Scars of victory

The battlefield reeked of blood and burning stone. The massive demon wolf stood before Nero, its once-powerful body trembling as dark ichor dripped from its open throat. But despite its mortal wound, its glowing crimson eyes still burned with fury.

Nero could barely stand. His body screamed in agony, his side torn open by the beast’s claws. Blood soaked his uniform, but he refused to fall. He tightened his grip on his sword, forcing his mind to sharpen through the haze of pain.

One final strike.

The demon lunged, its massive jaws aiming to crush him whole.

Nero moved.

His body screamed in protest, but he ignored it. Twisting to the side, he drove his sword deep into the beast’s skull.

A sickening crunch echoed through the air.

The demon’s body jerked violently, its massive form twitching as it let out a guttural, broken howl. Its legs gave out beneath it, and with a final shudder, the beast collapsed.

Silence.

The air, once thick with tension, now felt eerily still. The other students stared, their faces pale, their bodies frozen in shock.

He had won.

But the moment the beast fell, so did Nero.

His legs buckled, and darkness swallowed his vision.

---

He awoke to the faint scent of herbs and burning incense. Soft candlelight flickered against the stone walls. The rhythmic sound of dripping water filled the space.

The Sanctuary Ward.

Nero’s body ached like he had been crushed under a mountain. Every movement sent fresh waves of pain through his limbs, but he forced himself upright. His bandages were tight, his wounds properly tended to.

“How long was I out?” he muttered.

A voice answered.

“Two days.”

Nero turned his head. A tall, silver-haired man leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Professor Alden.

“You should still be resting,” Alden continued, his sharp gaze scanning Nero with a mix of curiosity and calculation. “That fight should have killed you.”

Nero scoffed, rolling his stiff shoulder. “I’ve had worse.”

Alden didn’t reply. Instead, he studied Nero, eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re different from the others. Most would have died in that fight.”

Nero said nothing. He wasn’t about to explain that his survival instincts had been forged through centuries of war.

Alden sighed and turned toward the door. “The rankings for the exam will be announced today. If you’re well enough to walk, I suggest you get going.”

With that, he left.

Nero exhaled slowly. He wasn’t fully healed, but he didn’t have time to waste. He needed to know where he stood.

---

The main hall of the Hunter’s Academy was packed with students. The tension was thick, filled with hushed whispers and eager anticipation.

A massive stone tablet stood at the front, glowing with golden inscriptions—the official ranking board.

One of the instructors stepped forward, clearing his throat.

“The results for the entrance exam will now be revealed,” he announced, his voice booming through the hall. “Your ranks will determine your placement within the academy, as well as the privileges you receive.”

— End of Episode 4 —

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