26 Mentorship (2/2)
Chairman Liu raised his hand slightly, and all the teachers turned to him.
”Raise your hands if you wish to be Yao Daiyu's mentor.”
Nearly every hand in the room rose in unison. Only one burly woman sat back, arms folded.
”I had suspected as much. Well then, I shall voice my own opinion. I believe Yang Heng is most suited to be her mentor.”
A graceful looking man with flowing black hair bowed in Chairman Liu's direction.
”Many thanks, Chairman.”
Chairman Liu nodded gently.
”I believe that your only disciple has moved to the Great School this year, no?”
Yang Heng nodded.
”I would request that Yao Daiyu be your sole disciple, so that you may provide her with the best teaching. Are you willing?”
”I am, Chairman.”
”Very good. Are there any objections?”
The teachers didn't seem happy, but none of them dared to object.
”Then it is so. Yao Daiyu, your mentor shall be Yang Heng. Please step back.”
With another deep bow, Yao Daiyu retreated.
”Davide Marticelli, could you please take a step forward.”
Davide hopped forward excitedly.
”Yin Xue, if you will.”
”Thank you, Chairman. Davide Marticelli, qi force 153, affinity 91%, Golden Web constitution. A lot of ya won't know this one. This kid's qi is completely fused with his nerves.”
Some of the teachers nodded in appreciation.
”Some of ya probably think 'that's just the Lightning Reflex Technique!' But yer wrong. That technique can't get ya close to this kid's body.”
Another excited murmur built up among the teachers.
”Just a bit of practice and he's gonna have Master Grade reflexes. He'll be a natural at whatever martial art you throw at him.”
Chairman Liu waved his hand again.
”Raise your hands if you wish to be Davide Marticelli's mentor.”
A smattering of hands went up, including the burly woman.
”Freja Bjorndottir, it's been many years since you've desired a disciple. Would you care to explain why you wish to mentor this boy?”
Freja gave a cheeky smile, then leaned back and crossed her arms.
”He's just my type, isn't he?”
Some teachers shook their heads in shame, others coughed and cleared their throats.
”Miss Bjorndottir, would you care to elaborate?”
”Well, if I had to give a real reason,” she leaned forward and placed her elbows on the low desk, ”he's the perfect successor for my Mind-Body unison technique.”
Chairman Liu nodded in agreement.
”Given that you are the only teacher left with no current disciples, I am inclined to assign you as his mentor. Are there any objections?”
Wu raised his hand, and the chairman nodded in his direction.
”With all due respect, Chairman, how can you let Freja take away such a martial talent?”
Freja snarled at him.
”She's just a blacksmith!” Wu cried out.
Freja slammed her hands down on the desk.
”Watch yourself Wu Lei! I'll beat you senseless any day of the week!”
”Chairman do you see this? How is she fit to teach?!”
Chairman Liu raised his hand, stopping both of them.
”There is no need to antagonise each other. Freja, you are in a school. Mind your manners. And Lei, Freja may be a blacksmith now, but you should know just how strong she is.”
Chairman Liu directed his gaze at Davide.
”It is rare that I do this, but I would like to ask for your opinion, Davide Marticellli. Would you take Freja Bjorndottir as your mentor?”
Davide stayed silent for a second, then looked at Freja.
”Miss, are you strong?” his voice was quivering, but defiant.
Freja seemed a bit taken aback, but a smile spread across her face and she leaned towards him.
”The strongest!” she exclaimed, ”Well, besides the chairman.”
”Then can Mr Chairman teach me?”
It was Chairman Liu's turn to be taken aback. A chuckle escaped his mouth. Then another. Then a large belly laugh, unbecoming of his frail figure.
Smiles and small breaths of laughter spread across the teachers, and Chairman Liu wiped a tear from his eye.
”I'm sorry child, but I am unable to take in a disciple. However, I can guarantee Freja Bjorndottir's strength.”
Davide looked a little disappointed, but he resolved himself. ”Then I want Miss Bee… Miss Freja.”
Freja seemed to be struggling to stop herself from jumping up from her seat and hugging him.
”Then, Davide Marticelli, your mentor shall be Freja Bjorndottir.”
Wu clucked his tongue angrily, but the other teachers seemed happy with the decision.
”Now, Oscar Schwartz, please step forward.”