Chapter 159: A challenge
( Back at the university )
The individual that was most surprised that Sophia somehow managed to clear the S ranked promotion test was none other than Epita.
Looking at Sophia's IQ, she seriously doubted if the girl would be able to survive something as intense as the S ranked pool, however, it seemed like fate was on her side.
Somehow, she did manage to complete the promotion test and emerged out of the pool stronger than ever before.
After a bit of self gloating, she returned to the university, wishing to flex her new-found strength in front of Rocky, however, before she could do so, she was interrupted by Buhara.
"Yooo, pretty woman! Look at this big staff, it's Buhara's new weapon! Isn't it legendary-" Buhara said happily, as he showed his new staff to Sophia who was the least interested in how happy Buhara was.
She inspected the grade of the weapon and was satisfied to see that it was a (Legendary) grade weapon, which meant that it could last Buhara from now up till he reached lesser God-Hood without much problems.
"Great weapon Buhara, good for you-" she said, scoffing internally, as she thought about how once she handed Rocky to her father, he would most likely bestow her with a semi-divine or divine weapon that would out-class Buhara's by miles.
In her head, the only reason behind why Buhara got this massive staff in the first place was because herself and Rocky had to be pulled out of the mid-semester exams for security reasons.
' Rocky was slightly stronger than me last month, however, now that I've undergone a higher promotion than him, I think I might be stronger than him again-' Sophia thought, as even as Buhara swung his battle ax/staff in front of her happily, all her thoughts were focused on her power comparison with Rocky.
"Also, green eyed human, this Orc Buhara, wishes to express his deepest apologies to you-" Buhara said, his expression turning grim as he put his staff down and bowed his head solemnly.
"Apology? Why?" Sophia asked, as she could not understand why Buhara would want to apologize to her, especially since he had not offended her in the first place.
"Buhara has decided to join Rocky in his Champion's party. So after university, Buhara will no longer be your team-mate.
However, Buhara will still be your good friend for life-" Buhara said, as Sophia furrowed her brows at this comment.
"Rocky has already started to recruit his Champion's party? Who else has he invited?" She asked, sounding genuinely surprised, as Buhara looked up and started to think about it for a bit.
"Rocky has invited puny Erin to the group as well-" Buhara said, as Sophia almost burst out laughing listening to his words.
'Erin and Buhara? What is he trying to make, a team of retards and losers?
Erin is a scaredy cat, he will run like a wimp when blood splatters on his face in an actual battle.
And Buhara? That guy's an ORC trying to be a MAGE. Although he's currently performing well in the university, it doesn't mean he will have a successful career as a mage.
At some point he will have to delve into the research side of magic and he doesn't have the brains for it.
I did not take Rocky for the sentimental kind….. although they are his room mates, he went too far trying to pick them as Champion's party member Sophia thought, as she tapped Buhara on his shoulder and walked past him.
"It's okay, Buhara, I wanted to form a different party of my own after university anyways….." Sophia said, as Buhara sighed in relief when he heard those words.
To him, it really mattered that he did not upset Sophia who was his dear friend and hence, this apology was actually serious for him.
Now that Sophia had forgave him for joining Rocky's team, Buhara felt extremely happy and as if a rock had been lifted off his chest.
*********
( Meanwhile Rocky )
Rocky was busy attuning himself to his new-found strength, when Sophia came searching for him in the swordsmanship arena.
"Hey Rocky! Your sparring partner is finally back-" said Sophia, as she distracted Rocky from the attack that he was making.
"Tch-" Rocky muttered under his breath, feeling frustrated that Sophia had interrupted his practise, however, he did not let it show on his face, as he calmly controlled his expression.
"Oh? Congratulations on a successful promotion-" Rocky said, with a fake smile on his face, as Sophia felt giddy when being complemented by Rocky.
"I completed my test from the S ranked pool. A cut above you….. it was truly difficult-" Sophia said, flicking her hair, as Rocky softly clapped for her, while pretending to be impressed.
'What a fool…. Telling me her promotion grade all by herself' Rocky thought, as he smiled and extended his hand in congratulations.
"Well done-" he said, as he shook her hand, as Sophia proudly clenched it and said "Well, I think I'm on-par or stronger than you after this promotion once again, so how about we spar?"
Rocky tried hard from keeping his left eye from twitching when he heard this comment, however, he failed to do so, as in the end Sophia's foolishness made him cringe.
"Good….good….. good….. friendly rivalry is always good-" a familiar voice said, as a third party suddenly interfered between Rocky and Sophia's conversation.
As Rocky and Sophia turned their heads to see who it was, they saw a nodding Principal Liam walking towards them, as Sophia subconsciously covered both her cheeks with her palms, as she feared being slapped for no reason by the mad principal.
"You…. Rocky boy! You have a spar to prepare for-" Liam said, out of nowhere, as Rocky was confused as to what the principal meant by instructing him to prepare for a spar?
"What do you mean, principal?" Rocky asked, as Liam completely ignored Sophia and looked straight into Rocky's eyes.
"You are the most talented student I have seen enter these university walls in the last 20 years.
If you were not a walking time-bomb and a security threat to yourself as well as those around you….. I would have wanted nothing more than you participating in the Open University Tournament.
However, because I cannot guarantee your safety at public events, I haven't enrolled either you or the Champion Of Poseidon into the open tournament, which has apparently upset a few individuals.
In any case, there is a student from the Shaolin Monk University who has put in a formal application for a spar against you in three weeks and I have accepted it.
That kid is a Champion Of Gods just like you, so don't underestimate him.
Prepare well for this spar-" Liam said, as he pulled a few strands of his hair out of his beard and then began smelling his torn hair like a weirdo.
"Principal Liam, what about me? Have I not been challenged alongside Rocky?" Sophia asked, as Liam turned towards Sophia and scanned her from top to bottom, before letting out a deep sigh.
"Why would anyone want to challenge you?" He said in disapproval, as he left Sophia red faced by his comments.