Mystery Tales Under the Moonlight

Chapter 43: Category Determination Exams at the Academy (20).

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Leon was standing in an open battlefield, as the crowds' noise grew louder, thinking about the information Dusk Blade had given him.

His first battle had already ended, and naturally, he had surrendered without a fight.

The others' battles were exciting and the talents stood out, but whether it was Lloyd—Dio and Loki or Leon, they had surrendered immediately.

They needed to enter Class (D), why would they waste their time fighting these chicks?

The result of entering the lower class was what mattered, not people being convinced that they were weak.

If that wasn't their goal, why would Dio show some of his strength, let alone Leon?

Moving pawns and controlling the environment was easier when one could move freely.

Class D was full of students who showed terrible results, who would waste their time to monitor such a place?

When Leon entered that class, everything would change, and he would have the initiative to control this place.

Of course, there would be some monitoring that would include them even if they were in the lower class, but it wouldn't be compared to other classes.

"Look at him, after surrendering in the last battle, he's acting so arrogant? His appearance is ridiculous, hahaha!"

"Just because he's done some interesting things, he thinks he's already the ruler of the world!"

"Tsk, tsk! A barbarian without morals…" Someone was saying with disdain, "Even I would do better if I had support like his!"

"Just a C-grade talent, trash!"

"Idiot! Do you believe he's really an average talent? He's clearly bluffing!"

"You're the naive one!" "The boy laughed coldly in response to the mockery: "Even if he was using some mysterious methods to hide his talent, how could he hide it from the academy? Not to mention that the supervising professor was examining him, you are like a grain of sand in a barren desert, what do you know?"

"…you"

As Leon stood in his place, lost in deep thought, the noise in the place began to rise.

Naturally, after the awakening ceremony, and his sudden announcement of surrender, conflicting opinions regarding Leon's strength were increasing.

Leon had suppressed people like Edward, the genius of the Harvey family's sword, the moon of the Shen clan—Shen Su, and the good princess Lucia.

All of that and not to mention the other people with them, even if they were not as impressive as them.

After the rumors about him spread, some people feared for themselves, and that was because people said that he was violent and crazy.

However, when they knew that he was a commoner, and after declaring his surrender on several occasions, not to mention his average talent, they no longer knew what to say.

The nobles unconsciously began to look down on him.

Some spread the words, such as that he had sacrificed something precious to temporarily gain power, and that he had sold his soul for demonic techniques and so on.

Who spread the words, it was unknown.

Thus, the majority of the students tended to disbelieve that Leon was truly strong, but when he eliminated some students in his battle against Logan, the public opinion was even more divided.

Regardless, in this battle, they would know, whether Leon was truly weak or strong, because his actions were truly confusing!

"… This is really interesting." Leon's eyes brightened.

After sorting through the information he had received in his mind, he felt that he had found some fun games.

Although the Nightmares' Call could reveal one's memories, it was limited to the most fundamental events in one's life and their darkest emotions.

The memories Leon could delve into were fragmentary, and in some cases, somewhat vague.

Unless Leon killed the person and took away the foundations of their memories, it was impossible to look at their entire life, so he needed information about his goals.

The young man who had grown up under oppression in the Hermes family known for its survival-of-the-fittest mentality, the young girl who had mysteriously turned out to be Samuel Cronos' daughter.

The girl who had been a wandering swordswoman for most of her life after her parents' death, the young man who had been subject to numerous murder attempts since a young age.

The backgrounds of Logan Hermes, Lilith Cronos, Chae Nayun, and Fernando Nicolas were indeed interesting, and the information helped him see the picture better.

The rest of the information, He would leave them to the Mist Hall Leader —his trusted, faceless.

The Fog Hall was Leon's most valuable source of information.

It was the hall that Leon had worked hard to improve before entering seclusion for the past three years.

"I think I should give Dusk Blade more attention, its information is really valuable." After thinking about it, he looked at the noisy environment around him.

Apparently, they were talking about him.

No matter, he stretched his body muscles, not caring about the shit the audience was spitting out.

"Who will his opponent be? I hope he's strong and wipes that arrogant look off his face!"

"Unfortunately, when you're the one facing your opponent, you'll only be given information beforehand, and that's unknown to the audience, it's really annoying… Let's see how long you can keep that indifferent look in your eyes!"

As Leon stretched his body, he looked at the edge of the arena in front of him.

A young teenager with a strong build appeared, holding a large sword in one hand.

His eyes were cold, as he stared at Leon like a predator.

"You're my opponent?" The boy frowned.

He had heard about Leon as well, and knew the controversy surrounding him, but after surrendering in the first battle of the second test, he immediately became disinterested.

He wasn't someone who used his mind, and instead preferred to use his fists, thus, he didn't think twice about Leon's actions.

He preferred to fight strong people, unfortunately in the first battle, his opponent was weak, he was angry and almost dealt his opponent a fatal blow.

Unfortunately for him, in the second battle, his opponent was also weak.

Leon didn't care about the way that boy looked at him, his eyes were flashing.

"You, fat lump, attack," Leon said lightly.

The big boy wasn't angry at Leon's words.

When he considered someone weaker than him, he couldn't translate that person's words, and even started to see him as an animal.

The little animal in front of him was saying something.

"It's him… that battle-mad Zenos Dumont!"

" In the first test, he dealt his opponent a fatal blow, and almost killed him! He's really an idiot!"

" I remember that he used to cause trouble for others when he was around, and he even killed ordinary people on purpose!" "

"What a savage, worthless scum, I hope he gets beaten up!"

"But isn't Leon in the same league?"

"Someone who kills and causes trouble for anyone, or a mysterious, cruel person who just fights, which is better?"

"…You're right."

The crowd was excitedly discussing this big boy.

In fact, the arena where Leon fought wasn't the only one, there were other battlefields in the place, and his fight wasn't the focus of everyone's attention.

Bam! Boom! Bam!!

The sounds of explosions drowned out the screams of the crowd, and the exciting battles were happening.

Dio was fighting his battle, apparently enjoying himself, while the rest of the group sat in the chairs watching the battles, Logan was sitting with them.

In fact, there was a strong vibration that even made Leon look at its source.

Most of the battles stopped as they stared in amazement at the explosion.

This was the Dio battle, where his fight was really exciting.

"That bastard is really enjoying himself, hehe."

Leon admired the beautiful view, and looked around the other places.

Among the crowd, Baek Kang-woo, Student Council President Olivia Romanoff, Lilith Chronos, Lucia Hadrian, and some outstanding students could be seen.

The controlling factions of the second to fourth years were sitting, coldly observing the arenas.

Unlike those who were arguing about Leon's strength or weakness, most of their thoughts were drifting towards what he was planning instead.

This person was really mysterious, and they couldn't understand his actions.

This match of his, whether he would submit or win, they wanted to watch.

After the two entered the ring, the referee cleared his throat.

"The fight ends when one of the students surrenders or loses consciousness. External methods and secret techniques are allowed."

"If one of you injures his opponent fatally or critically, his points will be deducted and he will be judged accordingly."

"Student Leon Evenius, Student Zenos Dumont, you two may begin."

With that said, the referee cleared the ring. When he came out, an invisible sphere appeared covering the ring.

It was a safety barrier. This barrier had been set up so that the remnants of the students' fights would not reach the outside.

"It seems I can do it now after hearing the rules."

He thought to himself while smiling, instead of a direct elimination, just deducting points and some minor things, hehe.

Leon stretched his body a little, thinking of an interesting idea.

According to the information gathered about this boy, maybe it would work.

Some time earlier, in another ring.

Bam! Boom!

The explosions were getting louder, while the wind roared like thunder!

"Hahaha!" Dio laughed as he fought, "This is really exciting!"

He wasn't holding a sword, but he was fighting with his bare hands.

His opponent was the same size as him, wearing a long robe, and he lowered the top of his robe, while exposing his upper body.

The two of them were clasping hands, smiling savagely.

"The idea of ​​fighting without weapons was really cool, hahaha!"

"Fighting like this is better than some worthless tricks!"

"Kekehahahaha! Really!"

Boom!!

The two of them were colliding heads and grinding each other's foreheads.

Bunt! Bunt! Baaam! Baaam!

The ground beneath the two of them cracked, but no one backed down.

"Down! Down! Down! Hahaha!" "Dio pushed forward as his opponent retreated.

"As if! I am the great Sung Woo-jin! You will not win against me!"

The muscles of his body were tensed to the maximum, veins appeared on Woo-jin's hands, and he resisted his thrust forcefully!

Dio suddenly let go of his hand as he punched.

Bow!

"Bwaaaah!"

The punch hit Woo-jin's stomach as he vomited, the punch went deep into his stomach, sending his body flying slightly.

But he didn't fall down immediately, as he flew backwards, he turned his body and kicked at Dio's head.

Baaam!

"Uuuuuuuuuu!"

Dio groaned slightly as he retreated.

Dio blocked the sudden blow to his head with his hand, but he didn't completely prevent the damage.

That caused him to jump backwards in a backflip.

The two looked at each other with a savage smile, as their feet touched the ground.

BAM! BAM! BOOM! BOOM—!!

Just as their feet touched the ring, the two rushed towards each other.

BOOM! BOOM! PUNCH! PUNCH! KICK! KICK! BEAT!!!

The two clashed in the middle of the ring with endless ferocity.

Dio kicked and punched while Woo Jin butted his head, not avoiding any blows.

Woo Jin was doing the same.

The side effects of the blows were like thunder, splitting the air as if those blows threatened to shatter the place!

" Ura Ura Ura! Take! Take! Take! Take!"

" Raaaah! I'll win! I'll win! I'll win I'll win!!! "

The blows were simply as heavy as mountains, and the two were like hungry predators.

The two men's faces were injured, but they didn't hesitate to strike back!

BAM! CLANG!! CLANG!!

The hands were covered in something black, the Cold Black Metal skill was used, and the sound of metal clashing resounded around.

Woo Jin stepped back as he wanted to surprise Dio.

"As if I'll let you!"

Dio's eyes lit up as he noticed his action, and he fiercely charged towards him.

The back kick!

Turning his body around and kicking with the sole of his foot, Woo-jin blocked it with his right elbow, but the impact caused him to step back slightly.

Chin Kick!

As he retreated, Woo-jin gritted his teeth as he flipped backwards while hitting Dio's chin with his foot.

Elbow Block!

Dio displayed inhuman speed, and his reaction was extraordinary, as he immediately placed his right elbow under his chin.

Baaam!

He slammed the ground with his foot as it cracked, and delivered a heavy front kick towards Woo-jin's back.

Boom!!

The blow sent Woo-jin flying and crashing into the arena floor repeatedly.

But at the moment of slowing down the momentum, he grabbed the ground with his hand and flew his body into the air, regaining his balance.

However, Dio didn't leave this gap, and brought his hands together as he jumped into the air.

Bam!

Woo Jin saw a shadow flying above him, his mind didn't catch up with his body, his quick reflexes showed their benefit, he jumped to the side immediately.

Dio hit the floor of the arena, causing it to shake violently, his hands covered in cold black metal smashing the place where he was hit.

Cracks filled the place where he fell.

"Woah! Who are these people, is this even the strength of a puberty boy!"

"Every strike makes the wind howl, this is so exciting!"

"Who do you think will win? I think it's Sung Woo Jin!"

"Impossible! Don't you see that Swordsman Dio is holding the reins of the match? The winner will obviously be Dio Antareus!" "

The audience was stunned by the brutal battle that was happening, and they discussed among themselves with loud noises.

Fernando and Chae Nayun's eyes were shining.

Since he had shown his sword skill that day, they had thought that he was only a sword fighter, but who would have thought that he could fight with his hands like that, and what's more, his fighting was actually brutal!

The two of them watched the teacher's fighting style with excitement, and analyzed the battle.

This fight was fun!

Even Logan was staring brightly.

This is what they call real fighting!

The fights between the other students were with attacks and techniques, like fire and so on, that's really boring!

Wasn't fighting with bare hands, with rocks flying and the impact of each strike causing the wind to roar, more fun and fierce?

For example, look at this fight! The audience was more excited about it than the rest of the fights!

Although the other battles weren't between beginners, the difference was in the intensity of the fight!

Swoosh!

Dio shook his arm off the rocks, and stared at Woo Jin while panting.

Woo Jin was also staring at him, while breathing heavily.

" Haaahh!"

"raaaahh!!"

On one side of the ring, grains of sand could be seen floating in the air, on the other side, what looked like blue electricity suddenly appeared.

A blue hue covered Dio's body and the crackling sound of electricity could be heard, while orange was around Woo Jin and sand could be seen floating around him.

The surging auras were causing the remains of the rocks to shake.

Their monstrous roars were louder than war drums!

BAAAAAM—!!!

The two of them suddenly disappeared from their places, appearing in the middle of the ring.

Their hands moved at the same time.

" Cgggg!"

" Criggggg!"

Dio's hand collided with Woo Jin's face forcefully, and at the same time, Woo Jin's punch entered his cheek.

The black fists entered deep into the face, making the cheeks look like dough.

The two of them did not hold back as they dug deep into each other's faces.

" Give up… The victory is mine! "Dio shouted in a fierce voice.

"Dream! Of course you dream! The only winner will be me!"

The two retreated with their different colored auras, and attacked again.

Bam! Boom! Bam!! Boom!!

The two collided with each other in the ring with force, their speed no longer human!

Only blue and orange mixed with black could be seen as light flew across the ring.

Lightning and sand were colliding with each other.

The sounds of the blows became like a monstrous roar that threatened to destroy the world!

The barrier was rippling violently and rocks were flying like fragments every time the two colors collided together!

Clang! Bam! Boom—!!!

The clash of metals grew louder! The rustle of rubbing sand grew louder! The crackling of electricity like a buzzing grew louder—!!

The lightning as if it were formed in a catastrophic storm, colliding with the sand as if it had a physical form, the sand was like a huge storm in the middle of the desert surrounding the lightning and fighting it!

The battle of the two became as if natural disasters collided together!

And suddenly.

The lightning separated from the sand, and each of them controlled half of the arena as they gathered.

The sand storm was slowly covering the arena and forming into the shape of a lion, while the lightning was forming a tiger.

Raaaah!! Raaaah!! Roar—!!!

Inside the lightning tiger, Dio could be seen smiling like a beast, his roar like a ferocious tiger!

Woo Jin stood above the sand lion, his eyes were like those of a lion, he roared against Dio's roar.

The lightning controlled half of the arena, the sand controlled the other half.

The eyes of the audience were wide!

This was no longer a battle of first-year students, this performance could be compared to a student entering the second year, this was amazing!

They even formed their own core essence!

When someone enters the Awakening stage, all that remains is to establish their foundations and shape their Core according to their rank, the path they follow, and the technique they use.

This was difficult for everyone, and it wasn't easy, because it required one to know their path well, not to mention their deep understanding of themselves.

From within the Lightning Tiger, Dio laughed like a battle madman.

"Hahahahaha-! To think that you've reached the Core Manifestation stage, Wu Jin, oh Wu Jin! After this battle, I want to fight with you again!"

"You actually read my mind!" Wu Jin laughed in return, "Let's meet later of course! I have something to ask for as well!"

He was standing above the lion, while the sand shield covered him.

Hehe…

The two laughed silently, their savage eyes looking at each other.

The environment was silent, and the crowd held their breath.

The sand lion seemed to be baring its teeth, the tiger extended its lightning claws, preparing to attack.

The only sound that could be heard was the crackling of lightning and the rustling of sand in the air.

BOOM—!!!!

Suddenly and without warning, an explosion that shook the entire area suddenly rang out!

The sand and the surging lightning collided violently, creating a huge explosion!

"Whaaaah!"

"This is dangerous! Back off!!"

The environment was illuminated with mixed and different colors, as if mirrors were reflecting sunlight.

The sand mixed with the wind and lightning, and the side effects reached the audience.

Some could be seen backing away, and some were caught off guard by surprise, and were knocked down by the wind.

They had forgotten that the barrier was blocking the danger due to the force of the explosion.

Some of the battles stopped fighting, and they watched in astonishment.

Smoke surrounded the arena.

A transparent gem was formed around and in the middle of the arena.

It was the effect of lightning and sand colliding, creating glass.

"…Who won?"

Covering his eyes with sand, Fernando asked.

"Watch carefully and you'll know," Lloyd replied.

"This is a fight worth watching, Sheesh."

Such an enjoyable fight, Vyron was satisfied to watch.

"Ah… Such a beautiful fight, I can't wait to fight too, I hope my opponent isn't just weak."

Loki sighed in satisfaction.

In the second test, while they would surrender in a fight, they would win one, and perform averagely in the third.

As for the final test, they would make sure to secure the last places.

That would be enough to enter the lower class.

No matter how strong they were, the officials—due to the rules of the academy, they couldn't place them in a higher class if they didn't show results worthy of it.

Thus, even if they were strong in this combat, it would only be one part of the overall evaluation.

"…Wow." Chae Nayun let out a gasp.

This battle was simply… amazing.

She understood Dio's previous words a little now.

"For a swordsman, technique alone is worth a little more than trash, there are so many more things to become a true swordsman."

Having considered herself a strong swordsman, Chae Nayun knew how foolish she was.

This Woo Jin was stronger than her and Fernando, it was uncomfortable to admit it, but it was a fact that had to be accepted.

He had shown some of Dio's techniques that they couldn't show with his strength, it was because they were weaker.

In this world, there is always someone better than you.

Logan's body was trembling with excitement and he was slapping his hands on the chair he was sitting in.

What is this fight! They really put me in the ring! They put me in! They put me in! Make me fight -!!

Even Kang-woo couldn't hold back his excitement, the battle intent seeping out of his body, Lilith only showed some excitement on the surface.

"Woooo! Amazing! Really amazing! I want to fight like this!"

But internally, she was slamming her fists in the air and screaming like a madwoman.

She was actually a person who was obsessed with fighting, not many knew that.

Princess Lucia, the student council president Olivia, had their eyes wide open.

The others were unable to hide their shock, this fight was truly beyond measure.

Some cursed themselves for being so unaware, to miss out on such talents.

Some had their eyes glimmering mysteriously towards the ring, waiting for the outcome.

In the arena, smoke and dust filled the air.

The wind was carrying orange sand in the air, and the electrical charges were making a crackling sound.

The sunlight reflected off the huge glass covering the arena.

The seven colors of the spectrum were shining across the area.

Within the mist between white and orange, black silhouettes of two figures could be seen standing slowly.

"Hehe, hehe, hahaha"

A faint laugh could be heard.

Dio was standing on one side, while Woo Jin was standing on the other side.

It was Woo Jin who was laughing.

Woo Jin's body was covered by a sand shield that was collapsing, and the sound of lightning crackling could be heard as the blue electrical charges covered him.

The two stood in silence for a while.

"… I admit it, this is my loss."

Saying that, Woo Jin fell to the ground unconscious.

"Interesting, really an interesting opponent."

Dio staggered backwards, sitting up and panting.

It was a really fun fight.

"Wooow! What a fight!!"

"Amazing! Amazing! This is really amazing!!"

The audience was stunned before screaming like crazy.

Although he had reduced his strength to match the level of a first-year student, the fight was still satisfying for Dio.

Really satisfying.