Apparently, something happened while I was absent.
Chris Wright, a minor antagonist, caused some trouble with the protagonists, just like he was supposed to in the novel.
His role in the story was to serve as Kai's lackey and act as a stepping stone for Nero and his friends, showcasing and hyping up their capabilities to the world before the Main Game.
Just as it was written in the novel, after several days of intense confrontations, Chris and his gang challenged Nero and his group to a match at the King's Tournament.
Also just like in the novel, Nero eagerly accepted the challenge, following the trope of an underdog protagonist putting an arrogant young master in his place.
Both parties approached the academy staff, and their match was scheduled as the main event for the first day.
Today was the day for their match.
...Only it didn't go exactly as it was written in the novel. I think my involvement with the plot is partly to blame for that.
What went wrong, one might ask?
Well, Kai himself decided to join the game, which wasn't part of the original story. In fact, he never did anything to attract attention to himself.
He was a formidable villain, but not overly powerful.
He was ruthless, but not excessively so.
He had big ambitions, but nothing extraordinary.
He was simply a mediocre villain. That's all.
Now I know he was actually hiding his true self, so his voluntary participation surprised me all the more.
Anyway, after that happened, Nero and the main characters were at a disadvantage, as they were one member short in their team.
While Nero and Chase didn't have a problem with that arrangement, the rest of the team believed that evening the odds would be a wiser decision.
So Anastasia brought up my name and suggested, "I think we should ask Lucas to join us. He's not only incredibly strong but also irresistibly hot and handsome. I think with his charisma on our side, we'll win for sure."
...Okay, maybe she didn't say those exact words, but something along those lines.
Ahem! Look, the point is, she mentioned me.
Now naturally, and for reasons still beyond me, Chase had an issue with that idea.
And even Nero said they shouldn't rely on any favors from me and that he could handle it alone.
However, when Amelia saw an opportunity to recruit me to their side without any strings attached, she seized it.
Quite cunning of her, I must admit.
I had assumed she would take advantage of my body as payback for keeping Sera's secret safe.
Haaa.
Well, anyway, let's get back to the present.
Currently, I was quietly sitting on one of the benches in the backstage pavilion on the east side of the stadium.
Amelia, Nero, and Anastasia were arguing about something in the corner.
They were likely debating whether or not to include me in the match.
Meanwhile, Chase sat across from me, shooting me hostile glares.
His best friend, Elijah, could only manage a feeble apologetic smile, expressing regret for his friend's behavior.
Aster sat alone. She was watching cute cat videos on her smart bracelet. Out of all of them, I liked her vibe the most—perhaps because she, like me, was a cat person.
Then there was William, happily playing with his cat, Rui.
Haaa, I envy him.
Don't get me wrong, Sera is an adorable bird, but I wouldn't mind having a cat like Rui too.
Haaaa~
-"Still, why did you think it was a good idea to make this decision without even consulting me?" Nero's voice rose, interrupting my thoughts.
-"Why do you have a problem with it? This fight isn't just about you," Amelia countered.
-"Yeah, it's about all of us. Not him. Bringing in someone who has no connection to this doesn't seem wise!" Nero fired back.
-"You know he's part of our Unit, right? You should understand better than anyone that his strategies guarantee our victory!" Anastasia chimed in.
-"I've said it before, and I'll say it again—I can take on Chris and his group alone. I don't need all of you. But since Chris has caused trouble for you all too, I'm willing to let you assist me," Nero replied. "But why should we seek outside help?"
-"If you think he's doing you a favor by joining us, then rest assured. In fact, he's repaying one of my favors, so there's no debt involved," Amelia interjected.
-"How can you even trust him?" Nero asked.
-"What?" Amelia sounded confused.
-"Hasn't he already betrayed your trust once—" but before Nero could finish, Anastasia interrupted.
-"Nero!" she exclaimed. "Stop it. And stop being so self-centered. Alberto is also in his group. Do you remember how much trouble you had defeating him last time?"
-"I-I have grown stronger—" Nero tried to defend himself, but Anastasia didn't give him a chance to finish his sentence.
-"So you're confident that you can take on Alberto, his Gift, and all the members of Chris' group alone?" she questioned.
-"....." Nero clenched his fist in silence. Just as he was about to respond, I spoke up.
"You guys do realize I can hear every word you're saying, right?" I couldn't help but finally roll my eyes and yell out, my patience wearing thin.
Can these people just shut up?
"I'm sorry, Lucas. Are you sure you don't mind helping us?" Anastasia asked, raising her eyebrows and flashing a cute smile.
"Don't worry," I replied, waving my hands dismissively. "I'll be repaying Amelia's favor, so assisting you guys will benefit me as well."
Anastasia's smile brightened as she nodded and cheerfully exclaimed, "Great! Let's get ready, everyone!"
In response to her words, the girls headed to the adjacent room to change into their combat attire, while the boys quickly started undressing as they left.
The atmosphere in the pavilion naturally turned awkward. It was evident that, aside from Elijah and William, my presence wasn't welcomed by anyone here.
Nero, who had kept his hand pressed against his forehead until now, took a deep breath and approached me.
"Just to be clear," he said, coming face to face with me. "This isn't a favor, okay?"
I let out a sigh and maintained an amicable smile as I replied, "I've already made it clear that it isn't. But if you're still uncomfortable, think of it as repayment for when you stood up against Kai on my behalf."
Nero looked at me for a few seconds before nodding. "I didn't do it for you, though. I simply can't stand bullies."
After saying his piece, he began to walk away.
Thak–
However, before he could take a single step, I grabbed his arm, halting him in his tracks.
The amicable smile faded from my face and was replaced by a cold gleam in my eyes.
He turned to face me, and I met his gaze, the atmosphere growing heavy as my next words hung in the air.
"Oh, and by the way, whatever happened between me and her is our business," I stated firmly. "So, if you don't mind, refrain from commenting on our past."
As silence engulfed the pavilion and all eyes turned towards us, Nero took a step closer, his face inches away from mine.
In a tone as cold as ice, he uttered, "You believe that your past holds no value over you because the people involved in it have moved on? Well, you're mistaken.
"You may have changed, and I don't mind having you in our Unit or occasionally hanging out with you.
"I appreciate your assistance during the Mock War and now in this game, regardless of your motivations. However, I know as well as you do that you're not a good person. So don't pretend to be a knight in shining armor, understood?"
Thak—
In the next moment, he brushed my hand off and wore a friendly smile, contradicting his earlier hostility, as he spoke in a cheerful tone.
"But who am I to judge you? So don't worry about it and get dressed, okay?" he said before walking away.
Ugh!
Okay, I officially can't stand him.
I tried to make peace with him, but I hate him! I hate him and his so-called morals!
At the end of the Main Game on day seven, the academy was going to be attacked by vampires. I, just like always, had a plan to stop it.
You see, in the novel, Nero wasn't in his best condition to fight against the vampires when the attack happened.
He had a brutal battle with Quinn, leaving both of them heavily injured. Eventually, Nero emerged victorious, but not without some grueling injuries.
Those injuries held him back from unleashing his full strength against the vampires, forcing him to use his Gift in front of cameras.
Because of that, the rumors about him having complete control over the basic elements solidified worldwide.
Now, my plan was to take Quinn's place and face Nero in the finals.
I would deliberately lose to him without putting up much of a fight.
This way, he would be able to use his full strength against the vampires and he would not have to use his Gift.
As for me, well, I wasn't interested in the position of Cadet Council president from the start.
It's too much work, and besides being lazy, I have other important matters to attend to in the future, leaving me with no time for Cadet Council responsibilities.
But, oh boy, screw all that now! I'll fuck this bastard!
As for how to deal with those vampire attackers, I'll come up with another plan because Nero Dekrauf is going down!
