Chapter 50.1
It was a system that allowed people to steal someone else’s rank.
That rule definitely benefited me, who was close to the very bottom.
“If there is a ladder up, you have to climb it!”
So I went over to the place where said Efside was running rampant.
“You don’t like ‘Introduction to Architecture’? Then would you like me to fill your schedule with the more interesting and meaningless Liberal Arts Lectures instead?”
“That five-hour class won’t fit into my schedule…! Stop it…!”
“This is education, life experience! Accept it! Heh heh!”
The Bronze Class student was thoroughly bullied by Efside, a Silver Class who ranked at 450th.
Meanwhile, the other lower-class students could only watch the situation helplessly. Some also just bowed their heads down, waiting for the storm to pass.
I called out the outlaw with the characteristic chirping voice of a Half-Fairy.
“Hey, you there!”
Still grabbing the girl in his hand, Efside turned his head around and looked at me.
“What, who’s calling me?”
His black eyebrows rose while his face was contorted with a dreadful look. However, he somehow looked happy.
Maybe he was expecting someone to stand up against him? Perhaps that was why he showed off his ferocity in front of everyone?
The long black haired savage’s face wrinkled as he scanned me up and down.
“You’re a new face… Are you a freshman? You don’t know who I am, do you? I’m not interested in bullying rookies.”
“There is no need to worry about that. You said you’d accept any fight, right? That means you won’t turn down any challenges that come your way.”
“Huuu~.”
Efside treated my courage as imaginary. Then, his eyes reached the ‘1021’ brooch on my chest.
The moment he saw it, his ugly face was filled with laughter.
“Puhahahahaha-. Thousand plus!? Are you even human!? Huh!? You’re really challenging me, a Rank 450 Silver Class!?”
But soon, that outrageous laugh quickly turned into a cool growl.
“Look here, freshie. I can see that you just entered and didn’t know anything. Let me tell you, the difference between ranks is absolute regardless of identity or background. It is an objective factor that evaluates students without any external factors.”
I thought this Efside was simply an ignorant Barbarian, but surprisingly, he could speak quite eloquently.
It seemed like he indeed stole good lectures from other people. This bastard was, surprisingly, well educated.
“It is an objective indicator of skill. Simply put, I’m superior compared to you. There’s very little chance you can beat me. Are you still going to try?”
Flop-.
“Kyaaak!”
Efside dropped the girl he was holding and strode towards me. And, in front of my face, he clenched his rock-like fist with formidable force.
It was ridiculous compared to the likes of Aira and Elga, but I was certain that this man was several times stronger than the current me.
There was about a difference of about two heads in height, with him towering over myself.
━That guy is ranked upwards a thousand. Where did he get the confidence to challenge a four digit ranker?
━This is common in every semester. Overconfident freshmen that don’t know anything… Still, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a thousand plus newbie this daring.
━Besides, I’ve seen that guy’s face before. Isn’t that Theo Gospel?
━I think you’re right… That’s Theo Gospel! He failed all physical exams. I thought he wouldn’t even be able to attend the Academy. How did he get in?
Murmur-.
Gossip began to spread like wildfire, creating a big wave.
Before I knew it, I could see interest and curiosity regarding my existence in the fear tainted eyes of people.
Lecture Hunter Efside also noticed this.
“… Theo Gospel? Wasn’t that guy the Demon Monk of Angmar? I heard he was about the same size as me and had eight legs?”
Seriously, why did the number of my arms and legs keep increasing?
“You must be a fake! How could the Queen’s Demon Monk rank above a thousand? Furthermore, they have no reason to come to the Academy in the first place.”
Hearing this, I threw out a taunt.
“So, do you accept my challenge or not? Are you scared~?”
“Scared!? I’m merely thinking that there’s nothing to gain by defeating you! You’re lucky that you got to challenge me!”
That was true.
Although this fella was violent and rash, it seemed that he wasn’t s†upid enough to accept my challenge just because of anger. This guy must have had a lot of experience.
He didn’t see any benefits in having a thousand plus brooch.
However, I quickly came up with a trick…
“If I were the real Theo Gospel, wouldn’t your fame and honor go up by defeating me?”
“…….”
“On the other hand, if you don’t accept my challenge, you will be forever humiliated. Just imagine the headlight, ‘Efside ran away from the Demon Monk Theo Gospel’ ~.”
As far as I knew, Champions liked to increase their reputation. As long as this guy was an Ark student, he was either a Champion or aspiring to be one.
It was a clear fact that he would want to leave his name in history by raising his fame.
“…….”
In fact, the guy’s eyebrows twitched as he seemed to be lost in thought.
This was pulling his interest.
To further drive the wedge, I said.
“Originally, you wouldn’t even be able to see me, not to mention make me look at your direction. But now, I’m giving you, an uncivilized Barbarian, a chance to earn your reputation.”
“… Barbarian? You dare call me a Barbarian!?”
His giant body shook. However, it was more of joy than of anger.
“Okay, I tried to cut you some slack, but you kept insisting. If you are the real deal, the Queen will appear when you are defeated. Let’s see the beautiful Queen’s face when you lose!”
- Edited by: faker and gargnaveen