Chapter 12
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Spreading Rumors (5)
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"I absolutely oppose this!"
Bam!
Professor Ran slammed her fist on the conference room table, voicing her strong objection.
The principal, Park Kang-deok, was right there in front of her, but this wasn't the time to mince words.
"A formal duel in the first week of school? It's blatantly obvious this isn't planned with good intentions!"
She was passionately arguing against the approval of this formal duel.
In Hero Academy, a formal duel was one of two things: either a pure contest of skill or a tool for some power struggle. And this one was clearly the latter, masquerading as the former.
"They barely know each other's abilities, and they want to compete in front of everyone? This reeks of an ulterior motive. And allowing significant family support on top of that? We absolutely cannot permit this!"
Professor Ran unleashed her tirade, then cleared her throat awkwardly at the stark contrast in atmosphere once she finished. She sat back down.
"But both sides have agreed, and there's no school rule explicitly forbidding it."
"Y-Yes... excuse me?"
She hadn't expected outright opposition—even if support wouldn't be enthusiastic, she'd assumed it would flow neutrally toward approval. Professor Ran was caught off guard.
But this was just her judgment based on her observations of the two students' relationship. From the broader perspective of school rules, opinions could reasonably differ.
"Holding a formal duel in the first week is quite unusual... but I'd rather they fight openly under rules than sneak around and get injured."
That was true.
In fact, a formal duel could be seen as the safest and most constructive form of sparring.
With professors watching, serious injuries were unlikely, and they could intervene immediately if variables arose.
So, kids openly announcing "we're gonna cause trouble" were easier to handle the more they surfaced.
"If they want to fight and we block it, only for something to happen behind the scenes? Whose responsibility would that be? These are students bursting with energy. I want to commend them for channeling it through proper channels instead of loopholes."
Listening to her colleagues, it sounded plausible enough. Professor Ran realized she'd reacted too emotionally.
Opinions were divided, but leaning toward approval.
It was time for a conclusion.
The professors' gazes naturally turned to Park Kang-deok, who spoke as if he'd been waiting.
"Then we'll proceed with the formal duel."
So that's how it goes.
As everyone nodded slowly, expecting this outcome, the principal continued.
"And... the longer we delay preparations, the more tricks they might pull, so let's hold it today. Oh, and since it's the first formal duel after new student enrollment, requested in a public venue... the academy will promote it too."
"What?!"
Professor Ran raised her voice involuntarily as soon as he finished.
"A-Are you serious?"
The other professors echoed her shock.
"Yes."
With those inscrutable words from the principal, the meeting ended. The stakes had escalated—way too much.
++++++++++++
Today!!!
Cadet Kim Geon-ho vs. Cadet Lee Seung-jun
Official Duel Incoming! Come watch!
When? 30 minutes after classes end.
Where? Official Duel Arena, Dome 1.
"Huh."
Passing by the hallway, I stared at the massive promotional poster on the bulletin board, at a loss for words.
I'd figured the academy had no reason to refuse and would approve, but blowing it up like this?
That bastard didn't see this coming either.
Lee Seung-jun must have heard the rumors too—he was staring silently at the board. He'd probably planned to just bring his cronies to the arena.
But now it was public for everyone, turning it into a do-or-die match where defeat meant total ruin.
Public humiliation on a whole other scale. If his plan was pissing your pants at a talent show, this was like shitting yourself on the news broadcast.
Academy's playing hardball.
Not hiding a first-week duel but amplifying it—whoever planned this was no ordinary madman.
Whatever. The duel was happening regardless, so nothing changed. I glanced indifferently at Lee Seung-jun and walked past.
"Geon-ho-ya..."
Heading back to class, Marren Mayribel popped out like she'd been waiting.
She held out both hands openly, like someone expecting a payoff.
"What's this about."
"B-Basic training just ended..."
"Ah, right."
Her obsession was palpable, but her face was pure innocence, making the vibe weird.
Her words sounded like a thug collecting debt, but her demeanor was a shy girl confessing. If she were more outgoing, guys might mistake it for a love confession left and right.
"Here."
Toss.
I immediately threw her my jacket, infused with my scent. No idea what she'd do with it, but I needed to shake her off.
Otherwise, she'd cling all day begging for more.
Grip.
As I tried to pass after finishing, she suddenly grabbed the hem of my clothes.
"What now."
"I-Is the formal duel really happening..."
"Yeah, didn't you see the notice? Come watch."
"U-Uh... but, Geon-ho-ya..."
"What."
Marren fidgeted her thighs like a puppy needing to pee, hunching as small as possible.
Why go that far for one sentence? Curiosity got me watching.
"Don't get hurt... I'm worried."
I-If that's too much, sorry. As your desk mate, I hate seeing you hurt. And actually, there's more, but, uh, anyway...
She blurted it out, face flushing red, then bolted.
Huh, fucking adorable, that crazy girl.
How am I supposed to handle her acting all fuckable like a dog in heat?
Gonna need to use a bit more force than planned.
With my desk mate's cheer, I considered stretching before class ended.
"Playboy."
Airi Grashiel shot me a cold glare and brushed past.
What the hell's your deal.
Women are impossible to figure out.
++++++++++
"Wow, these newbies got no fear. Back in my day, unthinkable..."
"It's only two years difference, quit with the 'my day' bullshit."
"Festival! Fight! Insane! Newbies are fired up—gotta recruit 'em to our club."
Rowdy chatter.
"How do you see this matchup?"
"Hard to say—both are unknowns among the freshmen..."
"Even the known stuff is bad rumors, and nothing's public on their combat skills."
Buzzing excitement.
"Biggest worry is Lee Seung-jun getting heavy family backing."
"For a last-minute decision, he's prepped a ton. A slight delay could've been dangerous."
"Principal's foresight."
The crowd surged.
A formal duel in the first week of new student enrollment!
Hero Academy buzzed like it had forgotten the monster attacks.
From winner predictions to motives and what they'd show today—endless talk.
The best spectacle was a fight, so most of the academy filled the stands.
A mere first-year scrap wouldn't draw this, but academy promo made it happen.
Plus, the boring first week now had entertainment—who'd skip?
"Everyone! Hello! I'm presiding over this first-week formal duel..."
"Cut the crap! Skip intro, start the match!"
"Hey! You think we don't know you're lashing out over losing student council?!"
"A-Ah, we'll end player intros here! Match starts now! Entrants, enter!"
They rushed past greetings and intros. Info on fighters? Not what mattered.
Just the fight! Raw brawl! Blood, passion, brutal duel!
With that hype, the waiting room doors creaked open.
"Wooooaaahhh!"
"Don't know who, but win! Kill 'em all!"
One side emerged draped in jewelry, clearly overprepared.
The other strolled casually in sweats.
"Alright! Player intros during the match! Here we go—match starts now!"
Boom!
Crash!
"Huh?"
The starting shot echoed.
Simultaneously, something slammed into the ground hard.
"W-Winner... Kim Geon-ho."
The duel ended one second after starting.