Chapter 224

The chaos of the brawl is quite famous as a fun event in the Soul World.

Typically, team battles involve two teams fighting, but in a brawl, fittingly named, three teams go at it.

You might wonder if this is even useful for assessment, but surprisingly, it is. First off, it possesses the uniqueness of a scramble.

Quick situational judgment, followed by actions to carry it out, and finally, the ability to improvise and overcome crises.

Plus, there’s room for some backstabbing, allowing for evaluations from multiple angles.

So, it’s not necessary for teams to engage directly. You can just sit back and watch the other teams duke it out.

‘It’s surprisingly deep, this event.’

Historically, especially in wars, backstabbing has been rampant.

A prime example is World War I, a conflict that erupted in a tightly interconnected struggle.

Of course, a brawl is a real-time combat scenario, not some political affair. You have to rely on your instincts for fighting.

As a result, there are often situations akin to ‘survival of the fittest’ rather than outright betrayal.

However, staying hidden will just send your score plummeting, so engaging in battle is definitely the better option.

“The rules were explained last time, but I’ll recap. In a brawl, five participants are randomly selected. You also have three chances, even if you get knocked out,”

Malboro explained to us as we waited in a room resembling a locker room before the brawl began.

The unique feature of the brawl is that even though there are 1 vs 1 vs 1 situations, you get three chances, so you don’t have to hold back.

“Of course, this applies if you’re conscious. If you lose consciousness at any point in the day, your chances are gone.”

“Will a barrier activate if you lose consciousness?”

“Yes. Just follow the usual protocol. And don’t worry too much, as long as our team is there, everyone else is an enemy.”

Malboro had a point. No need to overthink a brawl.

If you exclude our team, everyone else is an enemy. If they fight among themselves, that’s just fine, and if not, who cares?

I can just enjoy it slowly, as I always do. The only concern I have is about Erica.

Of course, she lacks combat skills, but it’s essential to keep an eye on how she’ll support us.

“Professor, you mentioned it would be random, right?”

“Yeah. Got any questions?”

“Does that mean the top five could be randomly summoned all at once?”

A student raised their hand and asked. It’s not entirely impossible, but…

Malboro shook his head, denying it. Even randomly selected, it wouldn’t happen like that.

“No. Statistically, it’s likely that the lower ranks will be selected first. Occasionally, the top ranks come up, but it’s extremely rare. If that happens…”

“What happens…?”

Malboro trailed off in a serious tone, causing everyone to look at him with tense expressions.

Just as a heavy atmosphere was settling in, Malboro chuckled and made a joke.

“I guess you’d better buy a lottery ticket.”

“What?”

“Given those odds, the Academy would notice the issue. If it really happens, I don’t want to write a report.”

Malboro’s joke lightened the awkward mood. If that were to actually happen, it wouldn’t end with just a report.

Or, it might lead to another report because of me. Crazy things can happen in a brawl.

Still, I plan to play it safe. Even if ganged up on, I should be able to hold my own.

“Finally, know that one person from the top five will be called up at a time.”

“Huh?”

Was there always such a rule? I tilted my head, unsure.

I wasn’t sure, but it wasn’t my concern, so I let it slide.

[The match will start in 10 minutes. Students, please prepare quickly.]

The announcement echoed through the locker room. It seemed like it was about to begin.

As the broadcast played, Malboro left after sharing a few encouraging words. The brawl was now in our hands.

“But isn’t this super advantageous for us?”

“Of course. One of us is a monster, and the other is a barbarian. The answer’s clear.”

“It’s called the Tartar people, not a barbarian. You might lose your tongue.”

Right after Malboro left, a lively atmosphere filled the room. It was like they were already high on victory.

The monster reference was about me, and the barbarian was obviously about Karas. But couldn’t they keep it down a bit?

Surprisingly, Karas didn’t get offended at being called a barbarian anymore. She’s probably matured mentally enough to just let it go.

“I’m not the one losing my tongue. Why am I being treated like that?”

She looked pretty indignant about it. I must have left quite an impact, affecting even her.

She also has the determination to pull her tongue out if someone crossed the line. It’s just that civilized norms hold her back.

But being treated that way despite doing nothing must be frustrating for her. I felt a bit sorry about it.

“Um… is it because of your image? Didn’t you cause as much trouble as Sivar back in the day?”

“Ugh. You’ve got a point, but I don’t want to hear it.”

Luna’s factual smackdown made Karas smirk, looking incredulous.

But I could see her fists were tightly clenched, indicating she probably wanted to hit Luna on the head.

Or she might want to pull out Luna’s tongue instead. Luna has a knack for saying stuff that leaves people speechless.

“But in here, we don’t know what’s happening inside, right?”

Luna looked around and asked. In this locker-like space, there was only the entrance.

There were no devices to show what was happening inside. Just the entrance, really.

“I guess that’s true. The only way to find out is to see with our own eyes…”

“Um? Now that I think about it, where did Karas and Danyerin go?”

While Grace was pondering, Luna noticed the oddity and began looking around.

Indeed, those two were missing from the locker room. The reason was pretty simple.

“They’re considered transfer students. Their ranks haven’t been established yet.”

“Oh, I see.”

“They’re probably keeping an eye from the stands by now.”

Since Karas and Danyerin were transfer students, they couldn’t participate in the brawl.

It seems a bit unfair, but it’s actually better this way. Otherwise, it might create difficulties for the opponents.

Danyerin is fine, but Karas is a figure talked about as the next emperor of the Matra Empire.

Dealing with him would be awkward in many ways, so it’s better to keep him out.

“It’s bound to be entertaining. But I wonder if teamwork will be possible.”

“That might be tough, right? Honestly, it’s hard to unite a class.”

As Grace pointed out, uniting the class would be challenging. Clearly, they’d all be out for themselves.

Just a few days ago, each individual was a competitor; now they’re expected to work together?

That makes no sense. Nevertheless, there’s at least a slight worry.

‘I might inadvertently attract Karas’s attention.’

It happened in the Soul World. Karas stands out both visually and skill-wise.

Moreover, unlike our class, the others likely still view her as a barbarian.

So there’s definitely a chance for her to become the focus of their attacks.

‘It’s just racism, really.’

That’s all it boils down to—some serious racism. They probably want to deal with the outstanding barbarian first.

I really wonder if it’ll go down like that this time too. I’d prefer if the focus was on me.

Even if she isn’t drawn in, that’s fine; if Karas faces a mob attack, the Academy would discipline them.

‘After the brawl, the Tartar people will likely see a more favorable view.’

Racism is a tragedy no matter where you look at it from. Soon enough, I’ll be witnessing that scene firsthand.

I want to prevent it. If history flows as it should, Karas will also suffer plenty because of it.

No matter how mentally mature she might be, wounds are wounds. Strong people can often be weak in heart.

Beep!

[The match will start in 5 minutes. The order of summoning is…]

It seemed the match was about to start. The summoned individuals stood up to warm up.

Thankfully, including me and my acquaintances, no one had been called yet. It’d be tough to go out right from the start.

[The match begins now.]

Finally, the closed entrance opened, and the summoned individuals stepped outside. With only five of them called, it didn’t feel empty at all.

“We go out every ten minutes, right?”

“Yep.”

“Then we should do some warm-ups until then. It’d be a pain if we cramp up.”

Thanks to Karas’s suggestion, we agreed to do some warm-ups before heading out. I didn’t really need to, but I quietly stood up.

As we began our warm-ups, others noticed and started to stand up too. There was really no need for that, though.

Just when we wrapped up our ten-minute warm-up…

Beep!

[Please enter the next participant. The ranking is…]

There were still no top ranks called. But, who knows when it might come, so we should stay alert.

Especially since I might be called before Karas. Going by ranks, she was first.

[Please enter the next participant. The rank is 1st.]

What? How can the 1st place person be called up right away?

As everyone knows, our class’s top spot is Karas. She hadn’t caused any trouble, so she’s overwhelmingly ranked first.

“What? Is it really me?”

“Looks like it.”

“If our side’s first goes out, doesn’t that mean the other side’s first will come out too?”

“Not necessarily. It’s completely random.”

“Oh, come on. I’m heading out.”

Karas seemed reluctant but went out with the other participants.

[Please enter the next participant. The rank is 5th.]

“Huh?”

But right after Karas, I was called. I double-checked the ranking.

I am indeed 5th. I earned my rank based on the points I lost and gained.

“I won.”

“I won!”

“Looks like that’s a win!”

People seemed to think that with my name called, victory was already secured.

They seem to be overestimating me, but since I’ve shown something in the past, I’ll let it slide this time.

When I stood at the entrance with the others, Luna casually commented from behind.

“Sivar.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t hog the spotlight. Otherwise, the others won’t get any points.”

“……”

Is she worried about me or the points?

Given Luna’s personality, it’s more likely she’s concerned for the latter, but it’s strange how she always stirs up misunderstandings.

It’s a bit baffling, but I let it go since she’s just looking out for us. Right now, what matters is the upcoming brawl.

I wonder what’s happening inside. Karas is strong, but in a mob scenario, even she would have a hard time.

‘It should be fine for now, right?’

I quickened my pace towards the exit. As I got closer, I could hear loud sounds from outside.

Finally, when I stepped out from the dark passage, a realization hit me late.

‘Oh, right. Weapons.’

I had completely forgotten to grab my weapon. Normally, it would’ve been in the locker room.

Going back now seems awkward, so I’ll just pass. I can manage without it just fine.

As I reached the exit and stepped outside, I looked around. The scenery was clearly rocky.

‘Where’s Karas…’

I stopped in my tracks while searching for Karas.

“Come on in! Come on, you bastards! Get in!!”

“Hey! What are you waiting for, let’s go!”

“You go first! Why are you pushing me?!”

Karas was playing the leading role in a dramatic scene against what looked like a rock wall.

Just as I feared, she was being ganged up on, cornered by a collective attack.

It seemed she’s caught everyone’s attention due to her impressive performance.

I mean, how much chaos would she have caused to make the other teams group up and attack her?

Although sprinkled with some racist comments, they were clearly meant to provoke her.

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