The competition arena was utterly silent.
Everyone present, from the strong disciples to the intelligent undead spirits, stared at Kevin in stunned disbelief.
No one doubted Kevin might win; he was, after all, Scathach's favorite disciple, Cu Chulainn's brother, and the son of the sun god Lug. But no one had expected him to win so effortlessly!
In Kevin's earlier attack, they had seen echoes of Scathach herself—clean, precise, and overwhelming. It was undeniable.
The burly man Kevin had just defeated opened his mouth, as though to speak, but eventually shut it with a bitter smile. He shook his head and retreated, looking utterly defeated.
The others exchanged uneasy glances.
"I'll go next!" Another man stepped forward, holding a spear. His eyes glinted with determination, and his posture exuded caution.
"Brother Kevin, I will not hold back!" he declared.
The man's focus and seriousness marked him as someone who also specialized in spearmanship.
"Hmm, this one should last a little longer," Cu Chulainn said casually to Ferdia and the others nearby. He glanced at the man, then leaned back lazily. "At least his weapon isn't dirty. But seriously, why do they keep challenging him with spears? Everyone knows my brother graduated with one!"
The implication was clear: What are they even thinking?
And as the fight began, the disciples had their answer.
Two minutes later, the determined spearman lay on the ground, defeated by a single precise blow.
Kevin, standing calmly with his spear in hand, nodded politely. "Thank you for the fight, Senior Brother."
The watching disciples stared at Kevin, their mouths slightly agape.
Everyone thought the same thing: What just happened?
"Cuchulainn..." Ferdia finally spoke, his tone serious. "How strong is your brother?"
Cu Chulainn smirked, crossing his arms. "How strong? Don't you already know?" He turned to the stunned crowd. "You've all seen it. Master gave Kevin her magic spear and said he had graduated. Are you questioning my brother? Or...are you questioning the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom herself?"
The air grew tense.
"And another thing," Cu Chulainn added, his smirk widening. "Just because he's good with spears doesn't mean that's all he knows how to use."
You should see his sword.
Of course, Cu Chulainn didn't say it aloud, but he couldn't help thinking of the Flagrak, the magic sword gifted to Kevin by Lug. That sword, one of the Tuatha Dé Danann's four treasures, was Kevin's true trump card—a weapon he rarely used.
Kevin's strength wasn't limited to his weapons. Cu Chulainn, more than anyone, understood that Kevin's skill came from a relentless determination to survive and grow stronger, no matter the odds.
Ferdia, still processing Cu Chulainn's words, stepped forward. "Then let me test you, Junior Brother—"
"Enough."
Scathach's voice cut through the air, sharp and cold.
The crowd fell silent as Scathach stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the assembled disciples.
"This farce ends now," she said. "I don't have the time for your games."
Her piercing red eyes landed on the group. "You resent my decision to give him the magic spear? You think I favor him too much? Do you think you have the right to question me?"
No one dared to meet her gaze.
Scathach turned her attention to Kevin, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "I don't need you to prove the decisions I make."
Kevin glared at her. Oh really, Master? Then why were you so clearly enjoying this?
Ignoring Kevin's look, Scathach addressed the group again. "Cu Chulainn, tell me. Among all those present, how would you rank Kevin's talent?"
Cu Chulainn's smile grew wider, more mischievous. "Talent? Oh, that's easy—he has the worst talent here."
The crowd gasped.
Scathach nodded. "Exactly. He is the least talented disciple I've ever taught."
The disciples stared at her, bewildered.
Scathach continued, her voice steady. "In terms of raw talent, every single one of you surpasses him. By comparison, his talent is garbage."
"Master!" Kevin protested weakly, feeling his dignity crumble.
"But," Scathach added, her tone sharp, "talent is not the only measure of worth. His success is the result of sheer determination and effort.
"For five years, he challenged me thousands of times, and I pierced his body with an inferior magic spear thousands of times. He survived hundreds of battles and completed a graduation test ten times harder than what any of you will ever face."
She paused, her red eyes scanning the crowd. "If any of you can do the same, I will favor you too.
"But let me ask you this—aside from Cu Chulainn and Ferdia, has any one of you dared to challenge me even twice?"
The disciples lowered their heads, silent.
Scathach smirked. "I thought so."
She turned to Kevin, her gaze softening. Twirling her magic spear, she stepped closer.
"Don't die," she said simply.
Kevin met her eyes, his lips twitching into a wry smile. "Don't worry, Master. I'll do my best to survive."
But as Scathach moved closer, Kevin couldn't help but mutter under his breath: "One day, BBA, I'll pin you to the ground for real."
Scathach raised an eyebrow. "What was that, my dear disciple?"
"Nothing!" Kevin straightened, clutching his spear tightly. Let's just get this over with.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto