Chapter 7: Marvelous Mentor

After a short interval of silence, Jon cleared his throat and mumbled, "We were playing with each other."

Jon good-naturedly covered Raphael.

Raphael, however, chose not to speak.

"Very well, I will accept your explanation. You may leave." Master Shi nodded at Jon then turned to Raphael.

"Young man, I do not wish to see anyone holding their weapons on school grounds outside of the training room," Master Shi frowned then confiscated Raphael's boomerang.

"This will stay in my office until you submit a 10 000-word reflection explaining why you were holding your boomerang here," Master Shi sternly told Raphael.

Unable to control his indignation, Raphael spewed a string of vulgarities at the principal.

Master Shi was appalled at his imprudent behavior, "For your lack of repentance and rudeness, you will also serve a month of detention."

Upon hearing that, Raphael realized what he had done and could only helplessly nod, "I apologize Master Shi."

"You are dismissed," Master Shi coolly said before he sauntered off.

Subsequently, Raphael left in the opposite direction.

"Phew, that was a close call," Melissa said as she walked toward Jon. "Are you alright?"

She checked him for signs of injury.

"I am fine. You do not have to worry," Jon smiled. "We should go to class now. Our lunch break will be over soon."

Melissa nodded and cautioned, "Raphael will not let you off easily. Please be careful from now on."

Jon smiled and squeezed her hand to assure her.

However, as they walked to their next venue, he warily thought to himself, "I hope I will be able to defend myself against him when the time comes."

---

The second half of classes focused on training higher grade students in their specialization.

Students at higher levels were able to specialize in one of the basic courses and study related higher-level courses, such as spell casting, manipulating natural elements, movement techniques, and so on.

Jon chose to study movement techniques since he believed it was a useful skill.

Furthermore, being a nature enthusiast, he unsurprisingly gravitated toward learning how to control natural elements: fire, earth, water, and air.

He looked forward to his next class on elements.

"Although elements are classified into different categories, they are highly interlinked," the teacher expounded. "For example, water can be found in air and air can be used to extinguish or light fire."

While some students found learning theory uninteresting and preferred hands-on lessons, Jon loved understanding the principles behind what was happening in reality.

"Today, we will study the element of air," his teacher introduced the topic. "Air is the lightest and most versatile element."

Jon had struggled to keep up with his peers in most of his higher-level courses. Part of the reason had been that he lacked the guidance of a private tutor.

The start of this semester, however, a teacher, Master Hui, had approached him and had offered him supplementary lessons on alternate days after school.

Jon had thought the lessons had been offered to students who had performed poorly in their studies compared to others in their cohort.

However, he had quickly realized that he had been the only student Master Hui offered extra help to.

---

Start of the semester…

"I want to speak to you Jon," Master Hui approached Jon just as he was leaving school grounds.

Jon was taken aback. He had never been taught by Master Hui before so he did not know how the teacher knew his name.

"Meet me after school every alternate day," Master Hui kindly told him. "I will give you extra lessons to help you in school. See you at this place tomorrow after your classes!"

Master Hui left without giving Jon the opportunity to speak.

Jon thought it was strange that the teacher knew his timetable. However, he obeyed instructions and met Master Hui the next day.

"Show me your basic moves," Master Hui had arrived before Jon and had been patiently waiting.

Jon did as he was told. He started with his weakest movement.

For every action he made, Master Hui patiently gave feedback on how he could improve.

"Make sure your leg is straight while you kick," Master Hui advised.

At times, Master Hui noticed that Jon looked dejected during training. He would then ask about Jon's well-being and encourage him.

"I have faith in you, Jon. You can do it. Do not give up," Master Hui looked at him with a compassionate gaze.

Over time, Jon unreservedly shared about the troubles he was facing in school and home.

While he was uncertain about Master Hui's motives for helping him, he quelled his curiosity because he could sense Master Hui's sincerity.

"I believe Master Hui is a good man," Jon reassured himself. He was immensely grateful that he had received help in his studies.

Soon, under the guidance of an expert, Jon had caught up with his peers.

---

His final lesson for the day was over. He then prepared himself to meet Master Hui.

"I am here Master Hui," Jon called excitedly as he saw Master Hui sitting on a bench and reading a book.

Master Hui looked up and smiled, "Good to see you, Jon! Let us get started on training your energy levels."

Jon happily nodded and began gathering his energy. This aspect was difficult to train without supplements such as pills and potions.

However, Master Hui had a secret technique to pass down to Jon.

"I did it!" Jon gleefully cheered after he shot a green energy ball and completely destroyed a target for the first time.

"I knew you could do it," Master Hui's sharp eyes glinted as he encouraged Jon and patted his back.

"Thank you, Master Hui," Jon respectfully bowed deeply.

"Relax, you do not have to be so courteous to me," Master Hui chuckled. "The sky is getting dark. You should go home to rest. Let us call it a day now."

After a long day at school, Jon was indeed exhausted and looked forward to resting at home.

"I hope everyone at home is still fine," Jon thought to himself as he took his backpack. He impatiently made his way to his tiny cottage.

---

"I am home!" Jon cheerily called as he stepped into his house. However, he was met with an eerie silence.

"Father? Mother? Where are you?" Jon felt chills run up his spine.

He rushed to his parents' bedroom.

To his horror, he saw both of them lying on their bed and looking pale.