chapter 6: First Encounter with an A-Rank

The academy halls were unusually quiet after the combat evaluations. Whispers filled the air, murmurs of an E-rank standing toe-to-toe with Ayaka Kiryuu.

I ignored the stares as I made my way toward the training grounds. Today wasn't a battle test. It was something far worse.

Hunter hierarchy extended beyond ranks. Even within the academy, the stronger ones ruled over the weak. It was an unspoken rule that no one dared to challenge.

And yet, I had unknowingly done so.

Ayaka wasn't just any student. She came from the Kiryuu family—one of the top hunter bloodlines in the country. Even though she was only an E-rank, her skills placed her far above the average.

And I had matched her.

Or at least, that's what everyone thought.

In reality, I had just done what I always did—observed, learned, and adapted. But now, it seemed that I had attracted attention.

The kind I didn't want.

As I entered the training hall, I felt it. A pressure unlike anything I had encountered before.

Mana. But not just any mana. It was suffocating. Heavy. The air felt thicker, charged with something dangerous.

I barely had time to react before a voice cut through the silence.

"You're the new miracle student, huh?"

I turned toward the source of the voice.

A figure leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with cold amusement.

His uniform bore a special insignia—the mark of an upperclassman. But what stood out the most was his mana presence.

It was overwhelming.

[A-rank.] `system detection

I clenched my fists instinctively. There was no mistaking it.

A-rank hunters were rare. Almost legendary. And yet, one stood before me, as if testing me with his gaze.

"You're not as impressive as they say," he said, pushing off the wall and walking toward me. "I expected someone… different."

I stayed silent.

His smirk widened. "Oh? Not even going to ask who I am?"

I already knew.

Zane Atris Rank A. Type: Assassin. Class: Sword and Stealth. Also known as Takeshi Arata.

A prodigy. One of the academy's strongest students.

He was untouchable. Even though he was my age.

And for some reason, he was standing in front of me.

"I don't like rumors," he continued. "Especially ones that make no sense." His gaze sharpened. "An E-rank shouldn't be able to match Ayaka. Even if she held back, you should've lost."

I didn't respond.

"Which means you're hiding something."

I took a slow breath, maintaining a neutral expression. If I showed even the slightest reaction, he would see through me.

His eyes narrowed, watching me carefully. Then, without warning—

He moved.

The world blurred for a second, and by the time I registered what had happened, he was standing behind me, his blade inches from my neck.

Cold steel brushed against my skin.

My instincts screamed at me to move.

But I didn't.

Not because I couldn't—but because I knew i shouldn't.

Takeshi Arata, was beyond my level. Unlike Ayaka, who was limited by her E-rank, Takeshi was the real deal. His mana waves alone proved it.

This was the difference between an E-rank and an A-rank.

This was the wall that no one could surpass.

Unless…

I saw it.

The way he moved. The way he held his sword. The way his mana flowed through his body.

I focused.

Skill observed.

Reproducing. 89%

Reproducing. 98%

Reproducing. 100%

Mastered.

[skill Offguard offence lvl 1.]

[A high level skill used when you have to intimidate someone. Only works on lower ranks than you]

I felt my body change slightly, adapting to the knowledge. My muscles adjusted to the stance. My grip instinctively knew how to hold a blade properly.

Takeshi pulled his sword back, stepping away as if he had seen enough.

"You're weird," he muttered.

Then, with a smirk, he turned to leave. "I'll see you soon"

As he disappeared into the hallway, I released the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

That encounter had only lasted a few seconds.

But in that short time, I had learned everything about his swordsmanship.

I looked down at my hand, flexing my fingers.

For the first time, I wasn't just copying a skill.

I had stolen the technique of an A-rank hunter.

And he had no idea.

The gap between us was supposed to be insurmountable.

But what if I could erase that difference entirely?

What if… I could become stronger than even him? or wait, am I?

___