I left the classroom after the lesson ended and headed toward the area of the next class.
The Academy was extremely vast, with a huge number of recreational and training facilities, more so than the educational ones like the one we had just been in.
Many cafes, restaurants, and shops lined every corner, and a large number of cadets moved regularly between them.
Although it was arrogance to call this place the Third Grace, it was rightfully the most lavish place on earth. For humans, at least.
On my way, I opened the Academy's application on my phone to see my group members.
I had only hoped they wouldn't be nobles. Those pests were just a headache.
"Let's see…" I pressed the [Study Group] tab and…
[
• Rank 1 - Louis Montmir - S Class
• Rank 32 - Nick Noodlehead - A Class
• Rank 169 - Daniel Jooner - B Class
• Rank 441 - Alice Milloy - C Class
• Rank 999 - Beatrice Can - D Class
- Group Status: -
- Group Rank: -
- Group Points: 0
- Group Privileges: -
]
"Well, not bad…" I rubbed my chin.
That was a lie. It was bad. Terribly bad.
What do you mean that Nick and Daniel are in my group? Who the hell organized this thing?
They should know these aren't clowning groups, but study groups!
'How were the two of them dragged into the same group as me?!'
And the other two, I bet they're at the very bottom of their damn classes.
I mean, Rank 999? Are you serious?
This girl, Beatrice, is the owner of the second-to-last rank for this year! What an achievement.
"…Damn my life."
I saved the phone numbers of Alice and Beatrice that were attached to their personal files to contact them later. Now I had to attend the [Weapon Mastery] class.
I was good with the sword, but it seemed that wasn't enough here. The Academy wanted all cadets to gain experience, however slight, with all weapons.
'That should be easy anyway.'
Analysis is my second name.
————
The weapons class area was an extremely vast, enclosed hall, with shelves lining the walls holding a massive number of weapons of different types.
We stood near the small platform placed above the center of the hall, waiting for the instructor to arrive.
"Where the hell is he?" Evette didn't ask anyone in particular.
Ten minutes passed, and the instructor still hadn't shown up. Moans of boredom started coming from some mouths, while others ignored the absence of the instructor and went to fight each other.
"Now, come to daddy!"
Veron grabbed a light metal axe and headed towards Jalen, who was swinging a scythe near Ren's head. Ren was holding two daggers in both hands, and he was absolutely terrible with every move he made.
In any case, a three-way fight quickly started between them, just as other fights began everywhere.
I went to a nearby shelf and took two swords. One long with the option of holding it with both hands and another short one for close range.
I hadn't fully mastered dual-wielding the sword yet, so I started with that.
I walked toward a corner far from the others to fight the shadow that was silently following me.
"What are you doing, you idiot, you look like a stalker," I said as I turned around. A fake smile on my face.
For a moment, Liam said nothing, he just stood holding a spear in his right hand.
'The bastard. Why is he using his favorite weapon…?' My smile twitched.
"We need to talk."
As he said that, Liam rushed forward, directing his spear in a thrusting attack aimed at my neck.
I took a step back and pushed the head of his spear upwards with my long sword. Before he regained his balance, I tried to close the distance between us while raising my short sword to the side for defense.
Liam turned on his heel, utilizing his center of gravity, and executed a rough cut which I blocked with both my swords.
"Well, this isn't the best way to start a conversation, is it?" I said as I regained my stance.
"You know something. Why is he here?" he finally asked.
I shrugged my shoulders and looked at the gloomy guy who was staring at the weapons with a blank expression on his face.
"Elas? Not me. Look for someone higher up to ask that question."
"Are you saying he's backed by a Council member?" There was a noticeable frown on his face.
"Bingo." I nodded my head.
"But that's impossible. Who would bother to specifically take him from Ant-…" His voice dropped as he realized. "He… that bastard!"
I immediately lunged to intercept Liam, who was emitting a terrifying killing intent.
"Wait! What do you think you're doing?!"
"What else, I'm going to kill him." He growled, and darkness began to embrace his form. His black hair became blacker, and his green eyes sank into an abyssal black.
The madman sent spears of darkness toward Elas, who had already picked up a sword and started channeling a golden flame into it that burned with hunger after consuming Liam's dark spear.
Elas wasn't the only one who noticed the chaos; everyone except Chloe and Jalen were looking with expressions of concern on their faces.
"Hey, stop! It's weapon training, for the world's sake!" Akane screamed, and Evette held her back so she wouldn't interfere.
I dropped my short sword so it wouldn't obstruct me when Liam swung his spear sideways.
The sound of metal clashing echoed in the enclosed space.
The bastard was dead serious about killing Elas here and now.
'Damn you. You left me no choice!' I screamed in my head.
The same moment Liam thought he was attacking me, his spear suddenly diverted upwards, and when he tried to step back, his body was pushed forward toward me, completely exposed.
This was one of my abilities. [Knot of Causality].
In short, it allowed me to link different outcomes according to my desire to specific causes.
In this case, I manipulated the outcome of Liam's attack and retreat.
Without wasting a second, I lunged at Liam and pinned him to the ground on his back, the edge of my sword displayed on his neck. I lowered my head near his ear and whispered:
"Stop! How will you justify killing someone here, huh? Do you think you're the only damned victim or what?! Damn you, just take a look at that depressive guy and tell me what you see!"
His resistance stopped at that. He tilted his head to the side, his hair hiding his face.
After a short silence, he spoke barely audibly. "Get off me."
I took two seconds to make sure he wouldn't try to do something that would cost him dearly before I stepped away from him.
I felt everyone's eyes fall on me. Some were curious and some were surprised.
I can't blame them; the fight started mysteriously and ended the same way.
In any case, it doesn't mean they should interfere in this.
I turned toward the audience. "What are you looking at? Get back to training."
"What caused this?" Unexpectedly, it was Ren who asked. His blonde hair was wet, and his green eyes narrowed in a frown.
Our eyes locked in a silent exchange. "Trust me, you don't want to know."
Ren nodded his head and retreated with the rest, which relieved me.
I turned toward Elas, who was looking at Liam with clear pity despite having just been attacked by him.
"I'm sorry…"
I hated that. Although I know he's not wrong about anything. No one was wrong here.
What is happening now, what has already happened, and what might happen.
All of it is the fault of this New System and its corrupt government.
-Clap! Clap!
A loud clapping sound echoed through the hall, interrupting my thoughts.
"Well, well, forgive my delay, esteemed gentlemen and ladies." The voice was annoying and slick, like a snake.
'Here he is…' I thought.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Elas flinch upon hearing the voice.
Of course he would.
"Shall we begin our lesson already? Don't worry, it won't take long."
This instructor was here specifically to monitor him after all.