The SSS Ranked Villain's Return

What is he doing...? Neraxis stared at the sight before him in confusion.

Sure, he had arrived where Kael and the rest of his makeshift group were, however...

Why is he using a sword?

Instead of his usual gauntlets, Kael was swinging around a sword and fighting against one of his fellow classmates.

Obviously, even if his technique was shit, his raw power alone was enough to beat his classmates into the ground.

However, since Neraxis didn't have much to do at the moment and had already given up on a neutral stance in this assignment, he glided down and, just like with Eris, tapped Kael on the shoulder.

But unlike Eris, he wasn't left surprised. Instead, he swung his sword directly at Neraxis's throat.

Neraxis put on a smile as he waited for the blade to make contact, and the moment it did, it shattered into pieces, leaving his neck perfectly intact.

Kael frowned. "You got stronger."

"And you almost died." Neraxis chuckled. "What happened?"

Kael scoffed. "It was some S-ranked monster. I almost killed it, but then it exploded and took half of my body with it. I couldn't even dodge it in my elemental form."

"Is that right..." Neraxis muttered. "So how are you holding up then? Switching to the sword or something?"

"Not exactly..." Kael shook his head. "I'm trying it out since I want alternatives. I wouldn't have died if I was further away from the monster, so I'm trying to adjust to all kinds of different weapons if I ever wanted to use them in battle."

"Why not just use a bow then?" Neraxis asked with a tilt of his head. "If you don't want to fight up close, just pick that."

"But I want to fight close range," Kael replied plainly. "I've been practicing my technique ever since I was little, and after this incident is over, I'm going to get an earful from my family for almost dying... so I'm not keen on that."

"Pfft..." Neraxis held back a laugh. "Still sounds like some bullshit excuse for not being good enough though."

Kael shrugged. "Because it is. If I was slightly faster, then I would've been able to avoid being killed... yeah, it's nice to have you back, Neraxis. Most of the people here just praise me, and it pisses me off."

"Well, you come off as imposing, and you're not exactly letting them win any of the fights." Neraxis chuckled. "If you want to be friends with them or something, then you need to relax. Aside from that, there is a monster coming."

Kael flinched upon hearing that.

After all, Neraxis had brought it up out of nowhere.

In reality, Neraxis had sent his mana outward and attracted the strongest monster he could find.

And what came out of his search was some massive snake that felt around S-ranked.

Which is just perfect... Neraxis thought to himself as he patted Kael's shoulder. "I'm giving you a chance for redemption, so unless you want to fuck it up by running away, I suggest you go north."

Kael stared at him for a few moments before letting out a sigh. "You're trying to get me killed, but alright, sure. I'll bite."

He turned toward the classmates beside him fiercely. "Are you lot coming? We're going to have a little rematch."

They nodded in response, surprisingly eager at the suggestion.

And soon, Kael began heading north.

In the meantime, Neraxis trailed them slowly from behind.

However, since he was a fair distance away, he decided to fly into the sky and then watch them from above.

And of course, after just a few minutes, he saw Kael finally come face to face with that massive snake.

It had been slithering toward them all this time, but now, it stopped and glared down toward Kael.

A B+ rank and a massive black snake at S- rank. I wonder who's going to win? Neraxis thought with amusement, and soon, the fight started.

Kael naturally used his gauntlets and began beating it up, while at the same time, the students beside him began shooting all sorts of different spells.

There were a couple who didn't do anything at all since they were afraid of being caught in the crossfire, but that was only natural.

They were weak, Kael was somewhat strong, and if anything, he would survive the impact since Neraxis was nearby.

Or so they expected. However, the snake suddenly twisted its body at an incredibly fast speed, hitting Kael straight in the chest with its tail.

He attempted to block, but it was to no avail, as he was sent flying through several rocks, leaving behind a giant blood puddle in his wake.

—Shit! He's down!

—Go help him!

—H-He's not breathing!

Neraxis tilted his head at the noise.

Kael didn't die. His heartbeat was fine, and if anything, he got even stronger from that one blow.

After all, in the very next moment, the air began crackling around Kael, slowly shifting the winds around him and lifting him up.

Oooh... a transformation. How neat. Neraxis remarked inwardly.

And of course, Kael's hair began floating, followed by his strength shooting up rapidly.

It was a massive change since he literally just went from B+ ranked to A-ranked.

That also meant he could likely kill the snake now.

However, as Kael's eyes locked with the snake's, his hands trembled, making Neraxis raise a brow.

He's scared? Is that really the Kael I know?

Usually, he was the type of guy who would run in headfirst, beat someone, and then come back out unscathed.

Yet that very same person was trembling before a lousy snake, Neraxis could kill with a flick of his finger?

Am I overestimating him?

Just in case, he decided to watch the fight more thoroughly, and Kael kicked off and headed for the snake before hitting it firmly on its body using his gauntlets.

But again, his punch didn't pierce its body, nor did it do any serious damage.

Therefore, in turn, the snake sent him flying with its tail, and he once again was left injured—even his transformation was dispelled.

Meanwhile, Neraxis was staring at this entire situation with a frown on his face.

Just what is wrong with him?