The atmosphere in Class 1-A of Astoria Magic Academy was silent, as if the air itself was afraid to move. Arvin Vedegra sat with satisfaction in his heart, his chin raised arrogantly, staring sharply at his classmates who were still bowing their heads in shame.
Inside, Arvin was cheering with joy.
Hahaha! Being the antagonist turns out to be incredibly fun! Look at their expressions. Those faces that were previously so self-righteous and judgmental of me are now shrinking away in fear. I feel like laughing out loud until my stomach hurts!
However, that euphoria suddenly subsided when the corner of his eye caught the figure beside him.
Allen.
The cute, pink-haired young man was still fast asleep in his chair, his head slumped over the desk. His breathing was steady, but there were traces of dried tears on his cheeks. Arvin's heart sank. Guilt hit him harder than any magic attack could.
Forgive me, Allen, he thought wistfully, in stark contrast to his cold, cruel exterior. I have to ignore you this time. I swear, it hurts so much to see you faint because of my own doing. But this is all for your sake. I did this so your dormant powers would awaken.
Arvin desperately wanted to stroke Allen's head, to tidy up the bangs covering those closed eyes. However, he restrained himself with all his might. He had to maintain his role. A villain doesn't pet the protagonist's head in public.
"Alright, everyone!" Professor Elliana's loud voice broke the silence. "We are moving to the academy grounds now for magic practice!"
The announcement caused confused whispers among the students.
"What is it, Professor? Why are we suddenly asked to practice?" asked a student with a confused look.
Professor Elliana smiled meaningfully while looking at the whole class. "Next month, the Inter-Kingdom Magic Tournament will be held. We will be selecting you starting today. Remember, only five people will be chosen from this academy to be representatives!"
The news was like a spark in a pile of gasoline. The previously gloomy classroom atmosphere instantly exploded into fiery enthusiasm. The Inter-Kingdom Tournament was the most prestigious stage. For anyone who performed there, their future as an elite royal mage was all but guaranteed.
"I'll definitely be chosen!" said a student enthusiastically and ambitiously.
"This is my chance to make my family proud!" said another student.
In the midst of that commotion, a cold, flat voice cut through their excitement.
"I'm not interested!"
Instantly, every head turned toward the source of the voice. Arvin was still sitting casually, his expression looking bored to death, as if the talk of the prestigious tournament was nothing but a minor annoyance.
"Hey, Arvin!" exclaimed Bryan Jesvon, the third son of Marquis, in disbelief. "You're the genius and strongest student in this academy! You even master all magic elements. Why don't you want to participate?"
"Right!" Selena Waxler, the second daughter of another Marquis, chimed in with a high-pitched tone. "You're a user of all magic elements! You'd definitely be the mainstay of this academy! Without you, the team formation won't be perfect."
"Do you want this academy to be humiliated again?" Victor Zernest, the fifth son of the Prime Minister, added accusingly.
Arvin looked at them one by one with a condescending gaze that made their courage shrink.
"I already told you I'm not interested! If you don't want this academy to be humiliated," Arvin said sharply, his voice piercing their ears, "go to the library and study every spell there, you idiots! Don't hang the fate of the academy on a single person."
The atmosphere in the classroom became heated when Arvin began to provoke the situation.
"Enough! Stop this commotion!" Professor Elliana stated firmly, trying to mediate even though she knew her student's temper was flaring up.
All the students in the classroom went silent instantly.
"Arvin," Professor Elliana called out, "why aren't you interested in participating?"
Arvin snorted roughly. "It's because of the stupid nobles who are our seniors, Professor! They will definitely act stupid and superior to their own team members! I refuse to be on a team with selfish people like that."
He stepped forward, glaring sharply at Victor. "It is their stupidity that causes this academy to never win in that prestigious tournament."
The class was silent. No one dared to argue because deep down, they knew Arvin was right. Seniority in this academy was indeed a deep-rooted poison.
"But..." Arvin paused, giving a dramatic effect. "If the Professor gives me the right to determine who will be the academy's representatives, only then will I be willing to join the tournament!"
Everyone was stunned. The request was insane. It meant Arvin was asking for absolute power to choose team members, bypassing the authority of the guiding teachers.
"Very well," Professor Elliana answered quickly, as if she had expected this. "I will convey your proposal to the Academy Dean!"
All the students were truly dumbfounded by the reason behind Arvin's refusal to join the prestigious tournament. They couldn't even believe that Arvin so easily insulted other nobles in front of everyone without a shred of fear.
On the vast academy grounds, magic practice continued. Arvin only stood watching from the sidelines, leaning against a shady tree with his arms crossed. His sharp eyes observed every movement of his friends.
One by one, the students were asked to practice their strongest magic.
While watching their magic, Arvin was genuinely surprised. For him, who possessed high-level magic instincts, their techniques were terrible—in a bad way. They were very wasteful in using magic energy, and their efficiency was far below good.
Unable to stand the stupidity, he walked over to all the students in the middle of the field.
"Do you always use magic this stupidly and wastefully?" Arvin asked loudly.
Instantly, they became defensive. Their faces turned red because they felt underestimated and insulted by the arrogant genius.
"We know you're a genius and strong! But, do you always have to insult us like this?" protested Bryan, his voice trembling as he held back his anger.
"Bryan, I'm not insulting you, I'm correcting you!" Arvin replied coldly.