If I don't take this seriously, then Ren will kill me.
There were a total of eight candidates for this event. Lexi made us form into two lines, and those who were in the same rows will be the pairs to fight each other.
My rival will be the guy that comes from Lexi's group. I think I heard his name from Keto before, what was it again?
Taking a glimpse at my rival, he caught me looking and I quickly turn to look away. "I heard you attempted to break Lexi's leg before." Shit, I didn't want to talk to him. He actually creeps me out.
"Erm, y-yeah… I did."
"I don't doubt you. There's never a rumor like that before, so maybe it must be true." Somehow, it was a little difficult to look him in the eye. To have such lifeless eyes, dozens of piercings, and a very gloomy aura, anyone will feel uncomfortable dealing with him.
"…still, I can't believe I have to face you mr. Pretty boy."
"It's Lyde… not pretty boy." Though I'm a little flattered they think I'm a pretty.
"Lyde, huh. I won't go easy on you." He chuckled menacingly, giving me goosebumps.
After the eerie talk with this creep, I just watched the first pair fight since I'll be waiting for my turn for quite a while. They seem to be great and skilled fighters, probably even at Lexi or Keto's level. I wonder how strong my opponent will be…
"Oi." Keto suddenly appeared by my side looking very pissed.
"H-Hey." What the hell does he want? If he plans to get me out of the competition, I think it will be a futile attempt. There's a lot of people watching after all.
"Do you really want to become fourth leader, Lyde?"
"No, actually… I really don't want to."
His face brightens up and he began to pat my back. "Great! That's great…" then he leans closer to whisper something. "…you can just lose on purpose on the first round."
"I know. I just wanna get out of here as soon as I can."
"Hehe, that's my boy!" Keto even messed with my hair—I mean, my wig. It's a good thing that I made sure that my wig won't be easy to take off, I also think he's still suspicious of my hair since he's doing stuff that can mess my hair up.
"…the boss said to take this competition seriously. I can't believe you're doing this Keto." The creepy guy suddenly talked to us.
Keto got quickly annoyed. His mood swings is really fast as the speed of light. "Mind your fucking business Brent."
Ah! So his name is Brent.
"I'm just being concerned…" his eyes shifted to me, and he smirks mockingly. "…but I guess I can't do anything about that."
Something's telling me that this asshole's looking down on me. "Tch." I just rolled my eyes at him. Fine, if he really wants get a taste of my beating then I'll give him that… then I'll just lose on purpose later.
"ONTO THE SECOND PAIR!" Lexi announced.
As the competition continues, Keto left my side and watched the fight from a closer distance. But as I was left on my own, I kept receiving creepy glanced from Brent making me uncomfortable. This would be harassment if I wasn't pretending to be a guy, but this is considered taunting between guys.
I also noticed the way he kept his hands turning into a fists, as if he was practicing... he must be wanting to fight me now.
And suddenly, the loud cheering got my attention.
"...NOW TO THE THIRD PAIR!" What!? The second pair finished so quickly?!
And to think that the guy who was insulting me earlier has won. That guy... I think his name is Damien. Unexpectedly, Damien turns to face my direction and puts up his fucking middle finger at me.
Tsk. There's so many annoying people here.
Then as the next pair took the stage, I felt nervous knowing that I'll be the next one to be there. I plan to lose but... what if I get carried away and accidentally win?
Well, I don't even know how strong Brent is, so maybe I might lose even if I try my best. I know well that I'm weaker compared to this candidates. I know my limits...
Weak... sometimes it's just so irritating to use that word.
Girls are really inferior to a guy's strength. It's a fact that can't be changed.
I don't like it whenever I remind myself about that kind of things.
"YEEEAAHH! GO BEAT THE SHIT OUTTA HIM!"
"BREAK HIS ARM!!"
"WOAH HAHAHA!"
Despite the noisy audience, I was locked into this deep thoughts. Slowly becoming unaware of my surroundings. And before me, everything changed into a complete void. Silhouettes of the past were coming back to life, and I can hear their voices... laughing at me.
Mocking me.
Calling me weak.
Weak...
"Shit." The world is suddenly spinning, and I can feel that I might vomit any moment now.
"...pair!... ast pair!... last pair!!"
Ah damn it, why is it so loud!?
"LAST FUCKING PAIR!!... YOU MOTHERFUCKER! GET YOUR ASS HERE RIGHT NOW LYDE!" What the... HOLY SHIT! IT'S MY TURN NOW!
"Hey Lyde, you gonna chicken out?" Brent laughed.
"N-NO!" Damn it, I should've focused on my goal here right now.
"Then get your shit together." He made his way to the center first, and I followed after.
"...you ready pretty boy?" Brent got on his stance, all fired up.
I sighed and got on my own stance. "Bring it on you creep."