Living as Evil Outcast Prince from a Novel

Chapter 01 - That time when I die

The rhythmic swish of the wooden sword cutting through the air. Those steady cadence accompanying the waning light of the afternoon. Despite his evident fatigue, Ren persisted in his kendo practice, his movements fluid and purposeful. Meanwhile, the bustle of departing students murmured in the background, their voices blending into a chorus of farewell.

"Isn't that Kuroki Ren?" remarked a woman, her gaze fixed on Ren's solitary figure as she gathered her belongings near the exit. "He's always so dedicated... I mean, everyone else has left, but he's still practicing."

Her companion nodded in agreement, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Yeah, he's pretty well-known around school. he holds the top grade in our year after all."

"Wow really... but now that's weird..." the first woman queried, a furrow forming between her brows. "Despite his popularity, it's like he's always alone. No one ever seems to hang out with him."

Her friend offered a knowing smile, leaning in to share a tidbit of gossip. "Well, there's a good reason for that. Turns out, back in middle school, he had a bit of a weirdo... let's just say he suffer a 'second-grade syndrome (Chuunibyou)' "

A look of surprise crossed the first woman's face as she absorbed this revelation. "Wait, you mean he used to go around pretending he had superpowers, like some character from an anime? No wonder he's a bit of an oddball..." Ren, who still diligently swinging his sword, could only offer a wry smile and mutter under his breath as he listened to their conversation, "I hear you loud and clear, for heaven's sake..."

Finally noticing the time, Ren quickly ceased his swordplay and dashed to the changing room, getting ready to head home. "Haaaa.... Come on, I'm over that phase, okay? Now I'm completely normal! But why do they still bring it up?" Ren muttered, recalling his embarrassing days in middle school.

Back then, he had strolled into school dressed in a long black robe, adorned with gloves and accessories straight out of an anime villain's wardrobe. He also often striking strange poses and talking like an evil nobleman from medieval ages. Despite this, he excelled academically and in practical activities, so he is gaining quite a bit of fame in his school.

"For the past two years, I've been trying to change my image... but somehow, the rumors keep spreading until now..." Ren sighed once more. Quickly changing his clothes, he rushed home and stepped out of the dojo door.

As Ren made his way home, he decided to stop by a convenience store not far from the dojo where he trained. It was also the workplace of one of the few close friends Ren had.

Ren casually walked into the store. Then a woman with long straight purple hair with a bit tall figure catching sight of him and start to talk with a playful grin, "Ohhh Ren, back from training? No wonder it smells funky in here suddenly."

Ren shot her a mock glare. "Come on now, Megumi. that's the sweet scent of hard work you're smelling," he joked. Megumi just laughed, giving Ren a hard pat on the shoulder. "HAHAHA, whatever you say, Mr. Chuuni!" she teased slightly.

"So, what's on your shopping list today, Ren?" Megumi asked, slipping back into her cashier mode. Ren reached for his wallet, ready to grab his usual snack. "Just one meatloaf, plea--." Just as Ren was about to finish placing his order, two men brandishing knives barged through the cashier's door.

One of them was a big figure with tattoos, while the other, a skinny individual with tremble legs. They somehow resembled the typical criminals one might see on TV. "Hey! Hand over the cash or face the consequences!" bellowed the larger of the two.

Ren and Megumi remained calm, continuing their conversation. "Hey Megumi, looks like you get Robbed right now" Ren said casually. "I can see it. So, meatloaf like usual right? Just a sec," Megumi replied, grabbing the meatloaf and bagging it like nothing was happening.