One-Eyed Monster

"It's a bit dumb, but it works."

Having said that, Igor jumped. This was a Time Gap, and he was not bound by space; he could leap wherever he wanted.

"Heh, I gotta say, kid, you're quite capable," Arnold said this from the bottom of his heart, absolutely without any hint of mockery.

Because clearly, Igor was leaping towards him. Now able to identify his direction, it was evident that Igor had seriously honed his skills since his last beating.

What shocked Arnold further were Igor's movements. From the way he leapt, his Physique Technique was not weak either, and the height of his jump was spot on.

These two things were indeed fairly impressive. However, to think he could take on Arnold with just these two capabilities? Igor seemed a bit naive.

Arnold shook his head. Igor's speed posed no threat to him. How could an unknown boy possibly defeat the elites of the Kayne Empire? Impossible. Moreover, Igor's movements were utterly atrocious. Is that supposed to be a Physical Technique Attack? It looks more like a toad's leap...

Is he trying to use his body as a weapon? But his physique isn't nearly strong enough to form a potent assault. I'll just see what he's actually up to, Arnold thought.

During the brief moment of Igor's leap, numerous things flitted through Arnold's mind. The mental capacity of Time-Leaper People was vastly different from ordinary mortals.

At the same time, Igor's mind was completely empty, save for the thought of leaping and pouncing.

"Let's see where you'll jump now!" Igor shouted the instant he landed, seeming ready to pounce on Arnold.

Arnold, however, remained calm. Is this awful attack a result of a Politician's training? Despite having such a good foundation for Physique Technique, he seems completely ignorant of the most basic skills.

Dodging this pounce will be child's play... Arnold thought.

Originally, Arnold assumed Igor would end up face-planting, but he hadn't expected such excellent coordination from Igor. Just before landing, Igor thrust a hand to the ground, then his airborne body nimbly pushed backward, propelling him towards Arnold like an arrow released from a bow...

This... he really has a knack for practicing Physique Technique!

This slight surprise made Arnold pause for a brief moment, and Igor seized that instant, his hands already gripping Arnold's legs.

"Heh heh. Finally got you. Now you can't run away!"

Where does this kid get his confidence? Arnold glanced down at the overly excited Igor, having no idea what kind of attack this was supposed to be.

What's the use? I can just kick him away, Arnold thought. No matter what, this Igor had a fine physique, at least perfect for practicing Physique Technique, but his brains... seemed less than ideal.

Arnold, feeling a pang of regret for Igor's wasted fine physique, sighed instinctively, "Kid, an attack of this level will only put you in a disadvantageous situation."

"Attack?" Igor was surprised at Arnold's "good-hearted warning." "I wasn't thinking about attacking."

"Huh?"

"I didn't plan on attacking you. I'm no match for you; that much I know." As Igor spoke, he loosened one hand, swiftly pulling out a white rope from his bag. It looked quite unique.

"This Binding Beast Rope... I begged and pleaded with Stan Sol for it. While I don't know exactly when it would come into play, it seems just right for this situation," Igor said, his eyes filled with confidence.

Arnold didn't know what Igor was planning, but his curiosity was again piqued by Igor's actions.

"All I wanted to do was catch you, so you can't get rid of me. From beginning to end, I will stick to you like a second skin."

"What's the point of that? Aren't you just going to get hit anyway? And you think you can actually bind me with this rope?"

"Heh, this isn't an ordinary rope. The more you struggle, the tighter it gets!"

Arnold tested it and, just as Igor had said, the rope indeed tightened further when he pulled at it.

"As long as I can grab you, you won't be able to hide or perform any solitary Time Leaps. As long as I have a hold on you, I have a chance to defeat you!" Igor announced his plans clearly, one word at a time.

Why have I become such a nag, constantly asking questions? I could just kick him and solve this; why make it so complicated? Arnold wondered.

"But can you withstand my punches and kicks?"

"I have confidence in my ability to withstand hits." Igor simply lay on the ground. His hand was already bound to Arnold's foot. No matter where Arnold went, he had to drag Igor along, even during Time Leaps.

Arnold let out a breath. He was once again awed by Igor's incredibly simple plan.

To be honest, against an average Hunter, Igor's tenacious harassment tactics might have worked. Moreover, such relentless pestering would likely frustrate the opponent, potentially causing them to reveal an opening.

But Arnold was not an ordinary Hunter; he was a Time-Leaper. Nothing in this world could trap him.

So, even if Igor's endurance was outstanding and his plan perfect, what was the use? What good would it do? Apart from another surprise, Igor would experience nothing else.

It's time to raise the level of the test again. This is something I hadn't anticipated; I didn't expect Igor to activate this level of the test in this way. At this level of the test, the Mentor would probably be very pleased. This should be the result he wanted. It seems now, regardless of whether Igor can pass this trial, he has already left a deep impression on me.

Further thought is useless. Whether this is a coincidence or just dogshit luck, now that it has come to this, it should be over. No one can keep up with my pace! No one!

"Kid, don't forget this is a Time Gap; space can change."

"You can leap as much as you like. I'll always follow you because we're connected!" Igor's confidence remained evident on his face.

"Oh, really? Can you keep up with me?"

Arnold finished speaking and, with a POP, disappeared.

"Huh?" Igor stood up in surprise. How is this possible!

BOOM! Before Igor could comprehend, his chest endured another heavy blow.

"This is a Time Gap. Besides leaping through time, I can also traverse space. So, can you keep up with my rhythm?" No sooner had Arnold finished speaking than he disappeared again!

"This…" Igor was dumbfounded, the knotted Binding Beast Rope still tied around his wrist, swaying constantly.