Chapter 46: [46] The Real Deal
Class 1-D shuffled out of the training hall, the once rowdy group now oddly quiet. No one had expected that display from Phantom—not the speed, not the precision, and definitely not the casual way he performed what should have been impossible.
"That," Kyrie declared, breaking the silence, "was sick as hell." His pink eyes seemed brighter than before, an eager grin spreading across his face as he jogged a few steps ahead, then turned to walk backward facing the group. "Did you see how he just—bam!—appeared behind all of us? No warning signs, no Essentia buildup. One second here, next second there."
"Yeah, we all saw it," Naomi muttered, her face set in a scowl. She brushed her long black hair over her shoulder. "We also saw him single me out to demonstrate how vulnerable we all are."
"Why’d he pick you anyway?" Luka asked, his booming voice echoing down the hallway. "Was special reason?"
"Because she was the easiest target," Kyrie answered before Naomi could respond. "Standing away from the group, distracted by complaining. Perfect demonstration of what not to do."
Naomi’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "And you’d know all about being a perfect target, right, Kyrie? Your ego’s so big it has its own gravitational pull. I’m surprised Phantom didn’t use your head for target practice."
Alexander stepped between them. "Let’s focus on what matters. We just witnessed an S-rank hunter demonstrate abilities beyond most people’s comprehension. There are lessons here worth discussing."
"Like what exactly?" Ashley asked. "That S-ranks are terrifying?"
Nolan cleared his throat, pushing his thick glasses up his nose with one finger. "If... if I may, I think the most significant revelation was the nature of his ability. Temporal perception manipulation represents a fundamental alteration of basic physical laws in a localized field. The implications for theoretical Essentia applications are... substantial."
The group turned to look at him, and his shoulders hunched slightly under their attention.
"S-sorry," he mumbled, looking down. "J-just an observation."