Aftermath

"Heh!"

I chuckled, looking down at the arena below.

"He finally snapped."

Observing Eldric, who was standing in the center of the arena while holding a scythe in one his hands and a torn Demonic Hand in the other, I couldn't help but release a sigh of relief.

All the tension and anxiety that had built up inside me seemed to dissipate. There was no longer any need to worry about Eldric dying.

Also, I have to admit, the battle was intense and thrilling to watch.

My favorite part was, of course, when Eldric tore Orion's transplanted demonic hand off his body.

The shock on Orion's face was priceless.

However, it also made me realize the true extent of Eldric's power. I couldn't even see as he moved, his speed and precision were astonishing.

I couldn't help but shudder at the thought of facing Eldric in battle.

'...'

Looking at Orion's mangled body on the ground, I felt another chill run down my spine.

If Eldric did that to a person who only had a transplanted demonic hand, what would he do to a full-fledged demon?

Unknowingly, a nervous grin spread across my face.

"Damn..."

***

As soon as the battle ended, chaos descended upon the coliseum. Students were buzzing with excitement and chatter, their voices creating a deafening cacophony.

It didn't help that my sense of hearing was better than that of a human.

"I've escaped."

I sighed, stumbling out of the building.

My head was already beginning to throb from the overwhelming noise.

While leaving the arena grounds, I also saw the group of protagonists trying to get through the crowd to reach Eldric.

Although the spectators didn't notice it, Eldric was pale and a barely noticeable tremor ran through his body from time to time.

Well, it was normal since he used a skill that strained his body to such an extent.

Although I'm not 100% sure what Eldric did, I remember reading about him having an A Rank skill called 'Lightning Step' that allows the user to move at incredible speeds in the novel.

If he did, indeed, use that skill during the battle, it would explain the incredible speed with which he fought and also the tremors in his body afterwards.

The skill basically made electricity pulse through his body, shocking his nerves and allowing him to move faster than the eye could follow. It is a double-edged sword, as it gives him an extraordinary advantage in battle but also takes a toll on his physical well-being.

"Well, he's still alive and standing, so I suppose it's not too severe."

Scratching my chin, I thought to myself as I walked away from the coliseum, leaving the chaotic scene behind.

***

Thud...

Closing the door of his changing room behind him, Eldric collapsed onto the nearest bench, his body trembling with exhaustion.

It felt as if someone was stabbing him repeatedly with a thousand sharp needles.

"I've won."

However, he didn't really care about that.

A stupid yet genuine smile formed on his face as he brushed the sweat-soaked hair off his forehead.

Although he was in a lot of pain, he felt at peace...

Unfortunately, the moment didn't last for long.

Knock... Knock...

The sound of knuckles rapping against the door interrupted the silence.

Eldric's smile faded as he looked toward the door, grumbling under his breath.

"Come in."

As the door swung open, his friends entered the room with varying expressions on their faces.

Arthur, the first one to enter, threw Eldric a playful punch on the shoulder, his usual grin plastered on his face.

"Well, well, well, took you long enough, I thought you'd lose for a second."

Eldric winced as the playful punch sent a jolt of pain through his already aching body.

"Ha ha, very funny."

He muttered sarcastically, his voice slightly strained.

Luna, with eyes as sharp as honed blades, cut straight to the chase.

"How are you feeling? You looked like you were about to explode after the fight."

Eldric grimaced.

"Like someone shoved a lightning rod up my..."

He trailed off, catching himself before finishing the inappropriate analogy.

"Let's just say I'm feeling the aftermath of a rather intense workout."

Adela, who was usually shy, surprised everyone as she rushed forward and engulfed Eldric in a tight hug, much to his surprise.

"Eldric, you were incredible!"

She exclaimed, her voice muffled against his chest.

"I don't even know how you managed to move that fast!"

Eldric, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection, mumbled awkwardly,

"Uh... thanks, Adela?"

It honestly felt nice to receive praise from his friends, even if he was in pain.

"Yeah, good job, Eldric."

Lily also seconded, giving Eldric a grin that made him feel annoyed for some reason.

"Thanks, Lily."

Eldric replied, mustering a small smile despite the unknown annoyance.

Although he doesn't know it yet, this will be a bittersweet moment for him, a one that he wouldn't forget till the end of his days.