Chapter 39: Prefect

Ray was defeated, but no one from class two came back to reclaim the time slot belonging to class eight. After all, it was his own solitary action, so, to the rest of the class other than his close friends just disregarded him. In the history of Garden College, there were very few cases of the lowest class beating one of the top classes, and the first for someone with such a low level of energy to fight and win. And so, because of this incident, many people engraved the name Fang into their hearts, keeping him in mind as one of the people to avoid provoking.

As well, Fang became a hero to class eight – his classmates often greeted him in the halls, and two girls even confessed their love, but Fang politely refused.

However, Fang didn’t stay complacent; he still practiced hard in the weekdays and headed back to Valeria’s home for the weekends to take an energy bath and partake in some practice combat.

Time passed by busily, and without knowing it, Fang soon reached the threshold into the 3rd intermediate rank.

It had already been five weeks into the semester, when on a Monday morning, the teacher of class eight, Hershal, appeared. “Today, we’ll have to discuss and decide on something important. A month had gone by, and all of you should at least know your fellow classmates, perhaps even be close friends with some. Nonetheless, regardless of whom you know, we need a leader for this class. A person who can be a model for everyone, and pull the entire class into a solid group. So, we’ll elect a prefect right now!”

Prefect?

Suddenly, the lethargic class broke out into whispers, when Hershal waved and motioned for silence. “The prefect will be elected in the form of a vote from the entire class. But choose wisely – the prefect for our class will effectively act as the representative, they must be able, capable, responsible, and charismatic. Therefore, take this seriously and don’t vote for your friends, instead, vote for the most suitable candidate. You have ten minutes for discussion, then I will call for the votes.”

Until the ten minutes were up, the class chatted furiously.

“Time’s up! The vote will start off by student number, starting from number one. Anyone can be a candidate from the class, but the person with the highest number of votes will be elected the prefect of class eight. If you wish to promote a candidate, don’t hesitate and express your idea while it’s your turn to talk.”

Number one was Tom, and he immediately stood up. “Teacher Hershal, my vote is for Fang. It’s well known by now that not so long ago, our class got into a disagreement with someone from class two because they occupied the training grounds. Unable to stand the arrogance they put out, I tried to fight him, but it ended with me on the ground, insulted, when Fang came. When everyone was too scared to move, Fang stepped forwards and challenged that bastard. For someone in our class to beat a person from one of the top classes, I don’t doubt at all that he’s the most powerful person in class eight. But the best quality he has is how humble he is; even with all that power, he doesn’t hesitate to treat his classmates fairly and kindly. With his popularity, there’s no better option than Fang for the prefect of class eight!”

Fang was a bit surprised, because he had never thought that he’d be nominated for the position.

“Very well,” Hershal nodded with satisfaction. “Hopefully, other students, like Tom, will explain why they cast their vote.”

The second student got up. “My vote is also for Fang. While Tom is also good for this position, I think that Fang would be the best fit, and Tom had already explained the reasons why.”

One by one, numbers were called out, and the students of class eight expressed their opinions. Surprisingly, the votes were uniformly the same: for Fang. It was not as shocking as Fang might have thought, without knowing it, he had gained widespread popularity after fighting Ray. Actually, Tom was also very popular, but seeing how strong Fang was, it was unanimously thought that he should represent the class.

After Blue, Fang was the only one that hadn’t voted – the result was obvious.

At last, Fang rose from his seat. “I think Tom would have been just as good of a candidate, but it seems that I’ll try and represent class eight the best I can.”

“Oh, you don’t have to be modest, Fang, you’ll be welcomed by all – come to the front.” Hershal was also smiling; he had naturally heard of what happened. And he was proud, very proud of this class now, the Dean wasn’t lying when he said that the best talent in the entire place was in Hershal’s class.

Fang headed to the podium, and Hershal took out a badge, earnestly handing it to him. “This is the emblem indicating that you are the respective of class eight; let us hope that with your leadership, you’ll lead the class standing to a higher level!”

Enthusiastic applause and cheering filled the area as Fang took the heavy emblem, and pinned it on his clothes. With the weight of class eight on his shoulders, he walked back to his seat.

Blue put out an elbow and nudged Fang. “Hey, great hero, it seems that you’re now the prefect. You won’t look down on us like nobodies, right?”

Dazed, Fang asked, “Blue, what do you mean? Am I like that?”

Blue sighed deeply, pretending to be sad. “From now on, you’re an important public figure that everyone knows; it feels like you’re no longer my roommate!”

For a moment, Fang froze, then burst out in laughter. “Blue, you can rest assured that I’ll always be the roommate that you know, no one can take me away from you.”

Blue’s body twitched, and slightly became flushed, but she soon calmed down, and gave Fang a harsh look. “I was just joking. Who wants you, that’s disgusting, I certainly don’t!”

Fang glanced at Blue again, was his roommate really a guy? He sounded jealous like a girl…

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As the prefect of class eight, Fang’s day became even busier. Other than the daily training he still adhered to, he also had to process some of the affairs involving his classmates. In addition to all of that, he occasionally helped people that encountered problems with developing their energy – a glimpse into a different approach solved some of the problems. Steadily, Fang rose further in popularity with his fellow students.

Although it wasn’t his obligation to perform all of these things as a prefect, Fang diligently worked to improve the situation that the weakest class in the college was in.

On a Saturday afternoon in the same week, Fang visited and dropped off the planned budget of class eight for the year in the main school office. He started to walk back through the halls back to his room when he encountered a certain man.

A handsome guy, wearing an emblem, strolled in the opposite direction.

This wasn’t the first time Fang saw him, after all, they were both prefects. Known as William, the prefect was in charge of class two. Though due to the incident between the classes they weren’t exactly friendly, the extent of the hostilities ended at ignoring each other.

However, William intentionally stopped in front of Fang, blocking his way. “Congratulations, by using Ray as a stepping stone, you became a prefect.”

His tone was sarcastic, seemingly mocking Fang.

“Don’t get carried away, and know your place. Two months later, the city’s chamber of commerce will sponsor a school-wide competition, where a representative from each class would come and attend. I hope that you’ll come, so that I can give you some kind pointers from Ray.”

While speaking, he released his aura, and a screeching sound accompanied by a light golden glow came forth.

Metal property!

Fang couldn’t help but be impressed, even as William clearly declared himself as an enemy. Races other than dwarves couldn’t express attributes early on, the only exception being if their body was special – it seemed like William had such a specialization. And he had already reached a 6th grade intermediate, judging by the thickness of his energy. No wonder he was the prefect of class two.