The SSS Ranked Villain's Return

"When I said within reasonable limits... I meant, you know, maybe under 50 million or something?" Neraxis said with a sigh before staring at the bow she picked out. "Are you sure you want this?"

It looked shabby—probably the shabbiest in the entire weapon shop.

The bow matched her green hair in a way, but that was about it.

"I'm sure," Eris replied with a hum. "Believe it or not, this one is the best out of them all."

"You have a good eye, girl," the buff cashier said with a chuckle. "It's one of the few items in the shop that hasn't been crafted by me. The bow is good, as you said, and since it's not mine, I don't dare to price it in the hundred-million range."

"Good thing, old man." Eris beamed with a smile. "I'll have it then."

"Very well." The buff cashier nodded before shooting a quick glance at Neraxis and then back to Eris. "You see, this bow comes with a quiver, and I have it ready here."

With those words, the buff cashier pulled out a beautiful matching quiver and placed it on the counter.

Eris's eyes widened, almost as if she were in love, as she reached for the quiver and slung it over her back. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

"I-It's amazing!" she exclaimed joyfully and flashed a smile at Neraxis. "This is my final choice."

"Suit yourself." Neraxis shrugged and scanned his debit card, immediately confirming the purchase.

However, his brows slightly furrowed as he realized the quiver cost as much as the bow.

But he wouldn't mention it since Eris wasn't paying attention.

After all, this was supposed to be like a friendly gift—money was no object.

"Thank you for your purchase," the buff cashier said, and with those parting words, Neraxis left.

In total, he had spent 14 million Crowns, which was surprisingly not as bad as he expected.

And as he glanced toward the side and saw Eris's excited look, it was even better.

[I think your relationship is fully repaired now,] Evangeline commented with a giggle. [Though you do still owe her the ice cream card.]

Right, I'll get that for her tomorrow or later today, Neraxis thought while checking the time.

"...11:33 A.M."

"Well, we're only two periods late. It's not that bad," Eris said before halting.

Neraxis turned to her with a puzzled look and was met with a warm smile.

"My hearing is good, Neraxis. Thank you."

Not expecting to hear something like that from her, he could only stare speechlessly as she walked right past him.

"But we should really head back to the academy. I think any later and we'll be in big trouble," she added, pocketing her new bow and quiver set inside her dimensional ring.

"Yep... Let's go. Second period is going to end in seven minutes," Neraxis said.

"Which means we have 27 minutes to get to the next lesson. Seems like we have more than enough time," Eris finished.

However, he merely shook his head. "I'd rather not deal with coming last minute. Plus, I need to give the girls their gifts as well."

"What about that blue-haired chick? Aren't you close with her too?" Eris asked.

"I already have something ready for her." Neraxis reached into his dimensional ring before pulling out a neat sapphire bracelet. "I think this should be fine."

"Damn... You really are rich." Eris let out a giggle.

Neraxis rolled his eyes, and alongside Eris, proceeded to make their way to the academy.

While they were silent, it wasn't uncomfortable—almost like Evangeline's mediation had worked.

[Hehe, you could call it an empress's touch,] Evangeline remarked playfully as they finally arrived at the academy.

By now, it was 11:42 A.M., meaning he had more than enough time to come up with some bullshit lie to get out of trouble.

But as they strode through the eerily empty hallways, Neraxis began to grow concerned.

As they approached the classroom, Neraxis felt that his classmates were still there.

However, even from the outside, he could tell the atmosphere inside was grim.

"Eris." Neraxis whispered. "Is there something important happening?"

She tilted her head, falling into thought for a moment. "Oh... I think they are talking about the inter-academy tournament that's supposed to happen later today."

"...What?" Neraxis's eyes widened when all of a sudden, the door swung open, and the frowning Magnus came into view.

"You two troublemakers are late."

"I—"

"Save it," Magnus cut him off. "Sit down. Now."

Neraxis glanced at the carefree Eris beside him as the two made their way to their respective seats.

A few girls—especially Aella and Celina—were glaring at him and Eris.

Nonetheless, he ignored them for now and sat beside Kael, who was staring at the blackboard, seemingly sleeping with his eyes wide open.

Neraxis tapped him on the shoulder a few times, getting his attention.

"Sup, long time no see." Neraxis whispered with a chuckle.

"Guess who decided to show up. The score is 0-0, by the way—you disappeared for too long." Kael replied with a scoff. "But for now, you'll be my duo."

Neraxis tilted his head. "Duo?"

But instead of Kael answering his question, Magnus did.

"You two were an hour and 43 minutes late and kept the rest of the class waiting. Were you not informed of today's events?"

"I came out of Dreamspire yesterday, instructor," Neraxis said with a shrug.

"You, I can understand. But what about Eris Fortuna? What do you have to say for yourself?" Magnus asked with a frown.

"I forgot. I was hanging out with Neraxis all night, so I didn't get any sleep," Eris replied plainly, making every student gasp in unison.

As for Aella and Celina, the two merely sat frozen, unable to even utter a word.

"I will have a talk with you two tomorrow. Today, we have some other business to attend to," Magnus said sternly and walked over to the blackboard before scribbling a few words down.

"As most of you should have heard, later today, we're going to be participating in a tournament against the other academies. It will be an elimination-type two-on-two tournament, and every single one of us will be participating."

Before anyone could question, Magnus added, "By everyone, I mean every student from the S class. The others will have their own tournaments at a later date."

"How many academies will there be?" Neraxis asked. "Is there a Skryder Academy?"

"Eight academies in total, and Skryder Academy will indeed be there," Magnus affirmed. "But they won't be our opponents—not yet, at least."

It just means I'll get to meet Bale, Alice, Lar, and Asher again, Neraxis thought with a satisfied hum.

He saw there were a few unread messages from Bale, but he'd check those out later.

"Now then, the first academy we will face will be Chronus Academy. They are the elite of the elites—even a bit more special than you lot," Magnus stated with a small chuckle. "Their S class is reserved for students who can manipulate time to some degree, so assume you will face 20 troublesome opponents."

Just as Neraxis thought that was the last of the surprises, Magnus suddenly turned toward him.

"Neraxis, you will be the class captain."