Chapter 26: Battle Royale

Chapter 26: Battle Royale



As Seo glanced back behind her, her eyes caught the sight of Alice, her glare sharp enough to cut through steel, directed right at her.

Despite the intensity of Alice's gaze, Seo couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction bubbling within her, threatening to break into a smile.

It was a subtle victory, one she hadn't anticipated but relished nonetheless.

In that moment, Seo found herself pondering the inexplicable feeling of triumph coursing through her veins.

It was a sensation she couldn't quite grasp, yet it enveloped her with a sense of fulfillment unlike any she had experienced in her sixteen years of life.

For once, she found herself enjoying something beyond the rigorous training of swordsmanship that had dominated her existence thus far.

Observing Riley's adorable yet bewildered expression, Seo sensed his lingering confusion regarding the recent events.

Seeking to alleviate his unease, she reached out and gently intertwined her fingers with his, their hands fitting together like puzzle pieces as they walked side by side.

"Seo...?" Riley's voice sounded startled, his eyes betraying a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

"Do you not like it, perhaps?" Doubt crept into her mind, fueled by the sudden realization that she might have overstepped a boundary.

Had she misjudged the situation?

Was her attempt at comfort perceived as too much, too soon?

Her mind raced with thoughts, recalling snippets from her cherished book about the delicate balance of physical affection in male-female interactions.

The book did mention about men being a bit sensitive with a woman's touch... perhaps Riley didn't like it?

"... No, not really"

But hearing his answer Seo calmed down her troubled heart and continued their walk together.

Remembering Alice's super annoyed face once more, Seo smiled silently.

Almost unknowingly, Seo's hands curled into fists, a physical manifestation of the satisfaction swelling within her.

She realized, with a sense of clarity, that she had emerged victorious in a battle she hadn't even recognized she was fighting.

And more importantly, she had successfully thwarted the advances of another woman, ensuring that her best friend remained by her side.

In her beloved book [How to Make Friends]

Seo found solace and guidance amidst its pages.

Within its well-worn covers lay a set of rules she held dear, rules that seemed to offer a roadmap to navigate the complexities of friendship.

One rule, in particular, resonated deeply with her: the admonition to never let a troublesome woman snatch away one's male best friend.

As Seo reflected on this rule, a sense of pride swelled within her.

She had adhered to its wisdom, and the thought thrilled her.

'I did it I protected my best friend!'

Indeed, she had acted swiftly to protect her friend Riley from what she perceived as impending trouble. Initially oblivious to the nature of the situation unfolding before her, it only took a single glance at Alice's expression to understand the potential threat she posed. 'She was probably the most troublesome woman he could've have ever met.'

That was why she nodded to herself in satisfaction as she dragged the silent Riley next to her. But for some reason, why does he look like he's in pain again?

'Does his tummy hurt, perhaps?'

Seo couldn't help but wonder as she tilted her head.

....

Haah... fuck me.

This woman beside me might as well be a hurricane, tossing me around like a scrap of paper in the wind.

Every time I slow my pace, she effortlessly tugs me forward, leaving me feeling like a puppet at her mercy.

And her grip on my hand? It's so tight that I can barely feel my fingers, like they're slipping into numbness all over again.

'Can I even fight properly now?'

I'm pretty sure most of the bones I just healed are broken once more. But it's not just her iron grip that's the problem; it's the stares.

Everywhere we go, it feels like all eyes are on me, dissecting my every move with a mix of curiosity and speculation.

Back in the classroom and the cafeteria, I thought I'd already attracted more than enough

attention.

But this?

This is something else entirely.

I can practically hear the rumors swirling around me, shaping perceptions and solidifying whatever reputation I've managed to carve out for myself.

test right away.

This battle royale... I had prepared everything I needed to pass, but I still couldn't help feeling

nervous.

Fighting goblins was one thing, but going up against actual people was a whole different

story.

However, knowing that most of the guys here were either formidable opponents or extremely skilled fighters, I had no intention of holding back.

Glancing around the expansive field, I made a mental note to steer clear of Lucas and Janica.

Not only were they practically guaranteed a spot in Class A, but they were also renowned as

the strongest contenders among us.

Avoiding them would be wise if I hoped to make it on this trial unscathed. Curiously, I realized I hadn't yet spotted Lucas and Janica yet.

Given their striking appearances, they shouldn't be difficult to find. Are they buried in the

crowd perhaps?

Before I could dwell further on their whereabouts, Seo's gesture snapped me back to the

present.

Was that her way of wishing me luck?

'How cute...' I couldn't help but think to myself, even though a good 'luck' was a non existential thing for me, I still appreciate her kindness.

I guess I needed to put on a good show, especially now, that she gave me her good luck.

Walking towards the center stage I by Professor Ferdinand, but his sudden grip on my shoulder jolted me to a halt.

"YOU..." he began, his voice carrying a weight of meaning that I couldn't quite decipher.

"Sir?"

"NAH... IT'S NOTHING," he dismissed with a cryptic shake of his head.

"JUST BE SURE TO HOLD BACK A LITTLE, KID," he added, patting my shoulder before

releasing me.

Hold back?

Did he seriously expect me to restrain myself in the heat of battle? If I held back, I might as

well sign my own death warrant here.

The attention of the others immediately shifted towards us, drawn by Ferdinand's booming

voice and his unusual interaction with me.

Murmurs and whispers filled the air, adding to the weight of scrutiny already bearing down on

me.

Haah... It seemed like I couldn't escape the spotlight today, no matter how hard I tried.

"Riley... Fighting!"

Seo cheered me on with a double thumbs up this time.

'Yup this girl had a knack for adding fuel to the fire'

Well anyways ignoring this innocent little girl I sat my mind straight, my focus was on one

thing: 'winning!'

"3, 3, 1 START!!!"

As Ferdinand's voice rang out, signaling the start of the match

The wind howled with a sharpness that cut through the chaos, carrying with it the painful

cacophony of moans and screams.

Wooden Swords clashed with a thunderous resonance, each strike echoing like a cannon shot,

while battles erupted in all directions.

Students soared through the air, blood painted the sky, and a myriad of sword techniques

danced across the battlefield like intricate brushstrokes on a canvas. Amidst the frenzy of combat, where every student fought with the ferocity of soldiers in their

final stand, there was one glaring absence: me.

Despite the chaos surrounding me, no opponent dared to approach me....