Chapter 68: Gabriel Keller

Lily was Tier 3, so her physical attributes were better than Julius’s, but she made sure to limit herself the best she could. To be honest, Julius didn’t think it would have mattered if she did. Maybe Lily thought she was being helpful, but after a few minutes, it became obvious that Julius was a much better fighter than her. She even started to notice and began using more of her actual physical abilities.

Her raw speed and strength were impressive but they didn’t matter if she didn’t know how to use them properly. Julius used a little kinetic energy to keep up with her speed, but Julius didn’t capitalize on her openings and punch her in the face. They were all wearing the simulated combat devices, so while no one would get hurt, they could still feel the pain of a fist crunching their nose.

Lily was clearly nervous about fighting with her fists, and he helped her out whenever he saw something wrong. Although it was a class where he was supposed to be learning, he found himself acting in a teaching role.

He didn’t mind at all. He had all year to practice but he considered Lily and others his friends and wanted to help them out whenever he could. They might not have realized it, but they made his transition much easier and he was extremely grateful.

So for a while, he patiently showed Lily basic things like how to throw a punch and how to avoid a strike while not getting off balance. After Julius told her a little trick about placing her feet she stopped for a minute.

“You are good at this,” Lily complimented to Julius only a little out of breath.

Julius was glad to see that her endurance was quite good for someone who didn’t focus on the physical combat side. Throwing punches for the first time was more exhausting than most people would think.

“I am focusing on close combat after all,” Julius replied.

“I’m serious, you are only Tier 1 and while I can feel some sort of enhancement skill running, it is on low intensity. You are keeping up with me easily, and I don’t know if I should be embarrassed or impressed,” she told him.

“It’s only your first time, trust me you will get much better with practice. Come on, enough dillydallying, let’s go again,” Julius insisted.

Julius was going another round with Lily when he felt someone at his back, watching him. Julius used [Spatial Perception] and was able to determine that it was Professor Keller. He didn’t seem like he was happy either if the way he was looking at Julius was any indicator.

Lily seemed to sense Professor Keller’s attention as well because she took a step back and bowed. “Professor Keller, it is good to see you again.”

Professor Keller turned to look at her, “Ah, Ms. Violet, I must admit I was quite pleasantly shocked to see your name among my roster this year. I always thought that learning some sort of close-quarter combat skill would do you some good.”

“My friends finally convinced me,” Lily said with a small grin.

“Yes, it would appear they did. Is this one of these so-called friends?” Professor Keller asked while looking at Julius again.

Lily smiled wider and said, “Yes, this is Julius and he is new to Goldencrest this year, he was excited to be taking your class.”

“I’m sure he was.” Professor Keller said. “But I have assistants for a reason. I understand that he is helping you, but he is supposed to be focusing on his own training.”

Then the professor turned to him and said, “Stay behind after class.” Then he just walked away, leaving Julius feeling confused at the interaction. He was sure that he hadn’t done anything to piss Professor Keller off unless he was actually mad that he had been helping Lily, but he doubted that. There were plenty of students who were helping their sparring partners.

After the class ended, Lily made sure to thank Julius for his help. Edgar and Aubrey made their way toward them and asked if Julius wanted to come with the three of them to the library. They were going to do some studying and thought he might want to come as well.

Julius shook his head. “I have to stay after class, Professor Keller wanted to talk with me after class but I can meet you guys there afterward,” he told them.

“Why would he want to see you after class?” Edgar asked with a confused face.

Lily answered for Julius. “He rebuked Julius since he was teaching me more than prioritizing his own training.”

Edgar put a hand under his chin. “That shouldn’t make him upset, he has always been fine with students helping out with other students.”

“You think he has something against Julius?” Aubrey questioned.

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Julius didn’t want them to continue to think that something was wrong, so he interrupted them. “I don’t think he was that upset. I met him when he proctored my practical exam and he was very nice.”

The three of them paused, taking in what Julius said.

“Why was he like that then?” Lily asked.

“I don’t know, but I guess I will find out in a moment. I’ll tell you guys when I see you at the library,” Julius said.

They were still confused, but they said their goodbyes to Julius and told him where they usually hang out in the library before leaving.

Julius watched them and the other students funnel out of the gym until it was just Julius, the remaining assistants, and Professor Keller.

Professor Keller saw him standing off to the side and told something to the assistants. Then Julius saw the assistants all walk out together, leaving just Julius and Professor Keller. Unlike the cold stare he got earlier today, Julius watched as Professor Keller smiled wide at Julius and walked up to him, slapping Julius on the shoulder and almost dropping him to his knees.