After a few more rounds, I ended each one on my own. There was no need to reveal the skills of Choi Si-woo or the heroines, as I couldn’t be sure how causality might unfold. Finally, the competition reached the finals. Unfortunately, the cadets from Goryeo and Seoul Academies ended up self-destructing in some way or another.

“Honestly, how does it end in a tie with both teams taking each other’s flags simultaneously?” 

“They did a full 10-person brawl and then collapsed at the end, saying, ‘Well done,’ and ‘You too,’ as they fell. It was ridiculous.”

It really was. In the original story, whether because the author, Yu Eun-ha, got tired of writing or just wanted to show some bromance, the protagonist from Hansung Academy fiercely fought through every match, while Seoul and Goryeo kept ending in ties with one another. In the story, these interactions weren’t described in detail, but here in reality, Seoul and Goryeo Academies practically put on a bromance show against each other, leaving Hansung Academy as the odd one out.

[There are also issues with adjustments in causality.]

“Yeah, I figured as much.”

It made sense. Due to the adjustments, it seemed that instead of naturally following the original storyline, people ended up creating this accidental display of camaraderie.

[Hansung is especially isolated, thanks to the influence of the Master. This also seems to have impacted the match-ups.]

Come to think of it, Hansung Academy teams mostly clashed with each other. It was clear that the elite group in Class A was very family-oriented. While Class A students were generally the most skilled, there were still many whose abilities weren’t much different from those in Class B, with some even tying against Class C.

“So, what’s next?”

[Hansung Academy, Class A Team 1 vs. Hansung Academy, Class B Team 1.]

Class B Team 1, the one with the reincarnation—or whatever it was—of Cheok Jun-gyeong. Since it was the finals, I entered the arena with my teammates.

“Oh, there he is.”

Across from us was Class B, known for its “underdogs.” In the center stood Park Jun-hyuk, who, unlike in the original story, had been completely ignored by Choi Si-woo. He looked sharp, with a cocky appearance—hair color that matched with a delinquent style.

“Texting during the match? Feeling that confident?” one of the boys in Class B taunted.

“Hmm?”

“You’re the last ones standing in Class A. How do you feel?”

In Class A, only our team remained, but most weren’t at a B-level skill. The academy setup wasn’t exactly conducive to complex relationships or connections outside of the heroines. Male characters were mainly obstacles, creating conflicts that skipped past the storylines of the heroines. Originally, this role of rivalry with Park Jun-hyuk was meant for Choi Si-woo, but since the story changed, it fell to me.

“So what?” I replied.

“Do you think you’re so great just because you’re in Class A?”

Park Jun-hyuk, ranked first in Class B in combat skills but filled with a grudge against Class A, glared at me. His character arc involved getting defeated by Choi Si-woo after constant provocations, all the while remaining obstinately stubborn.

“Why do you care so much about Class A? Does it put a thorn in your side just to look at them?”

He just glared at me. He had grown up poor and struggling—always working to support himself, with scholarships covering his tuition.

In the original story, Choi Si-woo might’ve said something like, “Sure, Class A has its perks, but not everyone there is privileged!” but I wasn’t the protagonist with a saintly heart. I wasn’t about to waste time trying to reform or understand him.

“Why don’t you pick a fight if you’re so bitter?” I taunted.

As I beckoned with my finger, Park Jun-hyuk pulled out his weapon, a crescent-moon blade. He wasn’t the brightest. This was a flag-stealing game, yet he showed no understanding of the concept. His teammates followed suit, each drawing their weapons. Reina and Han Su-ji, who had been standing by me, also readied their weapons: a bow and spear, respectively.

“Aren’t you bold? Thinking you’re better just because you’re in Class A,” he spat.

“Okay, and?”

“Class A is just filled with privileged kids. No matter how hard we work, we’ll never reach it!”

“Is that really it, though? If you hate seeing them that much, why don’t you work hard and grab a mythic weapon or wield a Sacred Sword yourself? Or maybe try being an outlander or a hero’s sibling,” I shot back.

His face contorted angrily. Park Jun-hyuk, an orphan who grew up destitute. I had no interest in being the good guy. His presence was unnecessary. If anything, he was a hindrance.

“Seriously, if it bothers you that much, come at me.”

At my taunt, he gripped his crescent blade tighter. Unlike the heroines, who seemed to understand where I was coming from, Jun-hyuk looked ready to snap.

“You little… I’ll make you regret that arrogance!”

In the end, he got what he wanted—a change in the match rules. The instructors sighed and rolled their eyes as he and his teammates geared up for a one-on-one duel.

[Yu Eun-ha vs. Park Jun-hyuk]

Stepping into the arena, Park Jun-hyuk stared at me with murderous intent. His aura felt sharper than before. Fine, I’ll let him make the first move. As I motioned for him to come at me, he swung his crescent blade.

“Let’s see if you can dodge this!”

He seemed to have anticipated my use of speed. He wanted to catch me off guard, moving in with sudden, rapid attacks. Yet, I could see every move. With Azhdaha’s power coursing through me, I’d started to wonder if I even needed to stay in this academy. Dealing with these weaklings felt like a waste of time.

Perhaps I was merely staying for the sake of keeping up with the story. With my future changed, Park Jun-hyuk wasn’t needed as an ally—he was more of a liability. He was the epitome of an inept comrade. 

“It’s pointless,” I said.

“What did you say? You won’t be able to dodge this time!” he yelled.

Dubbed the reincarnation of Cheok Jun-gyeong, Park Jun-hyuk swung his massive crescent blade with ease. His weapon wasn’t on the level of a mythic artifact; it was just a blade his father left him. Still, most would be sliced in two if they didn’t dodge.

*Clang!*

I let him hit me. Unfortunately for him, while I may look human, my body is that of Azhdaha. By wrapping myself in magical energy, I could increase the durability of my scales. Even the highest-tiered weapons would struggle to pierce them, let alone his. My magic-enhanced body was far out of his league.

“I told you… it’s pointless,” I muttered as I lightly pushed his blade away.

“How… how are you…?”

He seemed shocked as if he’d never considered this outcome.

“Your attacks only make me itch. Why would I even bother dodging?”

At my words, Park Jun-hyuk’s face turned red with anger.