone who loves their job and has enough knowledge to answer every question. "That was an amazing class." The words came out of my mouth without thinking as I stretched my legs after sitting for so long. I check my last class of the day: Refined Imra Control.
When I arrive at the classroom, several students are already waiting for the teacher. Most are chatting with each other, while a few are absorbed in their own activities. I move silently toward a corner to avoid interaction. In the last two classes, I've seen many familiar faces — the same ones who saw me with Shawu and Brendu yesterday — so it's better to stay low-profile.
All the students go quiet and take their seats. The classroom is a mix between the first one where I taught and the second lecture hall with a large stage for the professor and rows of seats for students. To my surprise, the teacher for this class is the same elderly man from before — bronze skin, silver hair — who claps to capture everyone's attention.
The class begins with a basic explanation of how Imra changes after reaching the Sapphire rank. It gains a consistency and weight it never had in the previous two ranks. The explanation lasts several minutes and touches on key points. This class focuses mainly on achieving finer control of Imra — exactly as its name implies.
"Under each seat, you'll find a practice kit for this semester." I check under my feet and find a small backpack. When I pick it up, I feel several objects inside. "Come to the center, take a seat, and take out all the toys inside your bags." Everyone stands up without protest. I sit in a corner where I can stay unnoticed.
Each item inside the bag has specific properties meant to improve refined control over Imra. There are five objects in total, each with a different function that requires a particular activation method. One requires inserting your Imra into small holes, maintaining consistent flow inside, and refining it further to exit; another is a sphere covered with patterns of different thicknesses that must be completed to activate it.
Each item has a distinct purpose and activation process. Throughout the semester, we must practice until we receive the professor's approval. My Imra control is very good — far beyond any other Sapphire rank in this class — but I rarely use it in such a delicate or refined way.
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I've always applied it differently: a thick protective layer to conceal my secrets while shielding my body; to trap objects inside my prison ability, which consumes massive amounts of Imra but in a different refined structure; and many other uses where fine control has never been applied to its full extent.
I channel my Imra into the basketball-sized sphere, trying to complete some of the patterns. The lines look identical at first glance, but when I use my mana, I notice subtle differences — tiny variations in depth or width of the channels. Completing one section opens another, completely different one, forcing me to shift my Imra movement again, and it keeps going.
"Why is this so difficult?" I feel like a thief trying to crack a complex, high-tech lock with outdated tools. When I finally complete the first pattern, I sense something I hadn't before — a slight headache from the excessive concentration after nearly an hour. It feels strange; I can fight for hours without exhaustion or migraines.
"Impressive, Maki — you've already completed one section." Professor Jhonny appears behind me with a calm smile full of confidence.
"Thank you, Professor Jhonny." Before I can ask about my headache, he interrupts.
"You can call me Jhonny. I like building closeness with my students so they feel comfortable... and if you add 'professor' before my name, then I'll have to call you the same — Professor Maki." So he knows who I am. A smile forms on my face. Thinking about it, it's obvious — someone like him must hold a lot of influence at the academy.
"It's impossible not to recognize you. Those violet eyes, your exceptional control over your body and Imra — they give you away. Many rumors about an extraordinary talent are spreading among the teachers, and now there's talk among students about a romance between a new boy and a princess." He seems to be having fun.
"'Extraordinary talent'? People tend to exaggerate... and I definitely don't know anything about any romance." I'll avoid that second rumor at all costs. It's only the first day of classes and people are already talking nonsense.
Jhonny shrugs. "I don't know much about the second rumor — not really my interest. But the first one isn't exaggerated. Now that I can see you directly, those rumors still don't do you full justice." I don't feel any ill intent, and my instincts remain calm.
"Thank you, Jhonny. By the way, why do I have a headache after barely an hour of practice? My stamina's good; I shouldn't tire this quickly." I try to change the topic quickly — I don't like talking about myself and I want an answer.
"These items are inscribed with runes that exert extra pressure on your brain and drain some stamina. They're designed that way to simulate the kind of conditions you'd face in a dungeon or a life-or-death battle. The effect increases as you complete each section; your own Imra fuels the runes." I stare carefully at the sphere in my hands, amazed by its complexity — whoever designed this was a genius.
"There's a way to counteract it — I'm sure you'll find the solution yourself." He glances at the other students. "You won't need my help like they do, but when you succeed, I'll make it harder for you personally." Jhonny releases his Imra — it expands across the room like a soft tide. Almost no one notices, or maybe they're already used to it from previous classes.
His Imra tries to pierce mine like a drill in some areas, while in others it seeps through like flowing water. I have to focus on blocking certain sections tightly or adding extra layers to divert his intent. My concentration splits among several fronts.
He retracts his Imra as naturally as breathing. "Just a small demonstration." I nod at his words. It'll be a headache if I have to use my Imra in so many ways while refining it delicately for each item. But I'm sure of one thing — by the end of this course, my control will improve tremendously.
"I'll be under your guidance, Jhonny." The old professor smiles and turns on his heels to help another student nearby.
The class ended quickly — time flies when you're focused. I can only admire Jhonny; the old man can spot students' weaknesses with a single glance and gives clear, precise advice to each of them.
Now that all my classes are done, I have free time for the rest of the afternoon. "Should I take a nap or train?" That's the great dilemma in my head. In the end, I decide on the first option and will train after waking up — I haven't slept well these days, and my body needs a proper rest.
When I arrive, I see my bed neatly made and Brendu's pajamas lying over the sheets. I'd completely forgotten I let a princess sleep in my apartment yesterday. I just hope no one finds out — especially Susan.
"Have they added new functions?" I check the training room's control panel. The settings are now divided into more levels. There are no longer just five gravity levels — now there are ten. The pressure itself hasn't changed; level 1 remains the same, and level 5 has become level 10. They've just added more gradual intervals for finer adjustments.
I set each function to warm up comfortably, planning to increase pressure and spikes gradually. "Time to resume training." My cube should be fully healed in a few days — it's time to warm up and return to my daily training routine.
"The academy is turning out even better than I expected." A wide smile forms on my face.