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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