Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, refusing to let anxiety grip my heart.
My opponent was already waiting, standing tall and calm. From his build alone, I could tell he worked out regularly. He was at least F+ Rank, maybe even close to E-. Unfortunately, I didn't recognize him from the story, which meant I had no idea what his attack patterns were or how he fought.
That alone made this match dangerous.
As the signal to start was given, he launched himself at me without hesitation. His movement was clean and fast, his fist cutting through the air with precision. The unsettling part wasn't his speed—it was the way he smiled.
Calm. Confident. Amused.
I blocked the incoming punch with my sword just in time, the force reverberating through my arms. Immediately, I retaliated with a low kick aimed at his calves. I knew a bit of martial arts from back then, and while I hadn't mastered it, I understood how to accumulate damage over time.
But as expected, my kick barely made him flinch.
He scoffed and countered instantly, driving his fist toward my liver.
I barely managed to avoid it by spreading my right shoulder—activating my First Wing.
A brilliant white wing burst forth from my back, feathered and radiant, shimmering like crystal under the arena lights.
Gasps echoed throughout the stands.
Professors and students alike widened their eyes.
"Hmm that Bloodline... " one professor whispered.
But their excitement faded slightly when they realized I was only using one wing. A rare bloodline, yes—but not fully awakened. Some of them looked disappointed.
Still, they watched closely. Because something was different.
My movements weren't just fast—they were precise. Calculated. My steps were clean, and my timing was flawless. While an F+ Rank opponent could react to my moves, he wasn't taking me seriously, and that cost him.
Another kick to the same calf.
Then another.
The third landed solidly.
And that's when he felt it.
His leg started going numb.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Andrea was watching with wide eyes, panting from her earlier match. A look of worry crossed her face, mixed with something else—hope. I was doing better than she expected.
Selena, too, had been watching.
At first, she leaned back lazily, her expression one of thinly veiled boredom. She genuinely thought I would lose in under a minute. But now, her posture changed. She leaned forward, resting her cheek on her palm, elbow on the armrest. Her long raven hair cascaded down like black silk, and her black eyes gleamed with curiosity and something more… amusement.
She was entertained.
Back in the arena, I was starting to feel the strain. I wasn't strong—not yet. My only advantage was my flexibility, agility, and a bit of martial knowledge.
My sword had become a burden. Every time I tried to use it, he intercepted it with ease. I was wasting energy.
So, I tossed it aside.
The crowd gasped again.
A swordless fight?
I stood up straight, adopting a close-range stance.
My opponent smiled wider. He liked the challenge.
And so, we fought hand-to-hand.
Our fists collided like whips cracking in the wind. The sounds of impact echoed like thunder through the arena.
His neatly slicked-back hair became messier with every exchange. His brown eyes lit up—not with arrogance, but with genuine interest. He hadn't expected a junior to go this far, especially not in a pure hand-to-hand exchange.
He shook off the numbness in his leg and started going all-out.
I barely kept up. Within five minutes, I was panting. My stamina was being pushed to its limit.
But the crowd approved.
Even though I was a newcomer, I held my ground.
Seven minutes passed.
I finally collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.
Defeated.
But exhilarated.
My chest rose and fell rapidly as I looked up at the sky above the arena dome. I hadn't fought anyone seriously in a long time… and the thrill? It was addictive.
My opponent walked over and offered his hand.
Without hesitation, I took it.
"Thanks," I said, bowing slightly in respect.
The crowd applauded.
When I returned to the top of the seating area, Andrea immediately rushed over, grinning widely.
"You were amazing!" she said, her voice filled with excitement. "I didn't think you could go that far against someone like him!"
I laughed, scratching the back of my head. "I was honestly just hoping not to die."
My uniform was damp with sweat and clung uncomfortably to my body. I quickly changed into a simple T-shirt I kept in my bag.
It fit tightly, stretching slightly across my abs and chest.
Unintentionally, I became the center of attention. I could feel several glances shifting in my direction as I walked past. If I used my seduction aura right now…
Well, most girls would probably take notice.
I sighed, ignoring the stares. Andrea was still talking excitedly about my match, and I listened with a small smile.
Then I noticed Selena.
She was looking at me.
Her expression was unreadable—eyes cold, lips neutral. But I activated my seduction aura for a split second… just to test something.
Her expression shifted.
First disdain.
Then… something else.
Curiosity? Admiration?
It was subtle. But it was there.
When we returned to the classroom, a few students were still missing, caught up in their matches.
Andrea and I sat down. As soon as we did, she turned to speak, still animated.
But I stopped her, turning slowly, eyes half-lidded, a teasing smile on my lips.
I focused my seductive aura directly on her.
Her voice hitched.
"Hm… about what I said earlier," I said, voice low and slow, "do you want me to change it?"
She blinked.
Her eyes darted to my lips, then away.
I felt guilty. Honestly, seducing a pure girl like her just because the system wanted it—it felt wrong. But the mission demanded results.
I leaned back, allowing my shirt to pull even tighter around my torso, making the muscle definition even clearer.
Andrea stared, stunned into silence.
Why did she always end up the one being teased?
And why was it so easy for him to fluster her?
Every time he looked at her with those teasing eyes, she couldn't even hold eye contact for more than two seconds. It was frustrating!
But this time… she didn't blush.
She took a breath and forced herself to speak.
"Fine," she said, crossing her arms. "Treat me to food. L–Like a date."
I blinked.
Caught completely off guard.
Her voice had trembled slightly on the word date, but it was there. Clear as day.
Andrea turned her head away immediately, hiding the heat rising to her face.
I stared at her for a second longer, then chuckled softly.
"Alright," I said. "It's a date then."