My Scumbag System Chapter 479: Refreshingly Honest, At Least

Natalia’s anger flared, barely contained. The very corners of her mouth twitched. "You're impossible."

"But effective," I countered.

"It was a draw."

"A technicality, really."

Emi concluded her healing, the ethereal blue light dissipating as she stepped back. A slight sway indicated the significant toll the effort had taken on her reserves.

"You need to rest," I urged her.

"As do you," she replied, her gaze resolute. "But the president is waiting."

Right. That important meeting.

Natalia assisted me from the table, her touch surprisingly gentle, a stark contrast to her abrasive words. "Skylar mentioned it was 'entertainingly stupid,' which from her, is practically a love confession."

"And Celeste?" I inquired.

"She hasn't said a word. She’s remained by her sister's side since they removed you from the field."

I stood gingerly, assessing my newly mended body. A dull ache permeated everything, a sensation like a distant memory rather than active pain. Emi's healing prowess was truly remarkable.

"Thank you," I expressed, gripping her hand.

Her fingers tightened around mine. "Don't make a habit of this."

"No promises."

President Vance's office commanded the uppermost level of the Administration Tower, offering a sweeping vista of the entire island. Darkness had fully enveloped the landscape, and the city lights sparkled far below, resembling a constellation of fallen stars.

Seraphina Vance sat behind a formidable black desk, her silvery-white hair secured in a severe chignon. She bore a striking resemblance to an elder, more hardened version of Celeste, possessing the same piercing blue eyes but none of the underlying warmth.

Reyna stood before the desk, her combat attire exchanged for a pristine Olympus Rising uniform. She too had received treatment, though she still instinctively favored her left side.

Celeste occupied a chair to the right, her expression meticulously neutral. The moment our eyes met, a fleeting, unreadable emotion crossed her face.

"Mr. Nakano," President Vance stated, remaining seated. "How kind of you to grace us with your presence."

Her voice carried an chilling edge, reminiscent of an Arctic wind. I instantly grasped the origin of Celeste's 'ice princess' demeanor.

"Apologies for the delay. I had to reacquocate some internal organs."

Reyna let out a snort. President Vance, however, did not react.

"Sit."

I complied.

"Let me be unequivocally clear," she continued, her tone sharp. "The events of today were entirely unacceptable. The Crucible is designated for controlled combat exercises, not for settling personal vendettas."

"With the utmost respect, Madam President," Reyna interjected, "it was a sanctioned duel."

"A duel that nearly resulted in two of our most promising prospects being incapacitated before the tournament has even commenced," Vance retorted, her gaze flicking between us. "Are you at all aware of the number of sponsors who observed today's events? Or the professional guilds?"

Frankly, that consideration hadn't crossed my mind. My focus had been solely on the immediate goal of survival.

"The tournament," Vance elaborated, "serves as our paramount recruiting event. It is designed to showcase the exceptional talent nurtured within this Academy. Talent that should not be squandered on petty personal grievances."

"It wasn't personal," I asserted.

Vance arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.

"It was professional," I clarified. "She formally challenged me."

"To what objective, Ms. Cabana?"

Reyna straightened subtly. "Intelligence gathering."

"Elaborate."

"I had suspicions that Nakano was concealing his true capabilities. His registered statistics did not align with his demonstrated combat performance. Confirmation was necessary."

Vance's eyes narrowed perceptibly. "And were you successful in obtaining this confirmation?"

"Indeed." Reyna's gaze shifted towards me. "He possesses significantly greater strength than his appearance suggests."

"Hmm." Vance interlaced her fingers, resting her chin upon them. "And you, Mr. Nakano. What precisely was your objective in accepting this engagement?"

A fleeting temptation to fabricate a response arose. I considered fabricating a narrative about honor or a need to prove myself.

Why bother?

"She irritated me."

Celeste briefly closed her eyes, as if seeking a moment of silent fortitude.

"I see," Vance murmured, her lip curling slightly. "Refreshingly candid, at the very least." She rose, walking around her desk to stand before us. "Here is the resolution. The tournament commences in three weeks. Until that time, your sole focus shall be dedicated to intensive preparation with your respective guilds. Any further unsanctioned duels, confrontations, or 'intelligence gathering' activities are strictly forbidden. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Madam President," Reyna responded with practiced smoothness.

I gave a curt nod. "Crystal clear."

"Excellent." She turned her attention to Celeste. "Would you be so kind as to escort Mr. Nakano back to his dormitory? Please ensure his safe arrival without any further complications."

Celeste gracefully stood. "It would be my pleasure."

"Ms. Cabana, I would like a word with you regarding your sponsor's expectations for the upcoming tournament. Please remain for a moment."

As Celeste guided me towards the exit, Reyna's gaze met mine one last time. The familiar predatory smile touched her lips, but now, another emotion seemed to mingle with it. Perhaps a hint of respect.

Or perhaps, a nascent hunger.

Celeste maintained her silence during our descent in the elevator. Her quietude felt more substantial, more weighty, than Natalia's simmering anger or Emi's genuine concern.

As the ground-floor doors swung open, she finally directed her gaze toward me. "How much pain are you in at this very moment?"

"Not much. Emi patched me up quite effectively."

"You're lying." Her palm was placed gently against my chest, precisely over the spot where her sister's stiletto had previously been. "I can feel the rapid beating of your heart."

"That might be due to different factors."

A slight curve touched her lips. "Still the charmer, even when you're nearly deceased."

We proceeded through the deserted administrative edifice, our footsteps creating echoes on the polished marble floors. The campus, visible through the glass doors, was hushed, with most students having retreated to their dormitories following the spectacle at the Crucible.

"Was it truly worth it?" she inquired unexpectedly.

"What do you mean?"

"Enduring a near-death experience to demonstrate... whatever it was you intended to prove."

I contemplated her question with utmost seriousness. "Yes. It was."

"And why?"

"Because now she is aware."

"Aware of what?"

"That I cannot be easily manipulated. That I am not what I appear to be." I glanced down at Celeste, observing her moonlit hair and flawless features. "That I am someone who merits serious consideration."

She halted her movement, turning to face me completely. "Is earning respect of such great importance to you? Being taken seriously?"

"When you've been overlooked for your entire existence? Yes, it carries considerable weight."

Something in my tone must have resonated deeply. Her expression softened noticeably.

"For whatever it may be worth," she stated in a low voice, "I have consistently regarded you with seriousness. Right from that very first encounter within the Black Gate."

Before I could formulate a response, she stood on the tips of her toes and planted a kiss upon me. It wasn't a casual peck on the cheek as before, but a genuine kiss, her lips cool and tender against mine. The moment was fleeting, lasting only seconds, yet it left me more winded than Reyna's lightning strike.

As she drew back, a delicate flush colored her cheeks. "Do not engage in such a reckless act again."

"I offer no guarantees."

She let out a sigh, shaking her head slightly. "Naturally not. That would be far too simple." She took my arm, guiding me towards the exit. "Come along, Stray Dog. Let's get you home before Natalia dispatches a search party."

The instant we stepped out into the cool embrace of the night air, my eyes caught sight of a figure observing us from the shadows of a nearby structure. Crimson hair, like a beacon, glinted under the pale moonlight.

Reyna.

Our gazes met across the expanse. She offered a single, decisive nod, then melted back into the encompassing darkness.