Maintenance

Chal slung the greatsword over his shoulder and swaggered over to stand before Colin.

Colin was shorter than his opponent and immediately felt a shadow fall over him. He looked up at Chal, a glint flashing in his eyes, and smiled. "Chal, did you know I was hot, so you came to block the sun for me?"

"Cut the crap." Chal gave a cold laugh, unmoved. "I'm here to challenge you."

"Chal, you should put it this way: 'Colin, my Roer Military Swordsmanship has recently reached a critical point. Please spar with me and help me break through.'" Bill shrugged and stepped in front of Colin. He was even shorter than Colin and had to tilt his head up to look at Chal.

"Colin isn't feeling well today. I'll play with you instead." Bill gripped his Training Greatsword with both hands and held it upright before his chest.

"Pansy, I wasn't asking you. I was asking Colin," Chal said rudely.

"You bastard." Bill's eyes instantly turned cold, like a cheetah poised to strike. Though his usual mannerisms were somewhat effeminate, his strength ranked above average in the class.

Chal was the son of a wealthy merchant, and he knew Bill's family was far better off than Colin's and held considerable influence in the city. He regretted his words the moment they left his mouth, but he could not back down now. Raising his chin, he said to Colin, "What, you don't dare, Colin? Or did your Bloodline Potion fail? Are you feeling guilty?"

One stone stirred a thousand waves.

Not everyone was as bored as Brian, as familiar with Colin as Bill, or simply the homeroom teacher, Ms. Anna. Most of the students had not noticed how Colin's strength had changed before and after.

But Chal's words tore through the paper-thin veil. The children of nobles, wealthy merchants, and prosperous farmers all turned their eyes toward Colin, and those gazes gradually became contemptuous.

People within each circle began whispering among themselves.

Bloodline Enhancement Failure was nothing much outside, since even many nobles were ordinary people. But this was Will Knight Academy, the cradle of extraordinary beings.

Aside from the students without bloodlines, nearly everyone in Class Five had successfully taken a Bloodline Potion. Even those without bloodlines had taken Strength Potions and grown stronger.

And now, there was a single case of Bloodline Enhancement Failure: Colin Russell. A tiny stain had been placed beneath a microscope and magnified without limit.

Bill's expression turned ugly. He raised his head and said to Chal, "Idiot, didn't you hear what I said? Colin isn't feeling well today. If you want to play, I'll play with you."

"Bill Pitt, I didn't come looking for you today." Chal's expression was equally ugly as he gritted his teeth.

"Mr. Colin, just admit generously that your Bloodline Potion failed. It's not that embarrassing. After all, that potion has a ten percent chance of failure, doesn't it?" Brian stood to the side with his arms folded, watching the show with a smile. Seeing Colin embarrassed gave him nothing but pleasure.

Colin was not angry, much less did he lose his head. He had anticipated this situation long ago. Smiling, he patted Bill on the shoulder, then said to Chal, "My friend wasn't lying. I really haven't been feeling well lately. When I recover, I'll accept your challenge, Chal."

"When will your body recover?" Chal sneered.

"I'm sick. Only a doctor knows when I'll recover," Colin replied with a smile.

"I think you'll never recover." Chal burst into laughter, the meaning obvious.

Colin Russell had refused the challenge. The only answer was that Colin Russell had suffered Bloodline Enhancement Failure. Everyone knew the answer now.

The students turned their attention away and continued swinging their Training Greatswords beneath the blazing sun with meticulous focus. After Chal finished laughing, he returned to his original spot and chatted merrily with Brian, occasionally lifting his head to shoot Colin a contemptuous glance.

Colin and Bill could feel it. They had already been fringe figures in the nobles' circle, but now it seemed as though an invisible wall stood between them and the children of those nobles.

"Don't mind it." Bill looked miserable. He turned around and gently patted Colin's shoulder.

"I don't mind." Colin smiled. Then he refocused on training and diligently swung the Two-handed Greatsword in his hands, each strike cutting through the air with force.

Bill, on the other hand, kept glancing at Colin from time to time, worry written on his face.

This class ended quickly. Next was riding class, but there was a ten-minute break in between.

After class, Ms. Anna stopped Colin.

"Ms. Anna." She was very tall. Colin lowered his head slightly in respect and could see only her slender waist.

"Fate always favors those who work hard. Don't mind Chal's words," Ms. Anna said calmly.

Colin was somewhat surprised. His homeroom teacher usually seemed calm and aloof; he had not expected her to care about a student. He lowered his head even more respectfully and replied calmly, "Yes, Ms. Anna. I don't mind."

Ms. Anna frowned slightly. Was there something wrong with my tone? Did Colin think I was merely comforting him?

"I mean it, Colin. It's not that I look down on students who aren't nobles. But in my view, people like Brian and Chal, who target you out of jealousy over noble status yet dare not provoke the prominent students within noble circles, are merely beasts driven by their own emotions. They will never achieve much in their lives. But you, who work hard, will surely rise high in the future. Bloodline Enhancement Failure is not frightening. What is frightening is losing the will to strive." Ms. Anna imitated a certain excellent teacher, speaking to Colin in a gentle yet earnest tone.

"Thank you, Ms. Anna." Colin felt the deep sincerity in her words. He lowered his head even more respectfully and bowed to accept it.

"I never expected Ms. Anna to have that side to her. She usually seems so cold and intimidating."

After school, Colin and Bill walked side by side toward the academy gates. After hearing about Ms. Anna's encouragement for Colin, Bill was somewhat surprised.

"I suppose everyone has two sides," Colin said with a sigh as he recalled it.

After reaching the gates, Colin and Bill said goodbye. One went east, the other west. Colin tightened the strap of his black backpack across his chest and began calculating in his mind.

Though I calmly answered Chal's provocation, I still feel uncomfortable inside. Besides, if this continues, word will probably reach Linda and Smith.

Thinking of the brother and sister who had placed such high hopes in him, Colin immediately felt a crushing sense of urgency.

Twenty Gold Coins is simply too much starting capital. Asking me to gather such a huge sum is just making things difficult for me. My head hurts.