Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"It was...disappointing," Rudolph muttered under his breath as the students cheered at Ravencourt's victory.

Someone who was expecting an intense clash between the top two schools, Rudolph had all the right to feel displeased at the one-sided onslaught Ravencourt presented before the spectators.

The other side never had the chance to retaliate in front of the offense of the Ravencourt.

The student named Kevin just overwhelmed the other side, showing his skills which were on par with an S-rank.

Austin sighed as he looked at the boy whose body was radiating brilliantly with confidence and slight chagrin with all the praises that flew his way.

The ability to absorb the essence of the sun and use that to strengthen himself. Someone who could be an ultimate weapon against the demons if only there was a sun in the sky.

'If my memories serve right, then he should have already gone through two evolutions and would go through another advancement by the end of this arc.' Austin muttered under his breath, as he and the others slowly got up and advanced toward the Command Tent.

Naturally, they had a lot to discuss after they realized what they would need to do during the second stage.

Elara, unnaturally, didn't make a fuss and just silently took a seat across from Austin.

In the Command Tent, only the Elite members were permitted to enter.

The newbie division was on the other side, but they could not hear each other at all unless they were purposely listening to the other.

They have been handling their battles well and were in fourth overall rank by now.

Considering the main importance lies in the results of the Elite group, the President didn't try to meddle with their affairs, despite having a few complaints.

"We all saw what we have to do. Instead of just a single target to protect, there would be two. One would carry more points and one less."

During the contest, everyone noticed that Auroracrest tried to protect both targets at once, forcing their tactician to take on too much responsibility.

It was a poor decision because Ravencourt wasted no time launching an all-out attack. Their two raiders and the tactician charged straight at both targets.

Breaking the first target earned a team 100 points.

Defeating all opponents granted 300 points.

Conquering the second target, which required a special key, awarded 500 points.

The problem? The key was in their opponent's hands. However, since they weren't told which enemy held the secret code, Kevin took no chances—he defeated both the raiders and the defender. Soon after, the opposing tactician fell to their own defender.

In the end, not only did they secure the points for capturing both locks, but they also earned extra for taking down the entire enemy team.

"Our goal would be to safely secure the first target and then start defeating the raiders." Annabelle voiced in all seriousness

Although the basic structure of the round was similar, the addition of two targets made things a bit tricky.

"There is a high chance for the opponents to advance right toward the defense now," Rudolph said, thinking things from the enemy's perspective

"You are right; that's why we need Austin to hold his defense for at least a few minutes. We can have Valerie with him for support, but that would lessen our firepower." Annabelle voiced, her tone suggesting a little hesitation.

Austin realized what was troubling her, so he assured the girl, "My barrier would last long for a few minutes; that's why I will be protecting myself and the target with fewer points, so they score as low as possible."

"But what if I, Valerie, or the President gets the key?" Rhea asked. Won't that make the whole point of Austin wielding an unbreakable barrier to protect the weaker target pointless?"

"We can adjust based on that; if Austin or Valerie gets the key, then Austin would go for a weaker target. But if I or Rhea get the key, Austin, I want you to be near the other one."

The blond Prince nodded, "Understood."

The discussion continued for another hour before they were told to return to their rooms.

Annabelle, Sheldon, and Rhea were staying for further discussion. Ryan and Elara went to their rooms while Rudolph decided to train a little.

Left alone, Valerie and Austin decided to eat something, since they didn't have anything after breakfast.

"It's going to be a difficult and tricky task," Austin muttered followed by a sigh, as he held his beloved hand and strolled towards the common hall.

Things have changed now, and there is a high chance for Austin to face more than one enemy without the assistance of his team—since they mostly would be involved in finding the targets.

Well, not like anything can penetrate the Absolute Barrier, but the duration of the shield troubles him.

"Don't worry, regardless of the situation, I will reach you if it gets too dangerous," Valerie assured as she hugged his arm.

Austin lovingly looked at his woman, in front of whom he could release all his frustration and show what he truly felt.

She is the only woman he has ever dated who never judged him based on his rare nervous side.

He was so occupied in looking at her that he never noticed the person standing ahead, resulting—

*DHAK*

*CLANG*

The dish from the person's hand dropped to the ground and all the food it held.

Austin was startled and so were the others in the common hall.

Every eye turned towards them, and before Austin could have said anything, the grey-haired boy shouted, "What the fuck!! I stood half an hour to get it, and you goddamn mothefu*ker!!"

His words and expression clearly said that he was overreacting.

However, before he could have stepped forward, a chill ran down his spine.

It was a sensation a living being should not feel.

The chill of death that crept through his body and seeped into his soul.

And it wasn't just the boy but everyone felt the foreboding sensation arriving from the person standing behind Austin.

Valerie's eyes held no emotion, as she stared at the guy. However, looking closely there was a storm arising in those lifeless eyes

The storm of agitation.

The boy halted mid-step, gritted his teeth, and turned around.

Austin shook his head and exhaled a sigh. Youngster these days loses their cool so easily.

"You okay, Val?" Austin turned around to ask her as he rested his hand on her shoulder.

Valerie slowly nodded when suddenly someone called out, "Hey, Austin."

Hearing the voice, the blond reflexively turned toward the source—

*Splash*

—only to find something soft and gooey crashing against his face

"Ooooh~"

"Damn...."

"What a precise shot."

Many ooh-ed seeing the scene as the boy who hit him, dashed away instantly.

Valerie's aura flared, but before she could move and possibly end the journey of the student, Austin stopped her.

"Wait, Val...that guy is already out of the tournament...fighting him would only cause us trouble. So let him be."

Austin didn't want to get disqualified and land in the trap that the enemies had set for them. He was well aware that this was all a setup; that's why he refrained from acting on his impulse.

....however, soon, Austin would realize that he might have underestimated the enemy.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Drop a comment. Thanks for reading.