I don't know why… but every time I thought about the incident where Elyndria died, my stomach twisted and my heart ached. I haven't even met her yet, and still, just imagining her death stirred something deep inside me.
I knew the personality of my previous life and this life was nearly identical, but emotions this strong? For someone I have never even spoken to?
…Well, we'll see after I meet her.
For now, I simply waited — all while crafting the most ruthless plan to kill the person sitting beside me.
'Hoho… now that I think about it, won't I get that from his corpse? Hehehe… now I'm even more excited to kill this Outer God's rat.'
At least he'll be useful after his death.
It wasn't that I was used to thinking about murder so casually. But what I was used to was thinking logically and productively.
If I need to kill someone so the people I care about can live…I will kill them thousands of times without blinking.
Human morality has no place in this world, where the law of survival of the fittest is absolute. No matter how much power you hold — if your mind is weak, you are still no better than an ant.
And I am anything but weak.
The crowd around us grew larger and louder. Almost everyone had arrived.
Some students talked to their friends. Some were nervous. Some were excited. But most of the buzz was centered around one person:
Aldric Crestban — the boy who awakened a Divine-rank talent.
Girls whispered about their chances with him…Until they found out he was already in a relationship with Princess Anastasia. Then they backed off faster than a mouse from a dragon.
The boys, meanwhile, could only envy him.
Everyone was convinced he would be the ace of the entrance exam.
In Novacter Academy, ranks defined status. Ranks 2 to 10 were known as the Nine Elites — people with privileges most students could only dream of. The higher your rank, the better your resources, housing, missions, and opportunities.
Rank 100 enjoyed a far better life than Rank 200.
Simple rule: Do better, get better.
In the original book, Arthur — the version of me from the novel — was ranked 9, since he only had an SS-rank talent. Stronger than most, but not overpowering.
But now?
Oh, dear…
Things will be very different.
About seven minutes were left before the exam would begin.
'They should arrive any moment now.'
And speak of the devil…
A boy with black hair and golden eyes walked through the gate — tall, sharp-featured, unfairly handsome. His hand was intertwined with a girl whose deep blue eyes sparkled mischievously with her usual grin.
The crowd erupted into whispers the moment they entered.
Aldric scanned the area, looking for someone.
The moment his gaze landed on me, he and Anastasia walked over.
I sighed dramatically and said, "Ah, I thought you two planned to ditch the exam, since you came this late."
A tired expression appeared on Aldric's face.
"It's because of he—"
He stopped when Anastasia narrowed her eyes dangerously.
"It's fine, man," I said before he got himself killed. "There are still a few people left to arrive."
…Though I got a glare for speaking up.
Then an idea flashed through my mind.
"Aldric, wanna bet on who's going to become ace?"
His chest puffed up immediately, smugness overflowing.
"Who else would it be except me?"
"If you're that confident," I said, leaning back with a smile, "then let's bet. If you become ace, I'll do any one thing you ask. But if you're not…then you have to do the same."
Aldric didn't even think.
"Hehehe, get ready, Arthur! You said it yourself — I can ask for ANYTHING. I accept!"
I almost burst into laughter but controlled myself.
Let's see that confidence later…
When I make you my personal forge heater to enchant my future soul sword.