The Villain Purchased the Heroine

"Our class must win, understood?"

Louisa's strong resolve echoed through the classroom.

Not long after the lesson began, she brought up the upcoming Class Battle, just a little over a month away.

The Academia was divided into five classes per grade.

Just like the first years this time around, there were exactly twenty-five students in each class, probably due to some quirky novel setting.

"Safety first. While other classes might spout nonsense, our Class 1 is different."

There was nothing but ground beneath their feet. Focus on winning over your precious little body. Louisa suddenly clicked her tongue and stomped the floor.

The air trembled with her mana-infused kick.

"Especially take down Class 3. If anyone from Class 3 gets broken, I'll break their head, so keep that in mind."

Class 3 was the one taught by Professor Paula. It didn't take a genius to figure out why she was so worked up.

It was likely a bet made while drinking.

No doubt, Paula had poked fun at her pride and stirred things up.

"Naturally, the class that wins will get the highest score of 20 in Cattia. More will be given based on individual performance, but that's secondary. Of course, I know you're not only focused on Cattia. But if you recklessly jump into the fray and end up dead, just know what's coming."

Louisa's gaze was sharp. She was clearly threatening everyone.

If someone leapt foolishly into the enemy lines and got disqualified, even if they didn't lose their head, at least a rib might actually break.

Currently, I had 20 Cattia. Since I had the highest entrance exam score, no one in the first year could boast more than me, but this episode could easily flip the scores.

"The rules will be announced on the day itself. If I had my way, I'd reveal them now, but sadly, I also don't know how it will unfold. Damn it."

She clicked her tongue again and looked at me among the students.

I had a feeling I knew what she was about to say.

"Schugenharz. Since you're the top, take responsibility and lead the class. Prepare strategies and tactics thoroughly, and if any slacker gets out of line, report it to me immediately. I'll whip them into shape."

Some students flinched at her words.

It's the very beginning of the semester, and it already seems like she's received special training.

I pretended to ponder as I bought time, slowly opening my mouth. If you move frantically when a fish is biting, it'll escape.

"Does that mean I can take charge of the upcoming Class Battle?"

"The professor can't participate in the Class Battle. Knowing that you still bring it up, you really are something else."

"There's a big difference between hearing it directly and not."

I let out a light chuckle.

Louisa sighed deeply and shook her head, then spoke in a strong tone.

"Fine, I'll hand over the leadership for this Class Battle to you. You're the leader this time."

Leader. Such a nice word.

There's a reason I wanted a confirmation so badly.

"Understood. I'll do my best."

I bowed my head.

Hiding my smile that was about to escape.

*

"So, why are you here?"

In the small room I acquired after joining the Research Society, an uninvited guest was being quite annoying.

"Make sure Liam can join the Research Society too. The Class Battle is right around the corner, and it's better to have one more strong person, don't you think?"

"I didn't ask you."

"Ugh, seriously. Just let it go…!"

If she's Liam's childhood friend, then she's just that, not his guardian. The guy isn't mute either.

"It's okay, Emily. I'll talk."

"Make it quick."

I leaned back. The soft cushion of the chair supported me.

"I also want to join the Research Society with Emily. This Society's theme is individual capacity development, right? So, it should apply to me as well…"

"No. Get lost."

I asked for a short response, but she sure is chatty.

"According to the purpose of this Research Society, there shouldn't be any reason to refuse, right? If not, the theme of individual capacity development is just a facade, and you're hiding some conspiracy, aren't you?"

The guy continued speaking without showing any signs of discomfort despite being interrupted.

The facade is not the theme of the Research Society; it's the excuse you're trying to cover up. Who's deceiving whom here?

"You're a liar."

"What?"

"What you said is merely an excuse. The real reason is to keep an eye on me, isn't it?"

"That's a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding… Really, is that so?"

I glanced at Emily.

As our eyes met, she nervously avoided my gaze.

"Your childhood friend didn't believe my prophecy or whatever. Instead, she shot me down, saying not to speak of such ominous things."

Until that point, Emily had clearly stated she wouldn't join the Research Society. But just overnight, that changed.

It's unnatural unless something triggered it.

"Just as you forget your past, you shamelessly drag yourself along, applying for membership. As if someone interfered uncomfortably. So, who whispered into her ear?"

I pointed at myself.

"Could it be me? No way, I'm not that great to convince one girl with such mediocre talent to join."

Next, I pointed at Alicia.

"Could it be Alicia? No, no. I can keep tabs on her. I didn't make contact with Emily after class yesterday. No need to mention Finn and Serena. So, in the end, the only remaining figure is."

"Is it Alicia? No, that can't be. I can observe her every move. I haven't interacted with Emily since class ended yesterday. There's no need to mention Finn and Serena. So, the only remaining figure is…"

His finger comes to a stop on Liam.

"It's you."

A slight crease forms at the corner of his mouth.

Naturally, this isn't a surprised reaction at being caught, but a response to the uncomfortable fact being brought to light.

The developments Liam knows and the ones I know differ, yet there are many commonalities.

The tragedy of the Academia that will happen a year later. It's safe to say that the overarching storyline is indeed shared.

The guy trying to figure out my identity heard the unsettling prophecy I mentioned through Emily. From what he knows, there's nothing explicitly stated about Emily's death.

However, he knows well that tragedy will arrive at the Academia.

"You really seem to be concerned about me."

It's not too strange for Liam to act so boldly. After all, he's probably thrilled to have caught onto the fact that I'm a suspicious reincarnator.

"…Alright, I admit it."

Liam says.

"Actually. I plan to join the Research Society to keep an eye on your movements."

"My movements?"

"You're the kind of guy who would do something reckless at the Entrance Ceremony. I can't know what you're capable of later, so I'm trying to monitor and preemptively stop you."

"I don't see what benefit that brings to you. Even if that's the case, I can't help but wonder if someone like you could actually stop me."

"Well, I think it won't be easy."

That means it's not out of the question.

"Such bravado."

I glance around.

There are many characters paying attention to our conversation in this space. He's stepped back from what he genuinely wanted to express.

I had thought he was completely empty-headed, but it seems he's not as dull as I presumed.

Still, regardless of that.

"I have no intention of granting you membership."

"So Vargan…."

"But I am suddenly curious."

I turn my gaze from Liam to Alicia. She tilts her head, flustered as the focal point of the conversation shifts to her.

"What if you and my servant, Alicia, were to clash in this state?"

I propose.

If I defeat Alicia in a ranked match.

"Who would win?"

Then I'll grant the membership.

*

The ranked match is a system of the Academia, a means for students to secure the coveted Cattia.

Once a month.

A ranking gap of 20 or less with the opponent.

Maximum bet of 10 Cattia.

Once these conditions are met, students can engage in a ranked match with mutual agreement. This is an officially recognized combat within the Academia, with a designated space for the ranked matches.

"Are you nervous?"

"Ah, Young Master."

Alicia, dressed in light battle attire, appears in the arena hallway.

Since the semester has only just begun, I could easily book an unreserved arena.

Alicia, with a practice sword slung across her back, wears a somewhat tense expression.

"I suppose it's because it's the first match with Cattia on the line. I'll keep my wits about me before the battle, so there's no need for your concern."

"Don't worry, I'll be fully focused before we dive into combat."

"If you win here, it will double the Cattia you currently possess."

Since I entered as the top student, I was given an initial payment of 20 Cattia.

However, those who couldn't make it into the top 10, even if they pass the entrance exam, only receive 10 Cattia.

Alicia and Liam both have 10 Cattia as well. This betting involves those 10 Cattia.

Losing this match means all the Cattia we currently hold will be wiped out.

"Don't even think about showing a disappointing performance because you're worried about the damage Liam might take."

It was a genuine concern, considering Alicia's potential.

"That will never happen. I'll ensure the best outcome so the Young Master won't be disappointed."

"Then that's settled."

This match is essential.

Liam might not seem impressive right now, but his capabilities do not reflect this world's standards.

By the original story's standard, in terms of growth speed alone, he may be comparable to or slightly exceed the mad genius Alicia's talent.

In other words, this match is the first step.

If Liam wins, without forcibly connecting to any miraculous opportunity, it will be quite challenging for Alicia to surpass him with her growth speed.

If that happens, additional help besides Alicia will be needed just to keep Liam in check. That's like needing two chess pieces to contend with one opponent's piece.

It's incredibly inefficient, a constrained path.

If we secure this initial step well, everything will progress smoothly afterward.

I believe she will follow along well as she has so far.

The only thing I worry about is Alicia's innate problem. But she's given me her assurance on that, so I have no choice but to trust… or rather, I can only let it go.

"Um… Young Master?"

"What is it?"

"I'm sorry to ask this after such a confident answer, but even though it's a practice sword, it's still a blade. Isn't it dangerous if something goes wrong?"

"The Academy's medical staff and experienced referees are on standby, so it's fine. If significant impact is expected, the referee will activate a previously prepared spell to nullify the attack and stop the match."

"Oh, I see."

She said there wouldn't be any disappointment, and yet here she is acting like this. Did I push her and Liam into facing each other too soon?

As a sense of regret began to well up inside me, Alicia nodded in understanding and murmured softly. It seemed there was a shadow over her face.

"Then… I can treat it like hunting a monster."

For a moment, I doubted my ears.

Was this how Erika felt when I invited her to lunch?

"5:30 PM. Arena A-23. The ranking match between First-Year Alicia and First-Year Liam is about to begin. Competitors, please enter the arena."

As I tried to call out to her in surprise, a mechanical voice hit my ears.

Alicia moved forward, glancing back slightly, and flashed a bright smile.

"Young Master, I'll finish this quickly and be back."

It seems I underestimated her after all.