​"Everything that I am is a gift as well as a curse."

Rumors about an infamous Mage-sprout - Azalea "The Bewitched"- had been circling around the Hunter's Council. Such rumors tend to attract the attention of various organizations. It's easy to tell with the uncanny similarities the men enquiring often possess. These malicious gossips had produced troublesome situations for Azalea's demon hunting job. Most hunters are afraid to team-up with her and some people are reluctant to make a hunting request with her involved.

During her solo hunt in Dimatagpuan Region, four students from the renowned school, AB Academy, appeared before her with an odd offer. This academy's Headmaster had grown a sudden interest in her skills as a Mage and he wants her to enroll as one of his scholars. It is the most unexpected offer which might as well bring the greatest change in her current lifestyle. Is she prepared to leave behind her normal daily life of hunting and fighting, to turn it around into an unusual daily life of socializing and schooling? How will she respond to her new environment as she learns more about who she really is?

Defiant

Il Darvan’s rampage is putting the field in disarray. The flat soccer grass field is now turned into messy grassland with mushy pits. Furthermore, it does not seem like it is going to stop soon. The angered demon, for whatever reason, is determined to crush everything in his way. 


“Crownheit!” A familiar voice resounds from behind. 


“Xaio?” Isaw responds while looking back. His colleague, Xiao Feng, has come to his aid. 


“Yosh! It’s time for our ultimate teamwork!” Then they both jump to evade Il Darvan’s ax swing from the side. 


“What are you talking about?” Xiao Feng questions him as a knit appears between her brows. “We’ve never teamed up before.” 


“It’s fine, isn’t it?” He raises his brow while being smug. 


Xiao Feng sighs. “So, what’s your plan?” 


Isaw scratches his temple. “First of all,” he smiles cheerfully as he pointed at Il Darvan. “I like that ax. So, as much as possible, don’t destroy it.” 


Counter 22: At the End of an Eroding Cliff II