If people believe there is fairness in the world, they are wrong, and if they believe they are on top of the world, they are wrong again. The people closest to you will betray you with the kindest words. Betrayal can hit us as hard as a solid rock swinging at an egg. My name is Finn Maverick, an IT graduate and a complete shut-in. I once used to be the most sociable person in our college, but that changed when I found a girlfriend. You may wonder what is so horrible about having a girlfriend. Some people may even be envious of me. Why not? I have a fair complexion, and my girlfriend is our college's Madonna, the girl every boy fantasises about... me included.

I, like everyone else, had a crush on her, but the fascinating thing is that she was the one who proposed to me first. I know, it's shocking, isn't it? As we see in films, love can come from any angle. I'm not sure what she saw in me, but I didn't ask. I was just a cowardly fool who was afraid to listen to his positive points from a girl he loved. More than any other rumour, news of our dating swept throughout campus. Everything was going smoothly until that happened.

‘Slash’ "What do you think you're looking at, mutt? Do you think we're playing a game?"

Are we not? So, are you seriously trying to kill me with that sword? I wanted to say that, but I don't think it matters anymore. That earlier attack had made a wound on my arm, and I could still feel a hint of pain there. It's far too vivid to be a dream. But what I discovered about the situation was... Cadet 222, who is in front of me, is known as Arslan Fawx. I know... the name is too cheesy for a third-rate warrior, but I'm neither his mother nor father, so... I can't complain. Compared to him, I have a shitty name... Yuu. What exactly is it? Did his parents die while naming him?

This is a training arena, and today they are hosting a unique battle tournament to choose the top 100 cadets from 456, and guess what...? I'm the last lucky star.

The trainees are ranked based on academic and physical tests taken on the first day of entering the warrior academy, and this useless body I currently possess is merely a punching bag for these elites.

That Aria lady seemed to be first among females and 195th overall. She could accidentally swing her blade and kill me like the pest I am. But, thank God, she is currently in the infirmary, being treated for an aphrodisiac she took. I'm sure she and this body owner had a steamy night. "Hehe."

"What are you laughing at?" ‘Swing!’ Another swing, but I evaded it instinctively.

The duels will be one-on-one and will last until the top 100 are chosen. If a cadet loses two times in a row or is in no state to continue, he will be eliminated, and the top ten cadets will get a special reward from the king himself. That's tempting... Who wouldn't want that?

To ensure fairness, the duelists are matched at random. That doesn't seem fair to me. If a rank 1 is paired against a rank 456 like me, then how would you call that fair? Is this tournament even official? Or is it simply entertainment for the eyes of the king?

"Make your move, Cadet 456. We don't have all day... The king is growing tired. " I knew it. This whole tournament is all for that bastard's entertainment. Look at him yawning as these people put their lives at risk.

An opponent is in front of me, aiming for a kill. Although he is a lowly rookie, I am no better. And this is the first time I've held a real sword. It's heavy, but swinging it feels light. At the very least, this body is capable of it.

There are three ways to win: disarm my opponent's weapon; force him to submit; or kill him. I could simply surrender and walk away from this fight, but I doubt anyone here would be satisfied with that. Especially the king. And I have pride as a shut-in gamer in giving this battle my all, even if I lose.

Let's get this over with, Finn. Think of it as a game and go for the win.

"Stop dodging and attack me, you filthy son of a bitch!!" He screamed.

I dashed forward. My speed was not quick, but it was not slow either. I was right in front of him within two steps. "Right back at ya, bitch!"