I suddenly became the villain and I liked it

The principal’s announcement of a scavenger hunt has our grade in a frenzy. All nobles and commoners of our grade were brought outside. There were some complaints from the nobles but the prince’s cooperation silenced them. The commoners were mostly silent.

“Welcome, new students. This will be a team-building exercise conducted by the school. In the future, there will be many cases where you will have to work with another person. As such, the goal of this exercise is to at least have one person who is familiar to you.”

This is not a problem for the nobles. In one way or another, we are forced from a young age to parley and meet up with others. Of course, with my situation, I did not have good experiences in that regard. However, as Melanie and my maid are here. I have at least accomplished that goal. However, commoners were a different story. There are some of them who are casual and can make friends easily but there are some who cannot and since they are not forced by tradition, they have no experience interacting with strangers.

“Your goal in this exercise is to get a proof of clearing. There are several trials that you can face. All of them are designated with several participants. Which means that if your group is lacking, you will have to find someone and if it is over, you must leave someone behind. None of these trials are dangerous nor will they endanger your lives. We have requested the assistance of some upperclassmen.”

I already knew all these. However, the game only had still images. So, I have no idea on what could happen since it is now reality for me.

“There are also some tokens spread around. You can exchange them for some minor prizes. Also, there will be some bonus grades for those who acquire the proof.”

There was an exchange afterwards but none of the items were of interest. It was mostly items that you could use as gifts or stat boosting items. Since it is no longer a game, I am not sure what exactly the items do now.

“Some of you may be thinking of cheating. Go right ahead, if anyone acquires a proof without the proper means. You will be penalized. Of course, violence towards others is not allowed. If at any point, someone tries to attack you or harm you for the proofs. Please come and report it to any faculty member.”

No violence. Hmm, if it is not reported it will be fine.

“Now, each student has been provided with a bracelet. It is a tracking device for your own protection. If anything happens to you and you wish to be rescued, please press the button.”

Essentially, a GPS tracker.

“There will be a time limit. Once the sun sets, the game end. If you have not returned by then, we will be looking for you so please do not lose your tracker. Now, you have an hour to split into teams. Use this time to introduce yourselves before starting. Of course, you are not required to have teams nor do you need to keep them. Feel free to change whenever you want.”

“Mistress, we will be one team, right?”

“Yeah. We’ll have one team.”

“Of course. The three of us will be a team.”

I look around as we wait. Melanie and Sylvia talk about the items that they have. The prince is with his boy band, some other nobles try to join their team but they are declined by the prince. Blue hair is being invited by multiple commoners but she sticks with red hair.

“Its time. I hope all of you have fun.”

The principal signals the start. We wait for a bit and we go in the direction where red hair went.

“They said this was for 6 people.”

“This one says 5 people.”

There were several faculty and upperclassmen around. They were the ones who decided how many people could participate in a game.

“Mistress, this one says 2 people.”

“Should we look for another one?”

We finally found one where we could play but we were over the limit.

“Let us look for one with 3 people.”

We searched around us but the only one they did not have were for 3 people.

“Are we just unlucky or have they been cleared already?”

“What should we do mistress? Should we look at another place?”

We decided to take a break.

 “Did you know that one of them requested a commoner and a noble?”

“Oh yeah. It was weird. Why the need to specify that?”

“There are some people out there advocating for equality between nobles and commoners. So, maybe they’re one of those people.”

“Miss Athena, what do you think?”

“About what exactly?”

“The equality between nobles and commoners.”

“Personally, that is none of my concern. The hard cold truth is that noble’s rule. If that persists, equality between nobles and commoners will not happen. Of course, people can achieve something similar but it would take something big for things to change. The current ruling power must accept those demands for any change to happen. And which side do you think the current power favors?

Melanie smiles wearily.

“But we should not be talking about this. Let us continue the hunt for a trial.”

While we were searching, I saw red hair with the principal. Blue hair is nowhere to be seen. Melanie was being accosted by an upperclassman to play their game but they only need two players.

“Melanie, Sylvia, go acquire their proof.”

“But they only need two participants, mistress.”

“Yeah. There’s three of us.”

“No need to worry. Now, listen to me and go get that proof.”

Both agreed hesitantly as I approached red hair.

“What might you be doing here?”

“Hah? What the hell do you want?”

“Mistress, hello. How may I help you?”

“Is this a trial as well, Emilia?”

“Tsk, of course the principal is one of yours.”

I smile at her.

“Yes mistress. This is a special trial known by the school.”

We were in front of a cave.

“And how many participants are allowed?”

“Only two and only a special few are allowed access to it.”

“What?”

“Only those who are qualified can see this cave. The qualifications are still unknown but you two are the only ones who have been able to see it for now. So, do you wish to try?”

Weird. This was not in the game. I have absolutely no idea what can happen. How interesting.

“I am interested, Emilia.”

“Great. However, you need two participants for this trial.”

We both look at red hair.

“Fine, fine. I’ll go with you.”

“Then, I wish you good luck.”

Red hair and I enter this special trial.