Chapter 16 - Chapter 15 - Be my Student

Note: A reader asks, can we provide suggestions for the next character template?

Speaking about character template suggestions, I actually held a voting poll for character templates (on Wattpad) after the conclusion of Takamiya Mayuri's battle.

The fictional characters included Morax/Zhongli (World: Genshin Impact), Tokisaki Kurumi (World: Date A Live), Otsutsuki Toneri (World: Naruto), Uchiha Itachi (World: Naruto), Altria Pendragon Alter - Class Saber (World: Nasuverse/Fate/Type-Moon), Okkotsu Yuta (World: Jujutsu Kaisen), Kiana Kaslana Herrscher of the Void (World: Honkai Impact 3rd), Pandora (World: Re Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu), and King Ghidorah (World: Monsterverse).

Among all of these, the character who won was Herrscher of the Void. I have plans for the next character voting poll. It will likely happen around chapter 26 or 27 (my original Indonesian story is only up to that point).

But you can provide your suggestions. Currently, the two types of characters I need are sword users and light element wielders (this is my plan for the voting).

***

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟏 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐢 / 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐧

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯✯✯✯

• *𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟏𝟎𝟎%

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞: ???

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐆𝐨𝐝 (𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥), 𝐏𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭 (𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲)

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐳𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐛, 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐧, 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐳𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐨, 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐧, 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐎𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐨, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐲𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞, 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐒+

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭]

...

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟐 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐮𝐫𝐢

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯✯✯✯

• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟏𝟎𝟎%

• *𝐀𝐠𝐞: ???

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞]

...

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟑 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐭

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯✯

• *𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟏𝟎𝟎%

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 𝟏𝟖

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝟐, 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞]

...

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟒 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐚 𝐓𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐲𝐨

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯

• *𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟎𝟎%

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 𝟏𝟓

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐬, 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞, 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐣𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦]

...

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟓 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐢 / 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐲𝐚

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯✯

• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟎𝟎%

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 𝟐𝟒

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐀-𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝, 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐁𝐨𝐤𝐮 𝐧𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚]

...

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟔 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐤𝐚 𝐆𝐢𝐲𝐮𝐮

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯✯

• *𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟎𝟎%

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞: 𝟐𝟏

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐌𝐢𝐳𝐮 𝐧𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚, 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫, 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚, 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐬

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐊𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐧𝐨 𝐘𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐚]

...

✦ [𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟕 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐊𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚 – 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫: ✯✯✯✯✯

• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝟎𝟎%

• 𝐀𝐠𝐞: ???

• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 (?), 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬 (?), 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫

• 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚, 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧, 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐝

• 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐢 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝟑𝐫𝐝]

...

Seven cards, each displaying a character, floated before Lux.

After the system update, every Character Template had been converted into card form.

Each card radiated a different aura and color according to its quality, ranging from a dim grayish glow to a dazzling rainbow radiance that marked the tier of its power.

Every card also emitted its own kind of aura: gloomy, innocent, cold, pure, and many others reflecting the personality of each character.

Lux, the owner of all seven cards, simply stared at them in silence...

A week had passed since the system's extraordinary "gift."

Despite how enormous the surprise had been, Lux showed no excessive interest.

But he had to admit... his luck back then had been far beyond anything he'd expected.

Obtaining a ✯✯✯✯✯ Character Template was still within reason, but a ✯✯✯✯✯✯ Character Template... that was truly insane.

It was disappointing that the card turned out to be a limited-use one, but after learning just how immense the power of ✯✯✯✯✯✯ was, Lux couldn't say much.

A Template with ✯✯✯✯✯✯ (six stars) possessed power that was almost unimaginable.

It was so strong that destroying and recreating a world was no longer impossible, whereas the full power of Takamiya Mayuri's Angel and the entirety of Raiden Ei's strength, both of which fell into the ✯✯✯✯✯ category, could only make an impact on the scale of multiple countries or a single continent...

Because of that, Lux understood that a ✯✯✯✯✯✯ Template must not be used permanently.

What the system feared most was... the original consciousness remaining within the Template, just like Takamiya Mayuri, who had once taken control of Lux's body...

'But I don't know how strong this card is.'

Lux focused on the card that emitted the most dazzling rainbow light.

The Takamiya Mayuri and Raiden Ei/Shogun Template cards gave off a similar color, but the intensity of the rainbow light on this one was far more striking and felt far more powerful.

On the Template card was the figure of a young girl.

Snow-white hair flowed long, and her orange eyes bore a thin cross-shaped pattern.

She wore a revealing dress with a skirt dominated by white, purple, and black.

In an instant, Lux realized that this Template card far surpassed the power of Takamiya Mayuri and Raiden Ei/Shogun.

What unsettled him was... the oppressive aura of darkness that seemed ready to swallow everything, and an expression so cold it could make anyone shiver in fear.

The Template's name was "Kiana Kaslana – Herrscher of the Void Version."

If not for the system's warning, Lux might have tried to experience this Template's power.

But the system had firmly warned him that this Template was extremely dangerous. So dangerous that the "Herrscher of the Void" could seize his consciousness, even if only temporarily.

Takamiya Mayuri at least had a form of restraint in the Goddess of Life, but as for the Herrscher of the Void... almost nothing could hold back that entity's rampage. That was the warning the system had given.

Besides that...

'The enemy of humanity, huh?'

Lux fell silent, lost in thought.

He was already used to all kinds of entities that hated humans.

But the hatred the Herrscher of the Void held was on another level entirely...

Since he couldn't use it directly, the card could only serve as an ace.

Previously, Lux's aces had been the True Form of Raiden Ei/Shogun and the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception.

But now... his aces were "Card One Used: Takamiya Mio (✯✯✯✯✯✯)" and "Character Template: Kiana Kaslana – Herrscher of the Void Version"...

Well, whatever.

Lux gazed at the two cards intently.

The time had come to work as an actor, and at the same time...

"...Hunt the Son of Destiny."

***

That woman was strange.

That was the conclusion Tia had arrived at.

Before, she had been the most popular girl at this branch of the Hunter Association.

But ever since the arrival of a woman named Artemisia Bell Ashcroft, her position as the most beautiful girl here had been instantly displaced.

Blonde hair and clear blue eyes. A black jacket paired with a matching skirt. A ponytail that elegantly revealed the curve of her nape.

From any angle, Artemisia looked exactly like the ideal secretary that everyone dreamed of.

And in fact, she was.

Even now, Artemisia served the Hunters as a receptionist with near-flawless perfection.

Her warm, gentle smile enchanted 8 out of 10 men, while 10 out of 10 women were consumed by deep envy.

When Artemisia first registered as a Hunter Association staff member, everyone was stunned.

A Rank S Hunter choosing to become an ordinary receptionist... Although it wasn't unheard of, the choice still baffled many.

As a Rank S Hunter with captivating looks, Artemisia Bell Ashcroft had surely received plenty of high-paying offers from famous guilds.

But her final decision never changed. She preferred to join the Hunter Association as a receptionist.

Despite a lingering trace of suspicion, Artemisia's presence brought significant change.

Before she arrived, bullying of novice and weak Hunters was a common sight. Even some female receptionists were often targeted for harassment by high-handed Rank A Hunters.

And Tia, as the most beautiful girl in the Hunter Association, hadn't escaped that harassment either.

But ever since Artemisia took up the receptionist post, every form of bullying had gradually disappeared.

The reason was obvious. With her Rank S status proving her ability, Artemisia needed only a single punch to cripple any Hunter with ill intentions.

As a result, no one dared cause trouble here anymore, and Artemisia became respected and admired by every member of the Hunter Association.

The number of love confessions directed at her was beyond counting, though in the end all of them were rejected gently but firmly.

Liked, admired, strong, beautiful, and good-natured...

Artemisia had everything that every woman dreamed of.

As one of the people who knew Artemisia's past, Tia knew she shouldn't feel this way, but...

...she couldn't deny the jealousy gnawing at her heart.

Especially now that her position as the darling of the branch had been displaced by Artemisia's presence, resentment had begun to grow within her...

"Please come again~" Tia smiled sweetly at a Rank D Hunter she had just finished serving.

"Oh, Miss Tia. Thank you so much. By the way, may I ask you something?"

"Of course. You can ask me anything~" Tia kept up her professional smile.

But she began to understand when she saw the shy expression and the blush on the face of the Hunter before her.

Ah, this again...

Tia was well aware of her own charm.

It was no wonder so many Hunters fell for her. She prepared to turn him down gently, but...

"Could you introduce me to Miss Artemisia?"

"..." Tia's smile froze, and with a trembling voice she asked, "...Excuse me?"

"I know this is a bit embarrassing, but... I think I've fallen for Miss Artemisia—"

"Leave."

"Huh?" The Rank D Hunter was confused.

"I don't want to see you again. Leave this place right now."

"O-oh, I understand."

The Hunter still looked bewildered, but he quickly left.

In his heart, he only thought that Miss Tia might not be feeling well...

Tia, her smile now gone, bit her lower lip so hard that a little blood dripped.

Her gaze was fixed on the blonde, ponytailed woman who was now surrounded by a crowd...

Taking a deep breath, Tia tried to calm herself.

She mustn't get carried away by her emotions... Even though she was upset, she knew she still had a few advantages over Artemisia.

For example... her larger assets...

"Excuse me, could you tell me where I should register as a Hunter?"

The question drew Tia's attention.

She frowned the moment she saw the young man's appearance.

Ordinary clothes with a few tears, and an oversized bag that looked out of proportion. A sword tucked at his right hip.

Weariness showed on his face. Black hair with a hint of dark blue.

Not bad, but not especially attractive either. His looks were completely plain...

The only thing that caught her eye was the gem necklace hanging around his neck.

Normally, Tia would serve anyone professionally, but she was in a bad mood.

Add to that the young man's appearance, which resembled a poor drifter... and her mood worsened even more.

"Don't ask me. Go find someone else."

"..."

The young man narrowed his eyes.

But he showed no sign of anger. He only nodded lightly before walking away.

Tia gave him a brief glance and went back to fiddling with the phone in her hand.

Then, a commotion drew her attention.

Slightly annoyed, she turned toward the source of the noise—the place where the young man she had just sent away now stood, and...

...Tia's mouth fell wide open in disbelief.

'T-two Rank SS Talents?...'

The young man's information was clearly projected by the Truth Orbs.

...

[𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞: 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐞]

[𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐫: 𝟑 (𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥)]

[𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐒: 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝]

[𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐒: 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐛𝐲𝐬𝐬]

[𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡, 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐁!]

...

'T-this makes no sense! How is this possible?!'

Tia truly couldn't believe what she was seeing.

How could someone who looked like that have two Rank SS Talents?!

Endless regret began to well up in her mind. If only she had served the young man properly, she would surely have been promoted and received a salary bonus of over ten million credits...

Under the Hunter Association's work system, a receptionist or employee who discovered a Hunter with great potential would receive a substantial bonus.

So who got that stroke of luck?

"..."

Tia's expression went blank when she saw the familiar face of a beautiful woman who looked surprised yet delighted.

Yes... that woman was Artemisia.

What hurt even more was that the young man named Chen Ye looked bashful in front of Artemisia, while his expression had been so indifferent when speaking to Tia...

This burned Tia even more with shame, anger, and overflowing jealousy...

***

'Damn it! I thought you'd hide my talent, Master!'

'Foolish disciple! There's nothing that can be hidden once you touch the Truth Orbs! That orb reveals every Talent you possess!'

The ghostly spirit residing in Chen Ye's necklace cried out in fury.

He had actually suggested that Chen Ye register as an Irregular Hunter, but the young man refused on the grounds that such a path didn't suit the way of a true man!

'Damn it, now get ready!'

'Huh? Get ready for what?'

'What else? To run away, of course, you fool! Do you think you'll be safe after revealing your Talents?! So much attention will attract ill intentions from all sides!'

'B-but...'

Chen Ye still hesitated.

He had only just arrived in this city after long training. How could he become a fugitive right away!

The Master was about to unleash more anger at his disciple's hesitation in such an urgent situation, but just then...

"Amazing. With two such impressive Talents, I'm sure you'll soon surpass my abilities."

A woman's gentle voice sounded.

Chen Ye hadn't paid much attention to her earlier because of his exhaustion, but... the receptionist now serving him was stunning.

Chen Ye's face flushed slightly before he regained control. His heart wasn't so weak as to be easily tempted by a woman's charm...

...probably.

"I realize you didn't notice me much earlier, but allow me to introduce myself." The woman smiled.

"My name is Artemisia Bell Ashcroft. I would be happy to become your personal receptionist."

"..."

Chen Ye felt a little embarrassed hearing the offer.

Being served by such a beautiful woman certainly pleased him.

But he was still reluctant, remembering the unpleasant experience of being looked at with disgust by Tia...

'Accept the offer.'

'Master?' Chen Ye blinked in surprise. 'Why? Didn't you just tell me to leave this place immediately?'

'Yes, that was my original plan... But I changed my mind after sensing her strength.'

'Her strength?'

'Foolish disciple. You didn't notice? Your Talents are laid out in plain view, yet people aren't scrambling to get close to you and recruit you.'

Speaking of which, Chen Ye realized it now.

With two extremely rare Rank SS Talents, it was strange that no one was trying to recruit him aggressively.

There was only one reasonable explanation...

'Even Rank A Hunters don't dare act high-handed. There's no doubt... this woman is a Rank S Hunter!'

"R-Rank S Hunter?! So this woman is very strong?!" Chen Ye exclaimed without thinking.

Artemisia blinked. She looked a little embarrassed and said, "No... even though I hold Rank S status, I'm not that strong. There are many other Rank S Hunters who are far more formidable."

"Ah..." Chen Ye realized he had just shouted without thinking. "F-forgive me..."

Artemisia shook her head gently and smiled.

"Please don't worry. So, what about my offer? I understand if you're still unsure, but believe me, being part of the journey of a future Rank SSS Hunter would be an honor for me."

"I-I see..." Chen Ye was still hesitant and asked his master in his heart…

'What do you think, Master?'

'I'm not entirely sure, because her emotions from beginning to end have been too controlled, as if all of this were just an act...'

'Huh?'

'But I think it's better to accept her offer. With her status as a Rank S Hunter and a member of the Hunter Association, she can certainly bring you many benefits.'

Hearing that advice, Chen Ye nodded in agreement. It was indeed wiser to accept the offer.

With a Rank S Hunter at his side, even if she couldn't fully hold off the major guilds, at least Chen Ye wouldn't be troubled by small-fry Hunters...

"Very well, I accept your offer."

"Thank you." Artemisia smiled softly.

"I'll make sure you don't regret this decision. Please wait a moment while I prepare your Hunter card."

Artemisia then walked toward one of the rooms, leaving Chen Ye alone.

Chen Ye let out a sigh of relief, but suddenly noticed a large shadow covering him.

His weary expression turned cold in an instant.

"Hey, kid. Be happy. I'm inviting you to join my guild."

"...Sorry, I decline."

"Ungrateful brat. Don't you know who I am and which guild I represent?"

"I don't, and I don't want to. Get out of my sight."

The burly, muscular man twisted his face into a hideous expression.

He had actually been watching Chen Ye from the start, but hadn't dared act because of Artemisia, one of the Rank S Hunters, being present.

Although his guild had several Rank S Hunters of its own, they didn't want to pick a fight with other Rank S Hunters.

That was why he had to take advantage of Artemisia's absence to recruit Chen Ye!

But he never expected the young man to look down on him so much!

The man reached for the huge axe hanging on his back, ready to finish off the arrogant brat in front of him!

Chen Ye also prepared to face him.

Quietly, he gripped the hilt of his katana...

"It's not wise to fight in this place. That woman will surely beat you both up."

"?!"

Chen Ye's eyes and the burly man's eyes widened at the same time.

It wasn't only them. Several people nearby were also startled by the sudden presence of a... girl?

Since when, no one knew, but a white-haired girl with twin tails was calmly enjoying tea not far from them.

She was petite, wearing a kimono with open sleeves dominated by white and red.

A katana in a white sheath lay beside her. Both of her eyes were closed, as if they had never opened.

The large man frowned and said sarcastically, "Don't butt into grown-ups' business, little girl. Go home and drink your mother's milk."

A small twitch appeared on the girl's forehead.

In a cold tone, she answered, "Oh... little girl?"

She then rose from her seat and stepped toward the man.

The man only frowned but stayed where he was. He was certain that a girl with such a tiny frame couldn't possibly hurt him.

...How mistaken he was.

𝘽𝘼𝙉𝙂!

The man's eyes seemed to bulge out, and his body was flung back several meters!

Meanwhile, the white-haired girl appeared to have just thrown a punch, and now nonchalantly shook out her right hand.

"How disappointing. A Rank B Hunter, punched by a 'little girl'? How shameful."

"..."

The man wanted to vent his anger, but... he couldn't.

All he could do was lie curled up, clutching his stomach, which felt as though it had been crushed from the inside.

Hunters might have strong bodies, but that was only on the outside. In truth, their internal organs were as vulnerable as those of ordinary humans.

And that was exactly what the girl had exploited. Overall, her physical strength might have been equal to a Rank C Hunter, or at worst a Rank D, but... with her swordsmanship and special techniques, she could easily defeat a Rank B Hunter.

On the other hand, Chen Ye and the Hunters who had witnessed the incident were utterly stunned.

It was astonishing to see a two-meter-tall man knocked back by a petite girl.

Of course, Chen Ye could have done something similar with his two Talents, but... not as easily or as gracefully as she had.

"T-thank you for helping me," Chen Ye said awkwardly.

Though he hadn't actually needed the help, he still felt he should express his gratitude.

"No need to thank me. I didn't help you without reason," she replied bluntly.

"I-I see..." Chen Ye was a little taken aback by the girl's candor. "Then, could you tell me your reason for helping me?"

"It's simple." The girl gripped her katana and raised her index finger.

"You. Become my disciple."

"...What?"

Chen Ye blinked in confusion. But he was clearly stunned by the statement...

"You didn't hear wrong. I'm asking you to become my disciple."

Chen Ye felt it was strange, but he quickly answered, "Sorry, although I really appreciate the offer, I have to decline. Besides that..."

Chen Ye took a breath, "...you're pointing in the wrong direction."

"..."

Silence fell for a moment.

Yes, the girl wasn't pointing at Chen Ye at all, but at the plain wall beside him...

The remark made the girl's face flush slightly with embarrassment.

She coughed softly and said, "Ahem. Forget it. Though it's disappointing, I'm not the type to force people."

The girl turned around, seemingly about to leave out of considerable embarrassment.

That was when the Rank B Hunter she had knocked down earlier rose again.

This time, with murderous intent and all his strength, the burly man swung his axe, blazing with [mana]!

"WATCH OUT!"

Some people's expressions turned to horror, including Chen Ye, who never imagined the man would actually launch a lethal attack on a girl so much younger!

Just as everyone thought the girl would be crushed, a cold voice suddenly came from her thin lips...

"...You know, the sound, the heartbeat, and the friction of air you produce are really annoying."

𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃! 𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙉𝙂!

A silver flash split the air, so fast that the naked eye could barely catch it.

'W-what the...'

Everyone, especially Chen Ye, froze in profound shock.

His eyes widened as he watched the horrifying scene before him.

The sword flashed several times—no, not even for a few seconds.

The burly man's body was instantly cut apart with precise wounds, deep red blood spraying like a crimson rain dancing in the air.

Even the giant axe made of rare material—a weapon said to be nearly indestructible—was now cut into worthless fragments!

The metallic scent of blood wafted through the air.

The girl covered her nose with the sleeve of her pure white silk kimono.

Her cold voice carried a slight glint of satisfaction as she murmured, "Not bad..."

Her gaze shifted to Chen Ye.

Those sharp, empty eyes seemed to pierce his soul, leaving Chen Ye breathless.

The girl stepped forward gracefully, each movement like flowing water.

"My offer still stands. If you want to become my disciple, come to Master Swordsman City."

She turned to leave, but suddenly her steps stopped. "Ah, I almost forgot."

The girl glanced sideways with her sharp eyes.

More precisely, her gaze was directed at the necklace around Chen Ye's neck...

"...Be careful. There are some people who have noticed your existence, Old Ghost."

"?!!"

Chen Ye's heart seemed to stop beating. Cold sweat poured down his temples.

"Hey, what do you me—"

Chen Ye was about to ask, but his words were swallowed back when he realized the girl had vanished without the slightest trace.

An impossible speed! Even Rank B Hunters, with their superior vision, couldn't catch the shadow of her departure!

"Hey, Master."

Chen Ye swallowed nervously, cold sweat soaking his entire body.

"What do you think... should I accept her offer? And what was with that speed?! Could you see it?!"

An ancient voice echoed in his mind, full of arrogance and thousands of years of wisdom.

'Fool, of course I could see it. Although her speed was somewhat unexpected, that's all it was. I'm a hundred times faster than her! As for your question...'

Chen Ye's Master narrowed his virtual eyes.

A bad premonition haunted his mind. It was not good news that someone knew of his existence.

Not only was he himself in danger, Chen Ye's life would be threatened too!

'Become that girl's disciple. Perhaps you'll gain something new that makes you far stronger.'

"I-I understand," Chen Ye whispered, his throat feeling dry.

"Excuse me, could someone explain to me what just happened?"

A voice, gentle yet cold as eternal ice, echoed through the room, making the atmosphere seem to freeze in an instant.

Everyone present, without exception, shuddered. Stiffly, they turned and found Artemisia standing in the doorway, sunlight framing her silhouette.

The woman wore her usual professional smile, but the coldness in her eyes seemed capable of taking the life of anyone who dared to look at her too long!

Terrifying! A killing aura that made even the air feel heavy!

Unknown to Chen Ye, Artemisia merely whispered softly in her heart…

'Mission accomplished.'

***

[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲! 𝗢𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀!]

[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 '𝗦𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆: 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗲'! 𝗢𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀!]

[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! ...]

[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! ...]

[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! ...]

Endless notifications kept popping up, flashing with a golden glow.

...

...

'Very good.'

Watching the system notifications appear one after another, Lux's expression remained calm as the surface of a lake untouched by wind.

Lux's current location was a neglected place, and at the same time a cursed place shunned by the world.

𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆.

A forgotten city where the most dangerous criminals roamed freely on every corner.

As proof of how rotten and oppressive this city was, not a single ray of sunlight could pierce the layer of black clouds hanging low overhead.

The air was tainted with the stench of blood and filthy [mana] that poisoned every breath, and the cold was so biting it chilled straight to the marrow.

Gravely ill beggars lay dying along the muddy streets.

Theft, rape, murder, slavery, betrayal… None of these crimes were extraordinary events anymore, but daily rituals enjoyed by its residents.

This city was the worst of the worst. Hell on the mortal plane.

As someone bearing the title of Frost Assassin, Lux would be thrown into this city if he were ever captured.

Of course… his presence in this cursed place wasn't because he had been caught by the authorities.

He was here with one very clear purpose...

Collecting Achievement Points.

He looked at one of the ✯✯✯ (three-star) Template cards shimmering purple in his hand.

With a cold gaze, he muttered...

"𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹."

The card instantly dissolved into dazzling purple energy, then merged with Lux's body like light being absorbed by darkness.

Lux's expression remained unchanged, but his appearance slowly underwent a drastic transformation.

A grown young man with a deadly aura.

His hair, once snow-white, turned jet black like a raven's wings.

His captivating heterochromatic eyes changed into a deep blue that held a glint of madness.

A tattered black coat clung to his body, as if made of darkness itself.

The most striking part of his appearance was the horrific burn scars covering much of his body and face.

Crude stitches ran across the burn scars, creating a sight so gruesome it made anyone shudder to look at it...

[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹!]

Countless unfamiliar memories flooded his consciousness, but he stayed calm, absorbing every piece of information methodically.

Standing atop the tallest building, he closed his eyes and let the cold wind caress his face.

A gust that carried the scent of death and despair.

Lux... or more precisely, Lux (Dabi), slowly opened his eyes.

A cold, mad smirk was etched onto his scarred face, creating a sight that could freeze the blood.

"All right... time to cause some chaos."

Without a shred of hesitation, he leapt from the towering building, his body plunging into the darkness below.

His reckless, death-defying behavior confirmed that he was not a sane man!

As he fell, flames began to ignite in both of his hands.

Not ordinary flames of blazing red, but beautiful blue flames, both dazzling and deadly!

This was the power of the Dabi Template, whose real name was Todoroki Touya.

Blueflame (Sōen)—the Quirk, or superpower, that Lux (Dabi) now possessed.

Blue fire whose temperature far surpassed that of ordinary red flames!

With an elegant motion, he aimed both hands, wreathed in blue fire, and unleashed one of his most powerful techniques...

"<<𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐮 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐧... 𝐉𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐧 (𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐭 – 𝐉𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧)>>"

A mighty surge of blue flame was released in every direction!

𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈! 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈! 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈! 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈!

Explosion after explosion shook the entire cursed city!

The blue fire, burning everything it touched, spread at astonishing speed in all directions. Rickety buildings burned, streets cracked, and screams of terror began to fill the air.

Criminals who had been sleeping woke in panic. Those indulging in their depraved pleasures were shocked by this terrifying phenomenon.

"FUCK, what's going on?!"

"Fire? What idiot criminal is using their Talent to burn down the city?!"

"Bastard, I'll tear that jerk apart!"

The sound of thundering footsteps filled the streets. Furious gazes converged on a single point.

Finding Lux (Dabi) standing amid the blue flames with both hands ablaze, they frowned.

Though somewhat startled by his horrifying, burn-scarred appearance, it didn't bother them much.

After all, in this cursed place there were plenty of creatures with far more gruesome and disgusting appearances.

"Damn. You're a newcomer? Then should I tell you about the rules here?" A burly man with tattoos covering his entire body stepped forward, his eyes glinting dangerously.

"Rules?" Lux (Dabi) tilted his head with a mocking expression.

"How ridiculous. Since when does a trash city like this have rules? And if we're talking about rules..." His expression turned into a terrifying mask of madness. "I am the rule itself."

"..."

All the criminals fell silent for a moment, before their expressions twisted into mad grins with bloodthirsty gazes they made no attempt to hide.

"HAHAHA! INTERESTING! Then..."

Dozens—no, hundreds of criminals began activating their Talents. Dangerous auras of every color appeared, creating a sight both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"We hope you're strong enough to back up your big talk."

𝘽𝙇𝘼𝘼𝘼𝙕𝙀!!!

The blue flames burned brighter, blazing high against the dark sky.

Lux (Dabi) grinned widely, his blue eyes flashing with madness and delight. "Let's see how long you can last in my fire."

And so, the battle of the villains began!