Chapter 163

Chapter 163

No sooner had Eve boasted to Lorin that handling classes would be a piece of cake than she secretly slipped into the training room to test herself.

Although Long Quan had mentioned her physical fitness had declined significantly, Eve wasn’t quite sure just how “significant” that decline really was.

Half an hour later, Eve leaned against the wall, drenched in cold sweat, wearing an expression as if she’d seen a ghost, with only one thought echoing in her mind: *karma came as fast as a tornado.*

While flexibility and coordination—physical attributes directly tied to bodily conditioning—remained relatively unchanged, endurance, strength, speed, and agility—metrics more heavily influenced by functional capacity and power—had plummeted to an embarrassing degree.

Compared to her original physical stats, barely ten percent remained. And without the support of spiritual energy, the actual situation was even worse than the test results indicated.

The Mecha Department, as a major split between theory and practical combat, had nearly half its courses dedicated to classroom lectures on mecha principles and operational techniques. Since specialized weapon technicians couldn’t be brought along on field missions, it was crucial for mecha pilots to learn basic maintenance skills.

Beyond that, there were practical combat classes. To manage costs, aside from midterm training ground drills and end-of-term group live-combat sessions where real mechas were used, students typically trained on simulation systems during regular classes.

Students at the Military Academy not only attended their departmental specialized courses but also took unified physical training classes like swordsmanship, close-quarters combat, and firearms training. Even the most theory-heavy departments, like Medical and Weapons, weren’t exempt. Eve’s take on it was that the interstellar university had its own dreaded required course.

Unfortunately, she had picked the perfect time to return—so perfect that the very next day, she had a mass close-combat class.

Eve: “......”

Large classes usually involved two or three departments together. Close-quarters combat was slightly better; considering skill levels, two departments typically shared a class. The Mecha Department happened to be paired with the Investigation Department. Had it been three departments grouped together, ending up in the same group as the Melee and Command departments would have forced Eve to choose between dropping and surrendering immediately or forcing herself to take enhancers.

After the instructor demonstrated basic combat techniques, students were instructed to pair up. Many wanted to challenge Eve, but only one managed to secure the spot first.

“What were you up to during your leave?” Jessica successfully claimed the position as Eve’s partner but didn’t rush to start. Instead, she scrutinized her opponent, who was quietly wrapping her hands in tape, and said disdainfully, “You look so out of it. I don’t even want to fight you.”

“Suit yourself,” Eve replied calmly. “If you don’t want to fight, step aside and let someone else take your place.”

True to form, Jessica flared up instantly. “Who said I’m not fighting? You’re so ungrateful.”

It was rare for her to show consideration, and she had to run into someone so oblivious—utterly infuriating!

Meanwhile, Dick kept glancing over, worried that Eve, who possessed an Alchemical Formula, might get seriously hurt. He almost wished he could take her place.

But that was overly worried. Eve’s physical strength was restricted, but Agnes hadn’t altered her inherent physique. She was now terrifyingly high in defense but low in offense.

It was just a class. Jessica might seem arrogant, but she knew her limits—at the very least, Eve had never seen her harm anyone except by throwing money around.

The instructor paid no attention to the students’ bickering, blowing his whistle crisply. The moment the sharp sound echoed, the youngsters immediately engaged in combat.

Jessica, intending to test her out, threw two lightning-fast punches aimed at Eve’s solar plexus. She was naturally quick, and Eve barely managed to block them with her palms, retreating a step in the process. Where their bodies made contact, Jessica could clearly feel the seemingly firm but actually feeble strength of her opponent. She gasped softly in surprise, “Your strength, how...?”

“Again,” Eve cut off Jessica’s unfinished sentence.

With her current lack of strength, winning would have to rely solely on technique. Common close-combat styles emphasized overpowering opponents with sheer force, which didn’t suit her current condition.

Dodging a high sweep aimed at her neck and barely blocking an elbow strike, Eve stepped back, narrowed her eyes, and a sudden inspiration struck her. She abruptly changed her approach.

Their bout had already drawn attention. Seeing Eve repeatedly appear at a disadvantage, the instructor felt a flicker of doubt:

*Was Eve’s close-combat skills lacking?*

But the next moment, doubt turned to astonishment.

The silver-haired girl shifted her right foot into an oblique stance, shifted her weight back, and her starting posture changed from a standard combat stance to a forward-and-back “inquiry hand.” After several probing exchanges, Jessica confirmed that Eve was indeed off her game today. Secretly pleased that Eve finally had her comeuppance, she stopped holding back and launched another sweeping kick, only for Eve to deflect it with two precise movements, steady as a rock.

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her expression turning serious. She retracted her leg and unleashed a flurry of punches. Yet, with pushes, pulls, evasions, and rotations, a blend of hard and soft, the storm of fists landing on Eve was like raindrops falling into the ocean—completely absorbed and neutralized.

Attacks of this level weren’t much to Eve. Her movements weren’t fast, but they carried a peculiar rhythm. Seizing an opportunity, she raised her palm and calmly pressed through the crook of Jessica’s arm, tapping key points on both sides. A numbing sensation, so intense it felt like her scalp was tingling, spread from the tapped areas, and Jessica’s strength involuntarily dissipated.

To onlookers, however, the scene was puzzling. Eve and Jessica seemed to be moving at entirely different speeds—one slow and flowing like clouds, the other swift and wild like a gust of wind. Only Jessica knew just how much pressure she was suddenly under.

“What technique is she using?”

Some students, having finished their own matches, watched the duel with curiosity. “That’s amazing. Is it using clever force?”

The instructor chuckled coldly. “Clever force? Hardly! She can pull it off because Eve is naturally skilled in combat. Every punch and palm strike lands precisely where Jessica’s force is directed. If it were you up there, you’d be knocked down in three moves. Stop gawking and get back to training!”

The student, unexpectedly scolded for an offhand comment, shrunk back and reluctantly returned to sparring with his partner.

Nearby, Luo Wenzhou also noticed the unusual match. “It’s martial arts. Technically, it falls under combat techniques, but it’s rarely taught these days.”

Martial arts were difficult to master quickly. Coming from the Luo family, being well-informed was a given, so he could tell Eve was only using the most basic martial arts moves. But she applied them so aptly that she managed to hold her own against Jessica.

“They taught us a bit in the family,” Dick recalled with effort, still half-heartedly practicing beside Luo Wenzhou. “When was that? I don’t really remember. It was just a demo by our combat instructor on a whim. I’m surprised Eve actually learned it.”

Luo Wenzhou comforted him, “She’s always been clever. There’s no need to compare ourselves to her.”

“True, true. One must know contentment to find happiness.”

“If you two don’t feel like training, you can rest on the side. No need to slack off here—throwing punches without even touching each other.”

A cool voice suddenly cut in. Luo Wenzhou and Dick jumped, thinking the instructor had caught them slacking off. They turned in panic, only to find the instructor completely absorbed in Eve and Jessica’s duel.

Before they could sigh in relief, they spotted a pair of cold, light green eyes outside the training room window.

Luo Wenzhou stammered, “C-Cousin!”

Dick, slightly calmer, quickly withdrew his hand from Luo Eldest Young Master’s shoulder and forced a laugh. “Chief, what brings you here?”

“Just passing by. Thought I’d take a look,” Lorca’s gaze swept over the two slackers before returning to the agile girl not far away. “Not here for an inspection.”

Jessica, finding her aggressive attacks repeatedly deflected by Eve’s calm defenses, grew impatient. But she couldn’t figure out why Eve, usually so proactive, had switched to a purely defensive, reactive style today.

Gritting her teeth, she stepped back. Seeing that other students had finished their matches and were gathering to watch, while Eve calmly reset into her inquiry hand stance each time they separated—chest heaving noticeably but otherwise looking as serene as someone doing morning exercises in a park—only fueled her frustration.

“......”

No good. The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became.

Jessica suddenly threw a straight punch, then closed the distance as Eve sidestepped and reached out, twisting her body to entangle Eve’s limbs. The proximity seemed to momentarily stun the silver-haired girl.

The surrounding students let out a collective gasp. Jessica felt a surge of triumph, but just as she prepared to exert force, the combat instructor, as if seeing through her plan, shook his head. “Getting a bit impatient.”

No sooner had he spoken than Eve abruptly changed tactics. Pivoting on one foot, she spun her body in a full circle, light as a butterfly skimming a flower. Already nearing exhaustion, she hadn’t expected Jessica to be even more impatient. In the blink of an eye, their positions reversed. Eve gave Jessica no further chance, twisting her limbs with flexible force and pinning the little princess to the ground with a pained cry.

But the hold didn’t last long. With a thud, the one doing the pinning also collapsed onto the floor, staring blankly at the ceiling as if life had left her.

Jessica: “...Hey, are you okay?”

Eve gasped weakly, “Alive.”

“Went a little overboard, didn’t you?” The instructor reached down and pulled both girls up, praising generously. “But it was an excellent match. Jessica’s punches were precise, and her close-combat skills are very proficient. Eve, aside from that final twist, used the most basic techniques throughout, but applied them with exceptional precision and experience. Both of you would be standout performers even in the Melee Department next door.”

Jessica, surprised to receive praise despite losing—and even being mentioned before Eve—felt her face grow warm. However, the no-nonsense instructor quickly shifted to critiquing their flaws.

After his detailed feedback, the instructor clapped his hands, getting everyone’s attention. “You all stopped your training halfway to watch Eve and Jessica spar. I didn’t say anything. Their match wasn’t the most flashy in terms of flair or complex techniques, but there’s one thing worth learning from it. Do you know what it is?”

The students looked at each other, confused, and after a long while, someone ventured a guess, "Should we focus on integrating techniques?"

"Is maintaining a stable mindset important?"

"Should we learn to utilize the audience influence?"

"......"

All sorts of answers popped up one after another. The teacher clapped his hands again, telling these chatty kids to quiet down. Once the students fell silent and turned their full attention toward him, the teacher cleared his throat and said seriously, "The most valuable aspect of this match is that both Eve and Jessica knew how to adapt and even come up with new attack strategies based on their own strengths and weaknesses, all in pursuit of defeating their opponent."

To their surprise, most students wore expressions of "That's it?" on their faces.

It's not like they were stupid—everyone knew to use their strengths in a fight.

"What I teach you are set ways derived from generations of teaching experience, designed for ease of understanding—what we call 'routines.' These routines allow you to quickly gain a deeper understanding of what you're learning and often create the illusion that 'I've got it down,'" the combat teacher explained.

"But learning is not the same as imitating. Understanding is only the first step. Next, you must learn to integrate and innovate. A teacher can only get you through the first step. Peers and rivals of similar skill levels can help you with the second step. But the third step—innovation—can only be achieved by yourselves. Only when you reach the stage of innovation can you truly master a skill."

Sitting nearby and chugging her water, Eve looked up upon hearing this. This theory reminded her of the ranking system in Alchemy.

One- and Two-Star Alchemists focus on understanding and initially applying existing Alchemy. Three-Star Alchemists must learn to integrate and combine different types of alchemy from different directions and types. By the time they reach Four-Star or Five-Star levels, they must learn to create. Only at this level can an alchemist truly wield Alchemy and use it without thinking.

The ability to manipulate objects at will, perceive the principles of heaven, humanity, and the self, and touch upon how things work in the world through Alchemy—this is precisely what distinguishes a Senior Alchemist from an ordinary one.

"If you were students at an ordinary school, it would be enough for you to master all combat techniques proficiently. But you are students of the First Empire Academy, and in the future, you will be among the empire's most outstanding and elite individuals. Therefore, you must push yourselves harder."

The teacher concluded the day's lesson with a tone of regret: "Unfortunately, aside from Eve and Jessica, none of the rest of you have shown me this proactive pursuit. If you remain just getting by until the final exam, I will not cut you any slack when grading your grades."

The class bell rang right on time, saving these ashamed young students. Jessica's face was still flushed, and Eve, sitting beside her, heard her mutter softly, "I've never been praised like that before. It makes me sound like a master in training. Ugh, even I'm getting embarrassed."

"......Since when are you so sensitive?" Eve really didn't want to associate insecurity with someone so bold and arrogant. She could only conclude, "It seems the people around you need to improve their flattery skills."

There's a world of difference between the flattery of the cultured and that of the uncultured.

An unopened bottle of water was hurled at her in frustration, only to be narrowly dodged by Eve.

The little princess had a short fuse, and teasing her twice a day was good for the soul.

She slowly left the classroom and bumped right into Lorca, who was waiting outside. Their eyes met, and eventually, Lorca spoke first: "I saw your match with Jessica just now from outside."

"It was impressive," he said gently, looking directly into Eve's eyes with genuine happiness. "You avoided your weaknesses and chose your moves well. I couldn't tell at all that you were under the restriction of an alchemy spell."

Eve raised an eyebrow, not believing he had come just to say this: "Is there nothing else you wanted to say?"

"Of course there is," Lorca was pleased that Eve had caught his implied meaning and said warmly, "Although you're very capable, I still believe that Alchemy is dangerous. Without a Spiritual State and unable to use spiritual power, you'll inevitably face many troubles. So, I hope you'll allow me to stay by your side."

Before Eve could refuse, he added, "Or at least keep the Wall-Imprisoned Serpent with you. Carrying a Spiritual State isn't too troublesome, right?"

Eve looked utterly perplexed: "What's the difference between carrying the Wall-Imprisoned Serpent and carrying you?"

Did Lorca think she didn't know that he and his Spiritual State could share senses at any time?

"Not much difference, but it's still better to have me with you," Lorca said like it was obvious.

Eve stared at him wordlessly for a moment, then had to look away under the sincerity in his eyes.

Sighing, she said helplessly, "Let's go back first. Don't stand in the doorway."

The Mecha Department and the Reconnaissance Department had just finished a large class together, and the two Department Chiefs were blocking the doorway like door guards. Many students were curiously watching the scene.

"What are those two doing?"

"Not sure. Maybe dating?"

"???"

Though she couldn't make out what the other students were whispering, Eve had no interest in being gawked at. She tugged at Lorca's sleeve and hurried away. Once they found a quiet spot with swaying tree shadows, she stopped and turned around, only to find Lorca still staring intently at her.

"......"

This new form of volunteering himself was really a little much for her.

To be fair, Lorca's suggestion made a lot of sense.

The people at the princess's residence still needed to protect the estate, especially since Qin Mengde was recuperating on the capital planet, leaving even fewer hands available to protect her. As for Lorin and the others, though they were at the same school, they had their own classes to attend and couldn't look after her at all times.

Moreover, Eve was well aware of her own talent for finding trouble. Rather than getting her friends mixed up in it, it would be more convenient to have the Wall-Imprisoned Serpent with her.

Family head Oliver had just survived an attack, and the most dangerous place was often the safest. After all, no one would dare accuse Frigga of being the one who targeted family head Oliver and his wife. Under these circumstances, having Lorca accompany her would actually provide more security, as it would prevent anyone from implicating them in the crime of assaulting an empire's important official.

Maybe she should just take the Serpent for now?

Eve was still hesitant: "But what will you do without your Spiritual State?"

"If there's an urgent need, I'll summon it back. Besides, I'm much safer than you think," Lorca paused, then slowly smiled. "But then again, since you can accept the Wall-Imprisoned Serpent, why not take me too?"