[Class-C]
The class was oddly quiet as they watched Apollo lazily saunter on the teacher's desk. His expression, etched with relaxation.
*huu*
Exhaling softly, he stood up and rested his hands on the table. His purple eyes shifted to the tense looks of his classmates.
"What are you guys looking at me for?" Laughing lightly, he asked.
A certain blue haired girl growled in response as she slammed the table.
"If you're not gonna say anything, I'm leaving already."
Amusement flashed in Apollo's eyes as he watched her stand up and head for the door.
"Stop, Vic."
Just when she was about to leave he said softly, causing her to freeze.
"Or do you want me to kick your guts a seventh time?" This time, his voice carried an edge that was hard to ignore.
Victoria's expression soured as she reflexively held her abdomen.
Still feeling sour, she returned to her seat under the sympathetic gaze of her mates.
Apollo had been renowned for his uncanny brutality as he had on their first day, beaten down several strong students in the class to solidify his position as the Class Leader. Even the countless plots crafted against him was ruthlessly torn apart by sheer violence.
By now, thoughts of rebellion was almost extinguished from their minds while a few had submitted to him fully. Well, except for an oddball.
Sofiya Sidorov.
A girl with pink hair and green eyes oozing a mature yet cute aura. Even though she sometimes ignores him, Apollo would simply laugh in amusement without 'punishing' her.
"Ah! I get it!" Clapping, he stood straight, and looked at them with a predatory grin.
"So you guys want me to lead you in the VR, don't you? Well, I get it. You so much desperately can't think of what to do huh?"
Glaring at Alex, his so called Vice-Leader, He said with thick disgust.
Covering his face, he sighed in resignation and said.
"Gosh I can't help it then. I want everyone to enter the VR in an hour and if I find out you didn't, I'll have you... disciplined." While emphasizing on the last word he glanced at Sofiya silently then continued. "Then I want everyone to find each other in the matter of two hours. If you can't do that, then you are honestly worthless. According to our homeroom teacher, we'll be sent to one of the mapped regions. With that confirmed, I want you all to target the stronghold present."
Cracking his knuckles, he grinned widely.
"We can't have the other three classes outdoing us can we?"
Everyone nodded solemnly until Alex lifted his arm.
"Sure, but are we really taking Class-D seriously? I mean except those two from earlier the others seem like weaklings to me"
Apollo took in the comment silently as he realized a few of them actually agreed with him.
"So you mean they are a bunch of weaklings with no chance against us right?" He asked, this time his grin was absent.
Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat but still nodded confidently.
Holding the two sides of the table, Apollo's head dipped slightly, just enough to allow his bangs to cover his face.
Everyone tensed slightly as it seemed he had gotten really pissed.
A soft chuckle entered their ears until it erupted into a full blown laughter as Apollo threw his head back, laughing wildly.
The others shifted slightly in their seats. Goosebumps spreading across their skin.
Even the ever-so-eccenteric Sofiya looked up from her book, feeling strange.
Facing them squarely, he wiped off his grin and sneered, his purple eyes shining brightly.
"Do you really think everyone from that class is weak? If then would they be admitted into this academy? For once y'all should use your brain a bit. Every class has a chance to surpass the other so I'm letting it stick into your head. Never underestimate anyone. Not when I'm leading you."
Strained gulps echoed as they digested his words while under that unknown pressure.
Waving lightly, he smiled cutely at them and said in a gentle tone. "Alright, alright. No hard feelings okay, I just want you guys to learn. You're dismissed"
Then as if remembering something he had forgotten, he made an 'oh' expression.
"And Victoria, you're sparring with me. Now."
And Victoria, who had heard him clearly, paled visibly while others threw her a glance of pity. After all, no one had sparred with Apollo and survived without severe injuries.
...
After leaving the class, Sofiya silently headed for the library; her most favorite spot on campus. She greeted the librarian softly as the old man smiled back at her.
"You want to return the books you borrowed?" He asked with his aged voice.
"Hmm" Nodding, she pushed three big books to him which he accepted with a smile then gave her a parchment to sign on.
"Do you have any other recommendations?" After signing, she asked.
"Sure. I see you're fond of mystery gerne so I'll recommend 'The forgotten Shores' and 'Tales of Ascension'. They should be in the fourth section over there."
"Thank you!"
She walked towards the pointed section then browsed through the books available. Soon, she spotted 'Tales of Ascension' and removed it from the pile.
She put it in her bag then continued her search for the next book. Unfortunately, by the time she found it, it was already in the hands of another student.
'Huh?'
She squinted slightly when she realized her Soul Trait wasn't showing any information about him.
{Name - ??}
{Abilities - ??}
{Realm - ??}
{Rank - ??}
{Flaw - ??}
'how?' she thought in disbelief.
Her Soul Trait [Unveiled Secrets] allowed her access to privy information on any Awakened in the world. Well, those below the Evolved Realm.
And this was the first time it was failing her.
'Is he a disguised expert?'
Her thoughts went spiralling until.
"Hello...?"