Arc 1.2

"Can Sir Nicolás Montes and Lady Luciana Carreira come down to battle" the proctor announces. Luciana fist clench as Nicolás didn't even take a sip from the tea given to him. Meaning she will have to fight him at full strength.

"It seems it's my turn to battle" Nicolás states as he stands up from his chair. The Emperor looks at him as he leaves then he looks at the teacup that Nicolás left. It has a weird smell coming from it so he grabs it and smells it again. His eyes widen as he found that it's poisoned he frowns. His eyes narrow in anger how dare someone poison Nicolás! He is already recognized by many to be the general. If Nicolás were to die by someone there will be a revolt. He understood that there shouldn't be someone like that other than the Emperor but the Montes have been always loyal. Many Montes have fallen dying to protect the royal family. Nicolás parents died to protect him and his family the only thing he can do is protect their son.

"Gaurd find out who handled Nicolás tea and find out who poisoned it. Also, serve him a new cup of tea" order the Emperor lowly as he hands the guard the cup. The Emperor looks at the battle that is about to start with interest.

Nicolás looks at Luciana with disinterest and sighs. Making it seem like he thought this battle was useless to him. Luciana fist clenches and glares at him not even trying to hide it.

"Come at me with your best moves" Nicolás declares coldly. Luciana tries to attack him with her sword. Nicolás just blocks it as her speed was very slow compared to him.

"Your speed isn't that impressive and you need it as your fighting style is based off speed. The sword your using is more for heavy fighters you should get a lighter one as that one is slowing you down. You really shame your ancestors who were masters of speed" Nicolás coldly points out. He only said the first couple sentences loud enough to be heard but the last one he whispered so only she heard. Luciana grates her teeth as she can even hit him even once.

"You shut it, you thief" she hisses out lowly. Still not losing it to the point of losing her innocent mask.

"Thief? My family won fair and square it's not our fault that they were weak. That they couldn't even defend their noble status they failed the Emperor and were demoted" Nicolás whispers back. Luciana wasn't even a threat to him and she was way to weak. So he finally launches his attack with his sword.

"Gah" Luciana screams as the sword hit her stomach. She is lucky that Nicolás didn't use his full power.

"Your the weakest girl I have ever fought you're a disgrace to those who called themselves female warriors. I know of three females who are stronger than most men to gain a spot on top. They deserve respect unlike you who bring disgrace to female warriors. It females like you who bring disgrace" Nicolás whispers for her to only to hear. He wanted her to hate him more than anything. So it's easier for her to make a mistake when she is plotting against him.

"Please get a medic here I didn't control my strength enough. I did not want her to get this hurt" Nicolás loudly asks. A medic quickly comes down to attend to Luciana. Whispers are heard in the audience couldn't believe that one of the top 10 females of the academy was so weak. Nicolás heads back to his seat once they declare him the winner of the battle.

"Congratulation future General Nicolás" the Emperor congratulates with a smile.

"Thank you, Emperor" Nicolás answers softly well the softest he could. He takes a sip of his tea as he noticed that it was changed. At the corner of his eye, he sees Lance looking worriedly at Luciana. The Emperor stood up and left as the guard found out the guilty party.

"Do not worry Prince Lance my attack on her was only forty percent of my strength. The damage she took was mostly absorbed by the armor she wore. She should be fine as it was a light attack and not meant to harm her" Nicolás explains to Lance. Making it seem like he was a nice person but his words damaged Luciana as a warrior.

"I see" Lance answers.

"You know Lady Merissa can help Lady Luciana in her speed. Lady Merissa is very talented and can almost compete with me" Nicolás suggestions as he turns around to leave. As he only had to battle one person and no else had challenged him.

"I will bring it up to her thank you" Lance thanks him as Nicolás leaves. Lance looks as Nicolás leave and couldn't help but smile. Nicolás may come off as cold and frigid but he is actually very kind.

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Nicolás finally arrived at his home and lays down in his bed exhausted. Who knew acting was so exhausting he also had to keep himself from slouching from being bored and tired.

"I'm taking a nap for an hour don't let anyone bother me unless it's the royal family" Nicolás announces loudly. The gaurds shut the door so he is alone in his room.

[You already caused the male lead to doubt the heroine you are very good. The people also started to see the heroine in a bad light from her terrible performance in the battle. Especially since she is a potential candidate to be married to the Prince Lance. They do not want a someone so weak to lead beside Prince Lance]

"Prince Lance wouldn't want a weak Empress since the beginning of Linux. Every Empress has been strong fearless and could compete with their husbands in battle. If he chooses a weak Empress he will be looked down upon by the people" Nicolás explains to the system. That's why in the battle he emphasized how weak she was.

[Makes sense if you need assistance do not be afraid to ask]

"Hm I will ask when need be right now I have everything handled" Nicolás states as he dozes off to sleep.