Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss-Chapter 360 - 358: Top students of the Academy
A loud CLANG echoed across the training field, snapping everyone's attention back to the center. Namsu and Wonjae had clashed weapons with fierce force—Namsu's long staff against Wonjae's dual blades. Sparks flew from the impact, and the crowd erupted in cheers and gasps.
Nayoung's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Go, Namsu! Show him what you've got!" she cheered, jumping up and down.
Wonjae grinned confidently, pushing back against Namsu's staff. "You're not gonna win this time, Namsu," he taunted, his blades scraping against the wooden surface of the staff.
Namsu only smirked, his grip steady. "We'll see," he replied calmly, spinning his staff around with a flourish. The movement sent a gust of wind that made Wonjae step back.
Without missing a beat, Namsu dashed forward, his staff swinging in wide arcs. Wonjae blocked swiftly with his blades, metal ringing with each hit. They moved in perfect rhythm—Namsu's staff sweeping and jabbing with precision, while Wonjae parried and slashed with sharp speed.
Professor Park crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "Impressive. They've both grown stronger since last month," he remarked.
Alexa leaned in toward Seojun. "Looks like they're really giving it their all. Wonjae's agility is no joke, but Namsu's control over his staff is… something else," she whispered, her eyes locked on the fight.
Namsu spun his long staff with graceful precision, each swing whistling through the air. Wonjae moved swiftly, his dual blades flashing with sharp light as he deflected each attack. The ground beneath them cracked with every powerful blow, dust and sparks flying in all directions.
Nayoung's eyes shone with excitement as she watched her brother's fluid movements. "Go, Namsu! Show him what you've got!" she cheered loudly, clapping her hands.
Professor Park chuckled, crossing his arms. "You know Professor Jihoon" he began, glancing at Seojun. "Namsu is a big fan of Alex, and Wonjae? He's been obsessed with catching up to Alexa for years. Isn't this interesting to watch?"
Alexa laughed, placing her hands on her hips. "That makes this even more entertaining," she replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's just a shame that Alex isn't here to see it. He would've loved to watch this."
Professor Park nodded, a hint of regret in his expression. "Yeah, it's too bad. He always enjoys these kinds of things."
Alexa shrugged with a grin. "Good thing every mock battle is recorded, right? He can just watch it later and yell at the screen like he always does," she said, laughing.
Professor Park joined in her laughter. "That's true! He does get too into it," he added with a grin.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Namsu twirled his staff and slammed it into the ground, sending a shockwave toward Wonjae. Wonjae jumped, flipping gracefully in midair before landing a few steps back, completely unharmed.
The mock battle continued with cheers and loud applause from the audience. After a long and intense fight, the match between Namsu and Wonjae ended in a tie. Both fighters stood in the middle, breathing heavily but proud of their efforts. The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and shouting their names.
Seojun, who had been silently watching the match, turned to Nayoung, who was still clapping enthusiastically. "How is your relationship with him?" he asked casually.
Nayoung blinked in surprise, still clapping. "We're in good terms! Why do you ask, Pro—eh?" she paused, turning around, but Seojun was already gone.
She looked around, confused. "Where did he go...?" she murmured, scratching her head. Professor Alexa chuckled beside her. "He always disappears like that. You'll get used to it," she said with a grin.
Nayoung spotted Namsu and Wonjae leaving the training field, blending into the crowd of students. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately dashed after them, waving her hands. "Oppa! Oppa!" she shouted, trying to catch his attention.
Namsu, hearing the familiar voice, paused and looked around. His eyes landed on Nayoung, who was trying to squeeze through the crowd, barely reaching the shoulders of the students around her. He sighed and walked over, easily grabbing her by the collar and lifting her slightly off the ground.
"What are you doing in there, huh?" he asked, smirking down at her.
Nayoung pouted, flailing her arms a bit. "Stop pulling me like that, oppa! I'm not a cat!" she complained, trying to swat his hand away.
Namsu just chuckled, his eyes glimmering with amusement. "Can't help it. How else am I supposed to find you in a crowd? You're practically invisible down there," he teased.
Nayoung's cheeks puffed up in frustration. "Y-You're just tall! It's not my fault you're a giant!" she retorted, crossing her arms as he finally set her back down.
"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that," Namsu replied, ruffling her hair. "Did you watch the match?"
Nayoung nodded eagerly. "Of course! You were so cool out there, oppa! I even watched with Professor Jihoon and Professor Alexa!" she said proudly.
Namsu raised an eyebrow. "Professor Jihoon?"
Nayoung nodded again. "Yup! He's my homeroom professor. Isn't that cool?"
Nayoung's eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued, "Oppa, you should see him! Professor Jihoon is really handsome! Like, super handsome!" she exclaimed, her hands waving dramatically.
Namsu raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Handsome, huh? What class does he teach?"
"Taming class!" Nayoung replied eagerly. "Earlier, Professor was helping me a lot! He even helped me with my mana problems! He's really amazing!"
Before Namsu could respond, someone suddenly bumped right between them, causing Nayoung to stumble back a bit. "Watch it!" she snapped, but when she looked up, her expression fell.
Wonjae stood there, smirking as if he owned the place. "Taming class, huh?" he scoffed, crossing his arms. "I didn't know they still bothered with that useless class. I guess it's perfect for someone like you."
Nayoung's face turned red with frustration, and she opened her mouth to retort, but before she could say anything, Namsu stepped beside her, covering her mouth with his hand.
"Now, now," he said calmly, his eyes sharp as he looked at Wonjae. "Shouldn't you be running off somewhere else? I think I heard your little fan club calling."
Wonjae's smirk faltered for a second, but he shrugged it off. "Whatever," he muttered, turning away. "Enjoy your useless class," he added over his shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.
Namsu finally released Nayoung, who huffed loudly, her cheeks puffed up in irritation. "Oppa! I was about to tell him off!" she complained.
Namsu chuckled, ruffling her hair. "And end up causing a scene? Not on my watch, little sis."
Nayoung pouted but didn't argue, though the fire in her eyes didn't fade.
Around them, whispers started to spread among the students who were watching the little exchange.
"I wish I was her... getting to talk to Bae Namsu like that," one girl murmured, her eyes practically sparkling with envy.
"Look at them, talking as if no one else is even here," another whispered, nudging her friend. "They must be so close."
"Waah... not only is he handsome and kind, but he's also a loving big brother!" someone sighed dreamily. "Marry me, Namsu!" she squealed, clutching her friend dramatically.
Namsu, hearing the murmurs, rolled his eyes and looked at Nayoung. "You hear that?" he teased, puffing out his chest playfully.
Nayoung snorted. "Popular for being a show-off," she shot back, sticking out her tongue.
Namsu laughed and ruffled her hair again. "Let's go before you start attracting a fan club of your own," he said, steering her away from the curious gazes.
Nayoung giggled, following along. "As if! They're only looking at you, oppa."
He smirked. "Can't help it if I'm this good-looking."
Nayoung groaned, but she couldn't help but laugh too, feeling proud as she walked beside her big brother.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Seojun stood leaning against the railing, his eyes fixed on the distant view of Nayoung and Namsu.
His fingers tapped rhythmically on the cold metal of the railing before he muttered, "It's not him."