Javert Droit.
Grandia Academy's Head Professor.
The woman was quietly lost in thought.
"..."
Red hair flowing down.
Without even thinking of sweeping it back, green eyes blooming like leaves.
The woman's gaze, hung on a distant place, recalled a recent time.
The topic of that recollection was about a certain boy.
'Viktor.'
A smiling mask.
A boy hiding his face with a grotesque mask.
'Clearly... he didn't avoid my eyes.'
While the entrance ceremony was in progress.
Javert deliberately put killing intent in her gaze and made eye contact with Viktor.
It was to check what kind of reaction he would show.
However, far from being terrified, the mask stared back blankly.
The corners of the mouth torn wide open seemed rather to be mocking Javert.
'He was nonchalant.'
No, could it be explained with such a dimension?
The woman was crushed by an unpleasant pressure.
A vain breath leaking out of her mouth on its own.
Javert reminded herself of her mission.
-Professor Javert. We will assign you as the homeroom teacher for Class E starting this semester.
-We ask for your surveillance on student Viktor. If he is associated with cultists, or if you discover any suspicious signs...
It was certainly strange.
Even though it gave her such goosebumps, demonic energy was not felt.
Not only that, there was no sign of any sorcery from the boy either.
Rather, that point made the woman suspicious.
'If it's neither demonic energy nor a curse... what was that sensation?'
She was a woman who had executed hundreds of cultists while working as an investigator.
As such, she had quite strong resistance to energies like demonic energy or curses.
However, the aura the boy exuded was different.
It was on a different track from what was felt from cultists.
A situation where it was reluctant to easily withdraw suspicion even while thinking so.
'There are many suspicious points.'
The point that all stats are E-rank, excluding the theory section.
Yet, showing overwhelming performance in practicals.
The point that he goes around leaking an unidentifiable ominous aura.
The point that he lived in the countryside until a month ago, then suddenly took the Grandia entrance exam.
'A commoner... and if from the countryside, he wouldn't have received proper education anywhere.'
Such a boy took the top spot in the theory section.
And with a perfect score of A+ at that.
Objectively, it was a situation where it was harder not to suspect.
'The problem is there is no hard evidence...'
No material evidence, only circumstantial evidence scattered everywhere.
So as Javert in charge of the investigation, it is perplexing.
The woman hummed without expression.
'Let's test him first.'
She checks the paper held in her hand.
A table organizing the rankings of Class E students.
Besides the rankings, each student's stat grades were also listed.
Exactly twenty-eight people, the boy's name existed at the very top.
'It would be easier to monitor him as the top student rather than the last.'
The one who moved Viktor's rank, which was last, to the top was none other than Javert herself.
Placing him where her eyes could reach more often.
Of course, it wasn't something Javert proceeded with arbitrarily.
Because it was content confirmed at the faculty meeting.
-Adjusting student Viktor's rank...
-Well, I think it's fine. Since there is the performance shown in the practicals too.
-It's not demanding skipping a grade, and if it's just changing the rank within the class...
The faculty members also seemed to accept it without difficulty.
If it were another student, maybe not, but it was right after watching the video of Viktor's practical exam together.
'In the first place, the rank of last place itself makes no sense.'
The movement shown during the practical.
Teleportation where neither the principle nor the basis could be understood.
Honestly, a level where it wouldn't be strange even if he were in Class A.
It was a mystery.
What basis the ability Viktor uses is placed on.
How he can show such performance even with a frail body.
'I need to know... what he is hiding in that mask.'
Steps arrived in front of the lecture room before she knew it.
Without delay, the woman opened the closed door and entered.
"Nice to meet you, everyone."
What was waiting inside were the Class E students.
Among them, the boy wearing a mask was also sitting.
Javert greets nonchalantly with an expressionless face.
"I am Head Investigator Javert. Starting today, I have taken on the role of your homeroom professor."
While making a lifeless voice, the woman fixes her eyes on Viktor.
Her gaze meets the boy who just turned around.
Still an ominous mask.
That mask was smiling.
I found it difficult to hide my fluster.
In front of my eyes stands a red-haired woman greeting nonchalantly.
"I am Head Investigator Javert. Starting today, I have taken on the role of your homeroom professor."
What the.
What is it.
It's flustering enough that my rank suddenly skyrocketed.
Why is she suddenly appearing too?
'Homeroom professor? Head Investigator Javert is...?'
Fuck.
I realize the situation is going somewhat wrong.
'Clearly in the original work, Professor Raphael was the homeroom teacher...'
Twisted story.
Wouldn't there be only one reason for that?
The fate of possession stories, the butterfly effect.
The cause is me.
'Was committing too flashily in the practicals the source of trouble?'
I was complacent.
Since it was fine when playing the original work, I judged it would be fine this time too.
I missed an important part.
That I shouldn't treat reality with the sense of playing a game.
People in this world are not NPCs rolling according to a program.
People who think for themselves, feel emotions, and draw conclusions.
'Does it mean they suspect me too?'
Well, it must have been an unconvincing report card.
The activity committed in the practical returned as a boomerang.
"..."
"..."
For a moment, eyes met with Javert.
A strange tension settled amidst the silence.
'Javert...'
Even in the original work, she was a character who appeared if specific conditions were met.
That condition is learning black magic.
Then from afterwards, you receive Javert's surveillance.
Among the faculty, she was a figure who particularly had a seizure over cultists.
If the player does any dog-like act with black magic, she tears their limbs apart immediately.
'...Am I being suspected?'
However, it is not direct.
I didn't receive a warning, nor were there any threats.
If it was a situation where they had already finished being certain, it wouldn't have flowed vaguely like this.
'It's not certainty.'
Suspicion.
It was a natural result.
Because there would be no way to prove the fact that I handle demonic energy.
'How will they prove something I don't actually use?'
I am innocent.
A student completely unrelated to demonic energy.
The abilities I use are just bugs, and have no relationship whatsoever with the cultist side.
There was nothing to be scared of.
'Tsk, still, it is a headache.'
There is a concept called the Devil's Proof.
It is easy to prove the fact that a devil exists.
You just have to show the devil in front of their eyes.
However, proving the fact that a devil does not exist is impossible.
'Proof of non-existence... It is difficult for me to prove my innocence. Unless they fold their suspicion on that side, it means I will be in a position of being constantly monitored.'
I roll my brain beyond the nonchalant mask.
Organize thoughts, and devise a plan.
Butterfly effect.
I shouldn't be flustered just by being caught by something like that.
Accept the current situation, and look ahead cool-headedly.
'...Huh?'
While rolling my brain like that, suddenly a flashing thought brushes past.
'No, wait...'
Truly a genius idea.
I almost slapped my forehead right there.
'Isn't it rather a total win?'
Javert attached as my surveillance.
A plan to utilize her awesomely has come to mind.
Perhaps a situation where she will be used more usefully than the Mask of the Evil God or the Robe.
'Is this what they call a blessing in disguise?'
Crisis is opportunity.
The corners of my mouth had already ascended to the sky.
Fortunately, because I was wearing a mask, my expression wasn't caught.
'I will use you usefully later. Professor.'
A situation where mouth waters.
There was nothing to be scared of.
That side wouldn't even know that I noticed the suspicion.
Rather, they will believe they are leading the situation.
'The board should be set like this.'
There is no need to be intimidated just because I am suspected.
If it's unnatural, it will only buy suspicion.
I'm going out brazenly.
Action that an ordinary student would show.
'Javert is a person strict about the rules she set herself.'
If it is an existence violating those rules, she does not forgive even if it is herself.
Very inflexible, should I say she follows the character she was motivated by well?
In short, I just have to ride the line of those rules well.
Of course, that doesn't mean it's better not to do things that buy dislike.
Since it is better to maintain a smooth relationship with the homeroom professor.
'Anyway... it's a game I can only win.'
I confidently meet Javert's gaze.
Since I was sitting in the very front seat, our gap wasn't even a few steps.
Tuk, a greeting handed over.
"I look forward to your guidance, Professor."
"I look forward to it. It just happens the class top student was sitting in the very front."
Javert answering pretending not to know.
She focused the students, and continued with a simple introduction first.
About the future curriculum and various things about academy life.
I listened attentively to her words with sparkling eyes.
"Grandia Academy's curriculum is tight. First, a week later, the Freshmen Welcome Exam is scheduled... and starting a fortnight later, the 1st midterm exam week returns immediately..."
This really doesn't get easy to adapt to.
I've heard of Freshmen Welcome Parties a lot, but a Freshmen Welcome Exam is another novel move.
I don't know who thought of it, but it's a truly trash-like name.
"The guidance ends here."
Javert finishing the long speech of 30 minutes.
Suddenly, green pupils stick to this side.
"Then... Student Viktor?"
"Yes, Professor Javert."
"Before finishing the seat, I would like to hear the top student's aspirations. Since you have become the position leading the class anyway, I ask for a self-introduction and short thoughts to other classmates."
Top student.
In Grandia Academy, rank is not a simple grade.
Hierarchy within the class. The top student practically leads the class.
Simply put, it becomes a role like the class president.
"Of course."
I stood up from my seat without evasion.
And then stride up to the podium.
Behind my back, stinging glares are felt.
Gazes that don't seem very pleased.
'As expected.'
The classmates seem to view me very negatively.
Everyone must have checked my stats.
Because at the entrance, besides the rank, each student's stats were also listed.
-Is he the one? The kid who got all stats E-rank and ate the class top spot?
-Seeing the name is Viktor, I think it's right? Just looking at him, he's frail.
-Fuck, this is ridiculous... I was pushed back by something like that?
All stats E-rank.
Leaving aside class top student, a level where one wonders how I even enrolled in the first place.
Although it is called the lowest class, everyone is an elite who heard they were brilliant since childhood.
It means their pride and skills do not lag behind.
-In the first place, the scores are manipulated too. Perfect score only in theory and practical?
-It's obvious... It can't be explained other than he's a parachute.
-Admission corruption, that fucking bastard.
This is why I aimed for the last place from the beginning.
Then not much would have been said.
-Just looking at him, muscles aren't developed. A body that has never trained in his life.
-If I just thrust my fist a bit, he looks like he'll pee himself in fear.
-Hey hey, speak quietly so he doesn't hear.
-Son of a bitch. When should I stomp on that thing.
Students whispering among themselves.
They seem to be talking among themselves, but in reality, they are doing that to be heard on purpose.
Raising their voices moderately so it can be heard on this side.
'Insidious, so insidious.'
Well, it wasn't incomprehensible.
A commoner from a rural village.
All stats E-rank.
Trash that they wouldn't even make eye contact with normally.
But, such trash is the class top student?
'How can they not bullshit. They can't stand it without pressuring.'
Murmurs faintly transmitted to the ears.
I tap the mask with my finger.
In front of the pouring hostility, I stand using laughter as a shield.
'Well... is there a need to react kindly?'
Suddenly such a thought occurred.
Thinking about it, this class is the same.
If the situation deviated from expectation, adapting quickly to that changed situation is also ability.
That is survival.
'The plan is already broken.'
Since I was driven to the top student.
Hiding in the seat of the last place, picking and eating only what I want, that life is gone.
The point is to look at the next.
Instead of whining, think, and move forward.
'Just in time, it's a good opportunity.'
If I have risen to this position, I'd rather become the top student thoroughly.
Crawling like this will only result in being branded as ridiculous.
Academy life where it becomes tiring if looked down upon.
I have to show force beyond that, so that classmates cannot touch me.
"Hello, everyone. I am Viktor, who met you all through class rank."
If it's wrong to be quiet, become the loudest guy altogether.
So that no one can shout at me.
I meet eyes with the classmates who have been whispering since earlier.
"You there."
I cover the mask with my palm.
Status window screen clicking a few times.
Ting—!
[Set Effect Activating] - Mask of the Evil God × 1
- Robe of the Evil God × 1 [Will you raise the output of the granted 'Intimidation' effect to the maximum?]
Breath sinking coolly.
I gently click YES.
"Instead of whispering insidiously behind my back, how about coming out directly to my face and talking?"
I smile refreshingly.
That innocence and thick tone mix to create a disparity.
The next moment, [Intimidation] is activated toward the entire class.
Kuuuung—.
Pressure as if pressing down on shoulders.
Dilating pupils, faces turned pale.
"When I can fucking crush you all."
""...""
Since it has become like this.
I should definitely eat up the hierarchy of this class.