I really didn’t want to intervene.

Of course, with the maturity and level-headedness I possessed, it was an easy feat to keep my emotions under control… sort of. I was even of the opinion that pointless conflict with someone stronger than you was simply a waste of time.

But, my neutral stance slowly evolved to a swirling storm once I began watching the Elites duke it out.

“I give up!” One cried.

“I surrender!” Another proclaimed.

“I forfeit!” Yet one other declared.

It sickened me!

Why did those who were meant to be leaders show such pathetic side? Of course, it was clear they didn’t stand a chance and would lose, but still… they weren’t permitted to give up so easily!

If any other person had surrendered in such an outmatched fight, I would perfectly understand. In fact, I would even encourage such action.

But, these were leaders! They represented a brand… our brand!

If they gave up, what did it mean for the whole Class that they represented? That was what went on in my mind as I watched. The consequences of their actions would ripple through all the years and the disgrace that followed would be too much for us to bear.

Those who were already deemed trash would be thought of as even more than trash!

I looked at the expressions of my fellow Lower Class Students and saw their sunken, powerless expressions. Our seniors were basically teaching us that growth and change were inevitable and we could only succumb to our fates as the worst.

I couldn’t accept that! Especially since I, Edward, and Ana did our best to change everyone’s views on that during the Inter-Class Exchange.To an extent, I could see the stereotype slowly change among the audience… until these idiots ruined all our hard work!

Elites had more influence than a bunch of First Years, so whatever they did would have more effects on the student body as a whole. And they… shamelessly retreated.

I watched as the Lower Class Elites returned to their seats and jokingly spoke to one another even after showing such pathetic display before their Class, no, the whole school!

‘Disgusting!’

That was why I was satisfied to see Ciara inflict pain upon one of those pathetic seniors. It was a shock to see that she could both use Original Magic and Mage Mode, but I couldn’t help but admire her… especially since she was the same girl I met in the Oasis the other day.

When I first saw her, I nearly screamed in surprise, but after carefully considering things, it made sense how she was able to bathe in the highly concentrated Mana Pool. And then after watching her fight end, it dawned on me that she was a talented genius comparable with Kuzon who sat close to me.

Yes, for some reason, I had made a ton of acquaintances and they all sat surrounding me… even if it was a Lower Class spot in the Hall. It didn’t feel too bad, though. If not for the disgust welling up within me as I saw my seniors fight, I was having a good time…

… Until Jerry’s fight completely surprised me!

If it had just been a powerless struggle made by the weak against the strong, I wouldn’t have been impressed, but I could tell from Jerry’s abilities that he had painstakingly trained hard for the match. His expert use of Mana, his heightened senses, his lack of wasted movement… this was what I wanted to see in an Elite!

Of course, I knew he would lose based on how things went, but still… the determination in his eyes was refreshing to see.

And then, when he fell and began undergoing so much torture, my heart churned with frustration. I knew Jerry wouldn’t give up since that was what the others had done. My respect for him deepened, same with my fear of something irreparable occurring.

‘What are you doing, Klaus? Interfere!’ My mind rang, but the moderator stood rigid.

It didn’t take me very long to realize the situation.

Jerry was on his own!

If he didn’t give up… he could die… no, he would!

Well, maybe he would pass out before that happened, but that was only a slim chance.

And then noise began occurring around me.Ana, Edward, and the other students argued on whether or not to save Jerry from his predicament. I kept quiet and began working my brain.

Richard, the opponent, was a Ranker… the fifth seat.

Ana and Edward stood no chance against him if they wanted to forcefully stop his actions. Klaus showed no interest in intervening and the judges were silent too…which could only mean that they wanted this particular scenario.

A dark thought flashed in my mind and I eyed someone who sat among the judges suspiciously. Could this be the kind of situation he wanted to create in order to force my hand? Using Damien Lawcroft’s obsession with demeaning the Lower Class, this person actually simulated this knowing I would intervene?

If that was the case, I couldn’t play into their hand! Not only would there be a penalty, but to stand a chance against Richard, I needed to use more power than I wanted to show… at least for now.

‘I need to use SPELLCRAFT to counter the [Descending Gravity] Spell, and use all five cores to activate Elemental Chamber…’

That was revealing a lot of my hand! Could I risk something like this, especially when thinking on the long term?

I grinned within myself even though my outward expression still showed a stoic expression.

Of course, I would intervene!

I was sick of playing these games, anyway! So far, myself and ‘that man’ had been walking around in circles, none taking the next step. However, if I initiated the first move, that would leave him no choice but to act too!

If that was the case, I needed to make a very big impression, though not more than would be necessary.

They say the best way to catch a big fish is to use the most alluring bait!

That was what I intended to do.

In order to completely corner the mastermind of the whole assassination incident… the one who had been responsible for a great deal of my worry… it was time to strike!

‘I will smoke you out… and this little game will end the only way it can… my victory!’

[A/N]

ATTENTION TO ALL READERS!!!

I have a new book called Rise Of Evil Santa.

Please endeavor to check it out, read it, and add it to your library.

I promise it’ll be worth your while.

I’ll be Mass Releasing on Spellcraft once the new book gains 1k Collections. Don’t miss out!!!