Chapter 176

Not only is a group duel test surprising, but Lucia also appeared.

It was only natural for the kids to be shocked.

"She seems a bit different from usual?"

"It looks like she lost some weight."

"Not just lost weight... Hasn't the person completely changed?"

It's not unreasonable for the kids to say that.

Because in just one week, all her extra fat completely disappeared.

Perhaps sensing the kids' admiring gazes, Lucia's nose slightly lifted.

"Don't be too surprised. This level is merely 90% of my active duty days."

"It doesn't even seem to reach 70%. I wonder if you can properly fight with that ruined body."

"Ugh! Old man, get lost! Don't butt in!"

Lucia launched a kick, but Caron lightly dodged it.

Not only attacking but even treating Caron as an old man.

'Did they become close...?'

Then I might feel a little jealous.

Of course, the jealousy was towards Lucia. Because that old man is my man(?).

Huh? The phrasing sounds strange?

It must be a misunderstanding. Caron is a man with whom I established a business relationship.

What's wrong with calling my man my man?

There's a big problem with that?

This world is so full of prejudice!

It's precisely that prejudice that makes the world sick!

"The sick one is you."

"Keke, are you even doing mind reading now?"

"I don't know what it is, but I can at least tell you're having very dirty thoughts."

What disappointing words!

I was just fighting against prejudice! For us(?)!

"By the way... You two seem to have gotten very close."

"Not at all."

"Keke, you know it's all thanks to my handsome self, right?"

"......"

Caron roundhouse kicked my butt.

He must not want to acknowledge the fact that I'm handsome.

'What an ungrateful person!'

If it weren't for my pretty boy vibe, Lucia would have aimed for his life every moment.

I should have just left him alone.

Even amidst this, the conversation between Lucia and the kids continued.

"So, what do you want to do? Do you want to take the test with that old man, or with me?"

"Were other teams also given this opportunity?"

"No, you're the first and last."

"Why only us?"

"Hmm... It's a special event. An extra point question outside the test questions. You know, something like that?"

The kids made puzzled expressions.

It's only natural. This is a scenario used for the quest and a stage prepared to end the bet with Lucia.

There was nothing the extras could do.

'But it's not like those kids will be at a loss.'

Even if the opponent changes to Lucia, there won't be a big change in the kids' scores.

Because the one evaluating is Caron, not Lucia.

'In the case of this group duel, the focus will be on three things: cooperation, strategy, and courage to face the strong.'

Meaning skill comes next.

Because this test is set up to assume a situation where students on the weaker side face a stronger opponent.

Of course, this is also information that users found out after hundreds of thousands of playthroughs, so it can't be said to be accurate.

It was a moment when I once again felt the unfriendliness of the character Caron.

Because other teachers would always explain the significance of the test along with an explanation whenever a test ended.

'Well, with that much of a sample, it can be seen as over 98% correct.'

The kids gathered in a circle and started a meeting, whispering.

Of course, I was excluded.

I slowly approached and pressed against their backs, quietly listening.

"What should we do?"

"Can we subdue the hero?"

"It's impossible. But isn't it the same when facing Teacher Caron?"

The kids quickly nodded their heads.

No, it's not the same. Lucia is human, Caron is a killing machine.

"Hmm! One thing is clear, even if I don't know the rest. It will be much better than Teacher Caron."

"Right, right. She's even loose during the guidance classes she occasionally gives."

"Indeed, the Killing Machine... Ah, no. Teacher Caron has no mercy."

The kids' opinions were leaning towards Lucia.

Hmm, I object to that opinion.

'That person is different from the one you knew until now.'

No, maybe.

It might be more accurate to say she's a different creature.

"Keke, I disagree..."

"We'll go with Ms. Lucia!"

"Sounds like you're saying you can sufficiently win alone?"

"You heard very accurately."

"Hmm~."

Lucia's eyes sparkled.

Hmm, if it were Caron, he would have laughed off this level of provocation.

I seem to have unintentionally raised Lucia's motivation.

"Keke, what level of power did you use when we dueled?"

"Don't know. I didn't pay attention to such things."

I see. When dueling me, you just beat me up first and then checked?

'I wonder if she used strength above 6-star level when I used secret techniques?'

Then it's hopeful.

If it's Lucia with power limited to 6-star knight level, I might be able to win...?

Bang!

Suddenly, Lucia's face enlarged.

She reached in front of me with just a single leap.

"You seem to have leisure? Enough to think about other things in front of me."

Thud!

A fist thrown at my chest.

My wooden sword that met it was half crushed.

'It's a good thing I put in the Reflex skill.'

If I hadn't mimicked [Reflex] with [Divine Imitation], my body would have been crushed like that too.

"Good reaction. Good hand feel too."

"Keke, I'm quite delicious."

"Ugh. I hate that kind of joke."

"What are you thinking? I mean it feels good to hit, like a sandbag."

"...Just die."

Crunch-!

Lucia's kick broke my wooden sword in two.

Hmm, what is it? Does it mean she'll break my body in two?

"May I request a time-out?"

"Where is there such a thing on the battlefield?"

"Keke, this is a test. Isn't that right, Teacher Caron?"

"...You guys decide that among yourselves. Don't argue with me. Lucia, can't you control one guy like that?"

"......"

Bam-!

Lucia flew at Caron and executed a double side kick. And.

Thud thud thud thud-!

"You old man! You join in too! Let's settle this once and for all today!"

A sudden fight broke out between Caron and Lucia.

Leaving them behind, I headed to the weapon rack and picked up a wooden sword.

A very sturdy wooden sword with a quite thick steel core embedded inside.

The same one I used a little while ago.

'To break this with fists and feet. Is a 6-star knight level already a monster?'

Lightly swinging the wooden sword, I organized my strategy.

The skills I currently have mimicked with [Divine Imitation] are as follows.

[Reflex], [One Flash], [Moon Shadow], [Sky Splitter]. And.

'One secret weapon.'

Skills that all receive an A-grade rating with the power of [Divine Imitation], so they will fully perform their roles.

Especially the Lester family's secret techniques, [One Flash] and [Moon Shadow].

Don't I need the [Swordsmanship] skill too?

'I can just change it at important moments.'

[Swordsmanship] is a skill that Lucia also has. So I can mimic it anytime.

I was planning to change it only right before using secret techniques or at important moments.

"Ms. Lucia? I'm ready."

Thud thud thud thud-!

Thump thump thump thump-!

"Die!!!"

"Impudent...!"

But I was already out of their attention.

'...They seem close.'

I'll have to show them how scary a man's jealousy is.

Change [Reflex] to [Swordsmanship].

Using the [Eye Opening] skill, I take a stance.

Feet spread front and back.

The basic middle-level stance of kendo.

Sword raised above the head.

After confirming the target, I vigorously swing down the sword.

Judgment descends from the heavens.

The fourth secret technique of the Lucid family style.

Sky Splitter.

--TL Notes--

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