Dim light flickered from the ceiling of the wooden building, like the blinking eye of a one-eyed giant watching the unfolding tension. It seemed to foretell the imminent eruption of conflict.

  “No matter how many notices you send, the result will be the same.”

  “We won’t bow to authority or tricks. If you want to tear this pce down, then try using force!”

  The leader of the group, Zilvini, said nothing at first, but her cold gaze and clenched fists made her stance crystal clear—she had no intention of negotiating.

  “My fellow students, while we all enjoy campus life, we must also consider the safety of the residents of the capital,” Lanqi began, clearing his throat and speaking in a friendly tone.

  “According to the *Hutton Kingdom Fire Safety Law*, obstructing a state-sanctioned demolition project for a building you don’t own could result in at least 15 days of detention and a fine exceeding 100 pounds. We’re here to negotiate amicably and hope to avoid involving the enforcement division of the Fire Department…”

  As Lanqi spoke, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense.

  The fighters remained unmoved.

  Even the threat of detention wouldn’t sway them. Today, they were determined not to back down, no matter what.

  In short, they were the type who would rather break than bend.

  Lanqi paused, realizing that logic and reasoning, which worked so well in the Sage Academy, seemed ineffective here in the Knight Academy. These fighters appeared to have a natural talent for flouting the w.

  The room entered a strange state of equilibrium, teetering on the brink of escation. It felt as though the next move from either side would determine the day’s outcome.

  At that moment, Frey gave Lanqi a slight nod, signaling that he would take over.

  The two exchanged a brief gnce, as if they had come to a mutual understanding.

  Frey removed his sungsses and hooked them onto his chest. He calmly raised a hand and pointed directly at Zilvini, the leader of the fighters.

  “If you think we’re using authority to oppress you, then how about this: if I can make you admit defeat purely through strength, without any tricks, will you stop dishonoring the spirit of fighting and shamelessly obstructing the student council’s work?”

  “What did you just say?!”

  The fighters in the room erupted in anger, veins bulging on their foreheads. Even Zilvini, with her fiery red hair, clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles cracked audibly.

  “Hehehe…”

  Zilvini let out a cold ugh, her sixth-rank Gold Challenger aura exuding an oppressive energy. Her sharp gaze, like a bde, was filled with fury.

  “So, you’re suggesting we settle this with a duel?”

  The Knight Academy indeed had a tradition of resolving disputes through fair duels. As long as both parties agreed, they could engage in a battle that put their honor as fighters on the line. Whatever conditions were set, both sides were bound to honor the outcome.

  “Of course. Let’s settle this the knightly way,” Frey replied, his previously stoic expression breaking into a confident smirk.

  “Though I hate to say it, none of you stand a chance against me.”

  His arrogant decration echoed through the dimly lit hall, his gaze fixed on Zilvini. It was clear he was fully prepared for any challenge.

  Boom!

  Zilvini stomped the ground with such force that the entire wooden building shook, sending dust flying into the air. The oppressive aura around her was as terrifying as that of a wild beast.

  “So, you’re Frey… the first-year prodigy of the Knight Academy. I’ve heard of you—a genius who entered with fourth-rank strength. But you’re foolish to think you can match the absolute power gap between us.”

  Zilvini’s voice was ced with anger as she continued, her fiery temper reaching its peak.

  “Take back your arrogant words and kneel before me to apologize, and I might let this slide.”

  Frey tilted his head slightly, a look of pity fshing across his face. He sighed softly, his tone filled with disappointment.

  “Are you refusing to challenge me because you’re afraid?”

  His voice carried a hint of exasperation, as if he had already transcended the superficialities of martial arts and seen through Zilvini’s level. To him, her anger and hostility seemed insignificant, like the futile struggles of someone outmatched.

  “Afraid? Me? Challenge you?”

  Zilvini’s ughter was sharp and filled with mockery. She brushed her fiery red bangs aside, a predatory grin spreading across her face.

  “Alright then. I could use some entertainment.”

  “One representative from each side. If you win, I’ll hand over the clubroom without resistance. But!”

  “If you lose, you’ll never bother us again. You’ll also deal with the school and the Fire Department on your own!”

  Hearing Zilvini’s unreasonable terms, Huberrian instinctively tugged at Lanqi’s sleeve, her eyes pleading with him to stop Frey. If they lost, the consequences would be far beyond what the three of them, as new student council members, could handle.

  However, Lanqi simply nodded at her with a calm expression, as if everything was still under control.

  “Fine. I accept,” Frey said decisively, agreeing to the challenge without hesitation.

  “Do the two of you agree as well?” Zilvini asked, turning to Lanqi and Huberrian. She didn’t want any disputes ter about the student council members being divided in their stance.

  “I will bear witness to this friendly duel,” Lanqi replied with his usual composed and elegant demeanor.

  His tone carried an air of authority that seemed to transcend the student council, as if he were a passing headmaster dispensing justice among his students.

  “I… agree as well,” Huberrian said, biting her lip after gncing at Lanqi once more.

  “Hahaha! You three fools don’t know your pce!”

  Hearing their unanimous agreement, Zilvini burst into ughter, as though victory was already in her grasp.

  “Let me handle this,” Frey said, exchanging a gnce with his companions. His demeanor was steady and resolute, like a seasoned warrior ready for battle. His expression carried a unique blend of determination and quiet confidence.

  “Alright, we’re counting on you.”

  In a one-on-one duel, Lanqi knew he wasn’t particurly skilled. He often relied on teamwork to shine. Huberrian, though a fourth-rank assassin, wasn’t well-suited to taking on high-ranking fighters either.

  While Huberrian wasn’t familiar with Frey’s fighting style, she had noticed the brief exchange of gnces between him and Lanqi earlier.

  Since that moment, the two had seemed to understand each other perfectly, working in seamless coordination.

  This strange sense of camaraderie… Could it be that they were using some kind of private team communication and hadn’t included her?!

  (End of Chapter)

  AnnouncementMy Patreon early-access chapters have been updated up to Chapter 190! You're welcome to support my work. Wishing everyone a wonderful day! http://patreon.com/SuperBC