บท 31: Arc 1: Part 31
"Damn," Ferlando cursed. His face looked angry and dark. He was happy when Leonhart got beaten up, but he was also angry since this meant his class's fame had plummeted significantly. The moment he lost, he knew nothing good would come from this fight. Even if Leonhart were to win, it wouldn't do any good for him. But since Leonhart lost as well, it affected everyone in Class Two and doubled the loss.
Ferlando cast a glance towards Joshua. To be honest, Ferlando didn't have high hopes for Joshua to win. He was the weakest among them, and Class Seven had firmly established themselves as the strongest among them. Naturally, their third fighter had to be strong as well.
However, if Joshua lost as well, it would mean that Class Two was truly incompetent. It didn't matter who issued the challenge, everyone would believe it was Class Two as a whole, and it would be labeled as a stupid and arrogant class for all their bark but no bite.
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"Now! The arena has been repaired! It is time for the third round!
"I know, folks! The outcome might be the same as the previous ones!"
Ferlando cursed the MC for reminding him of this.
"But something different might happen! Perhaps Joshua Fray from Class Two can create a miracle and win!
"Now! Joshua Fray versus Julian Edelfert!"
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Joshua stood up and looked nervous. Ferlando could see it, but he still walked to the arena. Ferlando thought of something, but he thought it was impossible. If Joshua won, by any chance, if he won, then his influence in Class Two and at the academy would increase. That would be terrible and unacceptable for Ferlando and Leonhart. He hoped that it wouldn't happen.
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Joshua stood not far from Julian Edelfert. This was the first time he saw his opponent after hearing about him from Kyle. Just like what Kyle said, Julian had a greatsword as his weapon. His body was huge as well, and normally people would think he was someone who had a lot of power but was slow. However, that was not the case. He was slow, but that only applied to people like Vyn, Leonhart, or Ninia.
"Hey, are you okay?" Julian asked him, which woke him from his thoughts.
"Ah? Yes, I'm fine."
"I know you are nervous .... Well ... my classmates are ruthless, and here you are …. You know, I'll be honest, I don't think you can win against me," Julian stated. It made Joshua wince at the honesty.
"So rather than getting hurt, isn't it better for you to surrender immediately?" Julian offered.
It was a nice offer, an easy way out of all this trouble. However ....
Joshua gripped his swords and unsheathed them. His eyes closed, and he took a deep breath.
{'That is something I can't accept.'} Joshua opened his eyes, and his expression showed his resolution. "I have to refuse."
"Oh?"
"Although I am aware that I may not be as strong as my classmates, I have to fight. Because I have to prove myself."
"To prove yourself?" Julian looked in disbelief and then gave a mocking laugh. "Your pride is more important?"
"Yes," Joshua answered with a tone full of power. "This pride ... my pride, it carried the trust of my classmates and my friends! I won’t be able to face them anymore if I retreat and run away from here. So, that is why I have to refuse and win this fight!
Julian looked at Joshua impressively. He was moved and realized Joshua didn't back down because of his mere selfish pride but because he had trained hard just for this fight."
"Well," Julian sighed, "who am I to argue with such determination? To honor your resolution, I'll give my all in this fight." Julian took his stance by holding his sword with both hands.
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"Third round! Begin!"
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"Come!" Julian shouted ….
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Proofreader: Lola & Rilise
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