How did I turn my victim into a phoenix-like hero?

Page 150

Priss, clutching his back, made his way to the stands, obliged to fulfill his duty as a teacher at the school to witness the duel.

Prepare indoors.

Cass washed his face and changed into his combat uniform.

Just as he was about to oil and polish the demonic blade, Hetanid gave him a stern warning.

21 minute and 34 seconds remaining.

--------

Sirocco wandered around the campus.

He appeared to be just strolling around, but in reality, he was checking out Cliff's possible little tricks in the game: hiding a few accomplices, preparing some special items, and whether there were any Fallen Order members lurking in the corners.

After a thorough search, it was confirmed that everything was fine.

He went to Cass's lounge to give Cass a final check on his condition and offer some psychological counseling if necessary.

"Sirocco? Come in."

After receiving permission, the automatic door to the lounge opened, and Sirocco stepped into the preparation room.

The room was very clean, and a faint fragrance filled the air.

Kas stretched his legs and feet, warming up.

"Cass, you look good."

"Haha... It's alright."

Sirocco himself used to get nervous and struggle with pronunciation when giving speeches, while Cassius risked his life in a direct battle against the minotaurs, yet he remained remarkably calm and collected...

?

Sirocco intended to ignore it, but then noticed that Cass's hand was trembling slightly.

"Cass, it's natural to be scared. Take a deep breath and calm yourself down. A moderate amount of tension isn't a bad thing."

“That’s not how it is, Sirocco. I think it’s a bit strange myself... but look.”

Cass stood up and met Sirocco's gaze.

"I'm not afraid, I'm... excited. It would be great to fight a strong enemy, go all out, and defeat them."

Cass revealed a fearless smile, completely devoid of his usual easygoing demeanor, his eyes filled with anticipation for the challenge and a thirst for battle.

To be honest, this guy is like a completely different person when it comes to battle.

Are you really Cass?

Sirocco couldn't help but feel ashamed.

The Cass before me is neither as passionate and brave as the Cass of the first playthrough, nor as aloof and resolute as the Cass of the second playthrough.

But soon, perhaps noticing the surprise on Sirocco's face, Cass lowered his head, composed himself, and said:

"Anyway, I'm fine. Also, Sirocco, thank you for your help over the past month."

Cass expressed his sincere gratitude:

"No matter the outcome, I have gotten to where I am today because of your help."

"Heh, good to know. You must never forget my great kindness."

Sirocco accepted it readily.

Cass smiled knowingly, while reminding everyone:

"Oh, and don't forget our promise."

"Huh? Oh, that? Of course I haven't forgotten. You can talk about it after you win."

It sounds so gay of you, a guy, to keep talking about agreements and such.

Sirocco wouldn't say it aloud, as that would seem like he cared too much, and he didn't want to make the relationship disgusting.

As for going out to play...

Actually, I had been considering it for a while, but seeing how Cass was doing, I had no choice but to agree.

We can just take him to KFC and fob him off.

"That's good."

Cass patted his chest:

"After this duel, Sirocco, you can come out and play with me."

"Hey, don't set such a death flag, and don't try to change my mind."

--------

5 minutes and 11 seconds remaining.

The dueling arena was a building similar to the "Bird's Nest" stadium that Sirocco had seen in his previous life, with trapezoidal spectator seats arranged in a circle around the central battle stage. There were three other similar large buildings in the school.

Sirocco arrived at the audience seats, and more than half of Class F were there.

The funniest thing was that all the girls were there, but there were hardly any boys. The best seats at the very front of the audience were occupied by Priest, a master of sleeping, who was fast asleep in three of them.

Clearly, Cass's performance back then, or rather, last month, still earned him a lot of points.

There was no one in Class C, so it seems Cliff doesn't have much prestige in the class.

Apart from Class F, the huge audience seats were sparsely populated, with a rough estimate of less than 50 people.

I spotted a purple-haired figure sitting opposite Class F.

Rowling from Class B.

Shilock was careful not to be seen by her. At the same time, knowing that he had too high a status in the class, he found a secluded corner to watch the game from afar so as not to embarrass them.

"Isn't that Beren?"

At the outermost edge of the battle platform, inside a room of the building, there is a large rectangular observation window through which you can see Beren sitting with another elderly woman. Judging from their clothing, they are both school doctors.

Sirocco waved enthusiastically to Beren, and a moment later the Ring Table received a message from Beren—

—Don't jump so hard, you might fall—

So Sirocco sat down obediently.

He propped himself up on his arms, staring at the countdown on the screen.

"Cass, it's up to you. Shine like the main character."

Everything that could be done was done.

Was a month's worth of effort wasted?

Can we embark on a positive path and lead everyone toward a bright future?

Sirocco tossed his hair aside, took out a bottle of soda from the watch, and took a big gulp to calm himself down.

--------

3 minutes 04 seconds.

An announcement calling for Cliff came on.

He then responded to the broadcast and immediately left the preparation room.

He traversed the dark passageway and ascended the battle platform, where few spectators paid him any attention.

No one in the hall cheered for him.

They were shouting as Cass and his team emerged from the Blue Team's preparation room.

Four students stepped onto the battle line.

“You’re really popular, Cass.”

Cliff glanced around the audience but couldn't find Sirocco.

Last 60 seconds.

A red glowing number appeared above the center of the battle platform, indicating the start of a countdown.

At the same time, a protective dome membrane was placed over it to protect the audience.

Cass did not reply.

He took the strange pink sword out of his sword sheath.

Brid and Corcy were wearing their usual dungeon gear, and they were far from Cass's position, almost touching the edge of the battle platform.

It doesn't matter.

Cliff had already figured out how to crush Cass and his team.

It will be over soon.

Cass's posture was strange.

The body is slightly tilted, the waist is twisted, and even the entire spine is twisted.

Hold the knife with only your right hand.