The third girl

The unexpected encounter with Emily made Gil change his intention to go to the Library. Right now, what was on his mind was how he could trample all the main girls in the Crossing Fate. The unexpected encounter with Emily caused Gil to shift his plans of going to the Library. His current focus was on strategizing how to outperform all the leading girls in Crossing Fate. The most effective approach was to emerge victorious in the mock fight during the midterm test. However, achieving that required him to bolster his strength first. Thus, he headed to the counseling office to request permission.

"You're interested in exploring a dungeon?!" inquired a middle-aged teacher responsible for overseeing extracurricular activities.

"Yes, sir," replied Gil. His aim was to enhance his strength by delving into a dungeon.

Within the framework of Crossing Fate, RPG elements were interwoven into the game. Characters could only become formidable by engaging in numerous battles against monsters. Nevertheless, dungeon raids within the game were restricted until after the midterm test. This rule existed because students were mandated to form a party of four for dungeon exploration. Sid and Olivia had already joined forces after an invitation from the third member, Aria. The fourth spot was to be occupied by Emily, who would serve as their mage.

However, this distinction only held within the confines of the game.

'Since this isn't the game, there must be some exceptions,' Gil pondered.

"No, it's not possible. You're still a freshman. We have a dungeon raid curriculum planned after the midterm. You can join the other students at that time," the teacher explained.

"Why is it prohibited? Doesn't the academy aim to prepare students for battling monsters?" Gil questioned.

"While it's true that we intend for students to become adept at fighting against the monster threat, your safety is also a paramount concern," the teacher responded.

"Then, if someone can ensure my safety, would I be allowed to participate in a raid?" Gil inquired.

With a sigh, the teacher replied, "Alright, fine. I suppose it doesn't matter whether I give you permission or not, you'll likely proceed anyway. Students like you tend to bring more trouble to the academy, you know?"

It appeared that the teacher had grown weary of Gil's persistent arguments.

"Just assure me that you'll have a genuinely capable bodyguard. If any mishaps occur, the academy could face the consequences given your noble background."

Gil felt a surge of annoyance at the teacher's final remark.

'Does that imply the academy wouldn't care as much if the student came from a commoner background?'

While that might hold some truth, Gil realized there was little he could do about it.

"Yes, sir. I understand. You can count on me," Gil affirmed.

"Good. Now, please leave my office," the teacher concluded.

Gil complied with the teacher's request and exited the office.

Now Gil needed to go to the adventurer guild's HQ in the city. The best way he could do to raise his stats to get stronger was to partying with the seasoned adventurer. Of course, looking for one who wanted to babysit him was different. But he had money and was a noble son, so it wouldn't be that hard.

While Gil was on his way to the city, someone suddenly stopped him.

"Hey, you!"

A young guy with blonde medium wavy hair was calling Gil from behind. There were also four other people behind the blonde guy. Gil knew who they were. It was Albert and his gang.

"What?"

"You are Gil, right? The one who beat Olivia and sent her to the infirmary?"

"Yeah, that's right. Anything wrong with it?"

Then Albert moved closer to Gil. He leaned his face closer to him and gave him a threatening look.

"How dare you after my prey?!"

But Gil wasn't fazed by Albert's threat. He just put on a flat face.

"Prey? Care to explain? Isn't you got shitted on by her at the entrance examination?"

It happened at the start of the game. The game didn't tell in detail as it focused on Sid's view. But the narration said that Albert was furious when Olivia became the top scorer at the close combat examination. He didn't accept losing from a mere commoner. So he went confronted her and challenged her to a duel. The result was obvious. Albert lost embarrassingly.

This result made Albert so obsessed with Olivia. He wanted Olivia to kneel before him and make her his woman. If the player didn't take the Olivia route or the Harem route, that would happen.

Albert's face became red from anger and embarrassment. He grabbed Gil's neck shirt.

"You bastard dare to say that to me?! Do you know who I am, Ha?!"

'Albert Hollenzfort, the third son of the Duke of Silesia. Nothing worth mentioning except he was a cuck and coward. Probably a decent swordsman cause he could beat Olivia. Also died when terror befell the capital.'

Gil knew absolutely who Albert was and even his future. He also targeted Albert as his enemy cause he was one of the cuck. But he would play ignorance for now. If Gil wanted to trample all of his targets, he needed to get strong first.

"Cat got your tongue, you bastard?" Albert taunted.

Gil let out a resigned sigh. "I'm well aware of your identity. So, what's your business? I have things to attend to."

Irritation flickered across Albert's face. He knew that Gil held no respect for him. However, he released his grip on Gil, sensing the need to bargain for his cooperation.

"Let's not waste time. Here's the deal—I want you to defeat Olivia once again, but this time, claim it was my directive. In return, I'll grant you whatever you desire."

There was a brief pause as Gil contemplated Albert's proposal. Yet, his thoughts weren't about the offer on the table.

'Is this guy dumb? What would you achieve when I beat her again? She would only focus on getting revenge on me.'

Then a realization struck him.

'No, he's not that foolish. He's aiming to make me his subordinate. By having me defeat Olivia in his name, he intends to associate me with him. Not a terrible strategy, but it's not enticing enough.'

Gil promptly addressed Albert's proposition. "No, I'm not interested. It sounds like a hassle. If you're seeking revenge, handle it yourself."

Albert was taken aback by this outright refusal. He hadn't anticipated Gil rejecting his proposal.

"Are you kidding me?! Did I give you the option to decline?!"

Given Gil's refusal, Albert felt compelled to resort to more forceful measures. Consequently, Albert and his companions encircled Gil, glaring at him in an attempt to intimidate him. Gil, in turn, prepared himself for the impending confrontation.

However, just before the confrontation could escalate, a voice rang out, directed at Albert.

"Hoho, a son of a duke, ganged up to fight a lone person? How unchivalrous."

The speaker was a girl who led her own gang, her long red hair elegantly twirling as she held a fan. Her face remained concealed behind the fan, revealing only her piercing red eyes fixated on Albert and Gil.

"You dare to intervene in other people's affairs now, Aria," Albert retorted.

'Oh, great,' Gil thought with frustration.

With the girl obscuring her face, Gil couldn't initially place her identity. However, when Albert addressed her, Gil's annoyance became apparent. This girl was the last among the love interests in Crossing Fate.

"I have no intention of meddling in your activities, dear Albert. However, witnessing a fellow noble engage in such unbecoming behavior, I simply cannot stay silent," Aria remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

'Look who's talking?' Gil couldn't help but think to himself.

Aria's presence was associated with a particularly controversial aspect of the game—the NTR (netorare) element. Her route was designed for players who enjoyed a masochistic narrative experience. Aria's personality revolved around manipulation and toying with others, making Sid her plaything throughout her route. If players failed to meet specific requirements for her route or chose not to pursue it, she would discard Sid and search for another target.

Unlike the other girls who had wronged Sid in the narrative, Gil held no personal grudge against Aria. Nevertheless, her actions earned her a place on his list of individuals to get beaten.

As Albert's irritation grew, he advanced toward Aria. However, her gang swiftly positioned themselves between her and Albert, preventing any close interaction. Observing their leader under threat, Albert's companions aligned themselves beside him.

Though it appeared that a brawl was on the verge of erupting, Gil recognized that this wasn't his concern. Remaining in this situation would yield him no benefits, prompting him to discreetly depart the scene.

In the midst of the escalating confrontation, Aria subtly motioned for her followers to halt their advance.

"Actually, my business is with the guy you currently ganged up. If you ganged him, then you became our enemies. So mind if you and your underling go?" Aria's tone remained composed, yet her words held a clear warning.

"Ha? What your business with him? I'm getting him first here." Albert retorted.

"My business is non of your business. So can you go? Or shall we continue?" Aria countered.

Aria's intention to intervene in Gil's favor stemmed from her desire to establish a connection with him. News had reached her ears of his resounding victory over Olivia, the rising newcomer. Intrigued by his capabilities, Aria aimed to extend an invitation to him to join her group.

Yet, as Aria turned her gaze in Gil's direction, confusion crossed her face. "Huh? Where did he go?"

At that moment, the reality hit everyone—Gil was discreetly making his exit without making a single sound.