Chapter 45 - Fated

Once the weekend was over, daily classes resumed as usual. In the evenings, Fang and Blue continued to discuss what had been taught earlier in the day. Fang slowly realized that their discussions weren’t just about helping Blue learn the technique.

Fang had studied various theories and methods from the supreme masters, which gave him unique insights into Meteor. However, Blue had the skill to refine each step further, turning theory into practical energy applications. Because of this, Fang’s progress became much faster than he had anticipated.

As for Blue, though she had little use for such a low-level skill, it became an interesting exercise in interpretation. Many of the aspects Fang pointed out were things she had never considered before. Her previously narrow view of energy expanded as she spent her days absorbed in their discussions.

Both made up for each other’s weaknesses by displaying their strengths, and time quickly passed. Several weeks flew by.

---

It was a Monday morning when the teacher stood at the front of the class on the podium. “Today, the class has an important decision to make. The chamber of commerce, sponsored by several businesses in the city, is hosting a competition next week at the college. Each class will send a representative, and the winner of each match will receive a hefty scholarship. Unlike most tournaments, this one is meant to promote friendly rivalry between the classes. Therefore, the results—whether victory or defeat—will not matter. Keep that in mind as you elect your representative today.”

*Two months!*

Fang was shocked. He had been so immersed in practice that he had forgotten how much time had passed.

As Hershal’s voice trailed off, everyone’s eyes turned toward Fang.

Usually, in any event where classes competed against each other, the class prefects were chosen as representatives.

The entire class recognized Fang as the strongest. After all, he had defeated a student from class two, even though his power level was lower. Additionally, the help he had provided his fellow classmates had earned him widespread admiration within class eight. Naturally, there was no other candidate.

“Fang, you should represent us in the competition!”

“Yes, you’re the prefect of class eight and can proudly stand for us.”

“With your strength, there’s no doubt you could take down opponents from other classes too!”

The entire class was in agreement. Blue lightly poked Fang with her elbow. “Well, prefect, it looks like you’re becoming more and more popular!”

A slight embarrassment crossed Fang’s face. “Blue, don’t tease me!”

After a few minutes of discussion, Hershal raised his hand, and the chatter died down. He looked at Fang with a faint smile. “Fang, the class believes you’re the best representative for class eight. Do you have any objections?”

*I should go. No, I need to go.*

For the sake of what mattered to him, Fang decided he wouldn’t shy away from the challenge.

Without hesitation, he shouted, “No, I’ll definitely do my best!”

---

Two days later, an announcement rang out across Garden College, and a large crowd rushed toward the main hallway. The event concerned the reputations of all the classes, so everyone paid close attention to the single poster on the board.

Class eight hurried through the crowd to read the bracket: class two versus class eight.

“I never expected we’d be clashing with class two again!”

“The old saying that enemies often cross paths is true. We’ve been at odds with class two ever since that incident with Ray.”

“William, the prefect of class two, is said to be extremely strong. Plus, I heard his father is one of the main sponsors of the competition through the chamber of commerce!”

Unlike his surprised classmates, Fang remained calm.

*Valeria really guessed correctly; William and I are in the same bracket.*

“Fang!” A sharp voice cut through the noise, drawing everyone’s attention toward a figure standing in front of the board. “It seems like we’re fated to meet after all. But unfortunately for you, it looks like you’ve doomed yourself early in life.”

*Fate?*

Fang blinked. That was nonsense. William’s father, who was in charge of sponsoring the chamber of commerce, could easily have arranged for their names to be drawn together.

William’s arrogant declaration left a bitter taste in class eight. “William, don’t be so sure of yourself. Our representative is also very strong!”

“Remember Ray? Your classmate who strutted around with pride? Look what happened to him.”

“You may be from the top class, but we’ll carry ourselves with dignity, win or lose. Fang isn’t intimidated by you at all.”

William smirked. “Really? How pathetic. Putting me on the same level as Ray? Don’t make me laugh. He’s one of the weakest in our class, and his defeat was a fluke. Face the truth—your ‘strongest’ representative is headed for a miserable, disastrous loss.”

William’s insufferable arrogance fueled even more anger among class eight, but just as they were about to respond, Fang cut in. “Don’t waste your time. You’ll be the one to lose.”

A frown appeared on William’s face. He had expected Fang to be timid or back down, but instead, Fang’s confident response unsettled him. It didn’t bode well, and seeing the calm determination on Fang’s face worried him.

Then he shook his head.

*This blind fool has no chance of winning.*