84 Chapter 84: Against Alicia (1/2)

The coliseum was unsurprisingly packed full with spectators. I had already expected there would be a lot of people turning up to watch the match, given how many fans of the school's goddess there were in the academy, but to think their numbers exceeded the coliseum's capacity.

Furthermore, this was one of the main arenas, the main hall where we hosted the representatives from Crowley's Grand Arcane Academy all those months ago. It was a testament to Alicia Violet's popularity that so many people showed up. Not only the hundred or so members from Black Roses, but almost a thousand students had arrived to grab seats early.

I could hear them murmuring amongst themselves. There were many guys who were shooting me scornful or jealous looks, and many girls glaring at me in disgust, as if wondering how I could ever believe myself worthy of being on the same stage as her. I was reminded of that time with Lavender and the others, who hated me so much for associating with Alicia to the point where they actually planned to murder me by abandoning me to a bunch of monsters during a mission.

Fortunately, I was not without fans of my own. I could see my own society, Ultimate Outcast, holding up banners that spelled my name out. They were not alone. As I said, I had somehow garnered a small following after my lucky display against the representatives of Crowley's Academy, and then again against the Iron Fist Society. Pulling off two team-kills in succession would get you some fans, no matter who you previously were.

”Get off stage!”

”Surrender!”

”Stay away from our goddess!”

”You're not worthy of her!”

Already I could hear the jeers and sneers from the majority of the crowd. It did make some sense. Alicia was among the top hundred, top twenty even. I was barely at…five hundred, or at least that was the last time I remembered. The gap between our ranks and statuses was enormous.

Then there were those who were just jealous, because they had a crush on Alicia and wanted her for themselves. And I was getting in their way.

No matter. They had nothing to do with me. If they wanted to challenge me, then I would gladly accept their challenge. Furthermore, whoever Alicia chooses to socialize with was none of their business. She had the right to decide her own friends.

”Richard!”

I looked up as Alicia ascended the stage. A deafening roar rose from the crowd when they caught sight of their goddess, the guys going wild and the girls squealing in admiration. Once again I appreciated the enormity of Alicia's popularity among the student body.

”Hey, Alicia.” I waved toward her. ”It's good to see you.”

Alicia giggled as she approached me. ”It's good to see you too, but I hope you haven't forgotten that we are here for a duel.”

”How could I forget when everyone's reminding me constantly?” I gestured to the yelling and shouting spectators. Some were shouting encouragement, some were professing their love for Alicia, and others were jeering at me. There were a few cheering for me, telling me to do my best and win, and I waved toward them. Then I turned back to my opponent and bowed. ”I am honored to be able to have a match with you, Goddess.”

”Hey!” Alicia protested hotly, flushing from embarrassment. ”Don't call me that!”

”That's what they're calling you,” I pointed out, cocking my head toward the braying crowd who surrounded us on all sides.

Alicia sulked. ”Stop teasing me.”

”Sorry, sorry.”

”Are you two ready?”

Teacher Fielding stepped forward with a smile, nodding toward the both of us. He had taken good care of me, so he was a teacher I was in friendly relations with, while Alicia was a role model student who was the pride and joy of the teachers in Jing Tian Academy. There was no teacher who wasn't friendly with her.

”Yes. How about you, Richard?”

”I can start any time,” I replied with a respectful bow of my head. Teacher Fielding nodded in satisfaction and gestured for us to take our positions.

”Fighters, get ready!”

Alicia produced a pair of guns as she stood on her side of the stage, confident and beautiful as ever. The cheers from the crowd intensified.

”OOOOH! The goddess Alicia is on the stage!”

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”Go, Goddess Alicia!”

”Our goddess!”

”We love you!”

”Beat that punk!”

While I listened to the jeers and scorn from my side of the stage, I could also hear a few cheers and encouraging words.

”Surprise everybody again, Richard!”