Spirit's Ascension-Chapter 42—Hunting Begins

Though Cole felt quite confident and excited for the battles that were coming, he didn’t lose his rationality.

He already began analyzing his path of action and response to almost all scenarios he could think of.

"I hope today goes well," he thought while still sprinting ahead.

He intentionally avoided every region where he heard the sound of battle. This was so he could prevent any gang attack.

He searched all around for about thirty minutes before finding his First target.

It was a first-year student that didn’t look too strong; he appeared to be one of those students that tried attracting as little attention as possible.

The student was currently crouching on a tree branch, trying not to be seen.

"You will be my first opponent," Cole said while smiling.

Cole was currently behind the student, so he was unable to see who was actually speaking.

The moment he heard the words, the student froze while a shiver shot down his spine.

Slowly, the student turned to see who was behind him. Coincidentally, it was one of Cole’s classmates.

Cole recognized the student at first glance. He was one of those students who didn’t really stand out.

He also seemed to recognize Cole, as the fearful expression on his face vanished and he let out a sigh of relief.

"It is the 1-star kid; I thought it would be someone stronger," He said tauntingly.

Cole expected that reaction, so he didn’t bother responding or even reacting; instead, he replied with a dash.

The student was caught by surprise by Cole’s brazen actions, but he managed to regain his composure quickly.

"Seems like I would be getting free points today," He said again.

Cole still continued his dash, and in the blink of an eye, he was beneath the tree the student currently was.

Cole didn’t have to jump up or try to get the kid to get down, as he jumped down himself with a confident smile.

For some weird reason, the student summoned his Innate spirit while still falling.

It was a beast-class innate spirit that looked like a small bird. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Cole watched the student hang in the air much longer than he was possible to.

In the air, the student began sending tiny gusts of air straight at Cole.

The gusts of air hit Cole heavily all over his body creating small cuts in the area of impacts.

Though they didn’t cause too much damage, there were enough of them to cause damage.

From Cole’s observation and analysis. He was able to make some conclusions on what type of ability his opponent had.

"He probably has wind-related ability due to his innate Spirit and how long he could stay in the air."

"After observing for a while more, Cole formulated a crude plan."

He began shuffling throughout the forest floor, using trees and the natural landscape to his advantage.

The tiny gusts of attacks that the students were sending out were now unable to get even close to Cole.

"How are my attacks not reaching him?" the student wondered.

The student was observing what appeared to be random movement all across the forest floor, but Cole knew what he was doing.

Little by little, Cole approached his opponent while still dodging the ranged attacks he was sending out.

"A mere 1-star could keep me occupied for so long; I really am weak,"

"But there’s nothing he could do to me while I am still up here," The student thought.

Thinking he still had the advantage, he failed to realize how the battle was slipping out of his control.

He knew his ability didn’t actually allow him to fly, only allowing him to stay in the air for quite a while, but he hadn’t realized how much time had actually gone by.

Cole watched his opponent grow closer and closer to the ground while still running around the forest to evade attacks.

Then suddenly, "Flaming Fist," Cole called out as Flames began wrapping around his fists.

His opponent saw this and immediately realized something. He looked down at the ground and found out how close he was to the ground now.

Cole didn’t waste any time anymore, directly rushing straight at his enemy and leaping before sending a punch straight to the head.

The student realized too late and wasn’t able to move much while in the air.

Bam!

The attack landed directly on the student’s head, knocking him half-conscious.

"Be careful next time and don’t underestimate anyone," Cole said while scanning his opponent’s watch.

[+10 points] Cole received on his watch.

He didn’t bother with his opponent anymore and immediately proceeded to leave.

While leaving, he thought back to the battle with his classmates.

"His abilities would be much better if he were in a team; he is good for crowd control." Cole said to himself.

He soon forgot about it, though, as he continued his journey through the forest.

About six hours later, Cole could be seen resting on a tree trunk while panting heavily.

In the last six, he had fought about three different battles, with Cole winning every single one of them by utilizing one weak spot on another.

There was a moment where Cole utilized his opponents low. Life energy reserve to grasp victory.

Though he was tired, Cole felt a deep sense of accomplishment as he thought back to those battles.

"I need to do more; I need to rank high. If I don’t, I won’t be getting enough resources," Cole thought.

After resting for a while, Cole rose to his feet again, ready to return to action.

Cole then heard crunching leaves behind him.

"Why are you here, Peasant," Cole heard from behind him.

He stopped in his steps as a familiar face appeared in his mind.

"Why is she here again?" he muttered.

"Leave here as soon as possible; I am not in a good mood." Linda said.

"Why would I leave? You met me here," Cole retorted resolutely.

"How dare you defy me for the second time," Linda said as her face grew reddened.

Cole didn’t bother to respond, though, only standing in his position while calmly gazing at her.

"You peasant," She screamed out.

She didn’t continue speaking, though, immediately taking out her sword and sending a flaming slash at Cole.

"What, she is really crazy," Cole thought while steadying himself.

"Time to battle again." He said with a smile.