Chapter 13: The Hunter’s Spirit

If Afu’s trial had ignited the arena with a battle that made the crowd roar, Akuma’s fight plunged the entire venue into an eerie silence.

Never would they have imagined that an instructor, who should have been high above them, would be held at knifepoint by a magic freshman.

Even knowing that the instructors were holding back, the spectators still cast gazes of admiration toward Akuma on the stage.

Their previous jealousy and disdain had vanished, replaced by profound respect for this young man.

Then, led by an unknown individual, thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue.

Akuma gasped for air, deactivating the energy blade in their hand. Perhaps due to excessive mana depletion, their steps were noticeably unsteady. Despite this, they managed to force a confident smile at Instructor Xiluo Ya.

“Next time, I hope to fight you at your true strength.”

With those words, Akuma turned and walked off the stage.

Instructor Xiluo Ya watched their departure, a slight upward curve gracing his lips. He pushed up his black-rimmed glasses, and with a hand supporting his cheek, he sighed as if in lament.

His gaze, peeking through the gaps in his fingers, remained fixed on Akuma.

“I also hope you can use your full strength… Well, I only have two people left on my review list, don’t I? I should finish up quickly and go have a drink with Conrad.”

***

“Yo, are you alright?”

It was a somewhat awkward greeting. Mo Ya now stood before Akuma, his hand raised in a wave.

“Who do you think I am? I still have that much ability.”

Akuma tapped their own head, attempting to project strength, but their body proved more honest. They stumbled, falling into Mo Ya’s arms.

“Oh my…”

Mo Ya naturally embraced Akuma, who had pitched forward, and let out a surprised exclamation.

“You stoic, hurry up and let me go!”

“Oh.”

Mo Ya precisely followed Akuma’s command, releasing his hold. This caught Akuma completely off guard. Without support, they could only sway precariously on the ground, struggling with their already unstable balance.

“Eh… woah!”

They tumbled into Mo Ya’s arms once more, though this time, their expression was rather subtle. Indeed, if one were to describe it, it was akin to being on the verge of tears, yet holding them back.

Akuma gently pressed their lips together, their hands gripping Mo Ya’s sleeve tightly.

“Thank you.”

A small voice emerged from their mouth, which Mo Ya naturally heard.

“…You really are quite like a girl.”

“Eh! You… what are you saying! How could I be a girl!”

Mo Ya’s seemingly casual and inexplicable remark suddenly made Akuma’s heart clench.

“Why do you say I’m like a girl?”

“Look, you inherently resemble a girl; that’s the prerequisite. And after spending these past few days with you, I’ve noticed your personality is quite similar too.”

“You’re so verbose!” Akuma punched Mo Ya’s chest, making the latter wince in exaggerated pain.

“I… this great lord is a pure man! Also… your acting is terrible.”

“Oh.”

Mo Ya nodded, slowly withdrawing his support from Akuma. He maintained a safe distance, his eyes once again deepening with a profound look.

“Why exert yourself so much? This kind of trial is completely insignificant, isn’t it?”

‘Because it won’t even cost a life.’

Mo Ya felt puzzled. For him, the objective of battle was always singular: to survive, and then to obtain power sufficient to challenge destiny.

‘One’s own destiny is always decided by oneself. No one is allowed to manipulate it.’

“Because I don’t want to fail. So… there’s only one path: to become stronger, isn’t there?” He smiled, closing his eyes. No one knew the reason he didn’t want to fail, but they felt his unwavering determination to grow stronger.

“Moreover… I once made a promise to someone that I would stand before them using only my own strength.”

Mo Ya watched him quietly, saying nothing.

“Next, Mo Ya.”

The summons came at an inopportune moment. Mo Ya took a step, beginning his walk toward the stage. As he went, he spoke his thoughts to Akuma.

“Isn’t this interesting? Hey… Akuma, don’t you ever stop moving forward. Otherwise, who knows, one day you might just be surpassed by a straggler like me.”

“Then, let me be a gear in your destiny. And try your best to break me.”

Watching Mo Ya’s retreating figure heading for the stage, he murmured softly to himself.

Mo Ya seemed not to have heard.

For once, Mo Ya felt a flicker of fighting spirit.

Previously, he had intended to abandon this trial because such battles were meaningless to him, merely wasting his time. His magic power had yet to condense, and if that were the case… no instructor would acknowledge him.

But now, it was different… Yes, he couldn’t let go of any opportunity to fight. Regardless of how boring or painful the process might be, battle always brought him surprises.

Through continuous evolution, he gained wisdom. Through constant growth, he acquired subordinates, power, and strength.

But when had he forgotten that fervent passion for battle he once possessed?

‘Was it when I became a king? Or even earlier than that.’

‘I don’t want to fail, and I want to become stronger.’

‘That’s enough of a reason to fight!’

‘Thank you, Akuma.’

Mo Ya stepped onto the stage, his stride now devoid of any hesitation.

From this moment, it was time for the King’s return.

“I’ve been waiting for you. Now… let the trial begin.”

Accompanied by the sound of a silver spear dragging on the ground, her figure stood upon the stage.

Armor gleamed with an icy, intimidating light, and pure black hair cascaded over it.

The young woman stood, spear in hand, a hint of seriousness in her eyes.

“The Ice Witch, then?”

Mo Ya’s blood began to stir.

“Let me say this upfront: that fellow Conrad ditched his instructor duties. I’m just temporarily assisting.”

“Oh~ interesting. Then… if I defeat you, who will become my teacher?”

Mo Ya’s words drew laughter from the entire audience.

“What a joke! That straggler wants to beat the Ice Witch!”

“Is he an idiot?”

At the top of the spectator stands, Akuma was equally shocked by Mo Ya’s words, but what surprised them most wasn’t the words themselves, but the expression on Mo Ya’s face. It was the look of a hunter, revealing the thrill and passion of a predator.

“This guy… he can make an expression like that?”

*Clink*, the silver spear tapped the ground, even Shakia was somewhat moved.

She hadn’t misheard; this straggler before her wanted to challenge her, and then… defeat her.

“Very well. If you win, I’ll have Instructor Xiluo Ya take you on. After all, he’s quite familiar with Conrad. However…”

She raised her silver spear, and a chill began to emanate from the surrounding area.

“I will absolutely not hold back.”