Chapter 48 I Did Not Hear My Name 2...
"I did not hear my name!!!"
Those words were not loud but in a gathering such as this, there were significant. Those words effectively meant that Elder Joules had skipped someone.
Everybody turned to the sound of the voice.
To their surprise, a lone figure drew closer, one step at a time. He wore baggy clothes to cover up the forbidden tattoos on his body. His hair was dark and rough, and he even had sleeping bags under his eyes. One look at his face and anyone could tell that he had not slept properly for days.
Yet, his dark eyes gave the impression that they were bottomless in their depth and unfathomable in capability.
As he approached, he pulled along a sword that was at least six feet in length. The sword was black as night and crooked in the most undesirable manner. The edge of the sword seemed to merge with his hand. Like it was an extension of his arm.
As he approached, all the students subconsciously opened up a path for him. This was an action even Cablen unknowingly took. It was like his legs felt the need to stay away on their own.
Chiron approached steadily, the sword digging slightly into the earth as he did. he walked up to the podium where Elder Joules stood.
And then lifting his head, he looked at her right in the eyes and repeated the same words that announced his arrival, "I did not hear my name."
The entire crowd remained quiet for sometime. Chiron had effectively stolen the attention of everybody. This included Dona, who was the chief of the clan.
It took the interrupting cough of elder Fatso to bring the attention of everybody away from the charisma Chiron just commanded with his arrival.
*Cough*
Elder Joules also coughed awkwardly. The reason she had not called Chiron's name was because he had never attended any class since the begining. This was not at all surprising. Everyone knew that the Tamashi could not use spirit energy. There was no need for him to attend the academy.
The invitation for schooling was only given out of courtesy. Simply because he was child of the land.
"Well! you have been absent since the beginning of training, and frankly," she paused a bit, looking him head to toe, "I don't think there is a need for you to be here. After all, you are a TAMASHI! I suggest you go back home, and attend to chickens until you are useful to the clan."
Those words were precise in meaning.
But Chiron did not take offence. He simple had a slight smile at the corner of his lips, "I heard you say that those that did not present a sword for today's class would not be allowed to continue schooling. I never heard you say having a Dantain was the criteria to continue schooling."
Chiron suddenly turned his head, and looked in Dona's direction, "Or are you saying that words given by an elder in representation of the Chief of the Chikitsa clan, are not true!?"
Chiron's words went like a bomb in the minds of every person present.
This was an indirect accusation. It was known fact that Elder Joules represented the highest authority of the clan which was Chief Dona as head of the academy.
Chiron was indirectly saying that Elder Joules was lying. And if she was lying, it only meant that the person by whose authority she was representing, was also lying.
This was not just a slap to her face, but also a slap to the face of chief Dona.
However, it was true. There was no law that stated that a Tamashi could not attend class. After all, the invitation for schooling was actually sent to Chiron.
The only law given was on the issue of swords.
Normally, it was expected that students that had not been attending classes could not possibly do better than those that did. This was the reason why no one bothered about those that missed classes.
They would naturally be weeded out over time.
"Elder Joules!" Dona called.
Joules turned to Dona. She could see the look in his eyes. One major thing all powerful men had in common was the love they had for their reputation.
If Elder Joules does not allow Chiron participate in the test, It would only tell the world that the Chief lied. This was a terrible stain on the reputation of any leader.
After all, in any place, and at any time, the reputation of a man precedes him.
If news should spread that the chief was a liar, his credibility would become questioned.
Dona frowned as he looked intently at Joules. They were in an open space, but the air suddenly felt warmer. Those that had good eyes could see slight waves slowly rising from the Chief's body.
This was evidence that he had activated his spirit energy.
More than anyone, Joules knew her husband. He was angry.
"Yes, Chief Dona!" She immediately bowed.
Others might have noticed it, but Chiron did.
As Elder Joules bowed, her fingers shook by her side. She had to ball her fist to take control.
This was true fear. Even though this two carried the title of Husband and wife. Elder Joules still had such fear for Chief Dona.
Chiron could not help but observe closely. This was what he wanted. True Power.
Elder Joules looked back at Chiron. The speed at which she used to regain her composure was incredible to say the least.
"Since you have a sword, you are permitted to take the first test," then she frowned and added, "but if you fail to make even an inch in the boulder, you will have to leave the academy, and never return. No one has time to pamper a child without a Dantain."
To the surprise of everyone, Chiron nodded his head in agreement, and then to the surprise of everyone watching, he raised his head and asked, "an what if I do!?"
"Huh!?"
This question took the entire crowd by surprise.
"What if I'm able to make an Inch into the boulder!?"
Elder Joules laughed loudly. She laughed because she knew that it was impossible. Striking the boulder and making an Inch deep scar was not the same thing as cutting wood. Even wood would need several hits.
It took strength to cut wood.
This was a boulder entirely made of iron. One hit of the sword without spirit energy was going to send a person flying through the air just like the others during the exam.
"Let's do it like this, if you make it to even an Inch, I'll grant one request of yours!" Elder Joules smiled...
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