Chapter 164. Sparring
The Academy’s restricted area, where mana runes affixed to old trees pulsed with a faint silver light, separated the forest’s soft glow. In order to prevent A-rank monsters from straying into safer areas, the runes created an invisible wall.
Holding a battered leather bag, Professor Gidon stood at the edge, his rugged figure lighted by the flickering glow. The cool air smelled of pine and wet dirt as he paced, his boots crunching on fallen leaves and his keen eyes searching the forest.
His neck was suddenly chilled, and then he heard a steady, smooth voice he knew well. "Professor Gidon, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
As Leo emerged from the shadows, his shadow step leaving a gentle shimmer of mana, Gidon quickly turned, a huge smile spreading across his face.
Leo’s crimson eyes gleamed with silent triumph, and his training uniform was battered and covered in ash, blood, and dirt.
He was able to enter the restricted area swiftly and covertly thanks to his improved shadow step, which could now cover 50 meters with minimal mana.
Gidon’s voice was rough but kind, full of curiosity, as he tossed him the leather bag. "Caulem, what did you bag today?"
With a sardonic grin, Leo grabbed the bag and slung it over his shoulder. "A pair of Glass Panthers and Harvest Mantis."
Gidon’s thick brows jumped up, impressed, as Leo pulled a clean Academy uniform from the bag. Sneaking into the restricted zone could get him suspended, a rule Leo broke daily with Gidon’s secret help, slipping in and out to avoid the Academy’s watchful eyes.