Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 444

Chapter 444 101.4 - Dakota Hellen

"Or things like this may happen."

As I was on the ground, lying there, a new attack came hurtling toward my face. Instinctively, I activated my 「Eyes of Hourglass」, and the world around me slowed down.

The familiar sensation of time decelerating enveloped me, giving me a critical advantage. In this altered state, I could observe every detail with heightened clarity.

Dakota's fist inched towards me, her form a blur of motion. I focused intently on her, my eyes tracing the flow of mana through her body.

Her mana moved in intricate patterns, concentrated in her limbs and core, enhancing her speed and strength. I could see the subtle shifts in energy, the precise control she exerted over it.

There was no way I could fully replicate it in the short time I had, but I could try to imitate it partially.

'Focus… channel the mana to my legs… increase speed…'

I directed my mana towards my legs, feeling the energy surge through my muscles. The sensation was intense, like a current of electricity coursing through me.

I visualized the flow and the pathways the mana needed to take to enhance my speed.

With a burst of speed, I pushed off the ground, using the mana to propel myself upwards. The world seemed to snap back to normal speed as I launched myself towards Dakota.

SWOOSH!

I moved with a sudden acceleration, catching Dakota off guard. Her eyes widened for a split second, a flicker of surprise breaking through her composed exterior.

THUD!

My fist connected with her midsection, the force amplified by the mana coursing through my legs. The impact sent her staggering back, a look of recognition in her eyes.

I landed, my breathing heavy but steady. The exertion had taken a toll, but the adrenaline and the rush of mana kept me going.

Dakota regained her balance quickly, her eyes locking onto mine with renewed intensity. "Impressive, Trainee. You're starting to understand."

I nodded, a sense of accomplishment mixing with the ever-present determination. "Thank you, ma'am."

The reason why I was thankful was because of the small bracelets that she was wearing. Normally, most people would refrain from wearing bracelets to suppress their mana and would do it manually on their own.

That would make them feel a lot better and safer, and in the academy, most instructors did the same.

But this had one downside. Those with higher [Magical Power] attributes would have a higher ranking mana commandment. They would be able to command mana of a higher density and rank, and such condensed mana psions would be something that those with lower [Intuition] stat wouldn't be able to sense.

This difference would be evident if one's [Magical Power] stat was higher by at least one digit on parameters.

That was why higher-ranking Awakened would be this oppressive against lower-ranked ones and why [Intuition] stat was this important.

And that was why I was also able to sense the mana flowing down in Dakota's veins. It was because the bracelet was directly limiting her body and the mana she was using, making it visible to my eyes.

As she settled back to her stance, Dakota's predatory glance returned, her body shining orange.

"But you still have a long way to go. Let's continue."

SWOOSH! She had dashed forward once again, blasting herself once more.

SWOOSH!

I did the same.

We launched at each other again, our movements a blur of strikes and counters. Dakota's fists flew at me with relentless precision, each punch a test of my reflexes and endurance.

THUD! THUD!

I blocked her strikes, countering with my own. Our blows met with resounding impacts, the sound echoing through the training hall. I could feel my body reaching its limits, but I pushed through the pain, refusing to back down.

As we fought, I focused on my mana control, channeling it through my body. Every movement needed to be precise, the mana amplifying my speed and strength.

'Stay focused, maintain the flow.'

THUD!

A powerful kick from Dakota sent me sprawling to the ground. I quickly rolled to my feet, ready for the next attack. She moved with the grace and power of a seasoned warrior, her eyes never leaving mine.

'She's not giving me any room to breathe.'

I tightened my stance, focusing on my breathing and calming my mind. The fluidity and lightness I had cultivated with daggers were not enough here; I needed to adapt to harness the power and precision required for close combat. The integration of mana made every strike more intense and every dodge more critical.

SWOOSH!

I moved in, aiming a series of quick jabs at her midsection. She blocked them effortlessly, her movements a blur. I feinted left, then brought my right elbow up towards her chin.

THUD!

Dakota deflected my elbow with a swift motion, countering with a sharp jab to my ribs. The pain was immediate, but I gritted my teeth and pushed through it. I had to remain focused.

'Adapt, observe, and counter.'

I saw an opening and took it, ducking under her next strike and launching a powerful uppercut. She dodged just in time, her reflexes honed to perfection. Her eyes met mine, a flash of respect evident in their depths.

THUD! THUD!

Her fists flew at me in rapid succession. I dodged the first and parried the second, using the momentum to spin and deliver a roundhouse kick aimed at her midsection. She blocked it with her forearm, the impact reverberating through both of us.

Dakota's movements were precise and controlled, a testament to her experience and training. Each attack flowed seamlessly into the next, leaving little room for error. I could feel the strain on my body, the exertion taking its toll.

But I wasn't done yet.