The Need for Release When Anger Reaches Its Peak

If it were up to me, we should have returned to the training camp that very day. However, under the insistence of Maki Shinpu and the Wolf King, we remained in the dense forest infested with small demons until the morning of the day our mission concluded. The rewards we earned were not particularly bountiful, yet they satisfied everyone nonetheless. The other team departed almost simultaneously with us, and both parties maintained a stony silence along the way, avoiding any conflict. My own gains were less than perfect; I still lacked the fourth-level card for the Wind Blade, failing to complete the set of six. Conversely, I unexpectedly acquired three cards for the Whirlwind spell, specifically at levels two, four, and five. After exchanging cards with the Wolf King and Maki Shinpu, I found myself without a complete set. I possessed two Level One Fireball Cards, one Level Two Fireball Card, one Level Four Fireball Card, and two unmatched magical cards: a Level Five Petrification Card and a Level Five Petrification Missile Card, both obtained from a particularly old and cunning small demon. 

Maki Shinpu was fortunate enough to gather the Level Five Poison Spell and Fireball Cards, while the Wolf King, despite not finding the fourth-level Ice Spike Card, unexpectedly acquired three Level Three Curse Missile Cards. Had time permitted, both of them would have preferred to continue their hunt. When our Hummer finally halted in the training camp, the bald instructor, Viriel, bore an expression that was both intimidating and oddly endearing, far more appealing than any Night Witch, Thunderbird, or small demon, for he remained, after all, a human being, no matter how unappealing.

The two groups entering the training camp in succession were likely the last to complete their missions, as I had not seen any others appear. Yet, it turned out my assumption was slightly off; only seven members of that team had successfully completed all tasks and earned the bald instructor's approval. When Instructor Viriel stood before us, the data on our three achievement cards elicited a rare smile of satisfaction from this typically stern man. He commanded us to stand at ease and proclaimed, "I must admit, I am surprised that ten brave souls have passed this training. You all have performed admirably. I imagine you are eager to learn what the fourth training task entails? Allow me to enlighten you: your fourth task is to exchange your achievement cards for the title of Demon Island Warrior."

The data on the achievement cards could be used to apply for titles or to exchange for certain items related to mysterious tasks, of which I was already aware. However, I did not believe that the rewards from these achievements could rival the value of a Wish Fruit, thus my interest was minimal. I was contemplating whether to sell some of my unnecessary treasures to purchase a Wish Fruit for my return home when the instructor's next words astonished me. "The fourth training will not take place on Demon Island. You have become thoroughly familiar with the island, and its monsters are no longer a threat to you. Therefore, this training will occur outside. Each of you will receive an address; follow it to find that person. The real training is only just beginning."

I accepted the business card that Instructor Viriel flicked my way, filled with disbelief and elation. The fourth training would indeed take place outside, meaning I could safely return home without having to lift a finger. To hell with the training; I had no desire to seek out any mysterious figures. I simply wished to return to being an ordinary high school student. I barely registered the instructor's subsequent lecture, as the eliminated trainees seemed in no hurry to leave, and Instructor Viriel showed no intention of sending them away. That group appeared to have developed a strong camaraderie, clearly unwilling to part ways.

Listening to their hushed discussions, I was jolted back to reality when Maki Shinpu tugged at my arm. "The instructor mentioned that the use of treasures and cards from the Book of Demons will be restricted outside, and our abilities will be diminished by one level, making us significantly weaker than we are here. This is my phone number and address, along with the Wolf King's contact information. After we leave here, we must find a way to return." 

"Return? I have no desire to go back! The situation on Demon Island is peculiar; I suspect we can't take anything from here." I muttered to myself as I received the contact information they had left for me, simultaneously hearing Instructor Viriel's final words. "Before you return to the outside world, you will have a three-day holiday. Make the most of this opportunity to relax your nerves, for such chances are rare." 

"Still can't go back immediately?" I complained quietly, just as I intended to pull Maki Shinpu and the Wolf King away from the training camp and back to the comforts of the Demon Island Grand Hotel. Suddenly, an unsettling sense of danger surged within me. When I opened my eyes wide, I saw a tall, imposing figure among another group of individuals, grinning at us in a rather sinister manner. 

"Jack! You bastard!" I exclaimed in shock, recognizing the man. However, as I prepared to act, Instructor Viriel furrowed his brow and stepped in front of me. "While dueling is not prohibited in the training camp, that only applies when I am not present. In my presence, you unruly lot must seek my permission before throwing punches." 

"Hmph, only those with strong fists have the right to speak, but that doesn't guarantee such privilege will always remain." After all the battles I had faced, my assessment of Instructor Viriel had risen significantly; his strength was beyond my comprehension, and confronting him now would be unwise. I pointed at Jack, whose appearance had changed, and coldly remarked, "Your transformation spell may fool many, but not me. I hope that next time we meet, this bald man won't be in the way." 

The team was incensed by my provocation, and one of them shouted, "We have no idea who Jack is. If you want to fight, we are more than willing to oblige; none of us are cowards." This group of fools couldn't even discern that their companion had been impersonated, and I had no desire to argue with them. Maki Shinpu and the Wolf King trusted my judgment completely; they displayed a hint of menace toward Jack's impersonation of the burly man, yet they were reluctant to provoke the instructor, especially considering the presence of several Minotaur guards in the training camp, some of whom had previously knocked Maki Shinpu unconscious. While they might not understand magic, their hand-to-hand combat abilities were formidable, far surpassing those of small demons. Engaging such a fierce group of Minotaurs would be a battle neither Maki Shinpu nor the Wolf King would likely win.

The three of us climbed into the Wolf King's Hummer, racing away from the training camp, each of our faces grim. With Jack joining that team, there was a significant possibility he would leverage their strength, complicating our efforts to deal with him. I had no solid plans to eliminate this troublesome individual. 

"Shall we hunt small demons to relieve our stress?" the Wolf King suddenly suggested. I, filled with pent-up frustration, heartily agreed, while Maki Shinpu coldly declared, "Let's make it a decisive slaughter; we can spend these three days doing just that." 

"Is this the final appetizer before heading home? Then let's feast before we return." The Hummer roared to life, leaving the training camp far behind…