S15 Dominant Class

The way Yugor looked at me grew increasingly dangerous with each passing day.

Especially when I achieved better grades than Yugor in class, his gaze felt like cold shivers running down my spine.

Something was bound to happen eventually.

Yet there was nothing I could do to prepare.

Unlike me, Yugor was the eldest son of a major nation.

And he was also a reincarnated soul, with proven strength.

Neither by power nor by ability could anyone oppose Yugor.

Then, the incident occurred.

It happened during the first extracurricular activity—exploration class.

Extracurricular exploration took place on a small mountain near the academy.

Though "near" was relative—walking there and back took over half a day.

Only a select few students who passed the academy's entrance exam were permitted to participate.

Of the first-year students, only twelve—including me—were granted permission to participate in the expedition course.

This meant a select few among the entire year group had achieved the necessary performance level.

Nevertheless, students who did not receive permission this time would eventually develop the required abilities and qualify in the future.

This session had fewer participants than usual, but the number would increase in subsequent sessions.

In fact, it was typical for only enough students to form a single group to be approved for the first expedition, so this year’s cohort was notably advanced.

Expeditions began in the morning with a walk from the academy, arriving at the mountain’s base by midday.

There, a final confirmation briefing was held at the small hut at the base, followed by lunch.

After lunch, students separated into their assigned groups and entered the mountain.

The schedule will involve exploring the mountain for an entire day, spending the night in camp, and returning to the base of the mountain by noon the following day.

This mountain hosts only weak monsters, classified as the lowest danger tier.

Pre-expedition, the academy's hired personnel conducted a survey and confirmed that no strong monsters have emerged.

Even weak monsters occasionally evolve into stronger forms, so this verification is necessary.

In this expedition, one objective is to learn fundamental survival techniques.

Experiencing an environment where monsters actually reside—this was one point.

Gathering medicinal herbs and studying the mountain's knowledge—this was one point.

The purpose is to accumulate such experiences.

The objective is to pass through unharmed, acquiring knowledge and experience.

Actively engaging monsters, therefore, is considered a penalty rather than a merit.

Being attacked is considered a merit if handled properly, but deliberately attacking monsters is strictly prohibited.

Exploration will be conducted in groups, with one teacher assigned to every four students.

Group composition is determined by lottery, and exchanges will not be made unless the distribution becomes excessively unbalanced.

Soo, Katia, and Yuri were placed in separate groups.

And I ended up in the same group as Yugo.

The group consists of me, Yugo, Mr. Okachan—otherwise known as Professor Filimes, the knight's son, Palton, and Professor Oriza, the magic instructor.

Palton and I were neither close friends nor mere acquaintances.

Palton's father, though originally a baron, rose through numerous military achievements to attain a higher title, ultimately becoming a count.

Palton underwent rigorous training from his father, resulting in a skill configuration specialized in physical attributes.

His strength ranked notably high among his peers.

Despite this, he showed no sign of satisfaction, remaining a serious少年 who dedicated himself to daily drills without respite.

He treated me as a subordinate, engaging in conversation occasionally, but maintaining a distant relationship.

Master Oriza was a middle-aged instructor specializing in magic.

Among teachers, he displayed little enthusiasm, his demeanor clearly indicating he was merely fulfilling a duty.

He disliked complications, and when both I and Yugo were assigned to his class, he made no effort to hide his displeasure.

Such was the extent of the palpable tension between Yugo and me, widely acknowledged.

Still, as expected of a teacher, his combat proficiency was adequate.

Despite leaning toward magic, the skill configuration allowed for limited melee combat, with ability scores higher than those of average students.

In unforeseen circumstances, teachers were required to protect students. A teacher accompanying this expedition being weak was not an option.

What was unexpected was that Professor Okachan—Philimes—had actually participated in this class.

The professor frequently skipped classes without permission.

There was some activity occurring behind the scenes, though details were never shared with us.

Given that he skipped classes at will, he must be engaged in significant activities.

It was surprising, then, that he had participated in a class that would detain him for nearly two full days.

Still, given the situation with Yugo, having him nearby was the most reassuring presence possible.

Likely, among all the academy’s teachers, only he could stop Yugo.

"Then, we will adjourn for now. After each of you has eaten lunch, proceed to your assigned groups."

The lead instructor announced, and the briefing concluded.

After finishing lunch, move out in assigned groups.

"Brother, I must bid you farewell for a short while. I shall miss you."

"Su, don’t make such a fuss over one day."

"One day is still a serious matter. I cannot sleep at night if anything happens to you while I’m not watching."

"It’s fine. The mountain has already been secured as safe. Nothing unusual will occur."

He stroked her head to calm her.

In truth, the greater danger lay not in the mountain, but in the other members of her group. But he could not say that—it would only increase her anxiety.

"Shun, be especially careful with Yugo. He’s completely lost his mind since arriving in this world."

"...Understood."

The quiet exchange with Katia at parting echoed in his mind.

Unhinged.

Indeed.

Yugo is not normal now.

There are signs of instability. Anything could happen.

Ignoring my concerns, the expedition progressed smoothly.

No encounter with monsters. Arrived safely at the planned campsite area.

"Sir Shrein, is this the campsite?"

"Yes. Arrived earlier than scheduled."

"The boys have stamina. The female instructor struggled to keep up."

"Pathetic. Okagami's stats are fairly high. He wouldn't quit over something like this."

"Even knowing that, pretending not to know—offering kind words—seems to be part of being a proper man."

"Wouldn't want to be one who checks a woman's expression every time."

"A bit of a 'lordly' type, I suppose, but still valid."

While Yugo and the teacher engaged in that exchange, I began setting up camp alongside Paltone.

Master Oriza watched us silently.

"Lord Schrein, could you please hold this?"

"Ah, sure. Like this?"

"Yes. Then just secure it here like so."

"Right. Done. Thank you, Paltone."

"Not at all. Normally, I should have prepared this alone. I’ve troubled you, Lord Schrein."

"Paltone. Within the academy, rank holds no weight. There’s no need to be so concerned."

"Rank is indeed a matter, but I personally hold Lord Schrein in high regard. This is something I choose to do. Please do not look at me as if you’re burdened by my actions."

I was the one who yielded to Paltone’s direct gaze.

Why would my sister Sue—or anyone—hold me in such high regard?

Strange.

After preparations for the campsite were complete, we arrived earlier than scheduled, leaving a small amount of extra time.

We decided to briefly survey the surroundings.

Each of us would explore separately, staying within a reasonable distance of one another.

I opposed individual movement, but agreed to remain within audible range of each other.

That way, if anything occurred, a nearby teammate could respond immediately.

And I was alone, deep in the mountains.

Gathering medicinal herbs manually would grant bonus points.

I activated my鉴定 (Inspection) ability while searching for the target herbs.

Then, a clash of sword and spear echoed.

It came from Paltone’s location—someone who should have been exploring nearby.

Something had been done to the opponent’s sword—either a special modification or a silent skill. The sound was extremely faint.

Yet it reached my ears clearly. I had auditory enhancement.

I started to run toward Paltone’s location—then was stopped by a figure blocking my path.

Yugo.

“Yo.”

“What do you think you’re doing? Yugo. No—Shinoda.”

“Not really. I was thinking it’s time for you to leave this place.”

Yugo spoke casually. I replied with a tense voice.

Yugo, saying this so calmly.

I didn’t realize I’d swallowed hard.

“Are you joking?”

“Does it look like a joke? You’re just… annoying.”

At that moment, the grin vanished from Yugo’s face.

This world exists for me. A world built so I can become the strongest and reign supreme. But if there’s someone equal to me—or even stronger—then it loses its meaning, doesn’t it?

What kind of delusion are you spouting? This world belongs to no one. Come back to your senses.

I am sane. A world where anything is possible with the right skills—like a dream. Exactly the kind of world made just for me. But I don’t need someone like you in that world. So die.

Yugo draws his sword.

I have no choice but to draw mine.

I check Yugo’s status.

『Human LV31 Name Yugo Ban Lengzand

Status

HP: 628/628 (Green)

MP: 566/566 (Blue)

SP: 609/609 (Yellow)

AP: 502/611 (Red)

Average Attack: 608

Average Defense: 599

Average Magic: 546

Average Resistance: 522

Average Speed: 583

Skills

HP Auto-Recovery LV4 MP Recovery Speed LV4 MP Consumption Reduction LV4 SP Recovery Speed LV8 SP Consumption Reduction LV8 Magic Perception LV8 Magic Manipulation LV5 Magic Combat Technique LV5 Magic Infusion LV4 Magic Strike LV2 Destruction Enhancement LV7 Slash Enhancement LV7 Blunt Enhancement LV4 Fire Enhancement LV4 Qi Combat Technique LV7 Qi Infusion LV7 Qi Strike LV7 Fire Attack LV3 Paralysis Attack LV2 Sword Talent LV6 Throwing LV5 Three-Dimensional Mobility LV6 Focus LV9 Prediction LV3 Calculation Processing LV3 Accuracy LV8 Evasion LV8 Stealth LV3 Silence LV1 Fire Magic LV3 Destruction Resistance LV2 Blunt Resistance LV2 Slash Resistance LV3 Fire Resistance LV3 Poison Resistance LV2 Paralysis Resistance LV1 Pain Resistance LV1 Vision Enhancement LV10 Long-Range Vision LV1 Hearing Enhancement LV10 Hearing Range Expansion LV1 Smell Enhancement LV8 Taste Enhancement LV7 Touch Enhancement LV8 Life Force LV5 Magic Storage LV4 Instant Movement LV5 Endurance LV5 Strength LV5 Durability LV5 Monk LV4 Amulet LV3 Teleportation LV5 Emperor n% I = W

Skill Points: 350

Title

"Monster Slayer"

Strong.

Opposite to me, slightly more physical in stats, yet consistently strong.

Moreover, unlike me, this one actively acquires skills using skill points.

Most troublesome is the Emperor's skill.

"Emperor: Enhances skill effects. Additionally, imposes Outer Path status (Fear) through intimidation."

Fear from intimidation can be resisted, to some extent.

But enhancing skill effects? That is an unfair advantage.

Yugo raises his sword.

My sword meets it.

Damn, heavy!

"Ha... you know it, don't you? You haven't spent much on skill points, nor raised your level. Points mean nothing unless used. Like this!"

Flames erupt from Yugo's sword.

I narrowly avoid it.

"Too flashy, and the others in the other squads might notice. Get to the point and die."

"You think you can do this and get away with it?"

"Relax, relax. I'm the master of this world in the future. Everything I do will be forgiven. Besides, the setup is complete. My subordinates should be eliminating the others right now. After I kill you, I'll release the monster I brought here. A powerful one—uncommon in this world. The unfortunate student and teacher were suddenly devoured by a monster. That's the scenario. I'll defeat the monster and return alive."

"Are you really so careless with a plan like this? Think you won't be exposed?"

"Who? Who exactly? You're not in Japan here. I'm the Sword Emperor of the future. Who's going to tell me what to do if I act a little unnatural? Is it really okay if this becomes an international incident? It's not going to work. That's just how it is. You can't expect every crime to be made public like in Japan."

Stunned.

The way Yugo thought—so utterly alien to Japanese logic.

And the way he accepted it as normal.

"See you later. I'll keep you in the corner of my memory, just in case."

A massive blade descending, wreathed in flame.

But it never reached me.

Yugo's body was suddenly blown away.

"Shinoda. You've gone too far."

Not the usual drawling tone. Cold. Unnerving.

An overwhelming presence, incongruous with the small elven form.

There, Mr. Okagami appeared.

"Your plan has been dismantled. All your subordinates have been detained. Also, the monster you brought along has been dealt with."

"W-what!?"

"You were focused only on Shun-kun, but you underestimated me. I'm sorry, but I can't allow your rampage to continue."

Mr. Okagami approached the fallen Yugo.

Yugo attempted a surprise attack as Mr. Okagami approached—

"Guh!?"

He was slammed into the ground by something invisible.

That must have been what blew Yugo off his feet earlier.

Likely a wind-based spell.

Mr. Okagami grasped Yugo's head.

A flow of magic energy was detected.

Some spell had been cast upon Yugo.

"Activating Dominator Authority. In response to Dominator's request, exclusive Dominator skill activated. Consent confirmed."

"Consent confirmed."

A flat, unnatural voice issued from Yugo's mouth.

That spell earlier—was it, by any chance, a hypnotic trance induced by Heretic Magic, forbidden by law!?

My shock does not end there.

Rather, a deeper astonishment overwhelms me.

Yugo's status, as displayed in the鉴定, begins to drop rapidly.

Skills vanish one by one.

In moments, Yugo's skill set reduces to a single, corrupted, unreadable skill.

"Wha—!? What did you do to me!?"

Yugo shouts, finally regaining consciousness.

"Status lowered. Skills stripped."

"What!? That shouldn't be possible!"

"Shun, what does the鉴定 show?"

"...As the teacher said, your status is all reduced to thirty. And no skills remain."

"Wha—what…"

"This world is not yours. Take this as a lesson. I recommend you live henceforth as an ordinary person. There is no benefit to acquiring skills and becoming stronger..."

Yugo stood frozen, stunned.

Confusion gripped me.

Afterward, the exploration class was suspended.

Paltone and Professor Orliza were unharmed.

They had narrowly escaped danger, but thanks to the professor’s intervention, they sustained no serious injuries.

All of Yugo’s subordinates who had attacked them were captured.

Yet none confessed to any connection with Yugo, and Yugo himself denied all involvement. No punishment was issued.

Perhaps this was a decision based on international relations.

It was yet another reminder that standards here differ fundamentally from those in Japan.

Incidentally, after returning, I was overwhelmed by Sue’s tears.

Added a private note to the activity report.