Hunter Academy Entrance Exam (4)

Ma Hana returned amidst applause from everyone.

Yu Seha hugged Ma Hana, praising her with, ‘Ou, ou, well done~’

And Ma Hana enjoyed his touch once again.

Moon Bora, watching the warm scene between the two, thought to herself how remarkable it was.

Beyond the arena, the body of the Iron Rhino was shattered.

Its skull part was deeply indented and crushed.
It looked like a mark made by a giant hammer.

Ma Hana thought it wouldn’t be enough, so she attacked the vital spots several times with a dagger.
But Moon Bora thought that once the fatal blow had landed, the outcome was long decided.

‘It’s hard to believe.’

Most of the <Guardian> class were pure tanks without offensive skills.

The roles of damage tanks like <Gladiator> or <Lancer> were impossible to fulfill.

Thus, the assessment of <Guardian> test takers often relied on unexpected variables and utility, determining their success in the exam.

She had even explained this to Yu Seha directly.

But she had never seen a <Guardian> deal enough damage to single-handedly defeat a boss.

‘Of course, since it’s an illusionary boss, it would be significantly weaker than the original.’

Even considering that, it was still amazing.

‘Was it called [Push Shield]?’

She had never heard of such a skill.

It must be a derivative skill that only a few <Guardians> could learn.

But even that alone didn’t explain such power.

‘The power of the rune.’

It was likely the foreign energy she felt when she first saw Ma Hana.

In other words, it was highly likely to be the [Rune] of a rare boss.

‘…I’m relieved, Ma Hana.’

Moon Bora looked at Ma Hana, whom she liked, and smiled faintly.

This had proven it beyond a doubt.

She was wrong.

She said Ma Hana had no talent.
<Snow Ice> should bow her head in shame for her reckless judgment.

She felt no embarrassment at being wrong, nor any jealousy over Ma Hana’s growth.
Rather, she was purely happy that Ma Hana had come this far.
Clearly, Ma Hana had a bright future ahead.

‘What a relief.’

But as much as that, a sense of foreboding grew.

‘……’

What Moon Bora was thinking was the seed of malice called suspicion.

The target was not Ma Hana, but the delighted Yu Seha beside her.

‘…Surely, the reason Ma Hana has grown like this is because of his wholehearted support for her.’

‘The Rune of the Rare Boss’ also seemed to have been given to her by him.

Indeed, such growth…
Was it possible within just one month?

‘It doesn’t make sense, though.’

Moon Bora put aside all personal feelings and looked at it from the perspective of an objective third party.

Considering the hunter life so far and the growth of hunters as shown by high statistics.

The result was impossible.

For Ma Hana, who was full of impurities, to grow so much in a limited time was a miracle lower than the sky falling down.

If Yu Seha were the child or a relative of a large clan master on the level of the [Four Great Clans], it might be possible.

With access to all sorts of elixirs and proper training bought with money, anything could happen.

But Moon Bora knew better.
He had no connection to such things whatsoever.

Therefore, it was generally impossible.

But there was one thing.

The one exception that could overturn everything.

Moon Bora opened her eyes, which had been closed, and recalled that ominous word.

‘…A demon.’

Creatures from a completely different world.
Those who made contracts with beings commonly called ‘Demons’ and obtained unprecedented power known as ‘Demonic Energy’.

It was possible if one was a [Demon].

Making a contract with a demon always required a price.
But as far as she could see, Ma Hana showed no signs of paying such a price.

So, logically, it led to the assumption that Yu Seha had made a pact with a demon to facilitate Ma Hana’s growth.

‘And once you make a contract, whether you like it or not, you inevitably become a demon. Regardless of one’s own will…’

According to Moon Bora’s prediction, a member of the [Villain] clan might have approached him and conducted a scam using the demon contract as a pretext.

In the end, he became a [Demon] and acted as their pawn.

‘The reason for the demonic energy leaking out or being felt is likely due to considerable support from a [Crime Clan].’

In reality, a spy from the [Villain] clan or a [Demon] might be somewhere in the examination hall now.

It was understandable that Yu Seha insisted on enrolling in [Gonis Hunter Academy] if it was an order from above.

Moon Bora thought it was a fairly coherent explanation.

The day she first encountered him was in [Duty Subjugation].

If she thought about it from the start under the assumption that Yu Seha is a demon, all the questions she had about him would be resolved in an instant.

‘The horrifying sensation he showed when we first met, the overwhelming killing intent, and the strength, which is unbelievable for a man.’

What if all of it was because of ‘Demonic Energy’?
And what if he made the mistake because he couldn’t get used to the power he had gained not long after signing the contract?

In fact, the ‘Kappa Rhino’ that they faced after the ‘Silverback’.
Even though it was the same [Flowing Slash], it didn’t have such immense killing intent.
Regardless of its power, that is.

Of course, it wasn’t because Moon Bora was a paranoid.

It was because there was someone who amplified and realized her subtle suspicions.

Peng Jin-ah.

The female professor who deliberately chose to sit in the last seat without informing Yu Seha.

She was a top-tier hunter among the A-ranks.

Additionally, she was the second most powerful and influential figure in the Academy, next to the chairman.

About a month ago from now.

A few days after successfully preventing the ‘Break Out’ incident.

They had a personal contact.

She asked for cooperation, citing suspicious evidence found.

‘That was the first time we met.’

Peng Jin-ah, who introduced herself as an Academy professor, took out a thick animal fur.

To Moon Bora, it seemed like a very familiar item.

‘The Silverback’s skin.’

To be precise, it was a part that Yu Seha had cut off and brought.

Apparently, it was originally a material imported for the Academy’s use, but they found it.

Moon Bora, without letting down her guard, asked her.

“…What is your intention in showing me this?”
“Don’t you find it suspicious? Hunter Moon Bora.”
“What…?”
“Look at the cut surface here.”

Peng Jin-ah explained.
An unbelievable cutting force and precision.
It wasn’t just the concept of being well-cut by something sharp; there was something chilling left behind.

“I am a person who has dedicated 20 years of my life to a weapon called a sword. As someone with considerable experience, I can judge a swordsman’s level just by looking at most sword scars.”

“…So what?”

“This is absolutely nonsensical. It’s not a matter of hiding power or deliberately holding back. It’s an item that’s been around for a whole month. Yet, the fact that something chilling remains means it’s beyond the normal scope. And as far as I know, the only ones who use power beyond this concept are those guys.”

“…No way.”

“[Demon].”

She suspected that Yu Seha might be a demon.

Moon Bora denied it.

She said it couldn’t be.

Someone as good as Yu Seha couldn’t be a demon.

“…Did you report it to the Order?”

“Of course I did. However, Hunter Moon Bora. You know well. ‘Divine Power’ only exhibits strength in response to ‘Dark Energy’. Initially, even the [Demons] possess [Divinity].”

They were also worshippers who served the ‘Demon God’.

“In a broader sense, a [Demon] could be considered a ‘Clergy’. Asking for their cooperation won’t help. Besides… they aren’t the type to help.”

“…Even if it means being arrested for blasphemy, I don’t know. Ah, anyway, I can’t agree. Yu Seha isn’t that kind of person…”

“That’s why it’s even more suspicious.”

“…What?”

“While some [Demons] become such by their own will, many become one without even knowing what it is. I suspect Hunter Yu Seha belongs to the latter.”

At first, Moon Bora did not cooperate.

But seeing his unbelievable growth in a short period recently at the ‘Dungeon,’ she imagined the worst-case scenario.

‘…What should we do?’

In fact, there was already the easiest, most certain, and quickest method.

Calling the monitors of the [Association] and the [Clans].

With their technological prowess, they could immediately determine whether Yu Seha was a demon or not.

However, this was based on the premise that he would be cooperative.

‘…If he really is a demon.’

Most of the people here might die on the spot.
No, they would definitely die.

If you think about the killing intent he showed then, maybe his strength when he goes berserk might rival that of an A-ranker, even if only temporarily.

You might say it’s just A-rank, but an A-rank who could go berserk anytime and anywhere was no different from a walking large bomb.

Therefore, both Moon Bora and Peng Jin-ah decided to handle the matter themselves instead of hastily calling for help.

Because it might not be the case.

‘…Phew.’

Moon Bora looked up at the signal from the ring she was wearing.

Peng Jin-ah looked at her as if she had been waiting.

The determination to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances could be seen in her eyes.

Peng Jin-ah declared.

If he took the test, she would find out the truth by any means necessary.

At the same time, if he turned out to be a demon, she would subdue him on the spot.

She did not explain in detail, but she said she had the means to do so.

And Moon Bora had a rough idea of what it was.

‘[Pasa’s Sword].’

A mysterious power that materializes the ‘White Flame’ within oneself into reality.

It was a different realm from the sacred methods used by the <Divine> class.
For <Demons>, it was a power more terrifying than death itself.

A demon hit by [Pasa’s Sword] would feel extreme pain.
They would no longer be able to properly use most of their demonic energy or strength.

Moreover, it was a power that could detect and mitigate the distortions of the evil path <Villains> took, a truly unbelievable performance.

Crucially, <Demons, and Villains>, could never learn it.

Therefore, the mere existence of this was proof that he hadn’t fallen to evil.

‘Certainly, with that, we can determine it.’

But Moon Bora didn’t want to believe it.

And so she prayed once again.

She hoped that this was just her foolish delusion, and that it would end with her being a shameless woman suspecting an innocent person.

‘Hoo…’

As she sighed, she heard Yu Seha’s voice.

He had been saying something continuously since earlier, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

“Hey? Are you listening?”
“…Ah, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

Yu Seha glanced at Ma Hana, who had fallen asleep next to him, perhaps tired, and smiled brightly.

“You should apologize, right?”
“…What?”
“You’re worried about what to say to our Meowi, aren’t you?”
“……”
“Ah, is it embarrassing for someone like <Snow Ice> to bow her head?”

What is he talking about…?
He really is a rude man.

“…That’s not it. Of course… I’ll apologize. Because I was wrong.”
“…Hehe.”
“…What is it?”
“I feel it again.”
“…Feel what?”
“That you are such a cute person.”

At Yu Seha’s words, Moon Bora’s face gradually turned red.
This damned man, seriously!
I’m so serious right now!
I told him not to do that!
Again, he says such things so casually?!

“I told you to stop flirting!”

Whether she was angry or not, Yu Seha lightly patted her shoulder and stood up.

Grabbing the sword at his waist, he walked towards the distant call.

“Then I’ll be back. Cheer for me, okay?”
“…I don’t know!”

At Yu Seha’s smile again, Moon Bora stomped both feet in frustration.

Yu Seha walked forward slowly.

Adjusting the sword at his waist for an easy draw, he stepped onto the arena.

“Participant number 324, Yu Seha~ Please step forward. Oh my, you’re already here. Are you ready?”
“Yes!”
“Nice~ Then let’s start~”

Crack!

As soon as the female professor announced, a blue light shone in all directions.