’That did it.’ Bringing up Aizel’s name seemed to finally make the monster ready to talk. Sota, hovering in his spirit form, smiled brightly.

[Before that, let me ask you just one thing, Kajan. Why aren’t you participating in the duel for student council president? Being the strongest in Kizen has always been your goal.]

Submerged in the boiling poison, Kajan slowly opened his mouth.

[That seat belongs to Aizel.]

[Hmm.]

[To someone like me, who lived like a wild dog in the back alleys doing whatever I pleased, he taught me the dignity and grace a warrior ought to possess.]

Kajan had fought Aizel countless times. They clashed and broke each other; there were many victories and defeats. The more Kajan lost, the more tenaciously he attacked. He even resorted to dirty tricks, but Aizel never once blamed him.

’Kajan is not at fault. It is because I let my guard down during the mission.

He had even covered for him at the disciplinary committee. Aizel possessed a certain class, and even Kajan was moved by his noble dignity.

’You’re my only rival, Kajan. Let’s climb to the top together.

Recalling that voice, Kajan’s fierce eyes glared upward.

[I will wait until he takes the student council president seat, and then I will challenge him.]

[Right, right. I figured you were thinking something like that. But you know...]

The corners of Sota’s mouth curled up.

[What if Aizel isn’t the guy you think he is?]

Kajan remained silent.

[You weren’t chosen as an observer either, right? You’d be shocked if you knew what was happening inside that barrier prepared by that idiot from the Grerium family.]

A snake-like voice slithered from Sota’s mouth.

[It’s a rigged game.]

Kajan’s eyebrows twitched.

[Aizel never intended to be the student council president from the start.]

The once-calm poison inside the cauldron suddenly began to boil violently. A vicious voice flowed from the metal mask.

[Do not insult Aizel Bringer in front of me, loser.]

[Yeah, yeah. I just lost to Aizel, so I get that saying this now lacks credibility and sounds like I’m just talking behind his back.]

Sota waved his arm, and a few photos scattered on the floor rose into the air, enveloped in spirits.

[But it’s the truth.]

They were recent photos of Aizel and Simon together. The two looked quite close, smiling and chatting.

[What do you think these two, who had no reason to interact, talked about? Aizel went out of his way to hollow out the sea and create a separate space just to bring Simon there.]

[With just a few mere photos—]

[You need to relearn everything about Aizel from scratch, Kajan.]

An overwhelming number of photos and articles whipped through the air, spreading out before Kajan’s eyes.

[About what kind of person Aizel really is.]

They all contained information exposing Aizel’s hidden true nature. Kajan examined the photos with bloodshot eyes, scanning from past events all the way to the present. Aizel even had a ’script’. Among the documents were details on exactly how he would cover for Kajan at the disciplinary committee.

Veins bulged on Kajan’s face, pulsing visibly across his body as the poison around him boiled into a frenzy.

[From start to finish, Aizel has just been playing a character. Your rivalry, the good-faith struggles, the promise to climb to the top together—all lies. To Aizel Bringer, human relationships are nothing more than devices to firmly maintain his facade. Yeah, that bastard never cared about you at all.]

Sota’s lips curled into a smirk.

[You’ve been played, Kajan.]

The deadly poison boiling in the cauldron shot into the air with a heavy splash. Eyes bloodshot, Kajan swung his arm wildly, sending a wave of lethal poison surging forward to smash into the wall. The solid wall crumbled as easily as a sandcastle. The wave of poison continued to advance through the thick dust.

Kajan clenched his fist and yanked it forcefully toward himself. Sota’s main body was suddenly caught in a giant fist made of poison.

"Ha, hahaha! C-Calm down, Kajan!"

Sota’s Kizen uniform hissed and sizzled, its protective barrier blinking frantically in red. He only had two uniforms, and it looked like both were going to be destroyed today.

[Tell me everything you know.]

Kajan strode over and shoved his face right up against Sota’s.

[If what you just said is a lie, I will melt you down to your bones alive right here, right now.]

Sota let out a forced laugh.

"Yeah, fine, I got it. Can you let go of me first so we can talk?"

---

Early that morning. Simon couldn’t fall into a deep sleep. Staring at the ceiling with wide eyes out of excitement, he repeatedly drifted off and woke up until it was already time to leave. Toto’s faint snoring echoed in the room.

Simon quietly got up, washed his face, fixed his hair, and changed into his Kizen uniform. Just as he gathered his necessary items and prepared to head out...

"S-Simon. Good luck," Toto cheered him on in a faint, half-asleep voice.

’Did he wake up on purpose just to say that?’ Simon smiled warmly.

"Thanks, Toto. I’ll be back."

Simon tiptoed down the dark hallway and descended to the dormitory lobby. It was early enough that the place was completely empty, as most students were either asleep or in Rochest. He ran into the dormitory wardens along the way, but they either cheered him on by silently mouthing words of encouragement or pretended not to see him. Thanks to them, Simon was able to make it out of the dormitory without any issues.

Simon exhaled softly. The cool morning breeze completely chased away his sleepiness. As he slowly walked forward, he spotted some familiar silhouettes in the distance.

"Over here! Simon!"

Kamibarez waved her hands enthusiastically.

"You only wake up early for things like this," Meirin grumbled, her arms crossed.

"Hey! My best friend! How are you holding up?" Dick asked, his face flushed with excitement.

"You guys...!"

They were the student council members Simon had registered as observers. They ran up to meet him.

"We were waiting for you!"

"We’ll be cheering for you, Simon!"

Talking face-to-face with his friends made his nervousness vanish completely.

Enjoying the crisp morning breeze, they walked until they arrived at the agreed-upon location by the sea. The tranquil sound of waves crashing against the cliff echoed through the dark surroundings. Meirin looked around with a slightly flustered expression.

"I-Is this really the dueling spot?"

"It just looks like a sheer cliff."

Simon, who already had experience with this, pointed beyond the cliff.

"This is the place. I’ll go first."

Simon walked toward the cliff without hesitation.

"W-Wait a minute!"

The moment Meirin reached out her hand, his figure completely vanished over the edge. Everyone flinched, their jaws dropping in shock. But then Simon reappeared in midair, holding out his palm.

"No need to worry. Here, take my hand."

"Ah, okay."

Meirin blushed slightly and placed her hand in his. Simon gently pulled her forward, escorting her in. With her eyes squeezed shut, Meirin waddled clumsily through the barrier before opening her eyes again.

"Wow!"

There was a vast expanse of land hidden beyond the cliff. Ednic Grerium and the third-years, who had arrived earlier and were waiting, smiled at them.

"Simon Polentia and his observers are here."

"Welcome!"

Following close behind, Kamibarez and Dick crossed over with Simon’s help, their eyes widening at the sight. Dick let out a hearty laugh.

"This is freakin’ awesome! You’re fighting here?"

It was a sheer hill, its surroundings tightly enclosed by a seamless vermilion barrier. Nearby, aside from the other observers, medical staff from the Grerium family were bustling about, preparing treatment equipment.

"Welcome, everyone."

The host of this match, Ednic Grerium, greeted them with a smile. He wasn’t wearing his school uniform, but rather his family’s traditional gold attire. Floating next to him was the magic circle currently operating the barrier.

"Simon Polentia, and observers Meirin Villenne, Dick Hayward, and Kamibarez Ursula. You’ve all passed through the barrier safely. I designed it to bounce out anyone who isn’t involved. Now, here."

Ednic approached the three and handed them some documents. They were non-disclosure agreements of sorts, stating they would speak only the truth about what they witnessed in the match and certify the winner as the student council president. While the three were signing, a familiar face ran up to Simon.

"Mr. President!"

It was Princess Molly, the only first-year observer.

"Oh, Molly. How have you been?"

"Great, Simon!"

The two chatted with smiles on their faces.

"Ah, and it’s not much, but here."

She shyly held out a bouquet of flowers.

"I made this by gathering only flowers that symbolize victory and good luck in my kingdom. I’m really worried since it’s under the Real Combat Rule. Please finish the match safely."

"Thank you, Molly."

Simon took the bouquet, plucked a single flower from it, and carefully tucked it into the inner pocket of his uniform.

"Mr. President."

Another person called out. Turning his head, Simon saw the third-year Summoning representative, Leonard, waving his hand. Simon smiled and greeted him as well.

"Hello, Leonard."

"I thought you’d be nervous, but you look good."

Leonard offered his signature prince-like smile and extended his hand.

"I’m participating as an observer on Aizel’s side, so we’re enemies here, but regardless of the outcome, I hope you show us a great match."

"Of course."

Simon shook hands lightly with Leonard and returned to the student council members.

"Alright, thirty minutes until the duel!"

Ednic said, checking his watch.

"Aizel is running late. Is he trying to make a grand entrance? Haha! Everyone, don’t stand around so stiffly; feel free to walk around and chat. Simon, you should focus on your condition too."

"Understood."

Simon immediately plopped down on the ground, closed his eyes, and checked his breathing and jet-black state. It was the meditation method passed down by Professor Hongfeng. When he had to sit in this posture for hours under a waterfall, he thought he was going to freeze to death, but it was incredibly helpful in a situation like this. ’Focus. Focus.’

Until Aizel arrived, he decided to stay like this for a while.

---

Time passed. Soon, it was five minutes before the match.

"Why the hell is Aizel taking so long?"

"Did something happen?"

"I have a bad feeling about this."

When Simon finished his meditation and opened his eyes, the place was in an uproar. The observers were all exchanging words with serious expressions. Words like ’worry’ and ’problem’ could be heard repeatedly, and Leonard, his face pale white, grabbed his coat, showing his intention to leave immediately.

"I’ll go check Aizel’s room."

"Wait, Leonard," Ednic stopped him.

"It’s a problem if an observer leaves their post. I just sent someone to the dormitory, so they should be back soon..."

"Young Master Ednic."

Just then, a member of the Grerium family appeared from beyond the barrier.

"I went to the Mechanics of Jet-Black dormitory. When I inquired, they said Aizel had already left the dorm two hours ago."

"Two hours ago?"

"Then he should have arrived ages ago."

Amidst everyone’s confusion, Ednic clapped his hands and stepped forward.

"Alright, it’s time for the match to start. Simon Polentia? Pin the Token of Duel to your chest and step forward."

"Yes."

Simon stepped forward. Ednic looked at the watch on his wrist.

"According to the rules agreed upon by both parties, the grace period for arrival is ten minutes."

Saying that, Ednic looked around.

"If he does not arrive within ten minutes, it will be considered Aizel’s forfeit. I will declare Simon Polentia the winner. The student council president for the second semester will be Simon Polentia."

"What the hell is that?!"

"That’s ridiculous!"

The observers on Aizel’s side, excluding Leonard, were furious, but this was a condition agreed upon by the parties involved. Protesting wouldn’t change anything. Now, all sorts of confused speculations poured out among the other observers.

"What in the world is going on?"

"Don’t tell me those weird rumors about Aizel being a coward are true..."

"No," Simon cut off one of the observers. "Aizel will definitely come."

Aizel was someone who valued his dignity several times more than his own life. And this was a duel that the entire Kizen student body was watching. No matter how much he didn’t want the student council president position, being late to the match and losing the seat to a second-year? There was no way Aizel would want such a foolish conclusion.

"Let’s wait."

The ten minutes ticked by quickly. Leonard, in particular, looked as if he had aged ten years in those ten minutes.

Five minutes passed, then eight minutes. Only two minutes remained.

"Well, this is something."

Ednic smacked his lips. Honoring the wishes of his respected upperclassman, Phantastus, he had made all sorts of preparations for this duel of the century. He hadn’t expected it to end like this. But if this was the conclusion, he had to accept it.

As a member of the honorable Grerium family, his only duty was to certify the birth of the new student council president.

"It seems he isn’t coming, so... Hmm?"

At that moment, Ednic’s eyes went wide. The large magic circle maintaining the barrier next to him was shifting in color, turning from a bright orange to a murky mud brown.

"What the..."

The structure of the magic circle was being forcibly altered, dark liquid dripping from its glowing lines. Flustered, Ednic grabbed the array and tried to stabilize it.

"The magic circle is being hacked?"

He tried frantically to regain control, but it was useless. The magic circle spiraled out of control and began to tangle. The observers murmured upon seeing this.

"Ednic! What’s wrong?"

Princess Molly approached.

"J-Just hold on a second, Princess! It’s nothing major. There’s just a slight issue with the barrier!"

A deep rumbling echoed through the air. The problem was growing increasingly severe. The magic circle was fully compromised, and subsequently, the massive barrier enveloping the entire arena mutated, turning a dark, sickly color. It began to melt down like ice cream left in the sun.

"It’s poison!"

Soon, the barrier transformed into a torrential waterfall of toxic sludge and poured down.

"Ahhh!"

"It’s getting closer! Get back!"

The observers backed away in terror. Leonard immediately took care of Molly, making her cover her nose and mouth with a handkerchief, while Meirin and a few third-years unleashed jet-black elemental magic to blow the sludge away. It was to no avail. Just as everyone was plunged into chaos, a deafening roar shook the ground.

One side of the poison waterfall began to surge unusually high. It soon took the shape of a face. As if someone were pressing their face against a rubber sheet, the facial features stretched out prominently before finally breaking through the viscous curtain.

"That skill is..."

"You’ve got to be kidding me."

Leonard and the third-year next to him muttered, their expressions full of despair. With a heavy swoosh, an indescribably massive giant of poison burst through the toxic waterfall. It looked down upon Simon and the observers. Its mere appearance generated thick toxic gas and oozed lethal poison.

Activating the ’Immune System’ he had learned from Venomology Professor Byulya, Simon felt his entire body undergo an extreme rejection response.

[So this is where you were.]

Someone revealed himself, breaking through the face of the poison giant and landing on the ground with a loud crash. The man was a massive figure wearing a metal mask. Kizen’s runner-up and Aizel’s rival.

"Kajan!"

Kajan looked at the cornered observers with gloomy eyes. Then, he dropped something resembling a lump of mud from his hand onto the ground. Of course, it wasn’t mud, but poison.

[I cannot hide my disappointment.]

Thick emotion laced his voice—anger, regret, hatred, and sorrow.

[I was disappointed that Aizel was not the man I thought he was, disheartened that my sincerity never reached him, and enraged that he deceived and mocked me.]

"Kajan!"

Leonard charged forward with bloodshot eyes.

"What did you do to Aizel?!"

[Above all else,]

Kajan easily ignored Leonard’s words and spat out,

[I was disappointed that he was weaker than me.]

Everyone’s eyes widened in horror. The lump of mud Kajan had dropped melted away, revealing Aizel’s hair. Meirin and Molly covered their mouths and let out terrified screams. On one side, Aizel’s glasses could be seen, and on the other, the shoes he had worn.

"You son of a bitch..."

Leonard opened his subspace. Just as the head of a monstrous cow was about to burst out of it...

[You’d better not move, Leonard. You, of all people, should know what this poison is.]

Leonard flinched and froze. Kajan’s gloomy gaze, having easily restrained the overall fourth-place student with just his words, turned toward the host, Ednic Grerium.

[Those who hold this token battle each other. That must be the rule you spoke of.]

Kajan held up the Token of Duel. Toxic breath seeped from his metal mask.

[I defeated the strongest in Kizen and obtained this token. Now, I am the strongest in Kizen, and I am participating in the duel for the student council president position. Is there a problem?]

"Kajan."

Ednic sighed. Soon, everyone’s eyes turned to him. Ednic let out another long sigh, chuckled, and flipped him the middle finger.

"Eat sh—"

Before he could even finish his sentence, a wave of poison surged out and swept Ednic away. Gasps of horror erupted from all around as Ednic, covered in green poison, rolled on the ground screaming.

[I wasn’t asking for a favor, Ednic Grerium. This is an order.]

Everyone backed away in terror, and Kajan’s eyes gleamed viciously.

[For the sake of Aizel’s honor, I waited without baring my fangs until he returned. I suppressed the desires and impulses within me and endured. But what I got in return was deception and mockery. There is nothing left to bind me anymore.]

A smile that seemed to tear across his face spread behind the metal mask.

[Now, once again, I will do as I please.]

The true terror that had been overshadowed by Aizel revealed itself. Everyone felt their will to fight shatter under the oppressive aura Kajan exuded.

[Then, in place of that bastard Ednic Grerium, a new host...]

At that moment, a black silhouette shot up next to Kajan.

"You."

Kajan tilted his head in confusion.

A sickening thud echoed through the air. Everyone’s eyes widened. Kajan’s head snapped violently to the side, his massive body spinning a couple of times in midair before crashing into the dirt. Crushing all the nearby trees, Kajan’s body was sent flying far away.

The boy who landed slowly lowered his leg with a light tap.

"Don’t expect me to treat you with any respect."

"Simon!"

Meirin screamed in shock. Kamibarez followed suit.

"No, Simon! Run away!"

"What are you doing, you idiot!"

From within the cloud of dust, Kajan’s dark chuckling echoed out.

[Simon Polentia.]

Kajan slowly pushed himself up.

[That was an impressive strike.]

Kajan’s body vanished with a dull thud, leaving only a blooming puddle of poison in his wake.

"Simon! Behind you!"

Dick shouted hoarsely. Simon stood still, and without even looking back, lightly tilted his head. Kajan’s vicious fist grazed past Simon’s cheek with a sharp gust of wind, drawing a thin line of blood. Simon grabbed the passing forearm and twisted his waist.

He extended his leg once more and kicked Kajan squarely in the jaw. With a fierce roar, Kajan’s feet briefly lifted into the air before coming back down.

[This little punk.]

How many hits was he allowing a mere second-year brat to land? Kajan’s eyes turned red.

’Kajan Original – Death Armor’

’Kajan Original – Death Touch’

Poison rising from thin air wrapped around Kajan’s body. At the same time, toxic sludge emerged from the opposite side and was about to encroach on Simon’s body. Simon stomped his foot hard.

’Hongfeng Original – Yeonpung’

A powerful blast of air erupted. Kajan’s armor was stripped away, and his magic circle scattered. Kajan’s eyes bulged as Simon charged in once again, throwing a flurry of punches. His fists left afterimages as they indiscriminately battered Kajan’s body.

Kajan hastily took a defensive stance, but Simon’s fists relentlessly smashed through his guard. His head snapped wildly from side to side.

Stunned, Kajan was getting beaten up by Simon. Everyone’s jaws dropped at the surreal phenomenon unfolding right before their eyes.

Breaking his combo, Simon inhaled sharply, spun his body, and struck Kajan’s face once more with a picture-perfect roundhouse kick. Kajan’s body flew violently, his head hitting the ground first.

[How is this...]

At that moment, the fallen head shot back up into the air, and Kajan’s body was dragged right in front of Simon.

Caught off guard, Kajan’s jaw was dragged right into the path of Simon’s fist before he even knew it.

"First, you’re taking a beating."

With a ghostly aura flickering in his eyes, Simon thrust his fist forward.

’Yeonpung Combo Skill – Ingeo’

With a sickening crack, the metal mask Kajan was wearing ripped in half and flew off.