The next day, the academy's open stadium was filled with all students who had passed the first test. The air was charged with anticipation, punctuated by murmurs and the shuffle of feet, each participant sizing up the others.
A man stood at the front. Slim, fit, and tall, he exuded both elegance and authority. Blonde hair framed a striking, handsome face, and his green eyes seemed to pierce the crowd. His American accent carried clearly as he spoke.
"Greetings, participants," he began. "My name is Demian, and I am one of the instructors at this academy."
He paused and gestured to a small bird perched upon his head—a hawk with a yellow, thunder-like body and faintly crackling feathers. Though its power was evident, it retained an undeniable cuteness.
"And this little fellow is my contract, or perhaps my comrade in arms. His name is Golden Thunder Hawk, though I prefer calling him Hawky. You may address him as such."
Whispers spread among the students:
"He's so handsome."
"An instructor? Really?"
"He's a foreigner, isn't he?"
"That bird is adorable!"
Demian raised a hand, commanding silence. "Now, the rules of this exam are straightforward. Each student will participate in one-on-one duels, three matches per participant. To pass, you must secure at least two victories. Each win grants 100 points.
"The battleground has been specially prepared: injuries will heal rapidly. However, fatal attacks will lead to immediate disqualification. Victory can be achieved either by forcing your opponent to forfeit or by rendering them unconscious. Weapons will be provided."
Junyeok stretched, anticipation flickering in his eyes. This will be a fun, he thought, glancing toward Nyxara. She ate a lot yesterday, yet she's totally fine now. Junyeok gave a small, nervous smile
His gaze then fell upon Yun. She's here.
She wore an ensemble that combined elegance with practicality: a soft lavender tunic with reinforced panels at vital points, fitted leggings for agility, and delicate leather gloves. The outfit retained a graceful silhouette, complemented by pastel accessories and her flowing sky-blue braid. Even in a combat-ready form, she exuded poise and refinement.
Yun waved at Junyeok, a bright, encouraging smile on her face.
A sudden chill ran down his spine. Bloodlust… someone is staring at me with murderous intent.
He turned sharply. Lyn, as usual, emanated a cold, calculating aura.
Block B exams commence, he reminded himself. Does she even need to be in my block?
Junyeok stepped onto the battleground. Before him stood a muscular young man with an arrogant smirk. His stance radiated confidence, and he wore simple combat gear that emphasized his strength. Beside him, a small, humanoid creature with a dense, muscular build—its body almost doll-like—stood poised, exuding an unsettling aura.
The man sneered. "You little insect. Surrender now, before I crush you."
Junyeok's eyes narrowed. What an arrogant bastard.
The creature beside him smirked maliciously, eyes glinting toward Nyxara.
Nyxara's ears twitched in fury. "That lowly pile of rotten muscle dares mock me? He will pay," she spat, clenching her paws.
Junyeok sighed inwardly. That creature will be long gone before I even notice.
The man laughed, his voice dripping with condescension. "Before I crush you, vermillion, tell me your name. Perhaps I'll show mercy. Beg on your knees, and I may make it less painful."
Junyeok exhaled softly. "Nyxara, deal with the creature. I will take him down."
He turned to the man. "You don't need to know my name, because—"
Then the battle erupted. Junyeok sprinted forward at astonishing speed, delivering a punch to the man's face. Before he could react, the man was thrown back, landing hard on the ground.
What just happened? the man thought, stunned. Did this insect just punch me? I… I didn't even see him.
Blood trickled from his nose as he staggered to his feet, wiping it away.
Junyeok's lips curved into a slight smile. "Not as weak as I thought. This will be interesting."
He narrowed his eyes. I have a long way to go… but this is a good start.
The man's expression darkened. "You won't get away with this!" he roared, activating his main skill: Muscle Restraint Break.
Ah, he's boosting his strength at the cost of speed, Junyeok noted, calculating. The man lunged, fists aiming to crush him, but Junyeok leapt gracefully overhead, dodging with ease.
Speed and agility are my allies, he thought, kicking the man from behind before sliding into a defensive stance.
The man roared again, but Junyeok anticipated every move, landing a decisive kick to the head. The man collapsed, unconscious.
Junyeok looked to Nyxara. She was seated triumphantly atop the humanoid creature, which now lay defeated. She really overdid it, he mused, concerned yet impressed.
The second match was far easier. A bespectacled boy, accompanied by a small, bookish creature, surrendered almost immediately.
"I forfeit," the boy said, eyes wide with disbelief.
Junyeok stopped mid-step, confused. What? He didn't even try?
"The outcome is inevitable," the boy added. "There's no point fighting."
Wait… he's the original owner of the Hell Flame, Junyeok realized, piecing it together. Yet he looks… subdued. Interesting.
Nyxara, beside him, whispered with satisfaction, "We didn't even have to beat him to a pulp. Good."
Did she just think I would go too far? Junyeok pondered, recalling his previous match. I haven't done anything wrong yet…
I hope at the least the next match will be fun.
The third match.
"Why the hell does it have to be him…" Junyeok muttered with a worried smile.
He looked at his opponent—it was Shion.
Junyeok still didn't know Shion's real power. Even in his previous life, he was one of the strongest contractors. People had given him the nickname " Demigod" after he cleared one of the hardest dungeons on his own, Junyeok thought.
And even though he placed right after me in the first exams, there was a high chance he had scored that much on purpose, hiding his true potential while I was on a full rampage.
Shion stared at Junyeok with cold eyes. Junyeok felt a drop of sweat trickle down his face. He's a monster in one-on-one matches…
It's better to first observe him, so I should…
Junyeok opened his mouth to say, "I forfeit," but before he could finish, Shion interrupted.
"I forfeit."
And with that, he left.
Junyeok blinked. What is happening today? Relief mixed with confusion, but he exhaled, gripping his pendant tightly. I must grow stronger—stronger than anyone.