10 Ch. 10 - What if I win?

"You…how…" Scarlet Mercury was temporarily dumbstruck. She had only used 30% of her strength in that slap, but in her opinion that might even have been too much! Never would she have imagined it was actually too light! In fact it wasn't just him, only around three of these students should be capable of taking such a slap from her without being crippled.

After all, she knew from Casino Riot's profile that he had only been at the second level of the Hard Body realm last year. To suddenly jump to the sixth level after a year of independent study?

Impossible!

The only solution was that his little rich but spoiled brat of a girlfriend here paid to get him some magical medicine to boost his cultivation. Such a method of tempering one self would leave the body riddled with contaminates, and could be considered superficial strength. In a clash with a more solid foundation it would crumble immediately. However, this wasn't the scene that she was currently witnessing.

"So this is our homeroom teacher. Bullying those she assesses as weaker, with no fear of the consequences," Casino Riot berated. He was livid as he spoke slowly in deep tones, rumbling the hearts of some of the young ladies in the class. His voice had begun to change once he woke up from his sacred coma. Did the waste grow more dashing? They couldn't help but think this in their hearts. Casino was oblivious to their thoughts as he continued, "Listen lady, your name may be Mercury, but this is Thoth Academy. This isn't your playground. Do you believe the foreign student overseer would just roll over this issue if you asked her too? You, a warrior who would sneak attack a weak junior just to stroke your ego? You, a teacher who couldn't even properly injure a student even after making a sneak attack? You, a glorified seductress who allowed herself to become jealous of a far younger woman? I'm not sure how you even take yourself seriously."

"Holy shit…"

"Casino's lost it…"

"He's so hot, though!"

"Did he get a little taller?"

Casino's words were ruthless and accurate, stabbing into Scarlet Mercury like small blades with a sharp tip, and making her face turn a shade of green. Her eyes looked like they would start secreting acid, but through practicing a breathing exercise she managed to regain her calm composure.

"All right, little punk." Scarlet Mercury withdrew her profound orb back into her body, and then rolled out a large device. This device was shaped like a capsule, but it was the size of a full grown adult male. It was covered in strange runes and lines that glowed and looked mystical. "Since your so bad, and so brave! Since you're too capable to listen to your teacher's lecture, and would rather flirt during homeroom, then lets see you step up to take the assessment first!"

"Should I be afraid?" Casino Riot was totally fearless as he strode forwards towards the device.

"Wait!" In the row in front of Margot Frenzy sat a tall and handsome boy, who Casino had long since noticed would occasionally steal glances at Margot. He had shown a furious expression when he saw the way that Margot stared at Casino with warmth in her eyes, which were usually cold and brutal towards others. This time he threw Casino Riot a furious look again as he stood to block the path to the front. His height was slightly taller than Casino, and his body was emitting a very light yin aura.

Casino Riot was naturally aware of who this youth was, as he had known him since they were both kids at Thoth Elementary. This was Kenneth Royale, and he belonged to the Royale family, which is one of the six leading factions, and he was said to possess incredible talent. The big breasted woman that attacked Casino previously was this guys aunt. Casino touched Kenneth with his spirit power, and discovered that he was actually at the eight level of the Hard Body realm. He thought to himself, "So this is what is considered incredible talent…"

In fact, Kenneth Royale was the reason this Scarlet Mercury made a move against Casino Riot in the first place. Her eyesight and hearing were extremely sensitive, and she had heard the ambiguous conversation that Margot and Casino were having. Margot Frenzy had a truly noble identity. She was the little princess of the Patriarch of the Frenzy Family, the cherished granddaughter of the legendary Mystic Palace realm warrior Renzo Frenzy.

She was a ultra rare talent with a innate violet soul bridge! Scarlet had even heard rumors in the last few days that the girl had awakened a sacred bone! These kids probably didn't even know the significance of such things. If her nephew was able to have such a girl as his wife, the entire Royale Family would benefit in the future, and their position in Nibiru City would escalate further!

This was the reason he was enrolled into Thoth Academy years ago.

Furthermore, this was also one of the main reasons that Scarlet Mercury was teaching this class.

This Kenneth Royale had always been one of Maggie's many pursuers. Lately, he had clearly misunderstood the relationship between Casino and Margot, even going as far as thinking that Casino was a pig trying to eat swan meat. In reality, Casino only recently stopped rejecting Maggie's advances but still they were only friends. Of course, Casino had no intention of clearing Kenneth's worries at all.

After all, who knew what would happen in the future?

He would leave it in the hands of fate.

Thinking up to here, Casino couldn't help but laugh in his heart, wondering what trick this new clown on the stage wanted to show off.

"You are of low birth, and even lower talent. I don't know what forbidden technique you used to worm your way into our esteemed class again, but this facade ends here!" Kenneth Royale coldly snorted as he stepped out. How could he not know what his aunt was thinking when she got involved? At first he was content to watch her make a fool out of the waste. However, now that it had reached this point he would rather fight his own battles! He was determined to awaken Margot Frenzy from whatever this brat brainwashed her with. "For us legitimate warriors this assessment is as important as life or death! You are unworthy of being first! That honor belongs only to the strong!"

"Perhaps you are correct, little Kenny. Nothing but a superficial foundation held together by extreme fitness, this test is truly too much for one such as he." Scarlet Mercury took this moment to defuse the situation as she walked back onto the platform. After all, she was indeed responsible for these students now. She hugged her chest with both of her arms, as her eyes swept around the crowd. "For the next two years I will be your homeroom teacher. You will all be my students, both those who qualify for the Magi Class and those who can only choose the Warrior Class. I know you heard the Magus say earlier that all students are to be treated equal. However, I am here to tell you that the concept of equality is an illusion! It doesn't truly exist, and in this world it never had before!"

Scarlet Mercury's voice was shrill and full of derision. Her words felt like ice blades carving into the hearts of the students around her. However, no one spoke a word below the platform while she continued, "These words may seem cruel to some of you. But once you experience the terror of the mystic beasts outside of the city, you will quickly realize how correct these words are! The talk of people being equal is a fantasy used to encourage the youth. However, you all are young adults. The time for following behind children tales has passed!"

Scarlet Mercury lowered her head and looked deeply at the passionate eyes of the students, "This is a new era. The first era where we know how to combat the dangers outside of the city, and we know how to train our bodies and minds to obtain new heights. The Chaotic War wiped out so much of human culture, and the Dark Ages that followed ensured that this history stayed hidden. Avaria is the last country on the Timeless Fey Continent with a human population. The rest of the continent has been over run with evils! Within Avaria there are two types of peak experts. Magi and Mystic Spiritualists. Regular warriors amount to nothing in the face of these experts! In most places Mystic Spiritualist's existence is akin to royalty. Only one warrior within tens of thousands of warriors will have a chance of being born a powerful Magi. Only one Magi among thousands if not tens of thousands of Magi can become a Mystic Spiritualist, and it is totally dependent on heritage and luck. Until now, in Nibiru City alone, only a bit more than 6,000 Magi exist, and among them only around 12 people have been confirmed as Mystic Spiritualists. We are the true guardians of Nibiru City, the twelve!"

"Teacher, but I heard that Silver Mercury killed the twelve!" said a student.

"Can they even do so?" sneered Scarlet Mercury. "The twelve is made up of members from the top six factions in the city. Who would be willing to offend us? This matter is far more complex then you kids would understand. You've been led astray by fake intelligence."

"Damn, it was fake news!"

"Wow!"

There was a small commotion, but Scarlet raised a hand and the room fell silent again. She enjoyed such a feeling a lot. Noticing this, Casino Riot sneered inwardly.

"Warriors and Magi both follow develop strength through the practice of mystic cultivation. The Hard Body realm has ten levels, and the higher the level the more power one is. Then, after that is the Profound Orb realm. Past this realm there is the legendary Mystic Palace realm. There are only three Mystic Palace realm practitioners in all of Nibiru City. But apart from that they also have been further divided into ranks Bronze, Silver, Gold, Prism, and Legend ranks. If a family produces a Bronze Rank Magi they can become an aristocratic family. If a family produces a Silver Rank Magi they can become a noble family. If a family produces three or more Silver Rank Magi, or a Gold Rank Magi, then they can become a faction.

"We have 31 students here today. Some of you come from noble households, and others may even originate from another faction. This is an advantage. Others are commoners and vagabonds who managed to struggle this far. My advice to you all? Call it quits. Find a line of work and gain some stability for yourself, you'll never step foot out of this city for as long as you live. Everyone's starting point may be equal, but your identities were never that. What can a commoner do to become an aristocrat? What business do you have walking shoulder to shoulder with those whom you will be forced to bow in front of in the not so distant future? Talent is hereditary. Do not fool yourselves. If you have a common background you will never become a noble! In fact, even within the noble ranks there are still levels to this. These levels are strict and specific, not all nobles are equal. Swine can not eat the flesh of Swans!vGaining more strength is far more difficult then you imagine. Please consider your futures carefully."

Sitting beneath the gaze of Scarlet Mercury, many of the commoner students, who were dressed frugally, lowered their heads out of embarrassment and dejection. They were all highly uncomfortable after being brutally aggressed by the rules of society as reminded by their home room teacher. Many nobles held their heads up high with their chest pointed out, and the arrogance in the air was so thick that it was near tangible. Even Scarlet Mercury herself stood there proudly, as if she was the most noble of all existences. Only Margot Frenzy, Casino Riot, and a few others remained silent and unaffected.

Casino Riot didn't really have any good feelings towards most of his classmates, but he was cool with a few of them. Three of which were commoners! After experiencing Scarlet Mercury's contemptuous words and cruel smile, Casino was already focusing very hard not to lose his temper. His blood was constantly on the verge of exploding, especially after the teacher assaulted him.

"Hmph, listen well punk. Low born filth like you should never associate yourself with…" Kenneth Royale begin running his mouth in a near whisper, in an attempt to see Casino's terrified face. However, as he spoke Casino casually stepped past him as if he wasn't there. Maggie giggled at this and Kenneth Royale grimaced. How dare this waste embarrass him in front of his future wife! He immediately raised his voice in anger, "HEY PUNK! I'M TALKING TO…"

"Teacher Mercury, I have a question," came the slow and deep voice of Casino Riot, as he simply ignored this rambling baboon who sought attention.

All the students were observing quietly were shocked to see this! That was the mad mortal for you. He had never placed anyone in his eyes before, whether he was weaker or stronger it was all the same! He even spoke brazenly to the teacher who had already taught him a lesson! The actions she took against Casino earlier, who would've believed that he would retaliate? He ignored the words of Kenneth Royale, who was one of the strongest apprentice level warriors in the class, and chose this moment to continue speaking out!

Everyone was aware of the relation between Kenneth and Teacher Mercury.

"What do you want to ask, boy?" Scarlet coldly snorted.

"You just said that Avaria was humanity's last country on this continent, that all other humans have suffered from the evils that exist beyond the city walls. My question is, has teacher ever left Nibiru City? Did you travel outside of Avaria before, like to the Valley of Queens, or the Esperanza Fault? The Lucid Mountains, or the Cannibal Jungle? Can you name some historical landmarks? What proof do you have of these words?" Casino Riot was no fool, he was easily able to deduce that the teachers earlier words were mainly targeting him, as she had already mistaken him for a commoner previously.

After hearing the arrogant way this woman spoke, Casino completely removed her from his eyes. She was unworthy of even feigned respect. His mother would take himself and his sisters on vacation to a different location every year when he returned from school. Even if he could prove that there were people living outside of Avaria, the dragon shadow in his body at least seemed to think so.

The students in the room felt stricken by Casino's words as well, as chatter quieted down and everyone wore pondering expressions. Margot Frenzy could

"There are no Lucid Mountain ranges or Cannibal Jungles, what bullshit are you spewing?" snapped Scarlet Mercury. She had heard of the Valley of Queens in the legends, but the other places were completely unfamiliar. "I was born and raised as a cherished noble daughter of Nibiru City, what time did I have to visit such desolate places?"

"Well, if you've never been, how can you be so sure of what exists beyond Avaria?" asked Casino nonchalantly.

"This..." Scarlet Mercury was temporarily stumped. These words didn't seem very false.

"Right, right, how can she be so sure right?" a few girls of the class giggled along. None of them liked Scarlet Mercury, and Casino was becoming increasingly manly in their eyes. They had never met a student willing to challenge one of the instructors in such a way!

Chatter resumed in the classroom, and the students all tried to figure out where those places Casino had mentioned were, they had never heard of such locations. A gorgeous and slender girl with light brown skin and pig tails in her hair, who was sitting two desks over from where he currently stood, looked at Casino with some interest in her eyes. Was this the so-called 'trash' her friends would tell her about? He certainly didn't seem like trash to her. She thought he seemed cultured and well traveled. Was it because he took a year abroad?

Casino would easily recognize this girl as the daughter of the previous Mayor, Aubrey Graham. Aubrey was a little beauty with pearly white teeth and soft and edible looking cherry lips. She was like a beautiful flower that had just entered bloom, but she had a calm and still aura with a temperament that matched imperial princesses. Many males in the school worshipped this girl as one of the three top beauties of Thoth Academy, also known as the angelic trinity.

Kenneth Royale, who originally sat next to Aubrey, wore an ugly face with furrowed brows. To his dismay, this Casino kid was rather brave and eloquent. Not only that, Kenneth had just realized that Casino was almost as tall and handsome as himself. Once he saw the way Aubrey even took an interest, he knew it was time to get serious about wooing Margot. He felt crisis in his heart while looking at the back of this man, whom was becoming obscenely more outstanding as compared to before. So much so, that Kenneth no longer knew how to act towards him.

The Teacher Mercury was livid when she raised her hand but the discussions didn't cease at all. She had somehow lost all her momentum, she no longer had the heart of the crowd! She scoffed at Casino in displeasure, "You speak of random locations as if you have visited them yourself. What proof can you offer that my words are false?"

Whether consciously or unconsciously, every head in the room swung from Teacher Mercury back to Casino who had being to approach the device before the platform once more. Once in front of it he said blandly, "I disdain to prove myself to you. Now tell me about this so-called assessment."

"You…hmph. Go ahead and test it out then." Scarlet Mercury's face was flushed with anger, but she quickly regained her composure. Without knowing how to defend yourself in this device, death was a real possibility. This brat was toast, now.

"This is an Original Pressure Chamber. The formation inside uses origin stones to create a vortex of origin forces that press down onto the warriors body, tempering the flesh to the next level. My dad has one of these in his third office." Maggie's sweet voice traveled into Casino's ear at this time, her words alleviating the remnant worry that he had. He turned back and revealed a smile directed at Maggie, who was instantly sent into a daze.

"Do you know the longest anyone's ever stayed inside?" asked Casino Riot. Maggie, however, shook her head.

"Stop delaying! Every student here will take this assessment today and many of them will put your time to shame." berated Scarlet Mercury, glancing at Margot as well "That is, if you even manage to escape fate. The longest recorded time actually belongs to your grandfather, lass. Renzo Frenzy at the sixth level of the Hard Body realm sat in the original pressure chamber for two hours straight! Do you see now boy? The different between the two of you? It's not fated."

"Fate?" Casino Riot was rather tired of hearing the teacher use this word. "How about a bet on destiny, then? I will break that record right now."

Pfft.

Nearly the entire class exploded in laughter. What Casino had just said was completely ridiculous to them. They would never take it as anything other than a shameless boast and joke.

"A…bet? That you can break the legendary record thats been in place over 100 years? And the stakes are…Like what? What could you have that I want?" chided Scarlet Mercury with an evil smirk on her pretty face.

Casino pulled out a pendant from under his clothes, it was oval shaped like an egg and blacker than obsidian. There were strange runic markings on it, and it seemed to release a slight scarlet-golden glow. Casino had always worn this pendant for as long as he could remember. The oval stone was something he always had, the pendant chain came later. It was a gift from his mother, as he hated when anyone came near it the stone and instinctively wanted to attack them. However, in reality he wasn't even sure where it got it from. One morning he woke up and it was next to him.

Scarlet Mercury's eyes lit up when she saw the pendant. What was that? Whatever it was, it must be a supreme and absolute treasure! She couldn't understand the marks on it at all, but she felt slight trepidation just from looking at it too long. This was no ordinary treasure. "Haha, okay fine let's bet, since you want to gift me a treasure. Remember what I said prior, boy, you will get no where by trying to woo me. We're in two different worlds. Begin!"

"Wait. We know what you will get if I lose, but what if I win?" asked Casino Riot. This caused much of the class to laugh, as well as a sinister smirk to appear on Scarlet Mercury's face.

"Haha…okay what do you want if you win?" asked Scarlet Mercury mockingly.

At that moment Casino's blood begin to boil as he officially lost his temper, "When I win, you'll be my maid every afternoon 1:00 PM until Midnight for two months."

Silence.

Utter silence.

Many students sat in shock with their mouths hanging open. Casino had dared to speak to the ferocious teacher in that way? A maid? Couldn't he do as he pleased with her if she agreed to be his maid?

Scarlet Mercury's face first turned purple, then green, then crimson, before returning to normal. "I'll take your damn bet, you punk. However, if you lose, not only do you use your treasure. I'll take your dog life with it!"

"Fine," to everyone complete shock this was all Casino said before he walking into the device and sat down to begin meditating.

Scarlet Mercury was completely enraged, and activated the core part of the formation with the formation disc in her hand.

"Let's see you escape from this, little punk."