How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game

Chapter 218 A New Semester A New Evaluation 8

218 A New Semester A New Evaluation 8

A part of me wants to say I should've expected this, but the whole situation has spiraled so far out of control that it's beyond anything I initially imagined.

I knew from the beginning that Stacia was a stubborn character—someone who pursued her goals with reckless determination—but I underestimated just how deeply rooted her obsession with her own selfish fantasies was.

And now, here I am, trapped in this inescapable situation.

"Uh... as per request of freshman Princess Stacia, her duel today shall reflect the evaluation of her class placement result," the professor announced, his voice wavering slightly as he glanced nervously between me, Stacia, and the judges.

His expression screamed uncertainty, as if he was hoping someone—anyone—would provide an explanation for what was happening.

But even as his eyes darted around, it's not like he would find any answers...

Stacia was already in control, bending the situation to her whims.

There was no room to stop her now.

The rules of the academy, while strict, had their loopholes, and she had exploited them expertly.

Even though this was framed as a personal duel, a pretext for her to challenge me, the academy had no choice but to evaluate her strength based on the outcome.

And since she chose a senior as her opponent—me, of all people—everything technically followed the rules.

"Fufu~ they are truly making this into a huge deal, no?" Stacia mused, her eyes scanning the trembling faces of the judges, completely oblivious to the chaos she was stirring behind the scenes.

If only she realized the kind of trouble she'd brought upon them.

As a princess, there was a very clear reason they positioned her on Kagami's side of the three stages.

The academy likely planned for her to either win against him or lose gracefully against Seo, who was another test volunteer nearby.

Both outcomes had their own advantages for her development.

However, I figured they were aiming for the former—ensuring her victory against Kagami—just to stay in the good graces of the Luna Royal Family.

The crowd around us had grown, and word about our unprecedented duel spread quickly. Excitement buzzed through the gathered students.

I could see it in their expressions: surprise, curiosity, admiration—and in some cases, envy.

The audience was getting larger and rowdier, their voices echoing through the arena as they speculated on the sudden turn of events.

"Is a freshman even allowed to personally request a duel with a senior?"

"Then maybe we can choose a senior of our choice too?"

"We could avoid the Meteor Gorilla senior if that's the case!"

Kagami had really earned himself an outstanding nickname—Meteor Gorilla? It took everything I had to hold back my laughter at the absurdity of it.

But given his strength and reputation, I suppose it fit him in a way.

"So, how does it feel, Senior? To bask in the light's glory once more~" Stacia said proudly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

The expression on her face practically screamed 'Look, I've set up this grand stage for you, isn't it wonderful~'

I wasn't going to lie—it did feel somewhat exhilarating, in a way.

But honestly, it wasn't that much different from the constant attention I'd been getting even before the whole "Hero of Light" title.

The rumors surrounding me had dragged me into an endless pit of attention long before today.

The hundreds of innocent eyes staring at me now? It paled in comparison to the weight of infamy that I carried every day.

"It's not that bad..." I replied, half-heartedly.

"Fufu~ you say that now, but that's only because you haven't experienced the true height of basking in glory, Senior Riley," she said, her voice taking on a teasing lilt. "Don't worry. I'll make sure to properly integrate you into it."

And then, without any warning—

FUUUSHHH—!!!!

The atmosphere around us shifted in an instant.

What was once a slightly tense but controlled environment suddenly became blisteringly hot, as though the very air had been set aflame.

A bright orange fire ignited before me, erupting from Stacia's fan.

The delicate lace and intricate craftsmanship were consumed in mere moments, swallowed by a larger flame that began to take shape, transforming into the silhouette of a blade.

Within seconds, the flames coalesced, solidifying into a massive scarlet great-sword.

My eyes were fixed on Stacia, and hers on me.

Her usual smirk was gone, replaced by a determined gaze that showed just how seriously she was taking this.

Good. She should take it seriously.

16:46

I'm sorry, Stacia, but for the sake of the future, and your own future as well.

[Status Info:]

[Riley Hell]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 102]

[Strength: B [0/80]] [Agility: B [0/80]]

[Endurance: C [0/60]]

[Luck: 0] [????]]

[Power: C [0/60]]

[Available Status Points: 14]

[Skills Info:]

[Advance Swordsmanship (Proficiency 28%)]

[Absolute Strike!] [Proficiency (27%)]

[Aura] [Proficiency (17%)]

[Dashing Sprint] [Proficiency (15%)]

[Heavenly Strike] [Proficiency (15%)]

[Blink Step] [Proficiency (10%)]

[Blood Rampage (Rare)] [Proficiency (40%)]

[Thought Acceleration] [Proficiency (40%)]

[Bonus skills:]

[Time Dilation] [Proficiency (100%)] → [Time Stop] [Proficiency (2%)]

[Return] [Proficiency (5%)] [Blessed Skills:]

[Raging Storms] [Proficiency (55%)]

[Golden Lightning] [Proficiency (85%)]

[Passive Skills:]

[Monarch's Will]

[Passive Effect: Charisma + EX]

[Current proficiency: 75%]

[Influence: 100]

[Presence: 100]

[Soul Archive:]

[Extra skills:]

[Skill: Archive (S)] [Proficiency (50%)]

[Skill: Pain Nullifier (A)] [Proficiency (99%)]

[Skill: Hero's Will (Unique)] [Proficiency (0%)]

[New Skill: Hero's Aura (Unique)] [Proficiency (0%)]