Since Liang had seen Enrico's fight against Franchesco, he already knew that the most dangerous spell was the one that caused blindness. He managed to defeat Franchesco with a plan and without taking damage, earning two extra points in addition to the six for a clear victory. Even so, he was in a difficult situation with no wins yesterday, so the professor came to speak with him, his presence making Jun tremble.
"That Enrico is strong, and besides that, he has something our empress seems to want—she even asked us to watch him. But that doesn't matter right now; I expect you to fulfill your mission."
"But professor, don't you think this would look suspicious? Giving poison right before one of our matches?"
"Don't worry. This poison gradually weakens the opponent and also numbs their senses, disguising itself so that the one who took it won't notice."
Holding the vial, Jun released the poison into the air, turning it into dust that floated toward Enrico's location. The poison could be controlled from a distance if infused with magic, keeping Jun safe from suspicion.
"The time is now."
"For what?"
Surprised, he turned quickly, but his head was grabbed and slammed into the wall, cracking it. The one who did that was none other than Enrico.
"How interesting. It seems Tianlong Academy was trying to cheat. Tell me—what do you think will happen if I report this?"
Jun's eyes were filled with fear as Enrico, using his physical strength, smashed his face into the ground. Desperate, he tried to control the poison to enter Enrico's body, but by covering himself in flames, Enrico burned away the poisonous dust.
"Looks like you don't want to talk… then I guess I'll have to make you."
With cold eyes, he lifted Jun into the air with one hand and started walking out of the room. Enrico had already suspected he was being followed because he noticed that the "guard" who had brought him there wasn't actually a guard—besides leading him to an empty room, Enrico recognized the scar on his arm. He was rank 3 of the academy, a known cheater.
"So it was your professor."
"That's right, Mr. Enrico."
"I can't believe he did this. He's trying to tarnish my honor."
Liang slammed his hand on the table where they were sitting. The place was the cafeteria, and Enrico had brought Jun there because that's where Liang reviewed the broadcasts. Since Jun seemed to respect Liang, Enrico figured it would be the easiest way to make him talk.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Xuanwu, and I also apologize to you, Mr. Solcren."
"A simple apology won't fix this, Jun."
"I can accept your apology—but with one condition."
Both looked at him, surprised. Jun was a kind person in the story but also very easily manipulated when it came to his comrades, so what Enrico had to do was eliminate the bad influences around him. With a slightly amused smile, he pointed toward the judges' area.
"I want the disqualification of your rank 3 who brought me to that room—and punishment for your professor, who was involved in this."
"That's—"
"I accept the condition, and you must do it, Jun—for the sake of our honor."
Pressed by the two, Jun ended up agreeing. Liang stood to accompany him to the judges' room, but before leaving, he turned and extended his hand to Enrico, his expression apologetic.
"I apologize for Shengtian's disgraceful actions."
"No need to apologize. You weren't the one who did this, nor the other teachers."
"Even so, it's a shame for us. I'll make sure your request is carried out."
Turning around, he immediately took Jun with him to where the judges were. Stretching his arms, Enrico looked up at the clear sky. He hadn't done this just because it was shameful for them—when he saw the cheating plan unfold, he saw an opportunity to remove a problem from the competition: that rank 3.
[Do you think with this, he won't even be taken to the academy battle?]
'All five from Shengtian were supposed to advance, but now only four will. I doubt they'll choose to take that guy with them.'
The other two of his rank were people who carefully weighed pros and cons, and after seeing today's actions, it was unlikely they'd bring rank 3 along.
The only way for him now was to defeat the other rank 5s, which would be difficult since it was quite possible he'd be expelled from Shengtian. Getting up, Enrico left while glancing at the group F rankings.
Group F Point Rankings
1st place – Lira Xuefeng: 19 points
2nd place – Enrico Solcren Ferreira: 17 points
3rd place – Liang Xuanwu: 8 points
4th place – Nicholas: 2 points, Sakura Himari: 2 points
5th place – Franchesco Giovanni: 0 points
'Tomorrow will definitely be a tough fight. While Lira keeps scoring high… I need to find a way to win the fourth round.'
Turning his back, he headed straight to the dorms, while Angela appeared where Enrico had been talking to the others. Placing her hand on the table, she lightly pressed with two fingers, cracking the entire table and the floor beneath.
"Miss Virelle won't like this… Young Master, leave it to us—we'll deliver the punishment those two deserve."
It wasn't just Virelle who would be angry; the director himself would want to handle this matter, and of course, Angela was furious that they'd tried to harm her Young Master.
'Young Master is too kind to that rank 3, but if he forgave him, I'll let it go… and won't kill him.'
The next day, Enrico, excited, and Liang, full of respect, climbed onto the arena to face each other. Both had the feeling that this fight wouldn't just be about points—and that thought brought a certain thrill.
'Enrico… finally, I'll see what you're truly capable of—and I'll definitely fulfill the mission the empress gave us.'