Theodore: "The Abnormal Class sounds really interesting."
Ars: "But that guy will also be in that class… and everyone keeps saying it's full of weirdos."
Theodore: "Does it matter? You should be focusing on yourself, not others. Besides, that class suits you perfectly."
Ars: "So now you're calling me a weirdo? And if I recall correctly, you're the reason my rank showed Z."
Theodore: "Fool. I'm not the reason your rank showed Z. You're the one who awakened dark curse magic first. I expected you to awaken one of the four elements, but dark curse energy is undetectable. And as I recall, you don't have any curse energy of your own. So don't blame me for this."
Ars: "Fine, I lost. I can't even win an argument against my own curse. What a waste I am."
Theodore: "Not just a curse, but a mythical curse that chose you. And you're not even showing me gratitude."
Ars: "Alright, my bad. Forgive me, Mister Theodore. So, what do we do next?"
Theodore: "First, let's go to that boy. He's in the same class as you. Befriend him."
Ars: "That guy? Number 89? It's obvious he's a fight maniac. And you want me to befriend him? Forget it. I'm not following that kind of advice. Let's just find the class and go home."
Theodore: "Do what you want. But remember, he'll be in the same class as you. Who knows—he might even sit beside you and attack your blind spot while you're studying. No problem, let's check out the class and meet the other weirdos."
Ars gasped: "Fine, let's go talk to him!"
Theodore chuckled.
Ars walked over to Number 89 in the arena.
Ars: "Hey man, wake up. Everyone's already gone."
Number 89 blinked back to his senses and sat up.
Heath: "Then why the hell are you still here?"
Ars: "We're in the same class. I wanted to get to know you. I'm Ars Segrain. What's your name?"
Heath: "I'm Heath Vader. But don't think we can be friends just because we share a class. My only goal is to become the Curse Conqueror. Whoever stands in my way—my magma will turn them to ashes."
Heath turned and began walking toward the school.
Ars thought: "I was right, Theodore. This guy is dangerous. I can't be friends with him."
Theodore: "Sometimes it's not what you see. Those who suffer immense trauma at a young age often turn either extremely aggressive or extremely depressed. Some even become hateful."
Ars: "So you're saying he's not as bad as I think… that he's like me?"
Theodore: "Yes. Most likely."
Ars caught up to Heath.
Heath: "Why are you following me, brat?"
Ars: "I'm not following you. We're in the same class, so we're heading the same way."
Heath: "So now I have to walk with a boy who doesn't possess curse magic and who lost to a mere honorable student?"
Ars: "Huh? I didn't lose—I won the fight. Weren't you watching?"
Heath: "So you won, huh? I don't know how you managed it without a curse, and I don't care to know about your mysterious power. Lastly, I'm not interested in these puny fights."
Ars: "Alright…"
Ars thought: "Theodore, I'm not sure I can be friends with this guy."
Theodore: "Well, Ars, this guy is like a sheep in wolf's clothing. I can confidently say he's never felt the warmth of family like you have. Deep inside, he also wants friends and joy—but the environment he grew up in never allowed it."
Ars thought: "You're right."
Ars: "Heath, look. We're supposed to go to that building. Isn't it too big for a single class?"
Heath: "Fool. That's the Noble Class building. Ours is only half that size."
Ars: "Still… it's huge for one class."
Heath: "Seriously, you can't even read properly. Dorms are also in there."
Ars: "Oh, I didn't notice."
Ars thought: "It's in a very isolated place compared to the others."
Theodore: "Yes, it's the Abnormal Class—that's why."
Ars and Heath reached the building.
Ars: "Look, that's the class."
Inside, they found two boys sitting together, talking.
One spoke: "Look, the newbies are here." The other: "Come in."
Ars: "I'm Ars, and this is Heath. From now on, we're in your care."
One replied: "Nice to meet you guys. I'm Sebastian, and he's Jonah."
Ars: "Are you the only ones in this class?"
Sebastian: "No, there are nine others, but they're on a mission."
Heath: "Who's the strongest here? Is it you? If so, I challenge you to a duel. Rules are simple—kill or be killed."
Sebastian: "Whoa, hold your horses. You seem rowdy. There are some stronger than me in this class."
Jonah: "Let's show them their rooms." Sebastian: "Yeah, follow us."
Sebastian: "Here we are."
Ars: "Which floor is it?"
Sebastian: "Sixth floor. From now on, both of you will live here."
Ars thought: "Ehh! This guy is crazy. What if he attacks me at midnight while I'm sleeping like a baby?"
Ars: "Thanks for your help, Sebastian and Jonah."
Sebastian: "Rest well, guys. Next week will be the newbies' ranking matches. By then, our other classmates will be back. But be careful—there are some violent guys like him."
Ars: "Ranking matches? Will they be the same as the entrance exam?"
Sebastian: "Similar, but not exactly. You'll fight multiple battles. Win them all to be called a winner. Lose once, and you're out. These are knockout matches—you'll face every class."
Ars: "Got it. Thanks."
Ars moved to his room.
Ars sighed: "Oh gosh, at least there are some decent guys in this class. What a relief."
He entered his room.
Ars: "Theodore, you can come out now. Nobody's here, and this room is quite big for one person."
Ars: "First-year ranking matches sound amazing."
Theodore: "But keep in mind—all students from different classes will participate. You don't know what curses they possess or how strong they are. You need to get stronger quickly."
Continued in Chapter 5 – The Other Nine