Chapter 285: The Challenge
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 285: The Challenge
"It seems I won't be able to head back leisurely today after all."
Muen, who had been walking toward the dormitory, suddenly came to a halt and glanced around.
Birds streaked across the sky.
Bare branches swayed in the biting north wind.
The surroundings were quiet.
Yet, within that silence, a sense of bustle had somehow begun to stir.
Figures emerged at the edges of his vision, watching him with inscrutable, silent gazes.
"They moved so fast..."
Out of the corner of his eye, Muen caught sight of several strangely shaped birds flying through the winter sun.
"That Senior Mingotte from the News Club sure is impatient."
"I'm sorry."
Beside him, Senior Fanny Sawyer let out a helpless sigh.
"It looks like I won't be able to walk you all the way to the dorms, Muen."
"No, thank you, Senior Fanny."
Muen turned and gave her a small smile of gratitude.
"Actually, there was no need for this."
Muen knew why Fanny had insisted on walking with him.
As the third-year Class Representative, she intended to use her status to intimidate those who wanted to challenge him.
Since these were formal challenges, there was a glaring loophole to exploit.
Namely, if Muen simply refused to accept or hid away, the challenge couldn't take place.
Fanny’s plan was to get Muen safely into the dormitory, where he could hide until the day of departure. Nothing would happen then, as the Academy would never permit fighting within the dorms.
However, Fanny wasn't the only one who had thought of that.
"Muen Campbell, I thought you went to the office to beg Professor Prang to take back those words."
Not far ahead of Muen, a man stepped slowly out of the shadows.
He was far more robust than the average student. His tight uniform clearly defined his powerful musculature.
Beneath a steady, composed face was a prominent, thick beard that resembled a lion's mane, making the man look far more mature than his peers.
"The Lion! Aolze!"
Fanny’s expression instantly turned grave.
"You’re actually going to get involved in this?"
"Naturally. As a devout believer in the Goddess, how could I pass up the chance to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy City?"
Aolze pulled out a small statue of the Goddess, touched it to his forehead, muttered a short prayer, and then solemnly tucked it away.
His oppressive gaze swept over Fanny, his eyes darkening slightly before settling on Muen.
"What’s this? Since you couldn't beg the professor, you’ve decided to hide behind a woman? You really never disappoint, Muen Campbell."
"Hmm?"
Muen didn't care about the sarcasm. He glanced at Aolze’s thick beard, his eyebrows twitching slightly.
That title, and that look...
He felt like someone was trying to pull a fast one on him, and it was a bit annoying.
"Aolze, what kind of pride is there in a third-year bullying a second-year? If you have the guts, come at—"
Fanny was about to step in for Muen, but she found Muen suddenly stepping forward, blocking her path.
"It’s fine, Senior Fanny."
Muen looked back with a smile.
"Thank you for your help, but please, trust me. I can handle this..."
"You..."
Fanny hesitated.
To be honest, she was among those who didn't believe Muen could survive this ordeal on his own; otherwise, she wouldn't have gone out of her way to help him.
But then, she remembered the miracles he had performed in the past...
"Alright."
Fanny sighed softly and took a few steps back.
"But be careful. This 'Lion' Aolze is no pushover. He’s ranked in the top five of the third-year class and is famous for his ruthless fighting style and vicious moves. Even I’ve suffered at his hands. Whatever you do, don't try to meet him head-on..."
"I understand."
"Sigh, you..."
Seeing Muen’s nonchalant expression, Fanny couldn't help but sigh again.
No matter what, he shouldn't underestimate his opponent.
"Finally decided to stop hiding behind a woman?"
Seeing Muen step forward, Aolze flexed his powerful muscles, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"While dueling the son of a Duke excites me, I’ll give you a piece of advice... you’d better give up that spot voluntarily!"
"Oh?" Muen asked. "And why is that?"
"Ha! I can't tell if you're truly stupid or just acting. Do you think you'll be allowed to leave so easily if you don't give up the spot? I’m only the first hurdle."
Aolze stepped slightly to the side, gesturing toward the restless figures lurking behind him.
"Lance!"
"Blanqui!"
"Dolamos!"
Fanny’s voice grew increasingly heavy as she gasped out the names in Muen’s ear.
"You all came?"
Fanny had every reason to be worried.
She was the third-year Class Representative, and because of that, she knew exactly how troublesome these people were.
They were all elites of the third year, and none of them had simple backgrounds. While they couldn't compare to Muen’s lineage, they were all backed by renowned Great Nobles.
A full year’s gap in experience—how could that be bridged so easily, unless you were a freak of nature like Ariel Bugard?
And that wasn't even considering that Muen Campbell had been at the bottom of his class just last semester.
"It certainly is lively."
Muen’s gaze swept over the crowd, who were looking at him like wolves eyeing a lamb. His expression remained casual.
"And..."
Muen looked around and clicked his tongue.
There were far too many onlookers.
Does everyone want to see me fail that badly?
It’s a bit of a shame, really. I’m not very good at showing off.
Otherwise, this would be the perfect stage for a dramatic reversal.
Thinking this, Muen began walking toward Aolze.
*
"Ooh, is it starting?"
In the News Club room, Mingotte was dancing with excitement, seeing everything clearly through the eyes of his birds.
"I didn't expect the very first match to be Hell Mode, boss-level difficulty! What should I headline this? 'Great Crisis! The Son of the Lion King Faces the New Era's Lion'?"
"No, no, the news can wait. The most important thing right now is to open the betting pool... Let's bet on how many moves Muen Campbell can last against Aolze!"
"Haha, I’m going to make a killing this time!"
*
"Wow, things got lively the moment we got back to the Academy."
By a window in the hallway, Wei'er gazed at the two men facing off in the distance, her voice full of schadenfreude.
"Even I’ve heard of that 'Lion' Aolze. Muen Campbell is going to suffer for sure this time, don't you think, President?"
"..."
Beside her, Celicia remained expressionless. Her cold gaze was locked onto Muen’s figure, and she didn't say a word.
*
"Damn it, Aolze beat us to it!"
Lance punched the wall beside him, fuming.
"That muscle-head is only ever quick-witted at times like this!"
"Get ready to intercept Aolze. Knowing him, he might try to hide right after beating Muen Campbell to deny us a chance to challenge him."
Blanqui shifted his position silently, already moving to block Aolze’s retreat.
"It doesn't matter. There are seven whole days; he can't hide for that long."
Dolamos appeared much more composed. He didn't even spare Muen a glance, keeping his focus on the rivals around him. He spoke meaningfully:
"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. In this game, the one who laughs last is the winner."
*
"Oh? You’re choosing to take the initiative?"
Watching Muen walk toward him step by step, Aolze’s lips curled into a smirk.
This guy was even more overconfident than he had imagined.
He was worlds apart from the legendary Lion King.
Aolze recalled the first time he had seen the Lion King. How magnificent he was, how domineering. His very gaze held the pride and majesty to crush everything into dust.
Nothing like this Muen Campbell before him, who was useless for anything other than his good looks.
Fortunately, Muen Campbell was nothing like that Lion King.
Just as his father had said, Belland... no, the People of Original Sin would never allow a second Lion King to appear in this world!
Not a second Lion King who, by name alone, could command the loyalty of those filthy commoners with their lowly bloodlines!
Therefore...
Even if rumors said Muen Campbell had turned over a new leaf, even if he had started working hard...
I will never allow it.
I will thoroughly, completely, and mercilessly crush Muen Campbell in front of everyone. I’ll make him cry, make him suffer, make him kneel and beg for mercy. I’ll ruin his reputation all over again.
I’m going to grind him into the dirt in front of everyone!
He will never rise again!
As Muen continued to approach, Aolze’s smile grew more distorted.
Alright, what’s the best way to achieve that effect?
Ah, right. I’ll let Muen Campbell strike first.
Only then can I show the true difference in our strength. Only then can I make him feel true despair and show everyone that he’s still the same trash.
Yes, that’s it!
Aolze’s body tensed, every muscle coiled with power.
In moments like this, he wouldn't hold back.
He would wait for Muen Campbell to attack, and then use absolute force to demonstrate Muen’s weakness to the crowd!
Come on, Muen Campbell!
Aolze grew more excited. He stared intently at Muen, watching his approaching footsteps, watching his hands hanging naturally at his sides.
Come on, come on!
Let me see what kind of attack you’ll—huh?
Aolze suddenly froze.
Because Muen didn't attack.
He simply walked closer, and closer, and then... brushed right past him.
Huh?
What the hell?
He’s not attacking?
*
"Let's go."
Celicia suddenly lost interest and turned to leave.
"Eh? Ehhh?"
Wei'er gasped behind her.
"President, aren't you going to watch the end?"
"The end?"
Celicia’s eyes flickered. She said softly, "It’s already over."
*
"Wait! Muen Campbell, are you trying to run?"
Aolze turned to Muen’s back and roared.
"Do you really not care about the Campbell name—"
"Run?"
Muen looked back, confused. "When did I run?"
"You didn't even dare to strike! What is that if not running?"
"Strike?"
The corners of Muen’s mouth curled into a mocking smile.
"I already did. Did you really not notice?"
Eh?
Aolze froze.
He already struck?
Impossible, I didn't feel a—
In an instant, Aolze felt a wave of icy cold.
It was as if he had been scorched by the Crimson Sun and then plunged into a frozen wasteland. Aolze shuddered violently.
He looked down stiffly, his eyes filled with terror and disbelief. He watched as his beautiful, handsome, prideful, trademark... full beard fell away, strand by strand, like withered autumn leaves.
"Nothing against beards in general, but I hate that you have one, and I hate your title as 'The Lion.'"
"You don't deserve it."
Muen toyed with a pure white blade that had appeared in his hand at some unknown point. He asked gently:
"From now on, I’ll call you Mr. Hairless Cat. Any objections?"
"I..."
Feeling the terrifying chill emanating from his neck—a chill that could have killed him a hundred times over—Aolze’s legs gave out. He collapsed, a foul-smelling liquid pooling beneath him.
"Very well. It seems there are no objections."
"In that case..."
Muen turned back toward the "orioles" who were so horrified by the incomprehensible scene that they couldn't even make a sound. He flashed a flawless noble smile and said:
"Everyone, I’m in a hurry. If you don't mind... you can all come at me at once."