A Match and an Offer

Isaac pointed his sword, icy winds flowing around him. Narrowing his blue eyes, he said, "Draw your blade, Commoner." 

I cracked my neck, ignoring the countless gazes focusing on me and Isaac. Instead, I smiled and said, "I'm sorry. I only draw my weapon for those I intend to kill. It'd be rude to use it on a peer, wouldn't it?"

Isaac grit his teeth.

I smirked.

It was the <Villain Subjugation> class. Though, it was more like just anti-personnel training. This time, Professor Jake wanted us to feel what it was like facing against impossible odds so he had gone ahead and matched up the weaker students against the stronger ones.

And I was pretty sure that Isaac pulled some strings to match up against me... Especially considering we were the first match up for the class period.

"Wow!"

"Smith sounds like a real villain, doesn't he?"

"Will he be okay?"

"Wait, isn't he supposed to be the hero? And Frostblade supposed to be the villain?"

...Yep. This was definitely going to put me in the spotlight going forward. But you know what? If I was going to get roped into potentially lethal encounters, I was going to have fun along the way. Even if that meant mucking up the plot.

After all, the plot just happened. It was the characters and motivations they had framed in the setting that determined what that plot was.

Anyway... Isaac looked like he was pretty pissed off. Even though he was just holding a blunt training sword, in the hands of a Rank 4 Mage like him who could just wrap it with mana like he was now, it wasn't any different from a real one. Not to mention that his physical stats were pretty good too from his blueblood lineage.

"Such arrogance... Fine." Isaac stepped to the side and aimed his sword at my neck. "I will show you what comes of such 'pride.'"

I smiled and said, "Funny. I think that's what I should be saying to you?"

A tense silence. Professor Jake stood in the back, watching with sharp eyes. No doubt getting ready to interfere if things got rough.

I appreciated that. Even if it was him who almost sent me to the infirmary last week. But now...

Isaac was a Mage, but he was also a skilled swordsman. While he only possessed mana circles, he also possessed the inherited Talent of <Frostblade > which let him basically become an equivalent ranked Swordsman as he was a Mage.

In short, I had no shot beating him in a sword fight.

Roland could. <Sword Saint> was a cheat that let him be unparalleled at fighting with blades, enough to punch above his weight class.

I didn't have that. But I also didn't really need that.

After talking with Evelyn this morning, and after reflecting a bit, it was clear to me.

I was going to be involved with the plot. There was just no way at this point. Trying to lie low would only come back to stab me in the back.

After all, I was already marked by Void Sovereign. At this point, I was safer drawing attention to me than I was trying to avoid it.

Before being discovered, a gem was safest while hidden. But once discovered, a gem was safest in the open under strict surveillance.

And to that person, I was no doubt looking like a tasty gem with the few stunts I'd pulled off until now. So since that was the case, I might as well stand out.

Isaac stared at me and said, "Come. I will yield the first move."

"How nice." I met his gaze with a smile and said, "Don't regret it."

Isaac had no weaknesses in his combat abilities. The only flaw he had was the fact that this was the start of the story, so he still had some issues freely swapping between magic and sword fighting. Of course, that would change after he lost to Roland and went under a heavy training arc. 

...Well, I guess that he would be going under a training arc because of me now. But either way, it would be tough.

My stats were the equivalent of a Rank 2 Mage and Warrior.

I of course had trump cards that would let me punch way above my ranks, but those weren't available in a situation like this. 

Not to mention that it was unclear whether there were still spies from the Void Arbiters hanging around.

No, if I wanted to win this fight, I had to do it with 'my own skills.'

Currently, Alexander Smith (me) had a reputation as a reckless idiot who charged headfirst into danger. But also a reckless idiot who was a genius at combat theory and magical theory. The main limitation he had was a lack of natural talent and time.

Which was true. If I had a year where I just grinded out skills and stuff, I would break the story in half.

Assuming I got the jump on everyone, of course. My villains were quite the intelligent foes, so they'd adapt pretty quickly after realizing what I was capable of...

But anyway, this was the time to cement the latter reputation and also introduce some 'plausibility' for my later actions. 

People let their guard down against known variables. Even if it was seemingly ridiculous, an intelligent person would just give leeway in their plans to account for that variability.

So this was my chance to become that 'ridiculous variable' as well as a known entity.

Despite his irritation and anger, now that the battle had begun, Isaac remained calm, simply staring with cold eyes. It was clear that he was properly waiting to see what I would be throwing at him.

And I had just one shot at this. That guy had enough sense that he'd just blow me away with raw power if he had the chance.

But enough thinking.

I smiled and stepped forward. 

A thin layer of moisture seeped across the ground, barely noticeable.

"Here I come." 

Wind gathered around my feet before launching me with my head leaning forward.

It was a flashy attack. But one without any substance.

And as expected, Isaac sneered. With it, I felt a sudden chill on my cheek. The area where an attack would come an instant later.

I stomped on the ground, as if storing up power for a heavy blow.

An azure blur started in front of my eyes, reaching out towards my cheek. Isaac, lashing out with the flat of his blade to end this in an instant.

And then everything froze.

Isaac suddenly slipped as a temporary zero friction surface appeared beneath his feet. His eyes widened and he tried to stabilize his stance, but in the process his attack missed.

Meaning that I had a clear path forward.

"Using petty tricks...!" Isaac clicked his tongue and stepped back, forming a sheet of ice from his mana to avoid slipping.

And then I rapidly froze the moisture underneath that ice, creating a thin gap between his sheet of ice and the ground, causing him to slide again.

"You!" Isaac gnashed his teeth and stomped on the ground, rousing his mana. It was clear that he was fed up and wanted to just blow me away. But now he wasn't paying close attention. 

I focused and sent a quick current of wind through his clothes. 

Isaac realized something was wrong and started to swing his sword.

I stepped forward again, standing right in front of his face.

Isaac glared at me and unleashed his attack.

But the split moment before he did, I snapped my fingers.

You see. Magic spells were ranked according to their destructive capabilities. However, just because a spell was ranked low, it didn't mean that they were weak. After all, magic allowed one to shortcut usual physical processes. 

As a Rank 2 Mage at best, and realistically a Rank 1 Mage, I could only freely spam Rank 0 spells that allowed for basic elemental manipulation. Things like <Breeze >, <Spark >, <Mist >, <Dust >, etc. which allowed you to move around bits of the elements.

But what people didn't realize was that higher ranked spells were really just 'saved' versions built upon the fundamental Rank 0 spells.

All of that to say... 

"<Boom >."

The wind passing through Isaac's clothes suddenly turned into miniature hurricanes, twisting his uniform and pulling him off balance. The moisture that had been used to make ice suddenly soaked into the ground and turned it into quicksand, making him more off balance. Dust kicked up by my advance ignited, turning into a chain of mini explosions and flames. 

And then I grabbed Isaac's collar, pivoted on my heel, and threw him over my shoulder to slam against the ground.

"Kuh!" Isaac coughed and let out a gasp, reflexively letting go of his blade.

I grabbed it and then stepped on his chest, pointing the blade at his face.

Isaac blinked, his eyes momentarily dazed. But then he focused on the sword and then my face. After that, he narrowed his eyes and said, "You said you only drew your blade when you intended to kill." He laughed and said, "Breaking your word?"

I smiled. "This isn't my blade."

Isaac immediately glared at me.

I reached down and tapped his cheek with the flat of his blade. "If I was a real villain, you'd be dead. So much for showing me what comes of 'pride', hm?"

Isaac didn't say anything, only glaring at me with pure venom in his eyes.

But then someone started clapping. Professor Jake. He walked over and said, "Well, well, well! Looks like we've just had a perfect example of the types of Villains that can show up in the real world."

I stepped back from Isaac and chucked his sword off to the side. After that, I looked up at Professor Jake and said, "I would rather not be marked as a Villain before I graduate, Professor."

"Oh?" Professor Jake raised an eyebrow and said, "That seems to imply you're planning to become one."

I rolled my eyes and said, "And give up the prestige of being a Hero? While being hunted at that? No thank you. ...Even if it is pretty fun."

Professor Jake laughed. And with that laugh, a chorus of applause began. Also...

===

> You've perfectly played the role of Villainous Commoner!

> Isaac Frostblade burns with shame and envy. His growth will be accelerated as he works himself to the bone to teach you a lesson. +1000 SP. Current SP: 23000.

> Your peers are impressed at the tactical prowess used to defeat an opponent clearly beyond your league. +2000 SP. Current SP: 25000.

> You have shown adept improvisation and manipulation of physical phenomena to gain an edge in combat! This has created the Trait <Sabotage >.

> Sabotage: Allows instant placement and usage of traps to debuff the opponent. Once per battle, can perfectly interrupt an attack.

===

Excellent. Although... Again, making Traits too similar to Talents 'Rob'...

===

Class finished without anything special happening. There was an interesting exhibition where Marisa had to fight against Roland, causing her to get interested as he used healing magic to overdrive his body to try and reach her.

But that was pretty much it.

When class ended, Isaac rushed out, probably heading to the training grounds. 

And as for me...

Roland laughed and clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You really have no fear, do you, Alexander?"

Marisa shook her head and said, "I cannot believe how you decided to fight him unarmed. I understand that you just survived against a powerful opponent the other night, but do you have no sense of well-being...?"

Evelyn nodded. "I agree with Mari. You should be more cautious, Alexander. It will only do you harm to antagonize Isaac."

...I was immediately followed by the main cast before I could slip away.

We were walking back from the simulator rooms and towards the dining areas.

Well, I was heading there. Since these guys followed me, they were inevitably heading there as well. ...How did I become the impromptu leader of this crew though?

Roland pulled his hand back and chuckled. "Beating Frostblade without even drawing your sword... That guy's never going to live it down."

Evelyn sighed. "Isaac means well. But he's quite..."

Marisa piped up and said, "Stubborn? Inflexible? Stuck in his ways?"

"...I would say it in more polite terms, but yes."

Marisa giggled.

...Yeah. Can confirm that friends make the individual. Just by hanging around me, the main cast was getting all sorts of OOC moments. 

Roland reached up to stretch and then said, "So what do you have planned to do for the rest of the day, Alexander?"

Marisa's eyes shone and said, "Are you going to do more magical artificing? I have some spare materials we could use..."

Evelyn coughed and said, "I-I have something I wish to discuss with Alexander. So if you don't-"

"I'm going to train. Alone." 

Silence. Roland raised his eyebrow. Evelyn flinched and averted her gaze. Marisa looked disappointed...

...Were teens always this pushy in hanging out? Or did I just have a bunch of introverts as pals in high school and university?

Roland tilted his head and said, "Won't it be more efficient to train with someone though?"

Evelyn brightened up and said, "Yes! If you would like some help, I could spar with you."

"Ooh!" Marisa raised her hand and said, "And I can help with magic!"

It was like having a pair of puppies and a pal who couldn't read the room. Hah...

Well. There really wasn't much to worry about until the mid-terms. And since Marisa had been so generous with her tuition fee the other night, money concerns were a non-issue now. 

Maybe it was fine for me to relax a bit and have some fun?

"Ah, there you are Mister Smith." A male voice called out from the side.

I glanced over and saw Elio walking over. 

Elio waved at the others and said, "Good afternoon Mister Lionheart. And to you as well, Mari, Evie." 

Evelyn spoke up first and said, "What brings you here, Uncle?"

Elio smiled and said, "Well, that's between Mister Smith and I." He looked at me and winked.

...Um. I don't remember having any plans, Prof? And you also shouldn't even be here in the first place, so...

Roland rubbed his chin. "A secret discussion with the professor, hm?" He looked at me and said, "So I guess you really did have plans?"

Marisa sighed. "...Unfair."

I didn't know what was going on here, but I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. 

If Elio gave me an out, I was taking it. 

I shrugged and said, "I'm not as talented as everyone else, so I need some remedial lessons to catch up."

Roland laughed. "True. Even my little sister could fold you in half right now."

Evelyn clicked her tongue and said, "There's no need to be rude, Lionheart."

Roland held up his hands and said, "Hey, it's true." He pointed at Marisa and said, "Even Mari here could do it, and she's a mage."

Marisa paused and then slowly nodded. "Alexander does have a weak body..." She stared at me and then hummed. "...Maybe Uncle has some things that could help?"

...Was this the power of being the author? I felt like my favorability gauge was reaching unparalleled levels with the main cast. And I also felt like things were going to completely derail if I stuck around any longer. So, before they could, I walked towards Elio and said, "Let's go, Professor."

Elio smiled and said, "Of course, Mister Smith." He waved at the others and said, "Study hard! Next week is a pop quiz!"

Evelyn gasped and said, "Uncle! Nepotism is NOT allowed!"

Elio laughed and said, "Hey, I'm telling everyone who bothers to ask or talk to me. It's equal opportunity, not nepotism. ...Besides, tell that to your Father."

"What?"

Elio chuckled and started walking away towards the professor offices.

I walked with him, and the two of us quickly left earshot of the others. 

When we did, Elio looked at me and said, "You're quick to manipulate the situation to your liking, Mister Smith. Were you that bothered to be around your friends?"

I sighed and said, "It's a bit burdensome to have 'friends' who are that much above you, Professor. Not to mention two of them being beautiful and talented women."

Although it hadn't become an issue yet, odds were high that Isaac might try to pull some strings in the future to isolate me because of it.

Not that I particularly cared... but that'd be mildly annoying. It was expected though.

Every noble worth their salt who had even a toe in the political scene knew how to push and influence the rumor mill. Even if Starlight Academy was supposedly equal, it couldn't avoid reality completely. 

But I'd handle that when it became an issue. Really, any drama that came my way because of it was just free SP. The more important thing was Elio here.

Elio laughed and said, "I suppose that's true. But also, you're quite skilled at deflecting from the important questions. Should I take that as your survival instincts extending even to dialogue?"

He caught that, huh? 

Well, there was a reason why such a competent guy was written off so early... 

But anyway. I shrugged and said, "When you're desperate to achieve something, you learn a lot along the way."

"That I can agree with." Elio nodded. "Only by dancing on the edge of life and death does an individual's true worth emerge."

I took a casual look around and said, "So what's your purpose for seeking me out, Professor? I admit that I would appreciate remedial lessons of some sort, but I don't think that's why you came?"

Even if they were remedial lessons, getting the chance to learn anything from Elio would be great. Especially since he was the most important person in a field that I didn't explore much in the main story. 

...But it was weird for him to take interest in me. I mean, I showed off a bit in his class, but it was something that anyone could do if they were familiar with Gates.

Elio smiled and said, "Well. Since that's what you told my beloved niece, how about making it a reality?"

"Hm?"

Elio stopped and turned to face me. After that, his smile turned into a grin and said, "Alexander Smith. What do you think about becoming an honorary Gate Explorer?"

"...What?"