Evolution of the Ruined Heir

Chapter 359: Passed

Renlo had gulped. That, in every sense, was a threat.

Sparring with Malakai was enlightening, he was able to confirm just how far the disparity between them was.

However, it was the hell he went through during each spar that made him shudder, the beatings. He didn’t want to go through that! Not anymore.

Because of that, Renlo currently had a serious expression plastered on his face as he observed the course.

’Don’t fall.’

He repeated the words to himself for the umpteenth time, taking a deep breath. Then, he dashed forward.

There was a visible difference now compared to the first time he went on this course.

There was no hint of sloppiness in his movement. His steps were fast, hitting the pillar with barely any force. He looked like a wind gliding through an array of pillars.

As he reached quarter way, projectiles began shooting towards him like missiles. But as he’d done uncountable times before, Renlo weaved through them, not pausing his steps.

As he went farther, more projectiles flew towards him, but his eyes only lit up with determination.

’I can do it.’

He allowed the rush of the moment to carry him. He weaved and dodged, crossing halfway and then another quarter.

’Almost there.’

The thought was followed by the sudden flare of danger. Renlo’s eyes shot to the side to see multiple stones tearing towards him at a speed that dwarfed the others.

’What the hell…’

His eyes went past the projectiles, and towards the source.

’Of course!’

It was none other than Malakai. The devil himself. He had thrown the projectiles just as he was about to reach the end.

’Shit. I can’t fall!’

Renlo gritted his teeth. His awareness spread out, enveloping the stones. He mapped out their trajectories.

Right leg. Waist. Head.

His muscles tensed. His right leg snapped up, his waist twisted, his head jerked to the side.

Whizz! Whizz! Whizz!

The stones tore past him, slicing the air close enough to graze his skin.

’I did it!’ Renlo’s eyes shone as he caught sight of the finish line ahead. Just one more leap. Victory was right there, within reach.

He bent his knees, ready to surge, when a piercing shriek split the air. His head snapped forward.

A single stone hurtled toward him. Its speed was such that a storm of pressure whirled around it.

’He won’t let me rest!’ Renlo cursed, his eyes flashing. He had no doubt in his mind that Malakai was truly a devil!

As he mapped its speed, he soon realized.

’I can’t dodge.’

Despite that, Renlo felt his heart pound, adrenaline surging in. As memories of his life and death fight at Sylvastein flashed through his head, his resolve only hardened.

’I can’t fall!’

Renlo crossed his arms before him, and as he focused, his blood hardened beneath his skin.

He stomped down hard on the pillar beneath, sending a surge through his muscles.

Boom!

The stone slammed into him, the impact rattling his bones. It nearly drove him off balance.

He staggered back a step, his arms trembling from the shock. But he roared, forcing his legs to push.

The momentum from his stomp carried him forward, sending the stone hurtling away. His body tore through the finish line.

“Ah… ah… I did it. I did it!” Renlo breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath.

“You did. Good job.”

He flinched when he heard the voice of the devil. Malakai.

“I passed it!” Renlo quickly bellowed. Then he glanced around, suddenly unsure. “Right?”

Malakai could only shake his head.

“Yes, you did. You finally passed the balance course. Congratulations.”

The words sent a wave of emotions surging through Renlo, one that was hard to explain.

To him, it was confirmation. That all his work hadn’t been for naught, that he was actually progressing!

Renlo found himself smiling. He slumped down on the earth.

“You really didn’t make it easy. Did you have to do all that towards the end?”

“During every fight, I found that it’s important to expect the unexpected. You need to be able to think on your feet.”

“But wasn’t that too much!?”

“The difficulty makes surviving it more worth it.”

“Hmm…” Renlo couldn’t help but agree. Right now, he felt on top of the world.

He’d finally passed the training course!

He lay down on the floor, staring at the dimming sky. The sun had almost set, leaving the sky bathed in a simmering scarlet light.

His reward for passing the test was that he could take the rest of the day off. It was little, considering what he had gone through, but Malakai wasn’t exactly known for being generous.

He made the best of his time and rested. While he did, Malakai examined him.

’He improved faster than I anticipated.’

Malakai had anticipated at least a few more months before he would be able to master the course, but the introduction of the new limbs had changed things. For the good, shockingly.

Asides Renlo’s increase of speed and power, Malakai discovered that the boy also had an insane increase in his precision and accuracy.

After getting used to moving the limbs, he began improving by leaps and bounds, even his fighting techniques.

Malakai had been shell shocked. Regardless, it was good news.

His own training hadn’t had any major breakthroughs except refining what was already there.

With nothing to do, he also settled beside Renlo and stared into the evening sky.

“What next?” Renlo suddenly asked, weirdly serious.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean… what do you plan on doing from here? After your apprenticeship… will you join the blood knights and form a faction?”

Malakai turned towards Renlo.

’I haven’t told him yet.’ He suddenly realized. He hadn’t told Renlo a lot of things. His goal, even his immediate plans.

Renlo was his friend. He deserved to know about that… right?

“I’m joining the crucible after my apprenticeship is over.”

Renlo sat up straight. He stared at Malakai with wide eyes.

“The crucible?”

“Yes.”

“W-why?”

Malakai was a vein. A vein of the great Sanguine clan. It was unusual that someone of such standing joined the crucible.

Malakai shrugged. “I need the freedom.”

“Freedom…”

Malakai could see Renlo’s confusion.

“You know what my goal is right?”

“I… I think so.”

“I plan on avenging my parent’s death. To do that, I must escape the control of my targets.”

Renlo felt the coldness emanating from Malakai and suddenly clenched his hand.

“I had no idea…” his eyes visibly dimmed.

’Why is he sad?’ Malakai wondered.

He was about to inquire when Renlo sat up straight, avoiding his gaze. “Since training is over, I’ll excuse myself first!”

He took off before Malakai could say anything. Malakai stared at his departing friend with narrowed eyes. Only one thought rang in his mind.

’What just happened?’