I Teleported Into the Academy of a S*xy Game-Chapter 97: 1 vs 1 Showdown (3)

1 vs 1 Showdown (3)

[The quarterfinals are about to begin. Please take your seats, spectators.]

“It’s about to start. I’ll go too. Best of luck in the main event.”

“Thanks. I’ll make sure to swing by the lab after the exams wrap up today.”

“Yeah, got it.”

With the broadcast announcing the upcoming matches, Im Sol returned to her seat in the audience. Having been engrossed in discussions about magic research, I had made a plan to visit her research lab today.

It’s about time I start preparing. There aren’t many matches left now. After the quarterfinals, there’s just four more to go, and then it’s the grand finale. They’re likely saving the semifinals and that grand showdown for post-lunch.

[The first match is between Kim Younghan, a student from Class A, and Jung Yeonju, also a student from Class A! Let’s give them a round of applause!]

In the first match, Kim Younghan took the spotlight, and if he pulls off a win here, we’re slated to collide in the semifinals. Back in the Round of 16, I didn’t have the chance to witness his full potential since he was up against a rather subpar opponent. With any luck, this match will provide a clearer picture of his abilities.

As the match unfolded, Kim Younghan unleashed his peculiar skillset. Sharp thorns sprouted from his sword, giving Jung Yeonju a thorny predicament throughout the duel.

“That sword looks outrageously impressive, but… something just feels off.”

He’s not quite hitting the mark of an elite student, falling somewhere between the ordinary students and the cream of the crop, unlike heavyweights like Nam Daeun or Alice.

“He’s strong compared to regular students, but he’s different from the top-tier ones.”

Ignoring my doubts, I started gearing up for my own match. Following Kim Younghan’s duel, a brief 10-minute intermission awaited, and then it was my turn, so I had to begin stretching and make my way to the player waiting area.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Student Lee Hoyeon, it’s time to prepare for your match.”

“Sure thing.”

A helpful staff member materialized at just the right moment to prepare me. I followed the good soul to the lounge.

[The match has concluded! Kim Younghan from Class A emerges victorious!]

With his straightforward victory, the match concluded. Now, it’s time for the next match…

“Of all the people, it has to be this pest.”

The tournament bracket introduced none other than Do Jinhyuk. Recently, he’s kept his distance, perhaps aware of my newfound fame, but back in the day, he was Class A’s resident troublemaker, always looking for a scuffle without rhyme or reason. We used to ignore each other, but now, wouldn’t you know it, we’ve got a reunion scheduled right here.

It’s not a problem if I win, but it’s just inconvenient and annoying.

“Student Lee Hoyeon, it’s time for the match now.”

“Yes, of course.”

A whole ten minutes had passed, and it felt like a lifetime as I made my way to the arena for the duel.

[Get ready for the next thrilling showdown! It’s Lee Hoyeon from Class A versus Do Jinhyuk, also from Class A! Two young talents with potential beyond belief. Brace yourselves for this much-anticipated match!]

The announcer’s enthusiastic commentary and the overly excited crowd combined to create an ear-splitting cacophony. I scanned the first-year student section and gave a wave to Lumi. She timidly responded with a wave but she immediately withdrew her greeting under the watchful eyes of those around her.

Even from the VIP section, Professor Im Sol was in plain sight. I gave her a wave as well. She responded with a slight nod, and the stunning cat-like woman beside her practically threw herself into waving at me.

“Who’s that person?”

She’s undeniably attractive, but I’ve never seen her before. Im Sol appeared to be in some deep conversation with her, but they were too far away for me to eavesdrop. Regardless, I had to head to the arena; I had a match to get to, after all.

And there stood Do Jinhyuk, as usual, oozing hostility.

“Don’t let the recent burst of fame get to your head. I’ll crush you.”

“….”

What’s his deal, anyway? As I pondered, I realized I’d never done anything to harm him. Is he just jealous because I’m doing well? In the original story, he might have picked on the protagonist for being a weakling who somehow made it to Class A, but I was in Class A from the start.

“Hey, do you despise me?”

“Yeah, I do.”

While the commentator prattled on about our performances and predictions, I decided to confront him.

“Why the hatred? Have I wronged you somehow? Or perhaps I’ve insulted you? It seems like all those deeds were committed by you.”

Do Jinhyuk stayed silent.

“Could it be that you hate me irrationally, for no apparent reason? Does the mere sight of my face make you see red?”

“…I won’t deny it. Every time I lay eyes on you, rage bubbles up. I can’t stand it.”

“Hmm…”

His response appeared oddly genuine.

Is it because he’s been cast as the antagonist? In the original work, he played the role of the villain, so even in this altered story, he’s destined to fulfill that role. Just as the easiest heroine to win over, Moon Soorin, warms up to me by merely looking at me, I guess he’s stuck in a similar situation. Just different circumstances.

[The second match of the 1-on-1 duel, 8th round, is about to start!]

The commentator’s words, which were fervently summarizing our careers, came to an end, and the duel was about to commence.

“Whatever. Give it your all.”

I have no intentions of playing the savior here, no matter how pathetic he might seem. If he just takes a good look at how overwhelmingly outmatched he is, he’ll figure it out on his own.

[5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The duel begins!]

Mana surged from Do Jinhyuk’s body. The shape of the mana he’d classified turned into a protective shield, covering him head to toe. Defense and physical abilities were his specialty.

He charged at me with impressive speed, but it was as predictable as a fart after a bean dinner. My heart raced a bit, but for a fighter like Do Jinhyuk, my Battle Sense kicked in a tad.

Vision Enhancement.

I took a fighting stance to meet his advance. Wrapping this up quickly would be a great way to underline our differences.

I conjured fireballs to keep him at bay as he closed in. He sidestepped the fiery projectiles and landed a punch, but…

Thud!

Do Jinhyuk had no chance of breaking through my Cotton Guard.

“Ugh!” Do Jinhyuk propelled back by the recoil.

Swish!

Pushed back by the counterforce, I tried to retaliate, but his defense proved to be genuinely robust. The mana enveloping him served as a commendable shield.

He’s not entirely feeble. Yet, I had a skill tailored for opponents with unyielding defenses. I accelerated the mana swirling around me and readied to strike. Do Jinhyuk sensed something was off and came charging, but my preparations were already complete. I foresaw the path of his right fist heading my way, ducked, and simultaneously ignited a small blaze in his eyes.

“Argh!” People instinctively stepped back when suddenly blinded. Utilizing Acceleration, I pursued him and condensed the mana in my hand.

Do Jinhyuk fought to regain his balance, but my double casting allowed me to produce a column of flames right behind him, forcing him into a hurried crouch. He essentially attempted to roll away to safety. He must have had faith in his defensive capabilities, intending to withstand just one blow, but my Spiral could pierce even an ogre’s armor.

“Aaaargh!”

I jabbed my Spiral into his back as he rolled, and that hit triggered his safety setting in one blow. If it weren’t for the mana field, that jolt would’ve killed him.

[The match is concluded! The victor is Lee Hoyeon from Class A!]𝔣𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔴𝔢𝖇𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔢𝔩.𝖈𝔬𝖒

As the judge’s decision was announced, sealing my victory, the announcer’s excitement level shot up. Soon, the mana barrier in the arena would vanish, and the spectators’ cheers filled my ears.

“Wow!”

“Lee Hoyeon! Lee Hoyeon!”

I glanced at the VIP section, and Professor Im Sol was staring at me with eyes wide open.

“Professor, your student is quite strong, right?”

It’s a bit satisfying to be able to show off like this.

Do Jinhyuk was still down on the ground. Even if there were no physical injuries, pain still passed through, so he would have felt the agony of his back being torn apart. It’s a bit pitiful, I suppose.

“Tsk… Serves you right for picking a fight with me.” I muttered as I watched Do Jinhyuk being carried out.

***

While the spectator seats reverberated with demands for the arena to be cleared, the VIP section exuded a hushed ambiance. Lee Hoyeon’s recent display in the duel was of such a caliber that it left even the self-assured VIPs speechless.

“What’s that last spell…? It seems like a unique skill, but the sheer destructive power is bewildering.”

“This isn’t the mana manipulation of a mere freshman anymore…! Not only can he condense mana with unparalleled precision, but there’s not a trace of mana lost in the process!”

“And there was that skill that briefly enhanced his speed. That appears to be a unique ability as well.”

As one person muttered, others began to voice their thoughts more emphatically.

The duel itself was concise. Do Jinhyuk made a frenzied charge at Lee Hoyeon, only to be met with resistance, charged again, and then fell victim to a counterattack. It was a contest that lasted roughly 20 seconds, yet within that span, Lee Hoyeon showcased an astonishing level of skill.

“Is the contact I requested going well? What? No response? Then go and personally plead with that guy!”

“He may not officially be affiliated with a guild, but with that degree of skill, we must absolutely recruit him. Yes, conditions are secondary…”

“I believe he’s much more potent than Nam Daeun. This performance far surpasses anything Nam Daeun has demonstrated so far!”

Scouts were frantically liaising with guilds, and guild leaders were exerting pressure on the scouts. In this context, both Im Sol and Min Yeji were equally astounded by Lee Hoyeon.

“Sol, I’m sorry, but can I reach out to him regarding guild recruitment, not business matters?”

“Do as you wish…” Im Sol stood in awe as she witnessed her first disciple’s combat prowess.

He surpassed any strength she had seen when she was his age. Her disciple had grown mightier than she had been during the time she earned the moniker of a “monster,” enduring various challenges and jealousies. The label “monster” wasn’t just due to her combat abilities, but also her capacity to instantaneously comprehend any magic. In this aspect, Lee Hoyeon’s magical talent equaled hers.

“By the way, how did you spot such a talent? Sol, you really have a firm grasp on the field of magic.”

“I need to protect…”

“Huh? Protect what?”

To ensure that her disciple wouldn’t be hindered or oppressed by those less capable individuals, Im Sol needed to protect him. She didn’t want to see Lee Hoyeon walk the same path she had. The monster created in this way was sufficient as it was.

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Hmm, I wonder what message I should send to get him to respond…” Min Yeji immediately withdrew her interest when she sensed the changed atmosphere around Im Sol. She knew better than to disturb her in these moments.

***

“Strong…” Alice, who was waiting in the player’s waiting area for the next match, was taken aback as she watched Lee Hoyeon’s match. He was much stronger than she had expected.

“Even with his innate mana deficiency, how is he handling mana like that? What method did he use?”

Even with mana replenished by manastones, using a large amount of mana at once could be challenging. However, he consecutively employed advanced skills without showing any signs of strain. That shield was no ordinary protective spell, and the skill that accelerated his body and the attack skill that condensed mana were undoubtedly skills with significant mana consumption.

Lee Hoyeon used magic as if he didn’t have a mana deficiency.

“There’s something secretive.”

There was a possibility. Top-grade manastones or the Saint. One of these factors must have alleviated his congenital magical deficiency, Alice thought.

“Did I miss some way to use top-grade manastones…?”

It’s not like Alice hadn’t researched top-grade manastones. She had invested a substantial amount of money through the Iris Guild to cure her mana deficiency.

She had even approached the Saint at one point. You could receive treatment from the Saint by paying the association. However, the response she received from the Saint back then was that congenital ailments couldn’t be changed by her healing magic. So, Alice had let it go, but perhaps the Saint had only recently discovered a solution.

“I’ll contact the Saint later… and maybe I should revisit the research on top-grade manastones.”

Alice sent a message to Sebastian, asking for information on the research she had conducted on top-grade manastones.

When she looked back at the screen, Lee Hoyeon was bowing to the audience in the spectator seats.

“He’s quite polite…” Alice wanted to befriend Lee Hoyeon, who shared the same ailment as her.