After shaking off Leonhart, I made my way to the Academy’s **training grounds.**


    I had two reasons for coming here.


    1. **I needed to get stronger.**


    2. **I needed to meet my future allies—and enemies.**


    And sure enough, they were all here.


    The **Seven Prodigies**—the strongest students of the academy.


    - **Leonhart Ascarion** – The Hero. Swordsmanship genius, Holy Magic user.


    - **Elaine von Arden** – Ice Witch. A cold beauty from the Holy Empire’s elite.


    - **Dante Blackthorne** – A rogue noble, duel specialist. Fastest swordsman in the academy.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    - **Iris Nightshade** – The Silent Reaper. A master of assassination techniques.


    - **Reyna Albrecht** – The Undying Shield. A paladin with unmatched defensive skills.


    - **Cedric Voss** – The Arcane Scholar. A prodigy in magic theory and spellcraft.


    - **Selene Darkmoor** – The Phantom Dancer. A battle maniac who lives for the thrill of combat.


    These were the future **pillars of humanity**. The ones meant to stand against Eclipse.


    And in the game?


    *They all hated my character’s guts.*


    Fantastic.


    As I walked onto the field, I could already feel **the stares**.


    Dante was the first to step forward.


    **"Well, well. If it isn’t the infamous Lucian von Kaiser. What brings the academy’s most hated delinquent here?"**


    The mockery in his voice made my blood boil.


    I smirked.


    **"What, am I not allowed to train?"**


    Dante’s eyes gleamed with mischief.


    **"Oh, you can train. In fact, why don’t we have a little spar?"**


    I knew what this was.


    A **power move.**


    If I accepted and lost, it would solidify my reputation as **trash.**


    But if I won…


    I would make **enemies I wasn’t ready to handle yet.**


    I rubbed my chin.


    **"You want to spar with me? Fine."**


    I stepped into the training circle, drawing my **Berserker Sword.**


    Dante grinned and unsheathed his **rapier.**


    The crowd gathered.


    The **villain vs. the prodigy.**


    Time to put on a show. **I will trample on you.** I am getting this feeling likely due to my synchronisation with villainous character.


    It''s fun.


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