Mystery Tales Under the Moonlight

Chapter 63: This is the nature of growth, it's always painful (5).

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At Moonlight Academy, students were allowed to roam around at night, and enjoy the facilities .

Whether they want to work for a certain entity, in order to pay their expenses as students, they can do so .

Whether it was roaming around and gaining experience, or even training at night in the training centers, of course, they could as long as they didn't delay returning to their dorms .

Lately, the students of Class D had been training until late, but today, they were left to do whatever they wanted .

"… the teacher suddenly called me ."

" You too? That bastard Loki said I had to go with him ."

" Kang Woo, I'll tell Sahyung that you were cursing him ."

" Logan you corrupt! If you tell him, I'll tell Leon that you were the one who stole his food during training !"

"… Tch, I thought I hid well ."

" Guys, let's hurry up, before Leon Sahyung beats us up ."

But not all students in Class D were given a break .

In the hallways, Fernando, Kang Woo, Logan and Woo Jin were walking while talking .

Why are Kang-woo and Woo-jin also with them ?

Let's just say, on the second day of Class D's training, they were kidnapped to Hell .

While Leon was in Kaytona City, Loki and the others were suddenly summoned .

Not only them, but also Selena, Chae Nayeon and Stella, then Kevin and Mai too .

For now, they will meet at Willow Lake near the Academy Garden .

" My gut tells me something is up …"

Kang Woo muttered to himself .

" Northern Forest "

As if reading his mind, Logan said indifferently .

The others' eyes instantly sunk upon hearing his words .

The unstable situation in the northern forest was no secret to anyone .

A deep understanding of the situation applied to them more than anyone else .

How could they, who were fighting their way to the death with the wolves and beasts that almost devoured them, not know ?

" Why are they bringing us to the Northern Forest, and not just there, but other places?" Wu Jin thought seriously .

He wasn't an idiot, there was clearly a hidden agenda involved .

" Knowing them, it's not a game, I'm sure we might even lose our lives ."

A cold voice descended upon their ears, and the speaker was Baek Kang-woo .

His eyes were sunk in an indescribable coldness, his voice was harsh, his appearance lacking the usual sarcasm .

For Kang Woo, the heir of the great Baek Clan, of all people to say such words, caused the others' expressions to harden .

"… I've only known them for a week, but I can tell you for sure, they're not stupid ."

" The issue is certainly not simple ."

Whether it was Fernando, Logan or Woo Jin, they felt a little pressured by the situation .

Their travels to the dangerous areas of the island, the situation in the northern forest, Yoon Sa-hyung's sudden departure, the others calling them as well …

It was no coincidence .

There is something brewing behind the scenes .

" It started with the death of the heir of the Storm Wolf Tribe, perhaps it is a coup ."

The news of Ragnar's death was widespread, and many people knew about it, they were really shocked .

But what was even more shocking was the news... that his cousin Gunnar had become the young leader of the tribe .

As the situation changed and the balance of the tribes tilted towards the Storm Wolves, the situation in the Lightning Wolves became more urgent .

They were worried that those who were loyal to them would be robbed, so in order to resolve the matter, they held a competition between the young masters .

The contest was for the red elves and dwarves, who lived in the red metal volcano .

Whoever can convince these tribes to cooperate with him, will win .

The Red Elves were the ones who managed the biotope of the Red Ore Volcano, while the Dwarves were highly talented blacksmiths .

They were skilled at refining weapons, and even ego !

It can be said that whoever gets their help, will become like someone who got huge war supplies !

" Their intentions are indeed deep… these bastards." Wu Jin understood some of their intentions .

Fernando's eyes lit up as he said, "There is a plan behind this, there is no way they would have chosen that tribe suddenly ."

" But it doesn't matter, because in the end, it's almost impossible to convince these elf and dwarf tribes ."

Logan sneered coldly, The elves and dwarves were friendly and understanding tribes, but they didn't get involved in political conflicts .

Obviously, as advocates of peace, they would not be satisfied with supplying weapons to any tribe rather than another .

There were small transactions here and there, but it wouldn't affect the overall situation .

It was different from building a special relationship with a certain tribe, especially when that tribe was one of the Lightning and Storm Wolves .

" There's no way the Lightning Wolves don't know about this, so what are their intentions ?"

Kang Woo couldn't fathom them, this situation was related to his survival and death, how could he be ignorant of the situation ?

" You will understand everything later ."

At that moment, they heard someone's voice in front of them .

It was a young man with violet eyes, his white hair shining like pure snow, it was Loki .

Behind him, Dio was holding his sword and wiping it with a handkerchief .

" Fernando, Woo Jin, get ready, we're going to cut down some bad guys tonight ."

His fierce eyes were staring at the moon, he continued, not taking his eyes off the light on the horizon .

" Blood will flow on your swords or your necks ."

His cold voice made Fernando and Woo Jin break out in a cold sweat .

but …

Their expressions were filled with fierce smiles, and battle intent was flowing in their eyes .

Chae Nayun stood beside Dio, her cold expression present as usual .

When blood was mentioned, her eyes trembled for a moment, but she made up her mind, and stared at the moon before returning her eyes to Dio .

He had told her just now that they were going to go and fight the bandits in the little mountain .

" Apparently, I'll be going alone? Tsk tsk, how bored I am ."

Rafael clicked his tongue, the place he was going to was in the heart of a dangerous area .

Unless it was Loki and the others, it was impossible to bring anyone else among the students .

" Loki… you're taking Kevin and May with you, right ?"

" Yes, Dio will take his three disciples with him, but what about you, Lloyd, are you sure ?"

" Don't worry, Selena has a high tolerance for toxins, nothing will happen as long as we work together ."

" Well, be careful ."

The wind was gathering around Lloyd's body as he spoke to Loki .

Selena, unusually when she had a smiling expression, had an indescribable seriousness in her eyes .

His spear was nowhere to be seen .

Instead, he was holding a small metal staff, this staff was actually his weapon .

[ The Fourth Moon Ego, the First Star: Wandering Wind Severing Spear ]

This Ego was a unique weapon that took Lloyd 4 years to perfect, the method and recipe for it did not exist in the entire world .

Because the inventor of the recipe was none other than Lloyd himself .

This ego is the only one of its kind in the whole world !

This ego can change its shape and size, as long as the shape is a spear, everything can be changed .

What made this ego even more unique was that Lloyd had combined it with his own ego spirit .

This resulted in him being able to perfectly combine his martial art and bloodline ability with the spear .

This combination of the three aspects made his battle power develop qualitatively, and his strength increased from before by a huge gap .

" So? Where are the three of us going ?"

Kang-woo pointed to himself and Logan, then pointed to Stella .

" Oh? Leon asked for you to be brought to him specially, someone will be here to pick you up shortly ."

When Loki answered, a strange ripple suddenly appeared in space .

A woman appeared wearing a black robe, the hood of the robe covering her hair and eyes, leaving only her nose and mouth showing .

" Children, you will come with me ."

Her voice was devoid of emotion, her overwhelming aura as if a ferocious beast had come .

At that moment .

Ughhhh !

The overwhelming aura pressed down on everyone .

Their survival instinct told them to retreat .

Fear pounded my heart to the limit .

Sering !

Cold sweat dripped from their bodies, but they all took out their weapons .

Kang Woo took out his black sword, his golden aura covered the sword, his gaze was fierce and he immediately attacked without waiting a second .

The ground broke beneath him as he disappeared from his spot.

" It's all or nothing !"

There was no need to even think about it, the gap between them was too huge to bridge .

Even knowing this, Kang-woo attacked her, putting all his strength into one strike .

Quang !

Instead of hearing the sound of flesh tearing, Kang Wu's sword collided with the young woman's arm covered in cold black metal .

Bam !

With her hand extended and waved, Kang-woo flew backwards and crashed into the wall .

" Well done, Kang Woo ! "

But the attack did not end here .

Logan and Fernando appeared behind her, with the sword covered in blue aura and the sword with golden aura, her body was cut in the middle .

No, it was supposed to be .

" … What ? "

Her body suddenly disappeared, what remained was the afterimage of her, which when they cut it they felt nothing .

" Good, but your attack is too reckless ."

Bam !

The woman appeared behind Logan, grabbed his arm and twisted it forcefully, and with a powerful kick, Fernando was sent flying into the air .

" Wow !"

Logan groaned at the sudden feeling of pain .

" Don't move, or your arm will be broken ."

Her cold voice pierced his ears .

" Hehehe, fun, really fun !"

Logan didn't panic, he laughed, a situation where he almost broke his arm .

Crack !

He didn't back down, he turned forcefully and stabbed his sword into her face .

His arm that was grabbed was broken .

Feeling the new pain, he gritted his teeth and increased his momentum .

Swoosh !

His sword cut through the air unfortunately .

The woman had already backed away .

But her head covering had been cut off, and her eyes had appeared .

Her eyes were a mixture of blue and gold, her hair was pure black and soft as silk .

This young woman was actually Dusk Blade, her expression becoming slightly shocked .

"… He actually broke his arm ?"

Of course, the others didn't allow her to complete her train of thought .

Three arrows attacked her from behind, someone jumped over her, while holding a sand hammer .

A blonde girl attacked her with a water-covered sword, a long sickle attacked her from the side .

A young girl holding dual swords attacked her from the front, and finally a girl holding daggers attacked her right behind the arrows .

This is dangerous !

Dusk Blade quickly activated her ego, then covered her metal arms with a golden aura .

Bam! Bam! Bam !

She stepped forward and then the dual swords directly struck, sending Stella flying backwards forcefully .

She spun her body, and with a powerful wave, the arrows were deflected towards Logan .

She kicked the hammer that was closest to her of all, and the force of the momentum shattered the hammer, sending the hammer holder flying back into the air .

She grabbed Kevin's scythe by the neck with her arms and threw him into a tree .

The blonde girl, Chae Nayun, was thrown towards Stella who was forcefully retreating backwards .

Then with an acrobatic leap, she caught May's head in the air, hitting May's body from behind sending her flying .

It all happened in an instant .

" These damn arrows !"

" Kwaah !"

" Kia! That hurts !"

"… I almost got cut, sorry, Nayeon Sagoo ."

"… it's okay, go away "

" she's so strong, fuck !"

Kang Woo was cursing indignantly .

Kevin scratched his head which had hit a nearby tree, it hurt .

Mai bumped into Selena who was far away, Stella and Chae Nayun almost cut each other, and in the midst of hesitation, their heads collided violently .

Logan, whose arm was broken, narrowly avoided the arrows, while Woo Jin crashed into the wall .

" … amazing "

Dusk Blade muttered to herself .

They never had a chance to fight, she was just testing them .

Even if they fought a hundred battles, they would not be able to defeat her in a hundred .

This was the gap between the Ego Warrior of the First Moon, and the Ego Warrior of the Third Moon .

This gap cannot be bridged even if the right environment is available .

It was like asking a baby to fight a tiger, it was ridiculous to even do that .

but …

" They are truly amazing ."

This implicit harmony between them, this determination and attack without hesitation, and even risking a lot to gain a little …

They lack strength and experience, but as long as they are well cared for …

They will become great warriors .

" Our kids are amazing, aren't they ?"

" Certainly, young sir ."

When Dusk Blade heard Raphael's laughing words, she immediately bowed .

"Chun Yue ! Don't bow like that, we are family after all, stand up, stand up !"

Seeing her lower her head, the others awkwardly stepped forward and made her stand up .

" Thank you for your kindness ."

"… My arm hurts, damn it! But what pisses me off the most is that I didn't pierce her eyes !"

Logan screamed in anger, he almost succeeded, he even sacrificed his hand to relax her guard .

Unfortunately, unfortunately, it didn't work !

Kang Woo walked a little unsteadily, "Don't be angry Logan, it's an obvious result, if it was possible, I would have done it myself ."

Logan sighed in exasperation, "I know, I know, but that won't make me any less exasperated ."

"… I understand how you feel, cat ."

" Shut up, moss, this is not the time for this ."

" Okay okay, don't be so upset ~"

While Logan was healing his arm, May was teasing him a little .

"… strong "

When Chae Nayun looked at the Dusk Blade, she couldn't help but compare it to her current self .

Huge difference .

No, it's ridiculous to even compare that to the vast difference, it's not even worth comparing .

" I'm still very weak "

As if she was telling how everyone here felt, Stella said in an annoyed voice .

No, her voice was too frustrating .

Their expressions sunk, these nine fell into deep thought .

Of course, it was unrealistic to think about facing and defeating someone older than them, the difference in experience and strength was huge .

But doesn't trying to seek power mean facing such unrealistic odds ?

If they put in the effort, they will outperform their peers, that's for sure .

Some of them like Logan, Woo Jin and Kang Woo had already surpassed their peers, and soon the other six would follow suit .

But...is life really that easy ?

To think that they wouldn't be in situations where they would have to fight someone stronger than them, how foolish is that ?

Haha, that's just stupid !

Facing someone they don't stand a chance against .

They had all faced at least one or two situations like this .

The results of all this were a huge loss, they were actually lucky, because they did not die !

After experiencing it again, how angry are they with themselves ?

" Yes, these are the eyes for a warrior ."

" That's frustrating, isn't it? Hahaha, that's so frustrating, isn't it, isn't it !"

Rafael and Dio spoke, laughing .

How lucky they were, to encounter such power-hungry people like this !

Dio was full of smiles, not only him, but the others as well .

Even the Dusk Blade was smiling .

" Be more angry, situations like this will not be rare in the future, and unlike me …"

Her eyes gleamed coldly, as she said before, "They will kill you ."

The nine students' bodies trembled .

Her words, did they become afraid because of her ?

A bit, yes, how not ?

But what overwhelmed that was anger at their weakness !

" Enough talk, where is Sahyung now ?"

Logan's eyes were cold, his voice making the air around him tremble .

Kang Woo covered himself with a golden aura, his expression indifferent as he said, "Let's go, Stella ."

Stella sheathed her swords, the essence energy in her body moving vigorously as she replied, "Yes ."

The Dusk Blade's attack on them had a profound meaning .

What you are dealing with is no different, and even worse .

The meaning of that was etched into their souls .

How can they joke after this ?

" Here are these egos, you will move faster when you use them ."

Loki waved his hand, and black boots flew into the air .

[ the First Moon Ego, the Fourth Star, the Second Star: Lightning Shoes ]

This Ego was specialized in speed and long journeys, it was rare in the market, only a large clan could own a number of them .

This ego had 4 major levels, and of course there were overlapping sub-levels .

Ego was not refined to the fifth level, as its recipe was lost a thousand years ago .

Each of the nine students wore the ego appropriate to his level .

Being accustomed to chases and journeys since they were young, it did not take them much to get used to the shoes .

Kang Woo, Woo Jin and Logan were in the 4th Star .

Stella was about to reach the third star, but she was still far away .

The rest are all in the second star .

In the early stages, as long as one had enough resources, one could break through the barrier of the small worlds even with little talent .

Not to mention everything, they've been put into life and death situations dozens of times in the past week .

" Come on, Fernando, Woo Jin, Nayeon, we're going to the small mountain ."

Dio spoke as lightning sparks covered his body .

" Yes, teacher —!"

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh !

With them outside, they jumped through the trees, heading towards the small mountain to the west .

" Selena, let's go, our target is in the Thousand Poison Swamp ."

Selena nodded, and followed Lloyd who had the wind forming around him, their direction was towards the south .

" The trip to Black Crescent City takes two hours, so let's go quickly, Kevin, May, catch up with me ."

" Yes, Sahyung !"

An icy breath came out of Loki's mouth and a cold mist covered him, he went with Kevin and May to the north .

" I'll be going east, your path to Kaituna is northwest, right ?"

" Yes, young sir ."

" Okay, see you guys after sunrise ."

Raphael's head suddenly ignited with golden flames, and wings of flame suddenly appeared on his back .

Swoosh !

His clothes were not burned, with the flapping of his wings of flame, he flew into the sky at a tremendous speed .

" The road to my lord is long, so let's go quickly ."

" Leon Saehyung! I'm coming !"

Dusk Blade leapt northwest, and Logan followed .

" Let's go quickly, I will witness what is happening myself !"

" I'm coming, you strange devil !"

Kang Woo hurried over, behind him was Stella as well .

Everyone covered themselves with a layer of light aura as they left, as their bodies wouldn't be able to withstand the tremendous speed without suffering damage .

If it weren't for the harsh training throughout their lives and of course, the hellish life before, it wouldn't have been easy .

As they entered into deep thought, each of the nine students went a different way .

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In the frost wine bar .

" Young sir, this way ."

The hostess led Leon covered in blood under the eyes of the people .

Usually, they would rudely ask what was going on .

But at this moment, that was not possible .

overwhelming presence

In this place where fun is spread …

A monster has come .

It is an instinct that every living creature possesses .

An evil and overwhelming aura was polluting the air, making it difficult to even breathe .

A red mixed with black was spreading .

Ego Warrior at the peak of the third moon ?

It didn't even match that feeling .

This…this …

Something they can't hold back, something they can't resist .

They felt like insects facing a meteor .

What did they live for until now ?

Was their training and facing death up until this moment trivial ?

unimportance​

This feeling has taken over their hearts .

The source of this was none other than a young boy .

A young boy who is not even half their age .

With such overwhelming pressure, how could they, mere insignificant insects, make any sound ?

It was impossible .

Only the hostess was fine, and instead of fear, her eyes held indescribable loyalty and reverence .

The king has become stronger .

Their king and ruler, their brother and their family .

He's strong again .

" I have to try harder "

As the hostess thought to herself, she led Leon towards the second floor .

There he was waiting for the tavern leader .

Of course he will wait there .

If it weren't for the message the hostess delivered when she was outside, he would have already gone out and greeted Leon !

" Oh right, you're there ."

At that time, the young boy opened his mouth—no, the beast opened his mouth .

"… your orders, sir ."

The one who answered was an Ego warrior at the peak of the Second Moon, this was the Grand Elder of the Red Frost Sect .

" No, not much, I hate it when there's noise, silence is always better, you can understand me, right ?"

" Hahaha, how could I not understand, of course, I will engrave the honorable master's words in my heart! There will be no trouble, right, brave ones ?"

" Hehe, don't worry sir, there won't even be a fly buzzing !"

" I will make silence the motto of my tribe from today, respected sir !"

Words of compliment and approval were everywhere, and not a hint of disapproval was expressed .

Leon smiled silently .

When he said he preferred silence …

The meaning he intended was literal .

And in life …

" There is no silence better than the silence of the dead ."

The beginning of the massacre will begin .

With his eyes shining coldly, the doors of the tavern were suddenly closed .

A cold smile made its way to Leon's mouth .

" The Grand Elder of the Red Frost Sect, in charge of the slave and young girl trade in Kaituna City, if I'm not mistaken ?"

"… umm ?!"

Old Man Qiu didn't know what to say, and he was sweating coldly .

Don't tell me ...

Does this monster want to take their jobs ?

Why is he interested in such an unimportant job ?

" This is dangerous, very dangerous! Should I inform the sect leader? But maybe that won't be enough! I might die before I even try to do anything, no, I have to understand his intentions first, maybe he didn't come with bad intentions, maybe he just wants some slaves for himself ?"

Elder Qiu's thoughts were racing like lightning .

He can't escape, there's no need for even the stupid idea of running away .

He had to approach him carefully now, and if he was right, he would give Leon as many slaves as he wanted .

Sell? Hahaha, even thinking about it was forbidden, let alone doing it !

"… Yes, this humble old man is indeed running this shameful business, can this humble man ask about the honorable master's intention ?"

" Oh ?"

Leon's eyes lit up with amusement, this old man's intentions were as clear as a book to him .

Leon took one step forward .

Then in an instant, he disappeared from his spot, before suddenly appearing in front of Elder Qiu .

" Not much, just… your life maybe ?"

As he said that, a black blade mixed with red suddenly appeared from his hand .

He immediately struck towards Elder Qiu's neck .

death !

[ the second Moon Ego, the third Star: Blood Ice Shield !]

Elder Qiu sensed the aura of death, and fully injected his essence energy into his defensive ego .

It was immediately covered in a thick layer of dark red ice .

With his survival instinct at its highest level, and with all his energy pumped into his ego, his armor level now matched the strength of an armor at the peak of the Second Moon !

but …

Crack! Bam !

The shield was no match for Leon's overwhelming strength .

The blade covered in Leon's aura, which naturally surpassed the Second Moon by far, pierced through the ice and shattered it .

What followed was clear .

Elder Qiu's neck was cut .

No, that's what was supposed to happen .

Before his neck was cut off, Leon's arm suddenly retracted .

The force of the wind flattened the table to the ground, expensive wine bottles and numerous utensils flew into the air .

" Or maybe I won't ?"

Leon's hand retreated from Elder Qiu's neck, and he wondered to himself .

Cough! Cough !

A loud gasp escaped from Old Man Qiu as thick blood came out of his mouth after coughing .

His defensive ego was destroyed due to his use to the maximum, not to mention Leon's strike that shattered it .

The violent reaction caused him a painful internal injury .

"… I am not dead ."

But, instead of being displeased, Elder Qiu felt happy .

Why ?

Because he wasn't killed !

Things can always be replaced, but not life !

" Luna "

" Yes, young sir ."

The white-haired hostess jumped down the stairs and knelt beside Leon .

" Heal him, and give him another defensive ego instead of the one I destroyed ."

" Yes "

What ?

He tried to kill him, then backed out, and now he's healing him ?

Is he afraid of the Red Frost Sect ?

impossible .

One strike from him was enough to kill Elder Qiu, who was already at the peak of the Second Moon Realm .

Such a person, what exactly might he be afraid of ?

There is clearly more to it than that !

" Will he torture me before killing me? No,why even I consider that possibility! Healing my injury and replacing my ego, even the young hostess Luna treats him with dignity and pure loyalty, who is this monster …"

Old Man Qiu did not complete his thoughts when he heard Leon's voice .

" You, do you want to become a king ?"

" … excuse me? "

At that time, Leon smiled coldly .

He just had an idea .

An idea that makes the slaughter faster and less effortless .

Elder Qiu suddenly felt uneasy from Leon's gaze .