Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Austin was back in his room after a long training session with Rudolph followed by Valerie.

It was a sight to behold when Valerie and Rudolph were sparring though.

Two warriors who have walked on the path of greatness, and have been shaping them to become what they are right now.

Sadly, if Austin has to fight someone of Rudoplph’s caliber in the first round, there are very few chances for him to come out victorious.

"Are you going to use the bathroom?

" Austin asked as he prepared to go in.

Sheldon shook his head, "You go first, I take a long time.

" Austin smiled wryly, it was the same for him.

But well, he took the proposal and went inside.

There was a round bathing pool on the ground, just like it was in the academy.

Steaming warm water was waiting for him as Austin stripped off his clothes and dove in.

Haah~heavens.

He enjoyed the sensation for a few moments, before redirecting his focus on the battle tomorrow.

His match was scheduled on the first day, and Austin would be the first one performing from the Valorian Academy.

Now, the question arises…what can he use during the battle?

Any skill which can be visible to others would be quite dangerous.

After all, no participants were allowed to carry any artifact during the battle.

So using the Absolute Barrier is a no-go.

Unless…he wants to get interrogated for being a demon worshiper.

However, he can take his boomerang with him since bringing additional weapons other than one’s Shard is allowed.

What would be useful during the battle was his skills like Adapt.

Borrowing someone else’s Shard is a no-no as well.

’It’s so infuriating…having the skills yet not allowed to use them,’ Shaking his head, he heaved a sigh and rested his head on edge.

If only his match had been scheduled a little later, he could have upgraded his stats using the Dungeon.

But the lady luck was not on his side these days, it seems.

’Well, I will do what I can...

’ Closing his eyes he decided to let his mind and body attain some peace.

°°°°°°°°° "Isn’t this clear partiality?

Didn’t we decide to choose the names based on lots?

" One of the four members of the management voiced his protest.

In the room, the four of them were deciding the matches of the participants for the following week.

Every day, around sixteen matches would be held, with Elite and Rookie divisions distributed equally.

Since they didn’t get the information about who would be participating in the contest very late, they couldn’t decide the matches beforehand.

That’s why, because being short of time, they decided to draw lots and decide the opponents the student would be facing during the first round.

Since every Elite here was above B-rank, it wouldn’t be an unfair matchup.

Although there are extreme powerhouses performing this year, like Valerie Corwon or Kevin from the Ravencourt, there was nothing the management could do to help their opponent.

When these students decided to take part in this contest, they should have prepared themselves to face stronger opponents.

That’s why they were about to proceed with the lottery system to decide who would be facing whom during the tournament’s first round.

But then suddenly, the orders came to put a certain student against a B-rank warrior from the Avalon Academy.

The special student was also the weakest student participating in the Elite division.

Austin von Eryndor.

"Who is supporting him?

And why can’t we, the members of Council, oppose them?

" Another member asked the one who relayed the command.

The man with a black mustache and bald head sighed as he informed them, "It is the Chairman of the committee.

But it’s not like he told me to put Austin against a B-rank of his own volition.

He also received an order from higher up.

" Hearing his words, everyone else was stunned.

Someone gave orders to the Chairman...

the only people who came to their minds were, "The Council Heads....

but why are they interfering with this tournament?

" In the past, the head of the Union Council has never shown interest in the tournament since they have much bigger and more crucial work at hand.

And now, all of a sudden, they are showing concern for a small kingdom’s prince?

That’s too absurd.

The bald one looked tired as he said, "Regardless of the reason, we have no choice but—" bringing a certain name beside Austin on the roster, he said, "—follow what we are told.

" °°°°°°°° The next day, in the early morning, Austin went for a light run and refrained from training.

His body has recovered quite well, and considering his match was in a few hours, he decided to do some light exercise.

Austin met Valerie near the Command Tent, as she stood with a towel in her hand.

"Thanks," While breathing slightly roughly, Austin took the cold towel, before wiping his sweat.

Valerie offered him some water as well, as she said, "How do you feel?

Is your body working properly?

" She was slightly stressed since she thought that Austin pushed himself a little too far yesterday.

Austin first gulped down half the bottle, before telling her, "Completely fit and fine.

Now I just need to get in there and defeat whoever appears before me.

" Valerie felt relieved seeing his enthusiasm.

It felt like her heart was getting some much-needed relief, seeing such optimism from him.

Soon, a few others joined them, and one of them said, "I know you can do it, Austin.

Just use your clever mind and let the other one taste dust.

" Rhea cheered for him, with an energetic smile on her face.

"You got it, bro.

Just don’t let them beat you up to analyze them.

If you can, one-shot your enemy.

" Rudolph added.

Austin chuckled, "It’s highly unlikely for something like that to happen...

but I will try.

" Well, not a single warrior participating is a newbie or low-ranker.

So taking them down with one strike was nearly impossible.

Soon, Annabelle added, "Regardless of the results, Austin, know that we all are a team, okay.

" Austin nodded, thankful for her words.

However, he doesn’t need consolation, neither before the match nor after.

Since he was going to win today, regardless of who appeared before him.

°°°°°°°° Austin and Valerie were left alone as they headed towards the common hall to have a light breakfast.

"Did you receive your schedule?

" Austin asked as he returned to the table while holding a tray of cereals and some fruits for both of them.

Valerie nodded, "My match is the day after tomorrow.

" She didn’t sound nervous about it, and that’s pretty cool in Austin’s eyes.

He sat down beside her and asked her, "So Val, what’s the reward this time?

" Valerie was taken aback as her lashes fluttered rapidly, "What do you mean?

" Austin told her, "Last time, the promise of reward helped me a lot.

So, I want one this time as well.

Tell me, what are you going to give me?

" Valerie was instantly reminded of that...

kiss, under the stairs.

She still hasn’t forgotten a single moment she spent in those minutes.

She lowered her head, trying to hide her face, as she said, "W-What do you want?

" Austin hummed smilingly before he said, "Nothing too big...

how about a baby?

" "....

" Emergency!

A participant fainted before even the matches began!

°°°°°°°° A/N:- Thanks for reading, and I am double-minded about R-18.

If you really don’t like it, then I will put a warning so you can skip it.

Won’t that work?