Chapter 31: It's Richard's Turn

As Richard gazed intensely at Mellden and Gordon, they froze up, unable to form a response to his question. They simply trembled with fear, thinking this was it for them.

Observing the mischievous duo, Richard mused, "Damn it, I created these two because I got inspiration from a certain anime at that time. There were these two characters that would always go to bizarre lengths to do something... weird, liking the trouble and other funny things that would always happen to them when they did so. I decided to also put two of such characters in my novel."

But now, being in the same world as such characters and seeing them act the way they do, I can't help but silently feel embarrassed and want to wipe them off the face of the earth.

Richard then let out a sigh as he slowly lowered his hand, the pieces of the shattered smartphone falling to the floor. He then spoke to the mischievous duo, saying, "If I ever catch the both of you trying anything of this sort towards Luna and Luella ever again, let's just say what I will be crushing next won't be a smartphone."

His words sent shivers down their spines as they both mumbled in fear, "Yes, sir, we won't dare." They both looked like they could tear up at any moment.

With his gaze lingering on them for a moment, Richard then slowly turned around and walked back to where he was standing previously, where Jarmin stood in wait.

"What's up, boss? Why did you go over there?" Jarmin asked as he leaned forward towards Richard.

Richard then frowned slightly as he replied, "Nothing much, just some idiots who wanted to record a video of Luna and Luella while they were going through their test."

Upon hearing what Richard said, Jarmin furrowed his face. Cracking his knuckles, he spoke with a serious tone, "How dare they look at your bodyguards like that! Why don't we teach them a lesson later after the test is over, boss?" His lime green eyes seemed to glow slightly.

"It's a hassle; we shouldn't bother. They aren't worth the effort," Richard replied nonchalantly, then letting out a sigh as he waved dismissively at them.

Jarmin then calmed down, slightly disappointed. He couldn't help but agree with Richard. "Okay, boss, whatever you say," he said, folding his arms.

Turning their gazes towards Luna and Luella, they were both already done with their test, scoring 809 and 802 respectively. As they slowly descended the platforms, they decided to walk up to Richard and Jarmin. "Young master, you're up next," Luella said, smiling at the end.

"Oh, really? It's my time to shine," Richard spoke playfully in response. He then added, "But you ladies were really fast; I didn't even have enough time to see any of your moves."

"Really, young master?" Luna asked. "What were you doing while we were destroying the dummies?" She tilted her head to the left, her pink eyes seeming genuinely curious.

Richard then replied, "Well, I was busy, handling something." He momentarily glanced at Mellden and Gordon in the distance, causing them to shiver as their gazes met his.

Suddenly, Miss Mizu's voice echoed as she called out, "Richard, it's your turn. You're the last one. Head up one of the platforms and stop wasting time." As Miss Mizu spoke, everyone directed their gazes at Richard, eager to see which platform the troublemaker would finally choose.

Richard smiled and replied, "I'll be there in a moment." Although Jarmin didn't doubt Richard, he couldn't help but ask, "Boss, how do you intend to use both arcane powers and physical powers? I thought your power was an arcane power that lets you see the future and stuff."

Richard then replied, "You're right, Jarmin." Jarmin was about to inquire further when Richard added, "But those are only a fraction of what these eyes of mine are capable of." Richard's green eyes began to glow as he gazed at the platforms in the distance, a small, simple spell circuit materializing within.

Upon hearing Richard's response, Jarmin couldn't help but reply, "I believe you, boss. Get over there and show them who's really in charge."

Richard looked at Jarmin and flashed his signature smug grin as he added, "I will." He then turned towards the platforms and began to make his way there.

The system's voice echoed in Richard's mind, "[High levels of extreme emotions detected, +7 plausibility points]." Gazing at the red window beside him and then to his classmates, Richard mused, "That expression they're all wearing on their faces... Seems like they all want me to fail." He then paused as his eyes landed on Emma and then Alex. "On the contrary, these two seem genuinely curious about how I'm going to pull it off. Emma even seems slightly worried... She's too kind."

Arriving just before the stairways to the platforms, Richard paused as he mused, "Now, which one should I have a go at first?" Richard closed his eyes and let his memories play back, remembering the activation of all the abilities of his classmates since he watched so intently, except Luna and Luella.

Richard then mused, "The actual way my ability works sees the waves of mana pattern when an ability is activated and lets me replicate it, allowing me to essentially copy those abilities. But it doesn't work on everyone, specifically Alex and Emma and a couple of other characters. With that in mind, it's obvious replicating their abilities is off the table. But I want to be able to destroy the dummies just as fast as Alex did and let the arcane power I use be as refined as Emma's." Richard then slowly opened his green eyes, momentarily they both shone even brighter as he mused further, "So, I know whose power I'm going to choose."

Richard then began to climb up the physical power stairs, as he did, the other students gossiped behind his back.

"He's finally choosing. I guess he finally decided he wouldn't just stand around all day."

"He's so full of himself. I'm sure he doesn't really have any talent but just wants to talk big."

"Yeah, I'm sure when he gets up there right now, he's gonna get chased out by the goblin."