Blade Of Life Energy:The Outcasts

9

After weeks of training, with each passing day Erik learned more and grew stronger. Although his raw power was less compared to the others, his agility and reaction speed were far superior to theirs. This felt like a reward for him; he had realized that strategy mattered much more than strength in battle. He trusted his intelligence greatly in this regard.

From his master, he had learned many things about preparing plants, as well as studying poisons and antidotes—this was precisely what he was looking for.

In battle, inflicting even a tiny scratch on his opponent would be enough to defeat them. According to Erik's mindset, a person shouldn't give up simply because they are weak, because other factors could carry them to the top; the important thing was to discover what those factors were. In addition, he was highly skilled in using swords and knives, and his marksmanship had developed significantly.

On the other hand, he was searching for a way to carry his group to the top. For months, his head had been occupied with this question: "Why do I possess this power? Is it for revenge? Or to kill, to let live, to rescue? Or to become revenge itself? Or does my power exist merely for me to be strong?" In reality, he didn't particularly care about helping his group; he simply thought that he shouldn't remain alone in a place like this. For them to be useful to him, they needed to become stronger.

On a cold, snowy day in Class A's Magical Monster Identification class, the instructor had already started the lesson long ago. Erik was listening to the lesson with great attention as usual.

The instructor spoke up, "As I said, the invincible monster syndrome manifests when fighting a magical monster. For instance, when a massive dragon comes, sets everything on fire, and kills hundreds of people in an instant, those who witness it fall into despair and fear, losing their belief that it can be defeated. If this situation ever happens to you, flee from there immediately, because monsters sense fear. If you succumb to fear, they will feel it, view you as an easy target, and attack you directly. Controlling your emotions is crucial in hunting.

Anyway, that is enough for today. Class is dismissed."

Finishing his words, he left the classroom.

As usual, Erik placed his head on the desk and began to rest. A short rest made him feel more refreshed for the next class.

He could now spend his time comfortably; his talents shown in classes indicated that he was a dangerous person who should be avoided.

Erik was quite satisfied with this situation, but there was only one problem: Nina. She was the only one who could bypass his defenses.

Her attention was always on Erik. Meanwhile, Erik tried to keep his distance from her. As usual, Nina had come over to bother him, stroking his hair and teasing him. No matter how annoyed Erik got, he couldn't bring himself to be angry with her. In contrast to Nina, the other girls had their eyes fixed on Kayn, constantly talking among themselves about how talented he was. Even though Erik was far more talented than him, nobody cared about his situation.

Perhaps this was the monster's fate; no matter how talented he was, it wouldn't matter. Though, Erik didn't care about this at all.

His concern was his dreams and desires; he wanted to graduate from this academy, explore the wild lands as a hunter, fight, and hunt.

When everyone left the classroom, the most anticipated time of the day for Erik had arrived. Shortly after, his master arrived, and they quickly began the lesson.

The old man spoke up, "Son, to be honest, you have learned so many things in a short period. It took me years to learn the things you have mastered. You have read and finished all the books I gave you. Learning this fast shows me how smart you are, or maybe I am just a very good master!" he said and began to laugh. Erik joined in on the laughter as well.

Then, the expression on Turkon's face vanished, leaving behind a cold and unhappy look. "As you know, I have been teaching you for a full 6 months. I have taught you everything I know, and we've had wonderful times. You have always been an obedient and good student. But just as every good thing comes to an end, a good life comes to an end as well. Thank you for making this old man spend his final times in a good way. You are the perfect student I have searched for my entire life.

Actually, my intention isn't to sadden you with such talk. I can confidently say that you are the person who will carry on my greatest achievement. You now possess the capability to continue on your own path. You are now the youngest healer in the world.

Then he pulled a piece of paper from his hand and showed it to Erik. "This is the cure for everything, the remedy for all diseases, the thing that will change the world. Perhaps this is the greatest trust in the world. This formula has been developing and continuing for generations since the first healer in the world. After this formula was passed on to me, I dedicated my life to it and improved it a bit more. I believe we have reached the final stage. You will be the one to find the cure for the last disease, the final trouble and problem in the world: death!"

Erik couldn't believe what he was hearing. What was about to come into his hands was perhaps the most important thing in the world. Turkon placed the paper into Erik's hands, then stood up and turned his back. "Farewell, Erik," he said. It was the first time he addressed him by his name, adding, "Because I don't want you to see me in a pathetic state in my final days. Always remember me standing tall. And lastly, I know about the darkness inside you; don't think I am angry with you for it. Perhaps for a world like this, that is what's right. Take care of my trust. If you attempt to make the medicine with this formula, one out of two people you try it on will die, but if it works, the patient will definitely be cured no matter what. I don't know why this is the case; I leave the rest to you. I hope you experience the adventures and excitement you desire and live a happy life.

Never forget me, because if you forget me, then I will truly be dead. Goodbye, Monster Hunter."

He left the classroom with quick steps. Erik was still unable to break free from the shock. He had become quite attached to him in this short time; he was perhaps the only person in his life he could trust, and now he was gone too. Life was like a fairytale to him; people were there one moment and gone the next. Everyone was merely consuming and spending their time.

He stood up, said, "Alright, Master," and left the classroom.

Plowing through the snow, he made his way to his department. He opened the door and entered, walking down the corridor until he reached the hall. Those who saw him coming greeted him.

Noticing Manas, he sat next to him and said, "Prepare well for the tournament at the end of winter; we will finally achieve the victory we desire."

Manas was surprised and asked, "Are you sure about this? Did you find the answer to your question?"

Erik replied, "No, but I am sure it's very close. If not, I have a much better plan."

Manas asked, "What is that better plan?" Erik replied, "You'll see when the time comes," closing the topic.

Manas trusted Erik on this matter. He stood up and said, "My friends, I have good news for you! We have found the way to participate in the end-of-winter tournament and take first place!"

Cheers and applause echoed all across the hall, but there was curiosity within them about how they would accomplish this. They were studying and working harder than anyone else, but that couldn't replace true power. Perhaps they could achieve a victory this year, but in the coming years, if their opponents understood and learned their powers better, they could easily defeat them.

They couldn't get anywhere with basic moves, and it couldn't be said that all of them were highly talented individuals. Defeat had sooner or later become their fate. Their only hope was a good piece of news coming from Erik, but there was still nothing in sight, and the speech Manas made hadn't satisfied their curiosity.

Suddenly, a deep silence fell over the hall. Partan stood up this time and said, "My friends, I realize you are falling into despair, but there is no need. We must trust in ourselves and in our unity, and show the others who we are. If we bond tightly enough, we can defeat them."

Bored by this situation, Erik stood up. Everyone held their breath.

With a confident expression, Erik said, "My friends, the news is good... I have discovered the power of hallucination..."