Chapter 514: Aaron vs. Braveon. Freshman Exhibition Match

With no way out of it, Aaron and Braveon walked onto the stage beneath a mixture of envy, admiration, and outright fanboy worship.

"Good evening, Champion Edmund," Braveon greeted him politely.

Edmund looked pleased to see him. "Not bad. How's your master doing?"

"He's doing well. He said you should visit when you have the time."

"Really? Good. I will."

Aaron glanced between them with growing curiosity. Braveon's master was clearly no ordinary Trainer if even a Champion treated him with that much respect. Aaron only knew that the man had been the previous generation's Aura Guardian, while Braveon had inherited that role for the current generation and was still working toward complete mastery of his power.

Edmund turned toward Aaron. "So? Crown University treating you well?"

"It's pretty good," Aaron said. "It'd be even better if the university president didn't randomly call people out in front of thousands of freshmen."

Edmund burst out laughing. "You've been cursing me in your head this whole time, haven't you?"

Then he gestured toward the microphone. "You two are representatives for this year's freshman class. It's orientation night, so naturally you should say a few words."

Aaron and Braveon stared at him.

So this had been planned from the start.

Braveon immediately gave Aaron a look that said, You first.

Aaron rolled his eyes, took the microphone, and stepped up to the podium. The crowd quieted almost instantly. After all, the young Trainer standing in front of them had cleared the ninth floor of the Hidden Dragon Tower, something no one had managed in thousands of years, and taken first place on the Hidden Dragon Rankings. Plenty of the freshmen were already devoted fans.

"Ahem." Aaron tapped the microphone. "Hi, everyone. I'm Aaron."

That was all it took.

The field erupted.

"AARON! I LOVE YOU!"

"I WANT TO MARRY YOU! MY NAME'S JAKE MILLER!"

"I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN!"

"HE'S EVEN HOTTER IN PERSON!"

...

Aaron stared at the crowd as though it might rush the stage and devour him. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

This kind of pressure might actually rival facing a Champion.

He cleared his throat again. "I'm guessing most of you have heard about me. I got lucky, cleared the ninth floor of the Hidden Dragon Tower, and stole Braveon's number-one spot on the Hidden Dragon Rankings."

He shot Braveon an innocent smile.

"I feel terrible about it, obviously."

Braveon: "..."

"So please go easy on me from now on. I'm actually pretty weak." Aaron handed over the microphone. "That's all. Thanks."

Braveon accepted it with a look that promised revenge.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Braveon—the guy whose number-one spot was stolen by the shameless bastard who just spoke."

Laughter swept across the field.

The two top freshmen were nothing like the distant, arrogant heirs some students had expected. Their casual back-and-forth made them feel surprisingly approachable.

Braveon continued, "But I haven't admitted defeat. I'm going to beat him and take first place back myself."

The crowd immediately smelled blood.

"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!"

"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!"

The chant rolled across the sports field.

Edmund immediately perked up.

"All right!"

Aaron and Braveon both turned toward him in horror.

"Since everyone wants to see it, we'll have a one-on-one exhibition match right here. Let the freshmen see what the top two Trainers on the Hidden Dragon Rankings can do." Edmund grinned. "I'll referee personally."

Aaron: "..."

Why am I catching strays just because this idiot ran his mouth?

Braveon: "..."

I was trash-talking. I wasn't actually asking to fight tonight.

Edmund was already ordering the stage area cleared before either of them could object.

"This orientation is awesome!"

"Long live Champion Edmund!"

"Top two showdown! Who's taking it?"

"Aaron, obviously!"

"Braveon! My Blue Prince has this!"

"Then let the battle settle it!"

...

The freshmen quickly split into two camps, both sides shouting for their favorite.

There was no backing out now.

Aaron glared at Braveon. "This is what you get for running your mouth. Happy?"

Braveon scratched his head. "Hey, I didn't plan this either."

"Sure."

"What are you two whispering about?" Edmund shouted. "Get into position!"

"Coming!"

Aaron and Braveon exchanged one last look, then walked to opposite ends of the improvised battle arena.

This time, both of them were smiling.

"Let's battle."

...