Was it frustration to be called weak or Baek Yoon-Ho really was concerned about Haru's well-being after seeing overflowing confidence regarding the Jeju-do?
The guild master of the White Tiger guild wasn't going to let this matter go this easily. To see someone daring to call himself the strongest and challenge the mission that elite teams have failed to conquer...
Indeed, Hunter Haru needed a reality check.
The other S-rankers were silently standing by his side but Baek knew that most of them were in consent of this spar since it was better that Hunter Haru loses here rather than losing his life by those mutant ants.
Baek knows the dangers awaiting the hunters on Jeju-do and by showing the difference in their strengths, Baek wanted to make the teenager aware, of how people shouldn't act on impulse.
"Since it seems Hunter Nanase has no problem with this...uh...spar, I would play the role of judge if you don't mind." The bespectacled mage stepped forward to announce himself as the referee. From that cheeky smile, it seemed that Choi Jong-In was quite interested in this battle as well.
Cha Hae-In had a complicated expression since she had seen Haru's strength before but since the boss of that dungeon was handled by Sung Jin-Woo and Haru majorly used his physical strength as the source of his assault, she wasn't sure how this battle would turn out to be.
The huge man wearing his all-time favorite martial art uniform—Ma Dongwook had a big smile and curiosity overflowing in his eyes. Lim Tae-Gyu had an uninterested expression but deep down he also wanted to see Haru getting beaten up for the cheeky behavior he showed earlier in the Chairman's office.
"The spar would be called off the very moment I sense killing intent or any attack which could wound your opponent fatally. You just need to knock your opponent out or pin them to submission. That's all. "
Choi Jong-In adjusted his glasses as he stated the rules. For someone who majorly fought with his limbs, Baek Yoon-Ho wouldn't have much difficulty in knocking Haru out.
From the evaluation, Baek knows that Haru wouldn't use that absurd spell since it wouldn't just kill him but those standing behind him as well. That spell was...terrifying to even think of.
As for Haru's physical capabilities, then Baek wasn't actually sure of.
"I am fine with that." On one side Baek just nodded whereas his opponent replied verbally with his hand tucked inside his pocket and not a single essence of tension on his face.
'This guy...' Baek gritted his teeth and barely held himself from transforming before the match finally began.
With his fist clenched Baek took the first step but before his other foot could have followed, Baek fell to the ground.
The match came to an end within 1.8 seconds.
Everyone from the audience widened their eyes in shock since Haru, who was standing almost ten meters away initially was merely two feet away standing with his fists connected near his hip for some reason.
As for Baek Yoon-Ho then it seemed like something has skimmed past him as a deep cut grazed across his chest and his eyes turned entirely white. His mouth was hung open like before falling unconscious, he saw a ghost or something. Only Cha Hae-In knew what Baek saw since her own face was pale and her eyes still stretched to their limit.
'Wh-What was that... '
"Ah I went a little overboard...does this count as my win?"
Choi Jong-In was too stunned by the match to say anything as everyone saw Haru walking to the fallen man and healing his wound.
From his words, it seemed Haru was apologetic but his behavior and expression said otherwise.
After healing Baek, Haru asked the Association staff who were watching the whole action from afar, to take the orange-haired to the infirmary where the patient could rest a bit.
Once everything settled down, Haru turned toward the remaining hunters who still were looking at him in apprehension and astonishment.
"So did that settle your doubts? Now then, see you guys around~" With that Haru disappeared.
****
"You saw something, right Hunter Cha?"
After departing from the Association office, Choi Jong-In insisted on dropping his vice guild master on the way and the latter didn't resist the kindness.
As the car made its way across the streets, Choi Jong-In suddenly asked the blond girl who still seemed in a daze after what happened back there.
Hearing her senior's words Cha Hae-In walked out of her thoughts and hesitantly responded.
"I am not sure if what I saw was right or if I was just hallucinating but when Mister Haruka moved, he already had a blade in his hand and there was something...something above him...like death itself... "
Seeing how the generally calm and courageous Vice guild master was also shivering at the talk of Nanase Haruka, Choi Jong-In didn't press further on the topic.
He already has concluded that Haruka Nanase was no regular healer nor he was just a mage-type hunter. Until now he has shown his healing, aggressive spell that could engulf and deteriorate anything in its path, teleportation, and unbelievable speed and combat technique.
If someone would have told Choi of someone possessing all these skills, then the redhead might have just laughed it off. But now...
'If it's Hunter Nanase then he might really clear the Jeju-do as well... '
Despite the thought that Choi Jong-In already has planned something related to the raid, Haru was planning to take on, himself.
Haruka may be strongest amongst all S-rankers as of now but everyone makes mistakes or needs backup at times. And considering how young and inexperienced Haruka is, Choi Jong-In wasn't letting him risk his life all by himself.
'But still... one hit to knock out that man...' Chuckling inwardly while thinking about a certain man currently bedridden, Choi continued driving.
It really was an eventful day.
*****
After leaving the Association building, Haru was about to head back to his apartment since it was already late to think of meeting Jinah when suddenly a voice called out to him.
"I heard all of it."
Just as he was about to warp away, someone appeared from the shadows with his hands inside his pocket.
"I wasn't going to hide it in the first place, Sunbae."
Just as he said Haru had decided to hand over some strong ants to Jin-Woo to strengthen his army even by a spoonful. So of course not like he was going to do anything stealthily.
But as Haru somehow expected, Jin-Woo's heavy voice announced an undeniable decision.
"I am tagging along as well. "
****
A/N: - Did the chapter title trick you?
After Jeju Island, there would be family time with Jinah and some other SOL chapters before we climb floors and move the plot.
If you haven't guessed then Haru used Ikki's secret sword art Oikage.
Umm...I haven't read LN of Rakudai much so can someone explain Desperado? From what I could read on Wiki fandom, that skill would just kill anyone with mere intimidation. If someone knows its limitations then explain me.
The powerstones were nearing 700 so I thought why not surprise my readers with an early chapter?
Drop a comment~