--- [Alex’s perspective]

  It’s not long until my match with Kuro begins…

  Way back during my first attempt at the E-rank exam, I had to fight him.

  He was significantly stronger than me back then, but times have changed.

  I’m not the same person I was back then.

  Still, he has shown himself to be quite powerful throughout his matches.

  Even now, I still get the feeling it won’t be an easy fight.

  Suddenly, the door opens, and three familiar faces show up.

  “Hey.” – Lett

  It’s Lett, Luna, and Vic…

  “Hey…” – Alex

  “How you feeling? Nervous?” – Lett

  “Not particularly.” – Alex

  “I see. You’ve become so strong now that even an opponent like him doesn’t scare you.” – Lett

  “Yeah… I have.” – Alex

  “…” – Lett

  The silence is so awkward…

  It’s been so long since I last talked to them it feels like I’ve forgotten how.

  Just when I think that, Vic breaks the silence with a joke.

  “So the student has finally surpassed the master then… Even I couldn’t have beaten Luna that easily!” – Victor

  “Implying you could have even beaten me in the first place…” – Luna

  “Well of course I would.” – Victor

  “Yeah, right!” – Luna

  “Honestly, it would be pretty fun to see a fight between the two of you…” – Lett

  “Then how about we have a match when we get back?” – Luna

  “Sure, I’m down!” – Victor

  “Alex, you’ll come watch, right?” – Lett

  “…” – Alex

  I’d love to go back home to the guild, but I can’t just yet…

  Not while Seth is still out there.

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  “I’m sorry, but I won’t be going back anytime soon. I hope you’ll understand.” – Alex

  They all look a bit bummed out.

  “Yeah… It’s okay…” – Lett

  “Well, when you get back, you should greet Shin for me.” – Alex

  “…” – Lett

  Hmm?

  Why is she acting like that?

  Suddenly, Luna’s voice gets all serious.

  “Alex, Shin hasn’t been back since that day. He left shortly after you did.” – Luna

  “… Why?” – Alex

  “I don’t know. He said there was someone he had to talk to.” – Lett

  “Who?” – Alex

  “I don’t know…” – Lett

  I wonder why he left…

  He didn’t go chasing after me, right…?

  No, it can’t be that.

  If that was the case, he would have just said so.

  Where are you Shin, and what are you doing…?

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the match you’ve all been waiting for is finally here!” – Bob

  As the announcer starts talking, we all instinctively turn our heads toward the screen.

  “Oh, looks like it’s starting soon.” – Luna

  “We better get going then… Good luck!” – Lett

  “Don’t you dare lose, kiddo!” – Victor

  “Yeah, especially not after beating me!” – Luna

  I let out a small chuckle.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t lose.” – Alex

  “Alright then, see you later!” – Luna

  As they leave, the announcers start introducing us.

  “In hindsight, the final match could not have been between anyone other than these two. Usually, there are tons of close matches, and whoever gets to the finals will often depend on whoever gets the easier matchups. This time, that is not the case! These two hunters are unarguably the strongest ones here; they might even be the two strongest D-rank hunters in the world! None of their matches were even remotely close. I wouldn’t be surprised if they could take on the rest of the contestants by themselves!” – Barbara

  “A match between these two won’t feel like a match between D-rankers at all; they’d fit more into the upcoming C-rank tournament! If only the schedule wasn’t so tight, I’d have loved to see a match between the winner here, and one of the C-rank contestants!” – Bob

  “Couldn’t agree more, Bob. But at least we’ll have this match to satisfy us!” – Barbara

  “That’s right!” – Bob

  “Well then, our fighters need no more introduction. You’ve all seen them decimate their opponents time and time again. Their actions speak for themselves. Please give the biggest round of applause you can to Kuro Velox and Alexander Minima!” – Barbara

  I guess that’s my queue to go on stage.

  The crowd is unbelievably loud; all other sounds are drowned out by them.

  Well, except for one that is…

  The all-too-familiar rumbling Kuro sets off after each step he takes is still as clear as day.

  He’s a behemoth of a man, but his power is so great even his unbelievable stature is dwarfed by it.

  For the first time in almost three years, we’re face-to-face.

  “Long time no see.” – Alex

  “I don’t usually accept rematches, but I suppose I don’t have a choice this time.” – Kuro

  “Why do you not accept rematches? Are you scared of losing to someone you’ve already beaten?” – Alex

  “No. I just don’t want to waste my time with someone I’ve already proven myself to be stronger than.” – Kuro

  “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this match won’t turn out the same as our previous one. Forget everything you thought you knew about me, or you’ll come to regret it.” – Alex

  “Losers tend to have delusions of grandeur to cope with the fact that they’re weak. You’re living proof of that.” – Kuro

  “Seconds from now, that statement will be incredibly funny to look back at…” – Alex

  He’s as cocky as ever…

  Well, that doesn’t change anything.

  We can talk as much shit as we want, but in the end, strength is all that matters.

  “It seems the fighters have exchanged some words and are now ready to begin. Let’s not hold them back any longer! Kuro vs Alexander, let the final match begin!” – Bob

  Like he has done in all his previous matches, he stands still and doesn’t approach me.

  In fact, he’s inviting me to go first.

  Don’t mind if I do!

  I charge right at him and attack him head on with most of my power.

  He’s launched backwards from the impact of my fist, sending him across the entire stadium, and crashing into a wall.

  As he collides with the impenetrable stone wall, his eyes widen in shock and he coughs up blood.

  For the first time in a very long time, Kuro has suffered significant damage.