CHAPTER 65: HE’S TRULY HIM

Chapter 65: He’s Truly Him

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What will you do, Kyousuke, Arios thought as his gaze followed Kyousuke, who walked slowly toward the stage. Will you just sit by and allow Elisa to win the protection point like in the anime, or will you take it?

The hall was silent as the students held their breaths in anticipation of the next duel. Kyousuke’s name had been called, and all that remained was the name of his opponent. The wait dragged on as the professor seemed to derive a little pleasure from their suspense.

"....Against Veyrion Ashthorn," Professor Vaelian finally announced. What followed was a quick sigh of relief as, once again, Rian Blake’s name wasn’t called.

Veyrion Ashthorn, Arios thought. At first, the name didn’t ring any bells, but after a few seconds of mental gymnastics, he remembered him. He was the one the system didn’t recognize, and he was also part of Arios’s study group with Elisa and Lucy.

Kyuosouke Uzumaki— that name was familiar in some parts of Arios’ world. The name resonated with themes of hospitality, martial prowess, and a deep respect for tradition. It echoed the disciplined art forms and intricate social hierarchies that defined the culture it came from.

The name suddenly played on repeat in Arios’s mind. He had watched Kyuosouke in the final moments of his life, memorizing his every move, his every dialogue, his every action.

At first, Arios had grown fond of him. Kyuosouke was the typical genius in every academy anime. All the ladies fell for him as he manipulated every one of them to reach the top. But after some episodes, Arios began to despise him. Kyuosouke had it easy. Every plan of his was a success. If he wanted Student X to be expelled, then that student was as good as gone. Why even be a character at that point? Just to be a pawn in his game.

Now in this world, Arios had a goal: to outshine Kyuosouke. To make sure he didn’t just get what he wanted so easily.

As Veyrion Ashthorn heard his name, he quickly straightened up and got to the stage. He and Kyousuke stood across from each other, their gazes locked. As usual, a page came forward and handed them both a wooden sword replica, sturdy enough not to break instantly.

"It’s an honor to duel against you," Veyrion said, his voice carrying a sense of formality. The last duel between Arios and Nathan had stirred up reckless comments and animosity, and Veyrion intended to bring a sense of honor back to the proceedings.

Kyousuke replied with a smirk, a very unusual sight that made some students wonder what could have made someone as composed as him show any facial expression.

"Can an ant move an elephant?" Kyousuke whispered to himself, a phrase so inaudible that only Veyrion could barely make out what he said. To him, it sounded like, "Can a plant wear a leprechaun?" and he shook his head with a small, confused smile.

"I think he said something," a student who was close to the stage whispered to a friend.

"I saw his lips moving," another one said.

"Maybe it’s just a prayer before the duel," one student suggested, but no one seemed to believe it.

Arios was also curious as to what Kyousuke could have whispered to himself, and what was behind that smirk. He stood in his corner, his senses on high alert. Things were starting to deviate from the anime, and he needed to be ready for anything.

"I just need to find out then," Kyousuke whispered, answering his earlier question to himself. Veyrion once again looked confused and shook his head, trying not to let Kyousuke’s actions distract him so early in the duel.

"Begin," Professor Vaelian said.

Immediately, Veyrion began to circle the stage, his movements fluid and cautious. He was trying to shake Kyousuke out of his composure, but Kyousuke seemed unmoved, remaining like a brick wall in the center of the ring. Even when Veyrion moved out of his direct line of sight, Kyousuke didn’t tilt his head or shift his body. He stood perfectly still, his gaze fixed straight ahead, as if he could still see Veyrion from behind.

When Veyrion was at Kyousuke’s back, he grew irritated by his composure. Any normal person would have immediately turned to follow his movements, but Kyousuke just seemed to ignore him, remaining perfectly still.

Murmurs began to stir among the students as they reacted to Kyousuke’s apparent carelessness.

"Is he insane?" one student said. "Why is he just standing there and doing nothing?"

"He’s going to lose so quickly if he doesn’t move!"

"Is this some kind of intimidation tactic? It’s not working!"

"Maybe he’s just really, really confident. Or really, really stupid."

As the first bead of sweat fell from Veyrion’s head, he quickly lunged forward at Kyousuke’s back. The transition from a cautious stance to a blur of motion was instantaneous. Veyrion’s agility could rival that of both Elisa and Arios.

"He’s fast," Arios whispered to himself. Veyrion’s speed was truly something deserving of the compliment. I truly should keep an eye on him. He’s truly something. Arios then shifted his gaze to Kyousuke, who just stood still at the center of the stage. Then there’s Kyousuke. Why is he just standing there?

Veyrion lunged. The distance between him and Kyousuke was a matter of meters, but to Veyrion, it felt like an eternity. His form was perfect, his agility and speed a testament to his innate talent. He was going for Kyousuke’s back, a place he thought was a guaranteed weak point.

But just as he neared, Kyousuke reacted. Without turning around, without moving his feet, he made a subtle shift of his body. His hand, which held the wooden sword, moved with a speed that defied logic. It was a simple block, a single, precise motion that met Veyrion’s full-force lunge.

The impact was a dull thud, and it sent Veyrion flying back. He hit the edge of the stage with a bone-jarring slam, the sound echoing in the hall. Kyousuke, still standing perfectly still, didn’t move an inch. He was like an immovable object, more like a brick wall that Veyrion had just tried to run through.

The students quickly gasped. What they had just witnessed was strange. Veyrion’s speed had just made him one of the fastest students in their class, and Kyousuke had just blocked his full-force attack without even looking.

"Did you see that?" one student whispered, their voice filled with awe.

"He didn’t even turn around!" another one said, their eyes wide.

Arios watched from the sidelines, his mind reeling. So this is what Kyousuke has chosen, he thought. It was no technique, just pure instinct, Kyousuke pure raw talent. He knew where Veyrion was going to strike before he even did it.

Veyrion, recovering from his initial shock, pushed himself to his feet. The edge of the stage was his only hope. He used it as a springboard, launching himself at Kyousuke’s back once more. He was faster this time, more desperate. He aimed for his sides, his legs, his arms, his back, and even his front, a flurry of attacks that should have overwhelmed his opponent.

But every single time, Kyousuke didn’t turn. He just moved his hand. A subtle shift of his wrist here, a small pivot of his elbow there, and every single one of Veyrion’s strikes was blocked. The wooden swords met with a sharp clack, and every single time, Veyrion was sent flying back. He hit the edges of the stage, the impact causing him to groan in pain. He tried to stay on his feet, but his legs finally gave out, and he fell to his knees.

The students were now completely silent, their initial shock replaced by a collective awe. They had never seen anything like it. It was like watching a master painter, his movements so effortless, so graceful, that they seemed to defy the very laws of physics. They were watching a genius at work, a man who was so far ahead of them that the gap between them was staggering.

So you’ve decided it’s time for everyone to know your might, eh Kyousuke, Arios thought.