My Second Chance In Life In Another World

INTERLUDE: SCHEMING SHADOWS

THIRD PERSON'S POV

On the afternoon after Will saved Crestia from Alad's bullying, they decided to team up and fight against Alad if he made a move again. After being at the cafeteria together, they decided to separate and return to their respective dorms, agreeing not to go out for the rest of the day unless accompanied by someone.

Meanwhile, in a place called the "fighting ground," three individuals were engaged in a discussion. Since the fighting ground only operated at night, the place was currently deserted, with only the three of them present.

"What did you just say? Alad lost to a first-year student? Are you kidding?" a surprised female voice exclaimed as the girl stood up from her seat. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes.

"No, I'm not lying. That first-year student really defeated both Alad and me, knocking us out cold," a man's voice replied from his kneeling position in front of the girl. The man's face was bandaged, and he went by the name Werk. He proceeded to recount the events that occurred earlier that morning.

"How could a first-year accomplish such a feat? You two must have grossly underestimated him. That's the only explanation I can think of," the girl stated before resuming her seat.

"Yes, that must be the case. At first, Alad was merely toying with him, thinking he was an easy target for bullying," Werk explained.

"Hah! That's what he gets for not taking his fights seriously. However, even if Alad underestimated him, that first-year must possess some remarkable skills to defeat someone of Alad's caliber. Ordinary first-year students wouldn't stand a chance. Despite his demeanor, I know he's strong," the girl elaborated.

"Yes, I was caught off guard when that guy suddenly cast magic out of nowhere, leading to my defeat," Werk added.

"So, this first-year student can not only wield a sword but also use magic, huh? I'm starting to take an interest in him. What's his name?" the girl inquired.

"I don't know his name since they didn't follow the swordsman's etiquette during their match. However, if I recall correctly, the girl referred to him as Will," Werk answered.

"Will, huh? That's a rather mundane name. Well, I'm intrigued, but I'll wait until he presents himself willingly," the girl said, beginning to play with her hair.

"Present himself? Werk asked, still kneeling on the ground.

"Yes, I know Alad. He won't let something like this slide. He's full of pride, after all," the girl replied.

"Let's just wait. That guy is cunning. I'm certain he's planning something even as we speak," she added.

"Very well. Let's leave it at that. What about the other matter I asked you to investigate?" the girl inquired.

"Ah, yes. Your guess was correct. That mysterious masked man was indeed hired by Alad," Werk confirmed.

"Hah! I knew it from the beginning. Only Alad could orchestrate such a hiring," she remarked.

"During each match, Alad would wait for everyone to place their bets, and afterward, he would wager on the least favored participant. Then, he'd instruct the masked man to win or lose based on his bet," Werk explained.

"Okay, thank you for the information. Here's a tip," the girl said, tossing a gold coin in front of kneeling Werk.

"Continue acting as Alad's subordinate and inform me of any new developments," she added.

"Yes, my queen, Julie," Werk replied, collecting the gold coin and departing.

After Werk left, the other man in the room, who had remained silent until now, voiced his concerns.

"Is that really okay? Are we just going to let Alad do whatever he wants?" the man asked, looking at Julie.

The man had a massive physique befitting a swordsman. Despite being 15 years old, he had dark hair and a muscular build that belied his age.

"Yeah, for now, we'll let him be. We can benefit from his actions as well. If we have Werk inform us of Alad's chosen participant, we can also make some money," Julie explained.

"What you're saying is true, but is it acceptable for the management of this entire fighting ground to allow someone to cheat unchecked?" he questioned.

"Ricky, don't worry about trivial matters like that. I know what I'm doing. When I deem that Alad is of no further use to us, I'll make him shoulder the consequences," Julie replied, once again toying with her hair.

"If you say so, I'll trust your judgment and let you handle it your own way," Ricky said.

"You know I'll do anything to achieve our goal, to accumulate 1,000 gold coins and escape this disgusting academy together," she declared, standing up and walking toward the exit.

"Yeah, we'll leave this place together," Ricky affirmed, smiling. He then followed Julie, who was already ahead of him.