6 Guidance (1/2)

several kilometers outside the city of Astor, Melissa's team riding horses through a wide cobblestone imperial main road towards the Jetsun academy, they using 3 horses, as Arno didn't know how to ride a horse, so he rides together with Alfred.

Dina who at first was annoyed and irritated by Arno is now laughing all the way from the city gates after she heard Arno can't ride a horse.

”sigh.... Dina can't you stopped laughing, i mean.. i know it's funny but, you've been laughing since we depart from the city, it's weird you know”. Melissa who is riding beside her voiced her complained.

”hahhah hiihihiii...i.... just.... can't Mel, it's way too funny....hihii, this guy can't even ride a horse...haoahahh unbelievable”. Dina laughing hard while holding her stomach.

Arno just shrugged his shoulder and not paying attention to Dina, as he really can't ride a horse, this is the first time he's riding a horse after god knows for how long since he rides one.

and Alfred completely not paying any attention to Dina's antics, instead he focused on controlling the horse, while sometimes he looks like he want to ask something to Arno.

Arno also knew this but he didn't do anything about it, as he's waiting for Alfred to speaking by himself.

30 minutes have passed as they keep riding, they finally see a small town in the far distance and they heading straight towards it.

”this town name is School town, it is built after the academy was created, many students and officials from the academy came here for a stroll or business, some even here for working part-time...”. Alfred explaining about the town to Arno.

”hehmm i see, i bet this town depends on the academy ha”.

”that's right...well they don't have many specialties, most of the business here related to the academy...so they really depend on the academy a lot”.

Melissa says to the team ”alright we better skip this town and head straight to the academy”.

all 3 horses then speeding up towards the academy complex located near the town.

they finally arrive at the academy main front gate, the academy complex is huge and spacious, it was surrounded by a beautiful blueish metallic fence, the main gate also has a grandeur appearance.

several guards who were guarding the gate move closer to the team, but then they see Melissa who they recognize.

one of the guards salute to Melissa and asked ”ah my lady..did have a business in the academy ?”.

”hmhm so... can you open the gate please ”.

”yes, my lady....oey you lads hurry open the gate”. the guards then quickly opening the gate.

Melissa then thanked the guards before entering the academy with the team.

”i'll be damned, that was lady Melissa Dreyfuss”. the guards were in an uproar after Melissa enter.

”what really. holy shit she's really is a gorgeous woman huh”.

”don't even thinking t.no.. don't even dream about that, she's way too high in the sky you know”. one of the guards shaking his head after hearing his comrade.

”hey i know okay... just admiring that's all, by the way, who's the dark elf chicks ?? ”.

”don't know, but i'm kinda familiar with the blonde kid though”. the guard started racking his brain where did he ever see the blonde young man before.

”shit man, i didn't ask about him...eih forget it”.

inside the academy, the team already getting off from their horses and walking towards a large building in the middle of the academy which supposed to be academy's main office.

Arno immerses himself in feeling the academy overall atmosphere, it was filled with a mixed aura of knowledge and professionalism.

'this academy is not bad....not bad at all'. Arno acknowledging this academy quality.

he also admiring the sight of large long-haired man statue in front of office building.

”that's the statue of this academy founder, Jetsun Dagnar, he's a Saint rank expert back when he was still alive”. Alfred speaking to Arno.

”i've heard he was also your empire's Heavenly Protector isn't it...”.

Alfred nod ”yeah he is.. but there is no Heavenly Protector in Astoria after he died, untilVisser Gallard.” then he looking at the statue with admiring gaze.

Arno smile looking at Alfred, but he didn't say anything and just left following Melissa inside the office.

inside the main office building, the team moving closer to the reception desk, there are several academy officials and students gathering near it.

Melissa walking towards one of the female officials and asked ”is master Diandra is in her office ?.. i'd like to meet her”.

”ehmmm ...but who are you and did you have an appointment ?” the official asking Melissa identity politely.

”my name is Melissa Dreyfuss.... master Diandra said that i didn't have to make an appointment if i want to meet her... is she's inside ?”.

when Melissa said her name, the reception area became silent, even the student gathering nearby also stopped chatting.

”ahh....aehmmm....i..a. i'm sorry my lady... i..m really sorry i didn't recognize you at all...”. the official started to panic and anxious as she didn't recognize Melissa

”hey...hey...it's fine just forget it okay, anyway i'm here for master Diandra, is she in her office?”

”yes master Diandra is inside her office right now, she's already moved her office to the corner in 3rd floor... i can bring you to her room if you want my lady”.

Melissa nod her head ”alright sure let's go.. take us there”. the team then following the official to master Diandra room.

the students start murmuring and chatting when they looking at Melissa and some even throwing attentions towards Alfred as they finally recognize him as the former students, while others also gazing at Dina as dark elves are kinda rare outside arga forest.

Arno also had his fair share of attention from the surrounding people as his appearance were conspicuous.

the team arrives outside a room in the 3rd floor while the official looking at the team and pointing at the room door ”this is master Diandra offices, she's inside right now, so i will excuse myself”. the official left.

and the team then entering the room after knocking at the door and received an answer from inside.

”ah it's you Melissa come in come in..and you too Dina,... How are you both ?”. middle age woman with slightly wrinkles in her face smiling happily after she saw Melissa and Dina when they enter the room.

the middle age woman can be said beautiful, her hair is long and brown colored, although her face already has several wrinkles but still retained it's charming feeling, she's more like a mature woman instead of a middle age one.

Melissa then hugs the middle age woman ”i'm fine master Diandra, it's really good to see you again..”. this woman is exactly master Diandra. she's Melissa and Dina former teacher back in their academy's time.

”hello teach..heheh i thought you already forget about me..hehhe”. Dina also hugs with master Diandra.

”heh how could i forget about this mischievous girl over here heheh.... you still tailing Melissa huh...”.

while Diandra is teasing Dina, she suddenly saw blonde haired and tall young man entering her room.

”aren't you Alfred Byron, it has been almost a year isn't it since you graduated”. Diandra asks Alfred who didn't expect this master here still remember him.

”yes master Diandra it's almost a year, i'm here together with lady Melissa, she's my superior now”.

”ah i see so you're working under Melissa now.... and who is that gentlemen over there ?.” Diandra asks about Arno who's standing near the room window.

Arno turns his head towards Diandra and smile.

'level 2 Grandmaster.... she's a warrior huh'. Arno also found Diandra strength the second he looked at her.

”the name is Arno mam, i'm also working with Melissa, it is a pleasure to meet you, and i apologize if we somehow disturbing your activities”. Arno introducing himself to Diandra in a very courteous manner.

which stunned the three women, even Melissa who's usually not easily impressed by man, but now her face turned into red for little after seeing Arno's antics, while Dina also surprised and become dazed.

as for Diandra, she was stunned and at the same time thinking it was ridiculous for her to be affected by Arno's greetings, because she's an old woman and already have a husband.

it's no their fault they were affected, because Arno dashing appearance combined with the manners, it's a top killing move for these women.

but it didn't have any effect at all to Alfred, but he also approved Arno's manner as he thinks it is a correct way to do a greeting.

”oh my...ehehe so sir Arno right... pleased to meet you too, my name Diandra Greyson, i'm a dean here in this academy, and also i'm a former teacher to these kids hehe, and ....no no your not disturbing at all..” Diandra may already recover her mind but still speaking somewhat bashfully, while keep staring at Arno.

”i see.. then that's good, and thank you mam for receiving us now, as Melissa is here to ask for your help regarding our mission”.

Arno speaking to her while also implying her to talk with Melissa first instead staring at his face.

Diandra who also understands that, and knowing she's been staring at Arno's face for too long, quickly turn her head towards Melissa while feeling embarrassed.

”hehe sorry Melissa heheh.. anyway... what kind of help did you want from me??” Diandra quickly changing the topic.

as Melissa also does not want to make her teacher more embarrassed, ”you also already knew about the mission isn't it master,... that's why i'm here because there is a person i wanted to recruit into my team, i need your help for approving her transfer if she's agreed”.

”ah so that's it, yes i already know from the old man heheh, fine... i will help you, but before that, are you sure Melissa ?? you're heading for the Gobi Deadlands you know...”. Diandra is worried about Melissa.

”yes master 100% sure, there is no going back now, the mission is already launched anyway.”.

”hehmmm very well but please keep yourself save okay... and all you three as well, so who's the one you want to recruit ??”.

Melissa nodding at Alfred signaled him to tell about the person.

”master Diandra, the person we wanted, her name is Sasha Hansen she's my former instructor back then, do you know her?. Alfred gives his former instructor name to Diandra.

”oh that Sasha girl is the one you wanted to recruit ? of course i knew her, she's one of the best teachers in Warrior Program you know, if it's her then she will be a good addition for your team....”.

Warrior Program is named for this academy group of cultivation instructors specialized in nurturing Warrior, while for Mage there is Magus Program.

and Sasha Hansen is a Warrior Program instructor which means that she is no ordinary teacher.

”then teach, where is she now ?? can we go to her immediately ??”. Dina is the one who speaks now, she's little impatient.

”sure... she must be in the Warrior Training Facility now if according to the schedule, let's meet her then.” Diandra beckoning the team to follow her outside.

the 5 of them exited from the main office and heading towards the eastern area where Warrior Training facility is located.

along the way many students and officials or teacher making greeting to both Melissa and Diandra as they were both extremely famous in the academy.

Arno blurts something ”well well it looks like,.. Lady Dreyfuss is really famous huh”.

while Dina who is walking beside him hearing that, she turns her head towards Arno and speaks ”yeah... Melissa is always famous since she enters the academy, not just because of her family but also because she was extremely talented, truly a genius”. Dina speaking with a bit of envy mixed in.

Arno when seeing this suddenly thought something.

”hmmh....it must be hard for you right..” Arno asked Dina.

”huh ?? hard ?? hard about what...??”.

”well you know... being friends with a genius, people who see you both so close to each other some of them probably comparing you to her isn't it...what is your opinion on that ?..”. Arno deliberated asked that question to bait Dina so that he can see her true character.

”huh it's ehmmmm well hehe mel and i... well i know she's more smarter than me, and...hehe more beautiful but she's a good person who treated me well, although it would be a lie if i said that i didn't envy her a little but... she's a dear friend to me...” Dina saying all that with a really bright smile.

”heh i see... you're a good friend aren't you...hehe...”. Arno is satisfied with Dina reaction and keeps walking without saying anything else.

the 5 arrived inside the training facility which is very spacious and surrounded by a high wall, there is an open courtyard in the middle of the facility, filled with any kind of training device, weapons, and armor that was stacked neatly and orderly.

but the facility is now really empty from people because this is Sunday which also a vacation day for students and officials.

but now there are loud sounds of people chattering and shouting can be heard from inside.

”it looks like there is a commotion inside ”. Dianda hurrying towards inside the facility followed by the team from behind.

there are already several people inside when they enter, 4 man and 1 woman, the men's is circling the woman near the courtyard corner.

”... why!!?? why didn't you give me a chance?? huh!!...all this time I've tried everything to get closer to you, even bought you many gifts...but..you!!” the man in front of the woman asking with loud and overbearing voice, while the woman keeps staring at him with frowning and annoyed expression.

”and how many time did i have to tell you...that i don't have any interest in you at all!!, and i've already return those gifts to you right....sigh...Velen just give up will you...because it's god damned irritating!!..” the woman is also shouting and cursing to the man as well.

”f*ck you b*tch!!...i've already patient but you've not appreciated me at all... ”.

”you're the b*tch a**holes, i don't f*cking need your goddamn patient!!, all i need is from you is to get the f*ck out of my way!!!...”

”huh!! did you know who i am? huh!! my father is the city of Dunbar lord....hehe that's right... you're in big trouble now, but i'm a magnanimous person, so i will let it go but you have to come with me, how's that heheehhe”. the man starts threatening the woman using his father's name who is a noble, as he also looking lecherously at her.

”the f*ck trash!!, are you trash threatening me ?? ahahah oh my god f*cking loser's like you want to threaten me hahaha, this is the joke of the century...hahahhah”. the woman laughing hard after she heard the man.

”the hell b*tch, who the f*ck you're calling trash huh??”.

”i'm calling you, trash!!... weren't you the type that only knows how to use family or father's name huh....i called those kinds of people trash.... and besides you're f*cking weakling., i'm only interested in someone who's stronger than me...” at the same time the woman also bursting out her power and pressuring the people in front of her.

the men who encircle her start retreating back towards their boss, their body is trembling and sweating a lot.

”y...ou...y..ou...”. the man is speechless as the woman's word really hit his heart, as he also knows that he can only do things without consequences because he always use his father's name, and he was pressured by the woman strength.

”bos..boss just let her go please....she's so strong...we can't take her”. even his underling already so scared and want to run away, but the man still doesn't want to let her easily, but before he can speak there is a voice interrupting him from behind.

”what are you doing!!??, this is the academy facility and you're not from the academy, also you making a lot of commotion here..”. Diandra is so angry toward the men's as they're not from the academy but still making ruckus here.

”ah shit it's the dean....hurry come on.....and just wait you bitch”. the man and his underling start to running away after seeing Diandra.

the women want to catch them but Diandra signaled her not to do that, the woman then approach Diandra, ”dean, i can take care of them myself you know”.

the team can see the woman appearance clearly now, she's a beautiful woman about the same age as Melissa and Dina, but she's tall, really taller than the averages woman, even her height almost rivaled Alfred,

she have semi-high ponytail styled dark brown hair, along with blue color eyes with milky white skins, and she's wearing blue light armor that really suits her tall height, overall she really looking cool and heroic.

”heh.. Sasha it's not an appropriate time for that, i'm here to introducing you to these people, they have something interesting and important for you”. the woman that Diandra speaking to is exactly Sasha Hansen, Alfred former's teacher.

”oh...i see well..huh isn't that Alfred boy...hahah the hell are you doing here ?? you already graduated boy...”, Sasha found her former student among the people in front of her.

”nice to meet you too instructor,... and please don't call me boy, i'm here along with my colleagues here to offering you a proposal”, Alfred is helpless looking at Sasha rudeness.

”heh you always be a boy in my eyes, and also i know these 2 women, it's lady Melissa Dreyfuss and miss Dona isn't it...”.

”yes miss Hansen you correct and also wrong, she is Dina, not Dona, so do you want to hear our proposal ?” it's Melissa time to speak.

”ah well hehe my bad, ...alright let's hear it”

Melissa narrating stories about mana disruption, the Gobi Deadlands, and the team, before inviting her to join the team.

”hhhm the Gobi Deadlands huh,.....this is hard, especially it's innermost region.....by the way who's the dashing man over there ?” Sasha suddenly asked about Arno who just standing around looking at the training facility.

”he's Arno, also the member we just recruited, so miss are you in??”. Melissa introduce Arno to Sasha.

”heh just wait a minute okay.... the man is supposed to be a team member? damn... he doesn't have the strength at all why did you recruit him??”. Sasha complained to Melissa because she found that Arno does not have any power coming out from his body.

because the mission target it's in the Gobi Deadlands, which definitely it's not a place for weaklings.

and she does not want to babysit a weakling.

”wait miss Hansen...” when Melissa wants to speak to defend Arno, she found that Sasha already approaching Arno.

even Alfred is really helpless looking at her, all he can do is facepalming.

”hey you!! purple eye.... did you really this team member?”. Sasha calling Arno in mocking tone.

Arno looking at Sasha while holding his chin ”yes i'm a team member, i know what you wanted to miss, you don't have to worry about my ability, we can just straight test it right”. Arno implying that he challenging Sasha.

'the good old ways are more efficient'. Arno thought this is just like during his's time, if you're doubted and underestimated by someone, then just show your power to them.

”heh good i like it,....sure let's see your... ability then”. and the 2 of them moving to the middle of the courtyard.

the others originally want to stop it but because of they also curious about Sasha and Arno abilities, they decide to just wait and watch.

Sasha grab a simple metal spear that usually used by the students during practice, she swings it for few time with gorgeous and trained movements, it's beautiful swing.

and when she turned around facing Arno, she found Arno only standing several meters ahead of her while just placed his hand on his back, without doing anything else.

”what are you doing standing there ?? hurry up and grabs some weapon”. Sasha is impatient.

”i'm not using any weapons, just with my hands..you said that you want to test me isn't it,.....then strike me with all you got...you don't have to worry ...about safety miss”. Arno baiting Sasha with a relaxing tone.

when Sasha heard that, she became extremely irritated, 'the hell, this guy looking down on me....heh i'll teach him then'.

other people also shocked when they heard Arno will not use any weapons, even the 3 people who know about Arno strength is also worried.

Diandra who is also watching ask ”Melissa is your friend will be okay ?, Sasha is strong you know...”.

”i think it's fine master, he can take care of himself”. Melissa don't know for sure but she has the confidence in Arno.

”Booomm”.

a violent power erupted from Sasha body that blasting the winds all over the courtyard, and flickering green aura begin enveloping her body.

this green aura is the testament of her fighting aura power.

'she's a level 6 Super Warrior huh' Arno also thinking back at Alfred's word when he explaining about fighting aura technique.

Alfred says that fighting aura use mana to project power from warrior body, the aura greatly enhance warrior speed and strength when it activated, increasing the warrior overall power, and also it's color change according to warrior cultivation rank.

Fighter rank is a red color, Super Warrior is green, Grandmaster is blue, while Saint rank is white colored.

'this technique had the potential but...the basic sigh... tragedy' Arno only sigh and shaking his head while thinking about the technique.

Sasha who is already prepared while her surrounding filled with extreme violent winds scattering all over the place, she sees Arno shake his head, ”heh you said i don't have to hold back right...then this is it”, she thought that Arno is regretting challenging her.

but she's already irritated and with her temperament, it will be hard for her to just let it go after someone looking down on her.

the other start even more worried, as Sasha powers are really violent and strong, even Melissa and Diandra who is a Grand Mage and a Grandmaster respectively starting to sweat.

Sasha then readying her spear, and taking a deep breath before begin rapidly moving closer towards Arno.

”goddamn, she's really serious”. Alfred is anxious when he feels that his former instructor became serious, as he recognizes the skill she's about to use.

when she moved, the green aura around her body starts to transform into a faint image of an eagle.

there's at least 20 meters distance between them, but her speed is too fast, even Alfred and Dina can't see it with their eyes.

only a few milliseconds passed before she appears again directly in front of Arno, her faint green eagle aura image became more clearer and brighter as she thrust the spear in her hand and aiming for Arno's body.

Arno never flinches even for a second as he faced Sasha ultimate strike, he reached out his right hand and pointed his fingers meeting Sasha incoming attack.

”BOOOMMM”.

an extremely loud explosion voice resound after Sasha spear making contact with Arno's fingers, while also blasting out ferocious winds from their position, the burst of ferocious winds then scattered throughout the courtyard and also creating clouds of thick dust shrouding both of them inside.

no one knows the outcome as they can't see what happens inside the clouds of dust.

they worried and curious about what was going on inside.

but not long as the clouds of dust finally start to disappear, then they able see more clearly at Sasha and Arno position.

what they witness is Arno still standing while his right hand grabbed Sasha spear at its spearhead, but there is no injury in his hands or body.

Sasha is frozen while still in her thrusting stance, she thought that Arno will dodge her strike, but instead he intercepted it with only his hands.

she couldn't believe it, in fact the other people also couldn't, as Diandra and Alfred knew what she uses it's one of her ultimate pride skill.

'....i..t .. ca...can't be.... he just stopped my Aquila Strike....how...is this possible!!', Sasha can't think straight anymore.

she was proud of her Aquila Strike skill, as she even confidence that this skill combines with her strength can heavily injure a level 3 Grandmaster expert.

but now this man in front of her actually stopped it with his hands without having any injury, she raises her head and looks straight at Arno's face, he has very relaxed expression while still standing with straight posture like a huge mountain, impenetrable.