Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

"Are you nuts?" A voice, standing in the darkness, asked the other person.

It was within the boundaries of the venue where the Tournament was taking place.

Inside the changing room provided in the gymnasium, two figures stood and talked in a hushed voice.

"I have decided. No one can change my decision now." The other being responded. His voice was guttural, almost inhumane.

The other person was a woman, who clearly seemed displeased when she said, "My plan was going so smoothly and now...can't you wait until the last round? I will take care of him by then." The woman protested against what the man proposed before.

However, the stance of the other one didn't change, "I can't. Ever since I saw her that day...I can't stop thinking about her. A strong woman needs a strong man by her side. I know she won't be satisfied by that puny human. She needs me, as much as I need her."

There was a very faint sense of obsession that was laced in his voice when he talked about the third person.

The other person grumbled, "Tch, you and your strange obsession with strange things. Anyway, you do know what will happen if you fail this time right? Lord Zargon will chew you alive."

The man scowled, "I don't fear anything. These people are weak, and the only strong defender they have will be my target."

There was a brief pause before the woman voiced, "Remember, you can't have him. He is mine, and I won't tolerate any damage dealt to him." The woman's aura flared only to the point where she reminded the other one of her status.

The other person scoffed, "Then just go ahead and take him. What's stopping you from hunting a mere human?"

The woman coquettishly smiled a smile which made even the other one waver for a moment, before she said, "The fun of the hunt is only when you have the prey wrapped around your finger and torment them before delivering the final blow. Don't spoil the fun for me~"

*Knock*

"Monica? How long?" Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, making the woman, who was now identified as Monica, flinch.

"Just a second," She said before tying her hair and telling the person beside her, "It's on the third day. Don't mess it up this time."

No response came in response as Monica advanced towards the door, and the other person faded into darkness.

°°°°°°°°

"You look tired," Esner asked as he and Rhea walked side by side.

Rhea sighed, "Yeah, team training was tougher than individual one." It turned out Austin, who has barely participated in any raid before, was actually better than her in teamwork.

To not drag down her team, she pushed herself to the limits and did her best to hear the commands and act on them.

Since Elara was forced to participate in the training, they were divided into two teams, and thankfully, despite Rhea's clumsiness, they won during the practice battle.

Well, it was to be expected considering they had Valerie on their team. She is fast, strong, and proactive in decision-making. She doesn't stick to the orders if she sees the opportunity. And most of all, regardless of the situation, she retains a calm head. And that is the most crucial factor to win.

Esner smiled at the girl, "Do you want to have something warm and relaxing? Wait I will bring it for you."

"Ah!" Before Rhea could have stopped him, Esner went inside the common hall.

Left alone, she sat down on the nearby bench.

Esner was a good person and because of their random meetings, they have gotten closely acquainted as well.

Even when she was struggling with Rudolph, he suddenly appeared before her and helped her collect herself.

A strange who became her friend in no time.

She knew she shouldn't make friends with someone who comes from a nation that holds animosity against Eryndor, but she couldn't push away a person, especially when have only good intentions toward you.

"Here," Esner soon appeared before her, while holding a paper cup.

Rhea's brows elevated as she received the scent of freshly crushed beans from the cup.

Taking a sip, she was delighted to find milk coffee inside, before she asked in a surprise, "How did you know that I don't like sugar in my coffee?"

Esner froze for a moment, then he blinked and casually said, "I also don't like it...so I asked the server out of habit."

Rhea smiled, "It's the same for me. I don't like sweet things much."

Esner nodded as he was about to sit down beside her when suddenly, "What are you doing here, student Rhea."

Esner flinched for a moment, but then he retained his calm demeanor and following Rhea, he also turned towards the bespectacled man.

"Professor Morkel...I was just relaxing after a long training session." The girl responded.

Morkel crossed his arms on his chest before he said, "I don't want to be harsh here, but there is a chance that our team will go against Avalon Academy during the second stage. And for you two to stay close...you know that it can affect your matches, right?"

Rhea's eyes widened slightly...she really didn't think it was like that.

Morkel soon followed, "Now think, if by any chance you fail to perform well, because of any other reasons, against the Avalon...won't your team and the other say that you let them win for the sake of your friendship."

Esner gritted his teeth hearing the man's nonsensical words. The only reason he didn't allow his aura to leak was because of the girl beside him.

The pinkhead understood the severity of the matter before she apologized, "I understand. Sorry, sir."

Turning towards the boy, she said, "I apologize Esner, but until we finish our matches, we shouldn't meet. Bye."

Esner barely managed to squeeze his lips in a smile, as he said, "I understand."

Not so long after, Rhea excused herself and walked away.

Once she left, Esner also decided to leave, considering he might lose his control and attack the d*ckhead.

However, just as he turned, "Long time, Park."

Esner flinched upon hearing that name before he instantly spun on his feet and looked at the man.

"How did you..."

"Oh, I observed you. Your behavioral pattern, the way you talk, and the way you were roaming around Rhea...it was simple, really."

Parkinson gritted his teeth, his soul energy making the air heavy, as the boy voice, "What do you need?"

"Oh, I need nothing from you. I just came to warn you about something." With a grin that looked nothing but nasty in Park's eyes, Morkel uttered, "Rhea believes that the order to exile Austin in exchange for receiving help from Hener was your doing."

All the color from his face vanished, as he asked in a louder tone, "What proposal?!"

Morkel chuckled, "You don't know? Well, you should ask your parents then. As for Rhea, don't let her know that it's you, or she might come after your life~" Saying so, Morkel walked away leisurely.

He just wanted to warn the boy and remind him where he stands in Rhea's life.

'Your chapter is closed, so don't try to come near her anymore.'

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Do you want to see the group exercise? Maybe I will add bits and pieces of it. How about a third chapter today? No promises though...