"Who? Where?" Cedric's eyes swept around the audience section of the arena, searching for the person Julius was referring to. His gaze darted from one face to another, clearly bewildered.
"Not in the direction you're looking, you dummy!" Julius snapped, pointing directly at Reese. "The girl with the black hair and the slender figure—over there."
"Huh? That's just a young girl!" Cedric exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"And when did I say she was an old lady?" Julius retorted, his annoyance evident.
"No, I mean, I thought maybe an older woman saved you that time, and you somehow mistook her for a younger girl. Or perhaps she's some ancient witch who enchanted you into thinking otherwise," Cedric said with a hint of humor. "It's hard for me to believe a young girl could defeat a high-ranking monster on her own."
"I don't even know what to say to you anymore…" Julius sighed, frustration clear in his voice.
"Then don't say anything," Cedric said with a grin. "I guess she's the new student then."
"Most likely," Julius confirmed, his attention still fixed on Reese.
"But given how stunning of a beauty she is, I can totally understand why you fell in lo—"
[*Smash*]
Julius's hand came down sharply on Cedric's head, cutting him off with a swift smack.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Cedric protested, rubbing his sore head.
"Stop spouting nonsense," Julius said, his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation.
"Oh my, look at my friend all shy," Cedric teased, clearly enjoying Julius's discomfort.
"You—" Julius began, but the announcement from the speaker interrupted him.
< We now request Reese Lysander, the new student, to step forward. >
"Looks like I was right. It's definitely her," Julius said with a satisfied smile.
A tall and slender girl with her short black hair cascading elegantly over her shoulders, walked forward with a quiet confidence. Her presence commanded attention as she approached the professors, her every step deliberate and calm.
"Silence!" The Headmaster's voice resonated through the arena as he rose from his seat, the authority in his tone instantly silencing the crowd. The once lively arena fell into a profound hush, the tension palpable.
The Headmaster fixed his gaze on Reese. "Miss Lysander, as previously stated, although I originally allowed you to join the third-year swordsmanship class, we arranged this additional evaluation at the request of the esteemed third-year students of this class. In this, You are required to fight one of them if you want to go through your swordsmanship lessons with the third years. However, you still have the option to withdraw from this duel and continue with first-year swordsmanship lessons in that case. Do you wish to proceed?"
"She should step down," Cedric said anxiously. "Even if she did defeat a high-ranking monster, entering this duel is risky. I hate to admit it but the swordsmanship department students from Liam's faction are quite experienced and well-trained. It would be wiser for her to forfeit. At least for now"
Julius remained silent, but his gut feeling kept suggesting that Reese Lysander would not back down.
"It's alright. I'll participate in the duel," Reese said firmly, her tone resolute and unwavering.
"Are you certain?" the Headmaster asked, scrutinizing her with a keen eye.
"Yes," Reese affirmed without hesitation.
"Very well," the Headmaster said, gesturing toward the four third-year students. "You may choose your opponents from these four honorable members of the third-year swordsmanship class." He indicated Albert Beaumont, Edgar Vanderbilt, Benedict Grosvenor, and Nathaniel Fitzroy. All four members of the Crimson Claws, a faction led by Liam Rosedale.
Reese surveyed the four students carefully with sharp eyes, taking in every detail.
The arena erupted in whispers and murmurs as the crowd eagerly speculated about whom she might choose. Excitement and curiosity were thick in the air.
Reese turned back to the Headmaster, raising her right hand.
"Yes, you may speak," the Headmaster said, intrigued.
"If it's not too much trouble, respected Headmaster, I have a request," Reese said, her voice calm and composed, showing no signs of nervousness.
"I thought this chick was brave but looks like she's backing down after all," one of Liam Rosedale's friends remarked with a smirk, his tone dripping with mockery. Laughter spread through his circle of friends, their amusement evident.
"As expected," Liam Rosedale said, exchanging a knowing look with his companions. "I knew allowing a random student into our class would lead to this."
"Yes, you may make your request. I will consider whether it can be granted," the Headmaster said after a moment of contemplation.
Reese bowed slightly and then lifted her head, her expression serious but a slight smile on her lips. "I can't decide which opponent to choose. Therefore, I request to fight all four of them at once."
A stunned silence fell over the arena. Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd. Eyes widened, and whispers of shock and incredulity filled the air as people tried to process her bold declaration.
"Pardon, Miss Lysander? Could you please repeat that?" one of the professors asked, his face a mask of confusion as he struggled to believe his ears.
"I wish to fight all four of these 'honorable' students simultaneously. Simply speaking, I want a one-versus-four match," Reese repeated, her tone steady and resolute.
The audience's reaction was a mixture of awe and bewilderment. Some stared in stunned silence, while others erupted into excited chatter. The professors exchanged anxious glances, their faces reflecting the gravity of Reese's audacious challenge. The tension in the arena was almost tangible. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation as everyone awaited the outcome of this unprecedented request.
Dorian Arkwright, Liam Rosedale's right handed man and known for his hot temper, couldn't hold back his outrage any longer.
"What did you just say? Do you even understand the magnitude of what you're saying, commoner?" Dorian shouted, his voice echoing throughout the now-silent arena as he shot up from his seat, his face red with fury.
"The audacity of this commoner!" another companion of Liam's chimed in, his voice dripping with disdain. Their expressions were a mix of shock and indignation, as they found Reese's challenge completely outrageous.
Reese, standing at the center of the arena, remained unshaken. She narrowed her eyes, a cold, resolute gaze. "No offense," she began, her voice steady and cutting through the tension like a blade, "but if challenging the Headmaster's decision isn't considered audacity, then why is my humble request? I thought Aetherium didn't discriminate based on social status."
The crowd held its breath as Reese's words hung in the air. The subtle dig at the academy's apparent hypocrisy wasn't lost on anyone, and it only served to fuel the tension. Her unwavering demeanor amidst the hostile gazes was almost defiant, showcasing a level of confidence that many found unnerving.
"You shameless little—" Dorian began, his face contorted with rage, but he was cut off by the Headmaster's booming voice.
"Enough!" The Headmaster's command echoed through the arena, silencing the murmurs and protests. His gaze, stern and unyielding, swept over the students. "She is correct. Aetherium's rules explicitly state that we do not judge a student's abilities or actions based on their social background."
"But Headmaster-", Dorian opened his mouth to argue further, but this time, it was Liam Rosedale who intervened. "Stop," Liam ordered quietly, his eyes never leaving Reese. "The Headmaster is right. Let's allow him to make the decision."
Dorian reluctantly backed down, though his glare at Reese was anything but forgiving. He sat down again on the seat beside Liam.
The Headmaster returned his attention to Reese, his expression inscrutable. "Miss Lysander, do you fully comprehend what you are asking and the potential consequences of such a request?"
"Yes," Reese responded without a hint of hesitation. "I am fully aware."
The Headmaster's eyes narrowed slightly, assessing the young woman before him. "I must remind you once again: if we proceed as you have requested, there is a high likelihood that you will suffer severe injury. In this duel, participants are permitted to injure their opponents to any degree as long as they are not dead. These four students are among the top of their class in the swordsmanship department."
"I understand," Reese replied calmly, meeting the Headmaster's gaze directly. "I am prepared to face any consequences that arise from my request, and I will take full responsibility for any injuries I may sustain."
The Headmaster hesitated, then turned to the professors seated nearby. A brief, hushed discussion ensued. The air was thick with tension, every eye in the arena focused on the small group at the center of the platform. After what felt like an eternity, the Headmaster turned back to Reese.
"Very well," he said at last, his voice carrying the weight of the decision. "Your request is granted. You will face all four opponents in a one-versus-four match."
A wave of astonished gasps and murmurs washed over the crowd, and Reese bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Headmaster," she said, her voice steady and clear.
Cedric watched in stunned disbelief as the scene unfolded before him. "Is she for real?" he muttered, eyes wide. "Does she have any idea what she's gotten herself into?"
Julius, sitting beside him, felt a knot of worry tighten in his chest. "I… don't know," he admitted, his voice carried tone of concern. He glanced over at Reese, who seemed unfazed by the magnitude of her decision.
"She must be either incredibly brave or completely naive," Cedric said, shaking his head. "This situation is extremely dangerous."
One of the professors, sensing the potential for disaster, spoke up. "Headmaster, given the circumstances, it might be wise to have a skilled high-ranking healer on standby for safety purposes."
"An excellent suggestion," the Headmaster agreed. "Is there any healer willing to volunteer for this task? Please step forward."
"I will!" Julius announced, rising to his feet almost immediately. "I volunteer to serve as the emergency healer." He raised his hand, his resolve evident.
The arena turned to Julius in shock. It was a quite a natural reaction judging the situation. It wasn't just any student volunteering—it was the young master Whitelock who was known for avoiding conflicts and refusing to heal others unless absolutely necessary. His reputation for being highly selective, even to the point of refusing requests from prominent noble families, made his sudden willingness all the more surprising.
"Very well, come forward," the Headmaster said, nodding in approval.
Julius immediately hurried to their side, every eye following his movements.
Liam Rosedale, watching this unexpected turn of events, couldn't help but smirk. "Well, well, young master Whitelock stepping forward on his own? Things are becoming more interesting than I anticipated," he murmured to himself, his lips curling into a sly smile.
"Now, all participants, please take your positions at the center of the arena," the Headmaster instructed, his voice carrying the finality of the upcoming duel.
Liam, ever the picture of confidence, turned to Reese with a mocking smile. "Good luck, Miss Lysander. I hope for you to be safe" he said, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Thank you for your best wishes," Reese replied, though her lips formed a polite smile but it didn't reach her eyes.
As the participants gathered at the center of the arena, preparing for the duel, Dorian leaned closer to Liam, his face a mask of anger. "This doesn't make any sense," he muttered through clenched teeth. "How can you be so calm after seeing the nerve of this commoner?"
"Patience, Dorian," Liam chuckled softly, his eyes fixed on Reese. "Let the 'ant' fly a little before it meets its demise. I was being generous before, but she's brought this upon herself. So what can we do but enjoy the show?"
With that, the arena fell into an almost eerie silence. The stage was set, the tension at its peak, and all eyes were on Reese Lysander as the duel was about to commence.
___