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Chapter 132 Love Rival (1)

"Let's have a duel, Arlon!" Mirek declared, his voice brimming with confidence.

For a brief second, silence fell over the group. Then, as if synchronized, nearly everyone had the same thought:

There's no way Arlon will accept.

It wasn't that they doubted his strength—on the contrary, Arlon had already proven himself to be one of the most formidable individuals in the academy.

But accepting a challenge like this? From a priest? Over what was clearly a love rivalry, even if Arlon himself didn't realize it?

It just didn't seem like something he'd bother with.

But then...

"Sure."

Arlon's answer was short and direct, delivered with his usual calm.

A stunned silence followed.

"Is tomorrow alright?" he added nonchalantly. "I have things to do today."

Mirek blinked. "Wait... you accept?"

Now everyone was staring.

Mei nearly dropped her spoon.@@@@

Leafa, mid-drink, almost choked.

Sia's smirk widened as if she had just been given front-row tickets to the greatest show of the year.

Even Zack, who normally thrived in chaotic situations, looked taken aback.

"You're actually going to fight him?" Zack asked, incredulous.

Arlon gave a small shrug. "He asked."

The sheer casualness of his response made the moment even more surreal.

Mirek had expected Arlon to refuse, maybe brush him off with indifference or some cryptic statement. But accepting just like that? Without hesitation?

Mirek felt his confidence waver for the briefest moment. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

Then, realizing the opportunity, his smirk returned. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, during lunch."

Around the cafeteria, whispers spread like wildfire.

"Did you hear? Arlon and Mirek are dueling tomorrow!"

"Mirek challenged Arlon? Is he insane?"

"I mean... he is in the top five. Maybe he has a plan?"

"No way. This is about Mei. He just wants to prove himself."

"Wait—does this mean Arlon is interested in Mei?!"

"Obviously! Why else would he accept so easily?"

And just like that, a new rumor had already taken root.

Mei, still frozen in shock, suddenly snapped out of it. "Wait. Wait!" She pointed at Arlon. "Why did you accept?"

Wherever they went, whispers followed.

"That's them—those guest students who broke the record."

"One hour and twenty-seven minutes... how is that even possible?"

"Did you hear? Arlon has a duel today with Mirek!"

"Seriously? A duel between Arlon and the fifth-ranked student?"

"Doesn't that mean this is about Mei?"

"So it's true that Arlon likes her?"

"Is he actually stronger than Mirek?"

The murmurs carried excitement, speculation, and even a hint of jealousy.

The players, though slightly amused, were getting used to the attention. Zack, in particular, seemed to enjoy it, walking a little taller as if the conversations were about him instead.

Arlon, as always, didn't care.

Without acknowledging the buzz around him, he walked straight to the classroom.

As soon as he stepped inside, he noticed something strange.

Mei was waving at him.

That in itself wasn't unusual—she had been friendly with him since the forest lesson.

The real issue was who was sitting next to her.

Mirek.

And judging by the satisfied look on his face, he had decided on that seat all by himself.

Arlon said nothing and took his seat, but even without reacting, he could already tell—

Today was going to be annoying.

"Carole," Arlon said, looking directly at her.

Carole blinked, startled. This was probably the first time Arlon had spoken to her without any real reason.

"Y-yes?" she asked, caught off guard.

"Watch today's match carefully. I believe it will help you more than you think."

"Huh? Sure, I was going to watch anyway."

"No, that's not what I mean." Arlon's tone remained steady. "You'll find the answer to your exam mission in today's match. After it's over, talk to Mirek about it."

Carole frowned slightly. "Hmm... if you say so, but... talking to Mirek is a bit..."

She hesitated. It wasn't that she hated the guy, but his energy could be overwhelming.

"Why are you hesitating?" Arlon asked. "I'm not telling you to be best friends with him. Just ask about your class. I believe he'll help you."

Carole sighed, still reluctant. "I guess... but still, Mirek..."

Arlon didn't say anything else. He had already made up his mind.

To him, Mirek wasn't a bad person—just overenthusiastic.