Struggling as a Villain

Each student of Obsidian Citadel, and most prominently those who have secured themselves a seat in the top sections, have a very sharp mind and precise decision-making skills.

And after Lucy listed the pros and cons of becoming the representative they had enough reason to remain in their seats and not take this unnecessary risk.

In the end, only three people—Brendon, Emily and the huge guy who goes by the name Elion were standing on the podium while facing the class.

Emily wanted to become the representative so she could help Ethan get those books and equipment without him using his student points. Elion was a proud child of a renowned knight, and Brendon, why of course, being the son of Duke Aeromore, had to maintain his reputation by participating in these kinds of drama.

Lucy hummed a bit, showing complicated emotions on her face before she suggested, "I think the numbers are a bit less...how about I add one more?"

Richard suddenly had a bad feeling hearing that as he ducked his head and tried to remain away from her vision. However,

"Mister Top Ranker, why don't you join us here on the stage?" Lucy already had Richard's name in mind, both because he ranked top in the list but also because he was the son of a great ruler.

Naturally, Bellarine has taught him the ways of governance and in the class that would be very useful.

Richard naturally didn't reject her proposal(?) and got up before making his way to the aisle.

Once he stood beside the three, he couldn't help but feel tired already. A class representative is someone who always remains in the limelight and Richard didn't want to take that role.

...well, the access to the gravity chamber was a tempting offer, but still, becoming the representative would be a hassle.

"Okay now, we will take votes based on the speeches these four give. And if the votes tie we would decide the representative through the most basic method of solving a dispute,"

With a grin extending her supple lips, she added, "A duel."

Elion's face morphed into a smirk hearing that, feeling his muscles already pumped for the possible battle he might be facing against these three.

He was most interested in defeating the redhead who had made himself a reputation just by the second day.

Brendon has similar grudges regarding Richard, since the grey-haired aimed for such glamour for himself.

But now, all the attention was either on the elf or Richard.

"Okay now, start with Emily and those who think she has the potential, don't hesitate to raise your hand and draw your vote. Every student has two votes."

Lucy glanced at the blond before Emily stepped forward and began,

"I am Emily Cravenford, my dear classmates, and I aspire to become a representative who cannot only maintain discipline within the class but also keep us unified so that when we have to face foreign enemies, we can show the impact of our unity. If you vote for me, I assure you that the allocation of resources will be in our favour, especially concerning your club selection and interests.

I won't be a complaint box, so expect leniency to some extent. So yes, that would be it." With a dazzling smile, she finished and stepped back.

Out of twenty-one students, three girls raised their hands, and seven boys did. A total of ten votes.

Eleanor and Nora naturally voted for Emily, and so did Ethan, which somehow made Emily victorious already.

Next, Brendon stepped up,

"Make me your representative, and I promise none of the cross-section duels would go in their favour. And also, voting for me will grant you my Aeromore Brendon's favour, so choose wisely." Flashing his teeth the boy stood while resting his hands on his waist.

....and in return, he only got two votes.

Gritting his teeth he stepped back with a 'hmph, losers!'.

Next Elion stepped forward and with his hands crossed on his chest stated in an intimidating manner,

"Vote for me, you are my friend. But if you don't, I will see you in the arena."

Emily frowned and so did Eleanor. Some other students also felt displeased hearing that as one of them asked, "Isn't this coercion, Professor?"

Lucy shrugged, "You cannot be forced into a duel so it's your choice if you want to be forced to vote him or not."

Many of the students, especially those who had gotten themselves admitted based on their high IQ, were not immune to such threats. For example, Rose instantly shot her hand high. And just like her, there were four others who also raised their hands.

Elion was not happy with the results as he glared at those who didn't vote for him. However, just as Lucy said, he cannot start picking on people unless they give their consent.

'I will definitely take my revenge for this humiliation...' Inwardly muttering he stepped back and allowed the last one to step forward.

Although Richard was forced to be a contender he knew he wouldn't get many votes. Maybe from Nora and Ethan?

In the canon, Richard used a method similar to Elion's and got only three votes. Although Richard was not going to threaten them, he didn't have much hope in the first place.

Standing before the students, he finally began, "Ahh---!!!"

However, he instantly shut his mouth with his eyes stretching wide as he sensed something advancing toward the class at a frightening pace.

He didn't have the time to alert the Professor as the thing was already within his sensory range—which was only fifty meters of radius.

**CLINK**

"DON'T MOVE!" Just as the creature broke through the door, Richard commanded the students who were about to get up. However, his domineering voice somehow made them remain seated at their places.

It was five a five-foot-tall sand porcupine that was easily an E-rank Bate and could release up to seventy needles at once. Those needles weren't just poisonous but the force of penetration might cause instant death.

Richard didn't think twice before using flames to surround the creature, so its vision got blocked, and around the flame vortex, suddenly a barrier was erected which surely was wizardry of the blond.

Porcupines have low vision and the barrier is strong enough to withstand its needles.

"A porcupine!" Elion suddenly jumped from the aisle and advanced towards the creature who was well secured inside the barrier. But to show his strength he punched away the barrier and after enhancing his arm, he penetrated it through the flames to kill the creature

However, all Elion pulled out was a wooden toy which was hanging down his hand lifelessly.

Elion frowned before he turned to look at the Professor only to hear her sighing, "What a shame Elion, you didn't learn anything from your yesterday's mistake. What did I say? Always calculate your actions before acting upon them."

Eliot's eyes slowly widened as he realized what had just happened. Not only him but slowly every student realized that this was some sort of test conducted by the Professor, which signifies why she didn't react when the danger approached.

Turning to look at Brendon, who was looking baffled, Lucy said, "You almost launched an explosive spell which could have harmed your classmates rather than the foe. If not for Richard's timely intervention, you might have gotten yourself severe punishment today."

Brendon's face became pale hearing that as he lowered his hands and took a strong gulp.

Lucy directed her eyes toward Emily and Richard before a smile bloomed on her face as she declared, "You two...did a great job at reacting to the danger proactively and Richard, you showed great leadership by keeping everyone calm and defusing that attack from Brendon. Excellent job."

Richard heaved a sigh of relief that he actually was able to pull it off, as he nodded while voicing 'Thank you'.

Turning towards the class, Lucy stated, "Now, based on what you saw, I would like to ask how many of you are in favour of making Richard the representative?"

Richard didn't have a great feeling about this....and just as he thought,

"Twenty one vot-oh, my! Even you, Emily?"

Richard raised his brows before turning his gaze to the left and indeed, just like the other students, even Emily was raising her hand in support of Richard's nomination.

Richard was now seriously thinking that this world was keeping him in the limelight for no good reason. And for god sake, he didn't want to take Ethan's position at all!

But surely, his prayers were not listened to.

"So, class, meet your class rep, Scarlette Richard."

A round of applause was heard as Richard was the only one who remained standing on the stage while smiling stiffly at his fellow classmates.

Who could have known that having his fundamental skills sharpened would earn him such a big responsibility?

But there was no point in mulling over it.

'Haah...talk about a tiresome start....'

------------**----------

A/N:- Read the author's thoughts.