88 : The First Year III pt. 34 (1/2)

Watching Matthew's battle was interesting for Cassandra who was leaning on the rails in the stand. Unlike Nick who had a very smooth and balanced style when fighting, Matthew was like an unpolished gem. She thought he have a lot of potential.

Being able to control gravity was a very rare EXO ability, so she couldn't give him guidance. However, with proper training he would learn on his own. No one can say what his limits were as they did not know either.

She bit her lower lip as she focused on the battle below.

Matthew used his gravity EXO ability in a very basic way, but it worked. Put pressure on his opponent to make their weight heavy, making them work twice as hard to move. This wore them out because they had to exert more energy and it slowed their movements. Matthew himself was not affected by the gravity so his movements was normal. Picking off his opponents was easy.

Matthew was moving at his own pace, when he encountered a group of individuals he already placed an area of gravity around them. Entrapping them and leaving them to their fate.

The weapon he used was also unique, a kusarigama. He swung it around and kept his own distance from his opponents. Easily tangling them up as he tightened the chain around them. Forcing them to give up, or knocking them out.

At other times he'd rush in and use his kusarigama in a melee fight. However, he rarely did such a thing.

”Interesting.”

Fred only said one word, but it caused Cassandra's ears to perk up. He was always so full of himself and the amount of people he gave compliments to could be counted on two hands. Although 'interesting' wasn't really a compliment, it was still high praise coming from Fred.

Cassandra thought he was interested in Matthew, maybe bring him aboard for their nightly activities.

”I like his style, he could work on his footwork more. With his ability, it is best to focus on speed rather than power. I'm curious to know whether he could use it to lighten himself. If he could and was proficient in it, he'd be a speed demon.”

Cassandra gave her opinion on Matthew as she watched him. She threw a few quick glances at Fred to see what expression was on his face.

”He's not bad, and yes he could use more work. I think he'll find his own path. I just find it interesting as for his weapon of choice. A kusarigama, a medium and close range weapon. Something different from all the others in the academy, I believe once he learns how to control the weapon it wouldn't matter what path he chooses. His name will spread, it'll be good if he could learn his own weaknesses.”

Fred spoke, explaining what he thought about Matthew and his style. His vision wasn't set on Matthew, unlike Cassandra his eyes wandered over the stage.

'This years talent is golden, a pity I was among them.'

Fred thought to himself as he wished he was younger. If he was he'd be able to fight amongst them and challenge himself. His younger self could only fight the strong students of the other academies. The amount of students that could challenge him here when he first entered was basically zero.

He was actually surprised to see how far they've come in two years. From arrogant freshman who thought they were the best in the world, to young talented juniors.

Entering the academy he always this notion that he would learn nothing, but he was wrong. There were a few things he picked up over these two years that he was grateful of.

”Argh! First there was Nick and now this guy? I claim him!”

Cassandra almost pulled her hair out as she grabbed her long brown hair and gave it a slight tug. She was interested in Matthew, his ability, his weapon. All of it was so new to her she needed to find out more about him.

Fred raised his eyebrow as he looked at her.

”Going after younger guys now?”

Cassandra was stunned for a moment and understood how her words could be misinterpreted. She didn't mean it in a way of romance, but in another way.

”No, he may be handsome but I don't think he's my type. I'm going to take him as my disciple.”

Cassandra said clearing up the misunderstanding between her and Fred.

She enjoyed more muscular men who could take control of the situation. Matthew wasn't, or at least he didn't seem like that. Fred was more of her type, but… they were not a thing.

”Ah, I see. He'll probably decline though.”

”What do you mean? He has no reason to decline.”

Cassandra pouted a bit. She was more experienced than him and willing to teach him, why would he decline?

Fred pointed down at Matthew.

”He just doesn't seem like the type that would pay attention to the teachings of a girl.”

”How do you know?”

Cassandra asked as she was curious where Fred got that from.

”Just a feeling.”

Fred answered as he shrugged his shoulders. He started to yawn as he stretched his arm.

”Anyways, that girl is much more appealing and interesting.”

Pointing towards Katherine who was walking in the dessert seemingly aimlessly.

”She's actually moving in a way that she is avoiding all the fights.”

”Pft. Just a coward.”