I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy [On Hiatus]

Chapter 18: Practical Skills Evaluation (4)

Before Theo and Ralph entered the arena, Mari spoke.

[Professor Rok, what do you think about this match?]

[...Both students prefer close combat over magic. Theo's chances of winning are extremely slim. Ralph is armed with outstanding buffs, like a sturdy paladin of the order. Theo would have to pull out an unexpected trump card to create even a tiny variable.]

Rok adjusted his glasses as he continued.

[I've seen Theo's strategic side multiple times recently, but in a match that only allows duel weapons, it's difficult to create variables. However, a hero must overcome any challenge. Since he's from a distinguished family of heroes, he might show us something.]

As Rok finished speaking, Ralph made an imposing entrance, gripping a blunt weapon in each hand. Following the rule that only allowed leather armor, Ralph was dressed in leather armor.

[Ranked 37th in the school year, this is Ralph. His alias is the Buff Knight. As you might expect, his specialty is various enhancement buffs!]

Accompanied by Mari's commentary, Ralph marched confidently toward the arena, glancing at the Hero Department audience.

When he locked eyes with Piel, he raised his hand toward her.

However, Piel looked away in less than a second.

'I guess Piel is watching me...!'

A lovesick boy can easily fall into delusion.

As Ralph was about to climb onto the arena with a grin, Theo, also wearing leather armor and a longsword around his waist, entered. Unlike Ralph, Theo walked with grace, like a runway model.

"..."

The audience was quiet. Theo's Natural Power-enhanced aura dominated the arena.

The spectators could only stare at Theo, feeling his powerful presence, as if entranced.

'Ah, this is so embarrassing.'

Theo was too afraid to look around and kept his eyes straight ahead. On the other hand, the audience members felt various emotions.

'...Parasitic brat. I want to slap him.'

'Wow... he's really handsome. He has an impressive atmosphere too, just like a hero from a picture book.'

Be that as it may, Irene clenched her fist as she stared at Theo from the Knight Department audience.

'Even though he's improved, his opponent is too strong. He'll probably lose. But I hope his spirit remains unbroken...'

Mina, sitting next to Irene, glanced at her.

'I guess she really is his fiancée. I didn't know she could make that kind of expression.'

Mina knew that Theo was Irene's fiancé through a short article. She patted Irene's shoulder.

"He won the face contest, at least."

******

The match between Ralph and Theo began. Ralph smirked and said,

"Come at me first."

Ralph had intended to toy with Theo.

He planned to thoroughly mock him without using his special skill, the enhancement buff, as if to show off to Piel, who had recently taken a keen interest in Theo.

However,

"······!"

Theo closed the distance in an instant.