章 4: Fierce Battle

### Chapter 3: Fierce Battle

Returning home, Aiden couldn't shake off the adrenaline rush from the prize ceremony.

| Flashback |

"At third place, we have James Dextro with [Short Teleportation]. He will get a [Willpower Ring (E)].

At second place, we have Aiden Ouroboros, with an unknown Gift. He will get a [Strength Potion (E)] and a [Agility Potion(E)]."

Hearing that Aiden's Gift was unknown, all the students and professors were left perplexed. "It's not [Devil's Feet]??" They had assumed it was [Devil's Feet] since it was his family Gift, but it seemed like he was an irregular.

"And lastly, at first place, we have Lily Oven with [Golden Eagle]. She gets a [Agility Potion (E)] and a free D-rank equipment of her choice!"

Hearing the presenter, Aiden's eyes almost popped out. *{GODLEEEE, I should have tried harder!! A free D-rank equipment?!}* Everyone felt the same disappointment as Aiden. A free D-rank equipment was no joke for a newly aspiring Hunter.

| Back to the present |

Aiden grinned, "Well, E-rank strength and agility potions are not bad either. Thanks to them, I'm 11 points away from ranking up."

```

RANK: E+

□Name: Aiden Ouroboros

□Age: 16 years old

□Race: Phoenix + Human

□Gift: Celestial Pyre Phoenix SSS+

◇HP: 2600/2600 ♤MANA: 3400/3400

☆Boons: [Divine Body] ~ Genius ~ [Phoenix Immortality] ~ Hardworker

¤Flaws: [Phoenix Arrogance] ~ Battle Maniac ~ Skeptical

Stats:

STR: 25

END: 26

AGI: 24

WILL: 34

CHA: S+

Skills:

...

```

While Aiden was pondering his problems, his [Divine Sense] started tingling like crazy. Dashing to his left, he avoided a dagger that flew past him.

"Oh? You avoided it? I wonder if the information about you was wrong or if you have a very keen sense or... a foreseeing ability?"

"This is the second time already!! Who sent you?"

"Why should I tell that information to a dead man? It's not like you'll be able to use it."

"Then bring it on. I won't die without a fight!" answered Aiden arrogantly.

The assassin smirked, "Even though you said that, it won't matter. You're just a child."

Aiden narrowed his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't afford to show any fear, not now.

Suddenly, the assassin lunged forward, his movements quick and precise. Aiden barely managed to dodge the attack, his instincts and [Divine Sense] saving him once again.

"You're pretty quick, but it won't save you!" the assassin taunted.

Aiden gritted his teeth, trying to come up with a plan.

Fighting him, Aiden immediately realized the man's ability: [Liquefying Hands], an ability that made him a formidable opponent. He could strike from the ground, making it difficult for Aiden to predict his moves.

Dashing backward, Aiden activated his [Beastification], his feet enveloped in black flames and revealing black talons. He needed the extra speed and strength if he had any chance of defeating the assassin.

The ground beneath him shifted, and the assassin's hand shot out, aiming for Aiden's face. With a quick reflex, Aiden lowered himself, narrowly avoiding the deadly grasp.

"He's good!" Aiden thought. "I can't let my guard down for even a second."

The assassin's attacks were swift and unpredictable, forcing Aiden to stay on his talons. He used his [Beastification] to enhance his agility, leaping and somersaulting to avoid the assassin's deadly strikes. The ground beneath them continued to liquefy, making it even more challenging for Aiden to maintain his footing.

In a split second, the assassin materialized behind Aiden, his liquefying hand aimed at his back. Sensing the danger, Aiden instinctively turned and launched a powerful back-kick, sending the assassin flying backward.

But the assassin quickly regained his footing, and without missing a beat, he lunged forward with a barrage of rapid punches. Aiden's [Divine Sense] allowed him to anticipate the assassin's moves, and he managed to block and counter most of the blows.

However, the assassin's attacks were relentless, and Aiden knew he couldn't keep up this defensive strategy forever. Gathering his resolve, he decided to take the initiative. He focused his mana, channeling it into his talons as they blazed with intensified black flames.

With a fierce battle cry, Aiden launched a full-frontal assault. He struck with blinding speed, his talons cutting through the air like razor-sharp blades. The assassin was caught off guard by the sudden change in momentum, and Aiden managed to land a series of precise blows.

But the assassin was no ordinary foe. He quickly adapted to Aiden's new strategy, evading and countering with his liquefying attacks. Aiden felt a searing pain as the assassin's hand grazed his shoulder, leaving a burning trail.

Their fight intensified, each combatant pushing their limits. Aiden knew he couldn't hold back any longer. He had to end this fight before the assassin could find an opening to land a fatal blow. Gathering his mana once more, he unleashed his most potent attack.

With a mighty roar, Aiden summoned the full force of his [Celestial Pyre Phoenix]. His entire body became enveloped in brilliant, blazing black flames. The temperature around them soared, scorching the very air they breathed.

The assassin's eyes widened in shock, realizing the gravity of the situation. But it was too late. Aiden launched himself forward like a fiery comet, his talons trailing blazing arcs of destruction.

The impact of Aiden's attack was devastating. The ground beneath them erupted in a massive explosion of flames, consuming both combatants in a blinding inferno. The spectators shielded their eyes from the intense light, unable to believe what they were witnessing.

As the flames subsided, Aiden emerged from the smoke, panting and covered in soot, but victorious. The assassin lay unconscious, his body charred and defeated.

As the dust settled, the barrier around the field dissipated, and the crowd that had gathered to watch the intense battle erupted into cheers. Aiden had emerged victorious, proving his strength and resilience.

Aiden panted heavily, his vision blurry from the intense battle. The cheers of the spectators faded into the background as he struggled to catch his breath. He had emerged victorious, but the toll of the fight was evident. Blood trickled down the corner of his mouth, staining the ground beneath him.

For a moment, Aiden's eyes locked with those of the defeated assassin. Despite the pain and exhaustion, a sense of triumph filled his heart. He had faced a deadly adversary and come out on top. But as the adrenaline subsided, a wave of weakness washed over him, and his body trembled uncontrollably.

He fainted.