While I was out on my stealing spree, the main protagonist, Fade, was not silent either—he had already entered the arena.
"Today, I will beat all of you just like you did to me," Fade muttered, eyes blazing with determination.
After the midterms, Fade had been venturing into E-rank dungeons, steadily increasing his rank and upgrading his status. By now, he had reached F+. If anyone knew the true extent of his growth, envy would have consumed them. He had also purchased several skills from the system shop, including the ability to appraise his opponent's status.
When he scanned the five bullies, he discovered they were all E-rank. Slightly higher than him, yes—but he was the son of luck. Crossing rank boundaries was child's play; defeating stronger foes was well within reach.
The spectator stands were packed. First-year students whispered amongst themselves, displaying thinly veiled disgust at Fade, as if his defeat was already certain.
"Hey, look at that trash—he really dared to show up!"
"He'll definitely get disabled today."
"He doesn't even understand he has no chance."
"He'll be beaten blue and black… I can't wait!"
Fade glanced at the crowd and sneered inwardly.
"Humph. I'll show you all my greatness, you fools."
After about half an hour, one of the five bullies stepped into the arena.
"Trash, admit defeat now, and maybe I'll let you go," he sneered.
Fade ignored him and calmly drew his wand, ready to cast. Seeing this, the bully's rage flared as he began spouting vicious curses.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
The bully charged, dagger raised, aiming for Fade's face. Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Looks like the trash is finished today."
"That's a strong attack… even I wouldn't survive that."
"I told you, he's done for!"
"At least the academy will be free of trash today."
Before the dagger could reach him, a massive blue fireball shot forward, striking the bully squarely in the face. The pain was immediate and overwhelming; he fell, rubbing his scorched skin, tears streaming down his face.
The crowd was stunned. The bully fainted from pain and was carried away to the healer's office.
The remaining four bullies erupted in rage and launched a coordinated attack.
"Even if he defeats one, he won't survive this!"
"Four attackers at once… even E+ students would struggle!"
"This trash is done for—fatal wounds are guaranteed!"
Fade's lips curved into a sly smile. He calmly chanted, releasing four fireballs. Each orb tracked its target midair, correcting its trajectory as the bullies desperately tried to dodge. One by one, they were struck, screaming in pain, and were carried off to the healer's office.
The spectators were in uproar.
"Wha—what kind of attack is that?!"
"I've never seen a fireball change direction midair!"
"That's insane… how could he possibly pull that off?"
"Look! It's blue! Only someone who has mastered a fire spell fully can do that!"
"Mastering a spell… It's not easy. It takes years of effort!"
A huge commotion erupted. Students whispered furiously, amazed at the spectacle. Fade smiled in satisfaction.
"See? I told you… this young master is too good!"
High above the arena, in a luxurious room, a young girl with red hair and dark red eyes stared in shock at the arena below.
"How did he master fireball to such a degree? I haven't even achieved this… I've trained under my father since childhood, yet I couldn't do it!"
"I'm getting interested," she murmured.
"In that young man, my lady?" asked her maid.
"No! What are you talking about? I'm interested in the spell, not him!" Kira snapped, though a slight blush betrayed her.
This marked the beginning of Fade's romance story—and his journey to becoming a full-proof harem king.
After the match, Fade left the ring and headed to his dorm, but was promptly invited for tea by Kira's maid. Excited, he agreed.
"Looks like fortune smiles on me again."
During the tea, Kira asked about his mastery of fireball. Fade wove a tale of diligent practice, exaggerating and fabricating as needed. She hung on every word, impressed, none the wiser.
Only Rio knew the truth: Fade's mastery came not from effort, but from system EXP points, not skill. The difference between a protagonist and an extra.