Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 145 144- Defeated

Rudolph was on the training ground, his body covered with sweat as he remained standing under the dim light provided.

He was training in the indoor training facility provided to the students. It was open to everyone, and there was no time limit; that's why Rudolph was taking advantage and practicing using a weapon that was identical to his shard.

His team captain has forbidden them from using their Shard during training until they don't face their first rounds. Naturally, Rudolph listened to her words and was using the war hammer provided by the management.

'This is my only chance…' Rudolph was in his second year and considering this tournament happens once in two years, he wouldn't get another chance.

Various things were on the line. His friends' expectations. Rhea's prayers are for every student from Valorian's to get into the second round. And above all, his father's confidence in him.

He never doubts Rudolph's skills and has already planned how he would be celebrating the event when Rudolph lifts the trophy.

While these expectations were motivating him….they put him under immense pressure as well.

The horror of losing couldn't be greater when the world is expecting you to win.

"Fuuh~I can't think of losing here…I need to do my best."

With those thoughts, Rudolph decided to call it a day.

He stored the weapon in the rack before wiping his sweat with his already-drenched shirt.

The gymnasium was empty since it was way past midnight. Rhea had told him to sleep after they had lunch together, but it had become his habit recently to train after dinner, so he decided to release some steam to have a good night's sleep.

Stepping out of the hall, he was about to turn when suddenly,

"Ah!" He hurriedly held the hand of the person he crashed into just after turning.

It was a beautiful black-haired woman whom Rudolph saw during the welcoming ceremony.

"I am sorry," Rudolph apologized as he helped the girl stand back on her feet.

A smile formed on Monica's lips as she lowered her head slightly, "I should apologize. I was in a rush. Were you training?" She asked to which Rudolph responded with a nod,

"Yeah, what about you?"

The raven-haired looked embarrassed as she said, "I forgot my hair clip when I came to train…those are lucky ones, so I want them for my match."

Rudolph nodded in understanding, and just as he was about to say his goodbye, Monica pointed out, "Hey, you are bleeding." Saying so, she touched his shoulder, and Rudolph felt a stinging sensation from there.

He also looked at the spot and indeed, there was a deep cut actively bleeding down his shoulder.

'Hmm…when did I cut myself?' Rudolph didn't think much about it since he had received several more wounds while training. He covered his wound with his hand and told her,

"Just got some while training. Anyway, see you later. Good night."

The girl nodded before she headed inside the gymnasium.

Rudolph also returned to his room and got some much-needed rest after taking a bath.

Tomorrow is a big day for him.

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Austin and Valerie were slowly heading back to their rooms.

Their minds were filled with the thoughts of the meeting they had with the chief advisor.

First, the revelation of her being a witch, followed by the sudden quest she assigned to Austin.

Austin was still unsure what her goals were, and why she knew so much about him.

However, for now, his focus was on leveling up and getting ranked 'A' in the assessment.

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Even if the lady doesn't answer him, Austin has a feeling that he will break through the first stage of the Overall Progression. So maybe that helps him out.

…or maybe both his options might fail?

"Austin," Valerie called out, her head leaning down, as she said, "…do you think my sudden outburst is a bother?"

Austin raised his brows—so she was still bothered about it, huh?

Back then, Selner warned her that her sudden and controlled reaction might cause her dearly one day.

He didn't think for long before relaying his honest thoughts, "In my opinion, that's cute, Val."

The girl was shocked as she raised her eyes and looked at him. Her eyes reflected the shine of the moon.

"For you to be jealous when someone shows interest in me, I really find it adorable."

With a side glance, he added, "However, you have to consider when you can allow your emotions to affect your actions and when you can't. After all, our enemy always searches for our weak points to provoke or weaken us. The moment you show your vulnerable side, it's game over."

Valerie's head lowered slightly. She understood the gravity of his words and decided to work on her temperament so that in the future, she wouldn't end up becoming easy prey for her enemies.

"I will work on it," Valerie slowly muttered.

Austin hummed, "Meditation might help. I do it regularly."

Valerie chuckled upon hearing that, "Yes, you told me about it."

Brief silence persisted between them, which was broken by the girl, as she asked, "Will you be training tomorrow?"

Considering he needs to go through re-evaluation in just three months, every day matters to him. And since Austin doesn't have to participate in any battle for at least a week more, he can train without worries.

Austin nodded, "Most likely. Though I would come to watch Rud's match."

Valerie nodded, "He seemed pretty pumped up for his battle."

Austin smiled, "I mean this is his opportunity to show what he trained for."

Tomorrow, Valorian will get their fourth qualified member.

Or so they thought.

…..

"Monica wins!"

Everyone from the Valorian academy had their mouths parted slightly as they gazed at the fallen Rudolph.

None of them could have ever expected that one of the strongest students from Valorian Academy would be defeated so easily.

The students were booing and badmouthing Rudolph for his performance.

In the arena, Monica coldly looked at Rudolph as she muttered under her breath, "Sorry big guy, but I can't let anyone come between us."

And with that, Valorian Academy lost their first match and their first player.

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A/N:- B*tch alert. I hope you all are enjoying the story so far. Now, if you are then please drop a review. Thank you.