Pride

Pride...

consciousness of one's own dignity.

Pride, conceit, self-esteem, egotism, vanity, vainglory imply an unduly favorable idea of one's own appearance, advantages, achievements, etc., and often apply to offensive characteristics.

Pride is a lofty and often arrogant assumption of superiority in some respect: Pride must have a fall.

Specially in my case.

I will never apologies to someone by heart.

I will never bow down to anyone.

I would never ask anyone for help.

These are the main source of my pride.

Let's take a common example if I bumped into someone, I will just ignore him and go on my way. But if he wants an apology from me then hell awaits him.

If I want to buy a drink but don't have enough money, I won't buy a drink. As simple as that. Even if I have a lot of rich friends, I will never ask for help.

I won't bow down to anyone. In school, I was hell bent on not bowing. Even if that some one is teacher, senior citizen or a respectable person. Not even during introductions or friendly chats.

I have that kind of pride.

Never in my wildest dream I will ask anyone for money.

Well....

That's good and all but.....

I am broke...

Or I will be, if I don't find a way to earn money.

Meal containing meat of mana beast cost 5 points, renting of training room and VR machine for an hour costs 20 points each. Meaning my daily expenses will be 50 points.

But currently I only have 80 points as I used training room for an hour yesterday. If I don't do something I will go broke in a week at most.

Sigh....

I stood up from my seat as the class ended.

Just like usual, I am walking with the group Evan, Ethne, Erika and Snow. Today's lecture made almost everyone in the class sleep except Snow. She seems to be interested in Mecha and engineering.

Our Weapon training class has gone by like usual resulting in me getting beaten up again. I think I should build a small cottage for myself in the Medical ward since I am gonna be their regular customer.

You know, Comfort is priority.

Steel and James approached us from opposite as we were walking back to dormitories. Both of them wrapped their hands on my shoulder like we were childhood buddies.

" Hey guys, mind if I borrow Rudra for a bit."

" Sure."

" Enjoy your time newbie."

" Have fun cadet."

Evan, Ethne and Erika displayed green signal for kicking me out. Snow just keep staring at Steele and James without speaking a word.

" Vice president, please don't stare at us like that. We are just going for some site seeing nothing else."

James nudged Steele to agree with him.

" Yes! Yes! just sight seeing."

Why are they so nervous in front of her?

"..."

Snow didn't speak anything, but her stare spoke all that, she was definitely angry.

" You should go with them Rudra, you may be able to see the new side of the world."

Seriously.

' What's that supposed to mean?'

Snow's stare still didn't drop, she was getting angrier by the minute.

" How about sending Erika to watch over them."

Evan suggested.

" Yeah, no problem."

" That's a great idea."

Evan, Ethne and Erika kept persuading Snow to let me go, to which she reluctantly agreed. I was confused as to why they were acting like that again.

" Please come back safely."

Snow said in her usual tone before leaving.

' .....I fell even more uneasy since you said that.'

I don't have much to do except training, so let's see if there are any interesting things. Maybe I can find a way to earn money.

" Let's go."

Me, Erika, Steele and James walked towards the exit gate of the academy.

" Hey James, where are we going?"

I was curious as to what caused all that fuss.

" Rudra, are you good at fist fighting?"

" What?"

" Are you good at fist fighting or not? Just answer me."

" Yes, I am good at it."

During my school days, I was considered as one the best fist fighter in school. After all, I was a part of a delinquent group.

" That's great then we have two fighters now. I will make sure to win back all the money I lost."

" What are you talking about?"

" Just come with me for now. I guarantee that you will enjoy it."

I just followed behind him while observing my surroundings. We passed through the bustling streets of 'Sie' market. The 'Sie' market is divided into two Districts, the larger one in the East is called as 'Hunting District' which has designated shops for potions, weapons and other stuff for hunting. The smaller one in the West is called as Entertainment District which has cafes, bakery, movie theatres, music stores, book stores, and other entertainments.

We walked through the 'Hunting District' for a good hour before arriving at our destination. An abandoned store in a back alley opposite to the ' Adventurer's Guild office. James opened the door of the store which revealed a staircase leading down. After climbing down the stairs, we arrived before another dark door.

James pushed open the door to revel a beautiful dark scenery illuminated by small stars hanging around the sky. A crescent moon added another charm to the scenery.

" Welcome to the Underworld!"

James dramatically raised both of his hands in the air and shouted out loud attracting the unnecessary attention. But I didn't care much as I was lost in the beautiful scene in front of me.

" Surprised! Stop acting like a country bum, you are embarrassing us."

" Shut up or I will go back."

These bastards never leave a chance to add snarky comment.

" Okay okay, don't take it seriously dude."

" Can you tell me now, why are we here?"

I asked impatiently. Many scenarios ran in my mind like stealing stuff, fighting gangs, rare treasures, evil bosses and secret stuff.

" First let me tell you about three important rules of the underworld.

1. You can not fight outside the Battle Arena.

2. You can not cause inconvenience to the Underworld Guards who are patrolling the area.

3. Order of the Overseer is absolute.

If you break any one of the rules you will be executed on the spot. But except the above you can do anything."

" ....I see."

" As for why are we here? We are going to the Fist fighting section in the battle arena. You said that you are a good fighter right, then help me earn some points."

James said with a mischievous smile while his eyeballs literally looked like dollar signs.

" ...So basically I am like a money tree."

" Yup."

An instant and blatant reply.

" I am going back."

I had enough of this shit. I am not a slave who will work for free, but-