Ars Segrain sat at his desk, staring out the window of his classroom. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the meticulously manicured lawns of the elite school. He could see his classmates, all sons of aristocrats, chatting and laughing as they walked to their next class. Ars felt a pang of loneliness. He was the only one who didn't come from a wealthy or influential family. His presence at the school was a constant reminder of his humble origins.
It had all started a year ago when Ars had been walking home from his part-time job at a local bookstore. He had taken a shortcut through a narrow alley when he heard a commotion. Without thinking, he had rushed towards the noise and found an elderly man being attacked by a group of thugs. Ars had intervened, using his quick thinking and agility to fend off the attackers. The elderly man, who turned out to be the chairman of the elite school, had been so grateful that he offered Ars a scholarship on the spot.
Ars had accepted the offer, seeing it as a chance to better himself and achieve his dreams. He had always been passionate about learning and had a natural curiosity that drove him to seek out knowledge. But his goal was not just to learn; he wanted to surpass everyone in the world in terms of knowledge. It was an ambitious goal, especially for a 16-year-old, but Ars was determined.
What made Ars's goal achievable was his cheat skill. He had discovered it by accident when he was younger. One day, while reading a book, he had wished he could understand the complex theories it contained. To his surprise, he suddenly found himself knowing everything about the subject as if he had studied it for years. He realized that he had the ability to make a copy of another person's knowledge and transfer it into his own brain. It was a powerful skill, and Ars knew that it could help him achieve his goal.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Ars gathered his books and headed to the library. It was his favorite place in the school, a sanctuary where he could immerse himself in the world of books and knowledge. He found a quiet corner and settled down with a stack of books. As he read, he activated his cheat skill, absorbing the knowledge contained in the pages.
Hours passed, and Ars lost track of time. He was so engrossed in his reading that he didn't notice someone approaching until a shadow fell over his book. He looked up to see a tall, slender boy with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. It was Lucian, the top student in the school and the son of a powerful aristocrat.
"What are you reading, Segrain?" Lucian asked, his tone dripping with condescension.
Ars held up the book. "Just some advanced theories on quantum mechanics."
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. But do you really think you can understand such complex subjects?"
Ars met Lucian's gaze steadily. "I believe I can."
Lucian smirked. "We'll see about that. There's a knowledge competition coming up. Why don't you participate? Let's see if you can back up your confidence with results."
Ars felt a surge of determination. This was his chance to prove himself. "I'll participate," he said firmly.
Lucian's smirk widened. "Good luck, Segrain. You'll need it."
As Lucian walked away, Ars felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The knowledge competition was a prestigious event, and winning it would be a significant achievement. But it would also be a challenge, as he would be competing against the best and brightest students in the school.
Ars spent the next few weeks preparing for the competition. He spent every spare moment in the library, absorbing as much knowledge as he could. His cheat skill proved invaluable, allowing him to quickly learn and understand complex subjects. He also practiced his presentation skills, knowing that he would need to articulate his knowledge clearly and confidently.
The day of the competition arrived, and Ars felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. He took a deep breath as he stepped onto the stage, facing the panel of judges and the audience. He could see Lucian sitting in the front row, watching him with a smug expression.
Ars began his presentation, speaking confidently and clearly. He explained complex theories and concepts with ease, demonstrating his deep understanding of the subjects. As he spoke, he could see the judges nodding in approval, and the audience listening intently.
When he finished, there was a moment of silence before the audience erupted in applause. Ars felt a surge of pride and relief. He had done it. He had proven himself.
As he stepped off the stage, Lucian approached him. "Well done, Segrain," he said, his tone grudgingly respectful. "You've earned my respect."
Ars smiled. "Thank you, Lucian. This is just the beginning."
Ars knew that he still had a long way to go to achieve his goal, but he was more determined than ever. With his cheat skill and his unwavering determination, he was ready to take on the world and turn it upside down.