Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 160 - 159- Trap(2)

Austin was back in his room.

It took some time to convince Valerie but fortunately, she calmed down.

He didn’t know the name of the student, and that very fact relays that the boy was not important enough to be remembered. He must have been disqualified in the first round and wanted to have Austin or Valerie ruled out by attacking him.

This was nothing new or unheard of. Austin has faced these kinds of situations back in his last life as well.

One time, he had an important rugby match, and a day before, someone ’accidentally’ bumped their bike into him.

He lost consciousness and was carried to the hospital, but somehow, the next day, he recovered, and despite the Doctor’s advice, he went to play the match.

And after the match, the one thug who ’accidentally’ hit him had to stay way longer in the hospital than Luke.

So it was nothing new, and Austin has the experience to deal with these bu**holes.

Just don’t give in to their provocation until you pass the hurdle they don’t want you to cross. And once it’s over, beat them senseless. And Austin was going to do just that.

"You okay?" As he entered the room, with the scent of cream still lingering, he heard Sheldon asking.

The blond one nodded, "Yeah, everything fine."

Sheldon didn’t ask anything further, even though he knew exactly what happened in the common hall. However, since Austin said he was fine, Sheldon decided to not bother him.

The Prince walked inside the bathroom and threw away his clothes first. They were dusty and sweaty.

Diving in the warm bath, he first washed his face and while he did, he mentally commanded,

’Stats,’

[Ding!]

[Combat: 72->81/100]

{Next reward at 100}

[Romance: 63->65/100]

{Next reward at 80}

[Durability: 73->85/100]

{Next reward at 100}

[Trickery: 35/50]

{Next reward at 50}

[Overall Progression: 59->67.8/100]

[Next Reward at 70]

…

[Ding!]

[You have three rewards!]

Austin didn’t think much before opening them,

[Ding!]

[Upon your combat advancement, the host has gained 300 Points]

[Upon your durability advancement, the host has gained 200 points.]

[Upon your trickery advancement, the host has gained the skill: Mirage Sync.]

[Mirage Sync: Creates a phantom at a target location that repeats the user’s movements and attacks after a short delay. The mirage mimics the exact actions performed at activation and disappears after a certain time.]

Austin had a frown on his face—what the heck?

’Why didn’t I receive any skill or tool upon advancement?’

[The system has nothing else to offer based on the Host’s current skill level.]

Austin clicked his tongue, "You could have offered a discount coupons on a few shop items."

Regardless of his complaints, he knew the system wouldn’t budge so he read the description of the skill he got.

After reading it twice, he asked, "You mean to say, after activating the skill, I perform a few movements or tasks which my mirage or clone would repeat for a certain period, right?"

[Indeed, host! How sharp!]

Austin rolled his eyes at the fruitless attempt of flattering him.

’What are the limitations?’

[The Mirage can only follow movements done within ten seconds, and the Mirage can only maintain its form for ten minutes.]

[Note: The duration cannot be enhanced with points.]

Austin couldn’t think of any use of this skill anytime soon. But surely, there was a long path ahead, and maybe there would arise a chance for him to use it.

’How many points do I have now?’

[Ding!]

[Total Points: 3201]

That put a smile on his face.

Austin stretched his arms before muttering,

’I should get out,’

°°°°°°°

The next day, early morning, Austin and Valerie were running side by side.

It has become a habit to exercise and train together.

Not only both of them were adamant about remaining in shape, but their greed to see each other as soon as the day breaks never allowed them to miss a single day of exercise.

Valerie was wearing a black jogging track, that consisted of jogging trousers, a white shirt with a jacket. She has tied her hair in a high ponytail that allows her to move freely.

Austin had a similar outfit, but he only wore a white shirt on his upper body.

Their forehead was glimmering with sweat.

Austin noticed that from wherever they passed, people glanced at them, and whispering among themselves.

’Seriously, how gossipy they can be...’ He ignored those gazes but Valerie didn’t.

However, to not bother her Lord, she didn’t say anything and continued to run in silence.

"Wanna take a break?" Austin asked and got a nod in response.

They both paused before a resting bench and Valerie instantly pulled a towel she had tugged at her waist.

"Thank you," Austin faintly whispered in between his labored breathing.

Valerie asked, "Want me to bring some water?"

"No, it’s fine. We will go to the common hall anyway."

Valerie wanted to bring some water, considering how much he had sweated. But she didn’t insist and sat down beside him.

The temperature was really nice today—perfect for exercising.

They have to report to the team meeting in an hour and start their team training.

The second-day match would start in five hours, so they would get enough time to train.

Tomorrow, they would be performing in the arena.

Tomorrow, it would be decided if Valorian would survive in the tournament or not.

Many things were on the line tomorrow, and Austin didn’t want a single thing to go against their way.

"I know we will win our match." As if she read his mind, Valerie rested her hand on his and assured him.

"I mean, we have you so surely-"

"No, Austin...we both know that this match cannot be won by a single person. Without you or the other two, it would be quite difficult."

Austin chuckled, "Are you putting pressure on me?"

Valerie blinked before her lips extended in a soft smile as she said, "Did I pressurize you? Well, I can compensate you by rewarding you if we win."

Austin was very curious, so he asked right away, "What is the reward this time?"

Valerie’s cheeks were flushed red, as she bit her lip.

Austin was both excited and patient to hear her answer, so he chose to give her the time she needed to muster up her strength.

However, the moment Valerie decided to tell him,

"AHHHHHHH!"

A cry arrived from the student’s dorm wing.

Austin and Valerie instantly got up on their feet.

Many students began to rush toward the dorm

Austin and Valerie shared a glance before they also sped towards the source of the cry.

The students started to gather around the gallery that led to Valorian’s dorm.

Austin had a bad feeling about this as he held Valerie’s hand and weaved through the crowd.

The partition in the crowd was found near the room where Valerie was staying with Annabelle.

Austin’s heart nearly stopped as he peeked inside the room and found a certain boy lying there—his limbs separated and the person encased in an ice block.

And it wasn’t just any boy...rather, the one who humiliated him yesterday.

Austin turned to look at Valerie.

Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m freewebnøvel.com.

And her expression told him everything.

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment..