Sylvara's Rebirth: A New Dawn for Abel novel Chapter 74

**TITLE: The Third Signature by Mark Twain**
**Chapter 74: Chief? No Thanks**

Mavena stood there, her heart racing, completely misinterpreting Sylvara’s gentle tone as a personal affront. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead as she strode confidently onto the stage, her determination radiating from her every step.

Drenvar’s voice resonated through the arena, booming and powerful, rallying the crowd with an infectious energy. “The first challenge is set to begin with the Agriculture Department’s freshman chief! Let’s hear some noise!”

The arena erupted into a cacophony of applause, whistles, and shouts, the air thick with excitement. However, amidst the cheers, there was an undercurrent of dissent; many voices were clamoring for someone—anyone—to dethrone the chief and seize the coveted title for themselves.

Mavena halted just a few paces in front of Sylvara, her eyes narrowing as she threw down a gauntlet of taunts. “Word on the street is that you’re running low on mental energy and your physical prowess is nothing but bottom-tier H-grade trash. So here’s the deal: I’ll go easy on you. If you’re still standing in ten minutes, I’ll count it as your victory.”

“Ten minutes? I won’t need that long.” Sylvara, with an air of nonchalance, began to unhook the chief badge from her shoulder. “Thirty seconds will suffice.”

Thirty seconds?

Mavena felt a surge of indignation. Sylvara had already snatched away her title, and now she was daring to mock her? It was infuriating.

Mavena shifted her weight, sliding her left foot back into a combat stance, mentally preparing herself. She reassured herself that even if she “accidentally” pummeled Sylvara into oblivion today, it would still be considered a legitimate match according to the rules.

Sylvara took a step forward, badge in hand, ready to concede gracefully. But then, out of nowhere, Veyric stepped in front of her, blocking her path like a human shield, his gaze locked onto Mavena with unwavering intensity. “I’ll fight her for you.”

Sylvara blinked in surprise, now safely behind him, utterly bewildered. Her expression screamed, “What on earth are you doing?”

She was attempting to relinquish her title peacefully, without any fuss or drama. And yet, here was this stubborn blockhead, ready to throw himself into the fray on her behalf?

Fight?

Did he truly have nothing better to occupy his time?

Mavena’s eyes flared with fury. “Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to challenge me in her stead?”

Veyric was no ordinary opponent; he had single-handedly taken down a three-headed dog with a single punch. His strength and mental acuity were formidable, and Mavena understood that facing him head-on was a daunting prospect. She wanted Sylvara, not him.

But Veyric’s thoughts were consumed with the knowledge that Sylvara lacked mental energy, her physical capabilities barely scraping the bottom of the barrel, and yet she was the one who had saved his life. She was also his very first friend at the military academy, and he felt an overwhelming need to protect her.

She was so small, so vulnerable; one blow from someone like Mavena could easily knock her out cold. He had to step in. So when Mavena snapped at him, he shot back, hands firmly planted on his hips, ready to defend his stance. “Who are you to question me? Why shouldn’t I fight for her? Are you scared? Scared of losing? Scared to take me on?”

Mavena had no desire to engage him in battle. All she wanted was to confront Sylvara. She turned away, her voice rising in frustration. “Mr. Stone! They’re cheating!”

Drenvar approached, curiosity etched on his face. “What’s happening here?”

Mavena pointed accusingly at Veyric. “Mr. Stone, they’re breaking the rules! She’s trying to have someone else fight me instead of stepping up herself!”

This was a novel situation for Drenvar. He turned his attention to Sylvara. “Ms. Feywin, care to clarify?”

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