The Elusive Book Keeper

"Damn! That was a good workout, I can still hear my muscles popping." Todd Gilberts exclaimed as soon as the instructor and his two ȧssistants had left. However, his statement did not gather any reply from the class. A strange silence seemed to permeate the atmosphere of the Combat Sniping Class.

It was as if the last word of Aaron West was still ringing in their ears. "A class of fourteen students and nobody scored a 100 percent in a beginner marksmanship test. Nobody scored even an 80%. Dungeons and ruins are not like games. You would not always be in perfect condition.     What you are telling me is that none of you can make the shot after your party has run a few miles, no one of you can make the shot when it really matters. "

Some students had lowered their heads out of shame, but Aaron would not have it. "Look up! I can promise you that even the lowest rank dungeon would be more gruesome than this fitness test. Do you still think Agility is all that a sniper requires? I hope this will be a lesson to you." His eyes were soft when he stared at them but his words were like hammers to the ċhėst. Turning, He left the class.

Zane looked around the class. Everyone looked worn out and exhausted but their eyes shone, well mostly with anger and disgruntlement. How could they be reconciled? 

They were the cream of the crop. The selected ones that could get into Amherst College. It was a thing of pride and many had been eager to show off but in the end.

From the corner of his eyes, he could see Jet was clenching his hands tightly.  Aaron was not wrong. They were eighteen and had awakened. Many of them were still filled with pride, obstinate in what they think is right. This is a symptom of youthfulness. Occasionally pouring cold water on them was actually good for them.

Zane gazed up at the bright sky. He felt a little out of sorts. He had scored 75%. Technically speaking, he had the highest score in the class and that was a thing of praise, but was it something he should really take joy in?

Not only was he familiar with Aaron's marksmanship practice after strenuous exercise but he had also learnt to converse energy as much as he could.

That is to say that rather than joy, Zane felt a tinge of disappointment. When he was sixteen, he had taken an interest in marksmanship so he had joined Ren's family's shooting rink back in cloud city. 

Within five months, he had advanced to the top of the Beginner class scoring 95% in 400 meters and 90% percent in 500 meters just the next month. That he had scored a mere 75% in a distance of 250 meters. what was it if not an embarrassment?

It was probably because of this glimmer of disappointment that he felt that he had nothing to say to the pointed looks Avery and now Olivia was giving him. 

Trying not to focus on his Woeful results and leaving tomorrow's problems for tomorrow. He attempted to decipher the two looks the two girls were giving him.  

Olivia's eyebrows were raised and her forehead pulled back as much as possible. She was a really ice beauty. Even the surprised expression she was making did not give any warmth to her glacial countenance. She was probably thinking that how could the pretty Acada be so physically fit.

That was a situation Zane had dealt with all his life. 

"Isn't that Zane. that super-smart boy...I didn't know that he could fight?"

"You got an A+ in Close Quarters Combat? Are you sure? How can you get A+ in both practical science and CQC? Let me check with the teacher again."

He did not know why it is hard to believe that there could be people that are very smart and very strong as well. Well, he was not very strong but he was still strong for his age. Okay let him tone it down a bit, the most important thing is that he can defend himself. As long as the opponent is on similar levels with him.

No matter what, he was glad that her impression of him had improved somewhat and that was good news for him...

On the other hand, Avery was no longer sneering at him or glaring either. She seemed to be watching him and thinking of something. Her eyes were more relaxed and approving. Zane just hoped she did not approve of him as a rival because he neither had the strength nor time to keep on with her.

"I m famished, Let's eat." The boy who had spoken early, Todd said again. He seemed to be the type that hated such a silent atmosphere.

Zane nodded and got up, "He is right. Come on, guys. So we had a shitty morning..."

"The shittest." A girl, Precious called out from where she lay spawned...

Zane chuckled. "Alright, the shittest. But the results are out, we just need to work hard. First food. Let this not go to waste."

Some students started getting up slowly but some still remained lying on whatever surface they found. Matt, the guy lying near him, refused to budge an inch. When Zane gave him.an inquiring look, he just rolled his eyes, "Easy for you to say, you are all happy, you got the highest score among us."

Zane could see Jet's unclenched fist, clench itself and he sighed.

"Do you really think I am happy? The fact I got 75% in a shooting test of 250 meters with no wind, or added difficulties. I don't want the knowledge to even leave this class. I just want to go to bed and sleep, so when I wake up, I can convince myself that this was all a bad dream."

Some members of the class laughed.

"That is not going to happen. While you are sleeping, others would be training and when you wake up, others have already left you behind." Avery said. White wings appeared on her back and she took to the sky.

Zane sighed again. I guess she would not be joining us then.

One particular student, Precious Snow burst out laughing. She held her stomach as she laughed as she was clearly in pain. 

"You are very funny. I like you. My name is Snow." She was a pretty girl with black hair and beautiful coffee eyes.

"My name is .."

"Zane Valois. I know who you are. " She smiled at him.

Todd complained, "I feel like every step is hell and you have the mind to stand here and pick up girls."

"Who said he is the one doing the picking?"

Todd whistled. "Spicy! girl, spicy."

Personally, Zane felt that if he had the strength to talk so much, he definitely had the strength to walk. 

He smiled warmly at the person heading for the door. After he, Avery and Olivia, Olive had the highest score at 65%. He was quite plain with a dusting of freckles on his nose. The type of person to go unnoticed but Zane had this feeling that this person was very interesting. 

"Olive, aren't you going to join us."

Olive froze where he stood. He looked back at the group of people that were now staring at him.. He suddenly felt cold.