The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness - Chapter 284



62. Crushing (Two-in-One)

A deathly silence.

All the onlookers stared blankly at the unfolding situation, trapped in a state of disbelief.

What happened?

Why did that Orze suddenly fall?

And…

Sensing the foul stench emanating from Orze’s lower body, many people instinctively stepped back, covering their noses.

This fierce and ruthless lion actually lost control?

What did Mu En Campbell do to him that made him so terrified?

Most of the onlookers had come to watch the spectacle, and with so many people and the distance too great, hardly anyone could see how Mu En had acted; most remained in confusion and doubt.

Until more and more people noticed Orze’s scattered beard and his now extremely smooth chin.

Beard?

Shaved off?

When?

Looking at the white blade that Mu En was toying with, many felt their pupils constrict.

The beard being shaved off wasn’t particularly terrifying; losing some hair or beard during a fight was quite normal.

But the problem was, it was so clean.

Clean to the point that it seemed crafted by a professional hairstylist, in an instant, the mature and composed Olze appeared to have aged ten years younger, and not even his skin was harmed.

But to achieve such a degree, how much time would it normally take, and how many times would one have to wield the knife in an instant?

In the process, how many times could Olze have been killed?

No wonder Olze looked so terrified.

The shock began to spread among everyone like a plague, reflected in their eyes.

Yet at the same time, this astonishment gave rise to new doubts.

When did Mu En Campbell become so strong?

……

Mu En paid no mind to those around him, his handsome face still adorned with a standard noble smile, as he addressed the yellow sparrows before him with impeccable courtesy:

“Come on, I’m in a hurry, let’s all go at once.”

“……Mu En Campbell, what trick did you use?”

After a brief silence, Luns barked in a low voice.

Looking at the limp Olze, Luns felt a moment of shock, but after exchanging glances with the few people beside him, he quickly regained his composure.

Impossible.

Absolutely impossible.

This could not possibly be Mu En Campbell’s own strength.

A second-year rich playboy, notorious for being at the bottom of the class last semester, could in just a few months become strong enough to defeat a top third-year student?

Unless this guy had colluded with an evil god and obtained power from that evil god, otherwise, even a novel wouldn’t dare to write it like this!

Magic devices, ancient relics, or some special props?

Luns’s gaze flickered; he temporarily found nothing particularly special about Mu En, except that knife in his hand, which looked somewhat conspicuous.

But he still felt his conjecture was correct.

“Mu En Campbell, although the academy does not prohibit the use of props, is it really worthy of the title of duke’s heir to act in such a manner?”

Luns strode up to Mu En, speaking in a deep voice:

“Let’s wager our family names and engage in a fair duel!”

“A duel? That really seems like a waste of time.”

Mu En sighed helplessly.

However, Luns did not give him the opportunity to continue complaining, directly drawing the ornate rapier from his waist, adorned with golden roses and lilies, holding it behind him with one hand, the blade pointed diagonally, his legs abruptly coming together as he proclaimed loudly:

“In the name of the Rokir family, I challenge you, heir of the Campbell family, Mu En Campbell!”

“I hope you will not disgrace the Campbell name, and face me in a fair and just duel without using any despicable means!”

“……”

Mu En’s lips twitched slightly.

What the hell, do these people really introduce themselves before a fight? How stupid!

If it were any other time, Mu En would have already struck first, after all, one can’t let a magical girl transform ahead of time; that’s basic combat knowledge.

But the figures around him made him momentarily dazed, and he snapped back to reality.

This isn’t a life-and-death struggle; it’s just dealing with a few sheltered flowers, not worth getting worked up over.

Speaking of which, that guy just now, whatever his name was, also talked a lot of nonsense before the fight.

Unknowingly, has my mindset already diverged so much from these people?

It turns out that facing off against them teaches nothing; it’s just a waste of time.

But since I need to make the other side concede…

Mu En’s lips twitched slightly.

What the hell, do these people really announce their names before fighting? How stupid!

If it were any other time, Mu En would have already struck with a blade, after all, one cannot let a magical girl transform ahead of time; that’s basic combat knowledge.

But the figures around him made him momentarily dazed, and he snapped back to reality.

This isn’t a life-and-death struggle; it’s just dealing with a few sheltered flowers, it’s not worth it, not worth it at all.

Speaking of which, that ‘O something’ just now also spouted a bunch of nonsense before the fight.

Unknowingly, has my mindset already diverged so much from these people?

As expected, facing off against these individuals teaches nothing at all; it’s just a waste of time.

But since I need to make the opponent concede…

Mu En took a deep breath, placed a hand on his chest, and returned the gesture without any hint of criticism:

“In the name of Campbell, I accept your fair challenge, but still, I must say, please be quick; my time is very precious.”

“Don’t worry.”

Seeing Mu En return the gesture, Luns revealed a sinister smile,

“I’ll be quick!”

Quickly…

To end you!

Luns thrust his sword forward.

In an instant, a fighting spirit far more overwhelming than Mu En’s surged forth, the sword light blooming like stars.

Rokier Sword Technique, Fifth Style, Goddess’s Starlight!

“Mu En Campbell, be careful!”

Luns reminded him most gentlemanly, yet his eyes were already ablaze with the fire of victory.

Since it’s a fair duel, there’s nothing to fear!

I think even if you’re a wastrel, you wouldn’t dare tarnish the Campbell name in front of so many eyes.

However, to be defeated by my move, a technique I’ve honed since childhood, Mu En Campbell, you can at least…

Clang.

The sudden crisp sound of collision caused Luns’s expression to stiffen abruptly.

“How… is this possible?”

He stared blankly ahead, only to see Mu En leisurely placing the pure white blade horizontally, precisely intercepting his unstoppable thrust.

But how could this be?

The Rokier Sword Technique has always been renowned for its speed and ferocity; its relentless barrage of thrusts is enough to leave any opponent struggling to cope.

But this time, the downpour didn’t even have the chance to spread, because the first attack was easily blocked.

An accident?

No, this is not an accident.

Because Mu En was not blocking with the blade, but with… the edge of the knife.

The edge of the knife, against the tip of the sword.

“This is impossible… this is impossible!”

Lens’s expression was frantic, as he turned the tip of his sword, causing the fine blade’s tip to once again burst forth with countless sword flowers.

The sword flowers were dazzling, yet fleeting.

Because with each bloom, a brighter light erupted, completely shattering them.

The blond man before him seemed to possess foresight; every time the blade was positioned horizontally, it would precisely block the path of the sword’s tip.

No one can truly predict the future, which means…

His own skills… were being crushed?

From a young age, he had practiced, ruining countless wooden swords, damaging countless wooden stakes and dummies, engaging in countless practical drills with the family’s hired teachers. The sword techniques he had learned, on a technical level… were completely crushed by this duke’s son, who was worthless aside from his status?

By what right?

This guy didn’t even swing a sword a thousand times a day!

“Your swordplay is not bad.”

While parrying, Mu En commented sharply:

“Just that your way of attacking is drier and stiffer than Professor Plang’s face.”

“You…”

Lens’s eyes widened in fury, and his technique suddenly changed.

Since technique wouldn’t work, then he would crush with strength!

Lens took a deep breath, and the fine sword in his hand suddenly radiated a sharp cold light.

Powerful fighting spirit clung to it, and a terrifying gust of wind swept up the snow on the ground.

In the moment when the artificial snowstorm enveloped everything, Lens moved. The ground in front of him was instantly torn apart, forming a half-meter-deep ravine.

The terrifying sword light transformed into a blinding meteor, surging with immense force, suddenly striking towards Mu En.

Third rank against second rank, the advantage is mine!

And at that very moment.

Amidst the swirling snowflakes, Lens saw Mu En Campbell finally wearing a slightly serious expression, raising the pure white dagger in his hand, and then from it erupted…

A deafening thunder!

……

“Why… why?”

Luns finally asked this question:

“Why are you… suddenly so strong?”

“Nothing much.”

Mu En shrugged casually:

“Sleep early, wake up early, exercise diligently, look at beautiful women, and strive to live.

That’s all I’ve done…”

“Is that so?”

What a joke…

Do the words you said have anything to do with becoming stronger?

Luns looked at his broken sword, gave a self-deprecating smile, suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood, and then collapsed helplessly to the ground.

Mu En still did not turn back, stepping over Luns and continuing to walk forward.

“Next, it’s your turn, right?”

He looked at Blonki and Doranmus, who were blocking the way, still toying with the Elizabeth in his hand, revealing a calm smile:

“I really have had enough of one by one, so… this time, I’m here to challenge you, okay?”

From noble mtl dot com

“You…”

This indifferent attitude instantly angered the two of them. They exchanged glances without saying a word and transformed into two shadows, rushing toward Mu En Campbell from different directions.

Unlike the inexplicable collapse of Orze just now, this time Mu En Campbell almost directly overpowered Luns, proving his strength to everyone.

So Blonki and Doranmus both knew they absolutely could not hold back; even if they would bear the blame of bullying the weak, they had to defeat Mu En Campbell here!

Blonki’s speed was much faster than Doranmus. In an instant, he got close to Mu En.

He swung his hand fiercely, but no weapon appeared; instead, an… ancient hourglass emerged.

An ancient relic—Snake Eye Hourglass!

Although using props in such a challenge is quite despicable, he was not a fool like Luns, who adhered to so-called noble principles.

Moreover…

It was you, Mu En Campbell, who made it so easy to defeat those two first!

A hint of ferocity appeared in Blonki’s eyes, and without hesitation, he suddenly flipped the hourglass.

The snake eye on the hourglass immediately emitted a strange light.

In an instant, it was as if a pause button had been pressed; the entire world in Blonki’s vision slowed down.

It was like time had come to a standstill.

But he knew, this was not a suspension of time.

Even precious ancient relics cannot achieve the impossible feat of halting time.

This is acceleration.

The special power from the hourglass grants him tenfold physical speed, twentyfold reaction speed, and fiftyfold thinking speed!

Moreover, with his natural affinity for speed and agility, he is known as the Black Snake, Branki. Just based on speed alone, even the chief, Fanny Sawyer, is no match for him!

Branki’s expression is one of excitement. Under the fiftyfold acceleration of thought, although his own movements seem to slow down, in his vision, Mu En Campbell appears as if he has been frozen in a magical photograph, almost completely unable to move.

So, kneel down and beg for mercy, Mu En Campbell!

Branki slams his palm toward the defenseless Mu En’s chest.

But just as his hand is about to make contact, he feels an inexplicable gaze.

A gaze? Where is this gaze coming from?

Branki looks up in terror, and then he is horrified to realize that, like a photograph possessed by a ghost, the image of Mu En Campbell suddenly comes to life.

His eyes shift to Branki, and then the corners of his mouth curl into a mocking smile.

“Is this… all you’ve got?”

The elongated tone rings in his ears. Before Branki can react, he feels a terrifying force erupting in his chest.

Mu En Campbell, somehow, has already struck first, slamming his palm against Branki’s chest.

“Poof…”

Everything returns to normal.

Branki spits out blood, his breath instantly faltering, and a look of horror fills his eyes.

Why?

Why can Mu En Campbell keep up with my speed?

Could it be…

Branki recalls the beard of Orze that was hung up. Could it be that Mu En Campbell didn’t use any props, but is simply that fast?

There’s no time to think further. Branki once again reveals a fierce expression, and the hourglass in his hand bursts forth with an eerie light.

This hourglass has more than one use!

“Hmm?”

Mu En suddenly furrows his brow, looking at himself.

It seems like he can’t move?

Is this… petrification?

Looking at the serpent-eyed hourglass in Branki’s hand, Mu En raises an eyebrow in surprise.

They call it petrification, but it’s not true petrification; it merely renders Mu En temporarily immobile.

But in this brief moment, a chill suddenly arises!

In the shadowed corner beside him, Doramus, waiting for the right moment, suddenly lunged out, his dagger aimed directly at Mu En’s vital point.

Even the onlookers around couldn’t help but gasp; no one expected that this son of a noble family, Doramus, would be so skilled in the art of assassination, and that he had never revealed such talent before!

As he looked at Mu En, who was frozen and had become a lamb waiting for slaughter, Doramus couldn’t help but display a smile belonging to the victor.

What was it that they said? Only those who laugh last are the true winners.

So, die for me, Mu En Campbell!

Belrand cannot tolerate a second…

“Thud—”

The clear sound of flesh tearing echoed, and Doramus’s smile suddenly froze.

He looked down at the dagger that had mercilessly pierced his own abdomen, his thoughts in a chaotic disarray.

“Why?”

He and Branki, who stood nearby, stunned at the scene, voiced the same question:

“Why can you still move?”

The petrification of the serpent-eyed hourglass was not magic, but a curse.

But precisely because it was a curse, shouldn’t it have been even more difficult to defend against?

“You’re asking that…”

Mu En’s expression remained calm as he pulled Elizabeth from Doramus’s abdomen, casually stabbing Branki, who was still able to move, with another swift strike, saying nonchalantly:

“Did you not know? The higher the resilience, the less susceptible one is to control. It just so happens that I have a thicker skin and higher resilience.”

“Ha…?”

Doramus displayed an expression of utter confusion, then slowly crumpled to the ground, blood flowing steadily from his abdomen.

Mu En’s injuries were not fatal, but they were enough to strip him of all combat ability, and Branki was in the same state.

Yet, amidst the growing sense of helplessness, he couldn’t help but voice the same question as Luns:

“Mu En Campbell… you… clearly the son of a useless duke, why suddenly… so strong?”

Strong, like a monster.

Is there really someone in this world who can change so drastically in just a few months, or could it be…

The you from before… was all a facade?

“Son of a useless duke?”

Hearing this, Mu En chuckled softly, suddenly crouching down and grabbing Doramus by the hair, forcing him to meet his gaze.

His eyes were a deep blue.

Like a lake.

So tranquil.

But Dorlan Musse seemed to face some terrifying entity, his expression filled with fear, his body gradually trembling.

Because he sensed… the intent to kill.

A pampered son of a duke could never possess such intent; it was as if he saw in the depths of Mu En Campbell’s eyes an overwhelming… mountain of corpses and sea of blood.

“In the past, I didn’t mind you all talking nonsense behind my back. First, because what you said was mostly true, and I couldn’t refute it. Second, because at that time, I had no right to make you shut up.”

“And now, I have corrected my wrongs and have the right to make you quiet.”

“So…”

Mu En gazed at Dorlan Musse before him, a smile that seemed never to fade on his face, his tone calm as if he were sharing heartfelt words with an old friend:

“From now on, show me, and the name Campbell, a bit more respect, alright?”

……

The snowflakes settled.

The world grew ever quieter.

It was as if everyone had been cast under a silence spell, only able to express their shock with dazed expressions.

On one side, Ming Ge Te in the news agency was on the verge of tearing apart the newspaper he had just drafted. After a long moment of shock, he slowly lowered his head, looking at the large amount of Amiel he had bet on for the gamble, his face gradually turning pale.

On the other side, Wei Er, who had not left, was about to pop her round eyes out.

She stared in the direction where Celicia had disappeared, seemingly wanting to shout something, but her lips moved, and nothing came out.

……

This seemingly long battle was actually quite brief.

To outsiders, Mu En Campbell had completely taken down these four with the ease of chopping vegetables.

Among the entire third year, aside from Fanny Sawyer, the strongest four.

No one expected it.

Or rather, no one could have expected it.

This outrageous strength reminded some of another monster who had also slapped many bystanders in the face on a daily basis.

—The second-year chief who could now go toe-to-toe with fifth years, the former count’s illegitimate daughter, now the first heir to the count who would not be underestimated by anyone, Ariel Bugarde.

Unfortunately, she seemed not to be present; otherwise, people would have begun to speculate on what kind of scene would unfold when these two collided.

Meanwhile, another group still found it hard to believe the scene before them, constantly pondering the reason behind Mu En Campbell’s sudden increase in strength, seemingly still thinking of some loophole to exploit.

……

“Is there anyone else coming?”

Mu En scanned the surroundings, finding no one responding.

He let out a breath and shook his head:

“Just four? I thought there would be at least ten; it seems I’m not very good at showing off after all.”

“Well, that’s fine. This should allow for some peace and quiet for a while.”

Mu En turned back and bid farewell to Senior Fanny beside her:

“I’ll head back now. See you in seven days, Senior Fanny.”

“…”

Fanny’s eyes were vacant, her cherry lips parted, as if they could hold an egg.

It wasn’t until Mu En disappeared from view that she finally snapped back to reality, revealing a bitter smile:

“Mu En… you truly are the most unexpected one.”