The Villain Bought the Female Lead - Ch. 28
“It’s imperative that our class wins. Got it?”
Louisa’s strong determination was conveyed to everyone in the classroom.
Shortly after the class began, she mentioned the upcoming class competition, which was just under a month away.
The academy was divided into five classes per grade.
Similarly, the first-year students were divided into Classes 1 through 5. Due to the novel’s setting, each first-year class had exactly twenty-five students.
“Safety first. While other classes might spout such nonsense, Class 1 is different.”
If we lost, we gained nothing. Focus on winning more than your own safety. Louisa, who said this, suddenly clicked her tongue and stomped on the floor.
The magic-infused stomp made the room vibrate.
“Especially, utterly destroy Class 3. If anyone gets beaten by those Class 3 scumbags, I’ll personally break their heads, so be warned.”
Class 3 was the class Paula was in charge of. It was clear why Louisa was so furious without needing detailed explanations.
They must have made a bet while drinking.
Without a doubt, Paula must have played a prank that hurt Louisa’s pride, escalating the situation.
“Of course, the winning class will get the highest points, awarding 20 Cattia points. Additional Cattia points will be given based on individual performance, but that’s secondary. I know you care about more than just Cattia points. However, if you get reckless and draw unnecessary attention, causing harm, be prepared for the consequences.”
Louisa’s sharp gaze was intimidating. She was threatening everyone.
If someone rushed into the enemy lines recklessly and got eliminated, they might really end up with a broken rib, if not their head.
I currently hold 20 Cattia points. Since I had the highest entrance score, no other first-year student had more Cattia points than I did, but this competition could easily change that.
“The rules will be announced on the day of the competition. I’d love to reveal them now, but unfortunately, even I don’t know how it will proceed. Damn it.”
She clicked her tongue again and looked at me among the students.
I had a feeling I knew what she was about to say.
“Schugenhartz. Since you’re the top student, take responsibility and lead the class. Prepare thoroughly with strategies and tactics. Report to me immediately if anyone slacks off. I’ll straighten them out.”
Some students flinched at the mention of being straightened out.
It was still very early in the semester, but it seemed some have already received special education from her.
I pretended to think deeply, dragging out the time, and then slowly opened my mouth. If you moved too hastily when the fish was biting, it would escape.
“In other words, you mean to say that you’re giving me the authority to lead for this class competition?”
“Professors can’t participate in the class competition. You know that. For you to say it like that, you’re quite something.”
“Hearing it directly makes all the difference.”
I let out a light laugh.
Louisa sighed deeply and shook her head before speaking firmly.
“Alright, I’m giving you the authority to lead this class competition. You’re the leader this time.”
Leader. It was a good word.
There was a reason I wanted a definite confirmation.
“Understood. I’ll do my best.”
I bowed my head.
And hid my emerging smile.
***
“So. Why are you here?”
In a small room granted for research, a condition for joining the research society. This cramped space was agitating with an uninvited guest I didn’t invite.
“Let Liam join the research society with me. With the class competition so close, it’s better to have one more person grow stronger, isn’t it?”
“I didn’t ask you.”
“Oh, seriously…!”
A childhood friend of Liam, but not his guardian. He was not mute, was he?
“It’s okay, Emily. I’ll speak.”
“Make it short.”
I leaned back. The cushioned chair supported my body.
“I want to join the research society with Emily. The topic is personal development, right? Then it applies to me too…”
“No. Get out.”
I told him to keep it short, yet he talked so much.
“According to the founding principles of the research society, there’s no reason to refuse. Unless the topic of personal development is just a front and there’s actually a conspiracy behind it?”
Despite being interrupted, he continued speaking without showing any signs of displeasure.
The front was not the topic of the research society, but the excuses you were making. Who was fooling whom?
“You’re a liar.”
“What?”
“Everything you said is just an excuse. In reality, you’re here to monitor me, aren’t you?”
“That’s a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding… is that so?”
I glanced at Emily.
She averted her gaze, looking slightly surprised.
“Your childhood friend didn’t believe in my prophecy-like words. She even told me not to say such ominous things.”
Back then, Emily clearly expressed that she wouldn’t join the research society. Yet, that decision changed overnight.
It was unnatural unless there was a catalyst.
“Now, despite that past, she shamelessly drags you here to join. It’s awkward, as if someone intervened. So, who could have influenced her?”
I pointed to myself.
“Me? No, I wouldn’t go to such lengths for someone with mediocre talent.”
Then, I pointed to Alicia.
“Then, Alicia? No. I can monitor her every move. She hasn’t interacted with Emily since the last class. There’s no need to mention Finn and Serena. So, the only one left is.”
My finger stopped at Liam.
“You.”
He slightly wrinkled his lips.
It wasn’t a reaction of being caught by surprise, but rather of having an uncomfortable truth exposed.
Liam and I might know different developments, but we shared many common points.
The tragedy of Academia a year later. We shared major storylines like this.
Even though the guy was already trying hard to understand my identity, he heard the unsettling prophecy I mentioned through Emily. According to the information he knew, it wasn’t specified that Emily’s death would happen.
But he did know that a tragedy was coming to Academia.
“Seems like I really get on your nerves.”
It was no surprise he was so bold here. After all, he had caught onto me as a suspicious soul, so he was probably jumping at the chance to play the hero and stop me.
“… okay, I’ll admit it.”
Liam responded.
“Actually, I’m joining the study group just to keep an eye on you.”
“Keep an eye on me?”
“You’re the kind of person who makes such a bold move at the opening ceremony. I don’t know what else you’ll do afterward, so I’m keeping an eye on you to stop you beforehand.”
“I don’t understand what you’re getting out of this. Even if I did, I doubt you could stop me.”
“Well, I don’t think it will be easy.”
That didn’t mean it was not possible.
“Playing tough.”
I looked around.
There were many characters paying attention to our conversation. He stepped back, showing that he was being sincere.
I thought he was just an empty-headed guy, but I guessed his thoughts go deeper.
But regardless.
“I don’t intend to allow you to join.”
“Fine, Vargan…”
“But I’m curious.”
I turned away from Liam to look at Alicia. She looked confused, raising an eyebrow as she got pulled into the conversation.
“If you and my servant, Alicia, were to face off now.”
I proposed.
What if he fought a ranking match with Alicia?
Who would win?
“I’ll allow you to join.”
***
The ranking battle was one of the ways that students at Academia could secure Cattia, which was highly coveted.
Once a month.
A gap of 20 in rankings between opponents.
Maximum bet of 10 Cattia.
Once these conditions were met, students could agree to a ranking battle. Academia officially acknowledged this battle, and there was a specialized space set up for it.
“Feeling nervous?”
“Oh, Master.”
Alicia appeared in the hallway leading to the arena in light battle gear.
Since the semester had just begun and there wasn’t a reservation in place, we were able to rent out the arena instantly.
Alicia carried a practice sword on her back, and she looked somewhat tense.
“This is my first duel with Cattia on the line, so I’m just nervous. I won’t worry you too much.”
“If you win, the Cattia you have will double.”
Since I entered as valedictorian, I received 20 Katia, but those who passed the entrance exam without ranking in the top 10 received only 10 Katia.
Liam and Alicia also received 10 each. So, if I bet on these 10 Cattia, it meant that they’d lose all their Cattia if they lost.
“Don’t worry. I’m not planning to let you down.”
It was a concern because Alicia might seem like she’d be likely to ease up just to save Liam.
“That won’t happen. I will show you the best results so that you won’t be disappointed.”
“Is that so.”
This was a necessary fight.
Liam was not very talented at the moment, but his power, when using the right skills, was beyond this world.
According to the original story. With only his growth speed, Alicia would have a tough time surpassing him.
In other words, this match was the first step.
If Liam managed to win, then Alicia would need additional help to suppress him.
That meant two pieces on the chessboard had to be used to take out one of the opponents.
A truly inefficient and restrictive route.
So far, Alicia had been following my plans smoothly. I thought I could trust her, but the only thing I worry about was her natural tendencies.
She gave me her assurance… so I would trust it for now.
“Uh… Master?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I feel bad asking after you just said that. But even if it’s a practice sword, it’s a blade. Couldn’t she get hurt?”
“Academia’s medics and experienced referees are standing by. If there’s a heavy impact, the referee will activate a spell to neutralize the strike and stop the fight.”
“Oh, I see.”
I felt bad to admit it, but Alicia’s disappointment showed she might be too young to handle this.
Just as that thought crossed my mind.
Nodding with understanding, Alicia quietly muttered.
“If I have to fight him like a monster, then… so be it.”
I was speechless.
Just how Erica felt when I asked her to join me for lunch.
[17:30. Arena A-23. 1st year Alicia and 1st year Liam. Their ranking battle will begin shortly. Players please enter the stadium]
I called her back, and the mechanical voice rang out.
Alicia walked forward and glanced at me with a bright smile.
“Master, I’ll be back soon.”
Maybe I underestimated Alicia.