Chapter 81: Dueling Practice (Part-2) (1/2)

“J-Jacob…?” Leo repeats after Miss Laura in a confused tone.

Though his face is still smiling, his eyes are telling a different story… this guy is completely thunderstruck right now.

“Yes, Jacob. He will go and practice with Leena after I finish reading the List,” Miss Laura says while looking at me.

What the actual fuck is happening!? Why does Leena want to become my dueling partner!?

I mean, even an idiot can understand that it’s not because she wants to reteach me stuff. I actually try to do fairly average in the class. So, there is no way I am behind anyone.

But am I going to protest against this?

Well, no. I think it’s a great opportunity to learn why Leena seems so obsessed with me after that fireball incident…

“O-Okay, ma’am,” I reply.

“Good. Then, going on with the list. The first pair is Ryan—”

“Excuse me, Miss Laura!”

Suddenly, Leo speaks up loudly.

“Yes, what now…” she replies, looking a little frustrated now.

“I-I think Princess Leena told you the wrong name. You see, Jacob usually stands right next to me. She must have gotten our names mixed,” he says with a smile.

“Hmm? Is it true?” Miss Laura asks Leena.

“H-Hello, my name is actually Leo, not Jacob,” Leo says while waving at Leena shyly.

“Sorry, I don’t think I am mistaken. And by the way, are you from a different section? I don’t remember seeing you in this class…” Leena says with a genuine look of wonderment on her face.

“………”

Leo stares back at her, dumbstruck. His expressions are the same as that of a man who has just been slapped twice before being kicked in the balls.

Damn… that’s just brutal…

Cough

“A small misunderstanding…” Miss Laura says while coughing awkwardly.

“Anyways, let’s continue. First up, Ryan Briem and Arya Woods…”

“Wait, what!? I am with that bitch!?” Ryan exclaims in shock.

Aria, who is standing just a few meters away from us, doesn’t look much happy with this pairing as well. She even shots a glare full of loathing at Ryan, who courteously returns it back while doubling its intensity.

Well, there is nothing to be surprised by their reaction. Our relationship is really simple; We hate her for confiscating our porn in school, and she hates us for being perverts.

“… Mateo Miller and Jeremiah Dillon, Kylie Hicks and Faith Webb…”

Ignoring Ryan’s small outburst, Miss Laura continues to announce the names one-by-one.

Sigh… Poor Ryan. I hope Leo gets a better partner—

“Jacob…”

Suddenly, Leo whispers into my ear, so close that the hairs on the back of my neck straighten up with fright.

“What are you doing, man?” I ask, turning to look at him in anger.

Holy… shit…

Lifeless eyes, pale face, and a death-like depressed smile… the old Leo has returned.

“D-Don’t get upset, buddy. There is no need to think about this anymore…” I say consolingly.

“She doesn’t even… recognized my face… hahaha…” Leo says with a broken laugh.

“W-Well… eh…”

I don’t even know what to say to this. That really was too much…

“Come on, Leo! Girls are all hoes, don’t get yourself fucker over for them. They don’t deserve your attention….”

Fortunately, Ryan doesn’t make fun of Leo and even takes up the charge to cheer him up.

Phew…

“… and finally, Leo Klein and Ethan Lawson,” Miss Laura finishes.

“Okay then, get together with your partners and start practicing. The student volunteers from other races will go around and instruct all of you in the basics of dueling,” she says before dismissing us.

Slowly, students start to disperse around, trying to find their partners.

“Good luck, guys,” Ryan says to me and Leo, before moving towards Aria unenthusiastically.

“Ha… Haha… A guy… I am partnered with a guy… Haha… Life is so good…” Leo also moves away while muttering to himself in his broken voice.

“Poor guy… Anyway, I should also meet up with Leena— Aaaah!”