Chapter 15: Ch 15: Monster in Human skin- Part 2
Outside the building, Shura finally released Raven's arm, letting out a sigh.
"You just had to make it dramatic, didn't you? I am sure those people inside saw a real demon today."
Raven rolled his shoulders.
"I didn't do anything."
Shura gave him a deadpan look.
"Oh, sure. You just happened to stare Jeremey down like a predator watching its prey."
Raven smirked.
"Was I that intimidating? I didn't even do anything special."
"Raven, you tore five elite monsters apart with your bare hands like it was nothing. Do you really have to ask?"
Raven chuckled but didn't deny it. He had to admit—seeing their reactions had been amusing.
"So? What now?"
He asked, glancing at Shura.
Shura exhaled.
"Now? Now we wait and see how they handle this. The association's going to do everything they can to keep you happy."
Raven's smirk widened.
"Good. I like being treated well. I am a special being, so what is wrong with treating me as such?"
Shura shook his head, already regretting the headache that was sure to follow.
This is going to be a problem, isn't it? Not only is Raven powerful, but his ego is also off the chart. What a terrible combination to have in a person.
______
Shura and Raven arrived home, only to find Leo standing right in front of the door, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.
Shura frowned, immediately sensing that something was off.
"Leo? What are you doing here?"
But Leo ignored him.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward, grabbed Raven by the wrist, and started pulling.
Raven raised a brow at the boldness. He could easily break free—the kid's grip was nothing compared to the monsters he had faced—but he chose not to. If he wasn't careful, he might end up doing irreparable damage to Leo's arm.
"Where are we going? Is it somewhere fun? Looks like you are much more fun to be around than your rigid father. Shura can learn to relax more and have fun…eh, am I being ignored right now?"
Raven asked lazily, allowing himself to be dragged along.
Leo didn't answer. His grip only tightened as he led Raven down the street with determined strides.
Shura watched, completely ignored, before sighing and following after them.
It wasn't long before they arrived at a small, privately owned store. The neon sign above flickered slightly, and the interior had the distinct scent of old electronics.
It was one of the many places in the city where Arena devices could be rented for private duels.
Leo wasted no time. He walked straight up to the counter, tossed a handful of credits at the cashier, and selected a duel room.
The employee, slightly startled by the kid's intensity, quickly processed the request. But since Leo was a regular, he quickly got what he wanted.
Once everything was set up, Leo turned to Raven, eyes blazing with determination.
"Fight me!"
He demanded.
Raven blinked but he did not feel surprised by that demand.
"Huh? Sorry kid, but I am not interested in crushing your dreams."
"Fight me! One-on-one. A real fight. No holding back."
Raven stared at him for a moment before lazily stretching his arms.
"I don't feel like it."
Leo clenched his fists.
"Don't act like you didn't hear me."
"I did hear you. I'm just choosing to ignore nonsense. Kids are so bold these days. Back in my day, they did not even dare utter a single word in front of me…Adults were the same as well, right? Ah, the good old days-"
Leo's patience snapped.
"Stop acting, damn it! I heard from mother what you did in the Arena today! You tore apart five elite monsters like they were nothing! But when it comes to me, you just brush me off like I'm not even worth your time!"
His voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet room. Raven exhaled through his nose, finally giving the boy a proper look. He was angry, his whole body tense with frustration.
'Looks like Shura cannot keep his mouth shut and keep a secret from his wife. I should have known his wife-dotting self would expose me.'
Not that it was a problem for Raven. But Leo's interference was a problem for Shura.
Also, it did not look like Leo was going to back down either. Leo needed this fight.
But that didn't mean Raven was going to entertain his little tantrum so easily.
"Listen, kid, you wouldn't be able to handle it. I am too awesome for you to handle alone. You will need at least five of you to even do something against me."
Raven said, his voice even.
Leo's teeth clenched.
"Try me."
Raven tilted his head.
"Yeah sure, kid. The answer is still no."
"I swear, if you don't take this seriously—"
"Or what? What exactly do you think you can do to me?"
Raven interrupted, his tone carrying the faintest edge of amusement.
Leo sucked in a sharp breath, but he didn't back down. His pride wouldn't let him.
"If you don't take this fight then you're going to regret it"
Leo growled,
Raven's smirk widened slightly.
"Regret it?"
He took a step forward, forcing Leo to lift his chin to keep eye contact.
For a brief moment, there was complete silence.
Then, Raven exhaled dramatically, placing a hand over his chest.
"Very well. Since you insist, I suppose I have no choice"
He said, as if making a grand declaration.
Leo blinked.
"Huh?"
Raven straightened his posture and gave Leo a look.
"It is my duty as a great person to guide those beneath me to lead them. To show them their place."
He declared with exaggerated seriousness.
"Oh, come on."
Shura sighed loudly from the side. He had finally reached the place where Leo dragged Raven, only to be faced with this bullshit.
Leo twitched.
Raven ignored them both and gestured toward the Arena device.
"Fine. I accept your challenge."
Leo immediately pressed the activation button.
"Get in."
Raven smirked.
"After you, kid."
And with that, both of them entered the Arena.