In mid-March, inside the Mage Tower's training room.
Dressed in mage robes, Roland stood looking refined and scholarly opposite Atali, who wore a silver-white Knight's Uniform.
Atali was tall and perfectly proportioned, her close-fitting leather trousers hugging her legs. With a wooden training sword held upright before her chest, she looked all the more valiant.
"Atali, you can attack now. After studying these past few days, I've mastered the basic martial techniques. Let me test the results of my training against you."
Roland smiled as he spoke, admiring the female knight's bearing.
"Then you'd better be careful."
Atali certainly didn't believe Roland could surpass her years of arduous training with barely half a month of study.
So, as soon as she finished speaking, she charged forward and swung her wooden sword at him.
Roland thrust his training staff forward to block her attack, then twisted it forcefully, diverting the force to one side.
Agile as ever, Atali withdrew her weapon and followed through with a slash.
The sword swept around in a blindingly fast arc toward Roland.
Roland turned his wrist and lifted the butt of his staff against the middle of her sword, once again blocking it with exquisite technique.
After several exchanges, Atali was astonished to discover that Roland's performance was genuinely impressive. He seemed just like a true martial artist who had fought on a battlefield!
"How is this possible? When did you secretly start training?"
After attacking for a while without success, Atali couldn't help stepping aside. Slightly breathless, she spoke in shock.
"I silently cast the complete level-two Six Jia Secret Blessing on myself, then used special methods to conceal its magical aura.
"Besides that, I'm wearing several expensive pieces of magical jewelry. From the Ornate Mana Crystal Necklace to the Belt of Strength, and