Chapter 23. Punching Bags
In the principal's office, principal Veymoor sat behind his large oak desk, a pile of documents scattered before him. He is looking at one particular sheet—the official request for a sparring duel between Garrik and Leonhardt. He frowned slightly as he examined the details.
"The duel is set for tomorrow, right?" He asked. His eyes flicked upward to meet Professor Gidor, who stood at attention on the other side of the desk.
"Yes, sir," Gidor confirmed with a curt nod. "And I've been assigned as the official referee."
Veymoor gave a thoughtful hum, setting the request aside and reaching for another document. He handed a new set of papers to him. "These just came in," he said simply. "The results from Bronze Class 2A's archery practice."
Gidor accepted the sheets, scanning them quickly. His brow furrowed. "This doesn't add up," he muttered. "Almost the entire class shows impressive marks. Bronze isn't supposed to learn this much."
His eyes narrowed as he reached Leonhardt's name on the list. The results beside it made him pause, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief. "Leonhardt's results... they're exceptional. Almost unnatural," he muttered under his breath.
Veymoor leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands together. "The instructor reported that Leonhardt personally coached the other students during practice. It seems his guidance had a significant impact."
Gidor's eyes widened slightly. "He... taught them? Leonhardt? The same student who used to struggle in his own training sessions? It's hard to believe."
The principal allowed a small, knowing smile to play on his lips. "Leonhardt has been full of surprises lately," he said. "And given what we've seen in recent days, I'd say he's only just beginning. Keep a close eye on the duel tomorrow, Gidor."
Gidor nodded, his grip tightening on the papers in his hand. "Understood sir."
As Gidor turned to leave, Veymoor's gaze lingered on the sparring request still sitting on his desk.