2-22 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

**Volume Two, Chapter 22: Is This a Lesson Being Taught?** "Hey, isn't that...what's their face? Why are they at the arena?" "What else? Obviously being challenged for their rank. Never seen this spoiled brat here before, must've been forced to accept this duel." "Speaking of which, that red-haired girl challenging him is really pretty, what's her name, what class is she in?" "So, Wenny's only now being challenged for his rank? After the midterm exams, I thought someone would challenge him soon. With his entrance scores, ranked twenty-third? Bunch of nonsense, he's surely just a paper tiger; looks strong but easy to beat." "Hey, how come no one's asking me? I'm in the same class as he is, I know the story. A few days back, Wenny was flirting with that pretty red-haired classmate and said something crude, offending her, so now she's out for revenge." "Got it, thanks for the insight, man. I had no idea. Poor girl, getting entangled with that obnoxious rich kid." "Right? Tried pestering Mirexia from the Kingdom of Camilla and when that didn't work, just moved on to another target." "Such shamelessness, parading his so-called goddess lineage like it makes him some big shot, as if he's so popular." "Laughable, does the Goddess Faihui and the saintesses know they have a descendant like this, claiming relations out of thin air?" As the conversation centered around Wenny as the protagonist of this arena match—specifically a ranking duel—many spectators paused their activities to joke and talk among themselves. Their chatter naturally caught the attention of Ishtiya. Her frosty, almond-shaped eyes shifted towards the arena, focusing on the blue-haired young man standing on one side. After they received the signal from the combat instructor serving as referee, an invisible energy pulse arose across the field. This safety measure was to prevent their battle from causing extensive damage and injuring other students present in the arena. The grand setup indicated that this match wasn't just any duel but a ranking challenge. "Year-one student ranked forty-eighth, Finnie Cassius, has initiated a ranking challenge against year-one student ranked twenty-third, Wenny Ferris. Since it's the first ranking duel for both, I’ll explain the rules," the combat instructor announced. "When a lower-ranked student issues a ranking challenge, the higher-ranked student cannot decline without special reasons, or they forfeit their rank." "Participants can use magic, soul arts, weapons, combat skills, and any other legitimate personal techniques. The match ends when one participant's token shatters." "Once a token breaks, further attacks are banned. Otherwise, at best, the match is void; at worst, expulsion and severe punishment follow. Remember, sportsmanship first, competition second, understood?" The instructor declared sternly. "Rest assured, I pledge by the name of a Holy Knight never to violate the rules or attack a defeated opponent," Finnie intoned solemnly, placing a hand over his heart. A duel is a duel, why all the pomp? Wenny's lips twitched watching Finnie's grandstanding. Not yet a knight, and already swearing by knightly vows. "Well then, take your positions." The instructor, as referee, swept his arm downward. "The ranking challenge begins!" While spectators chattered, Wenny couldn’t make out what they said, but he could guess. Strictly speaking, being challenged isn't necessarily bad. Being watched like a monkey isn’t necessarily undesirable either. After the midterms, surely some onlookers wanted to test him, just unsure of victory. They claim his entrance rank is dubious, but who truly dares to try him? Camiriman Academy’s entrance competition might allow some cunning, but largely depends on pure strength. Though they might insist his results were tricks, if they tried and lost to Wenny, they'd undeniably bear the title, "Inferior to Wenny." Thus far, no one's dared to challenge him, sparing themselves potential embarrassment, waiting for someone else to take the leap. This explains why no one's challenged Wenny yet—he's a tough nut for those ranked lower. Winning against him brings little glory; losing means real shame. With someone else already stepping up to test Wenny before anyone else, many students harboring dissatisfaction with their own ranks passively await results. Therefore, if he wins under their scrutiny, proving he's no pushover, many will recoil, affording him some peace. Once the match officially began, Finnie unsheathed a double-edged longsword from his waist, a broad weapon ornamented like the glamorous cross of a cathedral. After drawing the weapon, Finnie took a deep breath but made no further moves, merely locking eyes with Wenny. It seemed she awaited him to arm himself before acting. This surprised Wenny, as typically from the moment the referee signals the start, attacks commence. An opening gambit already is inherent skill, cannot blame anyone else for lagging. Unlike opportunistic moves, Finnie adhered to her interpretation of fair play, refusing an edge. Wenny removed an ice crystal pendant from his ear, transforming it into a long lance of frost, twirling several gunflashes in the air. All eyes fixed on him, some spectators marveled at the fine weapon in Wenny’s hands. Seeing Wenny had readied himself, Finnie launched her attack, raising her longsword high but neither striking down nor closing in. Wenny suddenly found this familiar, then as realization hit, blinding white light burst from her sword. Oh no, it's **Bright Flare**! Wenny hadn't thought that he would fall for **Bright Flare** someday. Fortunately, he's utilized it many times, so prepared, thus not entirely blinded. Knowing full well that Finnie must've seized this opportunity to close in, he swung his icicle lance about. Unbeknownst to him, his chaotic defense was entirely foreseen by Finnie. Watching Wenny blinded and defensively flailing, now wide open, Finnie perceived him as an easy target. Her sword engulfed in beacons of light elemental magic, she charged forth, her knight's blade tracing a dazzling arc through the air. **Charged Light Strike** It was clear to the observers that the outcome of the duel had been decided. The battle had barely begun, and Wenny was taken down almost instantly, without even a chance to make a move. Many of the students watching shook their heads, not out of pity for Wenny’s defeat, but in regret for not seizing the opportunity themselves. If they had been bolder, that twenty-third rank could have been theirs. Now, the twenty-third spot had been taken. From Finnie's seamless performance, it was apparent she wouldn’t be an easy opponent, especially since her soul art was the **Saint Envoy**, marking her as a descendant of a notable family within the Holy See. The chance to snag that twenty-third rank slipped through their fingers. On the stands, Ishtiya watched the arena where Wenny struggled defensively. Just as she was about to look away and leave without a change in expression, a loud 'clang' resonated from the arena. Finnie looked shocked, feeling her sword being repelled. This being merely a duel, she had held back on her **Charged Light Strike**, using only about half her strength, afraid of seriously injuring Wenny. She never expected her spell to be deflected. "What is that?" Those witnessing the change on the arena were bewildered. Only Ishtiya recognized it for what it was—magic-counter and magical defense. In Tyrellis Continent, there was no unified concept of elemental resistance; defending against another’s magic involved 'magic-counter'. Simply put, it was using one's own magic to clash with and neutralize another's attacking spell. Wenny had used this method just moments ago to nullify Finnie's light-elemental magic. As the white light faded and the chill swept in, a figure clad in luxurious silver scale armor emerged from the dispersing glow, the scales layered in fresh snow. With his lance in hand, he casually shook off the flakes from his shoulder. Even those who belittled Wenny had to admit, “That was one slick move.” **Ice Skin** Anticipating an attack while he was disoriented, Wenny summoned his **Armor**, though it couldn't defend against magical attacks. He used it to facilitate **Ice Skin**. As Finnie’s glowing sword was about to descend upon him, he unleashed **Ice Skin**, countering Finnie’s light magic with ice magic, leaving her sword’s physical cutting power to contend with. Unless wielding a particularly exceptional sword—like Aesphyra's holy sword—any sword would bounce back when striking Wenny's impeccably fitting luxurious **Armor**; the average quality would even chip or dull. "Not even a scratch," Wenny quipped, rolling his neck with a sardonic tone. Finnie bit her lip, silently regretting holding back earlier. By now, everyone watching began to realize that there was more to Wenny than met the eye. His place at Camiriman Academy wasn’t without merit. Seeing Wenny wielding his soul art, Finnie approached, sword in hand. Naturally, Wenny wouldn’t allow her close. The spear was meant to maintain a mid-range combat distance, not close-quarters. In melee, longer weapons have the advantage; spears outdo swords significantly. Just as Wenny expected Finnie to charge recklessly like a knight, her sword, held behind her back, flashed brightly once more. Another **Blinding Flare**. Despite anticipating it, Wenny was forced to lower his head and shield his eyes with his arm. Is it another **Charged Light Strike**? Is that all she’s got?? No use, once **Charged Light Strike** is ready, so will his **Ice Skin**. However, Finnie deviated from Wenny’s expectations. Instead of using **Charged Light Strike**, she drove her sword into the ground. Three crosses of light encased him on three sides, locking him within. **Sacred Arboreal Seal** What in the world is this magic?? Wenny felt bewildered. Embarrassingly, being a direct descendant of the Fasyris family, this was his first exposure to so many **Saint Envoy** spells. This dim-witted girl, though seemingly foolish, knew so many **Saint Envoy** spells? Is she really a first-year student like him? Wenny inwardly admitted that Finnie’s talent might be among the top in all of Camiriman Academy; her synchronization with the **Saint Envoy** seemed quite high. After encasing Wenny, Finnie stood her ground five meters away, grasping her glowing sword tightly. **Charged Light Strike** Only this time, Finnie didn’t hurry to attack; the light element amassed on her sword, visibly increasing in power. No way?? **Charged Light Strike** could be played this way?? Wenny stood stunned, feeling as if Finnie was teaching him a lesson on utilizing the **Saint Envoy**. He had no idea **Charged Light Strike** could build up power through charging. Back when he transformed into Vannesa, he never accumulated energy, simply throwing it at enemies. With Finnie gathering power this way, even **Ice Skin** might not hold up. But he wasn't immobile and had no intention of letting Finnie charge at leisure. Preparing to rush and interrupt Finnie's charge, he found himself rebuffed by a light barrier. What on earth is this?? Wenny surveyed the three crosses of light surrounding him; they had formed barriers, enclosing him within! This magic was meant to restrict enemy movement! Logically speaking, it was hard to land this spell, so Finnie used **Blinding Flare** to make him shield his eyes momentarily, preventing evasion, allowing her to charge up safely and ensure her next spell would strike. This silly girl, did she have such a high talent for battle? **2025/05/11/22/03**