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
The students seated below began to stir more and more, creating a buzz of excitement that rippled through the room like an electric current. Most of this restlessness came from the first-year students, who were not yet accustomed to the teacher's presence and found her aura somewhat intimidating yet intriguing. They whispered among themselves, their eyes wide with curiosity and awe. In contrast, the upper-level students, who had already experienced her lessons and were familiar with her demeanor, remained calm and composed. They sat with a relaxed confidence, their faces reflecting respect and indifference.The teacher, a figure of authority and charisma, stood at the front of the classroom. Her clear and resonant voice commanded attention as she began her lecture. "Mages must meet certain criteria regarding circuits, rings, and cores, but that's not all," she explained, her eyes scanning the room to ensure everyone followed. "They also need to form connections with the stars. This
The teacher paused for a moment, long enough for those who felt the sting of his words to fully experience their crushing disappointment. The silence stretched, allowing the weight of their emotions to settle deeply."However," he resumed, his voice firm and unwavering, "listen to me. Life is not fair."Ryoshu, standing off to the side, watched the scene unfold. He thought, 'So he's going to tell these kids the harsh truth bluntly? I wonder if they can handle it.' As he glanced around the room, he could see the intensely bitter expressions on the faces of the teenagers. It didn't matter if they were nobles or commoners; yesterday's test was far more challenging than any of them had anticipated."Yesterday," the teacher continued, "some of you might have thought you had the right to underestimate the test. But let me clarify: you must always be on high alert as heroes. The moments you allow yourselves to relax, even for an instant, are the moments when you truly risk your lives."He