The Genius vs. The Monster

Chapter 77: The Genius vs. The Monster

🔥 Aether Academy had won. 🔥

But Rei Kurogane wasn't celebrating.

He sat alone in the dorm, staring at the ceiling.

💀 Something about Kozuki's fight wouldn't leave his mind. 💀

Kozuki wasn't just strong.Kozuki wasn't just fast.He became something else entirely.

Rei (thinking, serious): That wasn't skill… That was instinct.

The Difference Between Strength and Genius

Rei clenched his fists.

🔥 He had seen every detail of the fight. 🔥

Kozuki didn't plan his movements—he just reacted.He didn't think—he just knew.He didn't hesitate—he devoured his opponents.

Rei (thinking, focused): He fights like a beast.

💀 But I… I fight like a human. 💀

Rei's Frustration – The Gap Between Them

🔥 Rei had spent his life mastering his mind. 🔥

He could analyze any opponent.He could break down any technique.He could see weaknesses no one else could.

And yet—

💥 BOOM! 💥

💀 It still wasn't enough. 💀

Kozuki had destroyed Ryoma.

And Rei couldn't even land a decisive blow on Renji.

Rei (clenching his jaw): Tch… I was useless.

The Genius's Decision – Surpassing the Monster

Rei took a deep breath.

💀 Kozuki is stronger than me. 💀

In speed.In instincts.In raw combat ability.

🔥 But that's fine. 🔥

Because Rei had something Kozuki didn't.

A perfect memory.A mind faster than any fighter.The ability to adapt, learn, and evolve.

Rei (thinking, determined): If I can't match his instincts…

🔥 Then I'll create my own. 🔥

💀 I will become something greater. 💀

Rei's Training Begins – Learning to Survive the Wild

💥 The Next Night – Aether Academy's Training Grounds 💥

Rei stood in the middle of the empty arena.

No lights.No sound.Nothing but the darkness.

🔥 If Kozuki fought like a beast… 🔥

Then Rei would train like one.

Step One – Erasing Hesitation

🔥 Animals don't hesitate. 🔥

✔ A tiger doesn't think before it pounces.✔ A hawk doesn't doubt before it strikes.✔ A wolf doesn't calculate—it moves.

💥 WHOOSH! 💥

🔥 Rei closed his eyes. 🔥

He focused only on movement.He let his body react before his mind could process.He forced himself to move on instinct alone.

💥 Dodge left. Too slow.💥 Step back. Hesitated.💥 Counterattack. Too much thinking.

Rei (panting, frustrated): "Tch… This is harder than I thought."

Step Two – Learning From Nature

🔥 If humans weren't strong enough… 🔥

Then Rei would learn from something stronger.

He studied the movements of animals.He memorized how they fought.He copied their instincts—forcing them into his own body.

💀 If Kozuki was a demon… 💀

🔥 Then I will become something beyond human. 🔥

The Genius's New Goal – Becoming the Ultimate Fighter

🔥 Kozuki is the strongest fighter in Aether Academy. 🔥

💀 But he won't be forever. 💀

Rei wouldn't just catch up.He wouldn't just match Kozuki.He would surpass him.

Rei (smirking, determined): "Wait for me, Kozuki."

🔥 The genius of Aether Academy had begun his evolution. 🔥