"That guy? He has nothing... When you think about it, how can someone like him even survive? Even his future is hopeless."

I'm used to what people say about me. Besides, there's some truth in it, so why bother fighting back? I can only keep my mouth shut and continue my days as usual. However, everything started to change after I met ORITEX.

---

"Isaac? Haven't you joined any group for the Science project?"

"Uhmmm, I..."

"If no one wants you in their group, that means we don't want you either, hahaha!"

I already expected this-they were just making fun of me again. I'm not that great when it comes to studying, let alone anything else. Just like what the school troublemakers said-I'm nothing but a walking rock.

Like a lifeless stone, I exist in this world, but I neither contribute much nor grow.

"Okay, class, don't forget-tomorrow, the ten selected students will have to retake the test, understood? These ten students will stay at school, while the others are allowed to go home as usual."

Among the ten students, my name was obviously on the list. Failing the first semester exam wasn't new to me. However, despite my constant failures, I was somehow lucky-I had never been summoned to the principal's office. Usually, those who failed would end up there.

"Isaac! Are you on the list for the retest?"

Someone approached me with a question as if he didn't already know the answer. Did he really think I was unaware of his true nature? He may be the class president in title, but when it comes to gossiping, he's the real champion.

He only talks to me to dig for information and then twists the story before spreading it around the school.

Without saying much, I lowered my head, indicating my answer, and immediately tried to escape from him.

"I need to hurry-I'll be going now, okay? Bye, Harry."

Like a coward, I quickly walked away to avoid Harry, but without realizing it, I accidentally bumped into someone. A few items fell from his jacket pocket.

I immediately apologized and bent down to pick up his things. But then, my movements stopped.

A cigarette?

This student smokes?

"Why are you staring? Gonna report me to the discipline unit? Go ahead, I dare you."

His expression showed no fear, as if he wouldn't even flinch if I reported him. I quickly shook my head but couldn't stop myself from looking at him sharply as I handed back the cigarette box.

He only smirked at me before walking away.

Only one thought crossed my mind.

So, people like him exist in this school?

There are many like me-lifeless stones. But how many like him-students who openly break the rules?

"Hey, you almost got in trouble just now! If he was in a bad mood, you'd be dead. Consider yourself lucky today!"

Harry patted my shoulder roughly. As someone who witnessed what happened, he seemed to know and recognize that student.

"That guy is basically the school's delinquent. You probably didn't know, huh? Well, of course, someone clueless like you wouldn't know what's going on in this school. If possible, everyone here tries to avoid him. Wait, this is a good story! Isaac almost got eaten by a crocodile! Oh, gotta go now."

Got his gossip and left, huh?

That was the end of my conversation with Harry.

Jared.

The name displayed on the school delinquent's name tag.

Is he really that powerful here?

If so, he should have been removed from this school a long time ago.