High at the ceiling of the dim wooden cottage, the faint light flickered intermittently like a cyclops staring down at the scene, its blinking eye seeming to herald the conflict about to erupt.
"No matter how many times you serve notice, the result is the same."
"We will not bow to power and trickery. If you want to tear this place down, try doing it by force!"
Cervini, the big sister leading them, said nothing. Her gaze simply turned icy as she clenched her fists, radiating a rigid refusal to negotiate.
"Fellow students, while enjoying our campus life, we must also consider the safety of the royal capital's residents," Lanqi coughed twice and said in a friendly manner. "According to the Hutton Kingdom Fire Safety Law, anyone who is not the property owner yet willfully obstructs a state-planned demolition project may face detention for fifteen days or more, along with a fine exceeding one hundred pounds. Our intention is merely to hold friendly consultations with you; we have no wish to bring in the Hutton Kingdom Fire Department's enforcement squad..."
Even as Lanqi spoke softly and reasonably, the atmosphere in the clubroom grew increasingly tense.
The pugilists were completely unmoved.
Even if they truly faced detention, Lanqi's words would never intimidate them into backing down today.
In short, they would rather be shattered jade than intact clay.
Lanqi subsequently stopped talking.
He had realized that everyone here in the School of Knights seemed to have the makings of an outlaw; the School of Sages' brand of logical reasoning simply did not apply to them.
Inside the hall, a critical juncture was reached, as though the next statement from either side would determine how things unfolded today.
However...
Frey nodded at Lanqi, indicating that he should leave it to him.
The two swiftly exchanged a glance, looking as if they had both understood something.
Frey took off his sunglasses, hooked them over his chest, and raised a hand with great composure, pointing straight at Cervini, the senior student from the School of Knights leading the group.
"Since you think we're using authority to oppress you, what if I don't use any schemes at all and rely purely on strength to convince you thoroughly? When that time comes, will you still make excuses to hang around here, continuing to desecrate the spirit of martial arts and shamelessly obstruct the student council's work?"
"What did you say...?!"
Hearing these words, the pugilists inside the clubroom seemed infuriated, blue veins bulging on their foreheads.
Even the woman with long crimson hair, Cervini, cracked her knuckles loudly.
"Heheheh..."
Cervini, the leader of the pugilists, sneered. As a Tier 6, her gaze was sharp as a blade, brimming with fury. "Are you planning to defeat us through a duel?"
The School of Knights did indeed possess a method for resolving disputes: a fair duel.
As long as both sides agreed and chose to stake a battle on their martial soul, they had to accept whatever conditions were wagered, win or lose.
"Naturally. We'll settle this the knight's way."
Upon hearing that, Frey's straight mouth finally curled slightly into a smirk brimming with absolute confidence. "It might sound a bit discouraging, but there is no denying that not a single one of you can defeat yours truly."
His arrogant voice echoed through the dim hall. His gaze fixed steadily on the strongest woman in the room, clearly prepared for any fight that might follow.
Boom!
Frey's words were swallowed by a deafening crash. Cervini stomped heavily onto the floorboards, causing the entire wooden cottage to shudder. Dust flew everywhere, and the oppressive aura radiating from her body was as terrifying as a monstrous beast.
"You must be Frey... the top freshman of this year's School of Knights. I've heard of you—a genius who already had Tier 4 strength upon enrollment. But you are foolish. You don't realize the absolute disparity in power between yourself and a true powerhouse like me."
Cervini had clearly been provoked. "Take back your arrogant remarks, kneel down, and apologize to me right here. If you do, I might still let you off."
Frey wore a look of confusion. Casting a gaze full of pity at this senior pugilist, he sighed softly. "Are you making such excuses because you don't dare challenge me?"
His tone was laden with helplessness, as though he had already seen through the true essence of martial arts and the level she was at. To him, Cervini's defiance seemed like nothing more than futile struggling, her fury and hostility utterly trivial in his eyes.
"...Me? Challenge you?"
Cervini laughed out of sheer fury. She brushed back the crimson locks on her forehead, a sinister smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You've got guts... Just as well, we could use some entertainment right now."
"One person from each side. If you win, I'll hand over the clubroom with both hands. But—!"
"If you lose, you are never to bother us again, and you'll handle both the academy and the Fire Department on your own!"
Hearing Cervini's unreasonable demand, Hyperion subconsciously tugged at the hem of Lanqi's coat, her eyes clearly signaling for Lanqi to stop Frey.
Once they lost, the responsibility and cost were not something three new student council members could decide or bear!
Yet Lanqi merely gave Hyperion a slight nod, his face serene, as if everything remained well within his grasp.
"Fine. Works for me," Frey answered Cervini's challenge without hesitation.
"Do the two of you agree as well?"
Cervini turned to look at Lanqi and Hyperion beside Frey. She did not want any excuses later due to disagreements among the student council members.
"I shall bear witness to this friendly sparring match," Lanqi replied politely in his customary elegant and poised manner.
His voice carried an authority that seemed to transcend the student council, like a headmaster passing by who casually stepped in to uphold justice for his students.
"I also... agree," Hyperion responded through gritted teeth after casting one last glance at Lanqi.
"Hahahaha, you three arrogant fools!"
Hearing all three in agreement, Cervini burst into loud laughter, as though victory were already in her grasp.
"Leave it to me."
Frey and his companions exchanged smiles. He appeared steady and resolute, like a battle-hardened veteran, his expression carrying his distinctive grit and faint confidence.
"No problem. We're counting on you."
Lanqi wasn't particularly adept at one-on-one arena battles; he usually needed teammates to assist him. And while Hyperion was a Tier 4 assassin, dealing with high-tier pugilists wasn't really her forte either.
Though Hyperion wasn't familiar with Frey's combat style, she had noticed the brief exchange of glances between Lanqi and Frey earlier.
It seemed that ever since then, the two had understood something unspoken and began playing off one another like a rehearsed double act.
What was with this bizarre tacit understanding...? Did they have a party voice chat going that she hadn't been invited to?!
Chapter 98