"[Shadow Knights]!" Van thought.
From within Van's shadow, 100 identical shadow knights emerged. Including the previously summoned [Shadow Knight], the total reached 101 [Shadow Knights].
Master Violet also performed the same move as Van, but she summoned even more—200 [Shadow Knights].
The [Shadow Knights] from both sides advanced and clashed against one another. Besides attacking with the [Shadow Knights], Van also charged directly at Master Violet.
To Van, he would lose in a skill-based battle. This was because Master Violet was a skill maniac. She had most certainly studied ancient skills like [101 Shadows] and even researched them deeply.
Therefore, to increase his chances of winning, Van decided to join the fight himself.
"Stupid purple-haired chameleon," Van said flatly as he swung his sword at Master Violet.
"Oh my, student Van. How rude of you to speak like that to a lady. You're such a red flag," Master Violet replied as she dodged Van's slash.
She then kicked toward Van's face, but Van managed to block it with his sword's sheath. However, the force behind the kick made Van's hand tremble uncontrollably.
'She's just a skinny woman only 1.4 meters tall, so why is she this strong?' Van thought as he leaped back several steps.
Van looked around and realized that the battle between the \[Shadow Knights] was nearly over, with Master Violet's side winning.
'Tch. Another mana issue,' Van thought as he noticed his mana was down to half after summoning and regenerating his [Shadow Knights] throughout the battle.
[MANA: 49,000 / 110,000]
Van then recalled the [Shadow Knights] into his shadow and summoned a new [Shadow]. From Van's shadow, a giant skeleton standing 30 meters tall emerged.
"[Gashadokuro]!"
The appearance of the giant skeleton shocked both the students and Master Violet. She had thought Van would surrender upon realizing his disadvantage, or perhaps fight back with a stronger [Shadow].
But she didn't expect Van to summon a [Shadow] with only slightly above-average power.
Gashadokuro then swung its massive skeletal arm, sweeping away most of Master Violet's [Shadow Knights], while some managed to dodge. However, due to its enormous size, Gashadokuro became an easy target for the remaining [Shadow Knights].
Although all the students' attention was on the showdown between Gashadokuro and the [Shadow Knights], Master Violet focused only on her surroundings. She noticed that Van had disappeared after [Gashadokuro] appeared.
*WHOOSH
Van suddenly appeared behind Master Violet, ready to strike with his sword.
Van's sudden appearance shocked Master Violet.
'Since when? My [Skill Analyst] only detected two skills, neither related to teleportation. What kind of skill is that?' Master Violet thought in surprise.
"This isn't a skill. It's an ability of my eyes," Van said, as if reading Master Violet's thoughts through her expression.
Van then prepared to strike Master Violet with his sword. However, being experienced, Master Violet knew how to handle such a situation.
From her shadow emerged a 2-meter tall golem made of steel.
'[Elemental Golem], metal type,' Van thought as he saw the golem coming out of Master Violet's shadow.
The golem protected Master Violet with its body, so Van could only slash it, leaving a deep wound in the golem's body.
"Enough. This is just training, boy. Not a death match. By the way, would you mind lending me your eyes? I'm quite interested in researching them," Master Violet said, staring at Van's eyes like a treasure.
"You can have them when I'm dead," Van replied as he sheathed his sword.
'You think my eyes can be taken off like spare parts?' Van thought in irritation.
"Very well. Let's begin your skill training class," Master Violet said as she looked at the students like lab rabbits.
'Crazy skill researcher,' Van thought, seeing the gleam in her eyes.
- - - - -
After two hours, the class finally ended. Van walked out, exhausted and fed up.
He dragged his weary body toward the Academy's cafeteria. For him, every step felt like carrying a mountain on his back.
'Are all the Masters in this Academy psychopaths?' Van thought, recalling Master Violet's inhumane training methods.
For two hours, he was forced to fight all his [Shadows].
At first, it was easy going up against the weaker [Shadows]. But as the level increased, it became harder for him.
'[Shadows] I usually use to fight enemies are now turning against me. The ancestors of the Black family would laugh at me if they saw this,' Van thought.
After a grueling effort, Van finally arrived at the cafeteria.
There, he saw Arthur slumped over the dining table, with two lunch plates—one for himself and one for Van.
Van approached Arthur and asked, "How was it?"
"Now I have two names on my kill list," Arthur replied.
"What happened?" Van asked.
"My last class was [Servant Class] taught by Master Walter. He made me learn how to serve tea, clean tables, and so on. If I refused, he would instantly make me weak and helpless," Arthur explained.
"Weak and helpless?" Van asked flatly.
Although Van's voice and expression were emotionless, Arthur—who had been with Van for years—could tell Van was intrigued.
"How should I explain it? He just snapped his fingers, and it felt like all my strength disappeared. Like I suddenly became a regular human," Arthur said.
"Does it feel similar to my [Void Eye] effect?" Van asked.
"Not quite. His ability made me feel drained, while Master Walter's made my muscles go limp," Arthur replied.
"I see. Can you explain it, Master Violet?" Van asked.
"Master Violet?" Arthur repeated, looking around in confusion but finding no one.
"How did you find me, student Van?" Master Violet asked, who suddenly appeared behind Van.
Startled by Master Violet's sudden appearance, Arthur reflexively swung his sword at her. But Master Violet casually sidestepped the attack.
"Everyone has their secrets, Master Violet," Van answered while taking a spoonful of his lunch.
"How stingy. How about a deal, student Van?" Master Violet offered.
"What kind of deal?" Van asked.
"I'll explain Master Walter's ability, and you explain the ability of your eyes," Master Violet said.
"Interesting offer, but I'll have to refuse," Van replied.