I got into school for nothing-33
I got into school for nothing (33)
Lesson 8. This Skill Is Mine - 3
“This... works?”
Why had Ban Yuwon struggled with Rucell's Heart Furnace all this time? It was precisely because he couldn't freely steal concepts from living people.
But now, it was possible?
Of course, it seemed only possible due to the unique circumstance of having a part of the body severed, but it was truly a mind-numbing discovery.
“Though, of course, I wouldn't be able to apply this to Rucell.”
Ban Yuwon borrowed a term from a game he used to play, deciding to call this “Part Destruction.”
Then, leaving precisely 0.1 of the 'Life' and 'Body' concepts, he extracted all other concepts from the arm.
It would be little more than an empty shell, but that was none of Ban Yuwon's concern.
[Life 22.9, Body 27.9, Giant 14, Volcano 14, Super Strength 14 are forcibly taken. Giant and Volcano are concepts that humans cannot possess.]
It was no coincidence that the concept depths of Giant, Volcano, and Super Strength were all identical.
Presumably, the power of Volcano and Super Strength was drawn out using the Giant concept's depth as a base, and Ban Yuwon had, in essence, severed and stolen that entire package.
He had somewhat anticipated that he wouldn't be able to directly wield Giant and Volcano.
In fact, he hadn't even expected to be able to use Super Strength, which made him ecstatic.
And what of the acquired depths of Life and Body?
Hadn't he achieved results equivalent to defeating two elite monsters of the Tower?!
As Ban Yuwon pondered this, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
‘What is this? Am I a psychopath? I just severed a person's arm, not a monster's, and here I am, rejoicing over the loot. ...Is it perhaps because the depth of my soul has deepened?’
The fact that he could even make such a conjecture with extreme calm suggested that his personality had undeniably changed.
Indeed, for an ordinary South Korean man who had suddenly found himself fighting for his life in dungeons and the Tower, it would have been a problem if his perceptions hadn't changed.
“Ugh, Guh-uh-uh-uh!”
Meanwhile, Irekto, having lost an arm, was rolling on the ground, screaming in agony.
“Calm down, Irekto! Your arm can be reattached!”
“Gyah-aaaaah!”
“Stay still, I'll get you treated right away!”
Entell rushed over, held him down, and calmed him, then picked up the arm rolling on the floor and teleported both Irekto and his arm somewhere simultaneously.
Presumably, to the academy's infirmary.
Having finished the treatment in an instant, Entell turned back to Ban Yuwon, her eyes gleaming coldly.
“That was excessive, Ban Yuwon!”
“My apologies, Adjunct Professor Entell. However, Irekto suddenly lunged, aiming for the precise moment the signal for the spar's end was given...”
“Surely you're not going to say you couldn't avoid it? With your skill, you could have easily deflected it.”
Entell shot back sharply.
He wondered if all the goodwill he'd earned through the Rebellion channel was perhaps vanishing.
Even as he let out a bitter laugh at the thought, Ban Yuwon spoke his mind directly.
“Of course not. I could have avoided it, but I simply believed that a student who disregarded a professor's authority and acted wantonly deserved an appropriate consequence.”
“...What did you say?”
“Additionally, it was necessary to firmly make it known that students with such a rotten mindset—who arbitrarily disregarded the rules in an official spar, where they must be strictly adhered to, and aimed for a surprise attack—would not be tolerated in the future.”
Ban Yuwon declared resolutely, well aware of the cameras in the air that were still filming the entire situation.
Their spar had been broadcast live from beginning to end, and many students would have been watching it.
But in such a situation, a student openly disregarded the declaration of the spar's end and continued to act?
Had Ban Yuwon reacted passively in this situation, the negative consequences that would have followed would have been unspeakable.
In the worst-case scenario, there was even a possibility that the perception would spread: ‘Rules don't need to be followed for students from lower-rank dimensions.’
Therefore, Ban Yuwon never thought his actions were excessive.
As the representative of the Special Admissions for Lower-Rank Dimensions standing in that place, he had simply done what was necessary to uphold his authority and the academy's order.
“Ha...”
“I believe my actions were perfectly justified and the proper course of action for the sake of the academy's order.”
Listening to Ban Yuwon's words, Entell could not bring herself to refute him.
If he were to deny Ban Yuwon's words here?
It wouldn't merely be denying him, but denying all students from lower-rank dimensions.
Furthermore, it would mean throwing his own authority, and that of the other adjunct professors, to the ground.
“Ban Yuwon’s words... are correct. A student who disregards the rules of a spar should indeed be punished. However, that responsibility falls not to Ban Yuwon, but to me and the academy.”
“I apologize if my actions infringed upon your authority, Professor. I had to act quickly given that the spar was being broadcast live... I will gladly accept any punishment for that.”
What was Ban Yuwon implying?
To put it bluntly, it was: ‘You were just standing there doing nothing, so I reacted.’
If he understood the implication, then taking at least the responsibility upon himself was what Entell should do.
“No, it's not. The fault lies solely with Irekto, who disregarded my declaration and moved. Furthermore, Ban Yuwon’s actions were self-defense. This does not violate the academy’s rules, so it’s not for me to blame.”
Words are truly fascinating, for the same situation can be explained in so many different ways.
Ban Yuwon constructed his words using only terms most advantageous to himself, thereby expanding the problem from just himself and Irekto to the entire academy.
He thoroughly packaged his stance, making it impossible for any professor, at the very least, to refute his words.
“Professor! That guy's rude—”
“Enough. All of you, cease this disgraceful display. We are still on air.”
Having reached a silent agreement with Ban Yuwon, Entell restrained the protesting students of Class 1 with a firm voice.
“We will consider this matter concluded here. Reattaching Irekto’s arm is not a difficult task, and in the first place, it was Irekto who broke the academy’s rules.”
Entell gestured for Ban Yuwon to rejoin the line, and he, as if conscious of the broadcast, respectfully bowed before joining his companions.
“That was amazing! So—!”
Rucell's eyes sparkled with genuine admiration.
“Ban, you really... that technique you showed at the end, severing the entire arm.”
“Once I understood the concept, I developed a knack for forcibly redirecting an opponent’s flow of power.”
This was a realm entirely different from simply plucking off a spider's leg with force, Ban realized.
As Light roughly grasped how sublime the technique that severed Irekto's arm was, he was dumbfounded.
And Dokgo Yeon...
“How amusing. You've grown stronger again, haven't you?”
“You noticed?”
She was the only one present who realized that Ban Yuwon had 'devoured' the giant's arm.
“Hold on, if that's the case, couldn't you just deliberately go around severing the arms of those 'Special Class' students and still—?”
“Are you trying to make me an enemy of the academy? You'd completely shatter the image I just painstakingly built.”
“It's just a shame. While you were at it, why didn't you cut off his left arm too?”
Ban Yuwon had thought his own sensitivity had withered away in just a week, but listening to Dokgo Yeon's words, he realized he was still a mere amateur.
“Everyone enjoyed the spar, I trust? Then, let's begin the lesson.”
After the broadcast ended and the commotion somewhat subsided.
Entell, who had unintentionally taken the upper hand with the students thanks to Ban Yuwon, finally began the lesson.
But even as the lecture progressed, most of the Special Class students watched Ban Yuwon and his group with ominous stares, especially the gaze of that fellow, Lusein Ortima, who had previously sparred with Dokgo Yeon, which was so intense one could use it as a heater.
What transpired after the lecture ended was even more astonishing.
“Dokgo Yeon, right?”
“Hmm?”
The man with horns sprouting from his head like a crown, Lusein Ortima, personally moved towards them.
When Dokgo Yeon subtly furrowed her brow and gave him a look, he swallowed a gulp and spoke.
“I have something to say to you.”
“Another spar request? I wouldn't stop you if you wish to die, but a deadly struggle would be difficult within the academy.”
“It's not a spar request.”
Lusein Ortima extended one hand towards Dokgo Yeon.
In that hand, he held a flower carved from a jewel.
“I want to ask you out on a date.”
“...?!”
* * *
Ban Yuwon muttered in a tone of genuine bewilderment.
“What kind of disposition does one need to have to ask out a woman who had just kicked his jaw?”
“Didn’t you just answer that yourself?”
“Now that you mention it, I guess so.”
The members of Class 11, having finished all their other assigned classes, were now moving to attend Professor Zenon's lecture, 'Babylon and Constellations,' held in Room 3 on the 8th floor, west corridor of the Academy's main building.
The incident that morning had been so shocking that Ban Yuwon had continuously pondered Lusein Ortima's intentions in his mind. His casually blurted-out words, and As Light's wry reaction to them, constituted the entirety of their recent conversation.
“What do you mean a man doesn't know another man's heart? I wanted to ask you that myself.”
Dokgo Yeon, the recipient of the date invitation, replied in a flabbergasted tone, then completely changed her expression and said.
“Don't be so foolish. It's obvious there's another motive behind it. His eyes showed not a speck of romantic affection.”
Dokgo Yeon dismissed the morning's incident with a scoff, but Ban Yuwon recalled Lusein Ortima's demeanor and tilted his head.
“It didn't seem to be just that... Can you be so sure it wasn't? You're incredibly pretty, after all.”
When do words have the greatest impact? Precisely when they are uttered at a completely unexpected moment.
Even Dokgo Yeon, famed throughout the lands, trembled slightly, startled by the sudden compliment.
“Ban Yuwon, I don't know if you're truly oblivious or simply shameless.”
“That's Ban's trick. Don't fall for it, Dokgo Yeon.”
“Hmph, I already know that much, so there's no need to tell me.”
Seeing how well they bickered, it was clear these two had also grown closer through their physical clashes.
However, the way they looked like girls gossiping together, it was hard to say what to make of it.
Just then, Rucell cautiously raised her hand and spoke.
“I, too, agree with Ban.”
“Beast, do you realize you've been overtly siding with Ban Yuwon since around Saturday? If you're going to flirt, could you do it when I'm not here?”
“It's not like that—!”
Rucell beat her chest in frustration (Ban Yuwon quickly averted his gaze) and said.
“His eyes were different, I tell you. Though, of course, there seemed to be other calculations involved.”
“It doesn't matter. I refused him anyway.”
Dokgo Yeon said coldly.
That was right. The moment she received the date invitation, she firmly rejected it.
‘You are my enemy. There is no room for compromise.’
Along with such an iron-clad declaration.
“Even so, if Rucell's words are true... couldn't something have come of it?”
Dokgo Yeon shook her head at As Light's question.
“Even if that man truly harbored romantic interest in me, just by me meeting with him, ‘we’ would suffer a loss.”
“Huh?”
“Ah... right, that. She means Rebellion.”
To As Light, who couldn't quite grasp her meaning, Ban Yuwon explained with a bitter smile.
“In just one week, our popularity has skyrocketed ridiculously. It’s not a boast, but my shattering Irekto during class today will also have an impact. So, in this situation, if it became known that Dokgo Yeon had personally met with Lusein Ortima, the very pinnacle of the academy’s vested interests, what would others think?”
As Light, who had been silent for a moment, soon slumped his shoulders and said.
“Internal strife...”
“Exactly. From the moment Ban Yuwon filmed a video featuring the four of us, we became a community of shared destiny. People no longer see us as individuals. To protect this manufactured image, we must continue to move as one body.”
The quartet formed under the name Rebellion must continue to remain bound and act as one.
They cannot be separated, even if it infringes upon their individual freedoms.
This was such a contract.
“So, Dokgo Yeon, you thought all of this through from the beginning and agreed to Ban's plan?”
“Naturally. How many times must I say it?”
Dokgo Yeon retorted, annoyed, at As Light's words.
“My only interest from the start was Ban Yuwon. The reason I agreed to the four of us being bound together was precisely because Ban Yuwon was a part of it. Do you understand now? Therefore, I cannot tolerate any attempt to interfere with my plans. Furthermore, I have no time to listen to the words of a man who dares to use me.”
“...Right.”
At Dokgo Yeon's cold words, As Light seemed a little dejected.
Ban Yuwon thought that was quite cute, and it seemed he wasn't the only one who thought so, for even Dokgo Yeon couldn't completely hide the smile on her lips as she comforted him.
“As Light, if you want to be acknowledged by me, strive harder.”
“Hmph.”
As if embarrassed that his feelings had been exposed, As Light turned his head away.
Ban Yuwon knew that Dokgo Yeon already respected him as an individual from the moment she started calling him ‘As Light’ properly, but he left him alone because his sulking look was even cuter.
“Ah.”
Just then, Rucell made a sound.
They had, at some point, arrived in front of the lecture hall.
“We're not late, are we?”
“They must have already had class last week. If first-year students like us, especially those from the Special Admissions for Lower-Rank Dimensions, suddenly join mid-way, what would the upperclassmen think?”
“Why, they'd think that exceptionally talented juniors have joined them.”
At the voice from behind, the group, including Dokgo Yeon, flinched and turned around.
Standing behind them was a brown-haired young man, wearing a heart-shaped earring on only one ear.
His skin was dark, and his pointed ears instantly brought to mind a dark elf from fiction.
The insignia on his uniform proved he was a fourth-year student.
“Hello, juniors. I'm pleased to meet the very individuals stirring up the academy. But for now, let’s head into the lecture hall.”
He winked, then opened the door and entered first.
“Now, come in.”
“Then...”
As Light entered first, and Dokgo Yeon followed, narrowing her eyes.
Ban Yuwon, entering last with Rucell, quietly asked Dokgo Yeon.
“You didn't notice?”
“I was aware of him until he approached, but I lost him for a moment. ...He must be an ability user specializing in ambush.”
It seemed certain that he was a formidable individual whom even Dokgo Yeon couldn't ignore.
It was astonishing.
Dokgo Yeon already seemed to have transcended the bounds of a mere student, so the fact that there was a student who could make even her feel tense was remarkable.
The senior they had just met couldn't possibly be the only strong one; it was safe to assume that the students gathered in this lecture hall were, by and large, absurdly powerful individuals.
Ban Yuwon finally realized just how dangerous the place they had been thrown into was.
‘Professor Yumina, I'll resent you for this.’
He let out a theatrical sigh and entered the lecture hall.
Rucell strongly gripped his arm as if to say he would do well, and it was surprisingly comforting, which was also amusing.
But in truth...
The most terrifying thing in this lecture hall wasn't the seniors.
“Many new faces, I see. Introductions are in order. I am Zenon. I am the professor in charge of this 'Babylon and Constellations' class, and I also serve as the Vice Principal of the Academy.”
“...Ha.”
[Disjunction]
[Incomprehensible]
[Darkness]
A monster in human form.
was holding the teacher's chalk, claiming to teach students.
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