83 Chapter 83: Condition (2/2)

Feng Hai was grinning at me. I tilted my head to the side, not at all offended or pissed off. It was a valid reason, after all, and I welcomed the opportunity to test myself in combat. I viewed this as a practice match more than anything.

And if I ended up falling here and losing my quota, then…that was that. It simply meant I could only reach up to this level. Furthermore, from what Feng Hai said, it wasn't necessary to win. However, I wasn't gullible enough to think that anything other than a winning performance was enough to convince him.

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Not only that. If I went in with the mentality that it was okay to lose, then what did it mean for the future, when I was called upon to represent Jing Tian Magic Academy? If my goal was to improve my school's ranking – which would contribute to my goal of getting into a prestigious university, then I should aim for nothing less than a win.

So I nodded.

”I understand. So we're having another team battle…this time against Black Roses?”

”Oh. You already had the team battle. This time it would be an individual battle.” Feng Hai paused to think. ”After all, even with the emphasis on team battles this year, there still a very large individual battle component. I would like to assess both Ultimate Outcast and Black Roses on this area.” He grinned. ”And I'll eventually evaluate Holy Saints and the rest as well…after all, I don't play favorites. It's only fair to do so.”

”…I understand.” I nodded again. ”I'll get ready for it then.”

Turning to my society, I shrugged. Dong Fang Yue Chu and the three first year students were looking a little concerned.

”Are we really doing this?”

”Sure. Why not?” seeing their worry, I took a deep breath. ”I'll take responsibility. I need the practice anyway. I'll represent the society. And if I end up losing the quota, then I'll be the one who misses out the training camp.”

The rest of the members nodded slowly, accepting my proposal. After all, the whole reason why we were able to secure an extra slot from Holy Saints was largely due to me in the first place. Of course, I was aware that it was a team effort, but nobody complained about me making the decision on my own.

”You'll win, Vice-President!” Harvey declared, his eyes shining. Ugh, his indomitable faith in me was really weighing down heavily on my shoulders. I dreaded the day when I finally disappointed him. I was only human, after all.

”Good. I've already informed Black Roses, and they'll contact you to make the necessary arrangements.” Feng Hai turned away with a grin.

As it turned out, we didn't have to wait long. The very next day, Alicia approached me.

”Richard!” she called out, waving at me. Looking up, I crossed over to meet up with her in the middle. If you were expecting jealous male students to glare murderously at me, then be disappointed. Such stupid clichés didn't happen in reality. Normal people knew they had no right to decide who Alicia gets to socialize with.

And if they weren't happy about it, they could always challenge me, but fewer people were bold enough to do it these days, especially when my ranking shot through the roof. Now I was among the 200s after beating Holy Saints and taking so many missions. I would welcome the challenge, actually.

Which was why I was looking forward to this match against someone from Black Roses.

”Brother Hai probably already told you about the match, right?” Alicia asked when we reached each other. I nodded and fell into step beside her as we headed toward class. ”Have you decided who will fight?”

”Me,” I replied succinctly. Alicia giggled.

”I kind of expected that.”

”What about Black Roses?” I asked. ”Who's going to fight?” a thrill ran through me. ”Troy?”

”No, Troy hasn't returned yet.” Alicia shook her head. ”He's still out there somewhere, searching for his brother.” She smiled. ”I'll be challenging you in his stead.”

”Oh?” that was a surprise. Alicia was hardly the type to fight in individual matches, but she did prove her strength in many missions and the few matches she participated in. There was a reason why she was known as the goddess of our school. She was one of our top mages…not as powerful as the top ten, but she combined her superlative combat skills with excellent leadership. The very same leadership capabilities that allowed her to stand at the top of Black Roses as its president. This would be a fun match. ”Great. I look forward to it.”

Alicia laughed slyly. ”I know you will. But be careful. I'll do my best to win!” She then turned a little serious. ”…and this is a great opportunity for me.”

”Opportunity? For what?”

”You'll see.” Alicia giggled again, concealing half of her pretty face. She then took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. ”How about we make a little bet between ourselves?”

”A…little bet? What do you have in mind?” I pushed my glasses up to study her. Alicia squirmed a little, but maintained her smile.

”If I win, do you mind if I request a favor from you?”

”Sure,” I consented. Knowing Alicia, she would never make an unreasonable request.

Alicia watched me for a few seconds, and then she pouted slightly, clasping her hands behind her waist. ”What about you? Aren't you going to ask a favor from me if you win?”

”I have to win first,” I pointed out pragmatically. Alicia laughed at that.

”Always the practical one, Richard. Sure! But I don't intend to lose!”

”I plan to do my best to win too,” I promised. Inwardly, I wanted to impress a beautiful goddess like Alicia, and one of the best ways to do so was to show off my strength.

This was going to be an exciting match.