Parasites, Magic And Revenge

Raven still hadn't moved from where he was sitting. Even though their main target was him, it would be easier to deal with the boy resisting first. The tall one started talking: "You said you wanted to meet, didn’t you, Miles Hunter?" Miles was already aware that he was known. If he weren’t, Raven wouldn’t have been recognized either, but he remained silent.

"My name is Soren, and this is my friend Garrick. Since we’re second-year students, I assume you won’t try to fight us. No matter how much of a genius you are, Miles Hunter, we know you can’t defeat two second-years, considering the power difference between second and first-year students," he said, laughing. "Come on, don’t be so serious, we just want to show you our affinities. Follow us without causing any trouble," he added, and Miles linked his arm with Raven’s and began walking.

Both of them knew that what was about to happen wasn’t just going to be a simple demonstration of affinities. They entered a secluded area behind the school, a gap in the architecture that resembled an alley but was just an empty space created by the school’s design. Raven and Miles walked ahead and stopped at the side. Garrick looked at Soren, who gave him a nod before he started speaking:

"My affinity is fire. Of course, you have no reason to believe me, so I want to prove it." He covered his hand entirely in flames, which were clearly as hot as a campfire, maybe even hotter. Although fire affinity wasn’t rare, he was a second-year, and he easily possessed the power of a third or fourth-level magic user. He moved his hand closer to Miles, about to press it on his shoulder, when Raven grabbed his wrist:

"Why him? Is it because you're afraid of me?" Raven asked. Garrick was clearly angered by this. The flames in his hand flared up even more, now clearly showing the full strength of a fourth-level fire. He started pressing his hand down on Raven’s shoulder, trying to force him to the ground. But Raven continued staring at him without any reaction. This drove Garrick mad, and he pressed down with all his remaining mana, willing to use it all up.

Miles was in shock at what was happening. There was nothing he could do but watch as his friend suffered, knowing that if he intervened, they could kill Raven. Since they were rich kids, even the ruler's son wouldn’t be able to stop them from framing it as an accident in court.

Garrick’s flames started to die down, but Raven still didn’t react. His clothes had clearly burned away, leaving a charred imprint. His skin was completely burned, and the flames had eaten into his flesh. But Raven remained motionless. This level of torture was nothing new to him; it reminded him of the torment he had endured in prison and on the streets, perhaps even worse.

Finally, Garrick’s mana ran out, and he collapsed to the ground, panting. When he lifted his hand, they were greeted with a disgusting sight. Raven’s flesh had been seared, not even allowing his wounds to bleed. Garrick had pressed down so hard that he had burned through to the bone. The layers of Raven’s flesh were clearly visible. Miles was in shock at how Raven could endure such pain without reacting.