Before the match.
“Who do you think will win? Of course, I think it's going to be Neike's team, but... don't you think there's a chance for Theo's team?”
“Come on, are you kidding? How can anyone beat Neike? If you had to bet everything you own, which team would you put it on?”
“Why do we have to bet at all?”
“You just have to, no exceptions."
“...Well, obviously Neike's team. No matter the unexpected turns Theo's team has pulled off, Neike is unbeatable. He's dominated every match so far.”
"Neike! Neike! Neike!"
"Theo! Theo! Theo!"
The stands were as lively as ever.
Mari, who had been commentating from the booth, walked up to the center of the arena since it was the finals.
She looked up at the sea of spectators and announced,
[There have been many unexpected turns in this Tournament, but now, we've finally reached the grand finale! The highly anticipated final between Neike & Cyrus's team and Theo & Irene's team! First to enter, Neike & Cyrus's team!]
Shortly after, Neike & Cyrus emerged from the waiting room and walked towards the arena.
The deafening applause from countless spectators filled the stadium.
[First up, student Neike! I believe everyone knows him, the top student of the Hero Department's freshman year! Since the entrance exam, he has consistently held onto the top spot. His primary weapon is the spear, and he has displayed overwhelming strength in every match today! Following him is student Cyrus, ranked 12th in the Knight Department! His weapon of choice is also the spear. He might not have displayed the same overpowering presence as his partner in today’s matches... Well, I probably would have been the same in his shoes.]
Cyrus, seeming to enjoy his moment in the spotlight, waved to the audience as he entered the arena.
On the other hand, Neike bowed gracefully to the audience before entering the arena.
[Now, facing off against Neike & Cyrus's team are the stars of this tournament, having created a series of upsets! Let's welcome Theo & Irene's team!]
Theo and Irene walked towards the arena.
Much like Neike’s team, the applause was deafening for them as well.
[First, student Theo, ranked 181st in the Hero Department's freshman year... Well, ranks are just numbers, right? He's indeed proven that by defeating teams with top-ranking Hero Department students one after another! His primary weapon is the longsword, and he continues to demonstrate his unpredictable prowess! Next is student Irene, the proud top student of the Knight Department! Truly the pride of the Knight Department. Even I was taken aback today. I knew she'd be strong, being the top student and all, but she surpassed even those expectations!]
Mari's neck was flushed with excitement as she passionately broadcasted.
It was indeed a thrilling moment.
However, Theo did not even glance at the cheering audience chanting his name; he walked forward, aloof and focused only on what was ahead of him.
In some ways, his demeanor resembled that of a speaker during a group presentation, stiff with eyes glued to the script.
But the aura he exuded was anything but ordinary.
It was a subtle yet sharp energy: like a finely honed blade.
"Wow, senior. Theo's presence is truly astounding. It feels like he's just walking, but there's something different about him. Am I the only one feeling this?"
"No, you're right. ...Such a presence is innate. I've seen many top-ranking heroes, but few emit an aura like his."
"Hmm... In terms of appearance alone, he's definitely top-ranked."
"I think so too. Even if Neike defeats him this time, Theo has proven his capabilities... We absolutely must recruit him. I’ll approach him again after the match."
"Wow, he's amazing. He's like a cold prince straight out of a novel... Irene is so lucky."
"...Tsk. I don’t get what's so great about that show-off."
Such were the varied reactions from the audience as they watched Theo.
Unfazed by the murmurs, Theo continued to stride forward, his gaze unwaveringly fixed ahead.
At the arena, before the match began.
I calmly observed Neike and Cyrus standing before me.
Cyrus.
He may rank 12th in the Knight Department, but he's hardly any different from Theo—a third-rate vllain.
A character destined for a harsh fate—either getting taught a lesson by a named character or boasting before a monster only to meet a tragic end—all for the story's entertainment.
He's so similar to Theo that it's almost relatable.
But he had a unique skill: appealing to emotions.
I came to know later that he had tearfully begged Neike to be on the same team.
Neike, the pushover, agreed.
With a satisfied smile, Cyrus glancing at the audience, said,
"Neike, it's the finals, but it'll be an easy win for you, right? It always has been, hasn't it?"
"Haha, I'll do my best."
“Yep!”
With a sly smirk, Cyrus then looked confidently at Irene.
Irene's eyes narrowed.
She firmly believes in achieving her goals through her own strength, especially when it comes to martial prowess.
Naturally, she and Cyrus were polar opposites.
'I wish he'd just keep his mouth shut.'
But aside from that, I don't particularly dislike Cyrus.
I believed that this was just his way of surviving.
To achieve his goals, Cyrus did what he had to.
Ultimately, Cyrus was able to secure a spot next to Neike.
Of course, in the game, Irene had been the one to team up with Neike.
But luck is also a skill.
If I had taken over Neike instead, I wouldn't have had to work so hard.
Just being diligent in my studies would ensure graduating among the top.
...I'm jealous.
Anyway, I view Cyrus in a positive light.
Whether it's his emotional appeal or whatever, he successfully teamed up with a big shot like Neike.
Still sporting a mischievous grin, Cyrus said,
"Haha, Irene. Sorry, but the first place is ours."
Irene's cold gaze met Cyrus's.
If it were me, I'd just brush it off with a 'How cute~' and move on, but Irene's clearly different.
I get it.
She's just 16 and has a strong sense of pride.
She didn't respond back, probably because of the countless eyes watching us.
Cyrus knows this all too well.
Unlike Irene, he's already got a tarnished image, so there's no real damage done to his reputation.
"At last, I'll be taking first place! Oh, how wonderful! To think I could ever be the champion; it's beyond even my wildest dreams. And yet, it seems only minutes away now.
Come on, Irene. Cheer up a bit. You're going to get wrinkles with that frown.
"You must be thinking it's all thanks to Neike, right? But this is also a form of skill, isn't it? Just like the professors always say in class. You're not strong all by yourself; you need the support of teammates.
So, cheer up a bit. Who knows, maybe your prince here could beat Neike?”
Slyly, Cyrus took a quick glance at me as he spoke.
And I clearly saw it.
The mocking smirk that crossed Cyrus's face.
"..."
As usual, I responded with a calm gaze.
But inside, I was anything but calm.
'That smug little brat.'
There's a limit to how much you should provoke someone.
I was rather fond of watching this third-rate villain, struggle to survive.
Why does he have to act so arrogantly?
It feels like he sees Irene and me as nothing more than stray dogs on the street.
Of course, reacting to his taunts is a losing game.
...But he's really gotten on my nerves.
What should I do?
Should I provoke him back?
But with [Twisted Noble's Dignity] and so many people watching, I can't just spout off vulgar insults or provoke him the same way he just did to me.
This isn't like the time with Aisha & Julia.
Back then, the goal was to rile up the opponent, but this punk Cyrus won't be affected by such simple taunts.
Still, I want to respond somehow.
Just then, Mari's voice rang out.
[Both teams, when you're ready, please follow the referee's instructions and begin!]
The referee alternated his gaze between our team and Neike's team.
"Are both teams ready?"
"We're ready."
"Of course~ Ref."
Cyrus responded, still high in spirits.
"Then, let the match begin!"
The match had started, but I remained still, unmoving.
"Hey."
I spoke to Cyrus, imbuing my voice with Natural Power.
Cyrus gulped audibly.
"Uh...yes?"
"I've been thinking since earlier, I really don't like your hairstyle."
"...What?"
His eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you deaf? Do you have ears or are they just decorations?"
Without a moment's hesitation, I lunged at Cyrus.
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