Chapter 22: Winning Hand

The first to enter the arena was Dreyer, and his opponent Satu was only a low-tier Dou Master, almost the same as Shu Ke.

Satu did not have many supporters. His parents were ordinary members of the family. Even today, he was only a baron.

The reason Satu had the strength of a low-tier Dou Master at the age of eighteen was that his parents were willing to spend the money to nurture him. Other than that, he did have some talent.

However, if he wanted to enter the Royal Academy, this amount of ability was far from enough.

Hence, Satu was frank. The second he faced Dreyer, he begged for leniency. “Cousin, with this ability of mine, I admit that I am no match for you. I would like to ask you to show mercy. I still want to go to Huberton Swordsman Academy to take a test next month.”

“Alright then. In a while, you can just attack. I will not let you suffer too heavy of an injury.”

Dreyer grinned and said to Satu in a friendly manner.

“Thank you, Cousin.”

Satu finally heaved a sigh of relief and assumed an offensive stance.

‘Dreyer is lying. It’s obvious that he has no intention to go easy on Satu.’

Rhode didn’t know how many times he had dealt with these pretentious nobles. Thus, he could tell that Dreyer was lying at a glance.

“He lied to his own kind. This Dreyer is really a vile person.”

“But only vile people can have a long life. Those who were noble would have died long ago.”

Lilia didn’t think much of it. Instead, she looked at Dreyer with interest. Her exquisite face revealed a hint of charm. “This kid seems to be stronger than the other two families. I’m looking forward to his performance.”

Hearing Lilia’s words, Rhode couldn’t help but look at Dreyer with pity.

Anyone who was tempted by Lilia and couldn’t control themselves wouldn’t end up well.

In the past, the Dean of the Magic Department wanted to mess around with her, but he was found dead on the bed the next day. All the blood in his body had disappeared, leaving only his shriveled skin.

Most importantly, the academy, which had always been protective of its students, acted as if nothing had happened.

This made Rhode realize that Lilia was a dangerous woman.

“Begin!”

With Rhode’s command, Satu rushed out like a hunting cheetah headed straight for Dreyer.

“Good timing!”

Not only was Dreyer unbothered, but he was also leisurely looking at Satu — who was approaching him — with a smile.

When Satu was in front of him, he suddenly threw a punch.

The sound of thunder was heard.

Satu’s vision turned white. he felt a sharp pain all over his body as he was sent flying and fell heavily to the ground.

“Dreyer, you —”

Satu, who was lying on the ground, pointed at Dreyer with a trembling finger. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something.

However, a mouthful of blood rushed up and blocked his throat, making him unable to speak at all.

He spat out a huge mouthful of blood and passed out.

‘This kid’s plan to become a student in Huberton Swordsman Academy has failed. This injury won’t heal if he doesn’t recuperate for at least half a year. Moreover, there might be some sequelae in the future.’

Rhode sighed with pity in his eyes.

Actually, he felt that this kid named Satu wasn’t that bad. At least he knew what his strength was and knew when to retreat and advance.

He should be able to do well in the future. However, this punch from Dreyer had messed up his plans.

‘His strength isn’t bad. That Thunder Fist was powerful. It’s not far off from those old boxers.’

Lilia nodded her head as she was very satisfied with Dreyer’s performance.

The other instructors also gave Dreyer a very high evaluation. Even Rhode — who wasn’t too fond of Dreyer — had no choice but to give him a high score of 9.1.

“Dreyer, the overall score is 9.6!”

With a score of 9.6, he was basically destined to enter the Royal Academy.

The elders around the great elder congratulated him one after another, exclaiming that he had a good grandson and that his future was limitless.

Dreyer held his head high and puffed out his chest proudly. He looked at the crowd and then his gaze lastly fell on Shu Ke.

At the same time, Shu Ke looked up and met his gaze.

Dreyer’s eyes were filled with provocation. It seemed as if he was asking Shu Ke, “Can you do it?!”

‘Arrogant pig.’

Seeing how proud Dreyer was, Shu Ke only smiled at him.

In Shu Ke’s opinion, Dreyer had only about the same strength as Vincentius. If they were to face Pondlich, they probably wouldn’t even be able to last a minute.

Thus, Shu Ke didn’t pay much attention to him. In his eyes, Dreyer was just a clown.

He decided to let Dryer be because when the fight starts, Shu Ke would let him know that there was always someone better than him.

‘He’s seeking death!’

Seeing how Shu Ke looked down on him, Dreyer was instantly enraged. He immediately made up his mind. Later, when they fight, he would definitely beat Shu Ke’s till his brains come out!

..

A few more rounds went by, everyone stopped when it was enough to decide the victor.

No one wanted to badly injure anyone.

This friendly and harmonious scene lasted until Shu Ke entered the arena.

“Did this guy, Shu Ke, really became a low-tier Dou Master?”

“Wasn’t he just a good-for-nothing for the past eighteen years? How did he suddenly become a low-tier Dou Master?”

“Could he have been acting all along?”

“I’m not sure. But this time, regardless of whether he’s acting or not, he’s doomed when faces Bordeaux.”

“Bordeaux fought a high-tier Dou Master some time ago, and he was still undefeated.”

“He’s indeed a rare genius in the family! This time, Shu Ke will probably be finished.”

Everyone started discussing when they saw the situation.

“Did you hear that? These people are all worried about your future!”

Bordeaux opened his arms and climbed onto the high platform like a violent bear.

Shu Ke looked at Bordeaux calmly, as if he was looking at an old next-door neighbor.

Excessive training of the upper body has caused the lower body’s center of gravity to become unstable.

Excessive emphasis on power has caused the use of Dou Qi to be rough.

..

With just a glance, all of Bordeaux’s weaknesses appeared in Shu Ke’s eyes.

At this moment, he was like a weak person who had been stripped naked. There were no secrets in front of Shu Ke.

“I already know your flaws like the back of my hand. You’ve already lost.”

“Boastful idiot!”

Bordeaux immediately snorted coldly. A trace of disdain flashed across his eyes. He took large strides and charged towards Shu Ke.