Chapter 183

Wednesday morning.

As Silfi and Count Deorg faced off in the Northern Forest, the spectator seats in the Grand Stadium were buzzing with a crowd far larger than the first day. The reason was simple.

Students from the classes that had dropped out of the sports festival had flocked in to catch the finals.

The atmosphere was lively and chaotic.

As countless eyes turned toward the arena, the Voice Amplification Device powered on. Soon, the voices of the two announcers, a man and a woman, filled the air.

“Thank you for your patience!”

“We are about to start the final match to determine the champion of the Arsen Sports Festival!”

Edeline and Million.

With their bright and calm tones, the two smoothly continued the proceedings.

“While the arena is being prepared, let’s introduce the classes that made it to the finals again!”

“Everyone, please pay attention to the entrance.”

All eyes shifted to the entrance.

Simultaneously, a massive wave of people began to enter the arena. Two classes were set to compete in the finals, and Edeline’s explanations continued accordingly.

“Introducing Class 3, featuring the monster expected to seize victory with overwhelming strength and stamina until graduation—Ulan!”

“Next, we have Class 2, which has made it to the finals without any particularly outstanding cadets but boasts excellent teamwork.”

Even after finishing the introductions, Edeline kept talking non-stop. She felt the need to buy time while the staff prepared the arena, in an effort to keep the spectators entertained.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

The vice representative of Class 2, a pseudonym used by Fertisha Lapis, was gazing at the students of Class 3 waiting opposite her.

A muscular man stood at the center of the group.

Ulan.

Fertisha first learned about his existence thanks to her half-brother, Chartang.

With the news that a special individual had entered Arsen Academy, he regaled Fertisha with tales of Ulan.

The first barbarian to enroll at Arsen.

He was the one who made over a hundred injuries during his speech at the New Student Entrance Ceremony and was designated as a Class 0 target by the Empire’s Military Department.

Moreover, he was barely a year older than her, making him practically a peer.

Is that why?

All the stories surrounding Ulan fueled Fertisha’s curiosity.

“But…”

Due to circumstances, she couldn’t directly see him, so she requested the wind spirits to relay Ulan’s stories on her behalf.

What absurd things he had done today.

What lectures he attended, whom he met, what topics they discussed.

Moreover, she learned about his waking hours, preferred foods, and even his bedtimes.

Time passed significantly.

Fertisha managed to grasp Ulan’s every move. Yet, she didn’t view it as particularly excessive.

“He’s going to be my knight.”

So she watched him with even more interest.

However, the more she learned about Ulan, the more her feelings soured.

Simply put.

“His relationships with women are too messy.”

Just a few months ago.

When she met Ulan for the first time in the capital, he was clearly with Ivella. At that time, it was alright, but the issue arose afterward.

Fifteen days before transferring to the academy.

Fertisha bumped into Ulan at the entrance of a hotel restaurant. But this time, the one by his side wasn’t Ivella; it was Noa.

“And…”

According to the whispers of the spirits, Ulan was surrounded only by women. It was proof of the chaotic relationships he had.

“I’m reluctant to have someone like that around.”

Growing up in the Imperial Family, Fertisha had witnessed all sorts of romantic entanglements since childhood. So naturally, it was something that weighed on her mind.

However, just because she felt that way didn’t mean she would stay away from Ulan. On the contrary, she needed to keep him close and gradually correct his mistakes.

As mentioned earlier—

He was meant to be her knight.

“Yeah, this sounds good.”

Her pure eyes sparkled brightly.

As if there were no errors in the decision she had just made, her gaze was filled with strong conviction.

After breaking free from her thoughts.

When she had solidified her resolve.

“It seems to be ready now!”

“We will soon begin the first match. The representatives from each class, please come forward.”

The announcers’ voices indicated that the match preparations were complete. Soon, the two of them directed their words toward Class 3’s students.

“Class 3 representative, Iris Senior!”

“Please let us know your chosen category.”

Before the two finished speaking.

Stepping up to the podium, Iris confidently proclaimed through the Voice Amplification Device.

“Yes, we’ve chosen ‘Extreme Strength’.”

Extreme Strength.

As the name suggests, it’s a match to see who possesses the greatest physical power.

The rules are pretty simple; it’s just about lifting a heavy object for 30 seconds.

Of course, the heavier the weight, the higher the score, and if you fail to meet the time, you’re disqualified regardless of how heavy the object you lifted was.

Considering that, it might seem like a somewhat dull match, but the audience’s reaction was exactly the opposite of what one might expect.

“Class 3 will have Ulan participating!”

As soon as Iris’s words finished.

“Waaaah!”

“Ulan! Ulan!”

“The crazy barbarian of Arsen!”

As soon as his name was called, a tremendous roar erupted. Following that, the students exchanged excited voices.

“How far do you think he can lift?”

“If it’s him, he could probably lift a log!”

“Oh come on, that’s obviously a given.”

“He looks like he could lift a boulder with ease!”

Students glowing with excitement.

It wasn’t just the students who were interested in Ulan. The professors were likewise, their eyes gleaming as they fixed their gazes on the arena.

“Five silver coins on the log.”

“Then I’ll bet three coins on the boulder.”

“I’m betting on the carriage.”

“What? The carriage?”

“That seems a bit tough…”

“No! If it’s Ulan, he can do it.”

It was the moment when bets formed on how heavy Ulan could lift.

Students and professors concentrating on the match.

Both groups had one thing in common.

They were all surprisingly uninterested in the outcome of the match. It was pretty much a given that Ulan would emerge victorious in a match related to strength.

“He really is incredibly strong.”

Fertisha nodded.

Even Saxen, known as the Sword of the Imperial Family, wouldn’t match Ulan’s strength. That’s how monstrous his power was.

“But strength isn’t everything.”

There are things in the world that can’t be accomplished through strength alone.

Even though ‘Extreme Strength’ was an obligatory category for Class 3, securing high scores in the other two categories could lead to victory as well.

As Fertisha’s eyes shone brightly.

“Excuse me, Cadet Lapis.”

“Could I have a moment?”

Several cadets approached her.

They were participants of the match.

“If it’s not too much trouble, could you sing once the match begins?”

“Huh? Sing?”

“Yes, it may be a long shot but…”

“After hearing the song you sang in the last match, I felt a surge of energy.”

They awkwardly smiled.

They might say it’s a long shot, but it was no mere illusion. Her song had a special power.

Indeed, during the last match, she alleviated her team’s fatigue with her singing. Fertisha nodded with a smile.

“Of course. I’d be happy to sing.”

“Really?”

“Thank you!”

The cadets’ expressions brightened.

Shortly after, the match began, and Fertisha sang as if waiting for this moment.

As her sweet voice flowed out, the students of Class 2 shone with vigor.

“Alright, let’s do this!”

“We might actually win this!”

Excitedly shouting, the students held their heads high, but the wall of reality was far too high. In an instant, the match concluded.

“Are you kidding me? Attempting the carriage right from the start?”

“Come on, even so… are we hearing this right?”

“And he did it with one hand!”

Ulan held the carriage aloft and sustained it for quite some time.

But that wasn’t the end of his performance.

He effortlessly lifted enormous boulders, statues as big as houses, and other objects that seemed utterly impossible.

“Hahaha! I’ve won!”

“Come on, pay up with the silver coins.”

“You’re the best, barbarian!”

The spectators erupted with cheers.

In contrast, the 2nd class students who faced Ulan wore dejected expressions, shoulders drooping in defeat.

Without a doubt, it was a total loss.

Soundly defeated, they bowed their heads toward Fertisha.

“W-we’re sorry.”

“You even sang for us…”

“Oh! No, it’s fine.”

Fertisha waved her hands.

It was a reactively obvious response for a match she had expected to lose long ago. The representative of Class 2, Pelion, also encouraged the students.

“Cadet Lapis is right. It’s admirable that you fought against that monster.”

“S-senpai…”

“Let’s make up for it in the remaining matches.”

Pelion’s eyes were ablaze.

Even though it seemed like he had a plan.

After the first match ended, preparations for the next match began immediately. The announcers promptly called Pelion to the podium.

“Class 2 representative, Pelion Weilders!”

“Please share your chosen category.”

With all eyes on him.

Pelion’s lips began to move.

“Yes, the match we selected is…”

Soon, a calm response flowed from his mouth, echoed throughout the Grand Stadium through the Voice Amplification Device.

2.

Right after Pelion’s response ended, Ulan tilted his head.

“A defense match?”

“Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a game where you split into offense and defense to achieve objectives.”

The second match would be a Defense Battle.

Initially, the number of participants from each side would be capped at ten. Then, the attacking side needs to break through the defensive side to reach their destination.

Conversely, the defense side’s goal would be to stop the attacking side from getting there and to seize the flag held by their representative.

“Sounds similar to a Mock Battle.”

“Hmm, it’s similar but a bit different.”

“Different?”

“Yes, take a look over there.”

Iris pointed at the arena.

Soon, her explanation followed.

“If you look at the ground, you can see various circles drawn on it.”

As she said, the ground had circles of varying sizes drawn on it. Some circles were quite large, while others were very narrow.

“Students belonging to the defending side cannot move outside their designated circles.”

“So, movement is restricted?”

“That’s correct.”

Nodding, Iris continued to add more details.

“After the match ends, each team will switch roles and play again.”

The score is determined by how quickly the person with the flag reaches their destination. In other words, it’s based on the time taken to reach the destination.

However, just as the defensive side gets disqualified for going outside their circle, the attacking side will get automatically disqualified if the time limit is exceeded.

While detailed explanations were underway.

Noa was staring intently at Fertisha, rapidly blinking her eyes. There was just one purpose. To confirm her status window.

[Name]: Fertisha Eve Al Rubens

[Age]: 16 years

[Rank]: SS

[Trait]: Spirit’s Blessing

Given the low level of intimacy, she couldn’t see specific traits, but that didn’t bother her.

With extensive experience, Noa had memorized all of Fertisha’s traits.

‘Two abilities to be wary of.’

Singing and Spirit Art.

Fortunately, since she hadn’t passed the Trial of the Hero yet, her singing wasn’t particularly threatening. Therefore, the genuine concern lay with Spirit Art.

‘Spirits are invisible.’

Unless you’re another Spirit User, there’s no way to perceive or detect the presence of spirits.

Especially now, with restrictions preventing the use of Aura and Mana, Fertisha could be a headache of an opponent.

“The first Defense Battle will have Class 2 as the attacking side and Class 3 as the defending side!”

“Please prepare for the match.”

While contemplating Fertisha’s abilities.

All preparations were completed.

According to the announcers’ words, the students headed to the arena, soon moving to their respective sides.

“Match start!”

Not long after.

The curtains rose on the second match.

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