บท 7: Clubs
Today marked the much-anticipated opening of clubs for us first-year students. The enthusiasm in Class A was palpable as we endured Nero's lecture on the world's history, a topic everyone was already well-versed in.
Adding to the excitement was Lucifer's bold declaration to conquer the swordsmanship club by defeating its captain. I knew, based on my prior reading of the novel, that he would emerge victorious. Still, witnessing the scene unfold in real life, especially with the reactions of our classmates, promised to be entertaining.
Perhaps I should grab some popcorn for the spectacle?
My musings were interrupted as I once again caught Seraphina staring at me. What was going on with her? Was she developing feelings for me? Admittedly, in this fictional world, I did possess a handsome appearance, but so did everyone else. Mana enhancements had uplifted the entire populace's attractiveness. Even dwarves here weren't lacking in looks.
Yet, even with my good looks, I couldn't fathom Seraphina suddenly falling for me based on appearances alone. Or could I? After all, she was just a fifteen-year-old girl undergoing puberty, with hormones surging through her body.
However, there was something different in the way she looked at me. Drawing on my past dating experiences, she didn't seem like someone with a mere crush. Instead, she appeared genuinely intrigued.
But why? I lacked a Gift, ranked last in class, and hailed from a non-influential family. In the novel, Lucifer caught Seraphina's attention after defeating Ian and Ken, but her intensity skyrocketed after he triumphed over the swordsmanship club captain. By the VR battle against Kali, she was practically head over heels in love with him.
'I recall the uproar in the fandom when the author gave Lucifer a harem,' I mused, stifling a laugh.
As the stereotypical protagonist, Lucifer naturally had a flock of admirers. This was one of the reasons Ian initially held a grudge against him, only to later acknowledge his strength after a defeat at the festival's end-of-year event.
The bell mercifully rang, signaling the end of Nero's tedious lecture. Even Rachel, the studious honor student, showed visible relief at the prospect of escaping the monotony.
Nero cleared his throat before announcing, "As you're all aware, today marks the club opening. To maintain fairness, clubs are segregated between lower and upper years. All the clubs will be located in the first-year building to recruit new members. Follow me."
Our group of eight trailed after Nero, each displaying varying levels of enthusiasm. Jin, true to his indifferent nature, exhibited only mild interest, primarily focused on Lucifer's impending clash with the swordsmanship club captain.
Exiting the classroom, we crowded into the elevator for the descent to the ground floor.
"Hey," Cecilia whispered seductively into my ear, "Do you genuinely think Lucifer will win?"
I rolled my eyes, unfazed by her attempt to elicit a reaction. Classic sociopath move.
"Yeah," I replied impassively, "I don't see anyone in the lower years beating Lucifer."
Her scarlet eyes sparkled with amusement as she giggled.
'Ugh, she's relishing this a bit too much,' I thought.
The elevator doors parted, revealing a vibrant scene that contrasted with the usually deserted ground floor. Stalls from various leisure and activity clubs adorned the area, and a lively hubbub filled the air as first-year students engaged with the offerings.
The punctuality of the main characters had never been a strong suit, and as we stepped into the bustling milieu, it was evident that we had arrived fashionably late. Not a boast, just a fact.
The heads of club captains and vice-captains turned our way, excitement written all over their faces at the prospect of recruiting Class A students—undeniably a group of formidable individuals.
"You guys come with me first," Lucifer said, his green eyes gleaming with interest. The rest of us followed suit, eager to witness the unfolding duel that had sparked such anticipation.
Nero, having herded us to the scene, left to attend to other matters, mingling with fellow professors. While the faculty might have seemed indifferent to the student affairs, the unspoken understanding lingered that intervention would swiftly follow if matters veered out of control. After all, each professor held a minimum rank of <Ascendent>, and no student here could escape their watchful gaze.
Especially not Nero's.
Our journey led us to the swordsmanship club, which had commandeered a dueling arena, mirroring the events meticulously detailed in the novel.
A lively greeting reached our ears as we approached. Kevin, the club's vice-captain and a fellow Class 3-A student, stepped forward.
"Hello!" he cheerfully exclaimed.
Lucifer reciprocated with his trademark charismatic smile, extending a handshake. "Nice to meet you. I'm Lucifer Windward."
Kevin's eyes widened in recognition. "Ah, the heir to the Windward family. Pleasure to meet you. I'm Kevin Lourve, vice-captain of the swordsmanship club and holding the Rank 5 spot in Class 3-A."
Lucifer's fame preceded him in the Academy, not only for securing the top rank in the first year but also for his remarkable achievements under his father's guidance. Slaying <Silver>-rank beasts at the tender age of thirteen and attaining <White> rank at a record-breaking pace had made him a household name.
This new development would only propel his fame to greater heights.
"Hey, Lucifer," I interjected, giving his shoulder a light touch. Leaning in, I whispered, "I'd like to take on one of these guys first. Cool with you?"
Lucifer's eyes widened, but he quickly broke into a grin and nodded in agreement.
"Hello, I'm Arthur Nightingale," I greeted, extending my arm. "Rank 8 of Class 1-A."
Kevin reciprocated the handshake with a smile. "Nice to meet you."
"I'd like to challenge a member of the swordsmanship club," I declared with a confident tone.
Now, whom should I challenge? Kevin? No way. He'd turn me into minced meat; after all, he's at the <White> rank, and the only ones from Class 1-A who could match him are Ren and Lucifer.
With the academy rankings about to be unveiled, thanks to the Headmaster's recent changes, I figured it was a good time to gauge my standing before they went public.
"Is there a second-year I can face?" I asked. Most third-years would likely wipe the floor with me, given my lack of weapon arts. I needed a second-year with a mana core rank similar to mine.
Kevin pondered for a moment before summoning a second-year student to the forefront.
This guy wasn't in the novel, just a random addition to the mix. The silver accents on his uniform and the Roman numeral two stitched on it indicated he hailed from Class 2-B.
This wouldn't be a cakewalk. Class 2-B students had already honed at least one Grade 4 art for over a year, plus an additional year of mana purification and gathering compared to us. His mana rank likely matched or surpassed mine, and he probably knew more 4-circle spells.
It wasn't going to be an easy win.
"His name is Richard," Kevin said as he patted the guy on the shoulder, "He's rank 47 in the second-year, representing the average. His mana core rank is <High Yellow> and he is close to the adept realm of mastery in one Grade 4 art, while he has surpassed adept realm of mastery in another Grade 4 art."
Kevin then turned to me, his brown eyes meeting my azure ones, "I am giving you all this information to make you realise that this battle is fair. His mana rank is below yours, but he surpasses you in weapon art technique. Do you accept?"
I nodded affirmatively, "Sure."
Kevin's smile widened, "Fantastic! Head up to the stage now."
I walked onto the stage, facing off against Richard, a sturdy-looking guy comparable to Lucifer in physique. He was geared up, ready to unleash his Grade 4 art.
Despite the advantage of mastering multiple arts, the benefits tapered off in the higher ranks. Lower-grade arts were less versatile, so having a multitude of them was more advantageous in the lower levels.
"Begin!" Kevin announced.
Without hesitation, I charged at Richard, my sword enveloped in a fiery aura.
Did my lack of weapon art make me technically weaker than even Grade 1 art users? Not really. Arthur's art-less swordsmanship was akin to a Grade 2 art, and he had reached at least the virtuoso realm in it.
My sword gleamed dangerously as it approached Richard's face. Swiftly, his sword unsheathed, aiming for the lower part of mine.
Ah, an eastern style with a focus on rapid attacks.
I slid my left foot, lowering my body. Richard's sword connected with mine, and I used the impact to flip my sword, attacking him with the hilt. Although I managed to strike his stomach, he countered by elbowing my thigh, disrupting my momentum.
Seizing the opportunity while he was momentarily dazed, I grabbed his collar and pulled him closer.
[4-circle magic: Flame Burst]
As he came into range, I activated my 4-circle spell, engulfing both of us in flames.
He lacked a flame affinity, making him less resistant to the engulfing flames. He grunted and countered by activating a water aura around his sword.
After creating some distance, he launched another attack with his sword.
True to a Grade 4 art.
However, his mastery in this specific art was lacking. There were noticeable gaps.
I thrust my sword forward, exchanging the flames for a crackling lightning aura.
The increased speed of my sword disrupted his attack before it could land. Swiftly switching my footing with a burst of wind, I balanced on my left foot, pulling back my sword and delivering a swift kick to Richard's face.
Upon the impact of my foot against his neck, a magic circle materialized at my abdomen.
[3-circle spell: Water Strike]
A straightforward yet effective spell hit me forcefully, compelling me to retreat.
But the damage inflicted on him was substantial.
Now, it was time to conclude this.
I cast [4-circle spell: Flame Lance].
Yet, I manipulated the magic like a magic swordsman. Concentrating the lance around my sword, I enveloped it like an aura.
Merging aura with the circular method of mana manipulation.
My unique spell.
[4-circle spell: Flame Sword]
Well, I could refine the name later.
My mana core was nearly depleted, but I was determined to finish this.
Gritting his teeth, Richard charged at me. His water aura cloaked his sword as he unleashed an attack from his Grade 4 art.
Our attacks clashed violently, the impact threatening to rip my arm muscles apart. Yet, in the end, I observed his water aura being sliced apart by my fire magic.
My sword cut through his assault, halting at his neck.
It marked my victory.
"Do you surrender?" I inquired, my breath coming in gasps.
"Yes," Richard spat out, seething with anger.
Sheathing my sword, I turned around, adopting a stoic expression.
But was I truly calm?
Certainly not!
I defeated Richard! He might be the 47th rank in the third year, but still! The guy is undeniably strong!
However, the victory also taught me a lesson—I needed to learn a weapon art promptly. My relative strength was lacking.
Suddenly, my instincts screamed at me. I glanced over to see Richard charging at me with his sword, despite Kevin's attempts to restrain him.
Tsk, he's about to go down like a third-rate cliché villain now.
Well, in typical novels, the MC would swiftly turn around and counter, crushing the villain's desperate and illegal attack.
But my body was exhausted. Even if I could muster a counter, I would incur substantial damage.
However, I am not the MC of this novel.
It's Lucifer.
I grinned as a familiar figure stepped in front of me, holding his sword like a fortress.
Richard's blue aura clashed against Lucifer's sword, futile against him. He didn't even flinch!
Lucifer's muscles tensed as he pushed back, effortlessly hurling Richard away as if he were a child.
Mhmm!
This is the power of the MC.
I spotted Nero standing at the edge, smiling as he witnessed Lucifer casually overpowering Richard.
Lucifer took a deep breath before shouting, "Captain of the swordsmanship club, I, Lucifer Windward, Rank 1 of Class 1-A, challenge you to a duel for the swordsmanship club!"
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