Another oppressive day loomed over Shin, as if the air itself conspired to crush his spirit. Each insult, each sneer from Class D, had etched scars deeper into his resolve. But today was different. Today, he was done being a pawn in their twisted game.
"Oi, slave! Get over here!" barked one of the Class D bullies, hurling a handful of coinsxx toward Shin's feet. "Get us drinks and make it quick!"
The coins scattered across the floor, but Shin didn't move. Instead, he stood tall, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"I don't think so," he said, his voice steady and defiant.
The room fell silent, stunned by the sheer audacity of the boy they had tormented for so long. The leader of the group, Reza, pushed himself off the desk he'd been lounging on, a cruel grin twisting his face.
"What did you just say to me?" Reza snarled, grabbing Shin by the collar and yanking him forward. "Are you seeking death?"
"No," Shin replied, his tone unwavering as he swatted Reza's hand away. "I'm seeking freedom."
Gasps echoed through the classroom as Shin squared his shoulders, his gaze piercing through each of them.
"I've had enough of your abuse. Enough of being your servant. Today, I challenge all of you to an Arena Battle!"
The weight of his words hung in the air like a thundercloud. For a moment, no one spoke, stunned by the audacity of someone they deemed the lowest of the low. But then the silence shattered into chaos.
"An Arena Battle? Are you insane?!" one student shouted.
"That's a fight to the death if it's unofficial!" another cried, their voice tinged with both anger and disbelief.
Shin smirked, his confidence rattling them even further. "What's wrong? Afraid to face the 'lowest' student in this academy? Or are you all just cowards hiding behind your numbers?"
Reza's face twisted in rage. "You think you can talk to us like that and live? Fine! But don't expect to walk out alive!"
In the next moment, their KID (Knight Interface Device) systems flared to life, projecting a glowing holographic window. It displayed the terms of the match: Shin vs. Class D – Unofficial Arena Battle. Rules: Death or submission.
The agreement was sealed with a cold, metallic tone. As Reza slammed his acceptance, the challenge spread like wildfire throughout the academy.
Students crowded around the projection screens in hallways and common rooms. Whispers grew into excited roars.
"The 'Lowest' is challenging Class D?"
"Has he lost his mind?"
"No way he can win. He's one guy against a whole class!"
Even the seniors—legendary figures known for their prowess—paused to watch, intrigued by the audacity of a lone student daring to defy the odds.
Upon agreeing to the fight, it was decided that the battle would take place in two weeks in the arena. The news quickly spread throughout the academy, creating a buzz of excitement among the students. Speculations ran wild, and betting pools began to form, with nearly all the wagers favoring Class D.
Even Class A, known for their aloof nature, caught wind of the upcoming duel and joined in on the bets. However, amidst the excitement, one person was lost in thought, standing on the rooftop, her expression filled with concern for her friend.
"Elise-chan! Have you heard about Shin's fight for his freedom?" Emilia burst through the rooftop door, her footsteps quick as she approached Elise.
"Yeah… I know," Elise replied softly, her gaze distant.
"Ugh, that guy! Always causing trouble and making you worry!" Emilia huffed, crossing her arms in frustration.
"Emy… you've known about this, haven't you?" Elise turned to her, her eyes searching. "All this time, you've protected me and stayed by my side wherever I went. Shin asked you to do it, didn't he?"
"What?! No way! I've never even talked to that guy!" Emilia stammered, looking away nervously.
Elise sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I knew it. He did." She turned her gaze back to the school grounds, a melancholic look crossing her face.
Emilia groaned in defeat, her resistance crumbling. "Fine, fine! I'll tell you." She exhaled heavily before recounting the story.
Back when all the students were being assigned to their classes, Shin had approached Emilia after hearing her name called for Class A. He had asked her for a favor: to be Elise's friend, to stay by her side, and to make sure she always smiled.
At first, Emilia had humored Shin's request, doing it on a whim. But as time passed, she genuinely grew close to Elise. Before long, what had started as a favor became a real bond of friendship, and Emilia found herself cherishing Elise's company.
When Emilia finished her explanation, Elise broke into tears, her knees buckling as she collapsed to the ground. Her sobs echoed softly in the stillness of the rooftop. She was overwhelmed, realizing that Shin had willingly chosen to bear his solitude so that she could remain cheerful and happy, unaware of the sacrifices he had made for her sake.
As they comforted each other, the rooftop door suddenly creaked open. Shin stepped out, his expression filled with concern. His sharp eyes scanned the scene, and he nodded briefly to Emilia before turning his attention to Elise.
Emilia returned the nod, understanding the unspoken cue. She stood up, dusted herself off, and quietly stepped aside, leaving Shin and Elise alone.
Elise stood up as well, hastily wiping her tears. She turned her face away, her lips forming a small pout.
"What do you want now?" Elise asked, her voice tinged with irritation.
"She's really mad, huh?" Shin thought, scratching the back of his neck.
"If you're here to apologize, don't bother!" Elise continued, her voice rising. "I don't want you wasting your time—"
Before she could finish, Shin closed the distance between them and wrapped her in a firm, warm hug. His hand gently rested on her head, patting her hair softly.
"I'm sorry, Elise," he said, his voice quiet but steady.
Those simple words broke through Elise's resolve. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over as she buried her face into Shin's chest. Her muffled sobs soaked into his clothes as she clung to him tightly.
"You idiot!" she cried, her small fists pounding against his chest. "Why did you do this to me?! We're friends, aren't we? Why would you keep quiet and endure all of this on your own?!"
Shin remained silent, unable to find the words to justify himself. He simply let her vent her frustration, letting her hit him as much as she needed, his arms never leaving her trembling frame.
In that moment, no words were necessary. All Shin could do was stand there, silently offering the comfort she so desperately needed, as the weight of their unspoken bond began to heal the wounds between them.
Afterwards, Elise lay down across Shin's lap, her head resting comfortably as his hand gently stroked her hair. The rhythmic motion seemed to calm her, but the lingering concern in her eyes didn't fade.
"So, you're really going to fight them, huh? For your freedom," Elise murmured, breaking the silence.
"Yeah, I am," Shin replied with a small smile. "I mean, you're the one who told me to fight back, right?"
Elise puffed her cheeks slightly. "Yeah, I did say that… but the whole class, Shin? You don't have any power or strength to take on all of them! I know you're strong, but this—this is too much!"
Shin chuckled softly and continued stroking her hair. "Don't worry about it. I've already gotten myself caught up in this mess, so I'll see it through. Just trust me."
Elise sat up abruptly, her pout deepening. Then, without warning, she dove forward, aggressively snuggling into Shin's chest like a cat seeking warmth. "You better be careful… and you better come back!" she said firmly, her voice muffled but tinged with adorable determination.
Shin smiled warmly, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. "Yeah, I will," he promised.
Before the moment could settle, Emilia suddenly plopped down beside them and leaned casually against Shin's shoulder, letting out an exaggerated sigh of relief.
"Phew… That was emotional," Emilia teased, her voice lighthearted.
Elise froze in place, her face turning a bright shade of pink. She pulled back slightly and glared at Emilia. "W-What are you doing, Emi?!" she sputtered, her voice high-pitched with jealousy.
"What?" Emilia replied innocently, tilting her head. "I'm tired, so I'm leaning on his shoulder. You're not the only one who needs comfort, you know~"
Her playful smirk grew as she added, "Besides, he owes me big time for all the hard work I've done for him these past few months!" Emilia shifted even closer, wrapping her arms lightly around Shin's arm and snuggling against him with a teasing grin.
"NO!! SHIN IS MINE!" Elise yelled, her face a deep crimson as she clung tightly to Shin's clothes.
"Ohhh~" Emilia cooed, raising an eyebrow. "Yours, huh? But I thought you two were just friends~"
Elise's blush deepened as she stammered, "T-That's not what I—hey! You—ugh!" Unable to contain herself, she leapt to her feet and began chasing Emilia around the rooftop.
"You're so easy to tease!" Emilia laughed as she dodged Elise's flustered swipes, darting away with surprising agility.
Shin, still sitting calmly, watched the scene unfold with an amused smile. He chuckled, shaking his head. "You two never change, do you?"
The sound of their laughter filled the rooftop, the earlier tension melting away. For a moment, everything felt light and carefree, as if the impending fight didn't matter at all.