The academy was in the middle of Rank Wars, a fiercely competitive event. Each year, students were ranked by their academic and combat performance. First-year students were placed at the bottom, under the second and third years, whose positions were carried over from the previous year's results. The rules were simple: lower-ranked students could challenge higher-ranked ones, but not the other way around. Victories swapped the challenger's position with the defeated opponent's. If you wanted to rematch the same person, you had to wait ten days. Each student could fight up to ten times a day, and if too many challengers applied, the academy decided by lottery. The Rank War lasted for thirty days, and you could challenge the same person a maximum of three times.
This year's top spot was held by Swain, the second son of a count and a second-year student. Following him was Garrick, the third prince of the royal family and a third-year, while Crawford, the heir of a baron, took third place. These three were not only powerful but also wildly popular among the female students. Last year's champion had already graduated, which shifted Swain from second to first. Swain and Prince Garrick were constantly at each other's throats, competing for the prestigious title of "Hero." The fights in the Rank War took place inside enchanted barriers that ensured no serious injuries, so combatants could go all out. Weapons and magic tools were allowed, making the duels both thrilling and dangerous.
Despite my abilities, I couldn't use Death Whisper here. That would be too much, even for me. Currently, I was ranked 313th, which, while low overall, made me the highest-ranked first-year. With nothing to lose, I challenged Swain. I expected a lottery, thinking many would try to fight him, but apparently, everyone else chickened out. Just like that, I found myself facing the top-ranked student in my first match.
"You've got courage, I'll give you that," Swain said with a respectful nod.
I tilted my head, confused. "It's not courage, really. Just confidence."
"I see. Most students wouldn't dare fight me first—Prince Garrick usually claims the opening match. But you must believe you can win if you challenged me. I respect that."
Ah. It dawned on me. Challenging Swain on the first day was a mistake. The unspoken rule was to let Garrick fight him first, but I'd unknowingly jumped the line. It made sense now why no one else applied. With only two challengers, the lottery was a 50-50 chance—and, of course, I won.
The duel began. Swain's name was called, and the crowd erupted in cheers. When my name was announced, I was greeted with boos. So, I was the villain in this little drama. Fine by me. Death Whisper is the kind of technique only a villain would use, anyway.
"Fighters, ready? Begin!"
Swain unsheathed his sword, moving swiftly to close the distance between us. But I was faster.
"Disruption Jammer."
I released a pulse of chaotic mana that crippled Swain's magic before he could activate it.
"What the—Physical Boost, activate! Why can't I cast? Disruption Jammer only works on contact—and it shouldn't affect someone stronger than the caster!"
Smirking, I sprinted toward him, slipping past his defenses with ease. Swain swung his sword, aiming to cut me down, but within my detection range, his movements were as clear as daylight. I dodged effortlessly and pressed a stun device into his side.
The device crackled as it discharged, and Swain collapsed, unconscious. Since the stun wasn't powerful enough to eject him from the barrier, the match continued until the referee counted him out.
"Swain is unable to continue! Victory goes to Rido!"
The arena erupted in gasps and screams. Some girls were practically wailing, devastated by their hero's defeat.
As I stepped down from the arena, a well-dressed figure approached—his expensive uniform and entourage gave him away as Prince Garrick.
"Impressive," the prince said with a polite smile. "Are you interested in pursuing the title of Hero?"
"Not really," I replied flatly.
A murmur rippled through the prince's entourage. "He speaks so casually to the prince!" one of them hissed.
Garrick raised a hand, silencing them. "It's fine. At this academy, skill speaks louder than status. Your Disruption Jammer was impressive—though it's the kind of trick that only works once. I look forward to facing you soon."
I wondered if anyone else would ever figure out how to resist my jammer. The mana density required to pull it off was absurd. If someone managed to counter it, I'd actually be impressed. Maybe it would even give me a worthy rival—someone who could push me to grow stronger.
As I left the arena, Plink intercepted me, a smug grin on his face.
"You used that Disruption Jammer spell during our practical classes, didn't you?" he accused.
I shrugged. "Got any proof?"
"This match was proof enough!"
"Go ahead, tell the school. Get me expelled if you can."
With my Mana Parry technique, not even the academy's mana detectors could track my spells. They'd find nothing.
Unexpectedly, Karina approached me, her graceful presence drawing curious glances from the other students.
"Congratulations on becoming number one," she said with a soft smile.
"Thanks," I replied, trying not to sound too smug.
"Those days when I cast healing spells on you feel so distant now. You've grown so much stronger."
"It wasn't easy," I admitted. "But I'll fulfill my promise before graduation."
"I look forward to it," Karina whispered, her smile lingering as she turned and walked away. She'd become even more beautiful over the years. There was no way I'd ever let Plink have her.
Later, Phantom returned with the results of our little side bet.
"Boss, we made a killing. Fifty-two gold coins."
"Half is yours."
Phantom gave me a crooked grin. "Much obliged, boss."
"Keep an eye on things. Make sure no one tries any dirty tricks—like slipping laxatives into my food."
"You got it."
Losing to something as pathetic as poison would be humiliating. I'd need to develop some kind of defense. Maybe I could manipulate mana to neutralize toxins? Detoxification magic works by pulling out harmful substances, like a magnet drawing out impurities. If I could find a way to replicate that effect without using a spell, I'd never have to worry about poisons again.
For now, I'd visit the underground workshop and have them craft me some anti-poison gear. Just to be safe. Can't be too careful in this school.