Chapter 19: The Promotion Battle Begins

The academy’s arena was perhaps the liveliest it had been in months. Nearly half the students had abandoned their tasks, rushing to the arena. Their purpose was unanimous: the upcoming duel.

Both teachers and students were drawn by the spectacle of the first public duel in academy history. Rumor had it that the stingy principal had even set up ticket sales for the arena, giving rise to a swarm of scalpers—though sixty percent of them were said to be the principal’s own people. Who knew if that was true?

The entire arena had been cleared. All other platforms were removed, and every stage was pieced together to form one massive arena encompassing the whole space. It was an unprecedented scale, truly worthy of a student promotion match.

A student promotion match was, as the name implied, a duel that allowed a student to ascend from ordinary to the academy’s pinnacle in one leap. The condition was simple: defeat any teacher in the academy. Normally held in secret to protect the academy’s reputation, this public spectacle had taken everyone by surprise.

As an aside, according to inside sources, the main reason seemed to be the academy’s budget shortage this year. The principal intended to rake in some cash with this event… truth or rumor, no one knew.

Meanwhile, the protagonists of the duel were warming up in their respective waiting rooms.

“Huff…”

Liya took a deep breath. The magic within her body rose and fell with each breath, gradually attuning to a perfect rhythm—a state of unity between heaven and man, as martial artists called it. Opening her eyes, she couldn’t help but smile. She felt unprecedented! Absolutely fantastic!

‘But this body is still too young, too frail.’

Glancing at her hands, Liya narrowed her eyes. That was her only dissatisfaction. This demon girl’s body was only ten years old, with limited endurance. And without any muscle, how could she be a martial artist? In her previous life, even at over a hundred years old, she had been all muscle—that was true masculine beauty!

Liya couldn’t help but miss her previous body, and silently resolved:

‘If I ever have the chance, I’ll get my body back!’

“Ready to go out, Liya!”

“Ready?! Let’s go! Don’t be nervous!”

Alice and Cecilia approached, here to support her as friends. Seeing them, Liya naturally smiled, her confidence surging. Her mood rose involuntarily, along with her magic power.

“Alright! Next up, we have the challenger for this promotion match! From the first grade, transfer student Liya! Some of you may not know, but this isn’t Liya’s first time in the arena. Last time, she single-handedly defeated thirty-two students, holding the champion position until the end. Among her defeated opponents were senior students! She’s a young prodigy!”

Walking through the entrance passage, listening to the announcer’s voice, Liya gave a wry smile.

‘An announcer? They’re really running this like a competition. Interesting.’

Thunderous applause erupted, mixed with commotion. As Liya stepped onto the stage, many recognized her—mostly those who had seen her sweep the arena before.

“It’s that ‘Sinister Loli’!”

“So she’s a transfer student? No wonder I’ve never seen her. She looks so cute, but her strength is overwhelming! Scary.”

“Is this what they call talent?”

Despite the distracting noises, Liya focused on the fight ahead. Her gaze fixed on the entrance passage opposite her, where a tall woman was slowly walking up.

“Our second entrant is the academy’s teacher! Teacher Anne from the Theory Department! Don’t be fooled by her department—she is an experienced swordswoman. In her student days, she achieved outstanding results in the Empire’s Magic and Martial Festival. She has deep ties with the current Eldest Princess. A teacher who hides her strength!”

The announcer’s commentary was spot-on, highlighting that Anne’s strength was not merely that of a theory teacher. But Liya no longer cared about that. Her eyes were locked on Anne, unable to look away.

“…I see.”

Liya had underestimated Teacher Anne. She sighed inwardly.

From the moment they met, Liya knew—the level was different. Anne was not on the same plane as the students she had faced before, not just in technique, magic, or experience.

Teacher Anne had likely undergone countless life-or-death battles, survived them, and made leaps in strength. She was a true warrior tempered on the battlefield, not a wooden teacher confined to a classroom. In this life, up until now, this was probably the strongest opponent Liya had encountered. It was…

‘Perfect!’

She might not even need to advance further; a mountain already stood before her. What could be more challenging and thrilling than trying to topple it?

“Teacher, how are you feeling? In good form?”

“Actually, as long as I hold this, I’m in my best form, Liya.”

Anne extended her hand, showing Liya the weapon in it—a long blade. A swordswoman, eh? That blade was essentially a single-edged sword. Interesting.

“Same here, Teacher. I think I’m in peak condition. Right now, I believe I can learn a lot from this duel.”

“Is that so?”

Anne smiled.

“Then I’ll have to go all out and teach you as much as possible.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Liya smiled back, then assumed a stance. It was the most common but fundamental attacking posture from the martial school she had created in her previous life: [Iron Fist Style]. This was a weapon ingrained in her soul. No need for guns, swords, or other weapons. These fists would shatter everything!

“Fair and square—”

“—let’s settle this!”

As if echoing their fervor, the announcer’s cry rang throughout the arena, like thunder amid the cheers of the crowd.

“I declare the student promotion match officially begun!!!!”

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