My Second Chance In Life In Another World

CHAPTER 68: PUPPETS IN THE GAME

RICKY'S POV

The teachers, top cards, and top magicians entered the battleground, swiftly apprehending everyone. Attempts to escape were futile, they were met with either magical strikes or sword blows.

"I am Gord, the head instructor for Swordsmanship lessons. In my name, I hereby declare you all under arrest!" announced Instructor Gord.

As I observed everyone being captured one by one, guilt welled up within me. It was our actions that led to this situation.

Not only that, but we had manipulated everyone. Will, covered in cuts and bruises, had suffered for our gain. We framed Alad as the mastermind, falsely reporting him to the teachers.

Julie's plan was in motion, seemingly perfect. With this, we could amass a thousand gold coins and finally able to leave this academy.

"Stop resisting; I don't want to use force," warned Hans as he restrained some students.

"Anyone attempting to escape, try to pass me!" shouted Ars, sword in hand, blocking the door. Students hesitated upon seeing him.

Byen silently arrested students, blending into the chaos. Top magicians supported Instructor Gord, casting spells against those who resisted.

Amidst the turmoil, Alad ran toward us. What was his plan? Was he trying to escape? However, Julie blocked his path, forcing him to halt.

"Don't attempt to run away; it's the end for you, Alad," Julie declared, assuming her stance.

"You really love deciding for me, huh? Who said it's the end for me?" Alad retorted, unsheathing his sword to face Julie.

I stood ready to intervene if Alad attacked. I wouldn't let Julie get hurt.

Unaware of Hans approaching behind him, Alad seemed focused on us.

Julie noticed Hans closing in and refrained from making a move, anticipating his actions. When Hans reached Alad, instead of confronting him, he continued toward me, pointing his sword at my neck.

What the hell is happening?

"Hans! What do you think you're doing?!" Julie exclaimed.

"Huh? You don't need to act as if you're his underling anymore, you know " Hans replied to Julie.

What the hell is happening?

I looked around and saw Alad smiling. Was this part of his plan? What had he done?

"Don't resist; drop the sword now," Hans ordered, his expression serious.

I got scared and obeyed him, dropping my sword immediately.

"Wait, this is wrong! Didn't I mention in the report that I'm with him? We're both spies here!" Julie protested to Hans.

"He really fooled you, the queen of the top cards," Hans remarked.

"Where did you get that information? That Ricky is the mastermind?" Julie inquired.

"It's confidential, but as a fellow spy, you must have realized by now, right? It's Alad; he's also a spy," Hans disclosed, glancing at Alad.

"Huh?" Julie was left speechless.

"That's why I was puzzled when you said it's my end. Isn't it supposed to be Ricky's end?" Alad revealed, smiling.

It appeared Alad had outsmarted us. He reported the fighting ground long before we did. Everything unfolded according to his plan, and we unwittingly played into his hands.

"I won't let you—" Julie began, but I interrupted her.

"Stop it. I surrender. I really fooled you, huh?" I admitted, preventing Julie from attacking Alad.

Continuing would reveal Julie's involvement, so I chose to surrender myself.

"That's what I want to hear," Hans stated, proceeding to tie me up.

Julie remained silent, perhaps realizing my strategy and deciding to go along with it. I was brought to Instructor Gord, receiving a punch to the face.

****

RAIDEN'S POV

Chaos ensued—first, Julie's appearance, then the arrival of teachers, top cards, and top magicians. It became increasingly difficult to comprehend the unfolding events.

Suddenly, Fia and Leonardo approached.

"Will!" Fia shouted, expressing concern for Will.

Though they were acquaintances, I wondered if their relationship ran deeper for Fia to worry so much, or was I overthinking it?

Before I could join them, Leonardo pointed his sword at my neck.

"Don't make a move; surrender. I prefer avoiding the use of force," Leonardo insisted.

"Wait, I'm Will's friend. I came here to rescue him," I explained.

"I don't care if you're his friend; you still participated on this, and that's a reason for me to arrest you," Leonardo declared.

"All of you, don't attempt to escape, or you'll regret it," he added, addressing Tyiyn and the others.

"What happened to Will?" Fia asked Chris, visibly worried.

"He passed out earlier, possibly due to loss of blood. We couldn't help him with so many enemies around," Chris replied, tears streaming down his face.

"Stop crying; Will will be alright. I promise. I'll take him to the clinic," Fia assured, carrying Will away hastily, leaving us under Leonardo's watch.

"As I said, surrender now," Leonardo reiterated.

With no other choice, we complied and surrendered. Despite my attempts to explain that we were also victims, Leonardo remained unyielding.

****

RAIDEN'S POV

Once the chaos subsided, and all involved in the fighting ground were arrested, we were taken to the principal.

Our attempts to speak were futile as he lectured us. I hoped that would be the end of it, but that hope shattered when the principal revealed our punishment.

"None of you followed Drei's Academy Law, Article 4, Section 3—no one can use real swords or magic inside the academy without permission from an instructor—and Article 3, Section 1—no one is allowed to engage in illegal gambling within the school..." the principal listed numerous laws we had violated.

"In summary, your punishment for these infractions is deployment to the battlefield after two weeks," the principal declared.

"What did he just say?" the white-haired guy asked his companion.

"It seems you didn't grasp it, so let me repeat. Since the Swordsmanship Tournament is approaching, and royalty and nobles will attend, it would tarnish the school's image if you were seen being sent to the battlefield. Therefore, we will delay your punishment until after the tournament, confining you to Drei's Correction Facility. Once the tournament concludes, you'll be sent to the battlefield," The principal said.

"Prepare yourselves and regret your actions," the principal concluded before ending the meeting.