WARNING: Previously i uploaded the wrong file it was actually the raw, i accidently renamed the raw to the pred copy when i was viewing both, thats my bad guys
Many Thanks to Draconis to pring this, i can't stress how much he has helped me with pring sr rarely taking any breaks it would be awesome if you guys could find him and give him some rep for taking the time to help make sr readable for you guys, after all my raws are enough to make hell freeze over.
EDIT: thanks to lynx and mytsy for offering to pr this but il upload the proper file, geez my bad :( this 37 degree heat has gotten to my mind.
Afternoon it's quite hot here today in australia especially my region which is quite rare, i truly am thankful my house is filled with Ac.
Here is you're release of SR i hope you guys enjoy, i know i promised a surprise for this chapter but it isn't ready yet :( i than weighed the pros and cons and than went a long with the chapter release as i know you guys don't like waiting. i can only hope it will be done by next chapter.
Sorry about some paragraphs being a bit long, they couldn't be separated as there was no end ;/
also regarding the release for sr, i want to go for at least one a week but in the end it all depends on how my mind set is when im writing as you all know i never force myself to write because i wont get ideas properly flowing even though i have planned chapters the way they need to be written, needs to be right.
i hope you guys enjoy chapter 98 :D
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“Ah!..” She let out a furious pained shout as she tried to cycle her mana to keep herself from being crushed into the ground, and had managed to do so, with her being able to keep herself steady on one knee while her blood and organs rippled under the Phantom Pulse.
“-W..What a monstrous ability...just who is this...boy..-” She had understood that things were not looking up for her and what awaited was death or something worse. Regardless, it was now up to Avrin. She had figured this by judging the casual look he gave, as if he were expecting her with all the time in the world.
“Hmph..” Switching the side of the Phantom Pulse, he used it to push her away, causing her to skid across the ground. Not enough to injure her but to create some distance. “Do you admit defeat or are you going to force me to dirty my hands with blood..”
Avrin had no issue with killing someone who wanted to kill him, but if a genius like her were to go missing he was sure that there was a chance he would be in the crosshairs of it all. He himself was also somewhat curious as to why she had tried hard to conceal herself, a case of him being one story and her being another.
Clenching her teeth as she had began to feel her skin crack, the girl could only let out a sigh before calling out. “I...admit defeat!...I lose...please..release me…” Avrin softly smiled before easing the pressure of the Phantom Pulse to the point where it was not harming her but was still a slight burden. He wasn't dumb enough to completely let his guard down in this situation.
“This should suffice for now. I won't beat around the bush. Why are you so desperate to conceal your identity that you would even try to kill me?” Avrin didn't want to waste time and needed answers. He was certain that it would be either a good reason or something bad.
“None of your...business..” She growled quietly while eyeing him, her eyes focusing on him as if she was trying to penetrate his soul. Of course, Avrin was unphased and instead decided to change her mind.
Increasing the pressure of the Phantom Pulse was an easy task, and in a moment, she was again being forced against the ground. “I was taken from class and almost assassinated by you and you say it's none of my business? Are you trying to make me kill you? By all means, provoke me a bit more, but I'll let you know I have ways of obtaining information. None of them end with you leaving with your mind unharmed.”
A simple threat with a straightforward, steady tone. Avrin had dealt with many prisoners in his past life and had seen information taken from them using many methods. Although he was no master torturer, he could at least use his experience to threaten her.
“Y..You..” She felt her expression flicker under Avrin’s threat. No matter how she looked at it, he looked like a child. But his way of speaking and battle capability made it seem like he had a vast amount of experience. She could only deduce that he was somewhat like her, someone with an intention for this academy.
“What will you choose?” Avrin spoke again, keeping the Phantom Pulse’s pressure steady. “Very...well...I will speak...remove..this cursed ability of yours..” The girl raised her voice in frustration but felt her body ease as the Phantom Pulse lessened to what it was before.
“Answer my previous question. Why did you try to kill me. What is your business at this academy?” The half demon kept her lips sealed as if she were contemplating something. “-I have no choice...the bare minimum will do for now-”
After her thoughts she began to speak to Avrin. “My name is Lilia, and it's true I'm a half demon. I am on a personal quest to save my father, and the method to doing so is at this academy.”
Avrin picked all her words up and replied. “Well that’s quite fair, but why would you conceal yourself? Surely this quest of yours isn't worth killing someone over unless you're hiding something?”
Avrin’s eyes narrowed while Lilias constricted somewhat. She could tell that Avrin was quite perceptive. “M..My father….isn't someone that is welcomed...he has caused quite a few issues and is locked away...those damn angels sealed him..if they knew I was trying to find a way to free him I would be hunted down.”
Listening intently he began to piece the evidence together bit by bit. “-Grandmaster level, also a demon, her father is sealed away and by angels at that. He must be someone capable… Ah!!-” As if hit by a flash of realization, this had been information Avrin had read about but didn't know more than a few lines.
“You can't be saying that you're the daughter of the ex demon king?” Avrin had taken a chance guess and within moments it seemed to have paid off.
“Yes..you're smarter than you look...I am Demon King Azrael’s youngest daughter. What gave this away?” She was also quite curious, but Avrin’s answer seemed to rest her doubts.
“A half human half demon at the Grandmaster level. I haven't seen many Grandmaster level combatants, but I'm quite sure they are very rare. Your father must have been someone very powerful for some blood to run in your veins, but as I said it was a guess.”
Lilia gave a sarcastic chuckle. “There are many demon Grandmasters who are capable...but yes, half demons aren't as strong as the real ones, but I have my father’s blood and my mother’s blood flowing through me.”
Avrin nodded and released the Phantom Pulse, as he felt she wasn't really a threat to him. “As long as you don't get in my way again, I won't tell anyone about your secret.” Avrin spoke before turning to leave, but Lilia had called out.
“Wait, Herth was it? How are you so powerful….you're ten or so years of age, correct? Yet you have the ability to combat against me, a Grandmaster?...Your magic is incredible. Just what are you…?”
Avrin had no real obligation to answer, but something was itching at his mind, as if he should answer. Maybe it would lead him to something good. But, of course, he would use his usual lie. “To make things fair, I will tell you. But you will also have to answer another of my questions. Whatever information you have on me is false, other than the fact that I have an Enigma ability, and without it I'm still more than capable of defeating you, so don't try to provoke me again”
Lilia shuddered a little. After Avrin spoke those words, he shot an icy stare at her, as if trying to tell her he was still holding back a lot of his power. “I understand...but...that being said, such an Enigma ability is quite powerful. I have only ever seen two in my life, and both are not for combat.”
Avrin was also curious about these Enigma ability users, but he didn't waste time with it as that had no real purpose in serving him. “If you are the daughter of a demon king, you must have some information, correct? The reason I am here is because I am assuming there is a dragon within the Dark Abyss Chasm. Can you confirm this or not?”
Hearing his words, Lilias face paled a little as she eyed him carefully while fixing her attire and her robe. “There is no dragon there. In fact, heh...it's the place my father is currently sealed within.” Avrin let a soft sigh out before reaching up to rub the bridge of his nose while Lilia continued to speak.
“Accessing the Dark Abyss Chasm isn't as easy as you think… I spent nearly a century studying and obtaining information before finally coming here. I'll tell you that this academy’s location isn't a coincidence. They built this as a defensive outpost and also to keep experts away from the chasm. A special barrier is within it, stopping anyone from entering, created using the sigil power of Angel Lord Abbadon. It is constantly fed mana through a device that is housed within Laymist Academy.”
Avrin frowned before replying to her. “I’ve no need to enter the chasm if there is no dragon or anything of worth. I was also hoping there may be a bit of Skymetal, but that is fine, I still have other plans.” Avrin was clearly a little disappointed and frustrated. He had truly motivated himself to enter the Dark Abyss Chasm in hopes of finding a dragon to combat, but as it turns out only the ex demon king Azrael remained there.
Lilia was quietly listening to Avrin, wanting to know a bit more about him, trying to figure out the source of his strength. A level of fear grew in her body as she heard Avrin was after a dragon. She was quite curious as to what business he may have with one, but the moment she heard he was also after Skymetal a thought appeared in her mind. “-Skymetal...wait, didn't father obtain a chunk many years before the war?.. Yes, that's it!! I can use this!-”
A look of confidence surged within Lilias mind as she spoke quickly while Avrin had already taken a few steps to leave. “Wait! If you are after Skymetal, I have a proposal!” These words had caused Avrin to freeze and turn to look at Lilia seriously.
“You know where I can find a chunk?” Avrin wasn't convinced and felt that she may be trying to confuse him a little. “I don't, but my father does. When I was younger my father went out on an adventure and returned with a strange chunk of living metal. He told me it had fallen from the sky and was potentially valuable. After that, I'm not sure what he did with it, but if you help me free him I'm sure he will gladly hand it to you.”
Avrin had carefully analysed her words. He didn't think she was lying. She would either be incredibly smart to think of a story to use him in such a short time, or she was telling the truth. He had felt the latter was true.
“Bribing me with information on potentially obtaining Skymetal to free a demon king that wanted to exterminate humanity. Your father doesn't sound all that good to me. What reason do I have to trus-”
Right before Avrin could finish, Lilia roared out in anger. “H..How dare you!! It was not my father who provoked this war!! They killed…” Realising that she had spoken out of anger she quickly zipped her mouth, though Avrin was listening and her words caused him to be careful of what he had read about.
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Her saying that her father was provoked and how he had lost something precious made him remember a famous human quote that was also very true within any universe, no matter how small or large, and that is ‘History is written by the victors’.
“What happened is none of my concern, but if you are telling the truth and your father knows where I can obtain Skymetal than I will gladly assist you.” When these words were spoken, Lilia, who had yelled at Avrin, had felt that maybe she had lost her chance of his assistance, but was now relieved and quite happy to know she had someone who is incredibly capable, and who seemed careful. She didn't know if he could be trusted, but she felt he didn't have a reason or any intention to tell her secret.
“I am truly grateful for your assistance, Herth. When my father is free, I'm sure things on Seleria will change.” She bowed cheerfully and smiled at Avrin, but Avrin spoke again. “There are pros and cons to me helping you, but count yourself lucky that the pros outweigh the cons.”
Lilia nodded “I understand that better than anyone. Even now, I am risking all I have on this. Not even my own race and my sister were willing to help me due to them being afraid of retribution...but I know I can save my father..and with your help our chances are better.”
Avrin felt Lilia seemed to truly care for her father. He was curious as to why this was so, but felt it was an established bond. “That's good and all, but I would prefer to hear what steps we should be taking. I hope you have planned on how to free your father?”
Lilia nodded and placed her right hand on her hip, giving a casual stance that seemed somewhat fitting for her attractive figure. “It's quite simple. Watching Laymist from the sides and getting as much as I could, every ten years they would remove the barrier to invigorate the device used to channel mana into the barrier set by Abbadon, but thirty years ago I managed to find out that the winners of the tournaments during the year the device is invigorated will be sent to the Dark Abyss Chasm to hunt down the rare creatures within that have grown stronger in the harsh environment and obtain rare materials that could be sold off or used to create equipment.”
Avrin quietly began to think. “The source of this, can it be trusted?” Lilia gave a soft, cheeky smile and nodded. “Of course. With the right amount of gold, information is easy to obtain. As well as favors.”
“If you're sure, this is fine, because I was already planning to enter and win this tournament.” Avrin spoke to follow up her words, but this caused Lilia to frown a little. “Herth, you can't underestimate the two alliances. They were established many years ago and the tournament winners have most always been through either of those alliances, even more so the family of those who rule them.”
Avrin was somewhat impressed by how much information she had obtained. “The way you're speaking it's as if you think I may not win?” Hearing Avrin’s words, Lilia grumbled slightly. “They have tried to scout me, but they resort to dirty tactics if they believe you will go against them and are a threat. You haven't revealed yourself yet, but I'm sure over the days and your victories in the tournament they will be cautious of you and try to sabotage you somehow, so you need to be careful.”
Avrin laughed quietly. “They are welcome to try. If I let them get the better of me, than it will be my own fault.” Lilia nodded. “How much more do you know about this tournament, Herth?”
Avrin tilted his head. “Only that it's a week or so from now and that Copper ranked students never attend it.” Lilia replied. “Yes, because people are tested beforehand. The strong and talented will be added in different ranks, so only the worst bunch are placed in the Copper ranks, meaning that those who have a year or so ahead of them will be more than capable of defeating them. Not to mention those who are in the higher ranks.
The tournament doesn't side with the weak or the strong but those with luck. The matches are all based on a random draw until it is narrowed down, meaning an Iron rank student may end up fighting a Platinum ranked student. This is the ultimate deterrence for Copper ranked students, the fear of being beaten to near death and being shamed in the arena.
Only a handful of confident Iron ranked students will enter, and even then, it tests their strength. No one would expect a first year Copper ranked student to enter, and it will seem suspicious, so I do hope you're prepared to take harsh criticism.”
Avrin, listening to Lilia, knew she must truly care for her father if she had done this much digging for information, to the point where these details were known. Avrin was wondering about something else. “Why did you wait this long to save your father? You had many years before, correct?”
Lilias face paled a little. “That is because this time, I received information that the biggest threat to discovering me, the headmaster of Laymist, has currently left on business and won't be back for at least a month. I planned to save my father and quickly leave before anyone realises something is wrong. Not even I am confident in fighting that man and coming out unharmed…”
Avrin blinked. “He must be quite powerful. But your choice is best. If we can do this without anyone finding out then it's a plus, but you must be prepared for anything. Lets meet back here at night after the tournament. I'm sure by then I will have the ability to roam around and come here without issue.“
Avrin soon began to walk off while Lilia called out to him. “Herth, your power is truly strange...if you show people your true strength than I'm sure organisations all over this continent will come seeking you to join them.“
Avrin raised his hand as he walked off. “Good. I’m counting on it..” Lilia gazed carefully at Avrin. She was certain that he was hiding his appearance. She understood that no matter how much of a genius someone was, an eleven year old that could defeat a Grandmaster was either a miracle existence or a god in disguise. She was trying to find out which of the two he was.
Avrin left the area and returned to the school’s main grounds, seeing students relaxing and often taking up meditative positions or reading books they had obtained. As he was walking towards his dorm building, he noticed a commotion. He stopped to look.
“Think of the benefits you will get from joining the Phoenix Alliance! We can get you all the resources you want.” Suddenly a rough voice replied. “Ha! You think Mahck is weak enough to rely on resources alone? You keep annoying me and asking me to join you but I have had enough, leave me alone and don't bother me again, Mahck is more than capable of taking care of himself.”
The situation showed Mahck standing proud with his arms crossed. He was wearing golden attire, showing that he was a Gold ranked student. In front of him were two individuals who seemed like seniors, wearing golden outfits just like Mahck.
“I’ve had enough of you, damn bastard! You think you're so good just because you're a first year Gold ranked student? Our Phoenix Alliance has many geniuses, and you're nothing! Let me teach you that there is always someone stronger than you!” The student who was with the other seemingly had enough of Mahck not accepting and charged towards him with the intention to punch Mahck.
“Ha!” Mahck charged as well before punching towards the student’s fist, both connecting and sending a slight ripple of power and twisting the wind a little before a figure went flying and smashed into the ground after skidding a bit.
This figure was the student who tried to fight with Mahck and was now injured as he got up, holding his arm while looking at Mahck with fear and anger. “Y..You...damn..” The student who had tried to reason with Mahck rushed over to his injured comrade and helped him as they looked at Mahck with anger.
“Don't think we are done. We will be back with our seniors….we’ll see if you can say no to us then..” The two began to walk away while Mahck glared at them, then gazed around. Several dozen students were whispering and watching with a bit of excitement in their eyes as well as curiosity. They had never seen Gold ranked students fight like that, until one realised something.
“Isn't that the first year genius Mahck?..Whoa... To think with one punch he could defeat another Gold ranker. Isn't that a bit too awesome?..” One student spoke to another. “Is he really a first year Gold ranker? He looks like he could wrestle with a magical beast or two..”
Mahck huffed as he dusted his hands. Avrin had glanced a bit, but before he was about to walk off Mahck turned and noticed him and spoke. “Oh! Haha, friend Herth, is that you?” Mahck seemingly rushed over and gave Avrin a pat on the back as if he were glad to see him.
Avrin felt his body bump a bit as Mahck had quite the strength even in a pat. “Mahck, Gold rank, that's quite something, haha” Avrin told Mahck in a casual tone.
“Oh, this outfit? I don't believe in the difference. If someone is strong I think they deserve to be known by reputation and not some fancy outfit. Mahck thinks true strength is like that”
Avrin nodded and spoke. “I also agree. Those people wanted you to join their alliance?” Mahck frowned as he turned to look at the direction of the figures fading before nodding. “Yes. Mahck thinks they’re like insects that never go away. But enough about that, how about we go find something to eat? I am starving after my training and squashing bugs, hahaha!”
Avrin smirked and nodded. Mahck reminded him of Asura a bit, so he felt a bit more relaxed. “Sounds good.” The two began to converse while heading towards the direction of the cafeteria. There were quite a few students in the direction all heading to do their own business, but what caught both their attention was the next words.
“Uh! L..Look, it's the Lotus Alliance’s Fiora!” Gazing in front of them, Avrin and Mahck saw Fiora, who Avrin remembered had helped the Lotus Alliance in the village. These two alliances were at each other’s throats, so when she came walking towards them with two people at her side with a soft smile gazing towards Mahck Avrin figured she had intended to invite Mahck for the same reason as the Phoenix Alliance.
“F..Friend Herth..she is a true beauty…” Mahcks words caused Avrin to widen his eyes in a bit of surprise, which was rare for him. He turned to look at Mahck, who looked like he was in love.
Soon, Fiora was standing in front of them. “You must be Mahck. It's an honor to meet you, a first year genius who has managed to obtain Gold rank. It's quite rare, especially at our Laymist Academy.”
“Haha, you compliment Mahck too much.” Hearing Mahck’s words, Avrin’s right eyebrow twitched. “-It was only one compliment. Well, you surely do remind me of Asura, a bit slow, heh-” He began to think before secretly smiling.
Fiora also blinked at Mahck’s choice of words before she gave a sort of angelic smile which made Mahck shut up and gaze at her with focus. “If you’re free, Mahck, I would like to invite you to discuss joining our Lotus Alliance.”
Mahck snapped out of his daze and seemed a bit conflicted. “Hmm…” Seeing his worry, Fiora quickly interjected.
“I’ve seen what those Phoenix Alliance henchmen did, trying to pick a fight with you, Mahck. Rest assured, I have no intention of forcing you to join our alliance, but I hope we can talk and be friends.” Giving a soft smile, Mahck didn't see that she was hiding any bad intentions and felt she was friendly.