Masaru narrowed his eyes. Something's off about Renji. He couldn't quite place it, but the air around him was different from Gesshoku. Unlike the brute force displayed earlier, Renji's presence carried a sense of composed danger—like a blade hidden beneath silk.
"I'm afraid I know too little to enlighten you," Masaru said calmly, his gaze steady. "From what I remember, you're the number one martial artist in our school. If anything, I should be the one asking for enlightenment."
Renji chuckled, stepping forward with an easy smile. But behind that expression lay something sharp, something predatory. Masaru felt a brief shiver race down his spine—only for a moment.
"Then how about we go for a round?" Renji suggested. "It's been a while since I've fought someone strong. I'm sure you're itching for a challenge as well."
Masaru exhaled, then nodded. This will settle things once and for all. If I defeat Renji, my dominance in the school will be undeniable.
"Alright," Masaru agreed. "It wouldn't hurt to fight a worthy opponent."
Renji's smile deepened. "Then how about we change the rules a little?"
Masaru barely paid attention to the change in rules. It doesn't matter. But something caught his eye—Akane's expression. There was something off about her smile, as if she already knew the outcome of the fight.
"I'll add an option to forfeit," Renji continued, rolling his shoulders. "I don't want either of us ending up like Gesshoku."
His voice was calm, his breathing steady. Unlike Gesshoku, who had a massive, intimidating physique, Renji's build was lean—refined, like a honed blade. His posture radiated confidence, balance. But what struck Masaru the most were his eyes—unwavering, piercing, like they could strip away all falsehoods.
"However," Renji's voice dropped a note lower. "I'd advise you not to hold back."
Masaru's brows furrowed. What does he mean by that? He entertained the possibility—Is he like Akane?—but dismissed it. He sensed no blood energy, no trace of vampiric aura. Yet, there was an undeniable weight to his presence.
Masaru grinned. "Alright, then. I won't hold back."
With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his hands reaching for a grapple. His plan was simple—slam Renji into the ground with sheer force. Yet, at the very last moment, the impossible happened.
Renji twisted his body mid-air, countering Masaru's grip with perfect precision. Before Masaru could process what had happened, his own body was flung sideways.
What?!
A rare grin spread across Masaru's face as he landed, rolling back onto his feet. He hadn't gone all out, but his strength was still far beyond normal humans—comparable to five adult men. And he countered it?
"It seems you can handle me," Masaru admitted, rolling his shoulders.
Renji smirked. "I told you—don't hold back, or you'll end up like Gesshoku."
Masaru exhaled, his muscles tensing. Fine. I'll use half my strength.
They dashed at each other.
A flurry of fists and kicks blurred between them, moving faster than normal eyes could perceive. The ground trembled beneath their strikes, invisible shockwaves rippling outward. Though evenly matched at first, Masaru began gaining the upper hand as he unleashed more power.
Renji was forced on the defensive, parrying and dodging as Masaru's strikes carried the force of a mini-bus collision. Yet, something was wrong.
He's not breaking.
Masaru's fists connected, yet Renji tanked them—his body absorbing the impact as if it was nothing.
The surrounding spectators stared in disbelief. Even though they couldn't follow the fight with their eyes, the sheer pressure of the battle was undeniable. Cracks spiderwebbed beneath their feet.
Renji wiped a thin line of blood from his mouth, his grin unfazed. "You're stronger than I expected."
Masaru narrowed his eyes. "I could say the same. Are you a vampire?" His voice was low, meant for Renji's ears alone.
Renji threw his head back and laughed.
"Please," he scoffed, amusement lacing his voice. "Don't insult me by comparing me to those weaklings." His gaze sharpened. "I'm a werewolf."
Masaru's breath hitched.
"A werewolf?"
"Not just any werewolf," Renji continued. "I belong to the Lunar Clan, an ancient bloodline with an affinity for ice and moonlight. Right now, I'm still in my grooming stage. But in a week, I'll fully awaken."
Masaru clenched his fists. If what Renji said was true, then this fight was meaningless.
Renji smirked, stretching his arms. "Let's call it a draw for now. Any more, and we'll attract too much attention."
Masaru glanced around. The audience was shaken, some even recording the fight. When played back in slow motion, even the recordings failed to capture everything. Are we even human anymore?
"Tch." Masaru exhaled, flexing his fingers. "Fine. A draw, then."
They stepped out of the ring. The crowd instinctively moved aside, no longer seeing them as equals.
Akane met Masaru with a knowing smirk. "So, what do you think of Renji?"
Masaru scratched his head, still processing the fight. "We seemed evenly matched, but he mentioned something about maturing…"
Akane sighed. "It seems you didn't read the book I gave you properly."
Masaru frowned.
"Unlike vampires, werewolves can't exceed their natural limit," Akane explained. "Each werewolf belongs to a clan, and their strength is predetermined. Renji is a Lunar Wolf, one of the strongest bloodlines. However, werewolves cannot unlock their full potential until they reach seventeen."
Masaru's eyes widened.
"You're saying… he wasn't even at full power?"
Akane nodded. "Next time you meet him, if you're still a vampire servant, you'll lose miserably."
Masaru clenched his fists.
Akane's smirk widened. "Which is why you're staying at my place for a month."
Masaru blinked. "What?"
Her expression darkened. "Prepare yourself, Masaru."
A chill ran down his spine.
"You're about to experience hellish training."