Chapter 651: An Unexpected Turn
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 651: An Unexpected Turn
St. Maria Academy, the Exchange Competition venue.
There were still two hours before the final match was set to begin, but the arena was already packed to capacity. Perhaps fueled by the immense expectations generated by yesterday’s battle, the enthusiastic spectators were already craning their necks in anticipation. They hoped that the legendary Seventeenth Prince—the one the Kingdom had kept under wraps for over a decade—would deliver a peak-level showdown no less spectacular than the day before.
The man they were waiting for, the Seventeenth Prince himself, was currently in the waiting room. He stared blankly out the window at the crowd, lost in thought.
"Cousin."
Milne snapped out of his reverie and saw Seviel entering. He immediately composed himself.
"Cousin Seviel. Is something the matter?"
"I just received word," Seviel said. "Your opponent for the finals won't be Ariel Bugard. It’s Muen Campbell."
"Muen Campbell..."
Milne blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"According to the Academy, Ariel Bugard withdrew due to personal matters and can no longer participate. Since she forfeited, the qualification for the finals was passed down to Muen Campbell."
"Forfeited? In that case, shouldn't I be declared the winner by default?" Milne frowned.
What was going on? She ran away before they even fought? Was Ariel intimidated by him?
"Normally, yes. However, the Academy’s reasoning is that Ariel Bugard already intended to withdraw before yesterday’s match. She only continued participating because she wanted to fight Muen Campbell. Therefore, her withdrawal doesn't mean the Academy is forfeiting the final slot; it just means Muen Campbell moves up to take her place."
"Heh, they just don't want to lose face," Milne sneered.
"It seems so. But this is the Empire’s home turf, after all. They have the final say. As long as the logic holds up, there’s nothing we can do."
"...I see. So in the end, my final opponent is still Muen Campbell?"
Milne’s expression turned wistful as he sank back into thought.
Not long ago, he had desperately wanted to fight Muen Campbell. To meet the Duke’s son and the Empress’s fiancé in the finals and crush him utterly in front of everyone—including the Empress herself—to announce his own worth to the world... That was the "best-case script" he had written for himself before even setting foot in this country.
It was meant to be the first step on his path to the top.
But now...
Even though he was only one step away from completing that script, a complex set of emotions had surged within him after watching last night’s match. A faint, indelible trace of unease lingered in the depths of his heart.
"That’s... that’s great news."
Sensing Milne’s mood, Seviel tried to comfort him. "Brother, now you only have to deal with Muen. The stronger one, Ariel, forfeited on her own. It’s such a stroke of luck—"
"Are you mocking me?"
Milne snapped his head up. His calm demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by the bloodshot glare of a provoked beast as he stared at Seviel.
"You think I couldn't beat Ariel Bugard?"
"No... I didn't mean..."
"You did!"
Milne growled. "Ariel Bugard is the one who fled without a fight, not me! Even if she had fought me, I would have won. I know it! So why should I care about a mere Muen Campbell?"
"Yes..."
Terrified, Seviel took several steps back and lowered her head. "Cousin Milne is the strongest."
"Ha... Yes, I am the strongest..."
Milne panted heavily, whispering as if trying to convince himself. "That’s right, I am the strongest. Whether it’s Muen Campbell or Ariel Bugard, they are nothing more than stepping stones... Why would I ever be afraid of them?"
"Of course His Highness is the strongest."
"Ah, Teacher."
Seviel turned to see Hertz appearing out of nowhere, watching Milne with a kind gaze. "Because His Highness is my most prized student."
"Teacher..."
"Seviel, please step out for a moment."
"Yes, Teacher."
Seviel let out a sigh of relief, feeling as though she’d been granted a royal pardon. She hurried out of the waiting room and closed the door behind her.
Hertz glanced at the door and gave a casual wave. A restriction was placed on the room, preventing anyone from eavesdropping.
"How does Your Highness feel? Did you rest well last night? Is your condition good?"
"I... I’m fine."
Milne looked at his hands and suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh. "I haven't had a single serious fight since the competition began. How could my condition be anything but good?"
"That is a good thing."
Hertz walked to the window, clasping his hands behind his back. He looked out at the enthusiastic crowd—people who, despite knowing Muen Campbell was stepping in, showed no disappointment and were still loudly chanting the Campbell name.
"Your next opponent is Muen Campbell. However, Muen was seriously injured in yesterday’s match. I observed closely; the sword Ariel Bugard used was no ordinary weapon. No matter how strong Muen Campbell’s recovery is, taking several hits from that blade must have taken a toll. Even with the Academy’s intensive healing, unless they brought in a high-ranking figure from the Life Church to treat him personally, it’s impossible for him to be at full strength. This is your opportunity."
"Does Teacher also think I can't beat Muen Campbell?" Milne’s fists tightened.
To say the enemy’s injury was his "opportunity"—wasn't that implying he was actually inferior to Muen Campbell?
"No, I believe in you. I believe in you more than anyone. But for us right now, victory is the only thing that matters. If we can increase the odds of winning by even a fraction, it is for the best."
Hertz patted Milne’s shoulder, offering kind consolation. "I watched Your Highness grow up. I know what you’re thinking. Muen Campbell hid his strength, so it’s natural for you to feel uneasy. But I still believe the final victor will be you, Your Highness."
"Teacher..."
Milne’s eyes reddened slightly. Yes, no matter what, his teacher would always believe in him. Just as he had for all these years, standing by the prince who was ranked seventeenth in the royal family without a single word of complaint.
"However, we don't know if Muen Campbell will use any more underhanded tricks. It’s better to be fully prepared," Hertz said, his tone suddenly shifting.
"Fully... prepared?"
Milne sensed an unusual depth in Hertz’s words.
"Exactly. Since Muen Campbell has used dirty tricks before, we shouldn't be the only ones playing fair. That would be a disadvantage. Your Highness should know how much the victory in this final means to you, to me, and to the entire Kingdom. Therefore, just in case..."
Hertz scanned the surroundings warily once more. After confirming no one was spying, he pulled an exquisite wooden box from his robes.
He opened the box to reveal a bright red pill.
The moment the pill was exposed, a rich fragrance filled the waiting room. With just one breath, Milne felt his spirits lift significantly.
"This is..." Milne looked shocked. He could feel the dense medicinal power radiating from the pill.
"A potion refined by the Master Alchemist, Lord Teflor. It can boost your strength by thirty percent for half an hour. With this potion’s enhancement, dealing with Muen Campbell will be much more certain."
"A potion... Can something like this really guarantee victory?" Milne frowned. He still felt a lingering aversion to the idea of "drugging up" before a match.
"It’s not just a chance at victory; it is certain victory!" Hertz said decisively, clearly having immense confidence in the potion.
"I see."
Milne took a deep breath.
He had a point. If he took a potion that boosted his strength by thirty percent and still couldn't beat an injured Muen Campbell, he might as well find a loaf of black bread and bash his brains out with it!
That’s right. This pill symbolized certain victory.
"..."
Milne stared at the red pill in the box, a look of struggle in his eyes.
Only yesterday, he had looked down on Muen Campbell with utter disdain and contempt. In his eyes, Muen was a playboy, a profligate obsessed with women, a talentless fraud... Even crossing blades with him felt like an insult to his status.
Yet now, only a day later, he was contemplating using the power of a cheating potion to face that very same playboy... The irony was laughable.
It was like a dancer performing with everything they had on stage, radiant and brilliant, only to accidentally reveal their clown mask right as the curtain was about to fall.
But...
Thinking carefully, as Teacher said, Muen Campbell had also used cheating methods.
Milne’s thoughts shifted.
It was only through Muen Campbell’s deliberate manipulation that he had been able to skip two rounds and face his semi-final opponent in peak condition... If Muen had faced him in the semi-finals, the consequences of those underhanded tactics would have been unimaginable.
Yes, Muen Campbell was that kind of despicable person. Therefore, even if he used a potion, it wasn't his fault. He was just making this duel more "fair."
He was not in the wrong!
Muen Campbell, you’re the one who started this!
Milne gritted his teeth and finally took the red potion. He said firmly, "I understand, Teacher. I accept the medicine. I will bring back the final victory... for you, for myself, and for the Kingdom!"
"I believe in you."
Hertz stroked his beard with satisfaction and smiled. "After all, you are my most prized student. Prince Milne, I shall wait here for your triumphant return."
*
"In the end, I’m the one who has to clean up this mess."
On the stage, Muen watched Milne slowly walking toward him and let out a long, helpless sigh.
After being squeezed dry by those three girls in turns last night, his waist was still feeling incredibly weak. Yet here he was, about to fight a genius youth like Milne... Muen wasn't just feeling physically drained; he was feeling a bit mentally drained too.
Fortunately, the lovely Liya was more considerate. She had infused him with extra Holy Light last night; otherwise, standing here now, his legs probably would have started shaking before the fight even began.
Liya really is the best. The other two just finish and don't give a damn. Slag girls!
"Kingdom of Saint Perod, Milne Rhodest."
"Leopold Empire, St. Maria Academy, Muen Campbell."
They exchanged the familiar formal introductions, but even this simple procedure was enough to whip the surrounding audience into a frenzy.
"It seems everyone is looking forward to this duel."
Muen raised his hand and waved to the Three Little Ones, who were cheering loudly in the stands. Then, he elegantly performed a standard noble salute to Milne.
"Good morning, Prince Milne. I suppose this is our first formal greeting."
"It’s quite funny, isn't it?"
"What?"
Muen was taken aback, not understanding the meaning behind Milne’s nonsensical remark.
But Milne continued to stare at him with a cold sneer, saying viciously, "The first time we met, you were laughing at me, weren't you?"
"Huh?"
Muen frowned and tilted his head, wondering what kind of fit this prince was throwing now.
The first time... the first time was just yesterday morning.
At that time, he didn't even know who this guy was. How could he have been laughing at him?
Wait, he had internally mocked the guy for having a bump on his head.
"I have no idea what Your Highness is talking about. But at a time like this, excessive words are useless except for wasting time, aren't they?"
Muen didn't feel like communicating with this brain-damaged prince any further. He casually drew Elizabeth.
"In that case, let’s begin, Your Highness."
"Fine!"
The corners of Milne’s mouth pulled back into a somewhat distorted smile. He looked at the referee. "I also wish to designate the location: the Plains!"
"This..."
The referee glanced at Muen. Seeing that Muen didn't object, he nodded.
"Very well. All-Manifestation Simulation: Plains!"
The rumbling sound rose again as the light of the simulation enveloped the entire stage. A moment later, a vast, boundless plain appeared beneath Muen’s feet.
Milne stared intently at Muen, his body slightly crouched as he gripped the longsword at his waist.
This time, he showed no trace of carelessness or laxity.
Previously, Muen Campbell’s despicable behavior had successfully deceived him, causing him to react in that ridiculous manner. But he would never make the same mistake twice!
No one becomes a clown a second time!
The potion he had taken earlier had been completely absorbed by his body. The surging medicinal power flowed through his limbs and bones with a faint burning sensation. Milne could clearly perceive a significant boost in his Fighting Spirit and Mana.
Yet, he did not become arrogant because of it, nor was he blinded by power. He remained clear-headed, his eyes fixed solely on Muen Campbell.
Clang—
The longsword cleared its scabbard.
The piercing cold glint far surpassed any of his previous performances!
"Here he comes?"
Sensing the threat, Muen’s expression also turned solemn.
It had to be said that Milne was actually a formidable opponent. The talent granted by his Innate Twin Hearts made his strength far exceed that of any "ordinary person" Muen had faced so far.
Therefore, he had to treat this with caution.
Mana surged, his heart beat like a drum, and the alchemy core on Muen’s back grew as hot as a furnace.
He showed no fear. Facing the incoming cold glint from Milne, he swung his blade—and slashed!!
Squelch.
The next moment.
The sound of a sharp blade piercing flesh was incredibly clear and chilling.
"Eh?"
Muen’s eyes widened in shock. He watched blood spray, watched flesh tear, and watched... Milne slowly collapse.
"That weak?"
He had seriously injured Milne with a single strike? Had his strength actually reached a new level after being squeezed by those three last night?
...No!
He didn't have any of those "dual cultivation" techniques from the cultivation novels of his past life!
Muen sensed something was wrong and shifted his gaze to Milne’s face.
Milne was also in shock.
He didn't even look at the wound tearing through his chest. Instead, he looked at his trembling hands—hands that couldn't even hold his sword—with disbelief and even terror.
The heat flowing through his meridians had turned into a piercing, agonizing pain.
The terrifying medicinal power was currently eroding his internal organs like countless hungry insects.
This was...
Poison?
"Wh... Why?"
Milne stumbled and collapsed, his face deathly pale. He muttered blankly, "Teacher... why would you do this?"