For the first time, an academy announcement was delivered to every student in the first year academy session.
"-Ranker 20, Jesse Louis accepts Ranker 1, Billy O'Malley's death match request-"
-
Jesse's door burst open as four students trooped in, Maxwell rushed in but was shoved out of the way by Avila. She walked towards Jesse and banged her fists on the table, "Are you out of your mind?!"
The astute girl had her own weird way of showing concern, but Jesse was getting none of it, "I won't change my mind." He relaxed on his couch.
"I get it. You somehow glitched from rank 336 to rank 20, but we're talking about rank 1 here, he's been on that seat since the beginning of the session." Maxwell interrupted.
"That's the more reason why he has to leave." Jesse shrugged.
"You're really out of your mind. This is a death match, not a duel, you fight to the death not to unconsciousness!" Avila raised her voice, she clenched her fist, trembling on her feet.
Mei and Aland stood at the back, watching the other two confront their strongest.
"I'll heal you after the match ends." Mei raised her fist in support.
"I'll help her take you off the stage." Aland stuttered, speaking like he would be carrying a body off the stage.
Jesse smiled at their terrible attempt to cheer him up.
"You hid so well for two days, I searched everywhere for you." Maxwell slumped on the opposite couch, "I know I shouldn't hope for this, since you only get disappointed when you hope for something, but I hope you win. Don't you dare die on me." He closed his eyes as of giving up.
"You have better use alive than dead." Avila spoke softly before leaving the room.
"The match is in less than an hour, I'm here to say my good-bye." Maxwell chuckled.
Mei sat beside Maxwell on the couch, "Keep your side of the deal."
"Sure." Jesse replied, throwing his head back.
"Wait. What deal?" Maxwell asked, "What deal?!"
---
The duel hall was filled to the brim, overflowing even. Cameras flew around as the match was streamed to the second and third year section.
"-Fight to the death!-"
"Yaa!!!"
The students erupted into cheers as the speakers blarred.
Jesse won't even be capable of using his full power with all this people watching and all these cameras flying around, but it wasn't the same with Billy O'Malley, because unlike, Jesse who hid behind the facade of having an enhancement ability, Billy made it known to the world that his ability was transformation - he could transform into wild beasts.
The crowd cleared a part on both sides as the two contenders made their way to the stage.
They climbed the stage and Billy glared at Jesse with a sick smile on his face, Jesse's frown deepened, the pressure Billy O'Malley exuded was like not like before, his mere presence screamed powerful. He had probably gone through another evolution after the temporary one that day. His once full brown hair was scantier and his skin was a lot paler, he seemed to have grown taller and thinner even.
Jesse had accepted the death match two days ago out of anger despite knowing that all was Billy's ploy. He informed Alexander of the cottage, which led to completing the new quest and earning enough experience points to leave him at the brink of leveling up.
"Did you like my gift?" Billy O'Malley asked, his voice finding its way to Jesse's ears amidst the scream of students.
"..."
"You and I, we're the same, look around at all this delicious-" He paused, turning his head to the spectators with his eyes closed as he licked his lower lip slowly.
Jesse's facial expression relaxed as he stared at his crazy opponent, "Inspect."
[Name - Billy O'Malley]
[Race - Infected]
[Status - Awakened]
[Evolution Tier - ??]
[Ability - ??]
[Ability Tier - ??]
[Ability Level -??]
A new bar was part of Billy's information bar - he really had evolved, however, his evolution tier was so high that it was hidden.
'This could really be the end of me.' Jesse let out a chuckle, "You and I... we're not the same, I don't kill and eat people."
The smile on Billy's face disappeared, "Ha! You will soon enough, that's what you are! You can't change that!" He smiled again, "It's not your choice so don't fight it."
"-The match will end only when both sides agree to end the match or one side die!-"
The announcement was given and the cheers erupted even loudly. A few students shook their head as they hoped Jesse wouldn't meet his demise, while a whole opposite population just wished for the death of one or both of the acclaimed strongest students.
"-No Rules! Fight to the death!-"
"-Begin!-"
The horn was blared and for the first time, Jesse charged forward first, not willing to take any chances.
His fists stretched out, ready to collide with its opponent. He aimed straight for Billy's chest, not hesitating. His speed was impressive, a blur to most eyes, and the air around his fists crackled with raw power.
Billy didn't even flinch. Jesse's fist slammed into Billy's chest with a loud thud, sending out a shockwave that rippled through the arena. But Billy barely staggered. His smile widened into something twisted, eyes gleaming as if mocking Jesse's attempt.
Jesse recoiled in surprise, he knew that Billy would be strong but not on this level.
'That should've done more...'
He darted to the side, circling around Billy, throwing a flurry of punches and kicks—one to the ribs, another to the head, then a sweeping kick to the legs—all infused with his great strength.
Each blow landed, but the damage was superficial at best. Bruises formed on Billy's pale skin, but nothing more. The crowd gasped and cheered, watching the quick exchanges.
Billy let out a low chuckle. "Is that it?" His voice cut through the cheers, dripping with disdain.
Jesse ignored his taunts and pushed harder, trying to find an opening, but Billy's monstrous resilience made every attack feel pointless.
Jesse's clenched his fist, and with a roar, he struck Billy with a powerful uppercut, lifting him slightly off the ground. The crowd erupted into cheers. For a moment, it seemed like Jesse had the upper hand. But as Billy landed back on his feet, he wiped the trickle of blood from his lip, his smile never faltering. The crowd went silent, sensing something incoming. "You really thought you stood a chance?" Billy hissed, his voice now filled with mockery.
His mouth widened as every tooth in his mouth elongated, growing sharper with each inch. His fingers twitched as sharp claws stretched out from them. His skin turning into a paler grey color.
The spectators watched with wide eyes as Billy transformed into a monstrous beast...or so they thought. Billy was just assessing his true form, one that Jesse could only assess in a frenzied state, however, Billy could assess it even when with a calm mind.
Jesse gulped unconsciously and stepped back.
Billy's monstrous form towered over him now, and with a sickening grin, he lunged at Jesse with lightning speed, swiping at him with clawed hands.