Chapter 24 – A Show Worth Watching
The Cafeteria
Alden strolled into the cafeteria, hands tucked into his pockets, sunglasses resting lazily on his face. Despite the elite status of S-Class, he was broke. His starting balance of 500 Academy Credits wouldn't last long if he spent carelessly.
He looked around. The cafeteria was massive, more like a high-end restaurant than a school ss hall. Long tables were arranged neatly, enchanted lights floating above them, and food stations served everything from simple als to gourt dishes.
Students gathered in groups—friends, rivals, and loners like himself. So of the main cast had already taken their seats together, chatting like they were lifelong friends.
'So predictable,' Alden thought, shaking his head.
The place was lively, but the real event was about to start.
---
Alden grabbed a tray, picking the cheapest al he could find—a sandwich and a juice. He had no intention of wasting credits.
'Why does everything here cost so damn much? I might have to start hunting missions sooner than expected...'
After picking his al, he sat at a corner table, a little distance from the main groups. He had learned one rule in his past life—stay unnoticed, stay safe.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Just as he was about to take his first bite, the cafeteria doors slamd open.
A group of seniors entered—loud, arrogant, and itching for trouble.
Alden smirked behind his sandwich. It was happening.
'Right on schedule.'
The leader of the group, Gregor Vance, was an A-Class second-year, and behind him were his usual lackeys. They had a habit of picking fights with first-years, and today's target?
The protagonist of the ga—Leonhardt Valerian.
'Poor guy,' Alden thought, munching his sandwich. 'This is about to get ssy.'
Gregor strutted forward, his voice booming across the cafeteria.
"Well, well, if it isn't the so-called genius first-years," he sneered, looking directly at Leonhardt and his group. "Enjoying your al? You should be bowing to your seniors instead."
A hush fell over the cafeteria as students turned to watch. No one wanted to miss the show.
---
Leonhardt remained calm, sipping his drink. "I don't rember needing to bow to second-rate seniors."
Ooooh. The crowd felt that burn.
Gregor's face twitched. "What did you just say, brat?"
Leonhardt stood up, placing his drink down with a slow, deliberate motion. His C- Rank mana flared ever so slightly. "If you want to fight, don't waste ti talking."
Gregor's grin twisted into an ugly smirk. "You've got guts, first-year. Fine. Let's take this outside. Unless you're scared?"
The cafeteria erupted in murmurs.
"A duel?"
"He's picking a fight with Leonhardt already?"
"He's gonna get wrecked."
Alden leaned back in his chair, watching like he had front-row seats to a blockbuster movie.
'This is exactly how it played out in the ga... but in the ga, you played as Leonhardt. Seeing it from the sidelines feels different.'
[Are you just going to sit there and eat?] his katana spoke in his mind.
'Of course,' Alden replied. 'Why should I interfere? This is free entertainnt.'
The sword sighed. [You're an odd one, Master.]
'Damn right I am.'
The fight was moved to the dueling arena outside the cafeteria. It was a large open space specifically designed for combat training and challenges.
Alden casually walked over, munching on popcorn. He wasn't sure when he had bought it, but his priorities were straight.
Gregor and Leonhardt stood across from each other, both ard with practice swords provided by the academy. Instructors arrived to officiate the duel, making it official.
"First-year vs. second-year already? This is getting intense."
"I can't believe he actually challenged Leonhardt..."
"Five credits say the senior loses."
"You're on."
Alden smirked. 'People betting already? Gotta love academy life.'
Ding!
The duel officially began.
Gregor rushed forward, swinging his sword aggressively.
Leonhardt, however, barely moved.
Then—**in a flash—**he sidestepped, dodging the attack effortlessly.
Gregor's eyes widened in shock.
Leonhardt retaliated with a single counterattack, his sword moving with precision and speed.
CLANG!
Gregor's weapon flew out of his hands.
The second-year stumbled back, clutching his now-bruised wrist. "W-What...?"
Leonhardt didn't even look at him. He simply turned away. "Next ti, don't waste my ti."
The duel was over.
Gregor was defeated in seconds.
A wave of silence spread through the crowd, followed by cheers and laughter.
"That was brutal!"
"Leonhardt made him look like a joke!"
Gregor's lackeys quickly dragged him away before things could get worse, disgraced and humiliated.
Alden, still munching popcorn, clapped slowly.
'A true protagonist mont.'
[That was... underwhelming.] His katana sounded almost disappointed.
'Well, Gregor was always an idiot.'
[A real warrior would have fought to the end.]
'Yeah, yeah. Not everyone is as bloodthirsty as you.'
--
As the crowd dispersed, a few people took notice of Alden.
A lone student, wearing sunglasses, eating popcorn, and looking thoroughly amused.
"Who's that guy?"
"Wait... isn't he Alden Blackwood?"
"The disowned noble? What's he even doing here?"
"He got into S-Class sohow. No one knows how."
Alicia, who had watched the fight in silence, glanced at Alden.
'He's been staying quiet... but he's paying attention to everything.'
Leonhardt's eyes also briefly flicked toward him, as if acknowledging his presence.
Alden, completely unbothered, took another handful of popcorn. 'Ah... this is nice.'
But as much as he wanted to lay low, he was already attracting attention.
And sooner or later...
He wouldn't be able to just watch from the sidelines.
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