Ernest was escorted to the principal room where he will wait about two hours as the principal is in a special meeting. Probably discussing how he will be punished.
He’ll expect it. After all, he injured a noble and caused a scene. This will also affect Sophia’s life in school.
‘What a really terrible brother am I’ Ernest keeps regretting and regretting his past actions. If he only controlled himself...But if someone were to talk s**t to your sister, anyone would definitely lose their cool.
The door opened. A tall, mature-looking woman probably in her mid-30s entered the room.
She fixed her gaze onto him as she approached her desk. Their eyes were locked at each other.
As she took her seat, across Ernest. She said, “Let them in.”
Three people entered the room. As Ernest glanced over, he saw Sophia and the two men he confronted earlier.
“Sophia…”
Sophia ignored his call as she sat by him.
‘She’s literally angry at me.’ Ernest said to himself, ‘I’m very very sorry Sophia.’ He inwardly apologized.
But the two people just now, specifically the blonde-haired guy, whose hand was covered in a bandage, talked s**t to her sister, made him slightly angry. This time, he kept his cool.
“Now that the two parties have arrived, let’s discuss what happened.”
“Ma’am this man attacked me when I was just passing through the hallway. I was just greeting this girl and he suddenly attacked me.”
Said the blonde man, which is absolutely a lie. ‘How dare he lie in front of me.’ Ernest clenched his fist.
“Yes, I saw it myself.” Backed the other guy.
“Hmm, then Sophia. Is that true? Did your brother attack Leo?”
Ernest looked at his sister. Hoping that she could back him up in this fight.
“Yes, my brother attacked them. But my brother did the right thing!”
The principal narrowed her eyes. The opposing parties exclaimed slightly.
“What do you mean right thing?” The principal asked.
“Leo said that he will let us get away if he...can...borrow...me...for...one...day.”
Ernest gritted his teeth as heard her suppressed voice. She is apprehensive because these two fuckers are in front of him.
“Wha? I would never say such a thing, principal.” Leo rebutted, “Do you actually believe that this woman whose family is a baronet is telling the truth? They are slandering me, principal!”
The audacity of this man...is off the scale. Ernest was furious to the point he wanted to punch the guy across him. But he kept his cool. He just needs to relax and let this discussion end in a civilized manner.
Ernest let out a deep sigh and looked at his sister again.
“Thank you…” He whispered.
“You’re my brother...and they are at fault…” Sophia whispered back.
“No, I’m sorry for making you cry.”
“...”
“Silence.” ordered the principal. “You sir Ernest. I have heard both sides. But unfortunately to you Ernest. You won’t get away from harming a student.”
“I agree...I injured the guy. But my reason is justified. You can do whatever you want to me.”
“No no we have another proposal,” said the Principal.
Ernest scrunched his eyes. He saw Leo smirking.
“We’ve discussed your punishment with the board of directors. We decided to give you a chance. If you win then you can get away from here free of punishment but if you lose you’ll have to pay Sophia’s tuition right here and if you fail that, she’ll be immediately expelled.”
“Whaaaaaat?!”
Ernest was in disbelief from the unfair judgment he had heard.
“That’s right you lower nobility! You will fight with my brother who is a B-ranked adventurer. He will definitely kick your ass.” Leo said haughtily.
“Wait principal, with all due respect. The condition seems unfair.”
“You have no say about this. The decision is final.” The principal said.
“s**t…”
Ernest cursed inwardly, now this s**t is hitting the fan. Does he have to fight a B-rank adventurer? How utterly ridiculous. He would understand if he had to pay for his medical fees but it wasn’t.
“Brother…” Sophia’s eyes were filled with concern. She knew that this was a problem.
But look on the bright side. If he defeats Leo’s brother, then he will be able to get away freely. ‘Wait, this is my chance to test the new me?’
“Okay. I’m up for the challenge.”
After hearing Ernest's decision, Leo burst into laughter.
“Do you really think that you can win against a B-rank adventurer? You? The lowest of the lowest? You’re just an ant to him. You’ll be trampled and crushed upon.”
“I’d like to see him try.” Ernest returned, looking confident.
“Brother! What are you talking about? You’re at a disadvantage here. It’s not that I don’t trust you but you are no match to that guy!”
“Look Sophia, I know you’re concerned but your brother changed significantly.”
“Bu But…”
“Don’t worry,” Ernest patted her head, “I’ll definitely win. Think of it as my apology.”
Leo couldn’t believe what he was just hearing. How can this guy who is the lowest of D-rank be confident?
He can’t wait to see his brother crush him.
“Now that you accepted. The fight will begin in two hours at the school arena. Be sure to prepare. Dismiss.”
…
That was the time where Sophia and Ernest separated from each other. Ernest was escorted to the backstage of the arena while Sophia to the audience area.
Ernest used the time to finish his daily quest which is to perform 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and 100 squats.
[Daily Quest completed. Rewards received: 10 points and status recovery.]
‘Invest ten points in strength’ Ernest ordered.
[Confirmed. Strength current stats is now 70.]
‘Good.’
Ernest looked around and saw a variety of weapons. He didn’t carry his sword with him since it was just a PTO.
“Two minutes sir!”
Said the man, reminding him of the time.
Ernest selected a sword.
Two minutes later. It was time. Ernest stepped out of the weapon’s room and headed to the center of the arena.
The arena was filled with cheering audiences, most of them were families of the students who attended the PTO. There was no vacant seat to be seen. This made him slightly nervous.
On the opposing side, a slightly tall man with silver hair made his entrance. He was wielding two daggers. An assassin type?
“Ladies and gentleman!” The commentator shouted in the mic. “We thank you for waiting! Now let the battle begin! From the left corner, a young baronet man who caused a scene earlier, the lowest of the lowest...Ernest Teucher!”
No one cheered at his name, except for his sister who is keenly cheering for him.
“You have a supportive sister huh? Then on the right side of the corner, a B-rank adventurer. White Ungard!”
Cheers roared throughout the arena.
“So you’re the one who hurt my brother huh? I was out busy working on stuff but for the sake of my brother. I will crush you.” White said as he crackled the joint in his hand.
“Is that so? In that case, for the sake of my sister. I will crush you.”
Ernest glared at which White acted surprised.
“Woah...scarry, you sure have some balls. But I will end this in one strike. You won’t even know you die.”
“I would love to see you try.”
White was provoked by his words. When the announcer says “fight” he will instantly end it.
“Okay now that we’re ready...Fight!”
White dashed forward.
Ernest stood still.
From his perspective, Ernest noticed the time slowed down. Looking at the audiences who moved so slow as if they were mannequins. Everything was just slowed.
Ernest shifted his eyes to White who was coming for him. But he is moving so slow.
In normal perspective, White would’ve arrived at his location in an instant. But it doesn’t look that way.
‘Is this also the perks of having a system?’
He looked to himself, not even concerned about his enemy. Is this the new him?
Ernest yawned, White’s sure was moving so slow. He could even slice him 20 times without him noticing.
In just two days he was at this level? He wondered what would happen if his level was 20 times higher.
Okay, enough pondering. Ernest lazily walked forward. White was moving as slow as a snail.
Then he contemplated what attack should he use. Should he just kick him?
Ernest decided. He raised the side of his hand and then — a swift downward attack.
A faint explosion — enough to cause dust to fly in all directions — occurred.
Due to the smoke, they weren’t able to see clearly what’s happening.
“How surprising! Whites just made his move and then the dust was created! Did Ernest receive a direct hit? We don’t know but let’s find out!”
“No brother!!” Sophia shouted as tears began to form in the corner of her eyes.
“Hmmph, he was just all talk. Look what happened!” Leo mocked, who was seated next to Sophia.
Then — the dust receded.
An unexpected thing happened.
Cheers stopped in an instant the moment they saw what happened.
“Whaaaaat!” Exclaimed the commentator, “What a sudden turn of event! White who made the first move hit the floor on the mat! He’s down, I repeat he’s down!”
The impact that caused the dust to fly in all directions was from Ernest's karate chop. He didn’t expect it to be this potent. He can’t even believe what just happened.
“Wait, my brother won?!” Sophia was baffled. Then a smile across her face. “He’s okay! My brother won!” Sophia celebrated. Even though the fight was not over yet.
To declare Ernest the winner of this fight, the countdown started. “10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1.”
White didn’t stand.
“That’s it! Ernest Teucher won! We don’t know what happened or how he defeated him but it is evident that he was knocked down!” The commentator commented.
However, silence still shrouds the arena. Maybe shocked from an unexpected result.
…
Among the audience, there is one who’s wearing a cloak that conceals its identity.
“Interesting…” The figure stood and left the arena with a devious smile.
…
Back at the principal office. Ernest and Sophia were welcomed by the principal.
“I didn’t expect that you would win but congratulations. Your sister gets to stay in the school.”
“What are you talking about ma’am? She deserves to study in this prestigious school. This wouldn’t happen if I just controlled myself.”
“My brother is awesome! I swear I thought that you would lose.”
“I was shocked but that’s just how it is. The board has decided to give you a 50% tuition discount for the troubles.”
“Really? Thank you!”
“This will definitely help us!”
Ernest and Sophia bowed in joy.
“Okay, you may leave now. I have important things to do.”
…
The principal was left in the room. Picking up her phone, she dialed someone.
The phone rings.
The call was received.
“Hello, this is the Principal of the Magic Institute of Cryoliniese. I have completed my part. Now transfer the money to our bank account.”
“Yes, I confirm. I watched the broadcast myself. It’s nice doing business with you.”
The call ended.
A man in a black suit glances at the two men in suit.
“What do you think, Talon? Did he awakened?”
“We can’t say for sure, boss. The result was surprising, but anyone above B-rank can do that.”
“Did you even consider his rank? He is a D-rank. The lowest ranking adventurer. Do you think that it's normal for a guy like him to win against B-rank?”
“I’m sorry boss.”
“Then Tarone? What do you think? Should we get him on our side now?”
Tarone shook his head.
“I believe we should observe more, boss. It would surprise him if we were to make contact with him right now.”
“You have a point.” The boss sighed, “Now when the opportunity comes, grab it. Other guilds had seen the fight and will surely make their own move. If Ernest Teucher was awakened, we must get him on our side.”
“Yes, boss!”