Sometimes, we think about life. It is the basic human thought process. Even though we are engulfed in this river called life, there are times when it flows at a slightly slower pace, leaving us enough room to think about ourselves.
But is it beneficial?
One might ask that, but the answer to this mostly depends on the person.
Since some people would rather be occupied with something else than think, sometimes, thinking about things or remembering them is more hurtful than anything else.
After my fight with Liam and surrendering, the atmosphere in the amphitheater was charged with mixed emotions. Liam's face contorted with fury when I uttered the words, "I surrender."
It was clear he had hoped to drag the duel out, to inflict more humiliation upon me. His eyes bore into mine, filled with contempt.
"You're nothing but trash, Astron," he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "You can't even man up and stand on your own."
I remained silent, my expression unchanging. There was no point in responding to his taunts. I had achieved what I needed. Any further conflict was unnecessary and would only serve to satisfy his ego.
Liam glared at me for a moment longer, then turned on his heel and stormed out of the arena, muttering insults under his breath. The crowd's murmurs filled the air, but I paid them no mind.
I had my own reasons for surrendering, reasons that were far more important than their opinions.
With Liam gone, I stayed behind, my eyes fixed on the arena. I wanted to see Ethan's duel and witness his prowess firsthand.
Since he was the main character of this world, it was important to see his progress. After all, he will be a crucial point against the threats in the future.
His progress is important.
The amphitheater buzzed with anticipation as Ethan Hartley stepped into the arena, his spear gleaming under the lights.
His opponent, Samuel, stood across from him, determination etched into his features. He was one of the characters that were appointed as the duel fighter in the game. According to the choice of the player, the rewards would change.
Samuel was one of the hardest enemies that players would face.
The duel began, and it was immediately clear why Ethan was so highly regarded. His movements were fluid and precise, and his control over lightning was impressive. Each strike of his spear crackled with energy, a storm in human form.
Despite Samuel's best efforts, Ethan dominated the duel with a combination of skill and raw power.
The crowd erupted into applause, their admiration for Ethan evident. I watched closely, analyzing his technique and strategies. He was undoubtedly a prodigy, and his performance only solidified that reputation.
In the stands, I noticed Kaya and Jane watching Ethan with pride. Kaya's eyes had been directed at me at some point in my duel. I was able to sense it.
It seemed she had noticed my presence and was intrigued by my actions. Though the reason was mostly related to the Hartley family's strong instincts, it was fine for me.
Since there wasn't any distinction that she could identify me.
As Ethan and Samuel left the arena, I also followed them. freewebnovel.cσ๓
There was a clear reason for me to do that.
'Demonic Energy.'
The sinister energy was spread through the locker rooms.
'They are finally moving.'
The fact that the demonic humans were moving alone made it clear. The attack on the final exams was going to happen.
'They are trying to spread demonic seeds.'
The reason why demons are hated this much is mostly because of a special attribute that they possess, which other races rarely do.
Corrosion.
This ability may seem innocent at first. But, when it comes to the corrosion of mind, soul, and thoughts, it becomes way more dangerous than it has ever been.
The moment one's own mind corrodes, one becomes a slave to one's emotions; at that moment, one goes berserk and becomes dangerous.
A desperate father who is trying his best to feed his family…Once he loses himself to despair or anger, that family can no longer be happy.
Domestic violence.
This is the same for the young woman who looks at her peers, seeing their beauty and competing with them.
The standards of life can not be met with her efforts, making her feel trapped. The reality may not be like that, but as long as that is what she feels, the possibility of an emotional stir appears.
And from now on, that person will no longer become themselves, losing their own identity.
That is the power of demons, the way they work.
In the duel time, with the feelings of joy, superiority, and pride on the one hand while the feelings of despair, inferiority, envy, sadness, and disappointment on the other hand, the perfect opportunity for demons to work appears.
Even if it was subtle, I was able to confirm the demonic energy. Though that made me feel suffocated and tense a little, it was not completely unbearable.
While looking for the traces in the locker rooms, I also somehow observed the interactions between them and their families.
There was a warmth and camaraderie that was almost foreign to me. At least, at this point, it became foreign.
However, somehow, seeing Ethan and Jane, or Samuel and his sister, made me remember the past again.
It was a bitter feeling, once again making my heart cold. Since the moment I remembered Estelle, it always ended in me remembering her death.
Those claws.
'They will haunt me until the end, won't they?'
A question that didn't contain any emotions.
In any case, since I didn't belong to this place, there was no need for me to stand here and waste any more time.
I need to be ready for the attack so that I can hunt as many demonic humans as I can.
That is all I can do for her, at least.
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