Rene walked onto the stage.

The crowd erupted once more.

A mixture of gasps at her beauty and anticipation for the Child of Sins abilities filled the air.

Perhaps even Rene, with her usual icy demeanor, felt a flicker of nervousness beneath her cool facade.

Or so I thought. But as the camera zoomed in on her face, her expression came into clear view.

Rene wassmiling faintly.

'Why does that send chills down my spine?'

Having spent a significant amount of time with her, I knew that smile.

It only appeared when she was both determined and amused.

Just like the first time she saw me in the Bares' secret realm.

I had almost died that day.

"Begin!"

Idea's declaration marked the start of the match.

*Shing-*

Both contestants drew their swords simultaneously.

Ackerman, locking eyes with Rene, sneered.

"First-year brat, prepare yourself."

His eyes blazed with a desire for revenge.

Rene, however, remained silent, her sword pointed steadily at him.

*Thud-*

As Ackerman launched himself at Rene,

*Hum-*

she activated her Sword Lacquer.

*Clang-*

In the blink of an eye, Ackerman's sword shattered into pieces.

Lacking the ability to wield sword force, he was utterly defenseless against Rene's attack.

However,

Rene's sword didn't stop.

Uh oh.

At this rate, Ackerman's going to die.

Even after shattering his weapon, Rene showed no sign of halting her attack.

Just as her blade was about to pierce Ackerman's throat,

*Clang-*

Ares intervened, deflecting Rene's attack with his own sword. He growled,

"Do you not know the rules of the competition? Taking a life is forbidden."

""

Rene, momentarily taken aback, stammered, gesturing toward the shattered remnants of her sword,

"Faulty sword."

"Ha"

Ares sighed deeply at her response.

Perhaps realizing he couldn't dampen the already-charged atmosphere, he retreated from the arena without further ado.

Idea approached Rene and raised her hand.

"The winner, Rene!"

"Waaaaah-!"

The first years had secured a swift victory against their seniors.

The students in the stands roared their approval.

Rene, her black bob swaying, exited the arena.

Ackerman remained, utterly alone.

"Ugh"

He clutched his neck, stemming the flow of blood trickling from a shallow wound.

Had Ares not intervened, it would have been a fatal blow.

If Rene's sword had been aimed at me

The mere thought sent shivers down my spine.

Eventually,

Ackerman, unable to stand on his own, was helped to his feet and escorted away by nearby instructors.

While I initially felt a sense of satisfaction at his misfortune, seeing him in such a state sparked a flicker of pity within me.

But that was neither here nor there.

Right now, we have to celebrate earning a point for the first year.

"Not bad. Although it seems she can't use Fighting Spirit."

"Miss Rene would never lose to someone who isn't even the strongest among the second years."

"Haha, I suppose you're right."

Baltan, acknowledging Rene's skill, nodded in agreement.

I, too, concurred. It didn't seem like Rene had access to Fighting Spirit yet.

*Creak-*

As we chatted, the waiting room door opened, and Rene walked in.

I rose, gently wiping the sweat from her forehead with my sleeve.

"Well done, Miss."

""

*Flick-*

Rene, however, didn't respond, instead turning her head away with an irritated flick of her wrist.

Sensing her discomfort, I sat back down as she reclaimed her seat.

"The first victory goes to the first years! Now, let's move on to the next match!"

The battles continued.

And then,

"Wow, this is going to be an incredible match! It's a showdown between the strongest students of the first and second years!"

The strongest, you say?

My gaze instinctively shifted.

As expected,

"The next match will be between Baltan and Gurk!"

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