[Vol. 7] Chapter 223: Greed and Obsession
First Academic District, Main Event Arena
Right now, the second-to-last match of the World Academy Joint Exchange Conference was in full swing. Even though it wasn’t the final or most important match, the outcome would still affect many academies’ final rankings. Naturally, no one was taking it lightly. Some teams even started revealing powerful strategies they had been keeping secret until now.
Everyone wanted to give it their all in these final moments, and unexpected "dark horse" teams kept appearing. The matches were more intense than any of the earlier ones, which had followed more predictable patterns. There were even a few surprising and chaotic battles where both sides ended up heavily injured.
The first match of the tournament, a long and challenging maze exploration, [Morst Underground Labyrinth], had a few small accidents. But overall, the rest of the tournament had gone smoothly. Still, there were some things people talked about. For example, one of Sainz Academy’s most famous “Seventh District Heroes,” [Scorching Dragon Golden Flame], mysteriously disappeared after the first match and hadn’t been seen since. That caused a lot of discussion.
Even without [Scorching Dragon Golden Flame], Sainz Academy was still a strong team. There were rumors that she had already surpassed human limits and reached a legendary level of power, perhaps even a mythical creature in human form. But even so, no one believed she could win the entire tournament on her own. In fact, even in the opening maze match, where she did participate, Sainz only placed second, just behind Frederick Academy.
Many people were still wondering what happened to [Scorching Dragon Golden Flame], did she really get badly hurt in the first round, just like the rumors said? Was that why she hadn't returned to compete or even appeared in public? Still, as the tournament went on, more and more people started forgetting about her. After all, in a big event like this, there’s always a new rising star to catch everyone’s attention.
“Bang!!!”
“Match over! Victory goes to Frederick Royal Academy!”
A wobbly figure was knocked away with ease and crashed to the ground, unable to stand back up. The referee, who had been watching closely, immediately shouted the result. The sharp-eyed, blue-haired girl who had won stopped her attack at just the right moment and stood calmly on a wooden post, quietly watching as the backup fighters and medics rushed to carry the defeated player off the stage.
This match they were in was based on a classic agility training exercise called “Dragonfly Touching Water.” Just like its name suggests, it involved standing on tall, thin wooden posts, just big enough for one or two feet, and trying to stay balanced for a long time. It was a way to train the lower body and was especially useful for agile warriors and fighters.
This match, based on that type of agility training, was even more challenging. Both fighters had to stand inside a small arena made of 100 wooden posts. They weren’t allowed to use any weapons, and had to move and fight at close range. During the match, they couldn’t break any of the posts or fall to the ground. If they did, they would lose immediately.
Because of these rules, only agile classes like rangers or thieves could take part in this event. There was no chance for heavy-armored warriors or mages to do anything here.
That’s why Orluk had become one of the key fighters for Frederick Royal Academy in this round.
“Whew…”
Taking a soft breath, the blue-haired girl jumped down from the post and walked toward her cheering teammates at the edge of the stage.
“You did great, Orluk! Come on, drink some water and take a break!”
The heterochromatic-eyed girl leading the team handed her a water bottle. Orluk took it instinctively, but when her fingers accidentally brushed against the smooth skin of the princess’s hand, she suddenly froze, and almost spilled the water.
Lately, her mind had been getting more and more unstable because of certain influences. Most of the time she could manage, but when she came into contact with specific people…
Carinvega didn’t seem bothered by the small touch at all. Instead, she looked a bit concerned and gently reached out to feel Orluk’s forehead, damp with sweat, looking puzzled.
“Huh? Your face is so red. You even feel a little warm... Are you tired? Should we have someone else take your place and let you rest?”
The thief girl quickly backed away from the princess’s hand, turning her head slightly, as if feeling guilty.
“I-I’m fine, Your Highness. I can keep fighting.”
“Hm…”
Staring at Orluk’s delicate but slightly gloomy face, Carinvega, who knew her personality very well, tilted her head and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear.
“Hey, Orluk… have you been hiding something lately? I feel like you’ve been avoiding me. You’re always sneaking off to meet others, and when I ask, they just say it’s nothing important… What are you all doing?”
As Orluk’s eyes became even more uneasy, Carinvega suddenly gave her a little smile.
“But never mind, I respect your choice. If you ever have any trouble or worries, you can always come to me for help, okay? You haven’t forgotten the promise we made back then, have you?”
“A promise…? Wait, Your Highness, do you already know…?”
The girl looked surprised and glanced at the princess, clearly moved by her words. She stayed quiet for a moment, lowering her head as if deep in thought. It looked like she was unsure whether to speak… but before Orluk could make up her mind, the knight Gladys came hurrying over and quietly reported to the princess.
“Your Highness, Prince Xiluo is here. He wishes to speak with you.”
“Huh? My brother…?”
Their conversation was interrupted. Carinvega gave Orluk an apologetic smile, then turned back to Gladys with a curious expression.
“That’s really sudden… Did he say what it’s about? Where is he now?”
“He’s waiting in the lounge. Prince Xiluo seemed to be in a rush and didn’t look very well. Should I let him know you’ll come?”
Carinvega hesitated a little and looked at Orluk, but Orluk quickly shook her head and spoke firmly.
“Instead of cheering for me here, Your Highness has more important things to do, things that suit your position and your strength. Don’t worry about me. No matter when, I will give everything I have to win for you… My loyalty to you will never change, no matter what happens.”
“Why are you saying things like that all of a sudden? It almost sounds like you’re jinxing yourself… Well, okay then! Do your best, Orluk, and don’t push yourself too hard! I’ll come back right after I finish talking with my brother!”
The princess patted Orluk’s shoulder, gave her a few words of encouragement, and finally turned to leave with her escort.
“Gladys, let’s go!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
“……”
Watching the person she admired most walk away and disappear into the far end of the arena, the smile on Orluk’s face slowly faded. After standing quietly for a moment, it turned into a bitter, hard-to-describe smile.
“…Even after all this time… even after gaining such power… nothing has really changed at all. I really am… just a useless coward… heh…”