Duel Declarations
"Everyone, pay attention. Starting today, we'll have a special guest with us. Classes will proceed as normal, so keep that in mind."
Just as class was about to start, Professor Malboro walked in. Our conversation with Kara naturally cut off, and Elvin, who arrived with him, headed to the seat behind Luna. There weren't many empty spots—only the one next to Kara could fit two people, though there were a few scattered vacancies here and there.
"……"
Elvin glanced at me, then Luna, and finally Kara as he walked. His face twisted into something indescribable. He looked genuinely baffled. A wild man, the top admission student, and a barbarian—what an odd trio.
"Did you talk to the professor about it?"
Luna, sandwiched between me and Kara, turned back to ask Elvin. He seemed a bit flustered but nodded.
"Uh... yeah, I did. The president should've sent out the official notice, so all the professors know."
"I see. Thanks for your hard work."
"You're the one who's been working harder... Never mind."
Luna stuck between a barbarian and a wild man. Elvin sized up her situation and clammed up. He'd realized saying more would just come off as teasing.
"First off, an announcement. Those who know already know, but there's a duel scheduled in a week. It'll be held in the special arena, not the regular one."
Malboro opened with the planned schedule. A duel in a week. It might sound like any ordinary bout, but considering the academy's unique system, it was different.
The point system.
The United Academy had a point system similar to credits. Perform well in duels like this one, along with various exams and events, and your points go up. Commit misdeeds or crimes, and your points—honor included—plummet.
This let you earn big and small rewards based on performance. Most rewards were material, but to commoners without noble status, they were invaluable. For nobles, the honor was worth more than life—not a bad deal.
If it just showed raw effort, the gains would vary wildly, right?
To keep it fair, they also measured growth. Plenty of students started mediocre but hit their stride later. That naturally boosted grades, and professors took notice.
Even if someone tried to game it, they'd get caught quick.
Hiding your strength? Impossible. The president himself was a monster-level Sword Saint. High-rollers in multiple playthroughs tried exploits, but he shut them all down. Points tanked, despair followed. Though, it sometimes led to sword training under him—not all bad.
"Duels aren't mandatory. But there'll be lots of spectators, and rewards based on points earned, so keep that in mind."
"Professor, does dueling more mean more points?"
"Each person can duel up to three times. Points increase the closer your ranks are."
The rest matched what I remembered. Duel upper vs. lower rank, and the lower gets more points regardless of win or loss. Upper rankers targeting big gaps? Basically zero points.
"Finally, nominations. Anyone can nominate anyone. The nominee can refuse without point loss."
But they'd earn the coward label. In the game, it dropped your 'honor' stat. Low honor meant disadvantages; too low, and it turned to 'infamy.' Infamy altered dialogue and made NPC cooperation tough.
"If more than three nominate one student, the nominee chooses. If they nominate back and it's accepted, they get priority."
"What, so complicated?"
Kara grumbled at the unexpectedly intricate rules. She thought she was quiet, but I heard every word.
There were more rules for fairness, but I tuned them out.
I'm in adaptation period anyway. Not an official student, no rank.
I wouldn't nominate anyone, nor would anyone nominate me. Sitting with Lord Sherman watching fights sounded fine. Final rewards were useless to me anyway—no stat gains.
"Any questions?"
Swipe—
Someone unexpected raised a hand. Kara, still propping her chin with a grumpy look.
"Yes? What's your question?"
"Doesn't it feel like top rankers get screwed? Or... no?"
Kara slipped into casual speech from habit, then switched to polite. She wasn't outright rude—minimal respect for elders. Call her a barbarian, though, and it'd flip back. Malboro wouldn't, so polite it stayed.
"Not at all. Top vs. top, points vary by win or loss."
"So we gotta win no matter what?"
"That's one way, but impressing spectators works too."
Duels were a key branching point for player 'growth.' Playstyle and points determined sponsors and mentors. Luna, with her top admission title, was already in the spotlight. No obligation to pick any—solo your way, ignore mismatched paths. All recommendations; choice was free.
Knight, so plenty of options.
She was a knight-in-training now. True knighthood needed more guidance.
Wish I could learn some techniques too...
I was a hollow shell—insane raw power, zero skill. Beat Elvin by sheer specs. Wanted to shine in duels, but adaptation period meant no points, maybe no entry.
"Professor, one more question?"
"Questions always welcome. Shoot."
As I lamented, Kara raised her hand again. She glanced at me, then dropped an obvious ploy.
"Can we challenge someone in adaptation period?"
"...What?"
Malboro's face stiffened. Luna gawked in shock. Other students too.
"She gonna challenge the wild man?"
"What's she thinking? Zero benefit."
"Her hot-blooded side never quits."
Kara was already a hot topic. Me involved? Eyes everywhere. Barbarian challenging wild man—fitting yet weird.
Caught off guard.
Honestly, me too. She should be eyeing Luna, but fire turned my way. Probably sparked curiosity from my Elvin duel.
"Quiet!"
Classroom buzzed; Malboro's mana-laced shout silenced it. He eyed Kara and me, face etched with deep thought.
"I get why you're asking, but answer first: yes, possible."
"Knew it."
Kara grinned at the yes. Already pumped.
"But as I said, the challenged must accept. That's the key."
"Hear that?"
"……"
Kara smirked at me. I just stared, lips sealed. No use claiming ignorance—I'd dueled Elvin already. She shrugged like my reaction didn't matter, assuming her own mix-up.
"Looks like he doesn't get it. Mind explaining?"
"……"
Luna eyed me at Kara's request, face conflicted. After agonizing, she flatly refused.
"Sorry, but no."
"Why?"
"He might start seeing violence as casual."
Reasonable. They saw me as a blank slate—easily stained paper. Wrong path loomed. But did she know? I'd been steeped in violence forever. Survival in the wild made it essential, not optional. Killing non-humans was second nature.
Kara countered with disbelief, whether she knew or not.
"That's weird logic. You think violence is only fists between people?"
"Duels differ from survival violence. We need him to see it as a tool, not necessity."
"Then duel more. Guide the direction—blanket 'no' just breeds rebellion."
Spear and shield clashed stubbornly. Intriguing debate; my ears perked.
"Enough! Debate over—class now!"
"Aww..."
"……"
Malboro shut it down quick. Both looked unsatisfied, far from done. Break time rematch incoming.
"Nominations start today. Afternoon classes are self-training from now. Train hard till then."
With that, Malboro launched into proper class. Basic Combat. Odd for a hero-forged academy, but practical—experience you couldn't buy.
"In any fight, watch your footing. Especially shoes—fit matters. Don't slip and eat dirt embarrassingly."
Like that. Useful game tip too. Gear boosted agility/evasion hugely, especially shoes. Even upgraded core 'movement' skill.
I'm fine barefoot always.
Used to it. Better than crappy shoes. These felt off, so I ditched them secretly—socks too. Luna, focused, didn't notice.
"Remember: whatever martial arts or skills you learn, drill movement first. And..."
Malboro's lecture dragged long. Details jogged game text memories. Boring theory? Time flew; class ended.
"Theory ends here. Questions?"
"……"
"None? Dismissed."
He left. Classroom erupted. Next was probably Godin's magic lecture—great explainer.
"Hey, top admit."
"Luna, please. And no."
"How'd you know what I'd say?"
"You're gonna challenge Sivar, right?"
Their unfinished spat reignited. So keen on dueling me? I didn't care either way—best to stay out.
"What'll make you say yes?"
"Nothing. No matter what."
"Stubborn streak, huh?"
"Sometimes you gotta stand firm."
Voices rose, tension spiked. No backing down. Hot duo drew stares—pretending not, but obvious. Fireside chats are best.
Bored.
Elvin in back peeked nervously—avoiding splashback, obvious.
Maybe step out—
"Pardon the interruption."
"?"
Elegant voice by my ear. Heads turned—me, the arguers too. Knew someone approached, not that they'd speak.
"Endless bickering won't resolve it."
"You..."
Luna recognized the intruder. Kara followed her gaze. Straight-cut bangs, long purple hair, matching eyes. Stunning beauty, but sharp gaze gave haughty vibe.
"Who're you?"
"Grace Aria del Berche. Nice to meet you, Tatar princess."
"...Just Kara."
Kara softened a tad at the courtesy. Grace smiled at me next, violet eyes brimming curiosity and anticipation. I met her gaze.
Ah, her.
The one Delphoi Trash victimizes. Face rang bells. No action, and she'd suffer humiliation, quit from trauma, vanish from story. Family disowned her—noble shame. Delphoi aimed for silence, but Godin exposed him.
Poor girl.
My pity showed? Grace faltered, stuttering.
"W-what's with that pitying look?"
"Sivar? Come here a sec?"
Whoops. Luna's call yanked me blank. She tilted at my face, then asked Grace puzzled.
"Did Sivar do something?"
"Huh? No, that's..."
Grace checked my face again. I went full dumb stare. She wavered, mumbling.
"Guess I imagined it. Anyway, back on track. You're arguing over a duel with this Sivar, right?"
"Yeah. He won't approve—like he's the boss."
"Protector, not boss."
Spats brewing again. Grace smiled at them—lovely, but contrived.
She clapped hands, idea sparkling.
"Why don't you two duel instead? Simple."
"...Us?"
Luna asked startled. Kara arched a brow.
"Yes. United Academy—duels solve conflicts easiest. Right?"
"……"
Luna glanced at me, silent. Silence as assent. Grace eyed Kara next.
Kara stared hard, shrugged casually.
"Fine by me. Whatever scheme, if I get approval—bonus duel with him."
"Oh? Think I'm scheming? Just curious about your skills."
"Sure. So, we doing it?"
Kara in, Luna's doubt deepened. I waited quietly. Game-wise, honor event. Crucial for relations. Tough call.
Any choice alters future.
"...Fine. I accept."
Time passed; Luna's lips parted heavy, reluctant.
"If I win, no Sivar duel."
"Got it. Won't lose anyway."
Twitch—Casual jab stung pride. Luna's eye twitched. Grace looked amused—fun ahead.
"...So confident."
"Real fights under your belt?"
"Monster subjugations, spars with master."
"Then I win."
Kara clocked no true combat, declared victory. Luna scowled, taking it as taunt. But Kara was objective.
No multi-run, she'd lose.
Kara taught 'technique' matters. Unless insane spec gap, unbeatable. Her battle-honed skill shone to endgame.
Assuming not enemies.
Big event locked: top admit vs. barbarian princess. Massive attention. Even I was curious—knew Kara's level vaguely, not Luna's.
"Train hard, both of you."
"You not?"
"I'm a mage—duels aren't my thing."
Subtle dodge, but true—needs frontliner. Invests in firepower/precision, long casts.
"Good match to both."
Grace met my eyes leaving. Sharp unlike Kara's—sneering beauty. Just interest, no mockery. She smiled, turned back to seat.
That vibe gets her misunderstood.
I watched her long purple hair sway. Delphoi targeted her for it—wanted to crush her arrogance. But Grace was normal student, strict family molding her. Had innocent 'childlike' side too—cute.
"Knew it'd end like this."
"……"
Grace gone, Kara exhaled satisfied. Goal met. Luna uncomfortable—wary, now railroaded. Funny I was indifferent.
Luna wins, all moot.
"...Kara."
"Kara's fine. What?"
"Win or lose, you'll duel Sivar anyway."
"You know it."
"Figured. Warning: don't rile Sivar's temper."
"Hm?"
Kara eyed me curiously at Luna's odd plea. She got it—watched my Porori fight from afar? Kara clueless, curiosity spiked.
"Makes me more curious. What happens if I do?"
"Princess's life in danger."
"……"
Pride hit? Kara's saucy smile vanished. She sensed no bluff.
Won't kill, though.
Awkward. Killed plenty, never humans. Could if needed—like Delphoi. All life equal; some worse than beasts. Hunted survival-only in woods.
"...I see?"
Smile gone, Kara pondered quietly. No bright grin—slight smirk. Stared, intrigued.
"Face doesn't match."
"……"
"Whatever. Duel'll show."
She'd poke my nerves somehow.
Luna glanced at Kara, spoke calmly.
"I warned you. And Sivar."
"?"
"Socks and shoes first."
"Fuck."
Busted.