Novel Bin Chapter 100: 1 vs 1 Showdown (6)
Chapter 100: 1 vs 1 Showdown (6)
Translators Note: Just a friendly reminder to prevent any confusion reading the second part, though you probably already figured it out. If you spot text in italics, its the characters internal thoughts/monologues. Cheers!
1 vs 1 Showdown (6)Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om
Nam Daeun breezed through her medical check with Baek Ahyeong and lounged on the waiting rooms sofa. Her thoughts meandered back to her recent, out-of-character behavior during the video call with her younger sister.
Why did I even do that?
It was a first in her liferevealing her conversation with her younger sister to someone. Her unexpected change in behavior left her puzzled, and she couldnt quite pinpoint the reason. Maybe, deep down, she just wanted to lean on someone, even if it was just a little.
Ugh
In the quiet waiting room, Nam Daeun stared at the ceiling, sifting through her thoughts.
Hes actually a nice guy.
Observing his kindness in both the supermarket and now with the vending machine, it was undeniable that Lee Hoyeon was a genuinely nice person. But she knew that after the grand final and their team change, and their connection would likely fade. This realization left her slightly disheartened.
First place
Naturally, Lee Hoyeon also aimed for first place. It was only natural after reaching the grand final. However, regardless of how kind he was, she couldnt bring herself to yield first place. Her younger sister held a more significant place in her heart than anything else.
***
Knock, knock, knock.
Come in.
Excuse me
Baek Ahyeong cautiously entered the room, her gaze flitting nervously around.
Why are you coming in so cautiously, Ahyeong?
Just time is running out.
With less than 20 minutes remaining before the final began, there was some room to get it done quickly, but I also wanted to be in top shape for the grand final.
Lets just get the medical check done for now. Times limited for anything else.
Sure, I understand.
While Baek Ahyeong conducted a series of swift tests, she occasionally cast hopeful glances in my direction.
I, uh, feel a bit off in some places.
Where?!
Ah, never mind. Its nothing.
Ugh
Baek Ahyeong resumed the examination, wearing a somewhat disappointed expression.
This is ridiculous. How much more does she want?
I playfully teased her while they wrapped up the medical check.
Medical check complete. Best of luck in the final.
Thanks.
Witnessing Baek Ahyeongs slightly downcast expression as she cheered me on, a mix of emotions washed over me.
Heroine Status Window
[Baek Ahyeong]
[Affection: 87] (+0.4)
[Lust: 73]
[Appetite: 30]
[Fatigue: 35]
Current Status: So, it looks like nothings happening after all
Ahyeong, are you still volunteering this weekend?
Yeah, unless something comes up.
Great. The timing for meeting might have been uncertain, but it seems like a good chance to rendezvous at the orphanage this weekend.
In that case, count me in.
But if you come, please dont do anything weird there.
Got it. I wont do anything too weird.
Okay
Baek Ahyeong, despite her initial reluctance to meet during the weekend, eased up a bit. Seems like shes not too worried about not doing anything too strange.
Heroine Status Window
[Baek Ahyeong]
[Affection: 87] (+0.4)
[Lust: 73]
[Appetite: 30]
[Fatigue: 35]
Current Status: Visiting the orphanage, thats nice! But, I hope he wont take pictures.
She genuinely dislikes being photographed. Should I really stop taking them now? Well, it seems like I wont need any more blackmail material, considering she practically comes willingly to get raped.
[A moment later, the 1st-year 1-on-1 duel finals are about to start. Spectators, please take your seats and maintain decorum.]
I should head to the player waiting area now.
Yeah. Im hoping for a good outcome.
Sure. See you this weekend, Ahyeong.
I said my goodbyes to Baek Ahyeong and proceeded to the player waiting area.
[Although this 1-on-1 duel is a 1st-year match, its drawing exceptional attention! At its heart, two students take the stage: Nam Daeun, who has never missed being the top in practical exams, and the rapidly rising newcomer, Lee Hoyeon!]
While waiting, I listened to the commentators overly enthusiastic descriptions of Nam Daeun and my journey. Then, a staff member approached.
You can go up now.
Okay.
The path to the arena was filled with the audiences fervor, befitting a grand final match. I could see Nam Daeun approaching from the opposite side. With the cheers of the crowd and the booming commentary in the background, we both took our places in the arena.
Whoosh!
A mana force field enveloped us, blocking out the surrounding sounds. Nam Daeun stood before me, and our eyes met.
Good luck.
Yeah. Ill definitely aim for first place.
Nam Daeun smiled in response to my words of encouragement.
[5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Begin!]
Even after the starting signal, neither of us moved. Nam Daeun had taken the initiative in all her previous matches, but this time, she seemed to be taking things slower. I had no choice but to make the first move.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
My heart began to race, and I could feel the blood coursing through my body. Nam Daeun raised her sword, preparing for battle.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Wait.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The moment Nam Daeun assumed her combat stance, my body started heating up progressively.
This intense?
It was faster than when I faced Felix and heavier than when I confronted the ogres. My supposed mastery of Battle Sense left my body lacking. Time seemed to slow down as my senses sharpened, and my whole body tuned itself for combat.
Giving up isnt an option now
Nam Daeun was, by far, the strongest opponent I had faced to date.
***
Strong. Nam Daeun pondered as she fixed her gaze on Lee Hoyeon with his golden eyes.
Hes not just an average student. To secure a definitive victory, I shouldnt hold back.
With her resolve firm, she channeled her mana into her sword, unveiling a skill she had never disclosed beforeSpatial Domination. Its unique skill that directly represented her ability.
She spread her mana throughout the arena. Inside this domain, distances ceased to matter.
Its best to conclude this swiftly.
The space rippled around Nam Daeun, intertwining with the crimson energy of her sword. This stance was none other than Spatial Grasp, a technique familiar to Lee Hoyeon from the original game.
Wait, can she truly execute Spatial Grasp?
Nam Daeun laid bare the power she had concealed. She aimed to gauge Hoyeons Battle Senses momentum and hasten the outcome, eliminating any unforeseen developments from prolonged combat.
To this extent, she acknowledges me? Im unsure whether I should appreciate this. I have no grasp of the depth of her concealed strength.
Spatial Grasp typically appeared in the later stages of the story, a technique that came into play when Nam Daeun was on the brink of clinching first place in practical exams toward the end of her first year or the beginning of her second. Yet here she was, practicing it already.
Lee Hoyeon slowly lowered his body, taking deep breaths as he prepared for the impending engagement.
Spatial Domination yielded immense power but consumed a vast amount of mana, rendering prolonged combat advantageous to him. On the other hand, facing a mage played to Daeuns strengths. Ordinary mages couldnt keep pace with her speed and devastating attacks. However, Lee Hoyeon stood apart from the typical mage. He exhibited agility akin to her Spatial Acceleration and boasted a surprisingly robust shield spell.
As Nam Daeun cautiously advanced, seeking openings, Hoyeon assumed a defensive stance. Seeing an opening, he unleashed a fireball as a deterrent, but she promptly slashed it with her sword.
Swoosh!
In a flash, Nam Daeun surged toward Lee Hoyeon. Reacting to her swift approach, he expanded his Cotton Guard, blocking her sword and simultaneously triggering his own spells. Columns of fire erupted from the ground, and explosions erupted in the air. Daeun retreated, preparing for the ensuing aftermath.
Lee Hoyeon, who had doubted the effectiveness of his attack, remained composed, continuing to cast spells. Countless fireballs and flaming spears were launched toward Nam Daeun.
Is she intentionally holding back from using Spatial Grasp?
Nam Daeuns intentions were clear; she was trying to lead Hoyeons thoughts. Just when he was convinced that she had no long-range attacks at her disposal, she considered ending the match with Spatial Grasp. However, Hoyeon was aware of the existence of Spatial Grasp, so he always kept one slot open for defense with double casting.
Nam Daeun desperately searched for an opportunity but was surprised that Lee Hoyeon didnt give her any openings.
Why is he sticking to single spells? Hes capable of double casting.
She had been searching for weaknesses to secure her victory, but Hoyeon seemed to have some hidden cards up his sleeve.
Whenever she tried to close in, he unleashed a spell while creating distance. If she attempted a forceful breakthrough, he also had an instant acceleration skill, making counterattacks quite dangerous.
I dont have a choice. I need an opening.
Continuing to rely on Spatial Domination for too long would reduce her chances of using Spatial Grasp. She believed that it was the key to her victory, so she had to create that opening. She needed to launch an offensive that Hoyeon couldnt withstand without using double casting.
She deftly split incoming fireballs and closed in on him in an instant. However, he blocked her sword strikes as he smiled.
Nam Daeun, who had been composed until now, began to feel the pressure. This uncharacteristic aggression from the typically relax Nam Daeun was taking a toll. While Hoyeon also felt the strain due to increased mana expenditure, she remained oblivious.
The disadvantage was that Nam Daeun was growing increasingly desperate and aggressive. She was unaware that Hoyeon also had a hidden trump card if she continued this way.
I have to give it a try I think it might work.
Throughout the battle, Nam Daeun remained vigilant against his Acceleration and Spiral. Hoyeon didnt adhere to the typical long-range mage-fighting style, nor did he dive in too deep. If he had a skill that he had never revealed before, even she wouldnt be prepared.
Lee Hoyeon smirked and continued the battle with Nam Daeun, balancing both offense and defense.