Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

While others went to prepare for the examination between Sheldon and Austin, the blond prince was currently heading toward the infirmary to meet his friend.

"Listen, whatever happens, don't mention anything about the match to Rudolph.

He has barely gotten over that day, so please don't remind him of it, okay?

" Those words were spoken by Rhea when she heard that Austin was going to visit Rudolph.

Austin agreed to her.

It must be a nightmare for Rudolph to lose at this stage.

Austin knows how much he was training for this tournament.

While Austin refrained from participating in group raids, knowing he would have slowed down any group, Rudolph never shied away from life threatening dangers and constantly led his team to victory.

He was one of the academy's top students, the one everyone placed their bets on.

After Valerie, Rudolph had the highest win percentage, making him the most promising contender.

Heaving a sigh, Austin entered the infirmary, and instantly a frown contoured his face as he noticed a certain person standing before Rudolph's bed.

"Oh, hey, Austin.

"It was Monica.

Austin didn't say anything and gave a nod to the girl before turning toward his friend, "How are you now?

"Rudolph's bandages have been undone and overall, the boy seemed fine.

And as he thought,"I am good.

They are discharging me today.

" Rudolph was seriously exasperated because of their persistent behavior.

Even though he said that he was fine, they insisted on keeping him.

Monica took the hint that the two wanted to have some alone time so she bid her farewell, "Okay then, Rudolph, see you later.

" With that, she made her way out of the casualty care.

Once she was out, Austin asked, "Why was she here?

" Austin could regard it as nothing else than rubbing salt on one's wound when one's enemy—who has defeated you—comes to see you in the infirmary.

Rudolph shook his head, as if to dispel his concerns, as he said, "She came to meet her teammate in the infirmary, and when she saw me she just stopped by to ask about my health.

"Austin hummed as he picked the clipboard from the head of the bed before asking, "What did the doctor say about your condition?

"Rudolph heaved a sigh, "Toxin in my blood.

Those suckers were having a hard time removing something our school medics would have taken out within hours.

"Austin nodded slowly as he read the report.

His eyes grew darker as he read how deeply the toxin had spread which made him slightly suspicious.

'He was brought to the medic right after the match, so why did the venom spread so deeply?

'Removing his eyes from the file, Austin asked, "Man up and tell me something,"Rudolph raised his brows in surprise as he heard his friend asking, "Did you meet someone before your match?

Like anyone whom you don't know or don't trust?

"Rudolph sighed and was about to say that it doesn't matter anymore, only for Austin to interject, "Just shut up and think.

This is important.

"Being reprimanded, the big guy was forced to think about whom he met before the match.

In the morning, he only met Rhea, whom he trusted blindly, and didn't come across any unknown face.

'As long as I remember…wait!

' His eyes suddenly stretched as he said, "Actually, I met Monica a day before the match.

"Austin grimly asked, "And did she hit you or touched you anywhere?

"Rudolph didn't take time to respond, "Yeah, she pointed out a wound on my shoulder by touching it.

""Knew it!

" Austin growled.

He knew something was wrong with this whole farce.

Rudolph hesitating to hit a girl just because she is beautiful?

Yeah, nothing could be more unbelievable than that.

Rudolph also felt a sense of suspicion in his heart, but, "But she couldn't have anticipated whom she would be facing a day before, right?

After all, we don't get to know about our opponent until we step on the stage.

"Austin nodded, "Yes, that's true, which can only mean two things; first, she went and targeted all the seven potential candidates who were participating on the same day as her.

" It was not difficult to know who the seven members were.

The Council releases the list for everyone so they can prepare for their potential opponent.

It's just that Monica seemed to have taken 'preparation' to a whole different level.

Rudolph groaned; he actually never paid attention to the list or he would have been a little more cautious toward his potential opponent.

Austin added the second possibility, only after he drew nearer to Rudolph and ensured that no one was eavesdropping, "Maybe she got to know about her opponent from one of the officials and came to target you right away.

"Rudolph's expression was forbidding as he muttered, "It felt like a crime hitting her…almost like I would be committing the hideous crime if she got hurt.

" Looking up, Rudolph added, "You know me, Austin, I am not like that.

I don't show partiality between men and women, especially not on this stage.

"With his fists clenched, he spoke in a heavy tone, "The only reason I never talked about it was because I knew anyone would have thought that I was just making excuses.

But only I know what I felt when I was in the arena.

I wasn't in control.

"Austin patted his friend on his shoulder, "I understand you, bud.

And trust me, Rhea also doesn't believe in what others are assuming.

"Rudolph smiled, the cloud of anger and depression vanishing as he said, "I know.

Thanks for trusting me.

"Rudolph and Austin both knew that there was no point in continuing the conversation about Monica since they had no evidence.

If only Rudolph had been tested by better doctors, they would have known that the toxin was injected way before the match.

Blaming the authorities was like bashing your head against a wall.

Totally pointless, and potentially self-harming.

"Anyway, are you going to have dinner?

" Rudolph asked.

Since he was out of the tournament, he would empty the buffet tonight before heading back to his room.

Austin shook his head, "Nope, I got a trial to pass.

" Seeing Rudolph's brows elevating in question, Austin added, "Examination to prove that I am a trustworthy defender for the team.

"Rudolph grinned, "That's so, then I will come too.

"--------^^-------Everyone had already gathered in the indoor gymnasium when Austin and Rudolph arrived.

A smile bloomed on Rhea's face, seeing the big guy beside Austin.

She skipped her way toward them before saying, "Congrats on your discharge.

"Rudolph gave a short nod before asking her, "Did you have dinner?

I brought something for you.

"Rhea's smile only extended seeing him in his usual mood as she smilingly accepted the muffin.

Austin also approached his beloved and handed her some orange juice and a sandwich.

"Thank you…I needed this.

" Valerie sweetly smiled at him as she bit into the sandwich.

Soon Annabelle and the other two arrived near them and said, "So, shall we begin?

"--------^^-------A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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