"Huh?"
Neither the Student Council members nor Lin Zhong and Charlotte could fathom what they’d just heard.
A duel?
"Of course," Aester said. "Since it’s a duel, there must be a penalty for losing. If you lose, you’ll be my servant."
She raised her fair little hand, pointing directly at Lin Zhong.
"Are you serious?"
Lin Zhong stared at the girl aiming her finger at him. He didn’t understand why she’d set such terms, but he wasn’t interested.
A fight? Bring it on!
"Absolutely!"
Aester beamed at Lin Zhong, as if joking. But the Student Council members who knew her well understood her nature—this impeccable young lady could be a bit of a bully. Yet this time, she was dead serious.
"L-let’s just forget it, if—"
Charlotte gently tugged at Lin Zhong’s sleeve. She was intimidated by the Student Council members before her. The Council had always stood at the pinnacle of student hierarchy. Even its weakest member held a Title rank. Rumor said the lowest bounty among them exceeded 500,000 credits. And Aester, as Council President, bore a staggering three-million bounty with her Title of Seraphim.
"With my three-million bounty and Title of Seraphim, my joining your Club would be quite beneficial for its growth, you know."
Aester’s words made Charlotte swallow hard. True—if Aester joined their Club, even high-level dungeon runs would be effortless. But this gamble risked Lin Zhong himself. Charlotte frowned in distress.
"What kind of joke is this, President!"
The bespectacled guy shot up from his seat, finger jabbing at Lin Zhong.
"What makes this trash qualified to duel me?"
"Who knows?"
Aester waved dismissively, her gaze ignoring the furious bespectacled guy and the still-dumbfounded Council members. Her eyes stayed fixed solely on Lin Zhong.
"Well? I think this condition is quite fair."
"Time."
Lin Zhong ignored the raging guy. His crimson eyes locked with Aester’s emerald ones.
"After school. The arena."
"Fine."
Lin Zhong nodded and dragged Charlotte out of the Student Council office.
"President, are you serious?"
"Of course."
Outside the office, Charlotte’s small face flushed with shame.
"Lin Zhong, let’s just drop this. The Club matter can wait—"
"No. This suits me perfectly."
A smile slowly formed beneath Lin Zhong’s hood. A duel? He couldn’t wait for school to end to pummel his next punching bag.
........
After school, the usually calm academy buzzed with a new rumor—yes, another about Lin Zhong. But this time, it was true. The coward who relied on women was dueling Student Council Secretary Sebastian at the arena for some unknown reason. Many versions circulated: perhaps Sebastian had a crush on Su Han and hated Lin Zhong the coward, or Lin Zhong had offended the Council and been forced into the duel. Which was true? Who knew?
The rumor reached Su Han’s ears. She glanced at the empty seat beside her—Lin Zhong’s seat. Only he had ever sat there. But today, as school ended, he’d already left, claiming he had business to handle.
He couldn’t have actually accepted the duel, could he?
Doubt swirled in her mind, but worry drove her to sprint toward the arena.
The arena was mandatory for every academy. It wasn’t for casual practice or PKs. It served only two purposes: hosting academy-level tournaments and duels approved by the Student Council. Student brawls happened freely across campus or the city, but duels were far more serious.
Now, the spectator stands were packed. Undoubtedly, they’d all come for the spectacle.
In the arena’s rest room, Lin Zhong sat waiting, legs crossed. Charlotte watched him, baffled by his calm. His opponent was a Council member with a higher bounty.
"Lin Zhong, you should put on the protective suit first."
Charlotte forced a strained smile toward the outfit beside him—a plain black bodysuit. Aester had sent it earlier; the deliverer had eyed Lin Zhong with pity. This suit was high-grade gear, standard for official duels. Engraved with a rune, it could save the wearer’s life at death’s brink. It was borrowed equipment, to be returned after the duel.
"No need."
Lin Zhong shook his head. He didn’t need it—not from arrogance. The suit was uncomfortable, and no outer clothing was allowed while wearing it. He’d already heard the noisy crowd outside. He had no intention of revealing his face publicly.
"But—"
Before Charlotte could continue, the door opened. Aester entered. Seeing the suit set aside, her delicate brows furrowed slightly.
"Not wearing it?"
"Unnecessary."
Lin Zhong stood, hood shadowing most of his face, hands in his pockets.
"It’s your turn."
"Oh."
Lin Zhong nodded and walked out toward the arena stage.
White Reaper Lin Zhong (Bounty: 300,000) vs. Moonlit Swordmaster Sebastian (Bounty: 700,000)
The names flashed on the match screen. Su Han, in the crowd, stared in disbelief. Lin Zhong—yes, that name. The name of the person she loved most.
"Who do you think will win?"
"Obviously, Secretary Sebastian. How could that trash beat him?"
"This time that coward’s doomed. In a duel, that woman can’t protect him."
"Keep it down. Freya’s right there. Offend her, and you’re dead."
Voices washed over Su Han, but she ignored them. She knew better than anyone—Sebastian was going to die a miserable death.
