The forest surrounding the Imperial Academy was alive with excitement. Today marked the beginning of the Golden Stick Competition, a trial that tested every student's skill, strategy, and teamwork. Sho Rione adjusted the straps of his sword harness, glancing at Liyana beside him.
"You ready?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Liyana's crimson eyes sparkled with mischief, and she twirled a small blade in her hand. "Always. But keep up, Sho, or you'll be left behind."
Sho smirked. "Try me."
The starting bell rang, and 30 teams of two disappeared into the forest, each hunting for 50 golden sticks scattered throughout. Sho and Liyana moved with precision, analyzing the terrain while staying alert for rival teams.
---
The Provocation
It didn't take long for trouble to find them. A group of arrogant nobles, three older students, sneered at Liyana.
"Look at her," one mocked, "all alone, thinking she can even survive here. Must be lonely her entire life."
Another laughed, "She's probably never had anyone strong to rely on. Maybe all this years she is alone, ALONE FOREVER! "
Sho's hand twitched, ready to intervene, but he knew Liyana could handle herself. Yet… her crimson eyes darkened, and he felt the shift in the air immediately.
---
Liyana's Wrath Unleashed
The forest seemed to respond to her fury. Gravity twisted unnaturally, pressing down on everything.
Rocks floated midair, swaying like pendulums.
Trees bent and twisted, leaves forming tiny tornadoes.
Air thickened, making it difficult to breathe.
Even strong teams and adults in the distance felt it.
Saint Alisa and Princess Arisa sensed the overwhelming energy from afar.
Professor Chroma, one of the 10 strongest in the world, monitoring from his observation post, staggered slightly. "That girl… she's no ordinary student," he muttered.
Sho gritted his teeth. Every inch forward was a battle against the weight of her anger. The nobles mocking her were paralyzed, coughing from the pressure, and weaker students couldn't move.
---
Sho's Bold Approach
Sho charged into the storm of oppressive energy, muscles screaming. Stones floated dangerously close, and the air itself fought his every step. He activated his Domination Pulse, stabilizing the immediate area around him, but it wasn't enough to reach her completely.
He raised his voice. "Liyana! Calm down!"
She turned her gaze on him, fire blazing in her eyes, and a smile curved her lips — part challenge, part amusement.
---
Sho Calms Liyana — Rizz Edition
Sho stepped closer, voice steady but full of emotion. "Liyana… listen to me. None of this matters. Not the arrogant nobles, not the other teams… only you. You don't have to carry their words, or anyone else's judgment."
Her eyes flickered, anger still burning, but slightly tempered.
Sho continued, softer this time, almost a whisper. "I don't care how strong you are… or how alone you've been. I care about you. Only you. From now on lets together. So stop this… for me."
Her aura faltered; the heavy gravity began to relent slightly. Sho leaned in, smirking faintly. "And if you want, you could punish me for saying that… maybe later?"
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, crimson eyes softening. She muttered, "Sho…"
Sho smiled, exhausted but triumphant. "See? The world didn't end. Stay with me, okay?"
Liyana exhaled, the oppressive force dissipating entirely. Even the forest seemed to lighten, as if it had been holding its breath along with her.
---
Rival Teams React
Other teams, who had been frozen or terrified, now whispered in awe. "Did you feel that…? That was… terrifying."
The nobles who mocked her earlier looked pale, shaking slightly. They now understood that crossing Liyana was a risk even for the strongest students.
---
The Golden Stick Hunt Continues
Sho and Liyana refocused, their eyes scanning the forest. The glimmer of golden sticks marked the next stage of the competition. Rival teams were regrouping, cautious and wary, while Sho and Liyana moved with seamless teamwork.
Sho glanced at her, residual mana faintly glowing around them. "Let's finish this… together."
She smirked again, crimson eyes playful. Blushingly say "I was hoping you'd say that."
The forest seemed to pulse with energy, anticipating the next stage of combat. Trees shifted, rivers bubbled, and far-off shouts marked the movements of other teams.