Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest-Chapter 397 91.5 - Duels [2]

Sometimes, we think about life. It is the basic human thought process. Even though we are engulfed in this river called life, there are times when it flows at a slightly slower pace, leaving us enough room to think about ourselves.

But is it beneficial?

One might ask that, but the answer to this mostly depends on the person.

Since some people would rather be occupied with something else than think, sometimes, thinking about things or remembering them is more hurtful than anything else.

After my fight with Liam and surrendering, the atmosphere in the amphitheater was charged with mixed emotions. Liam's face contorted with fury when I uttered the words, "I surrender."

It was clear he had hoped to drag the duel out, to inflict more humiliation upon me. His eyes bore into mine, filled with contempt.

"You're nothing but trash, Astron," he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "You can't even man up and stand on your own."

I remained silent, my expression unchanging. There was no point in responding to his taunts. I had achieved what I needed. Any further conflict was unnecessary and would only serve to satisfy his ego.

Liam glared at me for a moment longer, then turned on his heel and stormed out of the arena, muttering insults under his breath. The crowd's murmurs filled the air, but I paid them no mind.

I had my own reasons for surrendering, reasons that were far more important than their opinions.

With Liam gone, I stayed behind, my eyes fixed on the arena. I wanted to see Ethan's duel and witness his prowess firsthand.

Since he was the main character of this world, it was important to see his progress. After all, he will be a crucial point against the threats in the future.

His progress is important.

The amphitheater buzzed with anticipation as Ethan Hartley stepped into the arena, his spear gleaming under the lights.

His opponent, Samuel, stood across from him, determination etched into his features. He was one of the characters that were appointed as the duel fighter in the game. According to the choice of the player, the rewards would change.

Samuel was one of the hardest enemies that players would face.

The duel began, and it was immediately clear why Ethan was so highly regarded. His movements were fluid and precise, and his control over lightning was impressive. Each strike of his spear crackled with energy, a storm in human form.

Despite Samuel's best efforts, Ethan dominated the duel with a combination of skill and raw power.

The crowd erupted into applause, their admiration for Ethan evident. I watched closely, analyzing his technique and strategies. He was undoubtedly a prodigy, and his performance only solidified that reputation.

In the stands, I noticed Kaya and Jane watching Ethan with pride. Kaya's eyes had been directed at me at some point in my duel. I was able to sense it.

It seemed she had noticed my presence and was intrigued by my actions. Though the reason was mostly related to the Hartley family's strong instincts, it was fine for me.

Since there wasn't any distinction that she could identify me.

As Ethan and Samuel left the arena, I also followed them.

There was a clear reason for me to do that.

'Demonic Energy.'

The sinister energy was spread through the locker rooms.

'They are finally moving.'

The fact that the demonic humans were moving alone made it clear. The attack on the final exams was going to happen.

'They are trying to spread demonic seeds.'

The reason why demons are hated this much is mostly because of a special attribute that they possess, which other races rarely do.

Corrosion.

This ability may seem innocent at first. But, when it comes to the corrosion of mind, soul, and thoughts, it becomes way more dangerous than it has ever been.

The moment one's own mind corrodes, one becomes a slave to one's emotions; at that moment, one goes berserk and becomes dangerous.

A desperate father who is trying his best to feed his family…Once he loses himself to despair or anger, that family can no longer be happy.

Domestic violence.

This is the same for the young woman who looks at her peers, seeing their beauty and competing with them.

The standards of life can not be met with her efforts, making her feel trapped. The reality may not be like that, but as long as that is what she feels, the possibility of an emotional stir appears.

And from now on, that person will no longer become themselves, losing their own identity.

That is the power of demons, the way they work.

In the duel time, with the feelings of joy, superiority, and pride on the one hand while the feelings of despair, inferiority, envy, sadness, and disappointment on the other hand, the perfect opportunity for demons to work appears.

Even if it was subtle, I was able to confirm the demonic energy. Though that made me feel suffocated and tense a little, it was not completely unbearable.

While looking for the traces in the locker rooms, I also somehow observed the interactions between them and their families.

There was a warmth and camaraderie that was almost foreign to me. At least, at this point, it became foreign.

However, somehow, seeing Ethan and Jane, or Samuel and his sister, made me remember the past again.

It was a bitter feeling, once again making my heart cold. Since the moment I remembered Estelle, it always ended in me remembering her death.

Those claws.

'They will haunt me until the end, won't they?'

A question that didn't contain any emotions.

In any case, since I didn't belong to this place, there was no need for me to stand here and waste any more time.

I need to be ready for the attack so that I can hunt as many demonic humans as I can.

That is all I can do for her, at least.

********

<Wednesday, Evening, Arcadia Hunter Academy>

The sun was setting over Arcadia Hunter Academy, casting a golden hue across the sprawling campus.

Eleanor walked back to her office, her mind occupied with the day's events.

The amphitheater had been abuzz with excitement as the duels continued, showcasing the talents and determination of the students.

Once she was settled in her office, Eleanor began to recount the fights she had watched that day. She thought about Astron Natusalune's duel with Liam Wayne.

Despite the significant difference in their ranks, Astron had managed to hold his own and strategically surrendered at the right moment. It was a smart move, demonstrating his ability to read his opponent and the situation accurately.

But it was Ethan Hartley's duel that had truly captivated her. His battle with Samuel Greaves was nothing short of spectacular.

Ethan's mastery over lightning psions and his skill with the spear was impressive, to say the least.

'That is just as expected. At this point, it is one hundred percent that he is one of the candidates.' She replayed the key moments of the duel in her mind. Ethan's [Thunder God's Wrath] was a sight to behold, the sheer power of the lightning-infused spear striking awe into the spectators.

His strategic use of [Thunder Step] and the precision with which he countered Samuel's earthen-enhanced attacks showcased his growth and potential.

Eleanor knew the distinct difference between a genius and a talented induvial in terms of combat.

Those who are gifted in combat possess something called 'internalization.' Without any logical explanations, they were able to grasp the hardest skills on their own.

Eleanor knew that because she, too, was the same. The moment she started wielding mana, it submitted to her. She was just naturally gifted.

In the academy, she stormed through every student; none were able to rival her. And as one of those, she recognized a fellow genius. 𝘧𝓇𝘦𝘦𝔀ℯ𝘣𝓃𝓸𝓿ℯ𝘭.𝑐𝓸𝓂

'A natural.'

Ethan's improvement was itself not something that had ever been seen. Since those who improved their stats needed to adapt their strength, and in fights, even the smallest lack of control would be detrimental.

Then, what happens if one improves like Ethan? Constantly increasing their strength?

They need to adapt to those changes almost constantly so that they can once again improve. To do that, the cognitive ability to grasp the essence of movements is the most important thing.

Seemingly enough, this alone made

"Ethan Hartley," Eleanor mused, her eyes reflecting her thoughts. "His prowess is exceptional, even considering his lineage. The way he controls his mana and uses his spear… it's clear he's not just riding on his family's name. He's genuinely a skilled genius."

From that moment on, she would observe his every improvement and guide him thoroughly since such a talent was almost equal to 1000 talented hunters.

'Mentor program.'

As she finished her notes, Eleanor's thoughts shifted to a more pressing concern. The anonymous email she had received, the photos implicating Professor Whitaker, and the potential attack during the final exams by demon contractors weighed heavily on her mind.

"An attack during the final exams…" she muttered, her expression darkening. "It is a thin thread."

She had already made sufficient preparations in her mind. At least she was sure that she would capture many of the attackers.

'Even maybe that bitch.'

Anger rose in her heart, but she calmed herself down.

Taking a deep breath, she leaned back in her chair, her mind already working through various scenarios and contingency plans.

"Tomorrow will be another long day," she thought, standing up to prepare for the meeting with the administration.

Since Thursday would be the start of the most important duels that were about to come.

From that point on, the high-ranking students' duels would commence.

'Ethan Hartley. Show me your talent.' She thought inwardly.

********

In his room, Lucas sat alone, watching the video of Ethan's duel on his holo-screen. The footage captured the intense clash between Ethan Hartley and Samuel Greaves, showcasing Ethan's lightning-infused spear techniques.

As Lucas observed Ethan's movements, his expression grew thoughtful.

"He's really grown," Lucas murmured to himself, eyes fixed on the screen. "His progress is incredible."

Throughout the duel, Ethan displayed not only skill but also a deep understanding of his elemental attributes. His lightning techniques were precise and powerful, overwhelming even a higher-ranked opponent like Samuel.

Lucas couldn't help but feel a twinge of inferiority. He had known Ethan for years and had witnessed his growth firsthand, yet seeing it in action now, in such a dramatic and skilled display, made Lucas reflect on his own journey.

"He's on a completely different level," Lucas muttered, running a hand through his hair. "And here I am, still struggling to master basic techniques."

Lucas closed his eyes briefly, recalling the vision he had experienced months ago, where Ethan's potential had been hinted at.

In that vision, he had seen flashes of Ethan's future prowess, but witnessing it now, in real time, was a stark reminder of the gap between them.

"…No…he is a lot stronger than compared to that time. He is improving at a faster rate…"

'How? How is this possible?'

The question lingered in his mind as he continued to watch, absorbing every detail of Ethan's victory.

'Always.'

As the video concluded and the cheers of the crowd faded, Lucas leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

In another timeline, he had resolved himself to redouble his training efforts, push himself harder, and strive for improvement, inspired by Ethan's example.

And what did he achieve doing that?

Nothing.

A complete shadow of someone.

'This time, it will be different.' He thought.

'This time, I will be in the spotlight.'