Chapter - 44 : Stay Strong

(Continuation…)

(Location - Stadium Arena[1c])

(Rai's POV)

(30 Minutes Before Combat Test)

"Kavir, don't hold back."(Rai)

I reminded him not to pull back any pouches like he did in the Novel during the Combat Test.

It was the same advice I had given him during the Entrance Test for the Academy.

Oh, by the way, if I hadn't mentioned it already, Kavir had ranked 58th in the Entrance Test

Meaning this freaking bastard is an anomaly in himself.

So, I need him to display his full strength.

…if he does that, many bugs will stop annoying us for good.

Hehe, I am a Genius.

I couldn't help but pat myself on the back.

"I won't your, High–

Kavir began, almost slipping into the formal address ingrained in him, but stopped–

"...Student Rai."(Kavir)

–And after a small pause, he continued.

…he is still edgy to call me without a title?

But it's good to see him trying, I guess.

Anyway, after responding to me, he moved on in the opposite direction, heading towards his designated place in Group-{4}, while I stood alone near Gate-{4}.

Not later, as I began to walk towards my designated place, Group-{3},-

I reminded myself that the reason I had entered through Gate-{5} instead of Gate-{3} was to drop off David.

I think there is no one as privileged as him in the whole Academy.

After all, Where else would you be able to find a lucky individual being personally escorted by a Prince?

I couldn't help but smirk at the thought.

That should be a sufficient reason for those who were keeping an eye on me, right?

Well, now let's come to the main reason I tagged along with him-

Which is to seek out a particular person and confirm their opinion on what I was about to do in the Battle Test.

Which I did and got the same response I had expected.

"…maybe I don't need Kavir's help as bug repellent."(Rai)

I muttered to myself in a low voice as I continued my way to Group-{3}.

…and as for tagging along with David, he just happened to be in the same Group, I guess.

Tsk! You know what? I should have just directly entered the stadium through Gate-{3}, without bothering myself with anyone.

Now I had to make the trek from Gate-{5} to Gate-{3}.

…which is not too long, actually.

And as for Kavir being in Group-{4}, I decided to let him be for now.

Nevertheless, one might wonder whether dividing us Eight Hundred(:800) students into Only Eight(:8) groups was a good idea.

However, when you considered the factors involved, it made perfect sense.

Firstly, not every student among the eight hundred would participate in the Combat Test.

In fact, like Two Hundred(:200) Students, didn't even register for the event.

It is not surprising since most of them passed the Entrance Test with outstanding Academic(:Theoretical) Scores alone but had less-than-mediocre Physical Scores.

Furthermore, it is estimated that around One Hundred and Fifty(:150)students would voluntarily withdraw themselves if the opponent they ended up facing in the ring was far off their Rank.

Which is, in fact, a smart move.

One needs to know the difference between a Challenge and Recklessness.

In the end, having it divided randomly into eight groups is a very commendable decision.

What was even more astonishing to know was that this was all planned by the Academy's very own students.

Particularly the Student Council, which is responsible for handling almost every student-related event without any involvement from the Academy staff.

.

After a few minutes of walking, I finally arrived at my designated spot within Group-{3}.

Luckily I even found an empty seat in the far corner of the group.

Most of the members of this group were already present.

I guess I am the only one running a bit late.

Then I took a quick scan, and noted the people around me.

Nope. Not a single familiar face here.

However, just as I was about to settle into my seat, a familiar figure came into my sight.

Um, what is he doing here?

I didn't recall seeing his name listed for Group-{3}.

"…well it's none of my busine–

–I began to mutter to myself to ignore him, but suddenly a thought crossed my mind, causing me to halt my own words.

"Hee-hee!"(Rai)

This could turn out to be quite interesting.

….and maybe even a lot of fun.

[Now that I think about it, I should help out my fellow first-years, right?](Rai)

With that thought in mind, I changed course and headed toward the familiar figure who had piqued my curiosity.

And that familiar figure happened to be none other than our very own-

–Glazer Darrow–

Alias, the Nuisance Number-[2].

"Hey Darrow, what are you doing here?"(Rai)

I approached him and greeted him as if he were a long-lost friend of mine.

"Student Rai Karnal, you are here."(Darrow)

Turning around, he returned my-

Greetings? That too with a-

…an uncharacteristic straight face?

Like No smug face at all.

He even extended a handshake?

Hmm, this was unexpected, and why did he seem like he was here to see me?

"So, what are you doing here? Picking up on someone again.

–I inquired, accepting the handshake, and added-

"Let me join you. It seems fun."(Rai)

-The last part is in a hushed tone that is not meant to be overheard by the surrounding crowd.

"I came to see you, Student Rai Kernel"(Darrow)

Unexpectedly, Darrow replied, confirming my earlier thoughts.

"..."(Rai)

Hearing his reply, I fell into a brief silence, staring at him as he returned my gaze.

"Yeah, I am leaving."(Rai)

Having declared abruptly, I am already making my way to depart.

Sorry, dude, I respect your choice and all, but I am definitely not interested.

Man! I didn't expect this at all.

I know that Novel's sometimes gobble up a lot of information on characters' personal preferences.

…especially the side characters.

But, isn't this really BIG information to skip?!!

I needed to exit this situation immediately and be more cautious moving forward.

"Student Karnal, why are you leaving suddenly?

–Darrow called after me, attempting to draw me back in with his smooth words.

"Whatever happened between us back then was a total misunderstanding on my part."(Darrow)

Yeah, dude, everyone says the same thing in these situations.

Like hell, I am gonna believe that.

I couldn't help but scoff internally.

"I hope I get to fight you in the final round."(Darrow)

His voice continued in the same manner.

I am not listening.

What-

…fight? Final round…?

What is this bastard babbling on about?

I pretended not to listen, but his words threw me off.

Pausing my moments, I gave a look back at him and–

"What gave you the idea that I would last until the last round?"(Rai)

–Asked from the same position.

"I am a Glazer too.

–He replied confidently.

Yeah, who cares?

"My eyes won't deceive me twice, Student Karnal."(Darrow)

What's with that face again?

I-sooo-want to punch that smug face right now.

"I happened to witness your recent endeavors in challenging fights.

Don't tell me you watched my duels(:street fights)?

"And unlike those failures, I know you've won them all fair and square, with a few draws to your name."(Darrow)

Ehh, you talk too much, buddy.

And I am too lazy to do what you're saying.

"I know you have been practicing a lot for today.

Now, this is what an actual misunderstanding is.

"So I won't hold back when facing you, even though I was disrespectful during our first meeting."(Darrow)

He concluded, finally.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm not planning on holding back either.

"So don't worry."(Rai)

I replied with a smile.

From the beginning, I had no intention of being a mere spectator today.

With that, Darrow turned and left without saying another word.

"Darrow…

–I called out this time.

I almost forgot the reason I had approached him in the first place due to all this banter.

"You are a Good Fighter too…

"So, stay strong.

"Like you are-one."(Darrow)

I said my words and moved towards my initial destination, the last seat in the last row.

I know these words don't make sense to him or to anyone(:readers), for the matter of fact.

...at least for now, but they might later, right?

.

(To be continued…)

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