5-Middle School [2]

New Quest!

Quest: Beat Dominic's bully and knock him out!

Reward: A weapon.

What the hell is this?

I stare at the glowing text, momentarily stunned. The screen has appeared a few times since my arrival in this world, but its cryptic prompts only deepen the mystery of my situation.

"Hey, you! Don't ignore me!" The bully's shout snaps me back to reality.

He steps forward, grabs my shirt roughly, and slams me against the wall with more force than necessary. "You Manaless piece of shit have no right to ignore me!" he shouts.

His sneer twists into something uglier, his face inches from mine. The air is thick with his hostility, but my attention darts between him and the holographic screen, realizing he can't see it.

"You Manaless shit, do you hear me!?"

The words hit harder than his grip. Something inside me snaps. Unlike Dominic, who may have endured this with quiet resignation, I am not the same. I've faced bullies before and learned what happens when you let them run unchecked.

Not this time.

Reacting instinctively, I drive my knee upward with precision, aiming for his most vulnerable spot—his balls.

"Gah!"

The bully lets out a strangled cry as his grip on my shirt loosens. He doubles over, his hands instinctively shielding the area I've just struck.

But I'm not finished.

While he's bent over, I take advantage of his compromised position and deliver a sharp kick to his face.

Thwack!

The impact is brutal. His head snaps back, and blood spurts from his nose as he crumples to the ground. His body goes limp, collapsing in a heap of groaning defeat.

I step back, catching my breath, adrenaline coursing through me. The sight of him sprawled on the floor, his arrogance shattered, is strangely satisfying.

"I'm not Dominic as you know him," I mutter, staring at his prone figure. "And I won't tolerate this kind of treatment."

This moment feels like a declaration, not just to him but to everyone else in this new life.

In my previous life, I had my reasons for not fighting back at first. Growing up, I'd avoided confrontation, worried that retaliation would tarnish my academic record and ruin my chances of escaping poverty through education. But eventually, the bullying became unbearable, and I decided enough was enough. Fighting back became my way of reclaiming a piece of myself, and it worked.

Now, in this world, I feel that same resolve burning brighter. The rules here are different, and so am I.

-Creak!

The sound of the door opening draws my attention. Turning, I see Arthur stepping out of the administration office.

His reaction is immediate. His green eyes widen in disbelief as they flicker between me and the bully sprawled on the ground. Without hesitation, he hurries over, his concern etched clearly on his face.

"Doms, are you okay?"

The genuine worry in his voice contrasts sharply with the lingering tension from the confrontation.

I offer a small, reassuring nod and a faint smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

But his gaze quickly shifts from me to the bully, who remains crumpled on the ground, groaning. Arthur's astonishment grows as he looks back at me, his expression a mixture of shock and incredulity.

"Doms, you… you did that!?"

"Uhh… yeah," I reply hesitantly, aware of how out of character this must seem.

Arthur's reaction confirms my suspicions—Dominic wasn't the type to stand up for himself. He was someone who endured quietly, avoiding confrontation at all costs. For Arthur, this moment must feel like seeing an entirely different person emerge from someone he thought he knew.

"Y-You!"

The bully's strained voice pulls my attention. He's stumbling to his feet, though he still cradles his face and… other areas. His anger boils over as he glares at me, his posture shaky but defiant.

"How dare you, a Manaless, attack me?!"

The sheer audacity of his outrage sparks a flicker of annoyance in me. Seriously? I should be the one angry—you shoved me against a wall. Where do you get the nerve?

"Doms, you did great!"

Arthur's voice cuts through the tension like a blade. He ignores the bully entirely, stepping closer and casually draping an arm over my shoulders in a show of camaraderie.

The gesture is as comforting as it is pointed, a clear message to anyone watching: I'm with him.

The bully's face contorts in frustration. His bluster is gone, replaced by a desperate need to regain control of the situation.

"H-Hey! Don't ignore me!" he splutters, his voice cracking under the weight of his humiliation.

His protests sound more like a petulant plea for attention than a genuine threat, and I can't help but smirk inwardly.

Heh. Sucks to be you right now.

Quest Completed!

You have successfully beaten Dominic's bully and knocked him out!

Your reward will be given to you right now.

Wait, what?

The familiar holographic screen materializes before me, startling me with its timing. Almost simultaneously, I feel a sudden weight in my pockets, heavy and unfamiliar.

Frowning, I reach inside, my curiosity piqued. My fingers brush against something solid, and when I pull it out, I'm met with the sight of two gleaming red guns.

They're beautiful—sleek and polished, with dual barrels and intricate gold accents running along their surfaces. Despite their compact size, they're heavier than I expected, their weight lending a sense of significance.

Weapon Info

Name: Galahad's Judgment

Rank: D-

Description: A pair of Aether-powered red guns, perfect for beginners. These weapons excel in both close and ranged combat.

Guns? Really? Cool.

Holding them in my hands, I take a moment to appreciate their craftsmanship. They feel balanced, designed for versatility, with a comfortable grip that fits perfectly in my hands.

In Sylvestria, where the Manaless often rely on magical weapons and artifacts to level the playing field, these guns represent more than just a reward. They're a chance—my chance—to carve out a place for myself in a world that defines strength by its magic.

As the weight of Galahad's Judgment settles in my hands, I feel something stir within me—a surge of confidence. It's not just about having a weapon; it's about having an edge, a tool that lets me stand on equal footing with those who would look down on me.

For the first time since arriving in this world, I feel truly prepared to face what lies ahead.

Arthur's sharp intake of breath draws my attention. His green eyes widen as he stares at the weapons now clutched in my hands.

"Whoa, Doms, where'd you get those?" His voice is laced with surprise and confusion, snapping me back to the reality of our surroundings.

Crap. I'm still at school. The realization hits me like a cold wave. Should I tell him about the red holographic screen?

WARNING!

DO NOT TELL ANYONE ABOUT ME!

IF YOU DO, I WILL LEAVE YOU ALONE!

The glowing warning flashes ominously, making the decision for me. Okay, telling the truth is out. But lying? I'm horrible at lying!

"Uhh… I can explain—"

-Creak!

The Administration Office door swings open before I can finish. Principal Cloud emerges, his commanding presence immediately filling the hallway. His sharp gaze locks onto us, taking in the scene—the bully on the ground, Arthur's concern, and me holding the newly acquired weapons.

In a panic, I shove the guns into my pockets, their weight still unfamiliar and unsettling.

"What's going on here?" Principal Cloud's voice is authoritative and concerned, and his strides are purposeful as he approaches.

I feel my stomach drop. Crap, it's the principal.

My heart pounds in my chest. It's my first day of middle school in Sylvestria, and I've already landed in trouble.

Memories of the web novel flood my mind, specifically the chapter about a Manaless student who was unfairly expelled after being bullied by Magicians. The principal of that school justified the expulsion by claiming the Manaless tarnished the school's reputation—a decision steeped in prejudice and injustice.

What if Principal Cloud is the same?

Panic grips me as scenarios play out in my head. What if he sides with Renard? What if he sees me as a problem student and expels me?

I clench my fists tightly to stop them from shaking, the sensation of cold sweat pooling on my back making me feel exposed. Memories of my previous life rear their ugly heads unbidden. I'm no stranger to unfairness. Poverty had marked me as a target back then, just like being Manaless does now. Teachers had turned a blind eye to the torment I endured, always favoring the reputation of wealthier students.

I had thought this world—this chance—would be different. But as Principal Cloud's heavy gaze bears down on me, the same familiar sting of injustice threatens to overwhelm me.

No. Not this time. I won't let it.

Arthur steps forward, gesturing toward the crime scene—or, more specifically, the culprit.

"Renard bullied Dominic again," he says firmly, breaking the tension.

I turn to him, my eyes wide with surprise. "Arthur…" My voice falters, caught between gratitude and disbelief.

Of course. How could I forget? Arthur's here with me. It hasn't been a day since we met, but I know he'll stand by me.

Principal Cloud's gaze shifts to Renard, pinning him like an insect under a magnifying glass.

"W-What!?" Renard stammers, his tone full of disbelief. He points a shaking finger at me, his face twisted with anger. "He's the one who kicked me, Principal!"

The moment stretches unbearably. The weight of the silence presses down on me like an invisible force. My lungs burn as I realize I've been holding my breath since Principal Cloud appeared.

Cloud's piercing gaze shifts to me, searching for the truth. "Is this true, Dominic?"

I exhale shakily, forcing myself to meet Principal Cloud's eyes. The weight of his scrutiny feels like a crushing force, but I can't falter now. Not when so much is at stake.

Shaking my head, I steady my voice despite the anxiety bubbling inside me. "Principal Cloud, he's the one who grabbed me first and pushed me against the wall." I gesture to my vest, still rumpled and slightly torn, as evidence of the scuffle. "I only defended myself."

The principal's eyes narrow as he considers my words, the silence growing heavy.

"I didn't mean to cause any trouble," I add, my voice softer now. "Renard's been picking on me since I arrived. I just… couldn't take it anymore."

Renard scoffs loudly, crossing his arms with exaggerated confidence. "Liar. You're just a Manaless trying to make a scene!"

The word Manaless strikes a nerve, but before I can respond, Arthur steps forward again, his voice steady and unwavering.

"I saw what happened, Principal Cloud. Renard started it. Dominic only reacted after he was shoved against the wall."

Principal Cloud's gaze flicks to Arthur, then back to Renard, his expression unreadable. "Renard, is this true? Did you instigate the altercation?"

For a moment, Renard falters, his bravado slipping as his eyes dart nervously. But he recovers quickly, forcing a smirk. "I was just having some fun, Principal. Didn't mean anything by it."

The principal's expression hardens, his voice sharp and unyielding. "Fun at someone else's expense is never acceptable." He straightens, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Mr. Renard, to the office. Now."

The command cuts through the tension like a blade. Renard's smirk vanishes, replaced by a look of dawning horror.

"I—" he starts to protest, but Principal Cloud silences him with a glare.

"Now."

A gloomy shadow falls over Renard's face as he realizes the gravity of his situation. He trudges toward the office, his movements reluctant and stiff.

But before he disappears, he glances back at me, his voice a venomous hiss. "Next time, you won't be so lucky, Manaless boy."

The threat lingers, but I refuse to let it shake me. I watch Renard continue his walk of shame, my relief tempered by lingering tension.

I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me. It's not over yet, but the nightmare scenario I'd envisioned seems to be fading. For once, someone believed me. I glance at Arthur, gratitude swelling in my chest.

This could have gone so much worse. The thought sends a chill down my spine. Renard could have made a bigger scene, twisted the story further, and turned this whole thing against me.

Thank goodness Principal Cloud saw through his lies and didn't notice the guns. I can only imagine the consequences if the guns had been spotted. A Manaless caught with weapons? That would have been a ticket straight to expulsion, maybe even worse.

And Renard—why didn't he call me out on the guns? Maybe he didn't see them in my hands earlier, or perhaps he was too focused on his own problems to use them against me. Either way, it's a stroke of luck I'm not sure I'll have again.

"Hey, Doms, are you okay?"

Arthur's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I look up, seeing the concern etched on his face.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I reply, smiling. "Just a bit shaken up."

Arthur nods, understanding. "I get it. Renard can be a real pain. But you handled yourself well back there."

"Thanks," I say, grateful for his support. "I was just worried it would turn out a lot worse."

"Principal Cloud can be tough, but he's fair," Arthur reassures me. "And don't worry about Renard. He'll probably not pick on you after this."

Suddenly, Arthur steps forward and wraps his arms around me in a tight hug. I freeze, completely taken aback by the unexpected gesture.

"Uh, Arthur?" I mumble, my voice muffled against his shoulder.

He pulls back slightly, a sheepish grin on his face. "Sorry, I just thought you could use a hug. You looked like you needed it."

I blink, still processing the unexpected hug. "Oh, um, thanks. I didn't realize how much I needed that."

"Anytime, Doms." Arthur chuckles, giving me a friendly pat on the back. "Anyways, Doms, where did you get those guns?"

Arthur's question redirects my attention away from the recent drama with Renard. My mind races as I try to find a plausible explanation.

"Uhh..."

A brief pause fills the air as I scramble for a believable story. Revealing the truth about the red holographic screen and its role in giving me this gun is a big NO.

"...My Dad gave me these to protect myself."

Though not something I am proud of, the lie is the best I can do for now. My lie stemmed from Dominic's father being a Stargate Raider, so I assume he's knowledgeable about martial arts and weapons. If anyone found out the real reason I had these guns, it would open and make the holographic screen angry for some reason.

Arthur's eyes widen with awe, and his expression shifts from curiosity to excitement.

"Woah, that's so cool, Doms!"

Fortunately, Arthur accepts my explanation without suspicion. His enthusiasm is almost infectious, and I can't help but smile, even though a part of me feels guilty for not telling him the whole truth.

"Yeah, I guess," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "But I've got to be careful. Can't exactly show these off at school."

Arthur nods vigorously. "Totally. But still, it's awesome that he trusts you with something like that."

I force a chuckle, hoping to steer the conversation away from the guns.

"Yeah, well, he's always been a bit…overprotective."

Arthur grins. "Well, I'm glad you have them. Never hurts to have a little extra protection, right?"

"Right."

I feel a bit of the tension ease. At least Arthur isn't pressing me for more details.

-RING!

The sharp sound of the school bell slices through our conversation.

"Crap! Doms, let's go!"

Arthur's urgency is palpable as he immediately runs.

"Ah, wait for me!"

Hastily, I follow in his footsteps, chasing after him as we navigate through the school's corridors.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

"Dude, she's pretty!"

"I know!"

Hushed tones of admiration fill the air as a group of male students glance at a girl of striking appearance.

Her long white hair flows like silk, contrasting vividly with her deep red eyes. This combination renders her ethereal in the mundane school setting. Engrossed in her book, she seems oblivious to the whispers and stares directed her way.

"Dude, you should try asking her out."

"...Alright then."

Spurred on by his friends, one of the boys musters the courage to approach her, standing up with determination and apprehension.

"Uhm...hello."

The girl lifts her gaze from the book, fixing him with a cool and indifferent look. Her uninterested expression is a clear message, yet he presses on, driven by the encouragement of his peers.

"We-well-uhm...I was wondering if..."

His voice trails off, faltering under the weight of her unimpressed stare. Realizing that his efforts are in vain, the boy quickly retreats.

"Uhm...actually, it's nothing. Goodbye!"

His exit is as swift as his approach, a retreat back to the safety of his seat.

The girl watches him go, a fleeting glance that holds no particular emotion, before returning her focus to the book. The brief encounter is nothing more than a momentary distraction, a ripple in the calm of her solitude.

-Creak!

The classroom door swings open, drawing all eyes to the figure who steps through. The newcomer is an adult with a lean but notably muscular build, his presence commanding immediate attention.

His hair, a tousled shade of short red, complements the striking green of his eyes. His dark blue tuxedo only adds to his distinguished aura, setting him apart from the usual school attire.

The students, regardless of gender, find themselves momentarily lost in admiration for his handsome features.

Even the white-haired girl, who has remained unfazed by her peers' earlier attentions, can't help but pause, her interest piqued by this new arrival.

-Flick!

With a casual gesture, the man flicks his fingers, and instantly, a piece of chalk floats into existence, enveloped in a dark blue aura that mirrors the color of his attire.

The sight is a clear display of magic, executed with effortless grace.

-Flick!

With another flick of his fingers, the chalk begins dancing across the blackboard, scripting letters with precision and flair. The class watches in silence, entranced by the display, until the chalk's movement ceases, leaving behind the name "Maurice Réel."

"Good morning, class. I'm Maurice Réel, your Homeroom and Advance Mana Theory professor for this class."

His introduction is delivered in a voice that is smooth, professional, and undeniably charming, captivating the attention of everyone in the room.

"G-Good morning, Professor Maurice!"

The class's collective response, a chorus of voices breaking the silence, greets Maurice as they snap back to reality from their brief moment of awe.

The white-haired girl, maintaining her composed demeanor, offers no verbal greeting but acknowledges the professor with a respectful nod.

-BAM!

The sudden noise draws every gaze back towards the classroom entrance. In the doorway stand Arthur and Dominic, both clearly out of breath, clutching their knees as they try to regain composure after what appears to be a frantic dash to make it on time.