Chapter 2: The Academy’s Strongest… Sloth?

The Royal Combat Academy was in chaos.

Rumors of yesterday's "fight" spread like wildfire.

Brutus the Bone-Crusher—the muscle-bound monster who had crushed countless students—was taken down by Lucas Vance, the guy known for sleeping through combat drills.

And the worst part?

Lucas didn't even seem to try.

By morning, a new nickname circulated among the students:

"The Academy's Strongest Sloth."

And what was Lucas doing amidst this rising fame?

…Snoring under his favorite tree.

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The Rising Storm (That Lucas Slept Through)

Inside the academy's mess hall, groups of students whispered, pointing at the sleeping menace outside.

"He dodged all of Brutus's attacks like it was nothing…"

"Do you think he's been hiding his true strength?"

"He must be some kind of battle genius!"

Amid the speculations, one person scowled: Cedric Von Reinhardt, the proudest duelist in the second-year class.

"A slacker like him standing above real warriors?" Cedric scoffed. "Unacceptable. I'll put him in his place."

Grabbing his rapier, Cedric stormed out to challenge the so-called Strongest Sloth.

---

The Challenger Appears!

Claire, Lucas's childhood friend, stood before him with her hands on her hips, glaring.

"Lucas, wake up!"

"Mmm… five more minutes…" he murmured, rolling over.

"You said that yesterday!"

Before she could punt him awake, an arrogant voice rang out.

"Lucas Vance! I challenge you to a duel!"

Lucas peeked an eye open. A blonde noble stood before him, looking every bit like a hero from an old tale.

Lucas blinked. "…Who?"

The blonde gritted his teeth. "Cedric Von Reinhardt. Top duelist. Second-year elite. Your superior."

Lucas yawned. "Cool. Go away."

Cedric twitched. "I demand a duel!"

Lucas stared at him. "And I demand a nap. Guess we both don't get what we want."

Claire smirked. "Lucas, you have to accept."

"No, I really don't."

She leaned in. "They're offering free food in the cafeteria after this."

Lucas shot up. "When do we start?"

Cedric smirked. "Hmph. At least you recognize your fate."

Lucas stretched. "Yeah, sure. That's totally why I agreed."

*The Duel Begins

The training arena was packed with students eager to witness the Lucas Vance in action.

Cedric stood tall, rapier gleaming in the sunlight. His stance was flawless, his movements refined.

Lucas?

He stood there, slouched, looking like he just woke up.

Cedric narrowed his eyes. "Draw your weapon."

Lucas blinked. "Do I have to?"

The instructor sighed. "Fine. Lucas, you'll fight unarmed."

Cedric smirked. "A poor choice."

The instructor raised his hand. "Begin!"

Cedric lunged forward in a blur.

Lucas stretched his arms over his head. "Mmm… slept weird last night…"

He twisted slightly—and Cedric's blade whizzed past his shoulder.

The crowd gasped.

"Did… did he just dodge that?"

Cedric, startled, attacked again. A rapid barrage of thrusts, fast and precise.

Lucas yawned and scratched his back, tilting just enough to avoid every strike.

Cedric's face turned red. "STAND STILL!"

Lucas tilted his head lazily. "Why would I do that?"

Cedric roared and went for a final, powerful stab.

Lucas sighed. "Too much work…"

He turned his body to avoid the attack… but misjudged his balance and tripped over his own foot.

His body lurched forward—and his elbow slammed into Cedric's face.

BAM!

Cedric staggered, his rapier slipping from his grip. The sword spun through the air and—by sheer dumb luck—the hilt bonked Cedric on the forehead.

The proud duelist collapsed.

Silence.

Then:

"LUCAS WINS?!"

The crowd exploded.

"He's unstoppable!"

"Did you see that counterattack? He baited Cedric in and struck at the perfect moment!"

"That was master-level reflexes!"

Lucas blinked. "Huh?"

Claire facepalmed.

The instructor coughed. "Ahem. Winner: Lucas Vance."

Lucas dusted himself off. "Cool. So… about that free food?"

---

*Aftermath

Lucas found himself in the academy dining hall, stuffing his face with roasted meat, completely oblivious to the chaos he had left behind.

Meanwhile, a shadowy figure watched from afar.

"This lazy fool... he's dangerous."

A smirk formed in the darkness.

"I must test him myself."

Trouble was brewing—but Lucas was too busy enjoying his meal to care.

---

End of Chapter 2.