A practice fight was about to begin in the combat training hall.
The match was between two brothers—Pavan and Adren. Both were known as exceptional fighters and were considered the strongest students in the hall. However, due to a growing conflict between them, they decided that only one could hold the title of the strongest.
The only way to settle it was through combat.
The trainer announced that the fight would be held openly, with all students present as witnesses.
As I observed them, something felt wrong.
Pavan's face looked pale, and his breathing was uneven, as if he were forcing himself to stay calm. In contrast, Adren wore a strange, confident smile—almost creepy.
That was when I realized something was off.
Without thinking too much, I walked toward Pavan.
It wasn't because I liked him or wanted any favor. I simply couldn't stand the idea of someone losing because of deception. Maybe my sense of justice was too strong.
"Hey, Pavan," I greeted.
He turned toward me, looking confused. "Hello… do I know you?"
"No," I replied. "I just joined the academy."
"Oh. Then what do you want?"
I hesitated briefly, then said, "You don't look well."
Pavan froze.
He was clearly not in good condition, yet he had been pretending everything was fine. He stared at me for a moment, clearly wondering how I noticed.
Without saying anything, he motioned for me to follow him to the side.
I didn't sense any danger, so I went with him.
Once we were out of earshot, he asked sharply,"What do you want? And how do you know I'm not feeling well?"
"I just asked casually," I replied.
He frowned. "Don't give me that. No one asks about someone's health right before a match unless they know something."
His raised voice drew a few glances from nearby students.
I took a breath and said calmly, "I noticed your face. Something was clearly wrong."
Pavan studied me for a moment. "Fine. Then what are you suggesting?"
I thought for a second before answering."Don't you think it's strange that you suddenly fell sick right before such an important fight?"
That made him pause.
Before he could respond, Pavan started coughing—violently. His body shook, and to everyone's shock, blood spilled from his mouth.
The trainer rushed over immediately."Pavan! What happened? Are you sick?"
Before Pavan could answer, Adren walked over and scoffed.
"Oh my brother," he said mockingly. "If you're this weak, maybe you should focus on your health instead of fighting for the title of strongest martial artist."
At that moment, Pavan understood.
This wasn't a coincidence.
He looked at me and said quietly, "You were right."
Adren noticed and turned toward me. "Who are you? You must be new."
I met his gaze. "Why do you care?"
Adren laughed. "You've got some nerve. Do you even know who I am? I'm Adren Giovanni, the strongest in the combat training hall. When you speak to me, you bow."
I scoffed. "You talk too much about yourself."
His smile vanished."Watch your mouth. I can break your legs and have you expelled without effort."
I replied calmly, "Don't worry. You're the one who'll be expelled."
The students burst into laughter.
Adren laughed too. "Confident, aren't you? But confidence won't save you. Why don't you just shut up?"
Pavan stood up despite his condition, glaring at his brother."You should learn some manners."
Adren smirked. "Brother, worrying about manners won't help your health. You're already struggling."
Pavan clenched his fists.
Adren turned to the trainer and joked, "Sir, I think he needs a stretcher."
Laughter echoed through the hall.
I stepped forward, staring at Adren."Why don't we spar and see who actually has skill—and who just has a big mouth?"
The hall went quiet.
Adren stopped laughing and looked at me seriously."You know you're challenging the strongest student here, right?"
I didn't answer. I just looked into his eyes.
After a moment, he grinned coldly."Fine, brat. By the end of this match, you'll be crawling out of the academy."