Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Parkinson could tell—something was different about Austin.

Just a few days ago, the guy barely spoke to anyone aside from Rhea.

He never really fit in the Apex Circle, and sparring against classmates had always ended in disaster for him.

Every match had been a blow to his pride, a reminder of where he stood.

But now?

He was challenging Rudolph—the second strongest student in the class.

Either Austin had gone completely insane...

or he was trying to impress someone.

Rhea, maybe?

Or was it Valerie now?

Parkinson's gaze shifted to the violet-haired girl standing quietly near the edge of the arena.

There was something different about her too.

Her cold, distant mask was gone.

No more biting looks or dismissive expressions.

She stood there with a soft smile, her eyes fixed only on one person—Austin.

No hostility.

No arrogance.

Just...

warmth.

What a strange but welcoming change, Parkinson thought.

Back in the arena, Austin and Rudolph were getting ready.

A few students had already gathered around, and those who were about to leave stopped in their tracks.

After all, who would miss the chance to see a noble humiliate himself?

A quiet buzz filled the area as the crowd slowly grew.

Austin didn't care.

He hadn't come here to win the crowd or stroke his pride.

That wasn't who he was.

He wasn't here to prove a point.

He knew exactly where he stood when compared to Rudolph.

But he had something else in mind.

Austin just wanted to relive the old days.

"Ready?

" he asked calmly.

Rudolph raised an eyebrow.

"Not summoning your Shard?

"Despite the question, he didn't summon his own either.

Austin shrugged.

"It won't be necessary.

"Rudolph's eyes narrowed.

"Hoh~ It's been a while since I saw that look of cockiness in your eyes.

"Austin smirked.

"And you're still as arrogant as ever.

"Rudolph gave a small shrug.

"I have the strength to back my arrogance.

"Austin shifted into a battle stance, eyes steady.

"Let's see if you can stand by those words.

"No more words were spoken.

A brief silence hung in the air—then both of them moved.

But Rudolph suddenly froze mid-step, throwing his arms up to guard his neck.

Austin came to a halt too, confusion flickering in his eyes.

"What happened?

"Rudolph's face turned slightly pale.

He slowly touched his neck, as if confirming something.

The crowd around them stirred, murmurs spreading.

No one had expected that kind of reaction from someone like Rudolph.

Rudolph couldn't explain what he just felt.

It was the first time.

He felt as if...

he was going to get killed if he drew any closer to his opponent.

As if, something was warning him to take his steps cautiously.

But then Rudolph shook his head, trying to brush it off.

"Nothing...

Let's go.

"He was the first to charge this time—clearly no longer holding back.

With a burst of speed, he leapt forward and raised his knee, aiming to drive it straight into Austin's gut.

But the blonde was ready.

He blocked the strike, used the force to push himself upward—and landed a sharp knee right into Rudolph's chin.

Crack!

The bigger man staggered back, teeth clenched, eyes blinking in surprise.

Gasps echoed around the arena.

"Woah...

""I didn't even see that.

""Wait...

isn't that Austin?

The loser from the best class?

"Rhea's brows knitted as she stepped forward, worry creeping into her voice.

"Rudolph...

are you alright?

"Rudolph rubbed his chin, then let out a short chuckle.

A grin stretched across his face.

"Never thought you'd be the one holding back in a fight with me.

"Austin shrugged.

"Time changes, Rud.

Gotta adapt.

"Rudolph let out a laugh.

"Then so be it.

I'll go all in too.

"Austin growled, cracking his neck.

"That's what I want.

"Another brief pause.

Then—it began.

The students watched in awe as the two second-year students clashed.

Their movements were a blur to most.

But not to Rhea, Parkinson, or Valerie—they could follow every step, every blow, every shift in balance.

"...

The fuck?

Rudolph can't even land a hit," Parkinson muttered, disbelief coloring his voice.

Rhea was too stunned to speak.

Valerie, on the other hand, simply smiled—watching her Lord move freely, his steps filled with life again.

It had been too long since he looked like he was enjoying himself.

"Damn you!

" Rudolph shouted, frustration spilling from his voice.

He twisted on his toes, pulling his fist back with a sharp breath.

His muscles swelled as he hurled everything into one punch.

But Austin was already gone.

A quick sidestep—smooth, effortless—and before Rudolph could adjust, Austin drove his fist into his gut.

DHAKThe impact rang through the gym like a hammer strike.

Air escaped from Rudolph's lungs in a ragged gasp, his eyes wide.

For a split second, all he saw was white.

He stumbled back and dropped to his knees, one hand clutched to his stomach, his breath ragged.

The crowd fell silent.

Austin lowered his arm and asked, "You good, mate?

"For a few moments, Rudolph didn't say anything.

But then he straightened his posture and asked in all seriousness, "Tell me you were pretending to be weak until now.

"Austin's brows elevated, "You seem angry.

""Of course I would be!

If I knew I had such a strong competition in the face of my friend, why would I have searched for people all around?

"Austin chuckled, "So you are not angry about your loss.

""Whining over loss is something a loser would do.

I am already thinking when I can fight you again.

"....

something only Rudolph could say.

Austin suddenly felt his heart turning heavy.

He missed this.

His stupid, knucklehead friend.

"Challenge me anytime you want.

"....

After the spar, Austin returned to his room with Valerie quietly walking beside him.

She hadn't said a word since they left the gym, and that silence felt...

unusual.

"Is there something you want to say?

" he asked gently.

He didn't need to remind her that she could always speak her mind.

Valerie hesitated, then softly asked, "Umm...

can we spar sometime?

Not now, but maybe in the evening?

"Austin chuckled.

"Of course.

But why the hesitation?

"She looked down, fidgeting with her fingers.

"I mean...

with how strong you are now, the only ones who could challenge you are William or Olivia.

Sparring with me would just be a waste of your time.

"Austin slowed to a stop and turned toward her.

His lips didn't curve into a smile—but his eyes did.

"When I was just a D-rank," he said, "barely able to control my Shard, I used to spar with you—an S-rank.

Did you ever feel like you were wasting your time on me?

"Valerie instantly shook her head.

"Then there's your answer.

" He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.

"No matter how much we change, nothing between us changes.

Don't ever forget that.

""Mm-hmm.

" She nodded, cheeks slightly pink, a quiet warmth blooming in her chest.

Soon, they reached the dormitory—Valerie easily dodging the warden as they advanced towards his room.

Valerie felt strangely elated whenever she snuck to his room.

It gave her a gentle reminder that they were back in time.

However, the moment they stepped inside, they froze.

"Hello...

" Greeted the familiar violet-haired woman who was currently tied to the chair.

Standing before her was Sebastian who looked at Austin in surprise, "You know her, young master.

"Austin wryly smiled...

he should have introduced them to each other"You didn't even try to defend yourself?

" Austin asked as he untied the woman by running his finger down the ropes.

The room looks untidy, so definitely no battle was fought here.

"I know what he means to you...

that's why I didn't want to hurt him.

"A small part of Sebastian's pride was hurt.

But he didn't focus on that and asked his master, "Sir, don't tell me that only after a few days of realising your feelings for Miss Valerie you found another woman.

"Austin chuckled, "Sebas...

you really want this room to turn into a cold storage, no?

"The old man glanced at the girl beside him and her expression told him to remain silent for the time being.

Soon, Selner got up and introduced herself, "I am a good friend of Austin and Valerie's teacher.

Nice to meet you, sir Sebastian.

""Ah, hello Miss Selner.

I apologize for my rude behavior.

" He also gave a bow.

Austin told his butler, "She will be staying in the room next to mine.

She is a dear friend, Sebas.

So please look after her as you do for me.

"Sebastian nodded, "Understood.

"Once done with that, Austin asked, "So...

I was thinking, how about we go and meet him?

"Selner sighed and shook her head.

Sebastian and Valerie seemed confused as the latter asked, "Who?

"Austin grinned, "My dear elder brother, Adrian?

"°°°°°°°°A/N:- If you have been with me this far, please make sure to leave a review for future readers.

Thanks for reading.