{A/N: This whole chapter is from Clone Derek's perspective. Original body is somewhere else.}
The classification of demons into distinct tiers of strength and danger was a well-established framework within players community.
The hierarchy consisted of five classes, each delineating the potential threat posed by these supernatural entities.
Firstly, there existed the Lingering Spirits, characterized as feeble apparitions often driven by unfinished business.
Their intentions were generally benign, requiring minimal intervention to resolve their unresolved matters.
Subsequent to this classification were the progressively more menacing tiers:
Low-Class Demons
Middle-Class Demons
High-Class Demons
Ultimate Class Demons
Each echelon denoted a growing degree of peril, with even the least formidable Ultimate Class Demon warranting national concern.
It was emphasized that players were ill-equipped to handle such adversaries at this level, regardless of their own expertise.
The High-Class Demons necessitated the intervention of A+ rank players for their suppression.
Yet, as with any rule, exceptions existed. Notably, Adventurer Chain stood amongst the party, whereas others held the rank of B+, a position slightly lower in authority.
Middle-Class Demons constituted a significant threat, typically requiring the expertise of an Expert Exorcist to stand a chance against them.
The formidable, crimson-skinned demon that now loomed before them exuded an aura of strength, an aura not lost even on those incapable of sensing demonic energies.
It was apparent that the demon's potency would classify it within the higher tiers in terms of raw power alone.
However, the classification of demons was determined not solely by their strength, but also by the level of danger they posed.
The unfolding scene saw the demon launch a ferocious charge at Mr Fort, his intention to maim and slaughter unequivocally clear.
The urgency in a student's cry to safeguard their professor was palpable, yet Mr. Fort's composed demeanour remained unaltered.
A display of Mr. Fort's unique ability followed – an adept manipulation of mana, condensed into a focused projectile.
The anticipation of a violent and explosive impact was usurped by an inexplicable absorption of the energy by the demon's form.
It continued its charge as though unaffected, leading to speculations of illusionary prowess.
The subsequent events deepened this intrigue. The coordinated release of enchanted talismans by Mr. Fort initiated a growth of vines, ensnaring the demon in a tight grip.
However, an unforeseen twist unfurled as the demon's resolve seemingly overcame the illusion, shattering the restraints with sheer might.
In a chilling proclamation, the demon's sinister intent was laid bare. Its unbridled rage now emboldened by the successful defiance of Mr. Fort's illusionary tactics.
The ground quaked under the demon's advancing weight, and doubts began to surface about the efficacy of the exorcist's strategy.
The scene was like something out of a suspenseful movie, with the demon charging full-speed and danger hanging thick in the air.
Everyone's minds were racing, wondering if the original team faced something similar and met an unfortunate end.
But then, out of nowhere, Mr. Fort broke into a sly grin that made you question everything. He dropped a bombshell, saying, "Who said my ability needed to charge?"
Wait, what?! It was like a plot twist nobody saw coming. Mr. Fort wasn't one to spill the beans, though.
Instead, he let his actions do the talking. In the blink of an eye, he conjured up a tiny ball of Ord and shot it right at the demon. The demon froze, like it hit an invisible wall.
Mr. Fort strolled casually toward the demon, and it was like the demon had lost all its will to fight. It was muttering under its breath, probably cursing its bad luck.
Turns out, that charging-up thing earlier was just a ploy to trick the demon into making a rash move. A straightforward plan, but it worked like a charm. Sneaky, but brilliant.
But then Mr. Fort dropped another bombshell, saying, "But I did say that my ability was dangerous in close combat. It gets stronger, the closer my opponent is."
Hold up, dangerous in close combat? This dude was a Blaster, and his power got stronger up close and personal? Talk about turning the tables. It was like a punchline to a cosmic joke.
He didn't waste any time, and with a name like "{Melodic Screaming}", you knew things were about to get wild.
He shot the demon point-blank, and man, did it live up to the name. The demon started shrieking like it was being carved up by a thousand knives.
The sound was so intense that even the bravest of them had to cover their ears.
As Mr. Fort flicked a talisman into the demon's mouth, the screaming stopped as abruptly as it had started.
The demon collapsed, done in by a good old-fashioned chokehold. Its eyes had that "I've seen the abyss" kind of look.
You'd think they'd all be catching their breath after that showdown, but nope, Mr. Fort was back to business as usual.
"Alrighty, folks, let's get back to the lesson, shall we?" he said, like they'd just finished a friendly game of cards instead of a life-or-death brawl.
Rana was quick to jump back in, too, storing the demon's body like it was a piece of leftover pizza and having her frog demon do a quick magic trick.
Something clicked in their observer's mind. These two were like peanut butter and jelly, or whatever combo you prefer.
They covered each other's weak spots like a dream team. Lucky for them, they were on the same side.
But then the big question popped up: how did this dynamic duo meet their end in the original story?
There had to be a catch somewhere, right? What secrets were they keeping, and what challenges were they facing behind the scenes?
A mystery for another day, it seemed, as the group refocused on the lesson ahead. Life at this training camp was turning out to be a rollercoaster, and they were all just along for the wild ride.
Just like he said. The usual lesson continued, and we set camp in the middle of the forest. While waiting for some demons to come and find us.
Mr Fort had spilt some kind of potion on the ground. This was probably the reason why not even ten minutes after setting camp, an anaconda with two heads was slithering around the camp.
Waiting for one of us to step over the protective circle Professor Rana had made.
It seemed like Adventurer Rana was quite well-versed in rituals and protective barriers. Something that somewhat made up for her lack of fighting power.
Despite her silly personality and lack of confidence in herself, she was still an Expert Exorcist.
Because even to qualify for the Expert Exorcist exam, one had to take part in and complete at least ten missions.
"Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Seems like we have our first demon on the attack. A double-headed snake, this one is a low-class demon.
Not too rare either, so those of you who have read up on the books should know its weaknesses." Mr Fort was the opposite of our other teacher. He was full of confidence, both in himself and the students.
Before anyone else could say anything, I raised my hand immediately. "Sir. Can I be the first one to fight it?"
This was a combat exam, and while I was terrified it was still better to handle this now before the situation develops out of control.
When things go to shit, the last place I would want to be is fighting a demon for the first time. I could use the experience.
"Well, step out of the circle then. Don't worry, I will be giving you advice throughout the fight. So winning should be easy." Mr Fort gave me a thumbs-up, with what was now his trademark smile.
A smile I wasn't sure was showing confidence or just arrogance. The line separating arrogance and confidence was quite thin.
Being arrogant at something you're good at can make you look confident.
Such thoughts quickly washed out of my mind when I left the protective circle. The two-headed snake demon was on the other side.
But he noticed me exiting and moved faster than a cheetah.
Shit! Isn't that too fast for someone their size?!
Derek's heart was thudding like crazy as he stepped out of that protective circle, ready to face off with this double-headed demon snake thing.
And man, that snake didn't waste a second. It lunged at him with this insane speed, like a couple of angry whips aimed right at his face.
He drew his sword like a pro, its shiny blade catching the sunlight peeking through the trees.
Magic buzzed through his veins, making him feel like a superhero on steroids. He was all amped up, faster and stronger, like he just chugged a gallon of energy drinks.
But even with his superhero upgrade, that snake was like a freakin' ninja.
Derek dodged one head, swinging his sword at the other, but it was like trying to slice through a brick wall.
His blade left a scratch at best, and that snake just hissed like it was annoyed.
So there he was, dancing around, sword in hand, trying to avoid being turned into demon snake chow.
He was like a fancy ballet dancer, except instead of pirouettes, he was doing crazy spins to avoid those snapping jaws.
Derek's sword was a blur of steel, slashing and stabbing, but that snake was on a whole different level of wiggly.
Those two heads moved like they were on a mission, dodging and weaving like a pair of boxer's gloves.
He was getting tired, though. Sweating bullets, muscles aching, and that snake just wouldn't quit.
Derek tried to land a solid hit, but the snake twisted away like a slippery noodle, leaving him swinging at thin air.
Then, bam, the snake's tail came out of nowhere, smacking him like a baseball bat. Derek hit the ground with a thud, his sword flying out of his hand like it had places to be.
He scrambled back up, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he realized he was swordless and in deep trouble.
Those snakeheads were coming at him, jaws wide open like they were planning to take a big bite out of Derek sandwich.
That's when he switched tactics. His body was like a battery, charged up with magic.
He focused that power into his fists, and suddenly he was like the Hulk, ready to punch some serious demon face.
He threw punches like a boxer on a caffeine high, each hit landing with a satisfying thud.
The snake was hissing and writhing, and Derek felt a surge of hope. But man, that snake was tougher than a boot in a mud fight. It kept coming, like it had no concept of giving up.
Time stretched on, punches and dodges, and Derek was running on fumes.
His muscles were burning, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But he wasn't backing down, not now.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, one last punch landed. The snake twitched, then went still.
Derek collapsed on the ground, panting like a dog on a summer day. He did it, he freaking did it.
But damn, he was hurting all over. That snake had put up one hell of a fight, and Derek had the bruises and bite marks to prove it.
As he lay there, catching his breath and feeling like a total badass.