Chapter 114: Dealing with Bullies(1)
"Whoa! Is the class already over? I wanted to hear more from Professor Zephyr."
"You think so too, right? Isn't she basically the best instructor in the academy?"
"There is a mountain-sized gap between her and Professor Vale."
"I'm glad I chose the Essence manipulation as my elective."
After finishing the 'Essence Manipulation and Control' class, I headed towards the training grounds. On the way, I couldn't help but overhear many remarks about Professor Zephyr. Everyone was captivated by her teachings.
Well, her beauty had a significant effect too…
Anyway, I couldn't deny the truth behind those statements either. It was my first time attending her class, but Professor Lloyd managed to grab my attention. I thought the theory classes would be boring and I would soon doze off but her intuitive teaching methods and showing visuals through essence manipulation held all our attention.
"Did you hear that the first month's ranking battles are scheduled for next week?"
"What? They were scheduled this early? I wanted to train a bit more...."
Well, I was already aware of when the ranking battles would begin as I read the schedule thoroughly yesterday, so I wasn't too surprised.
Anyway, as I made my way to the training grounds, I encountered a few familiar faces along the way.
"Hey, wait for me, Levi!"
It was Toby who greeted me enthusiastically, I haven't talked to any roommates after yesterday's incident nor did they ask any questions - it seemed like we had some unspoken agreement or something.
Anyway, it was good for me.
"Look, if it isn't Mr. Show off here?"
But that didn't apply to those outside our dorm. And exactly like that, there was an arrogant brat with Toby.
"Well, it's an honor to be recognized by the only heir of Faithful Abundance."
The one in front of me who tried to provoke me was a black-haired girl.
It was our first meeting but no introductions were needed for me to know about the girl - afterall, she was someone who was being raised as the future hier of the the Faithful Abundance Sanctuary!
If you ask me how I knew about her…well, it wasn't a secret - there were so many rumors and commotions about the top rankers of the Freshmen that they didn't even need the introductions.
And the girl in front of me was one of the rankers - specifically, someone who held the 3rd position among the freshmen.
Julia Everheart!
She has an immense talent in elemental magic and has a very unique ability which increases her….luck!
Yeah, as absurd as it might sound, she did have an ability like that.
And the fact that she was an orphan who was by 'coincidence' ended up making contract with a prominent god and by 'coincidence' met the leader of the Faithful Abundance guild and become the heir was proof of that.
Anyway, since she was an important figure in the academy - I was aware of her, more so because of her…let's say special personality…
But Toby seemed surprised.
"I was just going to introduce you two, but that doesn't seem to be needed!"
I just smiled but Julia seemed taken aback by my words.
"Tch!"
She clicked her tongue in response.
"Are you going to the training grounds, Levi?"
"Yeah."
Since the class ended early and we still had plenty of time till Lunch, I thought I could train a bit.
"Do you want to spar with me?"
Toby offered.
"....I don't think I could match your level."
Well, I could beat him if I could use my demonic transformation but his sword skills were not something that I could match - considering that I have yet to even decided on one.
"Come on! You won't know unless we try."
"...I think I'm fine with training by myself."
Just as we were nearing the training grounds, a group of students blocked our way.
"Look here, you attention hog!"
I didn't pay them any mind and continued on my way.
"I'm talking to you, retard!!"
He screamed, pointing at me.
I looked around, and there was no one beside me except Julia and Toby, who were walking behind me.
"...? Were you talking to me?"
I didn't even know the name of the student in front of me, so naturally, I asked if he was talking to me.
"Who else would I be talking to, retard? It's you, attention hog!"
He said angrily, seeming to be upset about something. Did I do something to piss off someone? I definitely don't think so…
"Move out of the way, moron! Who do you think you are to pick a fight with us? And who are you calling a retard, huh?"
Julia was defending me? Experience tales at m v|l e'm,p| y- r
Well, that was a surprise. We just had our first conversation and I was pretty sure she hated me or something since she tried to pick a fight.
"Julia Everheart? I've always wanted to talk to you. You are as beautiful as the rumors say."
Wow, this guy is quite slick with his words.
"I'm William Parte, I am from-."
He was just speaking while extending his hand to Julia when she cut him off.
"What the f*ck? You're so cringe. Did I ask your name, you f*cker?"
Well, that should give an idea about her personality.
The guy was taken aback by her words and by his expression, he also seemed quite embarrassed by the unexpected response from Julia.
"I wanted to talk nicely to you since you're from the future heir of Faithful Abundance, but I guess it was in vain. Move aside, Julia. I only have business with that bastard."
He said, holding back his embarrassment and anger.
"You dare order me around? And don't you dare say my name, you fu-"
Julia was about to pounce on him when I stepped in.
"Step aside," I interjected.
I didn't want someone to shield me.
It was something concerning me, and I didn't want to involve these two in my matters.
I walked toward the boy who blocked our path and asked him straight to his face, "What's your business?"
"My business? It's simple. You attention seeker made a scene in the training ground just to stand out a bit? Does your ability have some disco or what? Why don't you tone it down a bit?"
"What?" I responded, genuinely surprised.
"I'm telling you to stop your useless actions to attract the instructor's attention. Do you think something might happen if you play some tricks like this? You think you're something great, huh? If you're here just to play around, just drop out now."
Now I understood.
He was one of those f*ckers who tried to pick fights with others just to appear strong in front of others.
Well, I did attract the attention of professors, but who does this f*cker think he is to question me?
I would have ignored the remarks if it was back in the slums.
But now?
Like fucking hell I will tone down!
These kinds of jerks would continue to do the same if I ignored them.
If I avoid conflicts, then more guys like these kinds of guys who would bully others for no reason would arise.
"Hey, do you think an orphan bastard like you deserves to study in Favored One's academy?"
"I don't even know how he passed the entrance exams."
"It's so pathetic."
"Did you perhaps have a connection with the academy and enter while pulling some strings? I heard you are from slums and you don't have parents, so who could back you up? Maybe..."
There were all kinds of jerks who picked fights with me.
If I was the old Levi, then I would have actively avoided them as I didn't want to attract more trouble towards me, but I wouldn't make that same mistake now.
"Hey, you fucker!"
The words flowed out of my mouth - making the guy and his followers in front of him freeze.
"What the hell? What did you just call me, huh-?"
But before he could say anything more, my fist met his face.
-Punch
He flew three meters back before falling down. The boys who were trying to pick a fight with me stood there shocked at my daring actions.
"You!! Do you know who we are?"
"You dare hit him?"
They were frustrated but unable to do anything, just frozen in place.
"Phwwwwwhh~ Nice punch~"
"That's more like it."
Toby exclaimed while Julia stood grinning from ear to ear.
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