"Smog, you're not joking, are you?"
Liam Ross feigned surprise, though inwardly he was thinking about what this guy might be plotting now.
Even the students nearby were stunned. The top-ranked Smog had just issued a challenge to the last-place student Liam. Shock and confusion rippled through the training ground.
"I'm serious. I'm asking if you dare or not," Smog said, eyes locked on Liam, unwavering.
The more he observed Liam, the more Smog was convinced the last-place student was hiding strength.
"Uh…"
Liam scratched his head and replied weakly, "But I'm not your match. Besides, I don't want to get beaten up for nothing, so maybe we should just forget it."
Smog shook his head and said earnestly, "No, I have a feeling you deliberately lost last time. We need to fight again and settle it properly."
Liam froze, pretending calm on the outside while inwardly stunned. When did this guy get so perceptive?
Now wasn't the time to dwell on that. He quickly composed himself, his deep eyes meeting Smog's serious gaze. From what he knew about the boy's stubbornness in twenty years' time, Smog wouldn't let this go if Liam refused. Constantly being harassed was not appealing.
Might as well just agree. Losing again was no big deal.
After weighing his options, Liam finally sighed and addressed Smog in front of the crowd, who were all watching with keen interest. "Fine. But one condition: no hitting the face."
"Deal!" Smog grinned with excitement.
The other students hurriedly cleared a space, some sneering at Liam's apparent predicament.
"Go get him, Liam!" Quincy cheered him on from the crowd.
Liam curled his lips in a smirk.
Just as the two were about to face off, a melodious voice rang out from the entrance.
"Stop!"
It was the small but striking Hina.
Liam froze in shock at her hair. "Whoa… your hair!"
It had grown pink, much shorter than before, barely brushing her earlobes.
No way…
Liam gulped nervously and asked, "Hina, your hair?"
"Too long, it was interfering with training. I cut it," Hina said with a smile.
Liam exhaled, relieved. "Good. At least you didn't leave it longer than before."
Hina's attention then shifted to Smog, her expression stern. "Smog, you know Liam isn't as strong as you. Why are you insisting on challenging him?"
"Nothing… I just think he deliberately lost last time," Smog admitted honestly.
Liam's eyes narrowed. Even with all his hidden tricks, this kid had figured it out… He was truly dangerous.
Hina rolled her eyes at Smog. "What were you thinking? Liam's only last because of the teacher's praise last time. You're just bitter and seeking revenge, right?"
Liam inwardly praised his teammate. Perfect timing this saved him a beating.
Smog's face darkened to steel. He had only wanted to test his theory about Liam's strength, but now Hina was painting him as scheming and dishonorable.
"Stay out of this, Hina!" he snapped.
"Out of this? You can't bully someone and then want to fight. Fine, I'll take you on," Hina said, standing directly in front of Liam and activating her Quirk.
Tension filled the training arena instantly.
Smog's gaze flicked back to Liam. He hesitated, realizing he'd have to find another time to test him. Without another word, he turned and left.
The skirmish ended without resolution.
Outside the training ground, Liam watched Hina walk ahead with a mix of gratitude and confusion.
"Uh… Hina, thanks for stepping in back there," he said.
She smiled faintly over her shoulder. "Don't worry. As long as I'm around, Smog won't hurt you."
Liam's expression twisted. This girl was way too considerate. Was she… interested in him? That wouldn't do. Women only slowed his sword-drawing speed. Female subordinates were a different story, though.
Curiosity got the better of him. "Hina… you didn't hold back helping me, did you?"
Hina, not a naive girl, immediately understood his meaning and rolled her eyes. "What are you thinking? I helped you because of that day when you explained something, that's all."
Liam was skeptical. "Really?"
She hit him with a statement that knocked him off balance.
"You're not my type. Too weak," Hina said seriously, shaking her head.
Liam's lips twitched. So, his assumption was wrong. He wasn't her type.
But wait weak? Really? A Marine admiral-level powerhouse is weak? Liam's instinct was to unleash his full power and show her what true strength looked like.
The thought vanished as quickly as it appeared.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, but I don't want you to get the wrong idea. Honestly, your strength is a bit… pathetic. Work harder before graduation."
Liam was speechless. Two years in this world, and this was the first time a girl had looked down on him.
Well, a girl three years younger, at that.
After this, Hina had other matters and left. Liam's initial gloom lifted when he reminded himself that he wasn't actually weak.
Night fell.
After dinner, on his way back to the dorm, Smog suddenly appeared and blocked him.
"Now that Hina isn't around, let's finish the match we didn't complete earlier."
"Uh… fine," Liam sighed. He had barely hesitated before agreeing.
They moved to a small grove nearby. The wind rustled the trees around them.
Two minutes later, Liam emerged, shoulders slumped, with Smog trailing behind, clearly unsatisfied.
"I told you, you're not my match. You wouldn't listen," Liam said.
"You really aren't hiding your strength?" Smog asked cautiously.
"I'm stupid enough to not use it. Getting knocked down a few times is entertaining. Seriously, don't bother me again," Liam replied.
Smog frowned, suspicious. Something felt off. He replayed the duel over and over in his mind while heading back to the dorm.
Meanwhile, Liam returned to his room. "Phew, that was close. I need to be more careful in the future."
The next day.
Liam passed by the grove and of course Smog was waiting.
"What now?"
"I still think something's off. You lost too easily yesterday, almost deliberately. Come on, let's try again."
Liam groaned. "…"
Once again, they went into the grove. Trees swayed violently in the wind as the tension thickened.
Three minutes later:
"Believe me this time, I really can't win!" Liam pleaded.
"And this is the last time!"
But on the third day, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
Liam froze, eyes wide. "Whoa… still here? You're not tired? I'm exhausted just watching!"