After the entrance ceremony, Absolute and the others were informed of their class assignments on the spot. They were divided into classes A through E based on their exam scores. Naturally, Absolute was in the top-ranking A class.
Would I have been able to break from the original story if I’d been left out of Class A…?
For a moment, I thought it was a brilliant idea, but I immediately rejected the notion.
No, it would be way too lame for me, Absolute, to fail out of A.
A supposedly strong character like me would instantly be treated like a joke if my status dropped even once.
“I am so sorry, Absolute-sama. For someone in my position, who should be assisting you, to end up in a different class…”
Chris spoke with a dejected voice.
Chris wasn’t great at combat, so his mock battle exam score wasn’t very good, and he ended up in Class B. Lady Cruel patted Chris on the shoulder, trying to cheer him up.
“Please rest assured, Chris-sama! This Lady will take on the task of assisting Absolute-sama! I will take care of everything for him!”
Lady Cruel’s words seemed to have the opposite effect, as Chris ground his teeth together in frustration.
I ignored the bickering duo.
“So, from my faction, Oriana and Mist also made it into Class A, huh…? Well done, you two.”
Absolute praised his subordinates who had made it into Class A.
Oriana Festa
The daughter of Baron Suhai Festa, my father’s right-hand man.
The Festa barony is responsible for intelligence activities within the Ark House.
Her personality is quiet, and I always picture her following Lady Cruel around.
Mist Browser
The eldest son of the Browser Viscount House.
The Browser House specializes in cleaning up evidence and disposing of bodies for the Ark House’s dirty work.
Lately, there hasn’t been much work for them since my magic handles everything so neatly.
We’ve come to know each other fairly well, having met every time there’s dirty work to be done.
However, I just can’t trust Mist because of his shifty eyes and frivolous way of speaking. I secretly suspect he’d be the one to betray me if anyone did.
“No, no, it’s all thanks to Absolute-sama’s tutelage! I’d barely scrape a C on my own, really.”
Mist fawned over me with blatant flattery. In response, Oriana just kept bowing repeatedly, as if saying “I’m terribly grateful” without a word.
Mist really does seem like he’s about to betray me any second now. I can tell from his every word and expression. If his betrayal comes to light, I won’t show him any mercy, I swear. Oriana’s a good kid compared to him.
She always flatters me along with Lady Cruel.
“Hmph, stop with the annoying flattery. The academy has only just begun for the rest of you. Aim higher from here on out, there’s still a chance. Chris, Lady, how long are you two going to stand there? We’re going!”
““Y-Yes, sir!””
Chris and Lady replied in perfect unison.
The others headed off to their respective classes, and Absolute and the others also went to Class A.
I opened the classroom door.
As soon as they entered Class A, they were met with intense stares from those already inside. Gazes filled with various emotions—fear, contempt, murderous intent, curiosity.
I’m used to these kinds of stares, but I still don’t like how uncomfortable they make me.
Ugh, everyone’s staring at me. Michael looks like he’s glaring at his mortal enemy, and… huh? Is the Hero glaring at me too?!
Our antagonistic event isn’t until later, right?!
Isn’t it way too early to be hostile? No, wait, maybe he was hostile from the beginning in the original story… I can’t remember.
“As expected of Absolute-sama. It’s hard being popular, isn’t it? But don’t worry, we’re here for you.”
“Well, let’s just take it easy, Absolute-sama.”
“…It feels like I’m already washed up on day one. Can we go home?”
Lady, Mist, and Oriana each tried to encourage me.
I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not exactly hurt.
Well, I’m used to it. I was just surprised because they were staring so intensely.
Seriously, isn’t it rude to stare like that?
I am a high-ranking noble, you know. Guess I’ll have to set them straight…
Activating skill, 【Intimidation】.
“What the hell are you all staring at? I’ll kill you.”
(Crap, I said too much. My true feelings just slipped out.)
The temperature in the classroom plummeted under Absolute’s 【Intimidation】. Everyone was shocked, as if they’d suddenly been doused in cold water.
Many trembled and averted their eyes from Absolute, but some managed to withstand the pressure.
(…As expected, the Hero is holding up. He looked like he was about to attack, but his fiancée, Alicia Mirai, is holding him back in a bear hug. Michael’s glaring while trembling, so he’s grown a little bit. And there are a few others here and there… They’re holding up pretty well, even though I released it pretty weakly.)
“Um, Absolute-sama… are you really going to pick a fight on the first day?”
Mist asked nervously.
“This pressure… Absolute-sama is truly wonderful.”
Lady Cruel was lost in admiration.
Oriana nodded in agreement with Lady Cruel.
Then, a third party spoke from behind.
“Hey, you guys planning to cause trouble so early in the semester? You’re too energetic. I’ll let you vent later, so take your seats for now, got it?”
The voice belonged to the homeroom teacher of Class A, who had been introduced at the entrance ceremony earlier. His name was Teach.
“It’s a misunderstanding! Absolute-sama is sensitive to gazes, you see. But as soon as we entered the classroom, they were staring at him as if they were licking him, so he was just giving them a little warning. If they were all women, it would be sexual harassment.”
Lady Cruel explained on Absolute’s behalf. She wasn’t lying. Absolute had only given them a warning and hadn’t laid a hand on anyone.
“But didn’t he plainly say he’d kill them?”
I ignored Mist’s unnecessary comment.
“I see. Well, I understand you’re curious about the people who will become your classmates, but you shouldn’t stare so rudely. Absolute Ark, you shouldn’t intimidate your classmates either. Making too many enemies will be tough on you in the future, you know?”
He’s not taking sides and is warning both parties…
I thought I was supposed to be hated because of my 【Absolute Evil】 skill, but is this teacher quite the humanitarian?
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, Absolute and the others took their seats.
The classroom was filled with trepidation, but the incident was averted thanks to the intervention of the homeroom teacher who had entered midway.
