Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 68

Chapter 68: Chapter 67- Sudden quest

There are two days left, if taken out today, for the Tournament to officially commence.

The gymnasium has been set off-limits by the management since that’s the place where all the trials would be taking place.

For fair competition and to avoid favoritism, two members of the council committee attend the trials. Their only motive is to ensure fair competition and right judgment.

There are a few instances as well, when the Council interfered in the selection procedure by giving the position of participation to someone who might have faced defeat but showed better potential than the winner.

Although the practice was quite criticized, the Union Council has made no move to abolish the method.

As such, the participants aiming to become a part of the Tournament not only have to win the matches but also have to show their potential by going all out.

After all, they would rather have a competent loser rather than a complacent winner.

**CRACK**

The face of the wooden doll cracked as Rudolph landed the punch squarely on the tool.

Those girls who came to watch him, squealed in excitement to see their idol being back in shape.

Since the training hall was currently being prepared for the trials, the students were allowed to utilize the outdoor grounds to train. Naturally, all the equipment required and requested was delivered to them.

Sweat dripped down his forehead as Rudolph reeled back his punch and allowed the broken pieces to fall to the ground.

He wiped the sweat and gave a nod of satisfaction. He wasn’t out of shape, at the very least.

*Slash*

Hearing the slicing of the blade, Rudolph and many others turned towards the warrior with shiny blond hair, currently involved in melee training with the target, hanging by the bracket.

Austin was utilizing his Shard to aim for the targets and calling it back as fast as it stabbed before throwing it again.

The successive recall of one’s Shard is quite taxing, and that could be seen from his complexion.

“I am impressed, mate.” Rudolph approached his friend once Austin finally stopped. There was no one looking at him until now, but when the star warrior from the Apex Circle approached him, every eye turned towards Austin.

The blond one raised his brows, “I missed several targets, tho…”

Rudolph chuckled, “We both have a bad aim. And I am talking about your growth. Just until a few days ago, you couldn’t detach your Shard from you, and now…you see someone at the peak of your rank.”

Rudolph was about to suggest re-evaluation, when suddenly, Austin said, “It’s thanks to constant training and the recent events I got involved with.” Austin somehow sensed what he was about to say, which ushered him to change the topic.

Rudolph grinned, “Then how about sparring against me? We can help each other improve…like the old times.”

“Pfft-what are you spouting, bud. You will break his morale before the event.” One of the guys, whom Austin remembered to be a third-year student, suddenly interrupted them.

‘The guy on the Disciplinary Committee…Abel.’ Austin has begun taking a record of every notable being in the university who may interfere with the plot in one way or another.

Rudolph growled, “Who are you to intervene between our talk?”

The grey-haired’s eyes narrowed. His Soul energy made it difficult to breathe, as he uttered, “Your senior and someone who is just stating the fact.”

The students began to gather around. They could sense the tension in the air and the probable battle incoming.

Rudolph was not someone who could get intimidated so easily.

With his canines peeking, the raven-haired stepped toward the senior. His hands in his pockets, as he leaned forward and said, “Now I remember your face. Aren’t you the same guy whose post was taken away by my classmate, and as a third year you had to work under her?”

Rudolph suddenly leaned back and with a thoughtful look, he cupped his chin, “Oh~so you are here to take revenge on Austin. Oh, my poor soul.”

“Pfft-hahahah!”

“Seriously, Abel…have some dignity man…”

“His senior from second year…uh, isn’t it…”

Hearing all the mockery and ridicule, Abel’s aura flared as he was about to jump on Rudolph, “You…!”

But then, a violent surge of energy completely swatted away Abel’s aura, even throwing him off his feet.

Every eye turned towards the person in awe and amazement, while Austin was the only person who looked at her with fondness.

Valerie stepped forward, her presence domineering. Clad in a black shirt and white skirt, she was extruding a very youthful charm. However, those cold and calculating eyes warned everyone to remain five feet away from the girl.

Looking down at the fallen officer, she said, “Senior Abel, since you have forgotten, I must remind you: according to the rules, instigating a fight or provoking someone is a punishable offense unless you have the permission of a duel. And you, clearly, don’t have one.”

Abel growled, “Arrived again, to flash your authority!”

He scrambled to his feet, and glared at Austin, “At least I am better than you…hiding behind a woman.”

Austin rolled his eyes. This world was filled with this kind of people who believed in male supremacy.

Abel didn’t stand there for long, before Valerie turned towards Rudolph and warned him too, “I am aware of your passion for battle, but provoking someone like this is-”

Rudolph scoffed, “Look at you, being all wise and disciplined.” With a grin, he added, “You accept it or not, but if that snort had insulted Austin again, you might have directly crushed him rather than provoking him like me.”

Valerie was rendered speechless. He was…probably right.

Austin heaved a sigh, “You both have a short temper, eh? Learn from me.”

“Yeah, you should, Rudolph. I was kind of nervous seeing you picking on a third year.” Rhea walked in, as she undid her bun and allowed her short hair to freely fall over her shoulder.

Rudolph was stunned, “When did you cut your hair?!”

He met her this morning and she still had her silky long hair.

Rhea shrugged, “It was a distraction and a burden to take care of.” She narrowed her eyes, with a grin extending her lips, “Are you going to no longer associate with me, just because I am no longer beautiful?”

Rudolph, with all sincerity, responded, “That can never be possible, and you are still beautiful.”

Rhea was startled to hear such a quick response, as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Austin suddenly received an unexpected notification on the system screen,

[Ding!]

[Path to becoming stronger!]

[A sudden quest has appeared!]

[Would you like to see?]

[Y/N]

He was startled to receive the sudden notification.

Until now, unless he demanded a quest, the System never proposed one on its initiative. That’s why it was surprising.

“Austin?” Seeing him being dazed, Valerie called out.

Austin shook his head, “It’s nothing…” Turning his eyes toward his fiancée, he asked, “How did the training go?”

Valerie received the artifact to train her observation skills, and she has been cooped up in her room since morning, training her senses in a compact place as in the beginning.

Valerie smilingly replied, “I think this will be helpful. I was actually able to pick up on traces of movement and react on time.” Glancing around and making sure that no one was looking, she whispered, “…i-if you want…y-you can come to my room and t-train with me…”

*Ba* *Dum*

That made his heart race. However, he had a feeling that the quest from the system would take some time, so he said,

“I will try to sneak in…but don’t wait for me and continue your training. We only have two days.”

Valerie nodded with her fist clenched, “Yes.”

…

After separating from the group, Austin headed back to his room.

En route, he asked,

‘Show me what this quest is about.’

[Ding!]

[Path to Becoming Stronger Unlocked]

[A new quest has been generated to assist the Host in developing skills and enhancing stats.]

Quest Objective: The Host will be transported to a fully simulated environment where specific tasks must be completed to earn points.

Reward System: Points earned during the quest can be allocated to upgrade individual stats, excluding Overall Progression.

Bonus Rewards: Exceptional performance may grant additional rewards, including rare items or unique abilities.

Time Distortion: The simulated dimension operates outside the Host’s reality. No time will elapse in the real world, regardless of the duration spent within the quest.

[Prepare yourself, Host. Your path to strength awaits.]

Austin read the description twice. This was unexpected.

If he accepts the quest, which he most likely will, he can gain strength and experience before the tournament.

Thinking for a bit, he asked, ‘Can I die there?’

[Yes, host. But there would be an option provided to retreat when you find it necessary.]

Austin hummed, this was assuring.

After a brief silence, Austin said,

“Okay, I accept.”