Chapter 159

Charon Military School's award evaluation held little importance for her; honors were unnecessary. Her sole purpose was investigating Justine's death, a quest she wouldn't abandon until uncovering the truth. However, she wouldn't ignore Lane's bullying.

Below the rostrum, a horn blared. Emma entered the arena, facing three girls in uniform. One versus three. The duel began immediately.

"Emma wants to fight all three?"

"I think these girls are no match for Emma! Remember, she defeated boxing champion Ruby."

"I doubt it." Student opinions diverged; some were fervent, others measured. One student analyzed, "Emma's undoubtedly a master. She's competed in boxing and fencing. However, Charon Military School stipulates that in the highest duel, only class-taught movements are permitted."

In short, Emma could only use techniques learned at Charon Military School. Their training had only lasted a month; their movement repertoire was severely limited.

"Emma's a master, but her power makes her more vulnerable to restriction. The wrestling we've learned is basic. Emma possesses a far broader skillset. Her strength makes her easier to restrain. Plus, her opponents aren't weak." This professional assessment unnerved some of Emma's supporters.

This was the highest duel, a high-level match against low-level opponents. If Emma lost, she could only apply to withdraw from the school.

Someone exclaimed indignantly, "Those three girls are shameless! Three against one! Even if they win, it's not glorious."

"Victory's paramount on the battlefield. Glory is irrelevant."

"Let's wait and see. Good luck, Emma!"

"Miss Wilson! Good luck!"

After the first monthly examination, Emma had amassed a significant following at Charon Military School, both boys and girls who idolized her.

Ten seconds remained until the duel. The crowd grew increasingly boisterous.

The three girls conferred briefly. One suddenly launched an aerial attack, her feet aiming for Emma's neck. Another grabbed Emma's wrist from behind, immobilizing her. The third punched Emma's vulnerable abdomen. Their combined assault was brutal and relentless.

The onlookers anxiously watched. A person under attack reacts instinctively. However, Emma, proficient in various duel movements, was restricted to a limited set, hindering her potential.

Emma endured the kick and punch; the injuries were significant. Most would have fallen, but Emma's strong will kept her standing. For Lane and Dummy, she wouldn't lose.

Emma's immediate injury caused panicked cries from the audience.

"What will she do? She's seriously injured!"

"Don't worry. A three-on-one disadvantage is expected. Let's see if she can hold on."

Tension mounted.

"Miss Wilson, counterattack!"

Emma didn't rush. A single, decisive strike was her usual style. She remained still, anticipating the next wave of attacks. Her eyes narrowed; seizing the opportunity, she crossed her forearms, blocking a leg aimed at her chest. With a shout, she braced her thigh, then sprang up, delivering a swift kick.

Though basic movements, Emma executed them with breathtaking speed and power. Each blow was pure strength; simple yet devastatingly effective. Three moves, one for each opponent. In the blink of an eye, all three girls fell.

The audience was stunned. The lack of fancy moves only amplified the impact of her terrifying efficiency.

The girl behind Emma rose, attempting a sneak attack. Before her leg could connect, Emma evaded and countered with a punch to the girl's face, drawing blood. It mirrored the blood on Lane's mouth. The girl collapsed, cursing weakly, "Emma... you're shameless. You used your full strength..."

Emma replied, "No." She approached the fallen girl, continuing, "I didn't use my full strength. Otherwise, your ribs would be broken, and you'd be speechless. I merely returned the injuries you inflicted on Lane."

As a top assassin, she instantly assessed Lane's injuries: chest, legs, and face. Three injuries, three retaliatory moves.

The audience erupted in cheers. Even the coaches and teachers nodded approvingly; Emma's performance was a masterful combat demonstration.

The defeated girls lost the highest duel, incurring a 100-point deduction. At their level, regaining those points was impossible. Students with the lowest points were expelled annually. Point deductions and bullying Lane resulted in their suspension, serving as a warning.

Indignant, the girls protested, "We were wrong, but Emma also erred. She bullied us, initiating a cross-level duel. Shouldn't she be removed from the Hero Rank? We can drop out, but she should be removed too!"

Their words angered the students.

"Three against one, and you dare whine?"

"Miss Wilson fought a cross-level duel, but there were three of you! You couldn't defeat her, and you act pitiful? Shameless!"

"The rules are made by people. One against three isn't a mistake. We won't let Miss Wilson be removed!"

Removal from the Hero Rank was a pre-existing rule. The strong couldn't challenge the weak in the highest duel; no one could challenge someone more than 100 ranks below them in the previous exam. Winning still resulted in 100-point deduction for the opponent and removal from the Hero Rank for the victor.

Emma was the previous champion; these girls ranked between 200 and 300. By the rules, Emma should be removed, losing her accolades and the Hero Rank emblem bearing her name.