Chapter 195 – The Monster Hunt Begins
The training field cleared, leaving only the instructors and students who would take part in today's exercise. A narrow path led from the courtyard into the Academy's enclosed forest—a controlled zone where monsters, traps, and seal stones had been set to test skill, strategy, and adaptability.
Riven walked beside Kairo, eyes scanning the dense greenery ahead. His brow furrowed as he finally asked the question that had been gnawing at him since the Seal Stone exercise.
"Hey… I've got to ask. Why can't you use magic like everyone else?"
Kairo didn't look up immediately. Crimson eyes flicked to Riven, calm and unshaken, as if the question had been expected.
"…I can," he said casually, voice low. "It just isn't… of this world. Not earth, not fire, not water, not air. My magic… isn't elemental like the others."
Riven blinked, frowning.
"So… you're elemental-less?"
Kairo shrugged.
"You could say that. Bone magic. It's raw, shaped from what I can feel inside. Doesn't fit their charts. Doesn't follow the rules."
Riven considered this, gripping his wooden sword tighter. "…Figures." He smirked faintly. "Of course the weird one would be the weirdest."
Kairo gave a faint nod, already turning his gaze back to the path ahead.
The instructors raised their hands, signaling the start.
"Remember," one called, voice sharp, echoing through the forest. "This is not just about killing monsters. Observe, strategize, and work with your partner. The forest is a test of adaptability as much as strength."
From the shadows, faint growls and rustles began. The trees seemed alive, swaying with movements unseen, hiding creatures designed to challenge both magic users and swordsmen alike.
Riven flexed his fingers around his sword hilt. "Looks like we're about to find out if that bone magic of yours is more than talk."
Kairo's crimson eyes narrowed, the faint shimmer of bone magic tracing along his fingers like tiny threads of silver.
"It's not about talk. It's about control."
The first creature stepped into the clearing—a Grade 2 wolf-like monster, glowing faintly with mana as it bared fangs. The hunt had begun.