"Alright then, let's get back to our class. But first, allow me to introduce myself. I am Violet Evangelion Celia. You can call me Master Violet. I will be teaching your [Skill Training] class for the next year," Master Violet said.
Van looked at the overly extroverted Master Violet and thought that this class might not be easy for someone like him.
"So, let's begin our class. First, I'd like to explain what a skill is. A skill is a special ability that every human possesses, but not everyone has the talent or dedication to activate this ability. That's why skill users are considered very rare.
There are two known sources of skills. The first is a skill someone is born with. The second is a skill obtained through hard work," Master Violet explained.
After she finished explaining, a student raised their hand to ask a question.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Master Violet, what's the specific difference between a skill someone is born with and one obtained through hard work?"
"Good question. Someone born with a skill is naturally gifted, while someone who gains a skill through hard work lacks the innate talent but pushes their body's potential to the point where the skill manifests.
Moreover, those who gain skills through effort tend to have better control compared to those born with them," Master Violet answered.
"So, what are we going to learn today, Master Violet?" the students asked.
"We will learn how to analyze the weaknesses of your skills and how to overcome them. Let's start with the handsome, black-haired student," Master Violet said.
Master Violet looked at Van with sparkling eyes as if she were seeing a mountain of treasure.
"She's doing it again. She's always like that when she sees a handsome guy."
"This world is so unfair. Why is he handsome and I'm not?"
Master Violet then approached the training arena where Van was standing and wrapped her arms around his arm, saying, "Stay still for a moment."
Van tried to pull his arm away from Master Violet's grip, but his efforts were futile. This surprised him slightly, since his current physical strength was already on par with a seventh-year senior, yet he was powerless against her strength.
"Is it really necessary to hold on this tightly?" Van asked flatly while still trying to discreetly pull his arm free.
"Be quiet, Student Van. This is my method for analyzing your skill," Master Violet replied.
'You're lying,' Van thought to himself.
After a while, Master Violet finally released Van.
"Alright. I've analyzed your skill. Now show me how you use it," Master Violet said.
Van simply nodded in response and activated [101 Shadows].
'[Shadow Knight]!' Van thought.
His shadow surged and formed into a two-meter-tall knight made of shadow with purple lines running across its body.
"Your skill control is quite good. Normally, people born with a skill have poor control, but yours is far better than other kids your age," Master Violet said, resting her chin on her hand as she observed the [Shadow Knight].
"I just do my best," Van replied calmly.
"Keep practicing, kid. Currently, the summoning speed of your [Shadow] is about one second. If you continue practicing, you might get it down to 0.1 seconds," said Master Violet.
"Yes, Master Violet," Van responded calmly.
"Alright. Theory alone isn't enough. Let's have a duel so you can understand what I meant," Master Violet said.
From the shadows behind her, a [Shadow Knight] identical to Van's emerged.
Even though Van had already expected this, he still couldn't suppress the surprise he felt inside.
The first-year students were also shocked when they saw Master Violet using the same skill as Van. After all, rumors that the eldest son of the Black family possessed an ancient, rare skill had spread throughout the Kingdom of Avalon and even to neighboring kingdoms.
"What's going on? Is Master Violet also from the Black family? How can she use that skill?" a disbelieving first-year student asked.
"Master Violet doesn't have the [101 Shadows] skill," a senior student replied.
The first-year who asked looked confused after hearing the answer. He noticed that the senior's expression was only slightly surprised, as if he had already expected this to happen.
"What do you mean, senior?" the confused first-year asked.
"Master Violet was born with the skill [Copy], which allows her to mimic another person's skill just by touching them. Right now, she can only copy a skill for one hour and can store up to three skills at once.
She also gained the [Skill Analyst] skill when she was still a third-year student at the Academy, thanks to her extensive research on skills around the world," the senior explained.
"So, Master Violet has a skill she was born with and a skill she obtained through hard work," the first-year murmured in awe and disbelief. Other first-years who heard the explanation wore similar expressions.
'Violet Evangelion Celia. The number-two skill maniac in the Academy. Her skill research is incredible. In just a few seconds, she can determine the strengths and weaknesses of a skill,' Van thought.
"Well? Impressive, aren't I? Were you surprised that I have your skill?" Master Violet asked proudly. It was obvious she loved seeing the shocked expressions of her opponents when she used the same skill as theirs.
However, Van's expression remained blank, as if he wasn't surprised at all by what Master Violet had done.
Master Violet looked confused and annoyed when she saw Van's calm, expressionless face.
"Are you a statue or something?" Master Violet asked, clearly baffled and irritated.
"I'm just me. This is how I am," Van answered flatly.
"Alright then. Let's see who's better — the original skill user or the copy," Master Violet rhetorically said.