Watch Your Step

(Continuation…)

(Rai's POV)

.

"Student Naga Luke, do you wish to have a battle with Student Silverthorne Rai Karnal?"(Referee)

The referee, who is standing outside the Ring-{4}, questions the Student, who was determined to be my next opponent.

"Yes, I would like to have a battle."(Luke)

Just like how it was narrated in the Novel, the student gave his consent.

Um?

However, the dude, right before conforming, gave me a thorough once-over, scanning me from head to toe while I stood inside the ring.

Why, thou–

Hoo, it's the same guy I met in the temporary House recruitment block.

My pondering query came to a halt as I remembered him.

Is this some kinda fate?

My current opponent was the one who defeated Novel Rai and ended his Streak-[2].

And so it happened that this was the same guy I mocked when we came across him for a brief moment on the very first day of Academic Classes.

"Then, you may enter the ring and wait for our signal to commence the duel."

The referee, meanwhile, continued with the formalities, addressing us both.

"We meet again, Student Rai Karnal."(Luke)

Similar to our first meeting, Luke greeted me.

"Yeah, it seems so, Student Luke."(Rai)

Yep, it is confirmed from his tone that the quick scan he had done on me was definitely not done in the Novel.

Without the need for any genius, I can tell he was offended when I termed him as-Extra, though it was done unknowingly on my part.

But sorry, dude, I am not gonna apologize.

"So you learned my name?"(Luke)

"...maybe."(Rai)

Nope man, I just happened to hear about it now from the referee.

I muttered, not answering him properly while keeping my thoughts to myself.

The skills I learned last week while rousing people for duels are extremely useful.

"I am surprised you didn't withdr–"(Luke)

"Sir, I think we are ready for the duel."(Rai)

I cut him off and declared our readiness for the duel.

I don't have any interest in hearing your opinion on why I don't withdraw and retain my two Streaks.

If I let him, he will even point out the occasional troubled expression I wore during my second battle, which was obviously faked by me.

And though I did it for–

…wait, why did I do it?

No, Rai, it's not time for nonsense.

It's the day I should take my revenge on behalf of Novel Rai for defeating him.

Yeah, if I hadn't made it clear in the Novel, I (:Rai) lost in this duel.

As I said, Rai wasn't that pathetic, who couldn't hold his ground, at least with the average talents of the Academy.

Accordingly, he did well in his first two duals and won.

But unfortunately, he met Rank-[39] Student Naga Luke in his third duel and lost.

The duel was one of those very easy-to-forget duels, with neither an easy victory nor a crushing defeat.

However, that's all in the narrative of a Novel.

Many things changed in me and around me, and this is where I will single-handedly begin my journey to gang up anyone who has or will have the thought of looking down on me.

.

"The Duel between Student Silverthorne Rai Karnal and Student Naga Luke–

"May Commence."(Referee)

The referee shouted, bringing his raised hand down as a signal.

"Tsk, I will show the difference between merit and privilege to you by the end of the battle."(Luke)

Luke commented.

"...well, try doing it."(Rai)

I responded dismissively.

Dream on, dude…

With the signal given, the battle was officially underway.

I stood with my bare hands while Luke carried a wooden spare.

Talk about being unfair.

But this is how the Combat Class has proceeded until now.

The participants can choose whatever weapon they are familiar with.

Of course, they are all provided by the Academy to make sure there won't be weapon disparity in the duals.

So, no use in pondering about it, as even I had the voice to pick one and focus on how I should end this fight…

My mind seemed to be wandering, dwelling on entirely unnecessary thoughts instead of focusing on the present match.

Simultaneously, Luke advanced toward me and halted just within striking distance, seeking to exploit the long-range advantage his weapon afforded him.

His spear was aimed at my leg.

Hehe, wrong move.

With my quick reflexes, I trapped the Spear underneath my foot, gripping it strongly and not allowing it to slip out.

The look of struggle on Luke's face was a sight to savor, and I briefly considered prolonging his discomfort.

However, right at that moment, something caught my attention at the Ring-[1], which should not be so important for me as of now.

"...are you really ignoring me in the middle of a fight?"

"There is a limit to how arrogant one can act"(Luke)

However, someone felt it offensive and shot out at me in anger.

But I continued to ignore him and tried to get a clear view of the other party opposite of Arjivon within the battle ring.

Was that Darrow?

Hum, it must be time for that scene, I guess.

…will he remember, though?

Lost in my contemplation, I inadvertently relaxed my grip on the spear beneath my foot, causing it to slip free with force.

And as a wise man once said, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Luke tumbled onto the ground and-

…fell on his butt.

"Make me.

-I asserted, meeting Luke's gaze as he sat there

"If you think I am not giving my all, make me do so."(Rai)

For some reason, even if I had said those words, there was no anger in it.

…at least from my perspective.

You know what?

Maybe I should also follow their lead and finish off everyone.

I pondered as I was still countering Luke's attacks with dodges, ducks, and jumps.

My gaze landed on Rosalind and Arjivon, who are at–

-Streak-[24] and Streak-[25] respectively, while still maintaining another unofficial Streak victory of defeating their opponent under ten seconds.

However, I know damn well that was also one of those passing thoughts I have occasionally.

The simple thought of being under such a huge spotlight of attention tired my whole body and soul.

…nah, let's forget about it.

I would rather follow this slow process of defeating my opponents for under or slightly over a minute, then later deal with all that attention.

But above all this, it would have been really amusing to see the reactions of the people behind the scenes of this so-called Combat Class.

Especially the ever meticulous...

The Student Council President.

"You should watch your step, dude…"(Rai)

I muttered under my breath as I faked a kick right to Luks's face, jolting his back in response.

By now, he was unarmed, having lost his spear during our scuffle.

What? Did you all forget that I was still in the midst of the battle?

"...Hm? What nonse–"(Luke)

"Student Naga Luke was out of bounds, ending the duel in Student Rai Karnal's victory."(Referee)

The referee declared, cutting off any further protests.

.

(To be continued…)

(IMPORTANT NOTE–READ BELOW)

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[Author's Note:

[Hello everyone, I understand this may seem rather sudden, and indeed it is-

[I will be taking a break from uploading new chapters for about a month or so.

[I am a University student, and writing is a part-time hobby for me.

[With my semester exams approaching in just one week and spanning over three weeks, it's essential for me to fully focus on my studies during this period.

[I apologize for leaving the story hanging in the middle, and I appreciate your understanding.

[-(WrightBrothers)-]]

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Chapter words : 1302