"Why... am I running into her again!" Ryoshu's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the situation.
"Why are you here!" came the sharp, clear voice that cut through his thoughts.
He turned to see the familiar figure of Lady Esther White, the esteemed heroine of the game Rainfall Disorder and a distinguished member of the prestigious White family. Her presence was unmistakable, with her ash-white hair shimmering under the sunlight and those rare, mesmerizing blood-red eyes that seemed to pierce through everything they gazed upon. It was said that only a handful of people in the world possessed such unique eyes.
Ryoshu hadn't expected to see her again, especially not in this secluded part of the garden. Their previous encounter had been brief, and he had assumed their paths wouldn't cross again so soon. The suddenness of their meeting left him both surprised and a bit puzzled.
"What about you?" he retorted, trying to mask his confusion.
"Why are
“Stop talking like that, you commoner!” Esther’s voice rang out, sharper and more irritable than ever before. Her tone was laced with an intense disdain that made it clear she saw Ryoshu as beneath her.Ryoshu’s mind reeled, trying to process the sheer audacity of the child standing before him. Esther’s outburst was sudden, and her aggressive tone was jarring. The situation was disorienting, and it felt like the world had tilted off its axis for a moment. Ryoshu could hardly believe the gall of the young girl. The way she carried herself, the arrogance in her eyes, and the sheer volume of her voice were too much for him to take in. At that moment, he decided that engaging with her was a waste of time and energy. Without saying a word, he turned on his heel, his movements deliberate and controlled, and began to walk away.“Hey! Where are you going? I’m talking to you!” Esther’s voice followed him, each word growing louder and more desperate. The anger in her tone was palpable, as if
"Even without Mana, he's this strong..." she mused silently, her mind swirling with astonishment and concern. The previous day had been a testament to Ryoshu's formidable abilities, as he hadn't used Mana even once yet had demonstrated remarkable prowess. His movements had been swift and precise. Each strike was delivered with an uncanny accuracy that belied his lack of magical enhancement. The onlookers had watched in stunned silence, unable to believe their eyes as Ryoshu outmaneuvered opponents heavily reliant on Mana.It was precisely because he lacked Mana that she felt a twinge of pity for the young man. She understood all too well the harsh reality: without Mana, one could not advance far in this world. Mana was not just a source of power but a measure of one's potential and worth in society. Those who wielded it were revered and respected, while those who did not were often looked down upon, their futures bleak and filled with limitations.Despite her attempts to intimidate
All those actions unfolded within just one or two fleeting seconds. The air seemed to crackle with tension as events cascaded rapidly, each moment blending seamlessly into the next, leaving no time for contemplation."What the heck-! I thought you didn't use a sword! And why did you bring out that mask!? Don't tell me you're going to use-" Esther's exclamation hung in the air, a mixture of confusion and shock evident in his voice. His eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in the situation.In a split second, Esther's composure shattered. The calm, collected demeanor he had maintained was replaced by frantic urgency. His eyes, now glowing with the noble blue hue of Mana, darted around, frantically scanning the area for any sign of his opponent. But it was too late. The presence he had sensed moments ago had vanished entirely, leaving behind only a space where the figure once stood."Damn it! Such a cowardly trick!" he cursed aloud, his frustration p
"Have I truly managed to deceive the foolish duchess?" Ryoshu's face, already marred by an unsightly appearance and a perpetually disagreeable demeanor, gradually twisted into a smug, self-satisfied grin. His eyes glinted with malicious glee, savoring the moment of his triumph.Esther, her movements restricted by the binding restraints, struggled to process the full extent of his betrayal. Her voice, trembling with disbelief and anger, echoed in the dimly lit room. "So... from the start, you planned to turn me into a fool, didn't you!" The accusation hung heavily in the air, laden with the weight of her shattered trust."It's too late for you to understand now," Ryoshu replied, his tone dripping with mockery and condescension. He reveled in her despair, the realization of his deceit meant to inflict the most profound wound possible. Each word was a dagger, twisting in the heart of the once-confident duchess."Remove your filthy hands from me this instant!" Esther's demand, fueled by
After speaking, he nonchalantly turned away and began to walk off as if their conversation had never happened. His movements were casual and indifferent, each step resonating with an air of detachment. Watching him leave, Esther couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration boiling up inside her. How could he walk away like that? Her eyes followed his retreating figure, her mind racing with thoughts of his audacity. She quickly called out after him, her voice tinged with a mix of desperation and annoyance:"Wa-wait a minute!"At the sound of her voice, he paused. He didn't turn around entirely but slightly tilted his head to the side, just enough to indicate that he was listening. "What now?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of impatience that only added to Esther's irritation.Esther fumed silently, her thoughts a whirlwind of indignation. 'He can't even be bothered to face me when he talks? This is so infuriating! I'll get my revenge on him next time!' She clenched her fists, he
The full name of the young man in question was Ryan Jackson. He was a character whose presence was immediately noticeable, thanks to his striking ginger-colored hair that bore an uncanny resemblance to the color of freshly peeled ginger root. This vibrant hue added a unique flair to his appearance, making him stand out in any crowd. Ryan's personality was an intriguing blend of humor and crudeness, often making him the center of attention. He possessed a quick wit and a sharp tongue, capable of eliciting laughter with his clever remarks, though his humor could sometimes border on the abrasive. Despite this, his endearing qualities shone through, endearing him to those who took the time to understand him.In many ways, Ryan fits the mold of a stereotypical character—specifically, the archetypal best friend of the protagonist, a role that could be found in countless novels. He was the dependable sidekick, always ready with a joke or a sarcastic comment to lighten the mood, yet capable
"I truly despise poverty..." he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible yet heavy with bitterness. The memories of his past, laced with the constant struggle and humiliation that poverty brought, were etched deeply into his mind. Each recollection was like a thorn pricking at his consciousness, a reminder of the harsh realities he once faced. These thoughts had no nostalgia, only a profound disdain for the insidious grip poverty had once held over him.As Ryoshu heaved a weary sigh, a sense of fatigue washed over him. At that moment, as the breath escaped his lips, he felt a sharp, almost tangible glare directed straight at him. It was a gaze so intense it felt as if it could bore a hole through him. Despite the palpable hostility in the air, Ryoshu remained composed, his demeanour calm and steadfast. He turned slowly, deliberately, towards the source of this menacing gaze, his movements controlled and precise.There she was, Esther, the epitome of haughty nobility, standing w
"Oh, the system crashed, so I can't even get an appraisal," Ryoshu sighed, his voice tinged with frustration and resignation. He felt a wave of irritation wash over him, his shoulders slumping slightly as the day's weight seemed to settle more heavily upon them. With a deep breath, he stood up, bracing himself for what would come next: England's national anthem. The familiar tune began to play, and although the surrounding students sang with gusto, Ryoshu merely moved his lips in sync with the music. He didn't know the lyrics, and this charade was his only way to get through the ordeal without drawing too much attention to himself. He felt a bit of a fraud, but it was better than openly admitting his ignorance.He glanced down at the cheap watch strapped to his wrist, its plastic casing and flimsy strap a stark reminder of his current misfortunes. He let out an exasperated breath, the sound lost amidst the singing. "Now I have to learn how to use this damn thing," he thought, his an