"Run faster!"
"I'm dying."
"You'll die if you stop!"
"Everyone, don't give up."
"Then what should I do—suffer and die, or die peacefully?"
"Stop joking around and move faster."
"Oh sh*t, they're gaining on us."
They were shouting so loudly that we got so interested in the reason they were running.
"Oh my, so they only amount to this?"
"I can't say I'm surprised, beast tamers really do have sadistic sides."
"That's not true; I just want them to learn the importance of avoiding dangers in life."
"That's why I said you're a sadist."
"Haaa fine I'll stop and make them rest as per your request."
"I didn't say anything about stopping, though."
"Gao, grr"
Out of nowhere, wolf-like monsters jumped over the running students and arrived beside Mr. Vande.
"Do you want to meet them?"
"No need."
"Okay, he is Mike, a lunar wolf, and he is the alpha—."
He insists on doing so even with the blunt rejection of Ms. Ria.
"Hey, now that I have a good look at him, isn't he Timothy Vandel?"
"You mean the "A" rank tamer Timothy Vandel?"
"Yes, him."
"Oh, my, so he is."
"Why didn't I notice it early?"
"It's because of his skill as a beast tamer. You know beast tamers are actually weak at close combat, right?"
"Even mages are weak at close combat. Your point is?"
"This is different from mages, who can cast shields for a long duration. Beast tamers have low mana and high demand in concentration."
"I see, even mages also need to have strong concentration to cast multiple spells. Unlike mages that can construct directly in their minds, a beast tamer has to guide their tamed beast to accurately do their command."
"That's right."
"Wow, you guys sure knew a lot about beast tamers."
"Of course, I am one after all."
"Well, for me, I just like reading."
The discussion progressed in a weird way. As it was discovered that Mr. Tim was a rank A tamer.
Even though it is combat-class, it turned into a beast-taming discussion.
"So what skill is it?"
"Assassin's skill, stealth."
"That's possible?"
"It's been proven by many."
"Combination of skills from different classes is common, and one of the most commonly used skills is stealth, so it is kind of obvious."
"But still."
"What's the point of talking? Let's talk about how gorgeous he looks."
"You're right, girl."
As the boys were discussing the teacher's skill. The girls were fangirling over the teacher's looks.
"Well, if you guys experienced what happened to us, you might think otherwise."
They were then interrupted by the students, who were under the care of Mr. Tim.
From the looks of it, they must have just recovered after running.
"That's just your opinion."
"What's wrong with you? We experience the same tragedy together."
"That's that, but his charm is another matter."
"I know, right? That sadistic side of him is hot."
"Right?"
"These girls."
The girls were head over heels for Mr. Tim. While the boys were exasperated by their attitude. Still, there were some girls who sympathized with the boys' views.
"So how about it then?"
"Sure, but for now, there are no stakes. We will just send some students for a test."
"Of course, the stakes will be raised during the next exam."
"Deal."
"Alright then. Students come here and gather by your class section."
As my classmates and other classes were discussing, we were told to gather by our class.
"Alright, then, since all of you are here, there is going to be a mock battle between two classes."
"This is just a formality; I have a bet with this guy here. And if we win the official one, I'll give you all a treat. So it is okay to lose, but losing the official one is a different matter."
"She said as she glared at Mr. Vandel.
"Now, now, don't get all serious; it's just a fun competition."
"Tch. Anyway, I'll have this guy fight."
"Ms. Ria randomly chose a person from among us."
"Alright, then I choose young Richard."
"You're choosing the strongest one right off the bat."
"Come on, where's the fun in hiding our strength?"
"Fine, then it's your loss."
As they agreed to the match up, all of them were thrilled to see the outcome of the match and hopeful about the rewards, forgetting that. There was a penalty for losing.
"Teacher, I have a request."
"Hmm, what is it?"
Richard then interrupted by asking for a request from the teachers.
"I want to have a fight with that guy after this. Is that alright?"
He stated as he pointed at me.
"Are you okay with this?" Mr. Vandel asked Ms. Ria.
"Hmm, why not just change the person I chose to him?"
"Yeah, I guess that's better."
As they discussed things between them, I was stunned. Why the heck should I do this?
Where's my right? So I objected to their plan.
"Teachers, I don't think it is appropriate for me to represent our class. After all, I don't specialize in fighting."
"That's irrelevant. All of you are required to take the recommended classes. As stated in your handbook within this semester to help find your path."
"But-"
As I was about to reason my way out. She glared at me along with the mana giving me pressure.
That made me shut up, as getting on the wrong side of women is something we all men shouldn't be doing.
"Alright, then, you choose a hundred laps around the Colosseum or a quick mock battle?"
I really want to answer, running for a hundred laps around the Colosseum, but she definitely doesn't want that.
"I will choose the mock battle."
"Good. Make space for everyone to see."
As the agreement of both parties was formed, except since I was forced, anyway, the mock battle was already in place.
"Alright, then both parties are now in position."
The teachers are now acting as judges for this mock battle. And as the battle was about to start, Richard talked to me with an annoyed look.
"I was planning to make you reflect after we see each other after class, but this is better."
Wait, is he planning to beat me up in our dorm? What kind of twisted sense of justice does he have? Now that I think about it, he acted like this to the guy cutting the line outside my shop.
"I don't know if you'll believe me, but I didn't mean for that to happen."
"That's what they all say."
Damn! He is definitely thickheaded. It really was bad luck that it happened today of all days.
Not to mention, news travels fast. That just shows how influential that person was.
"Battle starts!"
The teachers then announced the start of our battle.
Let's focus on this now. Later, I need to think of an apology for her.
"Take this, you bastard!"
Whoosh! Watak!
"Seeing as he attacked me with no hesitation whatsoever, I blocked the attack and flew with the impact as if I had been pushed by him."
Tak.
Bash bish.
Right now, my purpose is not to win but to lose in the most humiliating way possible.
Why? To lessen the future intensity of possible bullying in the future.
After only having them vent, would they cool down until their heat returned and boil their kettle.
He continued to hit me, and there I was taking his hits. And finally, he delivered another huge blow.
Acting as if my footing were unstable. I dropped to my knees as I made a sour face. Like I took the biggest hit of my life.
And now he will give me the strongest ending blow.
"Let's finish this. Orrah!"
As the blade was about to hit me.
Watak! Ms. Ria blocked the attack.
"That's enough for now."
"Hey Ria, why the sudden intervention?"
"Yes, teacher Ria, why?"
"First of all, don't call me by my name without honorific we're not close. And second, he was already down. Do you have to continue beating down a person who has already hit rock bottom?"
"But he deserves it."
"Whether he deserves it or not is up to both parties. Not for a third party, butting in without their consent."
"Still—."
"Stop! Young Richard I guess Ms. Gale has her reasons. We'll back off for now."
"Much appreciated."
"It's good as long as you don't forget our bet."
"Yeah, yeah. I won't."
The two parties stopped talking and went their separate ways. As well as the class they each took care of.
"Well, now that is done. Come here, everyone,"
"""Yes, ma'am."""
"All of you will first do some practice swings, though only those who have swords. As for magicians, we have a practice called "imagine casting.""
As they listened, some looked bored and some looked interested.
You just have to swing your wand as if aiming at something while releasing a low mana attack.
Hearing that they followed as instructed.
Some choose what they want, while others are able to do it properly. Well, I did that practice before, and I guess those who knew were nobles.
Seeing this, I stood up and tried to do the same, but was stopped by Ms. Ria.