"Oh? What do you mean by that?"
The noise and laughter among the crowd came to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned to the five-person team that had stepped forward. Even Lucas, calm as ever, rose from his seat with a faint smile.
He faced their provocation with grace and composure, his calm demeanor making the opposing team seem even more aggressive by contrast.
One of them, likely the captain of the five, stepped forward. His tone was firm, filled with challenge. "Lucas, I won't waste words with you."
"You won this time—we're not denying that. And no, we won't gang up on you with the others. But—"
"We just don't accept you as our leader!"
His voice was sharp, filled with pride and frustration. "You say you handled the Secret Realm Boss on your own? That you're strong? Then how about you prove it and face us!"
"Yeah! Just you against us. No help. No teammates!"
"Unless you're afraid, don't try and hide behind others!"
"Fight us, Lucas! Or admit you're just all talk!"
The rest of the five-man squad chimed in loudly, even going so far as to wave over nearby students who had been preparing to leave. Clearly, they wanted an audience—to make this as public as possible. They weren't just here to settle a score—they were out to humiliate Lucas in front of everyone.
They wanted to trap Lucas with their words, leaving him no escape. By challenging him to a one-on-five, they hoped to push him into a corner. If he refused, they'd brand him a coward. If he accepted and lost, they'd shatter his reputation.
This team was no joke. They were seeded as top contenders, each possessing S-Rank Talents, and they hated losing. The idea that Lucas could walk away with the championship—especially alone—ate away at their pride.
They didn't care about second or third place. They weren't here for scraps or consolation prizes. Their only goal was the Legendary Equipment reserved for the champions. Losing wasn't an option.
And now, with a crowd forming around them, they saw their opportunity to regain face by tearing Lucas down publicly. After all, outside the Secret Realm, there were still top guild presidents and countless viewers watching. If they left now, defeated and bitter, it would only make Lucas's name shine brighter.
Letting him talk his way into dominance without lifting a finger? No way.
If Lucas dared to claim the title of the top student, then he better prove it through combat.
"We're not weaker than you!" the team leader shouted. "Just less lucky!"
"So how about it, Lucas? You going to accept or not?!"
Their eyes bore into him, full of rage and provocation.
Lucas chuckled. His eyes turned sharp.
"Of course I dare. Why wouldn't I?"
His voice was light, but his confidence shook the air.
He knew—words weren't enough anymore. It was time for a demonstration.
Some students still doubted him. After all, he was an S-Rank Talent, same as them. He wasn't overwhelmingly ahead of them in stats, and his victory over the Secret Realm Boss had been witnessed by few. Most just heard about it. Rumors weren't enough to earn their respect.
If he had been like Amelia Su, an SS-Rank powerhouse, things might have gone differently. But Lucas had always played it low-key—until now.
He smiled. "I guess I'll just have to show them."
---
Hearing the commotion, many students who had been leaving now paused and returned, eager to see what would happen.
This wasn't just another sparring match—it was a test. A challenge to Lucas's leadership and strength.
If he was really that strong, then he should have no problem defeating five enemies alone.
If he failed? Then maybe he didn't deserve their respect or the title of "number one."
A wide circle formed. Dozens of freshmen watched in anticipation as Lucas faced off against the five-man team. The stage was set.
"Boss Lucas! Take them down!"
"Show 'em who's boss!"
"Lucas rules!"
Qian Duoduo, Zach Darnell, and the rest of Lucas's group were cheering loudly. They had seen his strength firsthand, and they had no doubt he could win.
"Go get them, Lucas!" Amelia Su called out, her voice full of energy.
Alexis Lane remained silent, but her eyes sparkled with expectation.
"Show them what the number one student can do!" shouted classmates from his old school.
"Come on, class monitor!" yelled his current classmates from the output department.
Some were excited. Others were nervous. Not everyone had seen Lucas in battle before. This was their chance.
Lucas grinned and gave them a thumbs up. "No problem. Just sit back and enjoy the show."
Then he stepped forward and faced the opposing team.
The tension was thick. The crowd went silent.
Lucas glanced at the five opponents and smirked.
"You guys ready?"
He wasn't mocking them. He looked more like a teacher giving his students a friendly warning.
"I'm going to use a special move. Be careful. Don't come crying when you lose."
"Bring it on!" the leader of the team growled.
The five quickly arranged themselves into a 1-2-2 formation, well-trained and strategic. This was no longer about bravado. They were serious now.
They weren't underestimating Lucas. They respected his strength enough to give it their best.
They planned to defend at first—block his big move, survive the initial blow, and then counterattack.
As long as they could endure, they believed the fight would swing in their favor.
Lucas nodded. "You better watch closely."
He pulled a sleek dagger from his waist, twirling it effortlessly between his fingers. Then he gripped it tightly.
His gaze narrowed. "Because this move… is fast."
The crowd tensed. Everyone leaned forward.
All eyes were on Lucas. No one wanted to blink.
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