Infinite Evolution System Made Me Too OP!

Chapter 426: Assfol, the Stalker

Azmodeus let out a satisfied sigh as he and Anna settled back into the participant section, their victory over their first opponents almost too effortless to be worth celebrating. But the fiery enthusiasm of the crowd, along with Anna's flushed cheeks and starry-eyed expression, made it feel worthwhile all the same.

"Did you see that?" Anna beamed, nearly bouncing beside him, her earlier nervousness forgotten. "I told you I could be a bull!"

Azmodeus chuckled, his gaze softening as he nodded. "Indeed you were. I'd say more of a ferocious lion than a bull, though."

Anna's cheeks turned a shade deeper as she let out a huff, turning her head away to hide the evident blush. "L-Lion, huh? Don't go giving me strange nicknames…"

Zara and Nova sidled up next to them, both grinning with mischief. Nova leaned in, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I have to admit, that was a lot quicker than we expected. Azmodeus, I thought you were going to let Anna show off for a bit!"

"Hey, I did get a few hits in!" Anna protested, glancing between them. "It wasn't like I was just standing around!"

"Hmm, I don't know, Anna," Zara teased, elbowing her playfully. "If we didn't know any better, it looked like you were just along for the ride while your knight here did all the work."

Azmodeus raised an eyebrow, finding it amusing how quickly the mood had shifted from serious battle mode to playful banter. However, his gaze briefly flickered back to the crowded arena, where the next set of contestants were stepping forward. For a moment, he caught a glimpse of a familiar, scornful face staring right at him with barely concealed loathing.

Assfol.

Azmodeus's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He recognized the type—the envious, resentful rivals who couldn't stand seeing others succeed or be happy. And with Anna by his side, Azmodeus knew he'd drawn the ire of not just Assfol but likely several other resentful admirers of the Three Belles.

"Azmodeus…" Anna's voice softened, and she tugged on his sleeve. "Are you okay? You suddenly looked like you were somewhere else."

He glanced down at her, his expression easing into a reassuring smile. "It's nothing. Just… noticing a few old faces in the crowd."

Anna followed his gaze, her brow furrowing when she spotted Assfol's intense stare. "Oh… him." She sounded almost disappointed, her gaze darkening as she muttered, "He's always been so… persistent."

Nova snorted, crossing her arms as she noticed the exchange. "Persistent is putting it lightly. He's practically rabid."

"Let him bark all he wants," Zara added with a dismissive wave. "We'll just keep beating him until he learns where he stands. Isn't that right, Anna?"

A mischievous grin slipped onto Anna's face. "Oh, I'm looking forward to it."

Azmodeus couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Anna's rare glimpse of playful viciousness. The Academy life was rubbing off on her, he realized. In a way, it was refreshing to see this side of her—a side that wasn't weighed down by duty or expectations, but one that allowed her to live in the moment and indulge in harmless rivalries.

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A booming voice from the speakers echoed across the hall once more, calling the next set of participants to the arena. Azmodeus, Anna, Zara, and Nova watched as the participants filed out, facing off under the roaring cheers of the audience. Despite the palpable tension in the air, Azmodeus could feel the excitement building within him. The Duo Tournament was not merely a stepping stone but an exhilarating challenge, one that would keep him sharp, alert, and closer to his goals.

But his momentary ease shattered as Assfol and his partner stepped up to the staging area, preparing to take on their own opponents. Assfol's gaze flicked briefly toward Azmodeus, a wicked glint in his eye as he smirked.

"Looks like your little fanboy is up," Zara noted with a raised brow. "I hope his opponent knows what they're dealing with. He's not just a fan—he's borderline obsessed."

Anna bit her lip, her gaze turning colder. "He's… an asshole," she said hesitantly. "But he's strong. Strong enough to… cause problems if he wants to."

Azmodeus placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. If he tries anything, I'll handle it."

As the match began, Assfol wasted no time. His technique was ruthless, efficient, and laced with an almost animalistic savagery. He tore through his opponents with a single-minded intensity, his attacks blurring with frightening speed. The crowd's cheers turned into gasps as Assfol's brutal methods left his opponents barely standing, battered and broken.

"That… was excessive," Anna muttered, her brow knitted in concern as she watched the defeated contestants stagger out of the arena. "I know this is a battle, but to go that far…"

Zara and Nova shared a tense look. "That's Assfol for you," Nova said grimly. "He's the kind who thrives on intimidation. He'll do anything to make his opponent think twice before crossing him."

Azmodeus didn't flinch. Instead, he let a small smile play on his lips, as if Assfol's display had barely registered. "If he thinks intimidation tactics will work on us, he's going to be disappointed."

They spent the next rounds in a blend of tension and excitement, watching as each new set of contestants took to the arena. Azmodeus observed the other duos closely, analyzing their techniques, their strengths, and their weaknesses. He was no stranger to the competitive spirit, but the Academy's tournament was something unique—a true spectacle of skill, talent, and ambition. Though he wasn't particularly interested in anything here, knowing one's potential enemies was essential for progressing past them.

Finally, after what felt like hours, their number was called once more. As Duo #69, Azmodeus and Anna rose, stepping forward to the thunderous applause of the crowd. But this time, the atmosphere was different. There was a charged energy in the air, a palpable expectation as they prepared to face their next opponents.

Anna's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her earlier nerves replaced with a newfound confidence. She glanced up at Azmodeus, who gave her an encouraging nod.

"Let's give them a show," he said, his voice low and playful.

They stepped into the arena, facing off against a formidable pair—a tall, muscular warrior wielding a massive hammer and a lithe, agile woman with twin daggers that glinted under the bright lights. Both looked formidable, their expressions steely as they assessed their opponents.

Azmodeus sized them up, his mind already calculating the best approach. Anna, standing by his side, clenched her fists, her gaze unwavering.

The signal rang out, and in a blur of movement, the battle began.