The guild was buzzing.
Rumors spread like wildfire.
"A Bronze-ranked hero took down a Corruption Beast?"
"No way. Not alone."
"He brought back a fang. Elara confirmed it."
"Still, how the hell did he do it?"
Hikaru didn't confirm or deny anything. He just sat at a table in the corner of the guild hall, casually shuffling his deck while sipping on a glass of juice.
Let them guess.
The real power of a trick wasn't showing people how it worked.
It was making sure they never figured it out.
Across the hall, a few of the other Bronze-ranked heroes were huddled together. Ryou, the guy who got humiliated by Vargas, scowled as he leaned back in his chair. "This is ridiculous. He probably got lucky."
One of the girls, Reina, frowned. "Still, it's weird. We've been struggling with basic training, and Kageyama's already doing actual adventurer work."
Another student, Yuu, crossed his arms. "Maybe he's just different."
Ryou scoffed. "Please. He was a nobody back home, too. What, does he think he's special just because he can do card tricks?"
Reina looked back at Hikaru. He wasn't even paying attention to them. He was just sitting there, flipping a card between his fingers like he owned the place.
It was annoying.
But also… kind of impressive.
Elara was watching him, too.
The guild handler wasn't one to believe in hype. She had seen too many adventurers get cocky and die young.
But she had to admit—this kid was interesting.
Taking down a Corruption Beast alone was one thing. Bringing back proof and casually handing it over like it was nothing? That was different.
She leaned against the counter as one of the senior adventurers, Darius, sat next to her.
Darius was one of the Five Strongest Adventurers in the guild. Unlike the others, he didn't carry weapons. He didn't need them.
"So," Darius said, glancing at Hikaru. "That's the kid?"
Elara nodded. "Yeah. Think he's full of it?"
Darius grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Only one way to find out."
Hikaru had just finished his drink when he felt a shadow loom over him.
He looked up.
A massive man with short black hair, a sharp jawline, and a thick scar across his chest stood there, arms folded. He had no visible weapons, just his fists.
Darius grinned. "So, you're the trickster everyone's talking about."
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "I prefer the term 'strategic opportunist.'"
Darius chuckled. "Cute. But if you're really as good as people say, why don't you show me?"
Hikaru set his deck down. "I take it you're not asking for a card trick?"
Darius cracked his neck. "Let's have a match. No weapons. Just wits and reflexes."
A challenge.
Hikaru exhaled. This could be interesting.
A ring was quickly formed. Adventurers crowded around the courtyard, eager to see the fight.
Darius was a monster in human form. He was famous for being able to break swords with his bare hands. His strength was absurd.
Hikaru?
He wasn't a fighter. He didn't have superhuman strength.
But he didn't need it.
Elara raised a hand. "Alright, rules are simple. No weapons. First to land a solid hit wins."
Darius grinned. "Hope you're ready, kid."
Hikaru smiled back.
"Always."
The second Elara dropped her hand—
Darius charged.
Fast.
He closed the distance in an instant. His fist shot forward—
Hikaru barely dodged.
Wind pressure brushed against his cheek. That would have killed him.
He needed to slow Darius down.
He flicked his wrist.
[Skill Activated: ♠5 – Misdirection]
Darius hesitated.
Just for a fraction of a second.
It was all Hikaru needed.
He sidestepped, barely avoiding the next strike. His footwork was precise—light, unpredictable.
Darius grinned. "Not bad."
Hikaru flicked another card.
[Skill Activated: ♣8 – Trickster's Dodge]
His reflexes sharpened. The next attack missed him by inches.
But dodging alone wouldn't win.
Hikaru reached for another card.
[Skill Activated: ♥J – The Con Artist's Charm]
Darius threw another punch—
And suddenly hesitated.
For no reason.
His muscles stalled—just for half a second—because his brain told him something was off.
Hikaru ducked under his arm, slid past him, and tapped his shoulder.
Then stepped back with a grin.
Darius blinked.
The courtyard fell silent.
"…Did he just win?" someone muttered.
Darius stood still, then let out a booming laugh.
"Damn!" He turned to face Hikaru, eyes gleaming with amusement. "That was dirty."
Hikaru shrugged. "I prefer the term 'efficient.'"
Elara snorted. "Well, a hit's a hit." She raised a hand. "Winner—Hikaru."
The crowd murmured in disbelief.
Ryou, watching from the side, looked furious. "That wasn't even a real fight!"
But the real adventurers?
They were grinning.
Because in the end—
A win was a win.
Darius clapped Hikaru on the back—hard enough to almost knock him over.
"You're alright, kid," he said. "Most rookies try to fight me. You actually used your damn head."
Hikaru smirked, rubbing his shoulder. "Can't win a strength contest. So why bother playing that game?"
Darius grinned. "You're gonna fit in just fine."
Elara folded her arms. "Alright, alright. Show's over. Get back to work, people."
The crowd slowly dispersed, but Hikaru noticed something.
A few of the stronger adventurers were now watching him.
Not like before, when he was just some Bronze-ranked nobody.
Now?
They were curious.
Interested.
And that?
That was the most valuable thing he could have gained today.
As Hikaru turned to leave, Darius called out. "Hey, kid."
Hikaru looked back.
Darius grinned.
"You ever need a real fight, come find me."
Hikaru smiled.
"I'll keep that in mind."
And just like that—
The next trick had begun.