Chapter 29: The Missing Challenger
The moon hung high above the Royal Academy.
Most students had already returned to their dormitories.
The events of the day had spread throughout the campus like wildfire.
Every hallway echoed with the same discussion.
«"Did you see the Apex and Kai?"»
«"That draw was unbelievable."»
«"They're monsters."»
---
Vee slowly pushed open the door to his room.
"...Home sweet home."
He looked at his bed.
The bed looked back.
Without another thought...
He threw himself onto it.
FWUMP!
"..."
"...If anyone needs me..."
"...Tell them I've retired."
A knock came from the door.
Vee groaned.
"I retired five seconds ago..."
Another knock.
He dragged himself to the entrance and opened it.
An Academy messenger stood outside carrying three envelopes.
"Lord Apex."
"These arrived after today's duel."
Vee stared at the letters.
"...More?"
"I'm afraid so."
The messenger handed them over before leaving.
The moment the door closed...
Vee looked toward the ceiling.
"Can someone tell the Academy..."
"...that I'm only one person?"
---
He sat on the couch and opened the first envelope.
The smile on his face slowly disappeared.
The signature caught his attention immediately.
Darius Blackthorn.
Vee's eyes narrowed.
"Him..."
Memories from the original novel surfaced.
Darius Blackthorn.
A noble.
Cruel.
Arrogant.
One of the Academy's most dangerous students.
Not because he was the strongest...
But because he enjoyed breaking people.
"He was one of the villains."
Vee quietly read the rest of the letter.
«To the Apex.
Three days from now.
I challenge you.»
There was no greeting.
No respect.
Only confidence.
Vee folded the letter.
"So..."
"...the fun begins."
---
He opened the second envelope.
Cedric Vale.
Another familiar name.
"Another villain."
Unlike Darius...
Cedric specialized in manipulation.
He preferred letting others do his dirty work before stepping in himself.
Vee sighed.
"Two already."
He opened the final envelope.
His expression became thoughtful.
Marcus Ravencrest.
Another future antagonist.
Three names.
Three villains.
Yet...
One name was missing.
Vee leaned back in his chair.
"...That's strange."
He closed his eyes.
Trying to remember the novel.
"Originally..."
"Kai became the Apex."
"Then..."
"The main villain challenged Kai."
"He defeated Kai..."
"And became the new Apex."
Vee slowly opened his eyes.
"But..."
"I'm the Apex now."
"So..."
"...where is he?"
---
He stood and walked toward the window.
The Academy was quiet beneath the moonlight.
"He should've challenged me immediately."
"His personality wouldn't let an opportunity like this pass."
"Unless..."
A possibility crossed his mind.
"...He's waiting."
Waiting to gather information.
Waiting for Vee to reveal more of his abilities.
Waiting until victory was certain.
Vee smiled.
"Cautious."
"I like that."
Then he shook his head.
"...Actually."
"I don't."
---
A blue screen suddenly appeared before him.
DING!
---
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Future Timeline Detected
The original sequence of events has changed.
Several individuals have altered their actions due to the Host's interference.
Future predictions are no longer completely reliable.
---
Vee stared at the screen.
"So..."
"...I've officially broken the story."
The screen remained silent.
He sighed.
"I suppose that means..."
"...I don't get spoilers anymore."
---
The next morning...
Students crowded around the Academy's official notice board.
Fresh duel announcements had been posted.
"Look!"
"Darius Blackthorn challenged the Apex!"
"Marcus Ravencrest too!"
"And Cedric Vale!"
"They're all powerful!"
Leon folded his arms.
"...Looks like they're lining up."
Aurelia looked toward Vee.
"Will you accept?"
Vee smiled.
"I accepted sixty challengers yesterday."
"Three more won't hurt."
Leon raised an eyebrow.
"You sound confident."
Vee shrugged.
"I'm trying."
"Internally..."
"...I'm screaming."
Leon laughed.
"I believe that."
Across the courtyard...
A young man with dark crimson hair watched the conversation from the shadows.
His crimson eyes rested on Vee for only a moment.
Then...
He quietly turned and walked away.
No one noticed him.
Except...
Vee.
"There you are..."
The boy never looked back.
"The future's main villain."
"So you really aren't planning to challenge me yet."
A small smile appeared on Vee's face.
"Good."
"I'll become even stronger before we meet."
The wind swept through the Academy courtyard.
One battle had ended.
Another...
Far more dangerous one...
Had quietly begun.