Mystery Tales Under the Moonlight

Chapter 45: Category Determination Exams at the Academy (22).

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The midday sun cast its heat across the arenas where people fought.

Those who fought and won, those who fought and lost.

Despite the different outcomes, their attitudes were the same; when the fighting ended, they would be seen sitting in the audience seats.

People fiercely discussed among themselves, whether assessing the fighters' performance or the drama that had occurred moments ago; the talk was endless.

"Oh, right… who's fighting now? My turn will be soon,"

while reading what looked like a small book, Loki asked calmly.

"You too?" Lloyd replied. "My battle is about to begin as well."

"Who will be your opponent?"

"It's the young lady I met in the first test, apparently."

"Hmmm,"

in a humming voice, Loki calmly turned the pages of his book.

"What a coincidence; my opponent is a nobleman from a family on the northern border of Kayro State."

"Heh~" Dio chuckled lightly. "I think I remember him; he was the rectangular-faced one from that day, Lloyd."

"Do you mean that ingenious fool?"

"Ingenious fool?" Vairon muttered from the side, asking.

"Yes… someone who faced Leon with such bravery; he had a noble spirit and flawless intelligence!"

"He's unparalleled; to the point that I can't forget his name," Lloyd said dramatically, completing Dio's words. "He's Edz Livdy!"

"…Lloyd, don't you mean Ed Vildi?"

"Oh, is that so? Sorry for the mistake; Ed Livdy, huh? Such a valiant warrior; how could I forget his name!"

"You're wrong again, Lloyd."

"Let's forget that, guys; I've lost interest. How despicable, how rude… to schedule my match after 30 minutes. They're heartless!"

Vairon lamented the boredom that had befallen him.

"Anyway, Loki, what are you reading?"

"What am I reading? Do you know the First Explorer's Records?"

"Bah! Do you think I'm a barbarian who lives in a cave? The First Explorer's journeys in ancient times; those are the most famous stories in the world."

"I'm reading them now."

The First Explorer's Journeys.

They were well-known popular stories; they were like legends to the people of this world.

It was the story of a person from a distant land who had lost his memories and identity, and somehow ended up in an environment with strange features and creatures.

The tales were about his struggles and journeys through civilizations and the mysteries surrounding him, the history of this strange world and its dangerous secrets.

Some things seemed real, and some things were simply like fables.

These stories existed since an unknown time; no one knew who wrote them, or whether they were real or not.

Anyway, this story became a legendary and well-known record due to its age.

Whether they were the leader of an entire state or simply a beggar, they at least possessed a book containing that story.

"Now… Leon still hasn't arrived?"

"Apparently, he should arrive at any moment."

While Loki and Vairon were wondering about Leon, the nearby environment was somewhat silent.

The audience didn't even dare to whisper.

The reason was simple.

As eyes fell upon him, Leon leisurely walked toward the group.

His red eyes were twinkling.

The fear that had previously disappeared suddenly reappeared.

"He… has come,"

someone said with some tension.

Wasn't he supposed to receive punishment for what he did in the arena?

Such a question was written on his face.

But no one followed him in saying any words.

Leon looked at the boy who had spoken silently.

"Ummmm… aah,"

the cold eyes and silent pressure made the boy stammer and panic.

Seeing that the boy had nothing more to say, he withdrew his gaze, losing interest.

Leon continued his walk under the audience's cold gaze.

Fear, terror, caution, and disdain.

Politeness and non-savagery were a way of life for people in societies.

His way of speaking, not embellishing words, speaking what he truly feels without considering others, excessive cruelty, disrespecting others.

The worst was daring to attempt murder.

For them, raised by society, these actions were unacceptable and strange.

Leon was an unknown person; most people were afraid of the unknown.

Leon paid them no attention and went to the chair next to Logan.

Leon raised his hand to greet, and Logan did the same in response.

Their reactions were exactly what he wanted.

This way, no one would dare to question him or obstruct his path, at least for a while.

"How are you guys? Who's next after me?"

"Fine… my turn is supposed to be soon,"

Loki was the one to answer while lightly turning the pages of the book.

"What about the rest?"

"My battle will be at the same time as Loki's,"

while speaking in simple voices outwardly, the group was discussing their true intentions internally.

[Leon… whatever you did, man, just say it.]

[What do you mean?]

[Don't think I don't know; just spit it out!]

[…Tch, okay, okay. I'll admit it; Dio, do you remember when your old sword broke and I said a highwayman did it? It was me.]

[…Son of a bitch, it was you?]

[I mean, man, it was an accident; you were so angry that I got scared and blamed him; not to mention that you did the world a good deed by arresting him.]

[…Saying this after stealing his belongings and not even leaving him his clothes.]

[Why would I do that? My actions stemmed from justice in my heart. Do you doubt my sincerity?]

[Even the worst scum have some shame… at that moment, you did to him what you did to that big guy in the arena. I felt it was you who broke his sword; it only remained for you to take his wife.]

[Nah, nah; man, he's so ugly that I didn't hit his face for fear of his ugliness becoming contagious. I doubt his mother even loved him; perhaps her biggest regret in life is that she gave birth to him.]

[Say that after confessing to breaking my sword; what a piece of scum.]

[What did you expect? My name is Leon.]

[…Fair enough.]

[…That's not it.]

After hearing the trivial conversation between Dio and Leon, Loki said that wasn't what he meant.

[That's not it, Loki? Really? Then what do you mean? Was it when I "accidentally" tore Lloyd's favorite clothes and told him that the elf he dreamed of in his sleep had secretly tried to steal them, and I stopped her, and the clothes were torn during that, and he believed me?]

[Wait, what?]

Dio and the others were shocked by the strange discovery.

[…Ahem, let's forget this.]

[Yes, yes; everyone has their preferences, after all.]

[…That's right; everyone is foolish sometimes.]

[…Shut up, guys; just shut up, damn it.]

Lloyd was holding his head in his hands; he had been happy for the past three years; now, after meeting his friends, the feeling of longing for those peaceful days began to surge in his heart.

[That's not it either? Then, is it when I deceived you, Loki, and sent anonymous love letters to you and you thought a girl was interested in you?]

[Ooh, man, that was funny; his arrogant face when he says, "Oh, you pitiful singles," I was just dying laughing remembering it.]

[Yeah, I won't lie; I didn't expect him to be deceived for a whole week like that—]

[Enough nonsense!]

[What? It's not my and Dio's fault that you were deceived, my brother.]

[Actually, we didn't deceive you; no name was written in the letters; so you were the one who got carried away in your imagination.]

Loki's hand, which was turning the pages of his book, trembled slightly.

These scoundrels… don't they have a conscience?

[Well… I don't think it was that time when Vairon was philosophizing about the story of the forty-year-old divorcee in that village and it turned out to be—]

[Okay, enough jokes. What was that play earlier, you shorty?]

[Oh, what, what? Details, details!]

Seeing that the matter would reach him, and fearing another scandal being discovered, Vairon cut the nonsense and got to the point.

But how would the others let go of the chance to soil his dignity as happened to them?

[…It's not important, guys, really.]

[No, no, Vairon, oh Vairon, after racking our brains with her dramatic story, claiming you're a relationship expert, how can we simply let you go?]

[Don't be shy, Leon; we're all ears!]

[It turned out that they were brothers, in fact, and all the nonsense about divorce and so on was simply that their uncle had divorced because he was weak in bed, and the girl looked forty because of a disguise.]

[Pfft—hahahaha!]

[After all that confidence and eloquent words, it was just a misunderstanding… truly, a relationship expert!]

[Okay, okay; enough of this; let's leave the forty-year-old divorcee alone. Leon, let's go back to what's important; why was that poor guy you've never seen in your life almost killed?]

[Oh, that? And I thought it was important.]

Saying that after trying to commit a crime, he is truly kind.

Fernando and Logan listened attentively, wanting to understand what all this violence was about.

The previous conversation and scandals were audible to the two, and they didn't want to interfere.

Who knows? Maybe this scoundrel knows a scandal about them too?

Chae Nayeon was eating food Dio bought for her—of course, she was the one who asked for the food—sitting to his left.

[It's simple, actually; since our goal is to control this entire island, it's faster for us to start from the inside, isn't it?]

[What does that have to do with what you did?]

[We'll get to that point; now, I have a question; what's the best way to deceive someone?]

[Oh, I know; I, I!]

As if it were a question segment, Dio telepathically shouted.

[And… Dio! What's the answer?]

[Make him think he already knows everything; that he controls the situation.]

He said that in his mind, looked at Chae Nayeon as if saying, "Aren't I awesome?"

She looked at him silently and put her eyes on her food; it was better than wasting time.

Pfft!

Seeing the situation, the others laughed at him.

Deserved it, for trying to act cool in front of us poor fellows.

[That's right; well done; now, Vairon, what do you think of what I did in the arena?]

[You gave people an impression of yourself, right?]

Vairon was the one to answer this time; they now understood Leon's intention.

[The second question; since when have I been giving this Academy an impression of myself?]

[…Since you came?]

Lloyd answered, somewhat unsure.

[Correct! Well done, Lloyd; you've won a prize with us!]

[Oh? Will you give me the price of my clothes that you ruined?]

[Nah, oh; you won the prize for the fool who became clever.]

[Don't think your words will work as before; humph, and for your information, I've been clever for a long time.]

[Enough of this; so, Leon, what's your goal in giving these righteous people the impression of a member of the demonic sect?]

Loki understood the meaning of Leon's movements after saying "impression" a bit, but he had to make sure.

[As usual, I love your quick understanding, guys; that leaves us with the third question; Loki, when you have an impression of someone, what's the first thing you expect from them?]

[Isn't it that their words and actions match that impression?]

Loki answered; it was obvious.

When one has a belief about a creature, it's natural to believe that their actions are an extension of that impression.

People don't expect a bad person to do good, and vice versa.

[My actions so far have been to establish a first impression, and it won't be easy to break it; that will help facilitate most of my actions.]

[Now, the last question for our segment today; when the impression is bad toward someone, but then that impression is actually broken, what will people's reaction be? Let the three of you answer now!]

Leon's voice echoed through the ears of Chae Nayeon, Logan, and Fernando, who had been listening silently until now.

The three remained silent for a while; Chae Nayeon pulled Dio's sleeve as she pointed to her head.

She was asking him how she could send words to Leon.

"Focus on what you want to say and think of the person you want to send the words to."

[…Like this?]

[Yes.]

Dio smiled slightly; her quick understanding was impressive.

[Hmm? Won't you answer? Three points will be deducted within, five, four, three…]

The three hurried with their answers immediately at Leon's statement.

[…Wouldn't one feel uneasy?]

[And some will feel strange.]

[Guilt.]

Each of the three answered with their own answer.

[That's right, that's right, and that's right! So, what was my goal?]

[I think I understand now,]

having said that, Loki slowly closed his book.

[Such a plan to inflame the feeling of guilt would only apply to non-hypocritical people.]

[Ten points for Loki. So?]

[The second princess of the Kayro Empire.]

While looking at the sky, Vairon answered.

[You'll use her?]

[As usual, you scoundrels don't leave me room to brag.]

As Lloyd said with some frown, Leon frowned because everything they said was true.

[Not only that, but it will make others offer you service believing that you're actually someone who repays kindness with kindness? Sheesh, my brother, these are some street hustler moves here.]

Dio extended his arm, which almost hit Chae Nayeon's food; the girl pinched that arm but didn't move away.

"…Ouch."

Dio frowned; his plan to steal food was unsuccessful.

As he wanted to look toward the arena, he saw a piece of food in front of his face.

He looked at the outstretched arm; she seemed to be trying to feed him.

The girl didn't say anything; she just looked away as if she hadn't done anything.

She didn't want to participate in the conversation; she wasn't interested in politics.

Dio bit the food extended to him; it was delicious.

"Thank you."

Chae Nayeon didn't say anything; she looked at a place other than Dio's face.

The girl wasn't used to these human interactions; so she didn't know what to do.

It's a peaceful scene and makes one smile.

"Ugh!"

"My heart! Why, why…?"

Of course, for some, this sight was painful to the eyes.

The others held their aching hearts; Loki tried to hold back the tear that wanted to come out.

Where is justice, where is equality, where is the virtuous wife.

[Well, I never said I would repay the debt quickly? Maybe I'll repay it after that person dies, hahaha!]

Not caring about their misery toward Dio's springtime of life, Leon smiled sarcastically as he said in his mind; the others looked at him with disdain.

…This scoundrel knows how to play the role of scum when he wants to, seriously.

"Alright, it's our turn, Lloyd; let's go,"

Loki stood up from his seat and arranged himself.

"See you after my battle, guys."

"May peace accompany you, Lloyd Saheong, Loki Saheong."

"Finish your battle quickly so we can eat."

"I hope you die in battle and nothing remains of your corpses to be put in the grave."

"I'll be back quickly."

It was obvious who said the last remark; so there was no need to respond to that.

The two went down from the stands under the watchful eyes of the people.

In the middle of the fighting arena, three sandstone rocks could be seen, floating and rotating in sequence around a human body.

The boy standing in the center of the rocks rotating around him had an arrogant smile on his face.

"Surrender, Yang Dugou! You won't penetrate my shield; this defense, the Three Desert Rocks, can't be breached so easily!"

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Flying in the air at super speed, disappearing and reappearing next to one of the gaps in the circle of rocks, then attacking with his sharp sword.

But the sequence of the circles was difficult to penetrate; so he was repelled; what resulted was only the sound of colliding with the sandstone rocks.

"…Annoying,"

Yang Dugou muttered, his breathing heavy.

The problem with this shield was that its rotation speed increased every time he approached, which caused his energy to be wasted, not to mention the power of this shield.

"Truly annoying," Yang Dugou frowned as he watched from the edges of the arena. "Why doesn't he move from his place? Unless…"

Since his opponent established this sandstone shield, he hadn't moved an inch from his place.

Yang Dugou was cautious that there might be a trick, so he remained on high alert, but apparently, his suspicions were confirmed now.

When Dio's battle was ongoing, and when Leon fought Zenos, he was watching.

The rocks and sand; he found himself in a situation where he was fighting using them.

Cases where a combination of two paths is used aren't rare; as long as these two paths are close, it's possible.

If it's impossible for his opponent to move, what should be done is…

"Heh," a cold smile appeared on Dugou's face.

Swooosh!

Inhuman speed he attacked with.

This time, he didn't jump into the air but attacked through the arena floor.

Swooosh! Swooosh! Swooosh!

"Hehehe, do you think that will work? Just surrender; there's no way to win against me!"

Instead of attacking, Yang Dugou was circling his opponent at tremendous speed, causing the wind to form in the arena.

[The Wanderer's Path in the World of Wind: First Star]

[Self-Sword Storm]

As his opponent revealed his path style, Yang Dugou did the same.

Path, or road; that was a name describing one's destination and goal.

The path, in this strange world, was called a method.

For example, the path Yang Dugou walked on had to do with wind.

The path had two methods; a method someone walked on before you; a new method no one has walked on before.

The path Yang Dugou walked on—the Wanderer's Path in the World of Wind—is a path walked on by his grandfather and father before him.

The young boy walked in the footsteps of those who came before him and opened a deeper path; one day, it would become an easier path for those who come after him to walk on.

This was the path.

Swooosh! Swooosh!

Faster! Faster! Faster!

The wind initially forming was like a gentle breeze; over time, it became a whirlwind forming around the three sand rocks.

The only human was running in circles but seemed as if his number was doubling and increasing.

One, two, three, then four…

The arena was surrounded by wind and many indistinct human forms!

"Taste my special move, Silver! Your defeat will be here!"

It wasn't clear where his voice came from, but it was like an echo.

Silver's gaze became cold; previously, he showed a confident and arrogant attitude to not reveal the major flaw in his style.

His biggest weakness wasn't his inability to move but the high consumption of his energy core.

After Yang Dugou used his ultimate technique, the moment of victory and defeat was about to begin.

If he could withstand his opponent's attack, his energy core reserve would run out, and he would have the initiative; if the opposite happened, his chances of losing would be high.

Crack! Crack! Baam! Baam!

The whirlwind that was spread in the arena began to narrow.

The rocks, which were previously strong and invincible, could be heard rustling.

It was as if they were being carved.

Cut! Cut! Cut! Disassemble!

It wasn't clear at first, but over time, the rustling sound became louder.

The sandstone rocks were a comprehensive defense.

They can withstand heavy attacks without damage but had a weakness.

The weakness of these rocks lies in the gaps between the sand grains themselves; the scratching technique was more effective against them than trying to cut through them or crush them.

Yang Dugou realized this by chance while trying to find a gap.

But that wasn't his goal.

"Take it, Silver! This is my strongest skill!"

Booooom—!!

A whirlwind of numerous sword blades suddenly narrowed rapidly toward the center of the arena, while the rustling sound rose until it exploded.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The solid sandstone rocks collided with the numerous swords, creating many collision sounds.

"My chance!" Yang Dugou's eyes gleamed with joy.

While Silver was struggling to defend against his wind copies, Dugou reached the protrusion between each floor tile in the arena.

He planted his sword into the protrusion in the floor tile Silver was standing on.

Yang Dugou gritted his teeth and tightened his muscles.

The lower part was firm as a mountain; the upper part was taut like a metal rope.

Haaap!

At the same time he planted his sword in the protrusion, he placed his weight and physical strength on his sword.

At first, the floor tile didn't move, not an inch.

But in the next second.

Crack! Crack! Crack—!!

The floor tile was slowly lifted from the ground, and with the momentum of the movement, it suddenly flew into the air.

Only when the stone tile shook did Silver notice what was happening, but unfortunately, his reflexes weren't fast enough.

Gray dust filled the surroundings.

For some reason, Yang Dugou remembered Leon and Zenos' battle; specifically, when Leon made Zenos fly in the air.

He noticed that Zenos' control over the rocks was almost non-existent in the air when he observed that.

Therefore, he tried it.

"Since I can't touch him, shouldn't I just ruin the environment around him?"

Thus, he made the Self-Sword Storm a trap to distract him.

The stone tile flying in the air was about to fall.

Swooosh!

Yang Dugou jumped into the air and attacked quickly; his sword was in its sheath; he used the storm as a foothold and squeezed his body like a small ball; his legs were closed together.

While closing his eyes, he suddenly opened them and disappeared unexpectedly.

Baaaaam—!!!

[The Wanderer's Path in the World of Wind: First Star]

[Cutting Wind Sword]

Cutting! Cutting! Cutting—!!

Baaaaam!!

The flying stone tile exploded into scattered pieces.

Three sandstone rocks could be seen disintegrating, and their remnants scattered in the air.

In the middle of those rocks, the young boy was widening his eyes.

"This sight… is truly beautiful,"

that was his last thought before the sharp wind struck him and cut his body like blades.

He was hit by a quick and incomprehensible attack.

Baam! Baam! Baam!

The rocky remnants were falling in the arena.

At the edges of the arena, a boy could be seen putting his sword into its sheath.

The sword wasn't completely sheathed.

Standing in the middle of the arena, his eyes were unfocused.

Silver, a tenacious boy who always trusts in defense.

His absolute defense surrounding him at the end of each battle was now scattered in the air like remnants of sand in the desert.

His eyes rolled back slowly.

Clanck!

Yang Dugou sheathed his sword.

And at the same time, Silver fell across the cold arena floor.

The judge was silent for a while, and so was the audience.

"The winner of this battle is Yang Dugou!"

With the judge's words, the audience shouted from behind him in excitement.

After hearing the judge's words, Yang Dugou smiled relieved.

"…I won."

Thinking this, numerous wounds suddenly appeared on his body.

Blood flowed; he felt sharp pain hit his body; then he fell to the ground unconscious.

The Self-Sword Storm alone was already exhausting, but he also used the Cutting Wind Sword.

That was more than he could bear.