Return Of The SSS-Class Hunter

Derek felt a sharp, excruciating pain shoot through his butt. He instantly knew he had been struck by a stick.

"What was that for, sir?" he asked, rubbing the sore spot. He might have been a cultivator, but so was his instructor, and the man clearly had no intention of showing mercy.

"That," the instructor said calmly, "is the second stage of learning Lightning Pace. You must learn to sense your surroundings. Your senses must be sharp enough to react instantly, without relying on your eyes. Your muscles should move on their own, as if they possess their own awareness."

"It's easier said than done. How am I supposed to react without seeing anything?" Derek asked.

"Simple," the instructor replied. "Feel your surroundings. Feel every change in the air. Even the slightest ripple must not escape your notice. Once you learn to do that, you'll be able to react automatically. This won't just help you master Lightning Pace. When you will eventually try to learn Divine Sense, this training will be the foundation."

"Divine Sense? You mean the ability to see things without using your eyes?"

"Yes. This conditioning of your senses is the first and most fundamental step."

"Okay… but can you go a bit easier in the beginning? It's hard to focus when I'm worrying about pain." Derek said. He wasn't afraid of being hurt, but it was a huge distraction when learning a new technique. Pain redirected all instincts toward protecting the body rather than training it.

"No," the instructor refused flatly. "You must learn to focus even in the harshest conditions. Trust me… once you get the hang of it, your progress will soar." He chuckled at the end.

"Alright, sir. If you say so."

And so the instructor resumed beating Derek mercilessly. Sometimes the blows landed on his butt, sometimes his arms, sometimes his legs.

"Ahh!"

"Aahhh!"

Derek's screams echoed repeatedly throughout the classroom walls.

The others couldn't help glancing his way with worry. After all, if they wanted to learn Lightning Pace, they would have to endure the exact same torture after they were done with the first stage.

When class finally ended, Derek joined Art and Henry for lunch and, afterward, immediately went to the training chamber. These days, he has devoted almost all his time to cultivating. Ever since learning about the Upper Rank, he realized how urgent it was to strengthen himself. Honing his skills was important, but without a solid cultivation base, even the strongest techniques would be useless. He had decided to focus entirely on cultivation before facing the demons.

Besides, class time served as a small break. Cultivating nonstop throughout the entire day was mind-numbing, and that boredom could easily slow down his momentum.

After three months, Derek had a breakthrough, returning to E-class again, but his true strength was far beyond that of an average E-class.

It became Derek's daily routine: class, meals, and cultivation. Time crawled forward as he steadily grew stronger.

And soon, it was time for the half-yearly Ranker's Test — the very one Henry had mentioned. A test that might help him advance to the Elite Class… and the chance to receive a cultivation treasure.

___________

In the classroom....

Derek was practicing with the instructor. Even after five months, none of the other four students had managed to complete even the first stage.

At the back section of the classroom, the instructor swung his sword horizontally. Derek flipped in the air, dodging it with fluid ease. The instructor then twisted his wrist, pulling the blade back and thrusting it forward. Derek tilted his waist and slipped past it just as smoothly. And of course, his eyes were blindfolded.

Billy, Paul, and Mia watched with wide, amazed eyes. Harold's expression remained unreadable, as it always did.

The training continued for a long time. Derek's clothes were soaked in sweat, but his breathing remained calm, and his eyes still carried a sharp, spirited focus.

After nearly an hour of continuous sparring, the instructor finally halted.

"I still can't believe you mastered it in just five months."

"It's all thanks to you, sir," Derek replied with genuine respect. He had reached the peak of cultivation for cultivators in his past life, but all his achievements then had been fueled by raw strength and relentless willpower. Back then, he lacked proper guidance. If he had received instruction like this, he would have become even more terrifying.

The instructor was equally impressed. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected someone to complete the first two stages of Lightning Pace in only five months. Now all Derek needed to do was combine what he had learned in those two stages and keep practicing — the more he trained, the faster and stronger he would become.

"All right, class. That's it for today. See you again tomorrow," the instructor said as he walked toward his desk to gather his belongings.

Then he left the classroom.

The others quickly surrounded Derek, excitement written all over their faces.

"Congratulations, Derek! That was incredible. I wish I had even one-tenth of your talent," Billy said with a bittersweet smile. He was happy for Derek… yet a slight twinge of jealousy was unavoidable.

"Thanks," Derek replied politely. Mia and Paul also congratulated him warmly.

After the class was over, Derek headed toward the dining hall as usual, as it was already lunchtime.

Once he arrived, he joined Henry and Art at their usual table.

"How is your training going?" Henry asked.

"Good," Derek answered. "But I hope I can do even better."

"You will," Art said confidently while chewing his food. "Don't worry about that."

"By the way," Henry continued, "do you remember the tournament we talked about?"

"Yes. The one that can help me and Art get promoted to the Elite Class if we can perform well."

"So… are you planning to participate?" Henry asked.

"Of course. Whether we succeed or not, we're definitely participating. What about you?" Derek asked.

"Do you even have to ask? If you're joining, then I'm joining too. And obviously, I'll be on your team," Henry declared proudly.

"Me too," Art added without hesitation.

"Thanks, you two. But we need at least five members to participate, right? Who are the other two going to be?" Derek asked.

Art shrugged helplessly.

Henry began thinking deeply. "Hmm…"

"Alright, we'll figure it out," Derek said after a moment. "We still have three to four days before the deadline to submit team names. I'm sure we can find the remaining two members by then."

"Yeah, for now let's focus on recruiting," Art agreed.

"But who's actually going to join us?" Henry asked. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I think it's going to be tough. We're only first-years, and even though you two are talented, you're still from the normal class. Anyone who dares to participate in this tournament will be aiming for the benefits… and no one wants to join a team they think might lose."

"That's a fair point," Derek admitted. "Still… let's try. Maybe someone will be willing."

"Okay." Both Art and Henry nodded. After lunch, the three of them headed toward their own rooms.

Just as Derek was about to enter his room, he heard a voice behind him.

"Derek, how's your training going?"

He turned around and saw it was Meridith.

"Fine, ma'am," Derek replied with a nod.

"I heard you reached E-class again."

"Yes, ma'am. I was lucky."

"Great. Sometimes it feels unbelievable how fast you progress." She smiled lightly before continuing, "By the way, are you participating in the half-yearly Ranker's Test?"

"Yes. But we're still short two members," Derek said with a small sigh.

"I figured you'd aim for it," Meridith said. "But make sure you hold back a little, okay? No one wants to see unnecessary injuries. And most of the participants are from noble families. They might take things personally if any accident happens."

"You make it sound like I'm some dangerous boy."

"Well," she shrugged, amused, "a boy who can make the Housemaster smile in excitement while sparing is definitely not ordinary. Anyway, best of luck finding the remaining two members — you don't have much time."

"Yes, thank you, ma'am. By the way, since you came here… did you have something else to tell me?"

"Yes. Master wants to speak with you. He asked me to inform you."

"All right. I'll head there now."

"Okay. See you soon." Saying that, she left.

Derek then began walking toward Yami's chamber.

Soon, he reached the door.

Knock! Knock!

"Who is it? Derek?" Yami's voice came from inside.

"Yes, Master," Derek replied.

"Come in."

Derek pushed open the door and stepped inside.

"How have you been?" Yami asked.

"Fine, Master."

"Sit." Yami pointed toward one of the vacant chairs.

Derek took his seat.

"Miss Meridith said you wanted to speak with me," Derek said.

"Yes," Yami replied. "I did. I called you because it's something important."

"Okay."

"I've been investigating the names we obtained from Peter," Yami continued. "We've finally found some leads. One of the names belongs to the family patriarch of House Nelson. The Nelson family is a powerful noble family."

"Alright… but why are you telling me this?" Derek asked.

"I'm telling you so you can be prepared."

"Prepared? Prepared for what?"