Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 45: Fated Confrontation - Daisuke VS Osten

Daisuke frowned inwardly but conceded to the command, his curiosity about the professor's intentions growing.

"Alright, everyone... that concludes the evaluation for mana output," the professor declared with a firm nod. "Now let's shift gears and dive into the assessment for physical attack power and combat prowess. Prepare yourselves; we're about to embark on a small tournament."

His gaze swept over the members of Group B, locking eyes with each student as if challenging them personally. "Each of you will be armed with a wooden weapon and engage in single combat. Once a winner is declared, two more participants will step forward to take their place in the arena."

He paused for effect, allowing the anticipation to build. "We'll continue this process until we have our finalists, who will then face off against each other in an ultimate showdown. Only one will emerge victorious."

Osten, his bitterness clear, gestured to Daisuke and questioned, "And what about him?"

"The finalist will spar against Mr. Starfrost to determine the ultimate victor."

Osten clenched his teeth in a mixture of annoyance and envy, but the professor paid him no mind.

"Scoring will be based on form, technique, power, and speed," Professor Bayley explained. "Matches will be decided definitively when I give the call. If there are no further inquiries," he scanned the assembly, ensuring everyone was attentive, "the first two contestants, please select a weapon and step forward."

"These insects have no clue who they're up against," murmured the girl beside Osten, her voice tinged with disdain. She shot a sidelong glance at the other students, her expression a mix of annoyance and superiority. "Even the Professor doesn't seem to know his place."

"We're the strongest duo in our level range," the tank added with a scowl. "And we hail from the mightiest guild. Let's show these fetuses what we're made of, Osten; it's high time these rookies learned their goddamn place!"

Osten selected a wooden longsword, his anger simmering beneath a veneer of calm determination. All he could think about was crushing Daisuke and anyone else who dared to challenge him. And that's precisely what he did; the professor had difficulty scoring the bout as it was entirely a one-sided battle.

As the tournament ensued, Daisuke discreetly used the Eye of Verity to analyze the Stats of every participant. Although the average level of the adventurers was 15, they exhibited varying degrees of skill and technique.

However, no level of ability could compete with the overwhelming advantage of equipment, and this stark reality propelled Osten and his allies forward until only Osten remained standing.

Daisuke seized the opportunity to ask, "Why didn't you allow me to take part in the preliminaries?"

The professor's reply came in a hushed tone, "Because I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to properly gauge your capabilities without presenting you with a decent challenge."

Daisuke didn't offer a response. Instead, he retrieved a pair of daggers from the weapons rack and positioned himself center stage, his demeanor composed.

Osten, grinning with malice, couldn't contain his excitement. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment," he taunted. "I'll break every damn bone in your body."

Elena and her companions looked on in dismay. She cupped her hands together and started whispering a prayer, her ears sagging, her tail limp. But Daisuke wasn't worried, nor was he nervous. He held Osten's gaze nonchalantly, ignoring the spite and hate that emanated from them.

Eye of Verity, he chanted the skill mentally.

[Name: Osten

Species: Human