Chương 57: Volume 2: Chapter 18 - Magic Baptism (Part ll)

Following Teacher Klaus's direction, I walked toward the students gathering at the center of the Cathedral, in front of me stood the statue of the Goddess, nearly thirty meters tall. The Goddess was depicted as a beautiful woman with long flowing robes and her face carried a gentle yet dignified expression. Above her head floated a massive circular divine ring and both of her hands rested over her chest as if she was praying.

I couldn't help but be shocked by the scale of the statue and stare at it before looking around my surroundings. There were already around ten students gathered there, most of them around my age. Some looked nervous while others chatted excitedly with their friends. A few noble students even carried proud expressions, as if they were already confident in their magical talents. Among the group, I noticed a familiar patch black hair. Wasn't this Shinika? Damn, why is she here too?

Shinika stood near the front of the line with her usual cold expression. Her long black hair flowed down to her waist like a dark waterfall, contrasting sharply against the white academy uniform she wore. Unlike the nervous students around her, she appeared perfectly calm, as if the Magic Baptism was nothing worth worrying about. Recalling the previous incident, I couldn't help but turn my head away and try to hide myself. But how could it be that easy to hide.

The number of students present was less than 20, even including the teachers and the priest, the total number was less than 30. Plus, Shinika was a Martial Artist with keen senses. With all the buffs stacked, our gazes inevitably met.

"..." For a brief second, time seemed to freeze. But then to my horror, she began walking toward me. Each step she took was calm and graceful, yet for some reason, the pressure I felt was greater than when facing Teacher Klaus. The surrounding students quickly noticed me as well, as I was quite famous in the Academy, though not in a good. Surprisingly, the group of people present didn't mock me to my face. But, if we think about it a little bit, it is only natural.

Anyone qualified to participate in the Magic Baptism at this stage was no ordinary student. Every single one of them came from a high-ranking noble family. Since childhood, they had received elite education and abundant cultivation resources, allowing them to reach the peak of the First Order in either Magic or Martial Arts at such a young age. Such people might believe rumors, but they were not brainless fools who barked recklessly without considering the situation.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. No matter how terrible my reputation was, the fact remained that I had been personally approved to enter Class A by the Academy's Headmaster. That alone was enough to make them cautious. Not to mention I am also the son of a Marquis. So they are even more cautious. At most, they merely observed me with doubtful or disdainful gazes while whispering quietly among themselves.

Still, although their voices were low, my enhanced senses allowed me to hear them clearly. But I had no time to pay attention to such whispers, because my entire mind was now focused on the figure that was getting closer and closer. I wanted to run but couldn't because if I did, punishment would be the least of the worry.

"Hello Robert. As expected, I didn't mistake you, you're very strong!" Shinika's voice was as cool as ever. But it didn't bring any warmth to my ears. Just looking at her face up close, I subconsciously stepped back, trying to keep my distance. This woman was dangerous, way too dangerous. I forced a dry smile onto my lips and said slowly.

"I think you've misunderstood something."

"Misunderstood?"

"Yes, I'm not as strong as you think." As long as I don't admit it, she can't do anything to me. Shinika frowned slightly, as though genuinely confused by my words.

"Are you still trying to deny it. Your body gave you away last time." Wh-what the hell is this woman doing? Why is she so loud and why do her words sound so strange. As expected, the surroundings exploded. No matter which world it is gossip and rumors are the fastest spreading news. Be it the students, teachers, or the priests, everyone was wide eyes after hearing Shinika's explosive speech.

"Body... what?"

"What exactly did they do before?"

"It couldn't possibly be that they did 'that'..."

"That rumour about their flirting seems to be true. Are they really dating?"

"From the looks of it, the rumour about Robert coercing Lady Shinika doesn't seem to be true. It's more like Lady Shinika is in the dominant position." A girl expressed her opinion and several girls followed suit, whispering among themselves. Whereas the boys looked at me with either gossipy look or hostility. If previously, they didn't like me because of the rumours then many of them now genuinely disliked me because despite the Academy only opening recently, Shinika was already a goddess in many people's hearts.

One guy near the back was already glaring at me like he wanted to fight me to the death. Shinika herself however remained completely calm, seemingly unaware of the misunderstanding she was causing. No... Rather than unaware, it was more accurate to say she simply didn't think deeply about such things at all. But this was her character. She was like this in the novel and she is like this in reality. This airhead. I took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the twitching at the corner of my mouth. Calm down.

The more flustered I became, the more suspicious it would look. I lowered my voice as much as possible before speaking.

"Shinika... can you stop saying things that can be misunderstood?"

"Misunderstood?" She tilted her head slightly.

"Yes. Very misunderstood."

"But I only stated facts."

"..." Exactly because they were technically facts, it became even worse.

"Fine, I admit defeat, you were right about what you said before. I have trained in Martial Arts before." I give up. I can't defeat this airhead in an argument or fool her. Rather than letting her continue to display the destructive power of her mouth, it's better to end it here. At least the rumours will same as the last time. So there is no need to worry to much.

"It's good that you're willing to acknowledge it. Can you tell me how trained before." Shinika smiled and stepped closer. In her eyes, I could clearly see excitement and fighting spirit. Oh, right, I almost forgot this girl was a fighting maniac too. But aren't you a bit too close sister? Can't you pay attention to your public image.

"Ahem—" The cough interrupted my thoughts and when I looked to the side, I saw Teacher Klause staring at us with cold eyes.

"All students are here. It's time for Magic Baptism to begin. Please everyone maintain at appropriate distance from each other. No one should get close to each other. Especially a certain few individuals..." When saying the last sentence, Teacher Klaus was looking in our direction. My mouth twitched slightly This was definitely talking about me and Shinika. Once again, did they misunderstand something. I silently moved away from Shinika.....