I Became the Mastermind Who Betrays the Heroines

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 65 – Seizing Control (3)

Ian Ternado.

The current second-year head and Cadel’s personal head teaching assistant.

He couldn’t stand Judas Snakes.

—Have you been well, Senior Ian?

It was something about his demeanor.

That relaxed attitude rubbed him the wrong way.

This kid, only a few months into his first year, carried himself with a smug air, as if he had something to prove.

From the very beginning, Ian wanted to put him in his place.

—Did you hear? Apparently, we’ve got a record-breaking freshman this year.

—You mean the Snakes’ heir, right?

—I watched his duel the other day. His skills are no joke.

—It makes sense that all the professors are going crazy trying to recruit him.

Listening to other students gush about him made Ian’s blood boil.

A mere first-year cadet—what was so special about him that everyone was making such a fuss?

Whenever Ian overheard someone singing Judas’s praises, it twisted something inside him.

Perhaps it was jealousy.

‘What’s so great about this punk?’

Whenever the rumors got under his skin, Ian would scoff, unable to accept that someone might have more talent than him. He had no problem tearing others down without hesitation.

He thought Judas was just acting cocky for no reason.

No matter how skilled Judas might be, he was still just a first-year, and Ian was certain he wouldn’t stand a chance against a second-year like himself.

At Galimard, the gap between years was a towering wall.

‘Tch… What does the professor even see in this brat?’

His disdain for Judas grew more intense by the day.

Especially after Cadel started taking an interest in him.

Ian felt the pressure mounting, as his own position was now at risk.

The head teaching assistant role wasn’t something a greenhorn like Judas should be handed.

But what drove Ian truly mad was Judas’s response to all the offers.

—I’m not particularly inclined to accept, but…

—Thank you for the offer.

—I’ll think about it and get back to you later.

That arrogant, dismissive attitude.

Judas never gave a clear answer, toying with the idea as if testing the waters right in front of him.

Even though the professor offering was none other than Cadel, one of the top names at Galimard.

It was like the boy didn’t know his place.

More than anything, Ian wanted to throw a glove in Judas’s face and challenge him to a duel, but he couldn’t act rashly. He had no way of knowing how Judas would react, and seniors bullying juniors wasn’t exactly a flattering look.

"Be thankful you’re just a junior. If we were in the same year, I’d have challenged you to a duel by now."

Ian could only cool his anger in private.

But then.

"That’s an excellent idea."

"What…?"

"A duel."

Out of nowhere, Judas’s expression brightened with a smile.

He removed his glove, and without a moment’s hesitation, threw it directly at Ian.

Thud!

"I, Judas Snakes, in the name of honor and order, hereby challenge Ian Ternado to a duel."

The sound of the glove striking Ian’s chest echoed.

Judas’s voice rang out clearly.

Ian stood there, frozen in shock. His gaze locked with Judas’s, who was now grinning.

The snake flicked its tongue.

"I trust you won’t run away."

Ian found himself accepting the challenge, caught completely off guard.

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***

News of the duel spread like wildfire.

Perhaps it was because there wasn’t much else on the schedule before the upcoming school trip, but the students were thrilled by the prospect, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.

The academy’s attention shifted rapidly toward the duel.

—I accept the duel.

—The stakes? The loser will grant one request from the winner.

—The duel will take place two days from now.

Despite being momentarily taken aback, Ian agreed to the duel. After all, he had been waiting for an opportunity, and Judas’s challenge seemed to irritate him just enough to spur him on.

His face had flushed red with anger for quite some time afterward.

That intense, glaring expression he wore was quite the sight.

Regardless, the announcement of the duel between the two spread like wildfire through the academy.

Students buzzed with excitement over the thrilling topic, and even with only two days to prepare, the duel became a hot topic of conversation.

As I walked through the hallways, more than half the conversations I overheard were about the upcoming match.

—Who do you think will win?

—It’s gotta be Senior Ian, right?

—There’s a reason he’s rumored to be next year’s student council president.

—Yeah, but I think Young Master Judas has a good chance too.

—Sure, he’s an extraordinary freshman, but still… He’s up against Senior Ian. It’s gonna be tough.

—Yeah, you’re probably right.

Opinions were split.

The general sentiment seemed to favor Ian as the likely winner.

While I had a few supporters, most people believed I wouldn’t be able to overcome the gap in experience between us.

They thought the Snakes’ heir was still too green.

Honestly, I understood their reasoning.

Ian Ternado wasn’t just any opponent.

He was the top of the second-year students, as well as Cadel’s personal head teaching assistant.

A highly talented student, especially in electric magic, and widely regarded as one of the top candidates for next year’s student council president.

He was the model elite.

‘Plus, they don’t know my full capabilities yet.’

The students had only seen me in action once during the duel with Emilia.

Although it had been a memorable performance, it hadn’t been enough to show them everything I was capable of—certainly not enough for them to believe I could easily overpower Ian.

That was why most of them had made their calculations and come to the conclusion that I wouldn’t be able to surpass Ian Ternado.

—I’m betting on Senior Ian too.

—Honestly, a year from now, Young Master Judas might have no trouble winning. But for now, experience counts for a lot.

—Yeah, Senior Ian is definitely on another level.

Even the main characters shared similar doubts.

As I quietly worked on assignments in the library, Regia, who was sitting beside me, whispered.

"Young Master… Are you really going to be alright?"

"Of course, Miss Regia. I’m perfectly fine."

"But I heard your opponent is really strong. O-Of course, I’m cheering for you, but…"

"You’re worried about what might happen, aren’t you?"

"Y-Yes, something like that."

"How thoughtful of you. It’s nice to know that you care about me so much, Miss Regia."

"Ugh…"

The pink-haired girl practically melted under my affectionate touch.

It seemed like she was quite anxious on my behalf.

Honestly, it felt great to have the protagonist worry about me.

It made me feel like we were truly best friends, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Just as I was quietly enjoying the moment—

"That’s not happening."

A voice chimed in from nearby.

It was a boy with blue hair—none other than Emilia’s younger brother, Ruska Vanity.

He had shown up to discuss something with his sister, but now he was sitting close by, joining in on the conversation.

Ruska inserted himself into our chat with a confident tone.

"Senior Ian is strong. You won’t be able to beat him this time."

It seemed he couldn’t resist chiming in when he overheard something he was familiar with.

Ruska was a devout follower of Ian, after all.

"Even if you’re dominant among the first-years, there’s always someone stronger above you."

"Is he really that impressive?"

Regia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Commoners should stay out of this."

"…"

"Anyway, you should brace yourself for defeat."

Ruska snickered to himself.

He might’ve been Emilia’s brother, but he certainly gave off the same third-rate villain energy she did.

I didn’t feel like responding, so I just nodded absentmindedly.

The conversation continued noisily around me.

One person worrying, the other mocking, both getting carried away in their own worlds.

The only one who remained quiet throughout was Emilia herself.

"…"

Having witnessed my full abilities firsthand, she seemed to know what the outcome would be.

She slowly moved closer to me.

Leaning in, she whispered softly in my ear.

"…Just don’t kill him."

It seemed her concerns were entirely different from everyone else’s.

I let out a short laugh.

"Don’t worry."

I wasn’t lying.

There was no need to spill blood, even in a duel.

I added to reassure her.

"I don’t intend to go too hard on him. I’m not going to toy with him like I did last time, either."

I was a gentleman, after all.

Ding!

[Lies have been restored slightly.]

[Current output remaining: 96.4%]

Of course.

There are always exceptions.

***

The day of the duel arrived.

Once again, the venue was the academy’s public arena.

It was a familiar sight at this point.

As I stepped into the wide, circular arena, I took in the surrounding stands, packed with spectators.

Every seat was filled.

"Heh."

I was starting to get used to it.

The grandeur of the arena, which had once felt overwhelming, now seemed almost amusing.

I stretched lightly, preparing for the duel.

"Student Judas."

Standing beside me was Selena.

She had come to watch after hearing about the duel.

Silently observing me for a moment, she finally removed the bottle from her lips and asked.

Her voice carried the scent of alcohol.

"Paha… Are you sure about this?"

"What do you mean?"

"The duel. If you want, I can stop it now. I still have enough sway to cover it up."

"I appreciate the offer."

"I thought you hated getting involved in troublesome things."

"But I enjoy entertaining things."

"You’re hard to figure out."

Selena sighed again.

"I don’t think you’ll lose, but still, I’ll be rooting for you."

"You can expect a good show, Master."

"Hm."

Her red eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Leaving her gaze behind, I headed toward the center of the arena, where my opponent was already waiting.

"You’re here."

It was Ian.

Arms crossed, he stood there waiting for me.

The two of us faced each other.

With a mocking tone, Ian spoke.

"I didn’t actually think you’d show up."

"Running away isn’t my style."

"I have no idea what made you think you could win this duel. You don’t really believe you’ll beat me, do you?"

"Who can say?"

"Don’t make me laugh."

He scoffed incredulously.

After briefly rolling his wrists, Ian’s eyes sharpened as he glared at me.

"I’ve been waiting for this. I’ll crush you here and now."

Crackle-!

Sparks flew from the air around him.

Ian’s specialty—electric magic.

He charged electricity into his fingertips. The lightning surged wildly, crackling with intensity.

Just gathering mana created an imposing atmosphere.

"I’ll fry that smug face of yours."

Bzzz-!

Maybe it was an attempt at intimidation.

But to me, it just seemed like a pathetic taunt.

The snake didn’t flinch.

Instead, I simply smiled, as if I was enjoying the entire situation.

"Be careful with your words."

I flicked my tongue.

"They make you sound weak."

"What…?"

A cold shiver ran down Ian’s spine.

"…?!"

It was an unfamiliar sensation—an unsettling chill that caused his shoulders to tremble.

And soon after, the referee’s voice boomed across the arena.

The duel was about to begin.

Ian, still startled, quickly regained his composure and assumed his stance.

《Competitors, please take your positions.》

《This duel will be conducted as a sparring match. The duel ends when one opponent is subdued or incapacitated.》

《Alternatively, if one side concedes, the duel will also end.》

The rules were the same as last time.

Soon, the referee tossed a coin into the air.

A golden flash streaked downward.

Clang!

The signal for the duel echoed through the arena.

Immediately after.

"Hup!"

With a sharp breath, Ian lunged forward.

His body flickered as if he were teleporting, rapidly closing the distance between us.

Electricity crackled through the air.

Bzzz-!

It seemed he was aiming to stun me with a shock.

In an instant, the gap between us shrank.

I calmly watched the moment stretch out, as though time itself had slowed, and muttered the Lie that had been resting on my lips.

The words flowed smoothly.

"Shatter."

Illusion magic.

The world flipped upside down.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]