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Bak watched the students intently. Most seemed to be worse on the obstacle course, but there were a few that were quite good. The one braided, brown haired boy did poorly the first time in the obstacle course, since his partner was much better at fighting, but the second time around, he had a partner of more or less equal strength and he had used the obstacle course quite well. Not many seemed comfortable with the obstacles, which made Bak more determined to train them properly. Othras floated over to her.
"Cú Ceat, the class will end soon." the ice dolphin reminded.
Bak nodded absently. She clapped her hands sharply and caught everyone's attention.
"That is all for today's class." she informed. "I expect to see you here tomorrow for more strenuous fighting tactics. You are dismissed."
The class started to leave the room. Bak strode over to the braided boy.
"Excuse me." she said.
He turned to her with a remarkably cheerful grin.
"Yes Professor?" he said.
"I was wondering what your strengths are." Bak asked politely.
"Is it that obvious?" the boy said with a small laugh. "Mecha and gun control."
"May I ask why you are in this class then?" Bak queried. "Most people with those strengths would take the other classes."
"Well, to be honest, I wanted to learn something I wasn't very good at." the boy replied. "I am an excellent mecha pilot and I have great gun and explosive skills, since that's what was required during the war, but I was never good at unarmed combat and I'd like to be better at it."
Bak smiled at the honest answer.
"That is good to hear." she said. "But may I recommend something to you?"
"Sure Professor, no problem." the boy agreed readily.
"I suggest you have someone help you during non-class hours to learn some more fighting skills so that you can keep up with the class. I was rather impressed with your obstacle course skills and I think you could be a good fighter. I could even tutor you after classes if you cannot find anyone else." Bak said.
The boy's grin widened.
"Why thank you Professor Bak." he said. "That's real nice of you. But I think I may have someone who's willing to teach me, so I won't take up any of your time. But thanks though!"
He waved and headed off. Othras went over to Bak.
"Do you really think he has that much potential?" she asked.
"Yes." Bak replied. "He has good instincts, probably acquired from that war he talked about, and I think we could have a good fighter on our hands. To take someone with no experience and train them into someone good is a great task, one that I would like to try and accomplish."
Othras laughed.
"Ah, to better your status at the school back home?" she teased.
"Anything to annoy those idiots." Bak replied just as teasingly. |