Chapter 60: Duel against me Noah!
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Romance novels.
Romance movies.
Romance fantasies and animes.
I despised the entire genre with every fiber of my being.
The sight of anything resembling a "romantic" fantasy caused an instinctive cringe to run down my spine.
But you know what was even worse? Mixing romance with fantasy!
Those stories where vampires, werewolves, and pretty girls were thrown together in a tangled mess of a plot - that triggered the most intense cringes of my life.
It was pure bullshit, and I couldn't stand it. The way people cherished and glorified such ideas, it made me sick to my stomach.
Genova incident was born out of that spite, I wanted to punish some of that garbage 'romance' bs in my own work, so people could see—a bit weird yes, but it is what it is.
It was a rebellion against the clichés and tropes that plagued the world of fantasy with romance!
Fuck romance and fuck harem too. Others won't get it, but I hated them both.
Genova incident revolved around a werewolf-vampire duo fueled by a manic obsession with killing.
Vampires and werewolves exist in this world and...- "Can anyone tell me what 'rank potential' is?" The voice of Miss Riya snaped me back to the class.
And just like always Aurora lifted her hand up as if to say 'me, me'.
Miss Riya acknowledged her with a nod, granting her the floor.
"Rank potential, also known as limiter, refers to the predetermined limit imposed on a person at the moment of their birth. Once this limit is reached, further growth of strength is impossible."
Miss Riya affirmed her response with a nod, directing Aurora to take her seat with a graceful wave of her hand.
"Indeed, Take myself, for instance", Professor Riya pointed to herself with her thumb. "My limit is set at (A+), and no matter what I do, I can never surpass it."
I agreed with their assessment.
It was true, not only for us humans, but for the other races as well.
None can shatter their potential cap; everyone had a limiter. This limiter was like a law.
But Aeravat, the MC of this story, defied this law. His potential had no limits. A law can only work on someone or 'something' if that said law was applied to it in the first place, but Aeravat...oh well...that's a story for another time.
As for me, well...my potential cap was marked at a (C+), or atleast that's what Noah's memory told me.
Anybody else in my place would go into despair with such restricted limiter.
But I wasn't sad. Maybe a little bit...
But I had other ways to go beyond the strength of (C+) — no, I can't break the potential cap but...
I can learn Aura.
I can get my hands on more mysteries!
Not to mention super soldier program of Nano.
I had a wide array of alternative paths that went beyond the conventional methods of relying solely on increasing mana and training.
"Why did you decide to sit here?" Once again my thoughts were shattered, this time by James.
"Er...." I was caught off guard by the question. It was so random. 'What am I supposed to say?'
"Just felt like a change of scenery?"
"Sure, but what's the reason for choosing to sit right behind her?"James queried, pointing his finger directly at Emily, who occupied the seat in front of ours.
An involuntary frown etched my face when I saw this. Indeed, I somehow ended up seating right behind Emily.
How did I not even notice her presence?
And why didn't her 'friends' stop me? I always made sure to steer clear of the main cast and other girls to avoid the judgmental stares that used to haunt me. James was aware about this.
So, why...this happened?
I looked at Emily...
'Her hair, was beautiful,...smelled good too... and what the actual fuck am I thinking again?'
"I honestly had no idea she was there," I exhaled with a shake of my head.
In that moment, Emily looked at me over her shoulder and gave a faint smile, causing my eyes widen as I understood.... 'I did not sit behind her! She sat infront of me!'
This girl!
"Our class concludes for today, also I want to inform you all that the unit test will commence soon," announced Miss Riya, her voice trailing off as she made her way towards the exit.
-"What the heck? So soon?"
-"Holy hell, I'm not even close to being prepared!"
Surprised murmurs rippled through the classroom, filling the air with
concern.
Well that was to be expected, considering that Unit test not only helds academic test but also a battle test.
***
Anastasia, James and I— we strolled leisurely around the campus, engaging in casual talk.
James suddenly asked Anastasia, "Do you play chess?"
A spark of curiosity ignited in me at the mention of chess.
But my anticipation vanished when Anastasia dismissed the topic, "No, I haven't. But I have something else I've been meaning to ask..."—she turned her gaze at me,"how did you manage to reach the 6th rank in the Trial?"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes in annoyance. Who even bothers to check the rankings anymore?
To my misfortune, James chimed in,"Yeah, she's got a point."
"Forget it, it's a long story. And boring...by the way Ana, you said your home was in Zenith Point right?"I redirected the topic.
Zenith point—the place where visionary aliance tower stood. But, it was too far away, so why was Anastasia sent here? She did mention some family problem...
Judging by her sudden shift in mood to more sour, probably it was alot sentimental than I expected.
But before either of them could press further—"NOAH GREY!" A sharp cry broke through the air, catching my attention.
Instinctively, we all turned our heads to see who had called out.
To my surprise, a familiar figure came into view.
With her blonde hair now cascading around her, I struggled to recognize her at first. It took me a moment to realize that it was Nola Reinheart.
'She must have dyed her hair. Or was it her original hair colour?'
Nola approached me, closing the gap until she stood merely a meter away. "I see you doing well. I saw your ranking in the dungeon trials. You have a moment to spare? We need to talk."
"Ah, well, well, if it isn't Nola," I replied, my tone curt. I continued with a smile," I do....not have a moment to spare. What is it you want? I'm a bit busy right now."
Without hesitation, Nola exhale, her finger pointing directly at my face, "Well...then guess I'm gonna have to say it right now?"
"Say what?"
"A challenge. You know the unit tests are approaching? I want a duel. I challenge you to a duel."
'What bitch? Duel? Why?'
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on a minute!" James quickly stepped in, positioning himself between Nola and me.
"Let's all just calm down here!" He flapped his right hand as if dismissing her, but of course, it was just a mockery.
"Don't interfere. It's just between him and me. "Nola shot back, her voice filled with irritation. But she smirked as she added, "Unless of course, you want to fight as well."
To this, James simply replied with a smile, "Hmm, you want to fight me? Intresting."
He paused, adopting an amusing tone, and added, "I assume... you've never heard of yoga fire before?" As he spoke, he moved his hands in a wavy manner.
Looking at his confidence I thought, 'He might know yoga fire...'
But ah,..what exactly was yoga fire again?
Suddenly, James shifted his demeanor. His voice took on a deeper tone, and a serious expression settled in his eyes as he questioned, "What would you do if I yoga fired you? You sure you want to fight?"
Nola stammered, "Wh-what bullshit?"
Before I could fully process, Anastasia joined in, adding her own input—"He can shoot hellfire from his hands."
As the situation continued to escalate, Nola's brows began to twitch.
Sensing the need to diffuse the tension I raised my voice in a calming tone. "Alright, alright, everyone, just relax. Let's all calm down, okay?"
I turned my gaze to Nola, perplexed, "Why on earth do you want to duel with me?"
Her response was filled with determination as she declared, "It's about the honour I've lost."
What honor? What is she barking about? Where is the logic? And why is she so good looking too?
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