Chapter 101: Frey is the Spirit of Efficiency

The midday sun streamed through the wooden windows, casting a patch of dim, golden light onto the slightly dusty floor. A gust of wind blew past, rattling the doors of the old cabin and causing them to creak rhythmically.

Beside a pillar on the left side of the hall lay a well-worn training area featuring a large sparring platform. The area bore the marks of time and had dents and cracks that spoke of years of use. Standing upon this platform were several warriors. Their imposing auras clashed in a tense standoff.

Zirvini pointed at Frey and stated firmly, "While we intend to take this duel seriously, there is no need for me to bully you, as you are someone who is two ranks below me."

As one of the top powerhouses among the third years, she had no desire to win by bullying a newly enrolled freshman. That was an act that would violate the warrior code of honor.

With that out in the open, she beckoned, and a burly warrior stepped forward from behind her. He looked eager to give Frey a sound thrashing. Zirvini crossed her arms and stepped back, clearing the dueling area. "This is our vice captain, and he is a sophomore at Rank 5. He will teach you a lesson."

In the silent, dimly lit space, the air crackled with tension. The two combatants were poised for confrontation, and they wore serious expressions as they began their initial warm-ups and preparations. They performed simple, small hops, their landings making faint taps against the floor.

Their eyes were resolute. It was as if nothing existed in the world but the opponent standing before them. Observation was a crucial step in close-quarters combat.

Frey unbuttoned his coat, rolled his neck and shoulders with a relaxed air, and faced his opponent with calm confidence. Everyone else gradually stepped back. They were ensuring there was ample space for the fight to unfold.

"Ready?" Zirvini glanced at Lance, who was standing on the far side.

Lance nodded. "Please begin."

Zirvini's voice echoed through the dilapidated arena, "Do it!"

As the sound trailed off, the previously strained atmosphere suddenly shattered its constraints. The burly man's roar tore through the silence as he charged at Frey like a wild beast. He moved with the speed of lightning. His muscles coiled and unleashed immense power, propelling him forward as to deliver a devastating kick that would finish Frey off once and for all.

Frey, however, remained remarkably composed. He watched the charging giant calmly, standing as steady as a mountain peak amid a raging storm. His hands were already raised in a defensive stance before his chest, signaling that he had been fully prepared for the surprise attack.

The warriors in the back row held their breath. Every eye was riveted to this single, critical moment. The outcome could be decided in the blink of an eye!

Just as their paths were about to cross and their blows were poised to clash, Frey's right hand whipped into his pocket, snatching out a sphere that shimmered with the luster of a magic crystal. He hurled it violently, simultaneously dropping to the ground in a defensive posture typical of a battle-hardened veteran.

A thunderous explosion rocked the arena, causing the entire structure to tremble. Smoke and sparks scattered through the air. The ear-splitting blast froze time for a heartbeat, leaving only the searing sparks dancing in the void.

The massive warrior was instantly tossed into the air by the force of the blast. He traced a wide arc through the air before crashing to the ground like a bird with broken wings. He tumbled across the floor, finally coming to a halt in a corner of the arena.

Lying unconscious, the fighter was covered in soot. His eyes were tightly shut, and puffs of black smoke billowed from his mouth like ink from a cuttlefish. The dilapidated arena, which moments ago had been filled with tense silence, was now gripped by a stunned, deathly hush.

The warriors stared wide-eyed, completely bewildered by this sudden turn of events. Hyperion lowered her voice and muttered through gritted teeth, "...Lance!"

She had a sinking feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong!

Even though the group didn't fully grasp the situation yet, Hyperion knew exactly what Frey had pulled out: a light-grade magitech explosive that was intended for demolition work. He'd swiped it from the Student Management Council headquarters! Detonating it right in front of a Rank 5 warrior’s face was more than enough to knock them out cold!

Lance revealed a barely perceptible smile, seemingly unconcerned by the situation. On the other side of the arena, Frey brushed the dust and smoke from his clothes and stood up, completely unscathed.

He casually adjusted his collar, his eyes gleaming brightly as he spoke in a calm, steady voice. "I win. Times have changed. The spirit of combat must also ride the winds of the new era and board the airship known as magitech."

"You son of a—!!"

Naturally, the remaining warriors erupted in a fit of furious rage. Hyperion could sense an immense, collective anger surging among them, resembling a volcano gathering its explosive energy.

While she felt a twinge of fear, she was also amazed. Frey's simple maneuver had pushed the entire group right into the "kill zone" for Lance's Poet of Boundless Love!

However, this was a campus dispute mediation. Lance absolutely couldn't be allowed to use the Poet and trigger total chaos on school grounds.

One person screamed, "Frey!! You despicable bastard. How dare you even speak of the spirit of combat?!"

Another hollered, "Using a hidden weapon in a fair duel?! Since when did the Knights' College produce scum like you?!"

The group looked ready to rush forward and beat Frey to a pulp, yet they hesitated, terrified that he might pull out even more explosives. After all, his previous blast had damaged a structural beam, leaving the wooden structure teetering precariously.

The warriors feared that if they let Frey continue his rampage under the guise of self-defense, the entire arena might be reduced to rubble! Frey frowned in response to the accusation. "But you never said that new-model weapons were forbidden in a fair duel."

Someone retorted, "Shut up! Bombs are strictly prohibited in a duel!!"

Although the dueling customs of the Knights’ College relied largely on unwritten conventions, with no specific written clauses to cite, everyone understood the implicit rules. Yet, no one had ever gone so far as to whip out a demolition charge, the kind used by the College of Magical Engineering for tearing down whole buildings, during a duel!

The two sides stood at a standoff, locked in a heated argument. If things escalated further, rage could well cause them to lose their heads and trigger an all-out brawl.

Just then, Lance, who had been watching everything from the sidelines as if he was uninvolved, finally stepped forward. He walked past Frey, exchanging a brief glance with him. Lance looked at the group opposite him and said with calm composure, "Please, everyone, let's calm down. Harmony is paramount, and I believe I understand the points of contention and the issues at hand."

He then continued, "There was a misunderstanding regarding the rules from the very beginning, which led to the current situation. I propose that we void this match and hold a rematch. Furthermore, before the next bout begins, we should sign a contract detailing the specific terms. That way, regardless of who wins or loses, everyone will be able to accept the outcome without grievance."

His explanation was rational, and his demeanor was fair and open. It seemed as though his very purpose was to guide everyone toward a harmonious resolution.