Ars Segrain had always known he was different. His cheat skill made him invincible in the academic world, but it also made him a target. At the elite school, whispers followed him like shadows. Kenzou Utakami and Nakamura Toji, two of the sharpest students, had their eyes on him. Ars could feel their gaze burning into his back during lectures and in the hallways.
"Why are they always watching me?" Ars muttered to himself one evening. "Do they think I'm up to something?"
Determined to throw them off his trail, Ars decided to play the part of a normal student. He buried himself in textbooks, attended every class, and even joined a study group. His sudden transformation from a mysterious loner to a diligent student raised a few eyebrows, but it also made people less suspicious.
One day, while pretending to be engrossed in a particularly dull math textbook, Ars had an idea. He would write a letter detailing his unique mathematical theories and send it to the greatest minds in the field. It was a risky move, but Ars was confident in his abilities.
"Let's see if they can keep up with me," he chuckled, scribbling down his thoughts.
A week later, Ars received a reply from William Shepherd, a renowned math genius. The letter was brief but intriguing: "Your theories are fascinating. I must meet you in person. Expect my visit soon."
Ars couldn't help but grin. "This is going to be interesting."
Meanwhile, the school was abuzz with the upcoming exams. Students were frantically cramming, but Ars remained unfazed. His cheat skill ensured he would ace the tests without breaking a sweat. Instead, he focused on more pressing matters—like his rent and his ever-growing collection of anime figures.
"I need to find a way to make some money," Ars mused. "Maybe William can help."
The day of William's visit arrived. Ars waited in the school library, pretending to study. When William walked in, Ars was struck by his presence. Tall, with a sharp gaze and an air of confidence, William looked every bit the genius he was reputed to be.
"Ars Segrain, I presume?" William said, extending a hand.
"That's me," Ars replied, shaking his hand. "Thanks for coming."
They sat down, and Ars wasted no time diving into his theories. William listened intently, occasionally nodding or asking a question. After an hour, William leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Your theories are groundbreaking," he said. "But why share them with me?"
Ars hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest. "I need money. My rent is due, and I have a… hobby that requires funding."
William raised an eyebrow. "A hobby?"
"Anime figures," Ars admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.
To his surprise, William laughed. "You're a fascinating individual, Ars. I'll help you, but on one condition."
"Name it," Ars said eagerly.
"Teach me your cheat skill," William said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Ars smirked. "I knew you'd ask that. But it's not something I can just teach. It's… complicated."
William nodded. "I figured as much. Still, I'll help you with your rent and your hobby. Consider it an investment in your future."
Ars couldn't believe his luck. "Thank you, William. I won't let you down."
As they shook hands again, Ars felt a surge of confidence. He was on his way to conquering the world—not through brute force, but through knowledge.
Later that evening, as he added a new anime figure to his collection, Ars couldn't help but laugh. "I will conquer this whole world in terms of knowledge! Haahaa!"
His laughter echoed through the room, a mix of triumph and determination. Ars Segrain was just getting started, and the world had no idea what was coming.