A Duel Without Limits

As the echoes of Rin's victory lingered in the air, he moved out of the arena and into the waiting room. The same people who had once underestimated him were now chanting his name, their voices filled with excitement. But just like before, he didn't acknowledge them, his expression unreadable.

His silence, however, only fueled more whispers among those gathered.

"Just because he won one match, he thinks he's invincible."

"It was only because his opponent was weak. That's the only reason he won."

Rin heard them, but he didn't care. Instead, he let out a sly smirk, his lips curving almost to the edge of his face. He pulled up the hood of his jacket and walked past them, heading for the exit, where Min-Soo was already waiting.

Min-Soo's face was brimming with excitement, his grin nearly splitting his face in two. The moment he spotted Rin, he waved and called out, "Rin! Over here!"

Rin raised a hand in greeting. As soon as he got close enough, Min-Soo practically tackled him into a hug, laughing. "Damn, man! That was insane! You actually did it!"

Rin chuckled, patting Min-Soo's back. "Yeah, yeah. Let me breathe, will you?"

Min-Soo pulled away, still grinning. But then his eyes widened as if remembering something. "Oh! I forgot to introduce you to someone!"

Rin raised an eyebrow. "Someone?"

Min-Soo gestured to a young woman who had been standing nearby, quietly observing their reunion. "This is Park Ji-Hyun. She was one of the few people supporting you when everyone else was talking trash."

Rin turned his attention to her. She had a composed yet sharp gaze, her dark eyes filled with quiet confidence. Her neatly tied ponytail framed a face that was both striking and unreadable. For a moment, Rin found himself admiring the way she carried herself—calm, poised, and completely unaffected by the noisy surroundings.

Ji-Hyun stepped forward and spoke, her voice smooth and measured. "Hi, I'm Park Ji-Hyun. That was a good fight back there."

Rin, momentarily caught off guard by her presence, quickly composed himself. "Uh, yeah. Thanks. And… thanks for backing me up earlier." He hesitated before adding, "Want to grab a drink with us?"

Ji-Hyun gave a slight nod. "Sure."

---

The three of them sat at a small outdoor café, their drinks untouched as they talked. The conversation was lively, with Min-Soo doing most of the talking while Rin occasionally glanced at his watch.

Then his eyes widened.

"Min-Soo," he said suddenly, cutting off their conversation. "When's your combat test?"

Min-Soo blinked. "Three o'clock. Why?"

Rin's expression turned incredulous. "It's already 3:02!"

Min-Soo froze. Then, without another word, he shot up from his seat and bolted toward the arena.

People in the streets turned their heads as he dashed past them, their complaints trailing behind him.

"Who the hell runs like that in broad daylight?"

"That guy almost knocked me over!"

But Min-Soo didn't hear them. He had only one goal in mind—getting to his match before it was too late.

---

Inside the arena, the commentator's voice echoed through the hall.

"If Bul Min-Soo does not arrive in the next ten seconds, Princess Deokan will be declared the winner by default."

The audience murmured, disappointed. Even the Director of the Hunter's Academy shook his head. "I was looking forward to this match," he said, sighing. "What a shame."

But just as he was about to rise from his seat—

Min-Soo burst onto the platform, panting but standing tall.

The audience erupted into noise, some cheering, others scoffing at his tardiness. The Director, amused, sat back down.

Min-Soo barely took a moment to catch his breath before turning to face his opponent—Princess Deokan of the Ice Elves.

His face immediately hardened.

It wasn't just any opponent. It was her.

The Fire Clan and the Ice Elves had been bitter enemies for centuries. Their battles were written in history, their rivalry etched into their very bloodlines. And now, here they were, about to face each other in a battle that was centuries in the making.

The referee stepped forward and raised a hand. "This match, like all academy duels, will follow standard combat examination rules. No lethal force is permitted, and victory is determined by incapacitation or surrender."

Deokan's cold gaze didn't waver. "That won't be necessary," she said, her voice like steel. "I don't fight under limitations."

Min-Soo let out a short chuckle. "Finally, something we agree on." He tilted his head. "Let's fight properly. No restrictions. No excuses."

The referee blinked, momentarily thrown off. "The rules exist for your safety. Do you both understand the consequences of an unrestricted duel?"

Deokan's eyes narrowed. "Rules only hold back the strong. I want a fight worth remembering."

Min-Soo smirked. "What's the matter? Afraid of a little risk?"

The referee turned to the other officials for guidance. Another official stepped forward, his tone firm. "This is an examination, not a battlefield. The academy does not condone lethal combat."

Min-Soo raised an eyebrow. "Then don't take responsibility for it."

Deokan nodded in agreement. "If we both accept the terms, then the academy has no right to interfere."

The officials exchanged glances. Some were unsure. Others were intrigued. The weight of their decision hung in the air.

Then, all eyes turned to the Director.

After a long pause, he gave a slow, deliberate nod.

One of the attendants hurried forward with a thick parchment—one that had only been signed a handful of times in the academy's history.

The official unrolled it and read aloud. "By signing this document, both combatants acknowledge that they are engaging in an unrestricted duel. The academy is absolved of all responsibility, and neither party may seek retribution should the other fall. Do you understand?"

Deokan didn't hesitate. She took the offered brush, dipped it in ink, and signed her name with a single, elegant stroke.

Min-Soo grinned and grabbed the brush next. "Now this is more like it." He scrawled his name beneath hers.

The official exhaled. "The agreement is sealed."

The parchment was lifted and stamped with the academy's insignia. The crowd, having listened in stunned silence, suddenly erupted into chaos—excitement, shock, and anticipation colliding into one deafening roar.

A true battle was about to take place. One where only one would walk away victorious.

The referee turned back to them. "This is your last chance to reconsider. Once this fight begins, there will be no intervention."

Deokan and Min-Soo spoke in unison.

"Get the fight started already."

Rin and Ji-Hyun found their seats, settling in for what promised to be a truly unforgettable duel.