Return Of The SSS-Class Hunter-Chapter 134: A Duel
Time passed. Bodies littered the arena floor, unconscious contestants scattered like fallen leaves after a storm. Spells had faded, dust settled, and heavy breathing echoed through the battlefield.
Only ten participants remained standing.
The atmosphere had changed. The remaining ten stood apart from one another, each radiating a sharp, authoritative presence. They were not weaklings. They were monsters in their own right.
Eight of them had ranked within the top ten of the previous Half-Yearly Ranker's Test. The other two were Emma and Fredrick. Both of them were absent for specific reasons.
This was Cecilia's first time participating as well, but she was in a league of her own.
And that alone made this moment heavier.
Around the arena, the gallery was buzzing with murmurs and cheers.
"If he clears all five trials… He'll be the top-ranked student. No debate."
"Even fourth-years won't be able to deny it."
That thought alone was enough to change minds. Some of the remaining participants had held back until now, not out of fear, but principle. They hadn't wanted to bully a first-year. They hadn't wanted to swarm a single opponent. So they hadn't even lifted a finger till now. But principles shattered easily in the face of pride.
And envy.
And fear.
So now they were ready to take action. Maybe not in a group, though.
Cecilia watched silently, arms crossed, eyes sharp. She had never been the type to attack in groups. Even now, she didn't move.
Just then...
A boy in a green robe stepped forward.
His posture was relaxed, almost lazy. His robes bore the crest of a well-known lineage, stitched with subtle enchantments. His chin was raised, eyes filled with arrogance born from years of privilege and validation. "I am Cherry Doyle, of the Doyle Family," he announced loudly.
A ripple passed through the crowd.
"The ninth ranker from the last test…"
"He is a tough one. He's from a legacy family, after all. Let's see if he can win against that first-year cultivator."
Cherry smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on Derek. "It's an honor for you," he said lightly, "that I've taken a liking to you."
A pause. "But now," his smile sharpened, "it's time to remind you where you belong."
The implication was clear. Derek was a novelty. An anomaly. Something interesting, but not equal.
Those from the legacy families had always believed one thing above all else: No one could truly surpass them.
Cherry raised a finger and crooked it toward Derek. "I'll take you on alone," he said arrogantly. "Come. Give me your best shot."
It was a clear provocation.
The students in the gallery held their breath. Even the other participants were waiting for a show to begin.
But Derek met his gaze calmly. "Sure," he replied evenly. "I'm always open to learning. Maybe you can teach me something."
A few students chuckled.
Cherry laughed openly as well. "You want to learn from me?" he said mockingly. "I respect your enthusiasm, but you're not worthy." His eyes gleamed. "I'm a mage. What can a pathetic cultivator like you possibly learn from me?"
Derek didn't respond. He was never a word fighter.
Instead, he moved. Fiery particles cracked beneath his feet as he surged forward...
He wanted to let Cherry taste what it was like when he shouldn't have angered the wrong person. But just when he got close...
An invisible force slammed down on him.
The ground beneath Derek's feet fractured as immense pressure descended from above. His body felt instantly heavier, as if the air itself had turned solid.
Derek's eyes narrowed. "Gravity magic…" he murmured.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Now, we are talking. He is the real deal."
"Yeah. Let's see what that boy named Derek can do against someone who was within the top ten in the last half-yearly ranker's test."
'That pressure.... he's at least E-class!' Meanwhile, Derek was processing his opponent's strength.
Cherry's lips widened in a victorious smile. "Surprised?" he said smugly. "You should be."
Gravity-type mages were rare. High-level ones were nightmares.
Cherry had every right to be arrogant. If this had been before Derek consumed the demon core, before his body had been reforged, this would have ended differently.
But now?
Now, Derek was on a whole different level.
Derek took a step forward. Slowly. Though he was under the gravity magic, he was still moving.
The audience froze at that.
"He's… still moving? What the hell!"
"How can he still move when he's under gravity magic. That's impossible."
Cherry's smile faltered as well. Derek's speed had dropped, yes, but even under crushing gravity, he was moving far faster. A shouldn't have been to move even, much less this fast. It was insane.
Cherry's eyes widened. 'Did I miscalculate?
No.' For a moment, doubt flickered in his eyes, but it vanished quickly as well.
The spell was active. There was no mistake in that.
But if Derek could still move..... Then it only meant one thing. It was nothing to him. Nothing.
Soon, Derek closed the distance. He was about to swing his sword, but just then....
Cherry reacted instantly, lightning crackling around his hands.
A bolt slammed down....
CLANG!
It struck Derek's sword mid-swing, deflecting the attack.
'Two affinities?!' Derek thought. 'Gravity and lightning!'
Cherry grinned again, though tension crept into his eyes.
"Impressive," Derek admitted. "But still not enough."
They clashed. Steel rang against magic.
Gravity warped the battlefield, lightning split the air, and Derek's Lightning Pace ignited fully despite the pressure. He adapted, step by step, each movement sharper than the last.
Cherry retreated, frustration mounting. 'Why isn't he slowing down?!'
Derek advanced relentlessly.
Suddenly, amidst the attacks....
A feint.
Cherry raised his guard too high.
Derek twisted, ignoring the strain tearing through his muscles, and slammed the hilt of his sword into Cherry's ribs.
The gravity field collapsed instantly.
Cherry was sent flying.
He crashed hard into the arena floor, coughing violently before going still.
Silence....
One more down. And only nine more to go.
