"Fair enough, but if I'm to do it, you'll need to cooperate very well with me. Plus, it won't be for free. You'll be helping out in my research and experiments. I'll need more than one set of hands and head on my current project."
Anabelle beamed in delight the moment I said this.
For a Scholar, being included in experiments and research was another reward in itself. That meant there was practically no downside in our relationship.
"I'm happy you came to that conclusion, Anabelle. I look forward to being friends and close rivals with you."
"Me too!"
Her beam was so bright that I nearly shielded my eyes. How could one be so cute?
'Control yourself, Jared... you're a dignified man. You're better than this!'
Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I turned to the boy who impatiently awaited his turn.
"Now, then... what about you, Edward? What would you like to ask of me?"
My question was blunt and straightforward, and I stared directly into his eyes.
Having a knack for reading the emotions of others, I knew he was conflicted or even unsure of what he was about to say.
However, what other choice did he have? Ultimately, he couldn't get left behind!
"Please, Jared... please teach me Martial Arts!" Edward's voice rang loud, echoing across the room as he spoke.
I would have been flustered had I not prepared for this much. His face was stiff and his fists tightened. Clearly, a mix of embarrassment and determination clashed within the boy's soul.
"Hmm... why?"
It was a good question, natural for someone in my position.
"After watching you fight, I realized how superior you were in terms of combat. The way you spoke also showed your superior knowledge in arts and techniques..."
A very sound conclusion. But, this much was obvious already. I would need more than that if I was to be convinced that he was bright enough to be taught.
"... After my loss, I observed your body for some time and noticed it's incredibly well built, though not as noticeable as me. You focused on balance, and I can tell your physical status is high. Also..."
'Oh? Not bad. What else?'
"... That move you showed to me in order to evade my strike... the blurry movement that made you appear beside me in a flash. It's a technique that belongs at least on the Intermediate Level of Martial Arts. Yet, you used it so casually. It's clear you're a very skilled Martial Artist on the level of an Intermediate master at the very least, no, an Advanced one!"
I smiled as soon as he was done with his assessment. In all fairness, he was both right and wrong.
[The Illusory Dance], the motion technique I used in front of him was a Martial Arts technique belonging to the Basic Level. Thanks to the fall of Martial Arts, it could be said to be on the same level as Intermediate Techniques, though.
'In my past life, I never made it past the Intermediate Level in Martial Arts. I hit a wall and couldn't reach the Advanced stage.'
That was why I thought it would be nice to learn more about Martial Arts since I had a well-tempered body and Magic on my side. The state of the devastating art had declined, though, and my Intermediate Level could basically be translated as an Advanced stage currently.
Yes, I was an Advanced Martial Artist based on recent standards.
'I don't intend to make the mistake of settling for that, though. I won't lie to myself... I'm still an Intermediate Martial Artist!'
Looking back at Edward, he was probably at the peak of Basic Martial Arts, however, if I were to use my normal standards, he was probably as good as a beginner. He had the right body, but the wrong expertise and techniques.
He would need to be taught from scratch.
"Very well. Edward, you've convinced me. I'll teach you as well. The motion technique I used in front of you that day... I'll make sure you learn it before our Inter Class Exchange, among other techniques too!"
The young boy's eyes bulged in surprise, most likely questioning if such a thing was possible. However, the moment he gazed at my confident and calm face, the worries that festered within him probably dissipated.
"I'll be honest with you two..." I now addressed Anabelle as well, drawing both their attention to me.
"... You have talent, a good physique, and enough potential to reach the top among your peers. However, you all lack the proper guidance."
I wasn't wrong. Whenever I looked at both of them, nostalgic memories popped up. I usually had a keen eye for people, and that special trait wasn't going to fail me now.
"For Anabelle, you have talent in Magic, but you've not actively used it or exercised your Mana Core as others have. As a result, you are completely behind in Mana Core development and the use of Mana. But, don't worry... with your talent, you'll get the hang of it soon."
Anabelle's face budded into a relieved smile once my assurance resonated with her.
"Edward, your physique is excellent, and your will is commendable. Your determination is also admirable. The only downside with you is how untalented you are in Magic. Your Mana Core is pretty much less than average, which is why you got stuck in the Lower Class in the first place."
The young boy bit his lip in frustration. He was most likely already aware of this fact, so I was just rubbing salt on his injuries.
"But, your Mana Core will pose no problem at all! Trust me... you can become strong even with your poor talent in Mana!"
Edward's eyes bulged as soon as he heard my unexpected statement. Hope and doubt sparked in his eyes as he seemed to be in conflict with deciding which one to pick.
"R-really?!"
I nodded emphatically.
"Edward, take it from someone like me with a White Mana Core... you can become strong!"
