There was no way Malakai could mistake the feeling of death emanating from the covered cart.
He had no doubt about it, there were darkness creatures inside.
Malakai sent a glance around the clearing, and he instantly noticed a few things. The first:
‘The number of students has reduced significantly.’
Compared to the other disciplines he’d participated in today, this one had an unusually low turnout. But…
‘He’s here.’
Malakai’s eyes sharpened as he spotted Renlo standing at the other end. The boy looked visibly nervous like the rest of the class, clutching his jutting stomach as though seeking solace.
‘He’s changed again.’
Malakai studied him carefully. One could say Malakai was… interested in him.
Their earlier interaction during Combat Conditioning had sparked a slight curiosity in him.
At the start of their battle, Renlo had been a trembling mess who could barely hold a sword. But after losing once, as though something had switched, his entire demeanor had shifted.
He had gone from frightened chicken to refined warrior in seconds. It was beyond odd.
‘Did you notice anything?’ Malakai asked Valentine. It was possible he’d missed something.
‘No… it’s just as baffling to me too.’ Valentine responded after a second.
Malakai paused slightly. Valentine sounded off.
‘Are you okay?’ he asked.
‘Ah, yes. It’s just…’ Valentine replied, and he continued speaking in a mutter, ‘I thought I was cooler…’
Malakai shook his head and turned his attention from Renlo to the rest of the class. That was the second thing he noticed, the mood. Grim expressions. Clenched arms.
‘That explains the low numbers.’
The Darkness Creature Hunts discipline forced students into direct contact with darkness creatures. And the simple truth was, not all could withstand the pressure. Not yet, at least.
“Welcome, young warriors.”
The voice snapped Malakai out of his thoughts. It sounded exactly like its owner looked, creepy and gloomy. Like an old bald muscular man who was a bit too into anime girls, with a disturbing smile to match.
As Malakai turned to look, the instructor grinned and said, “We will start with the Sanguine Creed.”
Each student placed a fist over their chest and recited the Sanguine Creed in unison.
After a few seconds, the man suddenly turned toward Malakai and bowed.
“Ninth Vein. Welcome to the Darkness Creature Hunts discipline. I am Yonin.” His tone was oddly formal despite the smile plastered on his face. “It’s an honor to have you with us.”
Malakai gave a curt nod.
Yonin straightened up and swept a glance across the class. The students flinched as they felt the pressure of his probe, already dreading what was coming.
But Yonin only smiled wider at their reaction.
“Alright. Because of the Ninth Vein’s presence, I’ll go over what this discipline entails, as well as the rules.”
He turned back to Malakai.
“As the name suggests, this is the Darkness Creature Hunts discipline. And here, we focus solely on hunting darkness creatures. The rules differ based on class. For the advanced class, you are required to directly hunt. Simple.”
He gestured toward the covered cart behind him.
“Inside are darkness creatures ranging from gradeless to grade one. Each of you will take turns. I will select a suitable grade for each of you to face. The class ends after everyone has fought. Any questions?”
None of the students spoke. They were already familiar with the system, and they were all hoping not to be called first.
The first was always the worst. Watching a few battles beforehand helped prepare the mind, even if only a little.
Yonin’s gaze lingered on Malakai for a moment. The boy’s calm, composed demeanor caught his attention.
‘Interesting.’
When no questions came, Yonin suddenly clapped his hands.
“Alright, let’s begin!”
He glanced around and noted how the students immediately avoided his gaze.
He shook his head. “Bunch of pussies.”
Then he turned toward a particular figure.
“Since the Ninth Vein is still new, will you do us the honors, Eighth Vein?”
All eyes turned to Julius, who simply maintained his usual calm smile.
“Of course,” he said, before stepping forward.
Yonin smiled faintly as Julius approached, then turned toward the covered cart behind him.
With a swift motion, he pulled back the thick cloth just enough to reveal a large, barred door, like something straight out of a dungeon cell.
Instantly, the air turned cold. A chill swept through the area, so sharp and unnatural that several of the students instinctively took a step back.
Yonin didn’t stop. He pulled out a key, inserted it into the lock, and twisted. A soft click rang out. Slowly, he began to open the door.
In the next instant, the cart shook violently as multiple figures surged toward the opening, but the moment Yonin’s smile vanished, everything stopped.
A cold aura pulsed out from his body like a shockwave. The figures froze mid-rush, as if time itself had halted. Not a single one moved. As though held by fear itself.
Without a word, Yonin stepped inside. A moment later, he emerged, dragging a darkness creature behind him, his blood wrapped around it in a dome.
Closing the door with a heavy thud, he brought the creature out and placed it down across from Julius.
“Are you ready, Eight vein?” he asked, turning to face him.
Julius simply nodded. His smile remained as he slid into a stance.
By now, the other students had already cleared the area, giving him more than enough space.
Still, many of them looked visibly shaken, their eyes glued to the creature with bated breath.
Malakai narrowed his gaze, watching intently. He didn’t want to miss a single detail.
Julius’s hand moved toward his weapon. A quiet metallic hiss followed as he drew it. Malakai recognized it instantly.
A barbed rapier.
Slender, with a long narrow blade, and lined with tiny, inward-facing hooks so fine they were almost invisible.
It was just as twisted as its user.
A weapon meant to pierce cleanly but tear flesh apart when withdrawn, causing unimaginable pain on his opponent.
Yonin, noting that Julius was ready, nodded with approval before declaring.
“Grade one enhancer.”
A few of the students audibly gulped. Julius was one of the rare few who could take on a grade one enhancer. Many here hadn’t even dared.
As Julius gave his signal, Yonin released his hold over the blood restraints.
The darkness creature dropped fully into view.
It was large, wolf-like in form, its body corded with muscles that looked like they’d been carved from stone.
Even without words, Malakai could already tell its grade and type.
A grade one enhancer.
But this one was different. It hadn’t been born from the deaths of humans, but beast.
Darkness creatures born from the deaths of humans possessed greater intelligence, deeper malice, and often, rawer strength. Still, that didn’t mean the other type was any less deadly.
The moment Yonin’s suppressive aura faded, the creature stirred. It growled lowly, its feral gaze sweeping the field. Its breath came out in short bursts, steam curling from its nostrils.
Then, its eyes landed on Julius.
A guttural shriek tore out of its throat, a sound so sharp and primal it echoed through the forest and pierced into the hearts of the students.