After Chloe Frost's departure…
I turned to find everyone staring at me with strange looks, as if I were an intruder who dared step into a den of wolves.
I couldn't blame them; after all, I had provoked that noble in front of everyone—and in Frost territory, that was considered social suicide… sometimes literal suicide.
But before I could sink deeper into thought, the instructor's voice tore through the silence like a whip across bare backs.
"Why are you still standing?!"
She gave us no time to answer before continuing in a voice cold as death.
"Three hundred laps around the training ground."
I glanced around. This arena was unlike any other. Even the pebbles here seemed eager to shatter you if you tripped. Yet no one dared to object.
---
Hellish Run
We began to run. With every step, my breath turned to pale mist, vanishing into the frigid air.
I listened carefully… Some dragged their feet. Others ran, driven by pride—or fear.
But three people in particular kept their eyes on me.
Two were strangers. The third… they called him "Sirk."
He muttered coldly as he approached,
"I'll make you an example, outsider."
They think I'm an easy target?
Perfect… they're knocking on death's door.
---
Lesson One
In an instant, I read their intent.
They drew closer, steps calculated, looking for a chance to "accidentally" trip me.
I surged mana into my legs and pulled back in a blink.
Adjusting my posture with subtle precision—no one noticed a thing.
And as a result,
The two slammed into each other and collapsed in a disgraceful heap, dragging half the group down in chaos.
It wasn't long before a crack echoed through the air…
The instructor had begun smashing wooden swords over their heads without mercy.
Blood trickled down their foreheads as she spoke in a tone like frozen steel.
"Why did you stop?! Shall I crush your skulls next?!"
…what the hell, this woman is a beast.
We resumed our run, and before long, half of them lay sprawled on the ground like broken dolls.
And just as I was catching my breath… that cursed system voice echoed from nowhere.
---
System Notification
[Key Character Detected: Luna Russell.]
I sighed, bored.
"Hey, system… Didn't I just deal with Chloe two hours ago?"
I glanced at the empty air, mocking.
"Is tracking girls your favorite hobby, you scrap heap?"
As always… silence.
[New System Mission]
Mission Name: Restore Your Dignity Before Luna Russell.
Reward:
Combat Supremacy Skill
50 Points
Failure Penalty:
Activation of the title "Delicate Flower Boy" for two weeks.
Side Effects:
All females look at you with pity.
All males despise you as a cliché shoujo protagonist.
Your voice automatically rises into an annoyingly gentle tone.
You're forced to end your sentences with "Ooooh!" and "Whaaat?!"
I stared blankly at the glowing window, then muttered coldly,
"You scrap pile… do you take me for a flower vendor with a bouquet in hand?"
I sighed.
Fine. Don't blame me when I turn you into a dating sim.
I'll have you woo a refrigerator—and if you're lucky, you'll marry and give birth to a toaster… with Bluetooth.
The system replied in its usual lifeless tone:
Analyzing… Joke ineffective. Suggestion: Improve combat abilities instead of rambling.
I chuckled darkly.
"Excellent idea… I'll start by improving my ability to fold annoying systems like tin cans."
---
I exhaled heavily, raising my head.
"You bastard… Finished with Chloe, and now Luna? Are you trying to get me killed?"
The system replied in its usual cold voice:
System policy aims to provide the best experience for the host.
I laughed bitterly.
"Perfect… At least I'll go down in history as the first man to achieve gender equality… in handing out punches."
The system, as cold as ever, asked:
How can you strike girls without emotion?
I raised a brow and smiled with contempt.
"You're the one assigning the missions. I'm just the enforcer. Haven't you heard Batman's words? "The hammer of justice is unisex'"
---
The First Challenge: Group Combat
I lifted my head.
Luna Russell stood at the far end of the arena, her gaze assessing—or despising—me.
Didn't matter.
The instructor's expression was colder than the frost surrounding us.
"We will now begin group combat."
Damn… no mercy.
She began assigning teams.
"Team One: Ian Russell… and Lin."
I felt a hand on my shoulder.
Ian. He looked at me with excitement, as if we were old friends.
He whispered,
"Let's see what we can do."
I replied calmly,
"Just don't slow me down."
He stared in shock.
"Huh?! Don't be so cocky!"
I chuckled lightly as the instructor called,
"Begin!"
---
Round One
Two opponents charged like raging bulls.
Ian created chaos… I ended the fight.
"Winners: Ian and Lin."
---
The Following Rounds
The opponents grew stronger… The tactics are more complex.
But we were faster.
Round after round… until we reached the final.
---
The Final Battle: Against Luna and Sirk
They stood before us.
Sirk, arrogant as ever.
Luna, gaze sharp as a blade.
"Begin!" the instructor commanded.
Sirk lunged at me, feral and wild.
Ian tried to stop Luna… and failed almost instantly.
I caught him before he hit the ground, then muttered,
"Handle Sirk."
He gestured to Luna,
"Don't die."
I replied flatly,
"Get Lost."
---
Now, it was just me and Luna.
She attacked like a storm.
We exchanged blows, step by step.
Then, in one swift move, I sidestepped and placed my sword at her throat.
"Fight's over."
---
[Mission Complete.]
[Luna Russell's perception of you has changed. She now respects you as an equal.]
But she didn't accept it.
She attacked again…
I charged my blade, and with one precise strike, tore part of her uniform.
For a moment, pale skin flashed.
Her face burned red instantly.
Sirk charged like a madman…
I chuckled quietly, then struck him three times—
Once in the ribs, once across the jaw… and the last, right in the groin.
I muttered coldly,
"Don't play the hero… if you can't handle it."
He dropped, writhing in agony.
I added with a cruel smile,
"Your bloodline ends here, you cheap bastard."
---
Silence.
Then… a cold shadow behind me.
"Lin…"
I turned.
The instructor.
Her stick trembled in her hands.
"Remember the rules of fair combat?"
I raised a brow.
"That was… a tactical move."
She sighed.
"Since you're new… I'll consider it a rookie mistake."
I smiled. But suddenly—
Her stick exploded against my skull!
And I collapsed into darkness.