This f*cker doesn't even take me seriously. I wanna beat him up real good, but I also shouldn't forget my main goal. I've gotta see how he uses shadow magic. After all, it's crucial if I wanna keep getting stronger and make sure I stay alive.
Learning one or two things here, in this relatively safe atmosphere, is a heaven-sent opportunity. However, I also need to prove myself in front of these powerful people
After all, in the novels I've read, whenever the main character flaunts their power in situations like this, they gain recognition from the strong. Of course, they might also earn it in ways they didn't intend.
Still, whatever the case may be, I have to fight brilliantly here. Among these people, there must be at least a few from Rebellious. If I impress them enough with my skills, my standing will only rise higher.
They label me as a genius right now, but not many would believe it. However, if I beat this b*stard here, most people will start to see my genius side, and some might even recommend me to the higher-ups.
I need a teacher for the future. I need a powerful master, at least someone at Level 5 who can protect me when necessary and guide me in the right ways.
My mother always told me not to trust others, and not to rely on them. While I do intend to follow that advice, it doesn't change the fact that I need a protector right now, just in case of unexpected situations.
Now, there's only one way to catch this dirt thrower off guard. I didn't want to use them now, but whatever. Push came to shovel.
---
The audience, waning in enthusiasm, steadily lost interest. It was common knowledge that this skirmish would unfold among fledgling practitioners of universal energy arts. Consequently, the anticipation for a grandiose clash was abysmally low—so much so that it seemed to have never existed in the first place.
Despite the realization that this would amount to nothing more than a futile expenditure of time, or at best, a mere indulgence in minutes for diversion, people opted to remain in attendance.
The impetus behind their decision was not Leon, who continued to gaze at his adversary from a distance after declaring his intent to elevate proceedings. It was Blind Axel who held their attention, compelling them to stay.
Encountering a shadow element user wasn't novel for the denizens of this era. After all, there were many who had created it artificially.
A merciless advancement that should never have come into existence yet lingers nonetheless.
The perils associated with the artificial way were on the elevated side, given its illicit nature. Being deemed a criminal act, the inability to seek refuge in a technologically advanced hospital exacted a toll on the lives of the innocent.
Whether he was naturally blind from birth or an infant whose eyes had been cruelly taken from him immediately after delivery, held no significance for them. Their primary concern was to ascertain if he possessed the requisite talent to wield his abilities adeptly.
Should he prove to be a prodigy, they needed to discern his clan affiliation. No one wished to exist under the constant threat of a blade lurking in the shadows, poised to pierce through their hearts.
In the eyes of all, and indeed, in the view of any rational individual, the outcome of this battle was unequivocal. It was one of those contests where wagering should be unequivocally prohibited.
Otherwise, if an unforeseen victor were to emerge, accusations of rigging would undoubtedly abound. In their perception, this contest served as a platform to spotlight the extraordinary abilities of a blind prodigy hailing from a distinguished clan.
Pooow!!
The bigger they come, the harder they fall. This proverb applied not only to Axel but also to the onlooking audience.
All eyes remained fixated on Leon and Axel, their mouths agape, on the verge of meeting the ground. A sudden, unexpected transformation had undoubtedly occurred in a single moment.
Swuush!
As if Mother Nature herself had bestowed her wind to enhance Leon's accelerating speed, he materialized as swiftly as the breeze. His surge generated a subtle disturbance in the atmosphere on the ground this time, and its impact went unnoticed by many.
"Guuhh!"
Before they could even comprehend what was happening, Leon's fist propelled him several meters, forcing him into a precarious stance, struggling to maintain his footing.
He was evidently unprepared for this particular move. His stratagem kicked in, enabling Leon to catch his opponent off guard.
That brief interval proved sufficient to discern his opponent's speed—a juvenile error on the part of a youngster whose head was seemingly lost in the clouds.
"Wooo!!"
"Nice one, kid!"
"Keep it up!!"
Gasps of amazement transformed into cheers that echoed throughout the entire venue. The lad who had seemingly positioned himself to be defeated, serving as a showcase for the prowess of someone extraordinary, turned out to be exceptional in his own right.
In contemplating the possibility of encountering a prodigy, they stumbled upon a genuine one who was undeniably closer to earning that title.
A captivating tale that anyone would yearn to witness at least once in their lifetime was unfolding before them, transforming the expressions in their eyes into ones of sheer admiration.
A broad grin spread across Leon's face. This unexpected yet fortuitous turn of events brought a welcomed change.
'It's always great to have these stat points lying around,' unbeknownst to him, a short giggle slipped from his mouth amidst his thoughts.
The resonance of his laughter, every uttered sound from his lips, resembled the piercing needles of shame to Axel.
"Graar!! I'll kill you!!"
He assumed his position promptly, preparing two shadow balls—one in each palm.
Pat!
"Young master, that's enough."
"Albert, don't meddle with this!"
"Please, young master."
"Move away!"
'When did he get there?'
His gaze remained fixed on Axel, yet he couldn't perceive the sudden appearance of his guard in front of him. It seemed as though he had instantaneously teleported—a feat deemed impossible for people of any race.
'This guy must be higher than a Level 4.'
"Young master, please don't forget who you are."
"Move!"
Their conflict endured for a good minute. And at the end of the day, Axel emerged as the loser of the quarrel.
"We will meet again," turned around, raising his right hand, a gesture that certainly did not convey farewell.
"Sh*t man…"
"Really, sh*t…"
'Damn, f*cker…'
Axel's nail underwent a sudden transformation. What were once ordinary human nails grew menacingly larger and sharper. Plump, needle-like nails marked a characteristic trait of the physically second-strongest race.
'It's great that I didn't start throwing sh*ts to keep the fight going.'
It's not as if Leon forgot his objective in a fleeting moment. However, amid his contemplation of Albert's level, he found it challenging to carve out time. Subsequently, he struggled to identify the opportune moment to intervene. All in all, luck seemed to be on his side this time.
"Disappointing," the Reptilian woman quietly remarked from her perch in the air, swiftly departing at a speed surpassing everyone else's.
"Man, both a shadow user and a Werewolf… So overpowered…"
"You got saved, Leon," a giggle followed.
"Sure, sure. I'd have beaten him, though."
"Yeah, absolutely. Now, let's go," urged Triss, her feet treading forward.
"Aren't we done here?"
"Nah, man. You guys still owe me a meal."
"What mea--"
"Meal is on Leon!"
"Wha—"
"Yeaaah! My maaan!!"
"What the—"
"Thanks, Leon."
"Thanks, bro. Hope you make way more credits in the future."
"…"
"Silence means agreeing. Let's go."
"Yeah, let's go."
Then, once again, they made their way back to the underground city. The route of this journey was straightforward, leading them toward the inner parts.
That was their intended destination, but certain voices diverted their attention. Just outside the city, along the border between the city and the outskirts, there stood something resembling a small barn.
"Meow…"
"Woof! Woof!"
"Aooow!"
"Graar!"
The noise emanated from the barn, likely originating from the animals within.
However, in fact, it was nothing more than a makeshift structure, assembled by placing a few ordinary wooden fences into the ground—reminiscent of those constructed by humans from the past. It conveyed a sense that the owner of this place might depart at any moment.
"Wow, look at these animals!"
Not only Triss's but every child's eyes brightened. After all, there was a slightly larger creature as well—a creature they had never seen before in real life, much like most others in this peculiar realm.
"Pawooo!" A trumpet-like sound emanated from the largest one in the group.
"Hello, young masters. How may I help you?"
Yet, the largest figure among them all was the proprietor of the shop, a Reptilian male. He surpassed even the size of the gorilla lying nearby. Of course, the fact that these creatures were still cubs played a significant role in this size comparison.
Mike, "We are just—"
"I have everything you could ever want. As you can see, I have black panthers, elephants, and gorillas. Although my collection is limited to Earth's animals, I can guarantee they're the best cubs out there."
"Sir, what I was—"
"I don't know which one of you young masters is a vampire since there's no dark place here right now. But if you're looking to buy a familiar for yourself or to a friend as a gift, this is where you want to be."
He gave a colossal thumbs up, "I'm using the best of the best for meals. They enjoy quality sleep, playtime, and training every day. These are hands down the best you can find."
"Mister, the thing is—"
Immediately, pulled out a book. "I even have a catalogue."
"I want to see it!"
"Triss, we don't have ti—"
"I will see it!"