After the Will Resonance discipline, the youths, including Malakai, were beyond exhausted. Many lay on the ground, panting and letting out ragged breaths as their chests rose and fell.
The instructor's killing intent had been too overwhelming for most. Even those who hadn't taken a single step were sprawled on the ground, still trembling from the sheer pressure of it.
"Impossible… the Ninth Vein actually reached the instructor…"
"If I didn't see it myself, I wouldn't have believed it either."
"Do you think he cheated?"
"Cheated? Did you hit your head somewhere? How can you even cheat in something ?"
"Ah, right… But it's just so unbelievable. Even the other Veins couldn't get past halfway. How did he do it?"
"I don't know. But I can't help but admit… it's awesome."
The instructor had given the youths time to recover, recognizing how much they had strained themselves. Yet whispers soon filled the open field as they discussed what had just happened.
Since the class had started, no student, Vein or not, had ever reached the instructor. But on his first day, the Ninth Vein had shattered that record.
The whispers continued nonstop, glances frequently thrown in Malakai's direction as he tried to recover.
Still, the senses of every youth were too sharp not to catch the murmurs. And as the words reached Julius' ears, his smile grew increasingly strained.
His gaze burned into Malakai. The attention of the entire class had shifted. No one was looking at him anymore. It was all on Malakai.
A fact that made Julius' eyes gleam with hate.
'His Will may be strong, but I'll still break him.'
It ate at him that the same trash he once trampled on was now the center of attention.
'Not for long.' His eyes flashed with a dangerous glint.
"What do you think about our assumptions, Eight Vein?"
Julius' expression shifted instantly, his well-rehearsed smile snapping back into place. He turned to the group around him. "Your assumptions?"
"Yes, Eight Vein. We think the Ninth Vei—"
The youth's words stopped mid-sentence. It felt like a cold wave had crashed over him. He met Julius' gaze, and the usual warmth was gone. Only ice remained.
"The class is over. It's time to leave," Julius said curtly, standing and walking away. His entourage scrambled to catch up behind him.
As the rest of the class began leaving, Malakai eventually rose to his feet as well.
'My body feels heavy.'
He had pushed himself too far during the discipline. His body hadn't recovered yet.
He walked off the grounds a few minutes later, ignoring the heavy stares boring into him, from the Veins and others alike.
And as he stepped out of the training area, he felt it again. Nyx's gaze.
He had sensed it faintly even while inside. But no one aside from the students and instructors were allowed within the grounds. That included Nyx.
Still, he had been safe while inside.
Malakai didn't waste time and began moving toward his manor. A few minutes later, he closed the door to his room behind him with a soft click.
The first thing he did was place his weapon carefully in its corner before instantly taking off his clothes and heading into the bathroom.
This was one of the few things Malakai was grateful for. Despite how secluded his manor was, it still had running water.
Malakai let the stream wash over him, easing off the burdens of the day. It had been a long one.
'Monday to Saturday.'
To most, it would be insane. They had to repeat everything they did today, every single day, except Sundays. Most wouldn't survive it. But Malakai wasn't most people.
Despite how grueling the day had been, he somehow still felt refreshed. He changed into more comfortable clothes and settled onto his bed.
'You're unusually quiet,' he thought suddenly.
A few seconds passed before Valentine responded. 'I don't talk all the time, you know.'
'You do,' Malakai replied, not even trying to mince his words.
'I don't. I haven't even spoken since that darkness creature class.'
'That's probably because something's on your mind,' Malakai replied without hesitation.
Valentine went silent.
Then, Malakai suddenly added, 'Are you upset because that boy is cooler than you?'
Valentine cleared his throat, unable to offer a proper response.
Malakai shook his head. 'Suit yourself. I need to focus anyway, so the silence is welcomed.'
'Wait, wait… Malakai!' Valentine suddenly blurted. 'I have a question.'
Valentine paused for a second, then spoke, 'You said the hunt was for anyone between the ages of 12 and 15, right?'
'And the competition holds every two years…'
Malakai nodded again, having already figured it out. 'Yes. The Veins in the training ground have participated before.'
'Then why haven't they joined the Blood Knights?' Valentine asked. 'They're qualified, right? Plus, isn't that unfair to others? Or do the rules change each time?'
After the hunt, each youth was given the opportunity to join the Blood Knights as an apprentice knight.
It was the first step, something everyone, even the Veins, dreamed of achieving. But Valentine was confused. The Veins had clearly participated before, so why hadn't they joined?
Malakai shook his head.
'It's always the same rules. They don't change. As for your first question, they're trying to take advantage of the blood points earned from the hunt while continuing to refine their skills. Most people don't join the Blood Knights until their last hunt.'
'Then doesn't that mean…' Valentine trailed off.
Malakai nodded. 'Yes. I'll be joining the Blood Knights after this Hunt.'
He was already fourteen. In two years, he'd be above the allowed age and unable to participate again. Which was why Malakai had already made his decision, he would join the Blood Knights after this Hunt.
Afterward, Malakai told Valentine to give him space, to go quiet. He went deeper into his thoughts, to a place where Valentine couldn't reach.
It wasn't that he didn't trust the spirit. But complete silence always helped him think better.