The Retired Hero is an Extra

After exchanging a nod of recognition, she didn't forget to offer the instructor some snacks she took out randomly from her space ring.

It wasn't her intention as she was going to go for training, but she really couldn't help it.

The instructor also paused in her preparations, and looked thoughtfully at the girl before accepting the offered snack.

"Thank you," she replied appreciatively in a polite tone, rare from an instructor.

Hearing it, the girl's cute, cheeky grin widened, pleased by the instructor's response.

"You're welcome!" She exclaimed happily, "I find that starting the day with a bit of energy from tasty snacks is quite refreshing."

The instructor chuckled lightly, avoiding the snack with a smile.. "I can see the appeal," the instructor agreed, playing along.

This girl was just so cute and lively that she had won everyone's heart amongst the instructors and no one ever found trouble with her.

"So, Jyra, where are you planning to head this morning?" the instructor asked with some curiosity in her eyes, knowing the hard-working girl quite well.

Jyra just tilted her head, though as her expression remained playful. "I'll be heading to the Elemental Manifestations... it's where I feel most at home."

Hearing Jyra's last words in a lowered voice, the instructor's expression softened as she smiled in understanding and sympathy.

"You certainly have a strong connection with that place," the instructor said, changing the flow of the conversation.

"You're always busy striving to master your elements when others are sleeping or lazing around," the instructor sighed, a little troubled.

Although Jyra had long sensed the instructor's concern and noticed her attempt to steer the conversation away to avoid hurting her, she didn't expose it.

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She felt that it would be betraying her good intentions, and it was better to be carefree and aloof than scheme all day for a bunch of benefits.

Thinking so, her eyes sparkled with determination as she proclaimed, "Absolutely! It's the perfect environment!and maintain her rank to show the world that even someone like her could stand"

"Not only can I constantly challenge myself there, I make progress each time too. After all, I am the world's best..."

Her words paused as a memory buried within her mind was about to rise up and she quickly suppressed it, not wanting her emotions to get agitated all of a sudden.

The instructor didn't seem to notice the oddity and merely nodded in agreement.

"You sure are always up for a challenge," the instructor praised her before adding, "The Elemental Manifestations are all yours!"

It didn't really need to be said, given her ranking as the top student, but the instructor still said it, hoping to motivate the young girl and unravel the knots in her fragile heart.

Jyra's expression turned thoughtful and she replied sweetly. "'Thank you! I want to set a good example for the juniors!"

The instructor's fond smile returned to her face. "You truly are a dedicated student. Your dedication, enthusiasm and commitment are truly inspiring."

A faint blush colored Jyra's cheeks at the compliment, but she maintained her cheerful demeanor.

"I appreciate that!" She nodded in gratitude in a slightly high-pitched voice before realizing her mishap.

"I genuinely enjoy the process of learning and growing," Jyra quickly added to avoid letting it get caught.

As they conversed, Jyra's attention was drawn to a series of fwoosh sounds coming from a distance as if someone was swinging weapons at empty air.

She turned her head, her curiosity evident on her face.

"Do you hear that?" She wondered aloud, her gaze directed toward the source of the noise.

She felt like she knew where the sound was coming from, but she couldn't put her mind to it.

"Ah... it is a freshman trying to hone his sword or so he said," the instructor replied, looking at the source of the sound.

A look of recognition dawned on Jyra's face, and she nodded in understanding, "Of course, as freshmen, they ought to hone their skills."

"Someone must be engaging in rigorous training this early in the morning," Jyra said, a trace of rare nostalgia and a smile appeared on her face.

The instructor's eyes twinkled with a touch of admiration as she agreed, "Indeed! It's rather impressive to witness such dedication from a freshman!"

Jyra's lips curved into a pleased smile. "Early mornings often reveal true enthusiasts of self-improvement."

While it might seem like praising someone else on one end, it could also be misunderstood as her praising herself.

Though she was not that kind of person and would never be narcissistic about her hardwork.

It was something she did to get stronger and hold her rank to show the world that even someone like her could stand on the same level as those privileged children.

Deep in her thoughts, she followed the instructor to take a look, drawing closer to the source of the loud sounds of sword winds.

As they drew closer to the source of the sounds, the instructor's gaze remained focused on the training area.

"It appears the freshman is taking on quite the challenge to improve himself," she mused aloud, observing the sword winds and sounds.

From her years of experience, it was easy to guess that the student must be blessed and immensely hardworking to have such a result.

Yet she didn't think of the student being a genius or monstrous genius; her thoughts differed from others as she had observed Jyra too well.

The girl seemed to lack any talent and still stood above everyone under the guidance of a teacher everyone despised and liked at the same time.

And thus, hearing the instructor's praise, Jyra's curiosity deepened with a hint of intrigue lacing her words.

"I wonder who this freshman might be and how they're faring in their pursuit of the sword."

The instructor's expression turned thoughtful as she pondered aloud, "While I appreciate their enthusiasm, it's important for individuals to recognize their limits and not end up overexerting themselves for little result."

Her words were based on her experience and knowing the student's hardwork, she hadn't gone to say anything, but it seemed inevitable at this moment.

Jyra's brows furrowed slightly, a touch of dissent in her voice, disagreeing with the instructor, "But isn't the Academy about pushing limits and striving for growth?"

The instructor nodded, acknowledging Jyra's perspective, but explained her point,"Indeed, it is."

"However," she continued,"There's a fine line between growth and setting oneself up for a life of misery. Not every battle is worth pursuing."

Jyra's gaze held a glimmer of determination, saying, "I believe that perseverance and determination can overcome even the most daunting odds."

The instructor's lips curved into a gentle smile yet it held an odd sense of bitterness that Jyra missed.

"While that's true, sometimes knowing when to step back is a valuable skill as well. Wisdom lies in recognizing one's limits."

The instructor's words seemed to be laced with her own experience and wisdom instead of something she read and preached about, showcasing her abilities very well.

Jyra's stance stiffened momentarily, a flash of disagreement crossing her face.

"one always shies away from challenges, how can they achieve greatness?"

The instructor's gaze held a mix of understanding and wisdom, containing the vicissitudes of life and reality, which was cold and harsh to everyone.

"It's not about shying away, Jyra," she explained softly, "It's about choosing goals that align with your strengths and have a realistic chance of success."

"Taking on impossible challenges which are overwhelmingly stacked against you might lead to unnecessary setbacks."

However, this was not something that Jyra liked to talk about because it reminded her of unpleasant times in the pasof the unpleasant past...