The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 164. Sparring

Chapter 164: 164. Sparring

The Academy’s restricted area, where mana runes affixed to old trees pulsed with a faint silver light, separated the forest’s soft glow. In order to prevent A-rank monsters from straying into safer areas, the runes created an invisible wall.

Holding a battered leather bag, Professor Gidon stood at the edge, his rugged figure lighted by the flickering glow. The cool air smelled of pine and wet dirt as he paced, his boots crunching on fallen leaves and his keen eyes searching the forest.

His neck was suddenly chilled, and then he heard a steady, smooth voice he knew well. "Professor Gidon, I apologize for keeping you waiting."

As Leo emerged from the shadows, his shadow step leaving a gentle shimmer of mana, Gidon quickly turned, a huge smile spreading across his face.

Leo’s crimson eyes gleamed with silent triumph, and his training uniform was battered and covered in ash, blood, and dirt.

He was able to enter the restricted area swiftly and covertly thanks to his improved shadow step, which could now cover 50 meters with minimal mana.

Gidon’s voice was rough but kind, full of curiosity, as he tossed him the leather bag. "Caulem, what did you bag today?"

With a sardonic grin, Leo grabbed the bag and slung it over his shoulder. "A pair of Glass Panthers and Harvest Mantis."

Gidon’s thick brows jumped up, impressed, as Leo pulled a clean Academy uniform from the bag. Sneaking into the restricted zone could get him suspended, a rule Leo broke daily with Gidon’s secret help, slipping in and out to avoid the Academy’s watchful eyes.

Leo removed his torn shirt to reveal an imposing, well-buffed body that was evidence of his three months of training. He quickly buttoned the new uniform and said, "I believe the Panthers were a couple. It must be mating season.

With a loud laugh, Gidon slammed a heavy hand on Leo’s back, almost toppling him. "You mean it’s mating season? Taking out a Mantis and two Glass Panthers at once? You’re such a threat, youngster!" His pride was clear, his eyes sparkling with approval.

Leo made a smile, his crimson eyes catching the rune-light.

For three months, Gidon’s tough training had sharpened his skills, but these hunts were his real test, earning experience points to boost his system. The results showed: his stats had soared, his fighting reflexes deadly, his aura mastery growing so fast it surprised Gidon. Each monster he beat was a step toward ending his mission quickly.

Gidon spoke in a low, cautious voice as he adjusted his own equipment, a rough pack slung over his shoulder. "Before a patrol catches us, let’s get going. I don’t want the principal to lash out at me again."

Leo’s eyes shined with defiance as his smile turned playful. "I’m leaving first. I can’t miss Rin and Lucian sparring."

Leo’s shadow step quickly carried him away before Gidon could respond, disappearing in a whirl of black mist.

Gidon stared at the empty air, a moment of quiet passing before he burst into loud laughter, the sound echoing through the forest like a storm. "That damn kid," he muttered, shaking his head, his grin wide with pride as he walked toward the Academy.

*************

In the arena building, Erin Dranemount leaned easily against the upper railing, her violet eyes sparkling with quiet fun as she watched Rin Valarune stretch below, her violet hair glowing with each smooth move. Lucian Caulem walked into the arena,sword at his side, his easy confidence catching every eye.

A faint ripple of mana stirred the air behind Erin, followed by quiet footsteps. Without turning she muttered with a playful tone. "Back from the hunt, Reo? How’s the day?"

"It’s fine," he said, voice low and tired, crimson eyes scanning the arena. "Match started yet?"

"Not quite," Erin replied, her smirk growing as she glanced at him. Leo gripped the railing, his eyes locking on Rin as she called her wood staff, the staff flew through air and she caught it.

She faced Lucian, stance ready, pink eyes burning with determination. Erin noticed a soft warmth in Leo’s eyes.

Across the arena, the bronze team—Mori, Joel, and Annalena—sat in the stands, their bronze brooches dark, watching closely. Velmera also sat with them, hands clasped, excitement clear.

In the stands opposite Erin and Leo, three professors—Avoor, Vaelm, and Isolde—stood with sharp, focused gazes.

Nimbus already slipped from his shadow, jumped onto an empty seat, and curled up, stretching his sleek body before napping.

Professor Isolde’s voice rang out. "Get ready!"

Rin and Lucian tensed, hands tightening on their weapons, stances sharp. Isolde’s voice cut the air again. "Begin!"

Rin moved first, her staff swinging up as she chanted, "Aether Surge!" A bright arc of mana shot from the staff, surging toward Lucian like a shooting star, its glow casting quick shadows on the dirt.

Mori, in the stands, muttered softly, "She’s going all out."

Lucian’s gray eyes narrowed, his sword flashing as he cut through the arc, mana bursting into a shower of sparks that faded in the air.

He rushed forward, fast as a blur, his blade aiming for Rin’s shoulder with perfect aim. But, his instincts warned him and he jumped aside just as an invisible force smashed the ground where he’d stood, leaving a deep dent in the dirt.

He glanced at Rin, catching her sly smirk as she flicked her staff down using her gravitational magic. The air shook again, dents popping up wherever Lucian moved, each dodge barely escaping the unseen force.

Rin’s quick moves amazed the watchers, her steps far smoother than her duel with Berend three months ago, each one full of new skill.

But Lucian was amazing—his reflexes were as sharp as a knife, and his speed was faster than that of gold-class fighters. With a warm, playful tone, he filled the void in a heartbeat. "Senior Rin, you’ve grown stronger." His sword arced smoothly. "However, I doubt that will be sufficient to keep up with me."

A glowing blue mana shield, its surface rippled with mana, blocked the blade in mid-air, stronger than the one she used against Berend.

Rin’s pink eyes glistened with mischievous intentness as her grin expanded. "Oh, Lucian, please. I didn’t even use a tenth of my abilities. "

With a sudden burst of strength, she swung her staff like a bat, a spell making her hit harder. The blow sent Lucian sliding across the arena, boots digging deep lines in the dirt, dust swirling around him.

Leo’s brow lifted, a soft murmur escaping him. "Didn’t know a staff could hit like that."

Erin chuckled quietly.

Lucian jumped up, brushing dust from his tunic, gray eyes fixed on Rin with respect and focus. But they widened as he saw her in the arena’s center, surrounded by fifty glowing swords made of bright light, floating like a ring of stars, their sharp edges gleaming.

Rin’s smile was bold, her voice playful. "Sorry, Lucian, I only hate your brother. Nothing personal to you."

The arena went quiet, bronze students in the stands holding their breath, the professors’ eyes narrowing with interest.

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