Author Of Worlds: I Reincarnated Into My Novel As A Random Character
Chapter 31: Friendship... Puppet!

Chapter 31: Friendship... Puppet!

Friendship...

Such an intriguing word.

One might be willing to go to great lengths under the influence of its subtle yet powerful spell.

Matthew had not spent much time in this world.

However, the threads of friendship did not require ages to be woven.

With just two people resonating with each other deeply, bonds could be formed with surprising speed.

In true friendship, there was no need to calculate benefits.

No hidden agendas.

Simply doing things for each other was more than enough.

Upon hearing Matthew’s words, Silas’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

There was a subtle gleam of interest in his gaze as he stared at Matthew.

"Who do you want to challenge?" he asked, his voice quiet but pressing as his eyes bore into Matthew’s.

Matthew’s cold gaze locked onto the lackey, his eyes filled with a silent intensity.

The lackey flinched, sensing something off, yet he didn’t feel fear.

After all, hadn’t Matthew awakened a useless ability?

He was just a supporter like the others.

There was no reason to be wary.

Axel, still conscious by sheer willpower, quickly sensed the tension in the air. Despite the pain wracking his body, he realized what Matthew was about to do.

His heart sank.

If Matthew took off those gloves, it would be over for them all.

Was he thinking straight?

Didn’t he realize that using his ability in front of everyone could lead to catastrophe?

Silas would document it immediately, endangering Matthew’s life.

Even worse, the academy instructors might recognize the traits and start asking uncomfortable questions.

Axel couldn’t understand what was going through Matthew’s mind, but he knew he had to intervene.

"Mat... Matthew, don’t!" he shouted, using the last remnants of his strength.

His hand dropped to the ground, his voice fading, but the message had been delivered.

Matthew heard him.

He clenched his left fist tightly but did not retreat.

"Since this is the first challenge, I will accept it," he said, offering a warm, deceptive smile.

But Matthew knew he was only masking the storm within.

Silas, a dragon worshipper by belief, thrived on human conflict.

Watching others clash brought him joy.

Hearing Matthew’s agreement, Silas gave a small nod.

Matthew then walked calmly toward the dueling platform, the low murmur of students surrounding him like a rising tide.

"Didn’t he awaken that ability... Origin Path?" someone muttered nearby.

"Yes, and from what I heard, it’s basically useless. Even the description doesn’t reveal what it does. I think he just wants to show off."

Another voice joined in, mocking, "Unfortunately, he’s doomed to fail miserably. Haha!"

Their whispers echoed like smoke drifting through the air, but Matthew paid them no attention as he faced his opponent.

Jav.

Matthew recalled the name instantly. He had written about this character before.

"Begin the duel!" Silas called out, not bothering to give them time to exchange words. His curiosity had reached its peak.

He wanted to see what Matthew was planning.

As the signal was given, Jav’s lips curled into a sneer. His voice held contempt as he stepped forward.

"I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I think it’s time someone knocked some sense into you."

As he spoke, his arms lit with dancing flames.

Belonging to the Ability Origin Path, Jav had awakened fire arms.

Although his ability wasn’t particularly powerful, it allowed him to attack directly, unlike those relegated to pure support roles.

With his blazing arms crackling, he charged at Matthew.

Matthew had considered using his gloves and unleashing his uncontrollable decay to end it in one move.

But he knew that doing so would spell his own end.

So instead, he turned to something from his previous life.

His father, always concerned for his safety, had taught him martial arts to defend himself.

He didn’t need decay to deal damage.

He just needed control.

As Jav lunged at him, Matthew sidestepped cleanly.

Jav, stunned by the effortless dodge, quickly sent another punch flying toward Matthew’s face.

Matthew’s hand moved like a sharp blade and struck him directly in the neck.

Jav stumbled back, his punch losing momentum. Pain radiated from his neck, but it was just enough to throw him off balance.

Before he could regain composure, Matthew struck again, his palm connecting with precision.

The adamantium gloves protected him from the flames as he landed a light yet humiliating smack to the side of Jav’s head.

The beatdown began.

Matthew clenched his fist and drove it into Jav’s face.

Jav’s eyes widened in shock before slamming shut as the fist collided.

The crowd gasped.

They could only watch as Matthew’s fists landed again and again on Jav’s face.

Soon, the boy’s features became unrecognizable.

The students felt a chill crawl through their spines.

Grati, hidden among the onlookers, watched Matthew with eyes full of quiet hatred.

Now there were two people in the academy he needed to eliminate.

Leo... and Matthew.

Silas’s expression darkened with disappointment.

He had hoped for a dramatic display of supernatural ability, but it turned into a brutal showcase of martial prowess.

Still, he allowed the fight to continue.

Matthew didn’t mind the delay.

The beatdown lasted several more minutes.

Finally, Silas raised his voice.

"Matthew wins."

Matthew stood upright and adjusted his sleeves calmly.

Jav lay motionless on the ground, his face bloodied and broken in several places.

As Matthew walked away from the platform, a sudden crunch echoed.

He had stepped on Jav’s outstretched hand.

Whether it was accidental or not, no one knew.

But the sound was unmistakable. Bones had been crushed.

Everyone turned toward the scene, eyes wide with shock.

Due to the potent origin energy saturating this world, all physiques had been slightly enhanced.

For that kind of injury to occur... it was terrifying.

Silence fell.

At that moment, everyone realized that even if Matthew’s ability was worthless, he was not someone to provoke recklessly.

If one was not absolutely sure of victory, they should not dare approach him.

A group of students hurried to the platform and carried Jav away, his arms limp and crushed.

As Matthew descended from the stage, his silver hair catching the light, Grati’s eyes burned with fury.

Matthew glanced at him without emotion, as if observing an insect.

To Matthew, Grati was already a puppet.

His puppet.