Chapter 50: Unexpected Meeting

Fang hadn’t achieved this level of control over the skill until recently, but he knew that if he used it at the start, William would definitely dodge and gain the upper hand. The only way to pull it off was to catch William off guard and seize victory in that moment. Throughout the match, it seemed that Fang was severely outclassed, but this was only a strategy to conserve his energy and lull William into underestimating him.

Once again, Richard stepped forward slowly—by tradition, he would announce the result of the fight.

“Student Fang, congratulations on winning this match. With this victory, you’ll receive a scholarship from the Chamber of Commerce, as well as rare medicine to help improve your abilities over the next year.” The strain in his forced smile was unmistakable. His own son had lost to someone connected to *that* family. Richard’s pride had taken a heavy blow, and there was no room for anything else in his darkened thoughts. He quickly left the field.

Fang, exhausted, walked off the field, immediately engulfed by a cacophony of cheers and embraces.

“Class prefect, even William couldn’t beat you!”

“That technique—what was it? It was insanely strong and looked so cool! You’ve got to teach me!”

“Don’t be stupid. There’s no way you could learn something like that! You’d have to be a genius, like Fang!”

The entire class was swept up in joy. Winning a match like this was a huge honor.

However, Fang quickly noticed that the one person he expected to congratulate him stood off to the side, pursing their lips.

His roommate, Blue, was clearly angry. There was nothing good in store for him.

Fang navigated through the crowd and hesitantly approached. Softly, he asked a question he already knew the answer to.

“Blue, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Blue coughed angrily. “You know *exactly* what’s wrong!”

“I know I didn’t tell you that I’d mastered *Meteor Shower*, and that was completely my fault.” Fang paused. “But I only managed to pull it off successfully a few times, and I wasn’t confident I could use it in actual combat. I didn’t want to get your hopes up only to lose.”

This wasn’t entirely the truth. Fang knew that Blue, despite being his roommate, was unpredictable, and he wasn’t sure if they could keep a secret. If word had reached William, Fang would’ve had no chance at victory. Keeping it quiet was his only option.

But Blue saw through his explanation. “That’s just an excuse! You didn’t want me to know! Fine, see if I care about you anymore!”

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“Blue, how about I make it up to you? We can go into the city this weekend, visit some food stalls—everything’s on me.”

“Go by yourself!”

---

In the crowd, under a veiled hood, a mouth curled into a wicked smile. She knew Fang would use *Meteor Shower* in this match—he had demonstrated it to her the weekend before. She let out a quiet laugh as she watched the fight.

Did you really think you could cripple Fang, Richard? Look at what happened. Your precious son is the one who ended up harmed. Doesn’t that bitter taste just sting?

Well, savor it. It’s only the beginning of your suffering.

---

The weekend came again, and as usual, Fang met with Mii at the academy. The young beauty didn’t wait long before asking, “Fang, how did the match go?”

A faint smile crossed his face. “What do you think?”

His expression gave the outcome away, but Mii asked anyway. “Did you win?” Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

Fang nodded. “It was close, though. I fought the class prefect of Class Two—he was really strong.”

Surprise filled Mii’s features. “Class Two? That’s one of the top classes! You beat someone from Class Two? Fang, you’re incredible!”

Seeing the excitement in her eyes, Fang couldn’t help but feel content. Just six months ago, he had been an incompetent burden on Mii, a nobody despite his relentless practice. Now, he stood at the top of his class, defeating one of the strongest students his age and earning the support of the Chamber of Commerce.

Compared to Mii’s excitement, Valeria was much calmer. She didn’t inquire about the match and said nothing about the result.

Dinner soon arrived, a variety of delicious dishes scattered across the table. As they sat down to eat, Fang remained indifferent, but Mii couldn’t help herself. “Valeria, don’t you want to know the result of Fang’s match?”

Although Mii didn’t fully understand the nature of Valeria and Fang’s relationship, she had noticed how much attention Valeria paid to Fang. There was no way Valeria wasn’t curious about the result, so Mii felt compelled to ask.

Valeria smiled. “Of course, but I already know how it turned out.”

Puzzled, Fang looked at her. “How do you know?”

“I heard from someone.” Her answer was simple. She hadn’t told Fang that she had been at the college, watching the fight.

Fang didn’t think much of it. She probably got the information through her connections.

At that moment, Valeria’s secretary arrived with a bottle of red wine, which Valeria had prepared in advance. Inside, Valeria was ecstatic over Fang’s victory, though she kept her usual calm demeanor. She poured the wine with a mysterious smile. “Fang, let’s celebrate your victory with a cup. And you too, Mii—this century-aged wine isn’t too strong, but it’s quite the feast for your senses.”

The fragrant wine flowed into their cups, and its mellow taste filled the air, mingling with the happiness and lively conversation around the table.

As if suddenly remembering something, Valeria turned to Fang. “Ah, don’t head to the practice room just yet. There’s someone here to see you.”

“Someone I know?” Fang asked, confused. In Minuet City, he didn’t know many people besides his roommate, Mii, and Valeria.

“No need to worry. You’ll know soon enough. If there aren’t any delays, they should be here soon.” Valeria didn’t reveal much more, except for a single hint. “She’s quite special, and very busy. I’ve invited her several times, but today is the first time she’s been able to come.”

Intrigued, Fang followed Valeria into the living room, but he still couldn’t figure out who this guest might be. Someone with special status?

Less than ten minutes passed before the front door opened. Valeria immediately stood to greet the visitor.

A slim, graceful figure stepped into the hall. Confidence radiated from the tall beauty, her black, elegant coat draping over her body. She wore a vague smile, but the longer Fang looked, the more the atmosphere around her felt suffocating.

Of all people, he never expected to see *her*.

It was the judge who had presided over the examination he’d taken against Vincent. Valeria had been right—but Fang barely knew her.

What could her relationship with Valeria be?