Declaration

"You wish! Don't think you'll just have your way. This isn't over yet!" Valor spat. "Go!"

His C-rank summon charged at Art once more, its sheer presence pressing down on the spectators. Many students shifted uncomfortably in their seats, intimidated by its raw power. But Art? He didn’t even move.

The summon closed in fast, one of its heated appendages whipping forward, aiming straight for Art’s forehead.

About two months ago, back during the raid, this attack would have seemed overwhelmingly fast. But now?

It was nothing.

Casually, Art stretched out his blackened right arm, catching the appendage mid-strike—right at its burning hot-spot.

A scream echoed across the arena.

But it wasn’t from Art.

The beast recoiled in agony, thrashing wildly. It lashed out with its second appendage, but Art dodged effortlessly, then twisted his grip and slammed the creature into the ground. A deep crack spread from the impact.