As I slowly made my way down, I could feel the gazes of those around me gradually focusing on me.
But that wasn't important. Right now, the only person who posed a threat to me was the one right in front of me.
Kang Seung-tae, the head of the Incheon branch of the Republic of Korea Hero Association.
"Ha ha ha! It's been a while, Yujin."
As soon as I stepped onto the platform, Kang Seung-tae patted my back and laughed heartily.
Judging from his words, it seemed we had met in the past. I decided to respond appropriately to his greeting.
"…It's been a while."
The fact that Kang Seung-tae and I had a past might surprise those around us, but it wasn't a big issue.
Given my wealth, it wasn't strange that I knew him.
"Well, now that everyone is here, let's get started."
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, Z.
The representatives of the 10 classes all stood in front of Kang Seung-tae. From Jeong Yoon's position, it seemed he was the representative of Class D.
After scanning our faces, Kang Seung-tae nodded and began his explanation.
"The game we're going to play is arm wrestling."
"…Arm wrestling?"
One of the other students, puzzled by the fact that we were called here just for arm wrestling, asked a question. In response, Kang Seung-tae nodded and gestured to the back of the platform.
Four students then carried a heavy-looking iron desk and walked toward us.
"Yes, arm wrestling. Simple and good, isn't it?"
As the desk was placed on the platform, a dull thud echoed.
Kang Seung-tae then naturally sat in front of the desk and prepared for the arm wrestling.
"As you all know, my ability is to equalize physical strength with my opponent, known as 'fair and square.' And, I plan to use this ability when arm wrestling with you all."
The students began to murmur at Kang Seung-tae's words.
If we all had the same physical strength, it would be impossible to guarantee a win, they thought.
"During the arm wrestling, I promise to only defend, no matter what abilities or techniques you use. How about it? Isn't it worth a try? Ha ha ha! Well, now that I've explained the rules, who wants to go first?"
The first to raise his hand was the class president of Class C, a boy who stood out for his height and build.
"You look strong! Come, sit opposite me and grab my arm."
Following his instructions, the Class C representative sat opposite and grabbed his hand.
"Really, can I use any ability or technique?"
"Sure, if you can."
As soon as Kang Seung-tae gave his permission, white steam began to emanate from the boy's body.
"Raaah…!"
Kang Seung-tae showed a brief look of interest as the boy's muscles began to swell.
"I told you, our physical strength will be equal. And, arm wrestling isn't just about strength."
With a snap of his wrist and a shout of "Hiss!" the boy's arm was quickly slammed onto the table, ending the match.
"Not bad. But if you had given up your pride and tried to interfere instead of relying on strength, it would have been even better."
Kang Seung-tae, tilting his head and smirking, seemed amused.
Impressed by his kind feedback, other students began to challenge Kang Seung-tae one by one, but no matter what methods they used, they were all defeated miserably.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk… I had high hopes for the representatives of the young ones, but they're nothing special."
Only Jeong Yoon and I were left.
As I was considering whether to step forward next, Jeong Yoon took a step forward.
"I'll go next."
"Oh, it's you, Yoon. You should be able to make this old man have some fun."
"I'll do my best."
Jeong Yoon immediately sat down and grabbed Kang Seung-tae's hand. At the same time, he kicked the desk with his knee, trying to tip it over.
"Kuh-hiss!"
The desk remained firmly in place.
"You were trying to move the desk to make my arm touch it, weren't you?! Ha ha ha ha! Indeed, that was entertaining!"
"…It's not over yet."
Judging that moving the desk was impossible, Jeong Yoon immediately began attacking Kang Seung-tae.
But Kang Seung-tae, looking relaxed, only watched as Jeong Yoon panted heavily.
"Is that all?"
"…I admit defeat."
Jeong Yoon released Kang Seung-tae's hand and stood up. His head was bowed, and though his expression was hidden, I could imagine the look on his face.
"Well, then it's your turn, Yujin. I heard from your father that you've changed a lot. Show me how much."
"…I'll do my best."
Sitting opposite Kang Seung-tae, I immediately rolled up my sleeves and grabbed his arm.
Kang Seung-tae looked at me with a smile, clearly excited to see what I would try.
But I had no intention of playing along with his game.
Taking a deep breath, I exerted all my strength, using my body weight and arm muscles to push against Kang Seung-tae's arm.
Information about Kang Seung-tae that only I knew, and the other students didn't.
<Character Guide>
[Name: Kang Seung-tae]
[Affiliation: Head of the Incheon Branch of the Republic of Korea Hero Association]
[Description: The head of the Incheon branch of the Hero Association, who has many connections in Incheon, where he grew up. He values 'fair and square,' 'perseverance,' and 'strength.' Due to these qualities, he is also known as a symbol of integrity.]
The key words here are 'perseverance' and 'fair and square.'
So far, Kang Seung-tae had never lost to anyone, whether they used their abilities or he used his.
But in a pure strength match? He would use only his pure strength and not his ability.
"Ha ha ha! This is fun! It's fun!"
Kang Seung-tae's arm, as if confirming my guess, began to tremble without using his ability.
It was proof that he was relying solely on his own strength to resist mine.
"So, did you think you could win just by using your strength without any abilities?"
"…Isn't that unknown?"
Of course, with my pure physical strength alone, it might be impossible to beat Kang Seung-tae, who was at the top.
But.
"…May I ask one question?"
"Ha ha! Sure, go ahead!"
"Are you here as the head of the Incheon branch of the Hero Association?"
"Yes, but…"
"If you were to encounter my father during your duties as the head of the Incheon branch, what would you do?"
"…I would have to apprehend him first."
"Thank you for your answer."
At the same time, Kang Seung-tae's arm tilted slightly.
"Huh, what did you do? I didn't sense any ability usage."
"You might have been observing me."
While saying this, a new interface appeared in my vision.
[Special Trait: [Executor] activated.]
[Executor]
[1. Executor – Those who deal with the enemies of the organization. When fighting an enemy recognized by the organization, physical abilities increase by 1.5 times.]
My special trait [Executor], which only activates when dealing with an enemy of Calliope.
This would increase Kang Seung-tae's physical abilities, but I gathered all my strength to push his arm down before he could fully adapt to the sudden increase.
But with his experience, he lowered his center of gravity and deflected my attack.
"Ugh… I need to take this more seriously than I thought."
…What a monster.
In an instant, he seemed to gauge his strength and began pushing my wrist away.
Indeed, this wasn't enough to earn his approval.
"Are you not going to interfere or use any other abilities?"
"I don't think the head of the Incheon branch would arm wrestle with ordinary children."
"Hmm?"
"You mentioned 'fair and square.' Isn't it that you synchronize your mana with your opponent's, rather than equalizing physical strength?"
Kang Seung-tae's eyes flickered at my words.
"Did you hear this from your father?"
While I knew this from the game, I couldn't say it outright, so I replied with a calm expression.
"I felt your mana flowing into my body. I also noticed that you were naturally moving my mana to familiarize it with the flow."
"…If what you say is true, it's quite remarkable. Realizing that I interfered with your mana is something only a skilled magician could do."
"Maybe it's talent. Blood can't be denied."
Kang Seung-tae smiled at my words.
"Ha! If you say so, I have nothing to say. Then, do you know the most efficient way to accept this opportunity?"
"Use all your strength to resist, right?"
"…If you know, that's fine. Show me your best! Ha ha!"
"I will."
Answering Kang Seung-tae, I revealed the reason I had held back until this moment.
With the defeat of all the class representatives, I was the only one left to challenge Kang Seung-tae.
In other words, I was the last hope for the students