Chapter 92

Chapter 92

HEL SCANS

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Magic.

In this mysterious field of study, there was an unbroken proposition.

‘A sorcerer belonging to a lower hierarchy can never defeat a sorcerer of a higher hierarchy one-on-one.’

This was due to significant differences not only in destructive power but also in speed of calculation, enchantment, and invocation.

To face a sorcerer one level above, ten from the lower level had to gather, that was the main point.

Or they could use physical force.

What about martial artists in comparison?

In their realm, there was no clear boundary like that of sorcerers.

Even with an obvious difference in skill, the outcome of battles often flipped easily.

This was because martial arts battles had too many variables.

But there was one thing.

There was an absolute criterion that divided the realms of martial artists.

That was the manipulation of mana.

The gap between those who could freely handle mana and those who couldn’t was clearer and insurmountable than any other difference, not due to the enhancement of the physical body or the manifestation of the sword’s edge.

Detection.

The ability to perceive information about the surrounding environment, objects, and people by extending mana outward within the body.

This was the biggest difference between those who could use mana and those who couldn’t.

If one became proficient in detection, it was possible to sense opponents beyond walls or predict their movements.

In other words, it was gaining a perception ability that far surpassed the realm of human senses.

And Felson Dietrich was undoubtedly the most exceptional martial artist in the aspect of ‘detection.’

Tsu, tsu, tsu, tsu, tsu!

On a quiet night.

The abandoned house covered in weeds and bushes was very desolate.

There was no sign of popularity, but Felson confidently walked inside without hiding his presence.

Since he didn’t bother to conceal his presence, the sound of footsteps was loud.

“Hmm.”

Abandoned toys.

Broken glass.

Shattered furniture.

Decaying wooden planks.

His gaze slid over them once.

No matter how you looked at it, it seemed like a long-abandoned house, where human footsteps had been severed for a while.

However...

“......”

Felson’s eyelids closed.

As he took slow breaths, his chest expanded.

His immense mana began to move slowly.

Woo-woo-woo-

Mana extended like a thread through the damp musty air.

It gathered every subtle sound, small light, and any clues without missing a beat.

In fact, Felson’s initial detection had already begun from outside the main gate.

‘One, three... six, all twelve. They hid well in this cramped place.’

It was akin to a spider hunting on its web.

Once mana reached a close range, it was impossible for anything to escape Felson’s perception.

Swish!

What Felson drew out was an ordinary longsword.

But from the moment mana converged on the sword, it no longer looked ordinary.

As if thrown into a furnace, it ignited and...

Pah-!

Instantly, dozens of crimson sword beams shot out from the tip.

Considering that even a skilled swordsman couldn’t control more than a few beams, it revealed how exceptional Felson’s mana control was.

Squeak-!

The sword beams, like an angry swarm of bees attacking a beehive, made fierce sounds as they flew in all directions throughout the abandoned house.

“Aaaargh!!”

“Thunk!”

“Auughhh!!!!”

“Thud!”

The cries echoed.

Of course, some had anticipated the attack and tried to defend as much as possible.

However, Felson’s sword beams, even mid-defense, found openings and struck somehow.

The sword beams, approaching by circumventing cover like a water strider, were sheer terror.

Thud!

The sound of a dozen bodies hitting the floor seemed like a single collective thud.

All except one had their breaths cut off.

“Heuk, heuk.”

The lone survivor looked around, dazed, as corpses rolled around him.

Luke and Evergreen were assigned to the attack team together.

Click-

The door connecting to the set opened when Evergreen yawned and wiped away a tear.

It was the defense team returning to the waiting room after completing their reconnaissance, trap setting, and ambush point checks within the simulated city set.

Their faces exuded a self-satisfied look.

Upon spotting the visibly exhausted Evergreen and Luke, their expressions brightened even more.

“Hmm, with both of them in that state, it should be easy to handle.”

“You guys didn’t manage your condition properly. You shouldn’t underestimate the Fine Arts.”

“I might find Luke tough, but I can definitely handle that brat.”

Under normal circumstances, such provocative glances would have triggered tension.

But at this moment, there was no particular reaction.

Evergreen yawned again.

“Defense team, you have 5 minutes before your position!”

The assistant’s announcement prompted the defense team to stretch and loosen their bodies energetically.

Observing their movements, Evergreen recalled the memories of the Hell Week that had made her look like this.

It had been several days, but the memories were vivid.

“This week is going to be Hell Week.”

“What?”

“We can’t just throw you into the Forest of Martial Arts without any preparation.”

After the abrupt notice, they had endured unimaginable suffering.

Although the preparation was supposedly for dealing with the Forest of Martial Arts, the schedule the instructor had prepared was beyond human capability.

“Last time, it seems like you lacked grip strength. Before starting rigorous training, let’s warm up and climb the Paralysis Gorge.”

They climbed a cliff as if it were shaved off.

The cliff had toxic plants emitting paralysis-inducing scents all over.

It was said to be a device to maintain concentration.

Climbing the cliff with immobile limbs took hours, but that wasn’t the end.

“After a 3-minute break, we will conduct physical training and sparring within the gravity field.”

“Uh, gravity field?”

“It will feel similar to moving in a place with dense mana. Try to get used to it.”

“Ugh.”

With aching bodies, they rolled on the ground as if stuck to the earth.

And the long-awaited climax.

“Get down!”

Engaging in individual combat.

While lying in the mud, she repeatedly advanced and retreated, climbing the steep hill with somersaults.

Kwaaaaaang!

Suddenly, magic bullets flew from behind.

“Uhiyak!”

“Mmhaak!”

Although it was shot to the side of the assault path, it felt like her heart had dropped to the sole of her foot.

“Maintain composure! Advance, charge!”

“Charge forward...!”

After crawling to the outpost, an indifferent voice reached those who were lying exhausted.

“Alright, after a break, we’ll go down again.”

“Uh, where to?”

“Into the gorge.”

As the reminiscence came to an end, Evergreen involuntarily wore a strained expression.

“Look at her. She seems nervous already.”

“Do you think being an Extreme learner means she’ll do well? She is just another arrogant brat.”

The defense forces were still making noise.

In fact, the words aimed at Evergreen didn’t affect her much.

Born as the daughter of a modest noble family, she had learned to overlook most humiliations.

She grew up watching her parents seek support from the nearby lord.

Getting worked up over such sarcastic remarks was, in fact, more amusing.

So, she silently loosened up in one corner of the waiting room.

“Hey.”

...Though she didn’t expect anyone to stand up for her, Luke tilted his head and looked at the defense forces.

“What? Me?”

“Yeah, you.”

The guy who was singled out seemed slightly shrunk, but he quickly responded cheekily, adopting a nonchalant attitude.

He made bold gestures, seemingly trusting his friends in the background.

“Hah, where do you get off talking like that to a senior?”

Luke chuckled silently, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor.

In a languid tone, he continued, “Seniors, don’t let your guard down. It’d be unfair if it ends before we even get started.”

And Luke lived up to his words.

[PR/N: MY MAN ❗❗.]

HEL SCANS

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