Luciel was momentarily stunned by Byrne's words before quickly shaking his head.
"Senior Byrne, you must be joking. How could I possibly take on the role of Vice President of the Swordsmanship Association?"
Byrne smiled knowingly. "Luciel, you're being too modest. There may be stronger individuals in the association, but when it comes to swordsmanship, very few can match your skill. You are more than qualified for the position."
Before Luciel could respond, a furious voice cut through the air.
"What nonsense!"
All eyes turned to Taylor, who was pointing at Luciel with an incredulous expression.
"A third-year student? The Vice President of the Swordsmanship Association?!" Taylor scoffed. "Senior Byrne, you need to reconsider!"
Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd.
"Taylor has a point. Even the third-year chief student wouldn't qualify for that position."
"I don't even recognize this guy. Who is he?"
"Maybe he has connections? Byrne wouldn't be the first to grant favors..."
As speculation grew, Byrne simply remained silent, a small smile on his lips as he watched Luciel.
Luciel, on the other hand, found himself seriously considering the offer.
The Vice President position meant privileges, resources, and influence—things he desperately needed.
"This could be an opportunity."
Taylor and the others froze at the sight of Luciel's contemplative look.
"Wait… he's actually thinking about it?!"
"Does he really have no shame?!"
Byrne, noticing Luciel's interest, pressed forward.
"If you're concerned about convincing the crowd," he said with a smile, "just take on another Magic Puppet Challenge. That should be proof enough."
Luciel hesitated.
"If I destroy another one..."
"It's fine," Byrne waved a hand, already anticipating Luciel's concerns.
With Byrne's approval, Luciel nodded in agreement.
Taylor's face twisted in anger.
"Let's see how long you can last," he sneered.
He crossed his arms, his eyes sharp with malice. "Senior Byrne holds the record at ten minutes. If you think you're good enough for Vice President, you'd better last at least seven or eight minutes... Hmph."
Luciel ignored him and stepped into the challenge room of The Magic Puppet Challenge
The entire hall fell silent as the crowd pressed against the glass window, watching Luciel intently.
"Analyze the optimal way to defeat the target."
Luciel issued the mental command to his chip.
"Analyzing target data..."
"Analysis complete. The optimal attack point is three inches below the left chest."
Luciel's eyes gleamed as his vision displayed a marked red dot on the Magic Puppet.
"The weakness has changed again..."
Before he could think further—
BOOM!
The Magic Puppet launched a brutal attack, its greatsword slicing toward Luciel.
But Luciel moved effortlessly.
"Optimal dodge: three steps to the left."
He followed the chip's instructions flawlessly, sidestepping the attack with minimal effort.
Outside, whispers rippled through the crowd.
"He's… fast."
"His movements are so smooth."
"He's handling it way better than Taylor did."
Taylor's face darkened.
"He's only doing well because he has experience!" he reassured himself.
"Let's see how long he can last."
But then—
Gasps filled the room.
Luciel didn't dodge the next attack.
Instead, he advanced.
He closed the distance in a flash, his sword thrusting forward with deadly precision.
"He's attacking?!"
"That's suicide!"
Taylor grinned, expecting Luciel to lose control of his blade.
"He's done for."
But then—
CLANG!
Luciel's sword pierced through the Puppet's defenses, slipping past its greatsword with an almost supernatural grace.
Direct hit.
The Magic Puppet's entire body trembled violently.
A heavy boom echoed as it froze in place.
Then—
Its eyes dimmed, its body went completely still.
Outside the glass, an uneasy silence spread through the spectators.
Taylor's smug grin shattered.
"Wait…"
"No... no way!"
Luciel, without even glancing back, sheathed his sword and calmly walked out of the room.
His entire back was exposed to the now-defeated Magic Puppet.
"He's turning his back?! What is he—"
"Wait. Why isn't the Puppet moving?"
Someone's voice cut through the shock.
Every eye locked onto the motionless Magic Puppet.
The red glow in its eyes had vanished.
Its limbs hung limp.
It was dead.
A realization dawned on them.
Luciel had defeated it in one strike.
---
Stunned Silence
Taylor's breath hitched.
"What...?"
"That's impossible!"
Byrne's eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned to Maris.
"How long did he last during his last attempt?"
Maris, still shocked, hesitated before answering.
"Sixty-three seconds."
Byrne's lips curled into a thrilled smile.
"This time, it was less than half a minute."
He took a step forward, his excitement clear as he moved toward Luciel, who was now casually exiting the challenge room.
"His growth speed is incredible..."
Taylor, meanwhile, could only watch in complete disbelief.
---
To Be Continued…