Chapter 23: A Challenge Of Hate?

Mr. Froil brought us out of the classroom without him even spending five minutes there. We're currently at one of the many arenas Sense has.

" Excuse me, sir... Are there any... uhm... rules in this match? " A worried girl raised her hands as she looked at the crazed Froil. Well, he's normal by his standards, I guess.

" Alright then... Hmmm... Rules. Yes, Rules. " Even though he was crazy, Sense wasn't like him in that they would just put up some random mentally unstable guardian to be an instructor.

He was still competent, and some might say not really crazy, just incredibly peculiar.

" I'd say don't die! "

...

He might just be crazy.

" Anyways, children. " Froil walks towards the side of the arena, clearing it off for all of us.

" Since the midterms haven't started yet, you guys have no set rankings other than your social hierarchy and, I guess, a little bit of guessing and past achievements. The way this class ranking would work..."

" Is with Hatred and Ambition, or in commoner terms, beat the fuck out of someone you don't like. " Froil bursts into laughter.

" What... This... " The whole class succumbs to nervousness and confusion as the social hierarchy they had was something that would dictate their future after Sense.

The only ones who aren't afraid to challenge the others would be the strongest of them all. Rena and Reign.

They wouldn't just be able to challenge someone and pretend like it didn't happen. Almost all the students in this section are part of a strong and rich corporation. Their actions here wouldn't just affect their own livelihood, but an entire group of people.

No one in a class full of young masters isn't going to move a single step away from their comfort zone. It would only change when it isn't a class full of young masters. Everybody else could challenge someone, as long as their opponent is a commoner.

" I'd like to challenge someone " A kid in the opposite direction raised his hands with clear conviction.

" Oh? There's someone with guts e're eh? " Froil with quite his rough vocabulary doesn't fail to shock all of the rich young masters.

" Student Jian right? Who would you like to call to the stage? "

A student with short brown hair walks out of the crowd with rage in his eyes.

... It's that kid from earlier.

The one who lashed out at me after Rena made that comment.

Well, who would've thought?

Though... that shouldn't be enough for him to offer a duel like this. The reason why I did all those arrogant gestures earlier was to get the approval of Rena and I clearly made a pact with her earlier. I get to use her name, while I serve under it too.

She was not shy in saying I was a part of her group so unless he has a great force backing him up. This level of disrespect isn't something he would just commit, well unless he's crazy.

" I would like to have a duel with student Mon, sir Froil. " As if everyone knew it was coming, they all look at me with smug smiles, probably excited to see me get beat up.

I've made too many enemies huh?

" You dare? " Rena looks at Jian with her nonchalant and cunning smile.

" I... " He shivers under her cold stare

" I wouldn't stand for such use of authority in Sense young miss... " Mr. Froil also smiles at the scary gesture Rena was making.

" But since you're the beloved daughter of my dear friend. I'd let you off this once. "

Rena wasn't able to do anything else other than depend on Jian's actual guts to continue on with this challenge.

Though, I'm sure he has no choice now. He already received bad attention from one of the running leaders of 1B. I'm sure the only way to go here is to make sure she doesn't become the high leader. Besides, I'm sure this challenge itself wasn't just the product of Jian's hatred towards me.

It's probably a scheme on Reign's side to embarrass Rena, and also remove a prospect from her side. It improves Jian's image as well, as I've made too many enemies, defeating me grants them popularity and in turn more chance to recruit those who are against me.

It's quite fucking sketchy though... Who on their side would suggest such an elaborate plan? That they would even think of using a pawn for an advantage. This affects Jian's entire future if this fails, and Jian should know that. Mere hatred and some rewards should not be enough to make him move...

Reign isn't that quick to catch on to such opportunities and there's no one on their side that stood out during the story. Did saving Reign perhaps change something?

Regardless, I'd have to think about it later as I was getting called to the stage.

" You don't have to win. " Rena says in an unbothered tone as she looks at me conflicted, most likely thinking about me embarrassing her as I didn't build our relationship enough for her to be worried about me.

You're face and words are saying different things...

Anyways, whoever on their side is responsible for this is clearly not incompetent. But they seem to be underestimating me quite a bit.

" Don't worry young miss. What am I as your loyal comrade if I can't even protect you from my servants? " I say cheekily, bringing up the fact that Jian kneeled down from my ability earlier.

" You're fucking crazy, aren't you? " Jian looks at me as if a vein was about to pop in his forehead.

" Well, looking for more humiliation after experiencing one is something a crazy person would do, don't you think? " I say as I step into the arena.

Though it seems I've angered him too much as he immediately lashes out the moment I do.

He stretches his arms which are covered in rocks towards my direction aiming to beat me in an instant.

" Watch out! " Rena screams making it the last thing I heard before clashing with Jian.

...

" Hah! " Reign smirks at Jian's unhonourable move. But it didn't take long for it to vanish, as Jian who seemed to have made the first move, is currently lying on the floor behind Mon.

" Wha? Jian missed? "

" HAHAHA, is he an idiot? "

The students all looked at him in shock and also amusement.

" Are you an idiot? Do you think my ability is just used for bluffing and scaring someone? "

[ Fear ]

Jian looks at me in shock as if I betrayed him.

Even though Jian is out of bounds right now, Mr. Froil seems to not care so I'm guessing the only way to win here is to beat him up until he gives in...

" I guess people like you aren't that creative to even think about it huh? " I slowly approach him with my ability fully focused on his direction.

" I guess whoever devised this plan isn't as competent as he seems eh? " I say probing a reaction from him, and sure enough his face turns towards Reign and the others.

The crowd couldn't help but swallow their saliva the moment they realize Jian didn't miss. But Mon made him so, giving them fear yet immense jealousy of the commoner's talent in front of them.

Who is he looking at? I have no clue. There were too many people in his direction.

But it's not like I'd have to look for him right now.

It's better to use this moment to declare war...

Whoever you are... come at me fucker. I grinned as I step on the cowering Jian in front of me.