The SSS Ranked Villain's Return

"What...?" Neraxis tilted his head in confusion. "A captain? Why would I get extra work?"

"It's not up for debate. Eight people were chosen from each of the special academy classes, and you were one of those chosen." Magnus explained sternly.

"Did the headmaster choose me?" Neraxis asked, earning a nod in response.

"Indeed. The moment the tournament's requirements were announced, your name was the first to come up. The other instructors took note of your Dreamspire progress and decided to give you the go-ahead," Magnus added.

This sounds like a bad deal, though... What do I even get out of it? Neraxis thought.

But as if reading his mind, Magnus soon spoke again.

"What you get in exchange is the opportunity for further growth. Your duties will begin once the second phase of the tournament starts." Magnus narrowed his eyes. "Of course, you will get rewards, which will be issued by the headmaster as well."

Neraxis nodded. "...I see. I guess I have the gist of it now."

The tournament would consist of eight academies in total, and the format would be that the students would go in pairs of two and fight against the other academies.

After one pair lost, they would be eliminated, and the winners would stay while the losing academy sent out another pair of students until, eventually, one side was completely eliminated.

It was simple, and at the same time, Neraxis's true power would be broadcast to the entire world.

And of course, there was one person in particular he wanted to kill, and that was Lar.

[Do you have a plan?] Evangeline asked.

Not yet. I need to gauge the area first. Neraxis replied plainly. Killing him in broad daylight seems far-fetched, but if I can catch him elsewhere, then it's definitely doable.

[Ask Aella,] Evangeline suggested in a serious tone. [Don't do this alone.]

...I'll think about it. Neraxis replied as he listened to Magnus finish his boring lecture about the basic rules of the tournament.

The most important one was no killing, which was pretty obvious.

Just as Magnus finally finished his explanation, Evangeline chimed in again.

[I think you shouldn't use any skills this entire tournament.]

He tilted his head. Why?

[You need to work more on your fundamentals,] she said, before adding, [Your swordsmanship is close to ranking up, but since you end most fights within a few hits, you might hit a bottleneck in the future.]

Hmm... I'll do it then. Good idea. Neraxis swiftly agreed, and finally, the lecture ended.

"The tournament will start at 2:00 P.M., and I will be picking you up at exactly 1:00 P.M." Magnus said sternly while wiping the blackboard. "Free period to do whatever you want until then, just don't leave the academy. Have fun."

As the last of his words fell, half of the class dashed out, heading for either the cafeteria or their respective club or training rooms. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

And of course, the group Neraxis knew well all stayed.

And in the very next moment, Aella walked in front of his desk, a blank look on her face.

"I see you were having fun all night. Sorry for messaging you—hope I didn't interrupt anything," she said almost monotonously.

Instead of replying, Neraxis pulled out a few sets of potions, numbering 50 in total, and placed them directly on his desk, to the confusion of Aella.

"I didn't do what you think I did. But I did get you a gift," he added with a smile. "These are pretty high-quality Mind Soothing potions, so whenever you have a headache, drink one. Sorry if it's too plain..."

"Neraxis..." Aella trailed off, her voice slightly trembling.

That was when she suddenly leaped over his desk and gave him a massive hug.

"Thank you!" she exclaimed before giving him a kiss on the cheek—to his surprise.

"Sorry for doubting you," Aella added.

"Don't worry about it." Neraxis chuckled. "Could I talk to you later? It's related to the tracking device you gave me—sort of."

A serious look appeared on her face. "I see. Okay."

But despite her seriousness, she was still clinging to him, her arms wrapped around his neck.

Neraxis stood up and gently placed her back on his desk. "I'll give out the rest of the gifts, talk to you later."

"Okay~" Aella replied before stepping down and heading back to her own seat.

As for Neraxis, he walked up to Celina and Aurelia's desk, which caused both of them to become puzzled.

"Neraxis." Celina nodded at him. "You disappeared for a while. I'm glad you're back."

She's acting cold again, he sighed inwardly before pulling out the scabbard he had bought her.

At the same time, he also took out the sapphire bracelet and placed it on the table as well.

"I got you two gifts—sorry gifts for being late." He turned to Aurelia. "Especially you. I'm going to brew you potions the moment I go back home. I promise."

"T-Thank you..." She swiftly accepted, sheepishly putting on the bracelet.

But the same could not be said for Celina, who was merely staring at the scabbard with a conflicted look.

Her fingers hovered above it, yet she didn't pick it up.

"If you want to kill the person who hurt you, I believe you need some upgrades, even if they are cosmetic," Neraxis said with a smile. "I won't force you to use it, but do keep it on hand in case your scabbard ever breaks."

Which it will, he thought before making his way back to his seat.

However, he stopped right in front of Kael's seat, making Kael raise a brow.

"What? Are you going to give me a heart-shaped necklace or something? You know I'm not into that," Kael spoke, wary.

Neraxis's brows twitched. "Want to spar?"

"Oh?" Kael tilted his head in amusement before standing up. "That's a first. How can I refuse?"

"Let's go then," Neraxis said tauntingly before moving toward the training room.

However, a few footsteps soon made him halt.

Turning around, he spotted Eris, as well as a few other students whose names he had forgotten, walking behind them.

"What's the big idea?" Neraxis asked, puzzled.

"You fight well, and I want to copy your techniques," Eris shrugged. "Or is it a private spar?"

"...It's not," Neraxis replied, and it seemed like the other students shared the same sentiment.

Therefore, they continued forward, entering the training room and then setting up some random surroundings.

But what they got was some sort of hellish red landscape, with small pillars of fire shooting out of the ground.

Is that real...? Neraxis thought in wonder.

"I wouldn't touch that," Kael said, and as Neraxis turned toward him, he noticed a burn on Kael's palm.

"Pfft... Yeah, good idea," Neraxis said, holding back a laugh at Kael's stupidity before entering a fighting stance and holding his sword forward.

In turn, Kael pulled out his gauntlets before smacking them together, discharging a bit of electricity—which sounded like a high-pitched scream.

"I won't use skills," Neraxis clarified.

"You won't?" Kael replied with a grin. "Do you think you're the only one who was clearing the tower in their free time?"

"You cleared the 5th floor?" Neraxis asked skeptically, earning an even wider grin from Kael.

"I spent quite a long time in there. What was it? Oh, I think six months. Pfft... I think we'll have a fun spar, Neraxis." Kael stretched out his gauntlets tauntingly. "I'll knock you out in three moves."

If he spent six months training constantly, then he's probably C or B ranked, Neraxis thought, furrowing his brows.

This might be difficult...