Sarafina had a reputation; one of them was for shattering the balls of a student after learning he had used his influence to assault a classmate, so I didn't doubt her words.
The only reason I remained confident in spite of her threat was because I was innocent.
"No, I didn't," I responded.
I felt as though my lungs were suffocating.
My heart thumped heavily in my chest.
I sensed a crushing pressure slammed down upon my shoulders.
It was her aura. The spiritual pressure of a seasoned Berserker pressing against my very bones.
Suddenly, as it came, it vanished.
Sarafina released her grip on my collar.
I fell to the ground.
My vision spun.
I supported my body up, coughed and rubbed my throat gently to ease the pain of being strangled until my breathing stabilized.
I didn't know what her intentions were, and at this moment, I couldn't tell with certainty that her integrity hadn't been compromised.
Despite Sarafina's position as an instructor at the Grand Avalon Academy, she wasn't untouchable. There were still numerous awakeners in the world, the Zahara Clan included, who could silence her.
In a world ruled by strength and influence, even someone like her could be replaced.
Though she might not be afraid of shattering the pelvis of a student with a noble lineage for the atrocity he had committed, it wouldn't be worth it to provoke another noble lineage by fighting for a student with a more infamous reputation.
The Grand Avalon Academy might not be able to protect her, which would lead to her resignation, indirectly handing her over like a sheep to a slaughterhouse.
Either way, I wasn't someone worth protecting.
I would sell my silence if I was also in her position.
"I will bring this matter to the notice of the Instructors Committee and Disciplinary Committee. After the official investigation has been carried out, we will know whether you are telling the truth or not," Sarafina said.
I responded with a silent nod, not daring to meet her gaze.
I heard that in delicate matters like this, Sarafina had the temperament of a kangaroo with a cocaine overdose.
So it was best not to provoke her and possibly lead to my balls turning into the morning ground omelette.
I don't plan on dying a virgin.
"You don't need to go that far, Sarafina. They are my students, so I will handle the case personally. How can I allow an instructor from another department to be involved? What will my students think when they hear of this?" Fredric said, his tone stern.
He shook his head in disagreement with Sarafina's words.
Anyone with the hindsight of my situation and the intelligence of a hyena could understand that he didn't want to risk the other instructors, including her, knowing too much about this matter.
"True. It would be best to leave this situation to you to handle alone," Sarafina responded.
Then, with her tone filled with suspicion, she added, "But isn't it interesting that your student requested my presence? Doesn't that suggest he might not fully trust you?"
Silence enveloped the surroundings before a voice cut through it like a hot knife slicing through butter.
"Yes, I'm fully aware of that," Fredric admitted, his voice weary. "I suspect that he doubts my ability to remain unbiased, especially given the nature of his accusation. Instead, he seems to prefer confiding in another instructor. Perhaps believing they'll offer him a more sympathetic ear."
I have to admit that he's an outstanding actor. For a moment, even I believed his words.
I can definitely see why the descendants of the Zahara Clan approached him.
Sarafina's expression shone with understanding.
She responded, "Okay. If that's the case, then I will simply stay and supervise the duel. But keep me updated on the matter until it is resolved."
Fredric nodded. He refocused his gaze on I and Ivory.
He said, "This match is a non-lethal battle. Victory is achieved when an opponent either surrenders or is rendered unable to continue fighting. The losing party must uphold the prior agreement made before the match. Are there any questions?"
"No," I shook my head as I rose to my feet.
"I don't have any," Ivory replied, shaking her head in response.
"Okay. Take your positions," Fredric instructed.
He also turned around and walked towards the edge of the training ground to take his position.
Sarafina looked straight at Ivory with a broad, devious grin.
She stretched her right hand out and clenched it as though she were grasping the air.
"Crush his balls."
Ivory avoided her gaze. She only lowered her head and nodded. "I will try my best."
Yeah, I'm going to enjoy smashing her face.
Sarafina nodded. Her cold gaze swept over me for just a moment before she turned on her heel and walked toward Fredric.
She halted and fixed her gaze on us.
Without saying a word, Ivory turned back, heading towards her battle-ready position.
I also turned around and walked towards mine.
We stood within the inner edge of a circular black ring about 3 meters thick, drawn at the centre of the training ground.
The ring was used to force students to stay within the ring to fight their opponents head-on without excessive dogging or retreating, ensuring a quick and decisive result.
Because of this, pushing your opponent out of the line was one way to guarantee victory.
I unsheathed my iron sword and held it horizontally before me.
Ivory also unsheathed her sword. She pointed it in my direction.
Before the battle began, I had considered using my Cybernetic gauntlet but decided against it because it would be too easy to spot.
Instead, I decided to focus on using the skills that I had also obtained.
System. I thought.
[ Overclocked Mode - Active
Description: Enhances physical, mental, and combat reaction speed and prediction abilities, temporarily pushing the host beyond normal limits. ]
The only one that could aid me in this duel was the Overclock Mode skill, but I was unsure about how it would affect my body or how long I would last before collapsing.