Stuck as a Villain!

Chapter 121: Lucky charm?

[Seth's POV:]

"All the best for your match, President."

"Hmm."

This was the eighth person who told me the same things for the selection round I would be going through half an hour from now. All the council members seemed rather excited and slightly nervous as well, for my match. Well, considering I was the only one left with the chance to compete I could understand their feelings.

Council members might be smart but when it comes to skills and physical might, they lack behind all those highly trained students who have spent most of their academic time in the gym and dojo.

Fortunately, despite not being present for the past week, there was no piled-up work waiting for me, thanks to the Vice-president who is rather competent enough to replace me but sadly she is in the same year. After me, there is a high chance Ciel to take the seat and I think she would be a good Council President.

'Am I feeling sad now... 'Can't believe I was feeling sad about graduating from the academy which I have only attended for a few months now. Well, that's part of a journey and to ensure my survivability and those who are close to me, I have to keep moving forward.

'Hmmm...? '

Walking outside the council office, I thought there would be no one currently in the hallway considering today was the last day of selection and most of the students might be cheering for their favorite candidate.

But I sensed someone standing near the staircase which was left to the council office. I tried to sense their soul energy before a frown contoured over my brows.

'What does she want now... '

I could've dodged her but recently the odd behavior this girl has adopted, it was highly likely she would stalk me again.

"Do you need something from me...Laila?"

She yelped being found out even though I know people younger than her better at concealing their presence. Or was she intentionally trying to be seen...nah, she is just clumsy.

Hearing my call, the familiar pink head walked out of the shadows with a timid look on her face. I have become one with my previous self so it was given the reason why I didn't outright ignore her stems from the past affection I held for the girl.

"You have your selection match now...right?"

"Yes, that's why I would like you to finish sooner so I could report on time."

I spoke, in a serene tone. I didn't want to scare away the girl needlessly. I just stood at my place while facing the fidgety Laila who seemed to be pondering on something.

Finally, before I could have walked away, she moved and approached me with her small steps. Really, that height and that size of bust were a scene to behold but I have grown accustomed to it by now.

"Umm... I know I shouldn't be getting this chummy after what happened between us...but I really wanted to give this lucky charm to you Seth."

The outstretched hand of hers held a small bracelet made of some black small orbs connected probably by some fiber thread.

There was no harm in checking the ornament so I took it from her before I began checking it for any consequential effect.

"Don't worry...I won't ever harm you."

Laila said but isn't she the person who has hurt Seth the most? Well, not like I have any desire to argue with her over something like that.

Upon feeling the structure and from my knowledge of geology I think it was made of hardened lava with granules of the monster's core. It has no effect or any extension of ability. It was just a decorative adornment.

In normal circumstances, I wouldn't have worn anything which doesn't give me a boost but looking at her expectant gaze I thought it would be rude to return it now...

"Apart from my abilities now I guess I have the luck as well for this match, so thank you, Laila."

I tried to express my gratitude but the rush of elation filling her eyes and tainting her cheeks with a deep shade of crimson made me rethink what I just said.

Well, it would not be wrong to say that Laila has somehow become a little too leaned toward me, and about the plot, then it was already ruined beyond repair.

"Please do your best. I will be watching you."

She waved at me before dashing away-

"Ah! Ow...."

Well, she stepped on her own feet before tripping. I might have helped but the way her skirt flipped I thought it would be better to not make her embarrassed.

I took the longer route and walked away toward the back stairs to exit the academic block. The school seemed pretty abandoned. Only some instructors came across me as I walked toward my destination.

***

'Damn... '

Once I entered the gymnasium where the selection assessments were going on, I felt the heat instantly going up. The number of people in the stands was tremendous enough to make me nervous slightly.

Those many gazes and the chances to be attacked raised my cautiousness but I was able to keep a straight face. Seriously, I have been so on guard for some days that I barely got time to relax.

Many began murmuring about me since my match was the final one which would conclude the selection procedure and all the five participants would be decided.

Anabelle, Arata, and Ciel had been selected so far. Another one from the second year also surpassed his competition and now all it depended on was whether I could land upon the expectations the headmaster and professors have. Most of all, I want to win this for the promise I gave to my mother.

I walked past the others who were either here to assist their friends or those who were responsible for first aid. I received many wishes for my success but the voice or the face I expected to be here was nowhere to be seen.

'Well, it must be a lot for her to take at once... '

I reached the entrance of the arena where stood some familiar faces along with an instructor who would perform the role of referee.

Unlike regular rings, these arenas have protective barriers around them that not only restricts long rage attacks from harming outsiders but also works as a backup for the referee. The forcefield around the arena activates as an Energy restrictor in case the participant suddenly decides to use some lethal attack.

The diameter of the arena was approx fifteen feet, providing enough space to bring out the best of one's capability whether someone was a brawler type or a long-range one.

"Best of luck, President."

"Do your best, President."

Ciel and Serena spoke up with varying expressions on their faces. Well, it was impressive how Serena was able to still be cheery after she faced her defeat today. Ciel was as stone-faced as ever. The one who made me wonderstruck was Anabelle who was timidly hiding behind Ciel.

I glanced at the girl who has given me the most complicated dilemma up to this date and felt perplexed at her strange behavior.

I resisted the urge to say something here before walking inside the ring alongside the referee. I felt Anabelle wanted to say something as well but maybe it was the shame or maybe mother has threatened her enough to behave for the time being?

Regardless, I just wanted to focus on the match...

...however, upon seeing my opponent I could not help but let my right brow twitch slightly.

'Kevin... '

******

A/N: - The person Seth sparred with at the start of the novel. Chapter-18.

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