Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 615

615 Chapter 136.5 - The Hunt

What is the thing that differentiates the demons from the other Awakened species?

From Elves or Dwarves, for instance.

What is the main difference between them?

They're different from the rest of the Awakened species. Elves, Dwarves, and even humans... We all use mana.

But demons? They have something far more corruptive: demonic energy.

The difference between them and the other species is stark, almost fundamental.

For most Awakened—whether Elf, Dwarf, or Human—mana was a pure force, a neutral energy that could be shaped and wielded according to one's will. It was balanced, allowing the wielder to create magic and control elements with precision. Even with years of practice, it required discipline, refinement, and a deep connection to nature or the world around them. But it never twisted the soul.

Demonic energy, on the other hand, was an entirely different beast.

It wasn't just a form of mana—it was violent, corrosive, and filled with malice. Unlike the natural flow of regular mana, demonic energy raged like a storm, constantly threatening to spiral out of control. It corrupted, sinking into its wielder's very core, twisting their thoughts, desires, and emotions.

Most demons who continued on their path of awakening and embraced this energy became vile creatures, consumed by darkness. The more they wielded this energy, the more it ate away at their humanity, leaving nothing but a lust for power and destruction.

But that's not the only difference.

Demons, unlike the other Awakened species, don't rely on external resources as much to get stronger. While Elves required centuries of growth, honing their connection to nature, and Dwarves needed rare ores and years of meticulous crafting to reach their full potential, demons advanced quickly. They didn't need the same refinement or patience. Instead, they accumulated their power directly into their demonic core, a vessel that allowed them to absorb and store energy at an accelerated rate. They grew in power faster, quicker, and more explosively than any other species.

But that speed came with a cost.

While their ability to accumulate power quickly made them dangerous, it was also their greatest weakness. The more demonic energy they absorbed, the more their desires—whether for blood, dominance, or destruction—began to take over. It made them arrogant, reckless, and prone to losing control. Their emotions, their primal urges, all fed back into the very energy they wielded, creating a cycle of corruption.

And that is their main weakness.

"So, you've got some tricks up your sleeve. Dodging won't save you for long, human. I'll rip you apart, piece by piece."

"Heh... We will see about that..." I muttered, my eyes still locked on Zharokath as his void energy pulsed dangerously around him. He stood there, brimming with power, every muscle tensed.

'At the end, nothing but a low born.'

Void energy is indeed dangerous, as it can distort the space and the fundamental property of the mana itself.

The energy.

His muscles tensed, his eyes burning with intent as his void energy crackled around him, distorting the very air. His frustration had given way to cold calculation, and now he was ready to end this fight.

He wasn't the type to drag things out—he knew his location was compromised. If I had found him, others might be on their way.

And a demon like Zharokath didn't enjoy loose ends.

With a savage snarl, he launched himself at me again, this time even faster than before. His speed was immense—far beyond anything I could match physically. His claws, now coated with demonic energy, shimmered.

The air seemed to warp as he tore toward me, each step a calculated movement designed to end the fight as quickly as possible.

I barely had time to react.

-CLANG!-

I deflected the first strike with my dagger, the impact sending tremors through my arm. His strength was overwhelming, far more than I could handle in a direct clash. The force of the blow sent me skidding backward, my boots digging into the ground as I fought to maintain my balance.

But Zharokath wasn't letting up. He pressed the attack, his claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed, each strike emitting dark tendrils of void energy that threatened to tear me apart.

-CLANK! CLANK!-

I parried and dodged as best as I could, the wind from his attacks cutting through the space around me. Every time our weapons met, the sheer power behind his strikes sent shockwaves through my body. His speed was relentless, his movements precise and controlled. There was no hesitation in him now—he wanted me dead, and he was going to make it happen fast.

'Too strong... too fast...'

I couldn't afford to stay on the defensive forever. His raw power would overwhelm me eventually.

But that was the difference between us—I had patience, and I knew how to exploit his weaknesses.

Demons, especially ones like Zharokath, always became reckless when they thought victory was in sight.

He slashed at me again, this time aiming for my throat, but I twisted my body, ducking under his arm just in time. His claws ripped through the air above me, missing by mere inches.

As I moved, I summoned the storm within me again, activating [Typhoon Burst] in a controlled, precise manner.

-BOOM!-

The burst of wind exploded from my feet, propelling me backward, gaining distance from his relentless onslaught.

The force of the maneuver sent me into the air, twisting away from his lethal claws. But this time, I didn't stop to retreat.

As I landed, I immediately unleashed a barrage of mana-infused projectiles; each one imbued with the full power of [Celestalith] in its ranged form.