In a large Mexican-themed restaurant, all the academy members were seated around a long table.
For Aurora, it was an entertaining place, as the ‘Mexican’ theme was very strong and some would say stereotypical seeing the mariachis, but this was what foreigners liked.
Also, it was just replicating the feel of a Mexican restaurant in South America.
“Yesterday we had a long and tiring day, so we couldn’t party, but today you can relax a bit,” Edward said and with a smile, he announced. “It’s all on me, so you can order anything you want!”
The truth was that yesterday they all ended up exhausted and all they could do was go rest.
Instead, they could now relax.
Apart from those wishing to watch the fights, the others only trained.
“What a great leader!”
“As expected of our leader!”
Both Niels and Jordan exclaimed together, applauding Edward’s generosity, and everyone began to order their meals.
All the students were present today for this large group dinner.
Aurora knew that Director Vincent had been invited, but he declined the offer, so this dinner was purely for students.
The waiters brought the Mexican foods, and some students ordered drinks, with some students ordering the occasional beer or wine.
Alice was the one who asked for more food of all kinds, while it was Cithrel and Venali who wanted to try some wines.
Edward literally agreed to pay for everything and to show his generosity, he ordered wines and magic beers.
“Enjoy. No getting completely drunk, though. We have an important meeting later,” Edward warned, raising a glass in his hand for the toast.
“Boo!”
Some boos came from Niels, Jordan, and also Frank, who joined the group.
Edward shook his head, and everyone continued with their little party.
Among the group were students who were serious and few talkers like Rachael, Lucas, Jaxon, and Dalia.
Some people were quick to embarrass themselves, like Taqiyya, and who wasn’t much of a talker.
Then there were others like who would join in the conversation with unique fervor like Marc, who was to bring great enthusiasm to the conversation, either for or against some topic being talked about.
And of course, there were also those who were charismatic and excellent at joining others in their conversation.
Edward, Gregorio, Vanessa, or simply Cithrel.
Each of them was excellent at getting others to join in and start letting loose to enjoy the party, bringing the group even closer together.
Whether it was charisma, atmosphere, or attitude, they became pillars to make this party more united.
However, the ones who made the party fun were Niels, Jordan, and Frank.
If in Africa they had Akira, here they had these three students.
Aurora did not deny that there was conflict among the students.
One example was Marc, who had his animosity to the Falion Empire for his ideals, which made him quite conflicted with Cithrel and Venali.
Or like Niels and Leslie, who seemed to know each other and the latter always looked at him coldly whenever he tried to joke with her.
In such a large group, it was impossible for there to be no conflicts or for the students to get along completely.
However, it had to be noted how Edward handled it as a ‘leader’, always avoiding conflicts between members and intervening calmly.
He didn’t do it with his strength, but rather with his charisma.
“He’s trying hard,” Alice murmured as she ate calmly.
She had noticed Aurora’s gaze and thoughts.
For both of them who had known each other for years, guessing what the other was thinking was easy.
Aurora looked at Edward and the other Academy classmates.
“Each one of them is trying hard,” Aurora replied.
As a detached observer, she could tell that each of those present was striving for their goals.
Leading a group like Edward, who seemed to want to prove himself as a good leader, trying to improve like Leslie, reaching their limits like Clémentine or working hard like Andrés.
They all had their goals, and they were all striving to achieve them and, in that sense, she...
“I feel like I’m on vacation,” Aurora murmured, smiling, amused.
She didn’t deny that she enjoyed having fun with her classmates and meeting new people, but if she was honest, this wasn’t her thing.
It wasn’t about her thinking about the people she could be saving, or it wasn’t about her being someone aloof who didn’t socialize, it was about her liking the job.
The work she did for five years in Africa was now part of her day-to-day life and even though time was passing outside, Aurora actually missed the work.
“Well, I think you’ll have a job in the future.” Interjected Cithrel, who stood beside her and, seeing that she was looking at her, pointed to her ears. “Even if you mumble with this noise, I’ll hear you. I have such long ears for a reason.”
Alice and Aurora were mumbling to each other, so one would think that normally they wouldn’t hear the conversation, though it was different when that someone was an S-rank standing next to her.
Even with the noises and different conversations, it wasn’t that strange for someone to hear her.
Aurora smiled as the princess pointed to the long ears and understood that by work she meant the Abyssal Portals.
These last few days, the news was quiet and focused only on the international tournament.
Without receiving news of any events like what happened in Japan, everything felt too quiet.
If she thought it was getting close, then...
“I guess it’s true,” Aurora replied with a half-hearted smile.
Now she was just waiting for the abyssal portals, and it was certain she would have her work cut out for her when they appeared.
Even if she couldn’t intervene for some reason, she would most certainly go back to Africa to make sure everything went correctly.
This was a vacation that would eventually come to an end... Aurora, putting that topic out of her mind, looked at Cithrel.
“I guess you’ll be bored when I’m gone,” Aurora said, smiling curiously at the answer.
In this little job, Cithrel was having the most fun at her expense.
“Maybe,” Cithrel muttered in response, and giving a charming smile, she looked at Aurora and commented. “Or maybe I’ll stop being distracted by you and finish the job I came for.”
She was using a flirtatious tone, and her words were sincere.
Was Aurora becoming a distraction to that lovely princess?
It was possible that she didn’t just come for a vacation, let alone to be an exchange student, as she superficially claimed.
Aurora controlled her expression as she watched Cithrel act like the gallant knight.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that Taqiyya was looking at Cithrel’s performance with embarrassment and if she was honest, Aurora felt it was hard to take her eyes off that princess’s blue eyes.
“I think it will be better when we move away,” a voice said, and Aurora was pulled back by a hand, away from Cithrel’s gaze.
Inwardly, Aurora thought that princess had too many charm points and averted her gaze from Alice, who was watching her.
As they were at a corner of the table and she was surrounded by Taqiyya and Venali, the others didn’t notice the gallant knight’s awakening, but Alice did.
“It’s best to stay away from perverts,” Alice declared with a serious and solemn expression.
Aurora could see how Cithrel’s expression trembled in different ways at those words that were clearly directed at her.
******
Riding in the cab, Aurora couldn’t help but chuckle under her breath.
With each laugh, Cithrel’s expression quivered strangely.
It wasn’t that she was upset, however, being called a ‘pervert’ in such a serious manner by Alice was certainly shocking.
That she was now laughing didn’t help Cithrel’s expression and worse, she couldn’t retaliate because Alice was in the way.
“You know, she won’t always be there to protect you.” Cithrel threatened, unable to resist.
She didn’t like to lose, at least not completely... That was what Aurora could see, and she approached Alice, smiling cheekily.
Like a puppy approaching its master for protection.
At her brazen action, Cithrel’s expression trembled and Alice reacted by giving Cithrel a very serious look.
For Aurora, it was very difficult to defend herself against someone like Cithrel, whose attack power and charm points were very high, but her friend was a perfect shield.
For such a reason, she gave a secretly triumphant smile to Cithrel, who was looking at her deeply.
‘I will take revenge’... Such an idea was what Cithrel’s blue eyes expressed.
Forward, Venali’s lips lifted into a smile.
And all that made Aurora laugh again in amusement.
She’d had a few drinks, but that didn’t mean she was completely intoxicated... At least, not completely.
“You’re quite the troublemaker,” Alice murmured, patting her back as she hugged her.
“Pff...”
Aurora tried to hold in her laughter and when she couldn’t, she burst out laughing.
—I think you’ve had too much to drink.
The message from her system caused Aurora to smile and lean back in Alice’s arms.
Actually, she hadn’t had too much to drink, or at least not enough to get drunk, and she was just in a fantastic mood.
So, let loose a little was nice.
Getting out of the cab, she could see that other students had already arrived and were entering the hotel.
“Come on. We still have the meeting,” Aurora said, trying to regain her composure.
“Oh, now you’re trying to look like a serious student? I think it’s too late,” Cithrel commented with an amused smile.
She was referring to staying in Alice’s arms as she giggled, but...
“Sorry, my friend told me to stay away from perverts,” Aurora replied, using the most serious tone she could.
Cithrel’s expression quivered, intermingling a smile with a rather strange expression.
Aurora gave a triumphant smile as she found an excellent weapon against that gallant knight.
Venali covered what smile she had and quickly retreated when Cithrel gave her a stinging look.
She was losing authority to a subject!
Aurora was sure that if someone else said those words, Venali would strike back to protect her ‘mistress’ honor.
Perhaps even Cithrel wouldn’t allow it if it wasn’t someone else, and now she could only endure it.
If Cithrel could annoy her... she could return the favor!
Looking at that princess, who now seemed to have a weakness, Aurora was about to speak when she noticed the figure approaching.
Xu Long, along with a couple of companions, approached their group, specifically Alice, who was eating chips.
Alice’s gaze was indifferent from the start and that made Xu Long frown, but he restrained himself.
“I want you to reveal to everyone that you are an S-Rank,” Xu Long said in a cold voice.
It was not a request, but a demand.
A rather blatant one, although when one thought about his situation, it was normal for him to come asking for that.
When they were at dinner, apart from seeing the overwhelming victory of Cernunnos Academy over Adventurer Academy, they also talked about Xu Long.
As an international tournament, the students gained fans, but also ‘haters’ and especially someone like Xu Long.
Someone so dominant, being defeated so easily by an A-Rank, became a ‘meme’ that went viral on social media.
That other heroes who supported the Academy spoke out on that topic only made the embarrassment even greater.
On that note, at least if he revealed that Alice was an S-Rank and not an A-Rank, it might lessen the embarrassment.
However...
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Alice replied nonchalantly.
Aurora gave a half-smile, knowing Alice wouldn’t let it go.
An individual so well known in his country, after being overbearing and arrogant, took a beating for an A-Rank... The media was taking advantage of that premise.
“You know that, and I want you to tell everyone,” Xu Long commanded as electrical energy spread through his body.
In response, Cithrel let out an S-rank aura and magical energy emanated from her body in measures that even a mere S-rank couldn’t do.
She gave the impression that she would respond if Xu Long did anything.
Looking like everything was about to turn violent, Aurora sighed and stepped forward.
“That’s enough,” She intervened and, looking seriously at both groups, she declared. “Alice will end up revealing her strength in the tournament. Just wait.”
She knew she couldn’t demand Alice to reveal her strength and accept the demand, but what she could be sure of was the possibility that she would end up revealing her strength.
Actually, Aurora was hesitant because she thought that if someone challenged her friend to win by hiding her strength, Alice would surely succeed.
Still, to mediate the situation, she needed to tell the occasional lie.
“Who are you to butt into our conversation?” Xu Long questioned, looking from the top down.
The scorn and annoyance didn’t even affect Aurora, who shrugged.
“I’m her friend, but I’m also a companion from Hero Academy,” Aurora revealed without looking perturbed.
Without giving the young man time to react, she continued.
“It’s useless to make trouble outside the arena,” Aurora said, and looking at the young man, she added. “However, if you wish to confront her, you can do so when they meet in the arena or in a duel.”
Was she being impartial with her job as a mediator?
Yes, after all, no one was paying her to do this job, and she was part of the Hero Academy.
So, if an idiot wished to come and challenge them, then she would gladly provoke him.
Xu Long took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but with an equally fierce expression, he looked at Alice and announced. “I challenge you to a personal duel. Outside of the academy tournament.”
He calmed down enough to realize that, if he challenged them as a member of the academy, it would be his opponents who could choose the mode, and thus he might not end up facing Alice or any other student.
That’s why he asked for a personal duel and...
“I don’t want to,” Alice replied tersely.
Aurora’s expression trembled at that answer she expected.
Alice wasn’t getting any benefit to agree to a duel and worse... Aurora could see how Alice was toying with the young man.
It was likely that defeating him was not revenge for Clémentine, but revenge was what happened next.
Basically, as he received criticism and as his image fell to pieces, that was Alice’s revenge and nothing unusual, when she could be scary at times.
Xu Long’s expression turned quite ugly at that blatant rejection, and his expression was filled with rancor.
The longer he waited, the more his image would be ruined and, with it, his reputation.
“Xu Long. I think it’s better to retire,” a companion of the young man commented as he realized that Xu Long was losing control.
His electric energy was scorching the ground, but his gaze only grew more rancorous.
“You’d better accept or...”
“Or what?”
Another presence that turned the atmosphere heavy appeared, and Edward approached with a cold smile on his face.
“Do you have that much interest in our academy? I guess their leader doesn’t control you guys well.” Edward said and looking at Xu Long, he revealed. “If you want a duel, then challenge us.”
Aurora immediately retreated as she sensed the two presences that immediately collided.
Electric energy with the lightning element it was made clear that Edward won the aura clash overwhelmingly.
His magical energy was so high that it made people have difficulty breathing, and lightning crackled around him.
“However, even if you challenge us, I don’t think a scum like you can last too long,” Edward stated, getting Cithrel’s surprise and with a smile, he added. “What’s more, I think Aetherium Academy without you would stand a better chance.”
Such arrogance was Edward’s characteristic, but even at this moment, he was methodical in luring Xu Long into the trap.
“As for if you still wish for a personal duel, then I can always receive you,” Edward said, and releasing his presence completely, he pointed. “Although I don’t think you won’t last five minutes.”
Overbearing and arrogant, being provocative enough to make Xu Long grit his teeth in anger.
That was Edward’s attitude in his past, someone very arrogant.
However, Aurora knew that he now had the confidence to maintain that arrogance.
From his powerful S-Rank aura, it was noticeable that Edward was among the strongest S-Rank and was even stronger than Akira.
Even so, Xu Long, instead of overdoing it, clenched his fists and, giving Alice a mischievous look, he retreated.
“Tch... Did he learn from his beating?” Edward hesitated, clicking his tongue and ignoring the gaze of the onlookers who were attracted by the clash of two S-Ranks, he ordered. “Come on. We’ve got an interesting day tomorrow, and we need to catch up.”
Aurora only gave a smile as she saw Edward return to a calm expression.
I’m just trying to provoke the other side with the goal of them being challenged for points.
It was hard to say that they would win against the Aetherium Academy, since, if they prepared well, the hero academy would have trouble.
However, Edward was confident in himself and as long as the mode was in an individual S-Rank showdown, he was confident of victory.
Aurora knew this because they had discussed that issue with Edward to plan if the conflicts extended to challenges.
******
On the sidewalk near the hotels, Xu Long received stares from his teammates.
“What shall we do?” a student from Aetherium Academy asked, looking at Xu Long.
Xu Long was breathing heavily, trying to control himself, but it was very difficult.
He had seen his image start to fall apart, and he had also seen the jokes of those hiding on the internet.
Even his fans doubted and even though he had mentioned that his opponent was an S-Rank, the jokes came one after another.
And that lack of confidence spread not only in the networks but among his own peers.
He had lost the trust of most of the academy and since this was an international tournament; the teachers did not interfere in this matter.
Letting it be seen that Alice was an S-Rank would help his image, but...
“I need to defeat her,” Xu Long said, and taking a deep breath, he detailed. “I need to face her individually to show everyone her strength and then defeat her.”
Just by revealing Alice’s strength would erase a bit of his bad image, though he needed to defeat her to completely fix his image.
“I think it’s difficult. She won’t accept on purpose and if we challenge her, that S-Rank will step in and play it safe,” commented another student with a worried tone.
Everyone knew that Edward was leading the Hero Academy group in a very united and determined way.
Making all the decisions and organizing everything; Edward was the leader.
If they were challenged and an S-Rank match was chosen, it would actually be Ryu Sujin who would face him and, as proven last time, she would most likely lose.
“Then... I just need to provoke her enough for her to accept my challenge,” Xu Long stated in a serious and cold tone.
He needed the other party to challenge him and for that; he required her to be angry enough for her to carry out the challenge.
“Seek information. Try to find out everything about her,” Xu Long ordered.
Now for him, what mattered wasn’t the tournament it was getting his image back and if for that he needed to take things a little far then he would.
“If you do well, I will pay you a lot of money and once you graduate, you can come with me to China. I assure you that my family will take care of you,” Xu Long said, as he saw his classmates hesitate.
The two students looked at each other and, in the end, nodded.
In a large Mexican-themed restaurant, all the academy members were seated around a long table.
For Aurora, it was an entertaining place, as the ‘Mexican’ theme was very strong and some would say stereotypical seeing the mariachis, but this was what foreigners liked.
Also, it was just replicating the feel of a Mexican restaurant in South America.
“Yesterday we had a long and tiring day, so we couldn’t party, but today you can relax a bit,” Edward said and with a smile, he announced. “It’s all on me, so you can order anything you want!”
The truth was that yesterday they all ended up exhausted and all they could do was go rest.
Instead, they could now relax.
Apart from those wishing to watch the fights, the others only trained.
“What a great leader!”
“As expected of our leader!”
Both Niels and Jordan exclaimed together, applauding Edward’s generosity, and everyone began to order their meals.
All the students were present today for this large group dinner.
Aurora knew that Director Vincent had been invited, but he declined the offer, so this dinner was purely for students.
The waiters brought the Mexican foods, and some students ordered drinks, with some students ordering the occasional beer or wine.
Alice was the one who asked for more food of all kinds, while it was Cithrel and Venali who wanted to try some wines.
Edward literally agreed to pay for everything and to show his generosity, he ordered wines and magic beers.
“Enjoy. No getting completely drunk, though. We have an important meeting later,” Edward warned, raising a glass in his hand for the toast.
“Boo!”
Some boos came from Niels, Jordan, and also Frank, who joined the group.
Edward shook his head, and everyone continued with their little party.
Among the group were students who were serious and few talkers like Rachael, Lucas, Jaxon, and Dalia.
Some people were quick to embarrass themselves, like Taqiyya, and who wasn’t much of a talker.
Then there were others like who would join in the conversation with unique fervor like Marc, who was to bring great enthusiasm to the conversation, either for or against some topic being talked about.
And of course, there were also those who were charismatic and excellent at joining others in their conversation.
Edward, Gregorio, Vanessa, or simply Cithrel.
Each of them was excellent at getting others to join in and start letting loose to enjoy the party, bringing the group even closer together.
Whether it was charisma, atmosphere, or attitude, they became pillars to make this party more united.
However, the ones who made the party fun were Niels, Jordan, and Frank.
If in Africa they had Akira, here they had these three students.
Aurora did not deny that there was conflict among the students.
One example was Marc, who had his animosity to the Falion Empire for his ideals, which made him quite conflicted with Cithrel and Venali.
Or like Niels and Leslie, who seemed to know each other and the latter always looked at him coldly whenever he tried to joke with her.
In such a large group, it was impossible for there to be no conflicts or for the students to get along completely.
However, it had to be noted how Edward handled it as a ‘leader’, always avoiding conflicts between members and intervening calmly.
He didn’t do it with his strength, but rather with his charisma.
“He’s trying hard,” Alice murmured as she ate calmly.
She had noticed Aurora’s gaze and thoughts.
For both of them who had known each other for years, guessing what the other was thinking was easy.
Aurora looked at Edward and the other Academy classmates.
“Each one of them is trying hard,” Aurora replied.
As a detached observer, she could tell that each of those present was striving for their goals.
Leading a group like Edward, who seemed to want to prove himself as a good leader, trying to improve like Leslie, reaching their limits like Clémentine or working hard like Andrés.
They all had their goals, and they were all striving to achieve them and, in that sense, she...
“I feel like I’m on vacation,” Aurora murmured, smiling, amused.
She didn’t deny that she enjoyed having fun with her classmates and meeting new people, but if she was honest, this wasn’t her thing.
It wasn’t about her thinking about the people she could be saving, or it wasn’t about her being someone aloof who didn’t socialize, it was about her liking the job.
The work she did for five years in Africa was now part of her day-to-day life and even though time was passing outside, Aurora actually missed the work.
“Well, I think you’ll have a job in the future.” Interjected Cithrel, who stood beside her and, seeing that she was looking at her, pointed to her ears. “Even if you mumble with this noise, I’ll hear you. I have such long ears for a reason.”
Alice and Aurora were mumbling to each other, so one would think that normally they wouldn’t hear the conversation, though it was different when that someone was an S-rank standing next to her.
Even with the noises and different conversations, it wasn’t that strange for someone to hear her.
Aurora smiled as the princess pointed to the long ears and understood that by work she meant the Abyssal Portals.
These last few days, the news was quiet and focused only on the international tournament.
Without receiving news of any events like what happened in Japan, everything felt too quiet.
If she thought it was getting close, then...
“I guess it’s true,” Aurora replied with a half-hearted smile.
Now she was just waiting for the abyssal portals, and it was certain she would have her work cut out for her when they appeared.
Even if she couldn’t intervene for some reason, she would most certainly go back to Africa to make sure everything went correctly.
This was a vacation that would eventually come to an end... Aurora, putting that topic out of her mind, looked at Cithrel.
“I guess you’ll be bored when I’m gone,” Aurora said, smiling curiously at the answer.
In this little job, Cithrel was having the most fun at her expense.
“Maybe,” Cithrel muttered in response, and giving a charming smile, she looked at Aurora and commented. “Or maybe I’ll stop being distracted by you and finish the job I came for.”
She was using a flirtatious tone, and her words were sincere.
Was Aurora becoming a distraction to that lovely princess?
It was possible that she didn’t just come for a vacation, let alone to be an exchange student, as she superficially claimed.
Aurora controlled her expression as she watched Cithrel act like the gallant knight.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that Taqiyya was looking at Cithrel’s performance with embarrassment and if she was honest, Aurora felt it was hard to take her eyes off that princess’s blue eyes.
“I think it will be better when we move away,” a voice said, and Aurora was pulled back by a hand, away from Cithrel’s gaze.
Inwardly, Aurora thought that princess had too many charm points and averted her gaze from Alice, who was watching her.
As they were at a corner of the table and she was surrounded by Taqiyya and Venali, the others didn’t notice the gallant knight’s awakening, but Alice did.
“It’s best to stay away from perverts,” Alice declared with a serious and solemn expression.
Aurora could see how Cithrel’s expression trembled in different ways at those words that were clearly directed at her.
******
Riding in the cab, Aurora couldn’t help but chuckle under her breath.
With each laugh, Cithrel’s expression quivered strangely.
It wasn’t that she was upset, however, being called a ‘pervert’ in such a serious manner by Alice was certainly shocking.
That she was now laughing didn’t help Cithrel’s expression and worse, she couldn’t retaliate because Alice was in the way.
“You know, she won’t always be there to protect you.” Cithrel threatened, unable to resist.
She didn’t like to lose, at least not completely... That was what Aurora could see, and she approached Alice, smiling cheekily.
Like a puppy approaching its master for protection.
At her brazen action, Cithrel’s expression trembled and Alice reacted by giving Cithrel a very serious look.
For Aurora, it was very difficult to defend herself against someone like Cithrel, whose attack power and charm points were very high, but her friend was a perfect shield.
For such a reason, she gave a secretly triumphant smile to Cithrel, who was looking at her deeply.
‘I will take revenge’... Such an idea was what Cithrel’s blue eyes expressed.
Forward, Venali’s lips lifted into a smile.
And all that made Aurora laugh again in amusement.
She’d had a few drinks, but that didn’t mean she was completely intoxicated... At least, not completely.
“You’re quite the troublemaker,” Alice murmured, patting her back as she hugged her.
“Pff...”
Aurora tried to hold in her laughter and when she couldn’t, she burst out laughing.
—I think you’ve had too much to drink.
The message from her system caused Aurora to smile and lean back in Alice’s arms.
Actually, she hadn’t had too much to drink, or at least not enough to get drunk, and she was just in a fantastic mood.
So, let loose a little was nice.
Getting out of the cab, she could see that other students had already arrived and were entering the hotel.
“Come on. We still have the meeting,” Aurora said, trying to regain her composure.
“Oh, now you’re trying to look like a serious student? I think it’s too late,” Cithrel commented with an amused smile.
She was referring to staying in Alice’s arms as she giggled, but...
“Sorry, my friend told me to stay away from perverts,” Aurora replied, using the most serious tone she could.
Cithrel’s expression quivered, intermingling a smile with a rather strange expression.
Aurora gave a triumphant smile as she found an excellent weapon against that gallant knight.
Venali covered what smile she had and quickly retreated when Cithrel gave her a stinging look.
She was losing authority to a subject!
Aurora was sure that if someone else said those words, Venali would strike back to protect her ‘mistress’ honor.
Perhaps even Cithrel wouldn’t allow it if it wasn’t someone else, and now she could only endure it.
If Cithrel could annoy her... she could return the favor!
Looking at that princess, who now seemed to have a weakness, Aurora was about to speak when she noticed the figure approaching.
Xu Long, along with a couple of companions, approached their group, specifically Alice, who was eating chips.
Alice’s gaze was indifferent from the start and that made Xu Long frown, but he restrained himself.
“I want you to reveal to everyone that you are an S-Rank,” Xu Long said in a cold voice.
It was not a request, but a demand.
A rather blatant one, although when one thought about his situation, it was normal for him to come asking for that.
When they were at dinner, apart from seeing the overwhelming victory of Cernunnos Academy over Adventurer Academy, they also talked about Xu Long.
As an international tournament, the students gained fans, but also ‘haters’ and especially someone like Xu Long.
Someone so dominant, being defeated so easily by an A-Rank, became a ‘meme’ that went viral on social media.
That other heroes who supported the Academy spoke out on that topic only made the embarrassment even greater.
On that note, at least if he revealed that Alice was an S-Rank and not an A-Rank, it might lessen the embarrassment.
However...
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Alice replied nonchalantly.
Aurora gave a half-smile, knowing Alice wouldn’t let it go.
An individual so well known in his country, after being overbearing and arrogant, took a beating for an A-Rank... The media was taking advantage of that premise.
“You know that, and I want you to tell everyone,” Xu Long commanded as electrical energy spread through his body.
In response, Cithrel let out an S-rank aura and magical energy emanated from her body in measures that even a mere S-rank couldn’t do.
She gave the impression that she would respond if Xu Long did anything.
Looking like everything was about to turn violent, Aurora sighed and stepped forward.
“That’s enough,” She intervened and, looking seriously at both groups, she declared. “Alice will end up revealing her strength in the tournament. Just wait.”
She knew she couldn’t demand Alice to reveal her strength and accept the demand, but what she could be sure of was the possibility that she would end up revealing her strength.
Actually, Aurora was hesitant because she thought that if someone challenged her friend to win by hiding her strength, Alice would surely succeed.
Still, to mediate the situation, she needed to tell the occasional lie.
“Who are you to butt into our conversation?” Xu Long questioned, looking from the top down.
The scorn and annoyance didn’t even affect Aurora, who shrugged.
“I’m her friend, but I’m also a companion from Hero Academy,” Aurora revealed without looking perturbed.
Without giving the young man time to react, she continued.
“It’s useless to make trouble outside the arena,” Aurora said, and looking at the young man, she added. “However, if you wish to confront her, you can do so when they meet in the arena or in a duel.”
Was she being impartial with her job as a mediator?
Yes, after all, no one was paying her to do this job, and she was part of the Hero Academy.
So, if an idiot wished to come and challenge them, then she would gladly provoke him.
Xu Long took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but with an equally fierce expression, he looked at Alice and announced. “I challenge you to a personal duel. Outside of the academy tournament.”
He calmed down enough to realize that, if he challenged them as a member of the academy, it would be his opponents who could choose the mode, and thus he might not end up facing Alice or any other student.
That’s why he asked for a personal duel and...
“I don’t want to,” Alice replied tersely.
Aurora’s expression trembled at that answer she expected.
Alice wasn’t getting any benefit to agree to a duel and worse... Aurora could see how Alice was toying with the young man.
It was likely that defeating him was not revenge for Clémentine, but revenge was what happened next.
Basically, as he received criticism and as his image fell to pieces, that was Alice’s revenge and nothing unusual, when she could be scary at times.
Xu Long’s expression turned quite ugly at that blatant rejection, and his expression was filled with rancor.
The longer he waited, the more his image would be ruined and, with it, his reputation.
“Xu Long. I think it’s better to retire,” a companion of the young man commented as he realized that Xu Long was losing control.
His electric energy was scorching the ground, but his gaze only grew more rancorous.
“You’d better accept or...”
“Or what?”
Another presence that turned the atmosphere heavy appeared, and Edward approached with a cold smile on his face.
“Do you have that much interest in our academy? I guess their leader doesn’t control you guys well.” Edward said and looking at Xu Long, he revealed. “If you want a duel, then challenge us.”
Aurora immediately retreated as she sensed the two presences that immediately collided.
Electric energy with the lightning element it was made clear that Edward won the aura clash overwhelmingly.
His magical energy was so high that it made people have difficulty breathing, and lightning crackled around him.
“However, even if you challenge us, I don’t think a scum like you can last too long,” Edward stated, getting Cithrel’s surprise and with a smile, he added. “What’s more, I think Aetherium Academy without you would stand a better chance.”
Such arrogance was Edward’s characteristic, but even at this moment, he was methodical in luring Xu Long into the trap.
“As for if you still wish for a personal duel, then I can always receive you,” Edward said, and releasing his presence completely, he pointed. “Although I don’t think you won’t last five minutes.”
Overbearing and arrogant, being provocative enough to make Xu Long grit his teeth in anger.
That was Edward’s attitude in his past, someone very arrogant.
However, Aurora knew that he now had the confidence to maintain that arrogance.
From his powerful S-Rank aura, it was noticeable that Edward was among the strongest S-Rank and was even stronger than Akira.
Even so, Xu Long, instead of overdoing it, clenched his fists and, giving Alice a mischievous look, he retreated.
“Tch... Did he learn from his beating?” Edward hesitated, clicking his tongue and ignoring the gaze of the onlookers who were attracted by the clash of two S-Ranks, he ordered. “Come on. We’ve got an interesting day tomorrow, and we need to catch up.”
Aurora only gave a smile as she saw Edward return to a calm expression.
I’m just trying to provoke the other side with the goal of them being challenged for points.
It was hard to say that they would win against the Aetherium Academy, since, if they prepared well, the hero academy would have trouble.
However, Edward was confident in himself and as long as the mode was in an individual S-Rank showdown, he was confident of victory.
Aurora knew this because they had discussed that issue with Edward to plan if the conflicts extended to challenges.
******
On the sidewalk near the hotels, Xu Long received stares from his teammates.
“What shall we do?” a student from Aetherium Academy asked, looking at Xu Long.
Xu Long was breathing heavily, trying to control himself, but it was very difficult.
He had seen his image start to fall apart, and he had also seen the jokes of those hiding on the internet.
Even his fans doubted and even though he had mentioned that his opponent was an S-Rank, the jokes came one after another.
And that lack of confidence spread not only in the networks but among his own peers.
He had lost the trust of most of the academy and since this was an international tournament; the teachers did not interfere in this matter.
Letting it be seen that Alice was an S-Rank would help his image, but...
“I need to defeat her,” Xu Long said, and taking a deep breath, he detailed. “I need to face her individually to show everyone her strength and then defeat her.”
Just by revealing Alice’s strength would erase a bit of his bad image, though he needed to defeat her to completely fix his image.
“I think it’s difficult. She won’t accept on purpose and if we challenge her, that S-Rank will step in and play it safe,” commented another student with a worried tone.
Everyone knew that Edward was leading the Hero Academy group in a very united and determined way.
Making all the decisions and organizing everything; Edward was the leader.
If they were challenged and an S-Rank match was chosen, it would actually be Ryu Sujin who would face him and, as proven last time, she would most likely lose.
“Then... I just need to provoke her enough for her to accept my challenge,” Xu Long stated in a serious and cold tone.
He needed the other party to challenge him and for that; he required her to be angry enough for her to carry out the challenge.
“Seek information. Try to find out everything about her,” Xu Long ordered.
Now for him, what mattered wasn’t the tournament it was getting his image back and if for that he needed to take things a little far then he would.
“If you do well, I will pay you a lot of money and once you graduate, you can come with me to China. I assure you that my family will take care of you,” Xu Long said, as he saw his classmates hesitate.
The two students looked at each other and, in the end, nodded.
