The Declaration of Power

Dropping out.

In this world, dropping out isn’t anything unusual.

Unlike Korea, education here isn’t mandatory—it’s a choice. And leaving is just another choice.

In fact, many of the people who later became famous either never attended the academy or dropped out midway.

But that only applies to ordinary academies.

“…Do you even understand what that means?”

The principal adjusted his glasses, clearly displeased.

Seeing that reaction, I almost wanted to laugh.

He was enjoying this.

The principal was born a commoner.

Because of that, he always carried an inferiority complex toward nobles who had everything from birth.

And Raon—an incompetent noble—was the perfect target for that resentment.

Even if he had entered with support from the Rigbelto family, it didn’t change anything.

The principal had struggled his entire life to rise in status, while Raon was praised simply for his bloodline despite being useless.

He accepted Raon into the academy for money and reputation.

But I, having played Raon for so long, could easily read his emotions.

Originally, he shouldn’t have even been able to act like this.

But thanks to the silent approval of Raon’s siblings—who wanted to eliminate an incompetent heir—he could subtly look down on me.

“If I’m quitting, then I’m quitting. Does it need some special meaning?”

“…Ha.”

The principal shook his head as if he expected that answer.

“Arbak Academy is one of the most prestigious academies on the continent. Dropping out means you are not at its level. It means announcing to everyone that your level is low.”

Wasn’t he embarrassed saying that out loud?

Well, someone obsessed with power wouldn’t care.

“So let’s pretend I didn’t hear that—”

“There’s one more thing.”

“…?”

The principal looked at me, confused.

I hesitated for a moment.

Does this fit Raon’s character?

Raon is incompetent. Acting accordingly would make sense.

But.

If I keep this up, I won’t be able to drop out.

Which is more efficient?

To take the risk and drop out, even if it means exposing that I’m not the real Raon?

Or to bow my head and stay?

Even if there’s risk, dropping out is the right choice.

I’ve always been someone who can take risks if the reward is worth it.

If I were cautious, I wouldn’t have gambled in the back alley in the first place.

The risk isn’t that big.

Raon may be incompetent, but that doesn’t mean he’s timid.

Deep down, he’s broken—but what he shows others is arrogance.

I’ll use that.

“The academy’s level… doesn’t match mine.”

“What are you—”

“It could also mean the academy’s level is too low for me.”

“…!!”

The principal’s eyes widened.

No one had ever said something like that to him before.

At least—not someone like Raon.

“Do you think that makes any sense?”

He let out a dry laugh.

“Not at the academy’s level?”

His eyes were full of mockery.

“If Lady Helena said that, I would accept it and revise the curriculum. She has proven her strength and earned that right. But you are different. You have proven nothing.”

He stood up and looked down at me.

Even though Raon was smaller than most nobles his age, the principal’s trained body made him imposing.

“That’s not a suggestion. It’s just a complaint. This academy exists to nurture outstanding students. Your complaint is not something I can accept.”

…

Helena watched silently, as if observing my reaction.

Fine. It doesn’t matter.

The old Raon would have lashed out—but ultimately backed down.

But I’m different.

“Principal.”

“What is it?”

“I’m not speaking as a student.”

I met his eyes directly.

“I’m informing you as a direct member of the Rigbelto family.”

“…!”

“Contact my family.”

I spoke calmly, yet arrogantly.

“They won’t refuse my withdrawal.”

If anything, they’d welcome it.

A chance to get rid of something useless—why would they refuse?

The principal clenched his teeth in humiliation.

But once I removed the “student” position, there was nothing he could do.

&

“Permission… has been granted.”

“Good.”

The principal handed over a letter from the family.

I opened it.

The message was written in red ink.

“We won’t stop your withdrawal. But remember the promise you made before entering the academy.”

A clear threat.

But.

As expected.

Raon smiled inwardly.

Raon Rigbelto had always wanted to escape his suffocating family.

But few places could handle him—and the academy was one of them.

So his siblings gave him a condition.

“Prove your worth.”

Prove that you deserve the name Rigbelto.

But Raon had proven nothing.

If he returned like this, he’d lose his status.

In other words—he’d die.

But.

Proving himself?

That’s the one thing he’s good at.

“How long will the withdrawal take?”

“…At least a week.”

“Finish it in three days.”

I had never dropped out before.

Not in real life, and not in the game.

But I knew how the system worked.

Three days is enough.

Normally, it would take a week due to political complications.

But that problem was already solved.

The family had given permission.

The principal knew that too.

“…That’s impossible. This isn’t something decided by your words—”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

I cut him off sharply.

“I am.”

My faded eyes gleamed coldly.

“A direct member of the Rigbelto family. This is an order.”

My head tilted slightly.

“Or…”

I lowered my voice.

“Do you want to lose your position as principal?”

“…!!”

His eyes widened. His body trembled.

He knew.

Arbak Academy was filled with nobles—corruption was inevitable.

If exposed, he would lose everything.

He had misjudged Raon all this time.

This wasn’t incompetence.

This was…

The level of a family head.

His head slowly lowered.

I turned away coldly.

The chains clinked loudly as I walked.

Helena, who had been watching everything, spoke.

“You’ve changed a lot, Raon Rigbelto.”

…

“Did you gain something in the back alley?”

There was no suspicion in her voice yet—only curiosity.

I thought quickly.

“…I just gained certainty.”

“…?”

“That I’m not incompetent.”

That was enough.

I turned and walked away.

To the principal, my small back must have looked enormous.

If this change was real…

Everything would be different.

“I’ll take my leave as well.”

“Lady Helena, wait—”

She ignored him and followed me.

So it wasn’t hidden power, but realization.

That made it more exciting.

Her heart pounded.

Show me.

Your potential.

How strong you can become.

She wanted to befriend strength—even if it became her rival.

&

“Young master! Did you really say it?!”

As soon as I stepped out, Abella rushed over.

“…Yes.”

“Even so… dropping out is a bit…”

“Be quiet.”

She clung to me, but I ignored her and kept walking.

“…Where are you going? This isn’t the dormitory.”

“The library.”

“The library? Why?”

“Do I need to explain everything to you?”

“…No…”

She lowered her head, dejected.

But still didn’t let go.

As we entered the corridor, a few students turned toward us.

Clink. Clink.

The sound of chains drew their attention.

“…That’s Raon Rigbelto.”

“The infamous incompetent mage…”

“Shh. Don’t let him hear. He’s prideful despite having no ability.”

Mages take pride in controlling mana.

So naturally, they look down on someone like Raon, who cannot.

The old Raon would have lashed out.

But that’s inefficient.

I ignored them.

They weren’t worth my time.

After all, I’ve heard far worse online.

So don’t cry, Raon.

I’ll make you happy.

“Ugh… how dare they…”

Abella gritted her teeth in anger.

Why are you the one getting mad?

She wanted to step in but held herself back for my sake.

…Honestly, maybe Raon turning her into an assassin wasn’t entirely his fault.

She was that loyal.

But that doesn’t matter right now.

What matters is the library.

I need to confirm whether the world’s settings match what I remember.

If they don’t…

Then everything could fall apart.

I need to prepare for anything.

Boom.

Suddenly, the ground shook.

I frowned.

…Don’t tell me he’s here too.

A massive figure over two meters tall.

A familiar character from countless PVP matches.

Philip Oscula.

Another playable character.

“Raon Rigbelto.”

He looked down at me with disgust.

“Why are you here?”