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5 chapters to the system
Don't forget to add to library
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Tatsuya's expression grew sober as his words hung in the air. After a brief pause, he continued.
"If I had the choice, I would've abandoned this world to stay with my loved ones. And if I had to, I'd destroy it with my own two hands."
Kisame's face went cold. He stared at Tatsuya, as if the words he'd just heard were beyond reason. "Are you in your right mind? You've been given an incredible opportunity to serve the nation, and yet you speak with such disgrace. You're unworthy of what's been presented to you."
Tatsuya merely offered a faint smile. "I'm sorry. Now, what was your position before you came here?"
Kisame's gaze hardened. "Captain of the second special unit."
"Is the captain of the first unit also here?"
Kisame nodded. "That's the person I want to meet. He's never revealed himself to anyone, not even to the top brass. No member of the first special unit has ever been publicly seen—except for the squad's maid. The captain of the first or second unit was supposed to come here, but the first resigned suddenly, without a word. I was sent in his place to handle the aftermath. And since his identity was never disclosed, he left without any consequences. AX397…"
Tatsuya raised an eyebrow. "Maybe he saw something you haven't, and he started thinking like me."
An uneasy silence fell between them. Neither spoke for several minutes, as if both feared disturbing the fragile quiet they had found. Tatsuya eventually stretched and got to his feet. Just as he was about to leave, his smartwatch beeped and buzzed. The screen blinked with a blue light.
Tatsuya glanced over at Kisame, a question in his eyes. Kisame frowned. "Have you offended anyone recently?"
Tatsuya shook his head, but then something came to mind, and he chuckled. "Looks like I might have…"
Kisame let out a sigh, his expression growing pained. "You've likely offended someone important. For a challenge to come your way on the very day you enroll..."
Tatsuya smiled lightly. "It's fine. Looks like someone's eager for a fight."
"Anyway," Kisame continued, "what do you know about duels?"
Tatsuya shrugged. "Not much."
"The duels are part of the academy's combat training. When this place first started, a few attendees were excelling at strategy but neglecting their physical training. Their bodies couldn't sync with their dutons, and they lost their lives in the field. The academy's reputation took a hit. So, the duel system was introduced. Anyone here can challenge another for practice, as long as it's authorized by a 3-star or someone higher."
Tatsuya looked at Kisame, his expression suddenly more serious. "Do they ask the participants before scheduling a duel?"
Kisame nodded. "Yes, both parties are consulted before confirmation. And if either participant is unavailable, their instructors can agree on their behalf."
A sense of unease washed over Tatsuya. His eyes narrowed as he asked, "Where are these duels held?"
Kisame led him through the academy, finally arriving at a multi-story building. Inside, a large digital bulletin displayed the duel numbers and hall assignments. Tatsuya's duel was listed, along with the hall number. Kisame, now intrigued by Tatsuya's situation, guided him to the room personally.
As they opened the door to the hall, they saw a man sitting inside with a warm smile. His eyes flickered over Tatsuya, and his smile deepened.
"Got some guts, huh? Leaving a note like that and walking away."
Tatsuya's face darkened, but he remained silent. Kisame turned to him, puzzled.
"Didn't you meet me right after seeing your instructor? What does the Colonel mean?"
Tatsuya said nothing, his gaze fixed on the man in front of him, who continued to smirk. It was rare for Tatsuya to be rendered speechless, but he stood there, his face dark as the bottom of a pot.
"What does this mean?" Tatsuya finally asked.
The Colonel chuckled softly. "What do you think it means?"
Tatsuya clenched his jaw but said nothing more. The man rose from his seat and approached them slowly, his eyes now on Kisame. "You should watch the duel. You'll learn a lot."
"Yes, sir!" Kisame responded, straightening.
"That's Colonel to you, boy," the man corrected, his eyes now locked on Tatsuya.
Without warning, Tatsuya launched an attack, aiming to sweep the Colonel's legs from beneath him. The Colonel simply stepped aside, avoiding the blow with ease. Tatsuya, undeterred, followed up with a punch aimed at the Colonel's chest, but the Colonel parried it effortlessly.
"Impressive," the Colonel mused, "but reckless."
Tatsuya narrowed his eyes, his stance shifting as he prepared for another strike. This time, he feinted a high kick before quickly transitioning into a low jab. But the Colonel saw through it. With a quick twist, he grabbed Tatsuya's arm mid-strike and tossed him aside as if he weighed nothing.
Tatsuya skidded across the floor, landing in a crouch. His heart pounded as he realized the vast difference in their abilities.
"You've got potential," the Colonel said, his voice now tinged with mild interest. "But this academy requires more than potential. Show me what you're made of."
Tatsuya's breath steadied. He wasn't here to impress anyone. He was here to survive. And he'd do whatever it took to ensure that. With renewed focus, he launched himself at the Colonel once more, his movements sharp and calculated.
The Colonel dodged, but this time, Tatsuya's strikes came faster, each one landing closer to its target. For a brief moment, the Colonel took a step back. Tatsuya pressed forward, landing a solid hit to the Colonel's ribs.
But just as Tatsuya thought he'd gained the upper hand, the Colonel's eyes darkened. In a blur of motion, the Colonel closed the distance, his fist slamming into Tatsuya's chest with such force that it knocked the wind out of him. Tatsuya flew across the room, crashing into the wall.
Dazed, Tatsuya lay on the ground, struggling to catch his breath. The Colonel loomed over him, his expression unreadable.
"Remember this lesson," the Colonel said coldly. "You'll need it."
With that, the Colonel turned and left, leaving Kisame to rush to Tatsuya's side.
"You alive?" Kisame asked, shaking him gently.
Tatsuya coughed and nodded, wiping blood from his lip. "Barely," he muttered.