"Whoa! Is the class already over? I wanted to hear more from Professor Lloyd."
"You think so too, right? Isn't he basically the best instructor in Freljord?"
"There is a mountain-sized gap between him and Professor Joshua."
"I'm glad I chose the Dark Arts class."
After finishing the Dark Arts and Curses class, I headed towards the training grounds. On the way, I couldn't help but overhear many remarks about Professor Lloyd. Everyone was captivated by his teachings.
I couldn't deny the truth behind those statements either. It was my first time attending his class, but Professor Lloyd managed to grab my attention. I had heard of him in my past life, but I never knew he was this good.
"Did you hear that the first month's ranking battles are scheduled for next week?"
"What? They were scheduled this early? I wanted to train a bit more...."
Well, I was already aware of when the ranking battles would begin, so I wasn't too surprised.
Anyway, as I made my way to the training grounds, I encountered a few familiar faces along the way.
"Oh, hi Eren!"
It was Evan who greeted me enthusiastically.
"Look, if it isn't Mr. Gun Guy here?"
And there was one more arrogant brat with him.
"Well, it's an honor to be recognized by the only child of the Rozentals."
It was Julia Rozental who tried to provoke me. But I was not so young and inexperienced to be provoked by a brat.
"Tch!"
She clicked her tongue in response.
"Are you going to the training grounds, Eren?"
"Yeah."
"Do you want to spar with me?"
"....I don't think I could match your level."
"Come on! You won't know unless we try."
"...I think I'm fine with training by myself."
Just as we were nearing the training grounds, a group of students blocked our way.
"Look here, you attention hog!"
I didn't pay them any mind and continued on my way.
"I'm talking to you, retard!!"
He screamed, pointing at me.
I looked around, and there was no one beside me except Julia and Evan, who were walking behind me.
"...? Were you talking to me?"
I didn't even know the name of the student in front of me, so naturally, I asked if he was talking to me.
"Who else would I be talking to, retard? It's you, attention hog!"
He said angrily, seeming to be upset about something.
"Move out of the way, moron! Who do you think you are to pick a fight with us? And who are you calling a retard, huh?"
Julia was defending me? Well, that was a surprise. I thought she hated me or something since she always tried to pick fights.
"Julia Rozental? I've always wanted to have a talk with you. You are as beautiful as the rumors say."
The bully seemed quite slick with his words.
"I'm William Parte from the 'Vaishya' class."I think you should take a look at
He said, extending his hand to Julia.
"What the fck? You're so cringe. Did I ask your name, you fcker?"
Well, that shattered the image of nobility.
He also seemed quite embarrassed by the unexpected response from Julia.
"I wanted to talk nicely to you since you're from the duke household, but I guess it was in vain. Move aside, Julia. I only have business with that bastard."
He said, holding back his embarrassment and anger.
"You dare order me around? And don't you dare say my name, you fu-"
Julia was about to pounce in him when I stepped in.
"Step aside," I interjected.
I didn't want someone to shield me. It was something concerning me, and I didn't want to involve these two in my matters.
I walked toward the boy who blocked our path and asked him straight to his face, "What's your business?"
"My business? It's simple. You attention seeker made a scene during weapon selection just to stand out a bit. Why don't you tone it down a bit?"
"What?" I responded, taken aback.
"I'm telling you to stop your useless actions to attract the instructor's attention. Do you think something might happen if you use multiple training weapons? And you even chose a gun? You think you're something great, huh? If you're here just to play around, just drop out now."
Now I understood.
He was one of those f*ckers who tried to pick fights with others just to appear strong in front of others.
Well, I did try to attract the attention of professors, but who does this f*cker think he is to question me?
In my past life, I would have ignored the remarks. I was so afraid of the instructors that I stayed away from trouble, but...
These kinds of jerks would continue to do the same if I ignored them.
Even in my past life, when I avoided conflicts, there were still these kinds of guys who would bully others for no reason.
"Hey, do you think an orphan bastard like you deserves to study in Freljord?"
"I don't even know how he was promoted to the third year."
"It's so pathetic."
"Does someone write a letter to back you up? You don't have parents, so who could back you up? Maybe..."
There were all kinds of jerks who picked fights with me.
In my past life, I actively avoided them as I didn't want to attract more trouble towards me, but I wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
"Hey, you f*cker."
"What the hell? What did you just call me, huh-?"
Before he could say anything more, my fist met his face.
Punch
He flew three meters back before falling down. The boys who were trying to pick a fight with me stood there shocked at my daring actions.
"You!! Do you know who we are?"
"You dare hit him?"
They were frustrated but unable to do anything, just frozen in place.
"Phwwwwwhh~ Nice punch~"
"That's more like it."
Evan exclaimed, while Julia stood grinning from ear to ear.
---***---