SCT-Novel Chapter 98: Royal Rumble (2)
Chapter 98: Royal Rumble (2)
Chapter 98: Royal Rumble (2)
The ultimate goal of the midterm exam was to be the last team standing.
Even as the test took odd twists and turns, that fundamental goal remained unchanged.
Whether it was because of the chaos I brought to the game or because I gulped down the artifact, the result was the same.
In fact, the situation became more intriguing because of me ingesting the artifact. Now, it was every team for themselves, with no clear advantage.
Our team had to disqualify all other teams before the artifact in my stomach dissolved completely.
The other teams had to use all sorts of tactics to survive until either our team or theirs was disqualified.
So, what was my immediate role? Simple.
"Aaaargh!"
It was to grab people and throw them out of the mana field.
The moment I swallowed the artifact, the mana field became highly restricted, and stepping outside meant instant disqualification.
Timing it, it seemed you would only need to be outside for about 3 seconds to be disqualified. Consequently, everyone was desperate not to be caught by me.
"People are being thrown around like a ball? How strong is he?!"
"Just hang on and endure!"
Once caught, being thrown outside the mana field was a given. Thus, other teams opted to hold out rather than fight.
The underlying objective remained the same, but the theme had turned into a game of tag.
Originally, teams were supposed to disqualify each other, but for now, they seemed to have agreed to deal with me first.
"Hey! Stay put! Or you won't know what'll happen to your team!"
"This, this cowardice!"
Perhaps too engrossed in this game of tag, I made a blunder and failed to pay attention to Grace.
The one who took Grace hostage was none other than Antonio, who, true to his nature, did not shy away from any means for victory.
He had appointed Yeonhwa as a guardian, but she was currently entangled in combat with someone else.
Apparently, Antonio had at least one more person on his side.
I could easily protect her if I showed my true strength'
But given the predicament, there was no helping it. Not being disqualified was enough for now.
I glared at Antonio, who was threatening Grace's neck with his dagger, and then cast a look around.
Seizing the opportunity for a temporary distraction, everyone stopped and watched, waiting to see how things would unfold.
"Sivar! Don't worry about me, just take out the other teams!"
No. There was no need for that.
I crouched slightly, taking on a ready stance, then surged forward like a coil spring released.
Antonio, caught off guard by my silent charge, was evidently shaken by surprise.
Just as his hand moved, I reached out without hesitation and easily seized the dagger.
Crunch!
The blade crumbled like paper under the grip of my hand. Not giving Antonio a chance to recover, I immediately grasped his face.
Having large hands had its perks; it allowed me to grab Antonio's face with ease.
"Argh! Th-this!"
Before he could even yell to let go, I had already flung Antonio outside the mana field.
Having taken Grace hostage amplified his guilt, so I threw him with even greater force than I would others.
Crash!
Ultimately, Antonio slammed into a house far off. Whether he was badly hurt or not wasnt my concern.
Dusting off my hands, I turned to Grace, who looked utterly bewildered by the suddenness of what had happened.
"Are you okay?"
"Ah? Yes, yes! Im, Im fine! Thank you."
"Yeah."
Receiving thanks from Grace, I glanced over at Yeonhwa. She had managed to disqualify her adversary by cunningly using the mana field.
With Antonio's team disqualified, there were not many people left. I looked around.
The last ones standing were Luna and Kara. Elvin had already been disqualified due to mana field issues.
[The artifact is severely damaged! Immediate action required!]
Warnings of the artifact's peril sounded from my belly. Upon hearing that alert, I quickly checked my bracelet.
[Artifact: 20%]
I hadn't paid much attention while disqualifying the other teams, but now we were in a critical state.
The rate of digestion seemed to speed up as time went on. By rough estimation, we had about 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining.
No time for delay, then.'
Lingering any longer might actually lead to disqualification. Not that it mattered too much.
But losing for such a ludicrous reason would be annoying. There's a strange feeling about it.
I chose Kara as my first target. As I charged towards her, she immediately sidestepped.
Luna, on the other hand, just watched. Seeing I was targeting Kara, she seemed slightly relieved.
I felt a little sorry for Luna, but I could compensate her with clothes later. So, I promptly took action.
Grip!
First, I forcefully shoved off Luna, clinging to me. Despite her struggle, she couldn't overcome my strength.
Subsequently, as Luna became slightly detached, there was a bit of space created.
I took this opportunity to prevent her from clinging again by inserting my arm into the gap.
Whoosh!
"Wut?!"
Next, I used the inserted arm to grab Lunas face.
Unlike Antonio, I didnt clasp her entire facejust around her mouth, making her lips protrude like a fish.
Seeing such a pretty face become distorted was, frankly, a bit humorous. Without hesitation, I grabbed the legs wrapped around my torso.
Whoosh!
"Agh!"
If they were all detached, the next step was simple. Just hurl Luna outside of the mana field.
She screamed shrilly as she was flung outside the field. I pitched her in such a way that being disqualified was guaranteed.
Now, only Kara clung to my back. I reached out to her since she was almost embracing me.
"Keep still, and I'll buy you candy."
Hesitation
At that moment, a whisper from Kara reached my ears. It was a subtle but alluring voice.
"The Principal will give you an earful after todays test, wont he? He might even ask the Saintess to ensure you can't have candy."
"What, what are you talking about?"
Amidst Kara's seductive enticement, Grace looked utterly baffled. The expression on her face said it alldid she really think that feeble attempt would work?
"Ill cover for you, then. Candy and all. How about it?"
"Really?"
Yes. It worked.
Forget the test, it was sweet treats like candy that were more important to me now.
Above all, Kara hadn't said she would lend me money. She had clearly stated she would buy it.
Rejecting food offered by Kara, meticulous and stingy with money, wouldn't be a wise decision.
Besides, once the test was over, I was going to be scolded by Rod. Having her cover for me wasn't an easy choice.
"Sivar! If you fall for that, what are we going to do?"
"I know Sivar better than you."
"I I also want candy!"
Screech!
Before Grace had time to say anything, a strange squeal pierced my ears.
"Burp."
Almost reflexively, a light burp escaped my lipsa sign that previous meals had digested.
And indeed
[The artifact has been destroyed. The owner and their team are automatically disqualified.]
[The test is now concluded. Well done, students.]
The artifact that was in my stomach had dissolved entirely. Had it not been for Kara's temptation, our team would have emerged victorious.
Even after the announcement, Kara didn't let go of my back. Instead, she playfully kneaded my cheek, her voice oozing contentment.
"How cute; you're really adorable. I didn't expect you to seriously consider it."
"Will you buy it for me?"
I tilted my head up to face Kara. The familiar refreshing smile radiated on her face.
Kara chuckled softly in response, then nodded, giving her assent.
"Of course. Just tell me when you want it. I'll buy you all you desire. No sneaking around anymoreI'll buy them openly."
"Oh."
I appreciated that. As my lips formed a circle and I let out a sound of surprise, Kara smiled.
Meanwhile, Grace, who had been observing our interaction, let out a quiet snicker.
"It was my mistake. I should have said it to Sivar earlier."
"Said what?"
"If you followed my advice, I would not only buy you candy but also cake."
"Should I actually call that a mistake?"
"In the East, there is a saying: If you know yourself and your enemy, you can win every battle. It was my mistake not to assess my team properly."
""
With that, the tumultuous test came to an end.
[Your faith is rising!]
It appears that even Chaos to some extent was satisfied.