Chapter 30: The Weight of Weakness
The combat evaluation was over.
The students were dismissed, but the whispers hadn't stopped.
As Rei walked through the academy hallways, he could feel their eyes on him.
Student 1 (whispering): "I don't get it. Why is he still in Class 1-A?"Student 2: "Yeah… Even if he's smart, he's completely useless in a fight."
Rei ignored them.
He had expected this.
But knowing it was coming didn't make it hurt any less.
Rei (thinking): They're not wrong. If Graves hadn't excused me, I wouldn't be here right now.
Souta and Akari – Standing by Rei
As they walked back to their dorm, Souta clapped a hand on Rei's shoulder.
Souta (grinning): "Hey, don't let it get to you. We all know you're the smartest guy here."
Rei (quietly): "Being smart isn't enough."
Souta's smile faded.
Akari, who had been silent, spoke up.
Akari (calmly): "You need to fix this, Rei."
Rei glanced at her.
Akari: "If we're going to survive here, we can't afford a weak link. And right now, that's you."
She didn't say it cruelly.
She said it because it was the truth.
Rei nodded.
Rei (clenching fists): "I know. And I will."
Souta (grinning again): "Alright, then! Time for some hardcore training, huh?"
Rei: "No."
Souta blinked.
Souta: "…No?"
Rei adjusted his glasses.
Rei: "Training like you or Akari won't work for me. My body isn't built for it. I need another way."
Souta and Akari exchanged glances.
Akari (raising an eyebrow): "And what exactly is your plan?"
Rei smirked slightly.
Rei: "I'll show you soon enough."
He wouldn't get stronger through brute force.He would get stronger by doing what he did best—analyzing, learning, and adapting.
But first—he needed information.
And there was only one person in Aether Academy who could help him.
The Meeting – Seeking Kozuki Renjou
Later that night, Rei found himself standing in front of Class 1-A's training facility.
Inside, Kozuki Renjou was practicing alone.
Every movement was flawless.
Every strike was controlled, efficient, perfect.
Rei stepped forward.
Rei (calmly): "Teach me."
Kozuki stopped mid-strike.
He turned, golden eyes meeting Rei's.
Then, he laughed.
Kozuki (amused): "You? Asking me for help?"
Rei: "I don't have time for pride."
Kozuki studied him for a moment.
Then, he smirked.
Kozuki: "Fine. But you won't like my answer."
Rei stood firm.
Rei: "I don't need to like it. I just need to win."