Having achieved his goal, Haruto didn't continue mocking him.
There was no need.
But he didn't explain his reasons either. Even if he were to explain, it would have to wait until the rat was caught.
After observing for so long, Tetsuya's suspicion was minimal.
Compared to the impotent rage of Tetsuya, Haruto was now more interested in Issei Hyoudou, who had been stunned the entire time.
Don't get the wrong idea—he doesn't swing that way.
Not in the past, not now, and not in the future either.
Perhaps because of the "cuckold protagonist" template, Haruto had yet to encounter any of the male leads from his memories.
Originally, he just wanted to gain some combat experience and eliminate a suspect, but he got an unexpected bonus.
There was still a year before the main plot began. He wondered if the Boosted Gear had already taken residence within Issei.
While sizing up the dazed Issei, Haruto casually brushed off Tetsuya.
"No reason. I just don't like you."
Tetsuya: "???"
You don't like me? Do you know how many people don't like you?
Not only do you mess around with gyarus, but you keep getting confessions, and now you've even won over the incredibly popular senpai...
And I can't even get the scraps?
Haruto didn't know what Tetsuya was thinking, and even if he did, he wouldn't care.
Seeing Tetsuya glaring silently, Haruto took the initiative to challenge him.
"Enough talk. Let's settle this with our fists."
"Fine. Let's see what you're capable of. You're just a half-blood who just awakened."
Haruto rolled his eyes. Anyone listening would think Tetsuya was some pure-blooded demon lord.
With his magic power circulating, his Eye of Insight was enhanced, allowing Haruto to spot Tetsuya's openings. He lunged forward.
Basic Body Mastery allowed him to perfectly coordinate all his muscles, unleashing physical capabilities 200% beyond an ordinary human's.
Bam!
Caught off guard, Tetsuya staggered back from Haruto's punch.
He was shocked. He hadn't expected Haruto's speed and strength to be on par with his own.
Youkai were the race with the strongest physical bodies, especially the oni, renowned for their might.
Even with his diluted oni bloodline, he shouldn't have been matched by a half-blood incubus.
Refusing to back down, Tetsuya counterattacked.
Issei only saw a black blur before the two were locked in a brawl.
Yes, a brawl.
Haruto had never learned any formal combat techniques, and neither had Tetsuya.
They relied entirely on physical prowess and reflexes.
Fists and feet flew—whoever flinched first was a coward.
Issei couldn't follow their movements at all, only hearing the whoosh of fists and the thuds of impact.
His eyes glazed over as he watched the two drenched in blood, muttering, "Fake... all fake... I must be dreaming..."
Meanwhile.
Haruto and Tetsuya's fight escalated into a full-blown frenzy.
Relying on the recovery power granted by his Youkai bloodline, Tetsuya had no fear at all—in fact, he was eager for Haruto to trade blows with him, injury for injury.
But as the fight went on, he began to notice something strange.
When he was the one getting hit, everything felt normal—the force was the same as before.
But whenever he struck Haruto, it felt like he was also taking damage himself...
Haruto grinned, wiping the blood from his split lip. Mirror Alice was incredibly useful in close-quarters combat.
Seizing the moment of Tetsuya's distraction, he suddenly intensified his attacks.
Tetsuya was forced back on the defensive, barely holding on.
He was just a freshman who had only been enrolled for a little over a month. Aside from his innate bloodline abilities, he had no other tricks up his sleeve.
Seeing Haruto growing more and more exhilarated in the fight, Tetsuya decided to make one last desperate move.
Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he took a kick from Haruto head-on and used the momentum to create distance.
Biting his tongue, Tetsuya let blood pool in his mouth as he began chanting something under his breath.
Haruto couldn't understand the words, but he knew he couldn't let Tetsuya finish whatever he was doing.
He rushed forward to interrupt, but he was a step too late.
With a furious roar, Tetsuya spat out the blood in his mouth—and his entire body swelled, becoming even more massive.
His shirt completely tore apart, his pants were reduced to tatters, and his bulging, muscular calves were now exposed.
Haruto's eyes twitched slightly as he took in the sight. Just one of those calves was nearly as thick as his own waist.
He had just wanted to test the waters with an easy target—how did things escalate to this level?
Staring at Tetsuya, who now looked like a black bear that had gained sentience, Haruto instinctively took two steps back.
In terms of raw combat ability, Haruto had initially held a clear advantage over Tetsuya. But after Tetsuya activated his Second Transformation, Haruto was no longer a match for him.
It was a shame Haruto didn't have any recovery-based talents or skills.
Otherwise, he could have just relied on Mirror Alice's reflected damage to slowly wear down the bear-like Tetsuya.
Tetsuya noticed Haruto's retreat, his crimson eyes narrowing as he let out a wild laugh. "Thinking of running now? Too late!"
"Who said anything about running?"
Haruto scoffed. This was his first battle in the supernatural world—even if he lost, he wouldn't flee.
Besides, Akeno and Tsubaki were hiding nearby.
If things really went south, he could always call for backup.
What? Ganging up on someone?
Tetsuya was the one who brought allies first.
Issei was a man, while Tsubaki and Akeno were women.
As everyone knew, one man could fight two women.
So if anything, Haruto was at a slight disadvantage—meaning the backup on both sides was roughly equal in strength.
By that logic, this was still a fair 1v1 battle between real men.
"Akeno, should I step in, or will you?" Seeing Tetsuya's Second Transformation, Tsubaki voiced her concern.
"Don't be so hasty."
Akeno nudged her chin, signaling for her friend to take a closer look.
"That little pervert Haruto is quite clever. If he really couldn't hold on, he would've called for help long ago."
Tsubaki focused her gaze and saw that although Haruto was dodging in a rather sorry state, he hadn't actually suffered any injuries.
"That little lecher won't be in any trouble before his magic runs out."
Though Akeno claimed not to care, she kept a close eye on the battle.
Magic was a versatile resource. Aside from enhancing the Eye of Insight, it could also be used to strengthen other talents.
Haruto had discovered this conclusion early on, but since he couldn't use magic then, he had subconsciously ignored it.
Whether it was mental resistance or disguise, the effects would be significantly amplified when magic was applied.
Yuki Shinozuka, by combining magic with her Disguise talent and a low-level illusion spell, could flawlessly pass as a man.
Ordinary people wouldn't see through it—even those with magic but lacking perception or detection abilities would be fooled.
Under the influence of magic, Basic Body Mastery directed all his muscles toward agility.
After transforming into a black bear, Tetsuya's strength and speed increased dramatically, but his flexibility inevitably suffered.
The forest terrain was complex, with thick tree trunks serving as cover. Haruto focused solely on evasion, and for the moment, Tetsuya truly couldn't do anything to him.
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