Chapter 15: Carrot Head (2)

Arabella Belini.

The Italian beauty with fiery orange hair and eyes. Her beauty alone could rival Angellica's, and her talents were nothing short of extraordinary.

If not for Theodore, the coveted title of "Genius" would have been hers.

And now, this so-called genius girl had chosen to challenge someone who, in her eyes, even surpassed Theodore in potential — Baran.

"Where is that boy?"

A displeased and irritated voice filled the room.

"Just wait a little longer, Arabella. I'm sure he'll be here soon," Angellica tried to calm her with a sweet, soothing tone.

Arabella only grumbled in response to Angellica's efforts.

"Who are you waiting for?"

The smooth, model-like voice of Theodore cut in as he approached, his black hair and sharp black eyes exuding confidence.

"Hello, Theodore," Angellica greeted immediately.

"Who else? I'm waiting to duel the so-called Sonnenaufgang," Arabella snapped, clearly annoyed by the wait.

"Hahaha… If you're that eager to fight a Sonnenaufgang, you can always spar with me," Theodore replied with a light chuckle.

Arabella froze for a moment and stared at him in surprise.

"Wait… you're a Sonnenaufgang too?"

"Yes. This year, Arabella, there are not one but two Sonnenaufgang," Theodore answered calmly.

Both Arabella and Angellica were stunned. Theodore and Baran had accomplished something unprecedented in the academy's history — two Sonnenaufgang in the same year.

"What are you all talking about?"

A cold voice suddenly interrupted them, sending a chill down their spines.

All three turned and saw him — wearing a navy jacket, white shirt, navy tie, and matching trousers. He was above-average in looks, with brown hair and deep brown eyes. Every step he took made the atmosphere colder.

"Oh, hello Baran. Where have you been?" Angellica stepped forward to greet him.

"Hello… I was dealing with something with Tristan, that's why I'm late. So… why are the Corrupted energy users here? What did I miss?" Baran replied in a gentle, almost warm tone.

Both Theodore and Arabella were taken aback. The icy man became someone completely warm-hearted by Angellica's side.

"Uhm… Well, you missed classes, but you probably already know everything anyway. As for the Corrupted energy users, it's just part of the training program. Oh, and… Arabella wants to challenge you. Oops," Angellica accidentally let it slip while speaking and whistled as she quickly walked away.

"Arabella? Who's that, and why does she want to challenge me?" Baran asked with a naive, gentle tone as Angellica pointed to the orange-haired girl before walking off.

Baran turned to Arabella, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"So, you're the one challenging me," he said with a mocking tone.

Arabella was momentarily startled by his shift in demeanor but quickly masked it.

"That's right… What? Are you scared?"

"Hahahahahaha…" Baran laughed heartily before locking eyes with her.

"Fine. I accept. I'll even fight you using your own weapon. But if I win, I'll get to call you whatever I want."

He clearly expected this challenge, though he didn't expect her to be bold enough to accuse him of cowardice.

"F-fine. But if I win, I get to call you whatever I want," Arabella replied firmly. Though his laugh had unnerved her at first, if he was going to use her weapon of choice, things would be different. No one her age could beat her with her primary weapon. Not even Theodore.

"And what's your weapon?" Baran asked coldly.

"Bow," she replied in a single word.

Baran went to the equipment rack, took a bow and quiver, and stepped into the arena. Arabella did the same, meeting him at the center.