The morning air was crisp, but my heart was restless. Dew still dripped from the tips of the leaves, yet its coldness failed to calm the storm in my chest. The city remained silent—as if its people knew that something terrible was about to happen.
I stood in the middle of the main road, right in front of the city's entrance. I was waiting for him.
Today, a fight to the death was inevitable.
Clip.
Clop.
Clip.
Clop.
The sound of hooves echoed, shattering the morning stillness. In the distance, the silhouette of a man appeared, riding a black horse with an air of arrogance.
He had arrived.
Zepr.
I took a deep breath. My hands were ready, but my heart still pounded.
As Zepr stopped before me, I lowered my head slightly, my hair falling over the bridge of my nose.
"Apologies, sir, but we're not accepting visitors right now." My voice was calm, yet laced with a hidden threat.
Zepr pulled on his reins, gazing at me with a puzzled expression.
"Who are you?" he asked, skepticism in his voice. "I've never seen you in this town before. You look young… Are you a merchant?"
I shrugged before replying lazily, "A merchant? No. Just a lazy young man on his way to the academy. But… your men gave me a reason to seek out their leader."
Zepr narrowed his eyes, clearly displeased with my answer. He dismounted, stepping to the side as if he intended to ignore me.
"I don't have time for brats like you."
But I wasn't about to let him walk away so easily.
"Zepr… do you want to know something?" I spoke, making him halt right beside me.
He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, intrigued.
I lifted my head, locking eyes with him.
"Today… will be the day you die."
A smirk curled on my lips before I launched a swift kick at him.
---
My kick nearly struck his chest, but Zepr raised a single hand—just one—and blocked my attack effortlessly.
He sneered. "Kid… who do you think you are?"
I didn't waste a second. Before he could finish his sentence, I threw a powerful punch at his face. This time, my strike carried enough force to push him back a few steps.
Zepr chuckled under his breath.
"So, you're the one Norman sent?" His eyes turned a fiery red, and his long hair unraveled. His face now looked more like a demon's than a man's.
"Are you from the academy? Or sent by the kingdom?" Zepr removed his cloak, revealing a body covered in scars and solid muscle.
I scoffed. "I already told you, I'm just a lazy guy forced to go to the academy. Are you deaf?"
Zepr laughed. "I don't know who you are… but—"
Before he could finish his sentence, he was already right in front of me, mere inches from my face. My eyes widened in shock.
"If I kill you, maybe I'll get my answer."
He swung his first attack—and I barely dodged at the last second.
The battle began.
The entire city started waking up, with its people stepping out of their homes to witness the fierce fight unfolding in the middle of the street.
I tried to attack, but Zepr seemed to anticipate every move I made. He was faster, stronger, and far more experienced. Every strike I threw was countered with terrifying precision.
Then, a hard punch landed on my cheek. My body was sent flying, crashing onto the ground.
Zepr laughed. "I've seen your strength. I must admit, for someone so young, you're already on par with the academy's student. Interesting!"
I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth. "The academy? I'm just a random guy passing through."
Zepr walked toward me slowly. "Are you interested in joining me?" He extended his hand. "You could be rich. You could grow stronger. Your body will develop at an accelerated rate. With your talent, you're only one step away from becoming something greater."
I pretended to think for a moment. Then, I smiled.
I raised my middle finger
And flipped him off.
"Not interested."
Zepr exhaled sharply.
Before I could relax, he suddenly vanished. My instincts screamed, and in the blink of an eye, an explosion erupted between us.
I was pushed several steps back.
"He's still not serious…" I muttered under my breath.
---
Ten minutes into the battle, I was already at my limit. My breaths came in ragged gasps, my body bruised and battered. Zepr, on the other hand, stood tall—untouched, unscathed.
"What… are demons really this strong?" I whispered, hunched forward in exhaustion.
Zepr laughed. "You're strong, but your mistake… was fighting me. I have already reached the Master level."
Despite the pain, I smirked. "Master? But your head is only worth 10,000 silver. That's barely ten gold coins. Pretty cheap, don't you think?"
I chuckled, trying to buy myself more time.
Zepr's lips curled into a wicked grin. "You're stalling. I know you and Norman are planning something."
In an instant, he was right in front of me, his hand gripping my throat tightly.
"What a waste… If only I could turn you into—"
Splat!
Blood splattered through the air.
Zepr's left hand was severed, cut cleanly from his arm.
He leaped back, staring at his wound in disbelief.
I lifted my head, eyes brimming with confidence.
I pointed my sword at him.
"You're not Master level, Zepr." My voice was calm, yet sharp. "Your true level is merely Ascendent level."
Zepr's eyes widened.
I grinned.
"And now… you've lost your greatest advantage."