Traveling through the game world, starting out as a third-rate villain

If anyone asked what kind of man Morse Scott was, Maya would answer that he was a closed person.

He is a closed and introverted person who likes to live in his own world and not interfere in other people's affairs.

She would answer like this, which is something she appreciates very much.

The boy has the ability to completely ignore what others say about him, never rely on others, and never take others' kindness for granted.

Although Maya is not clear about how she is perceived by outsiders, nor does she know how many boys like her, at least she understands human nature.

When they are faced with a person of high social status, they will always ask for help, and when their relationship progresses a little, they will start to make demands.

She knew this because that was how she had lived her life.

When she was a child and her gift had just been awakened, most people would come to her and want her "help".

But she doesn't have the ability to say "no" because she was taught to be helpful since she was a child, and even now, it is difficult for her to change this.

That's why she takes it for granted that others accept her help.

When she wants to share a snack, she sees it as a favor. And she always assumes that no one will say no.

"Next, we have Morse Scott. Morse, you can begin when you are ready." Her friend Emilia said, motioning to Morse who was sitting farthest away.

If you meet him for the first time, most people would say he is a gloomy, quiet kid who even stutters in front of many people. His clothes and the hood covering his face give him this impression.

However, this impression changed instantly when Morse stood up, his demeanor cool and composed, without any emotion.

He has a confident aura that is completely different from the first impression he makes, like someone who is good at public speaking.

"Thank you, Emilia-senpai," he nodded in thanks, "and thank you all for listening today. I am Morse Scott, and I will be discussing the art of combat and how it is transformed by magic."

His voice was clear, without the slightest embarrassment. His purple eyes scanned the small crowd. Although almost everyone here was looking at him with suspicion, he did not avoid it, but looked back directly.

Maya also knew about the rumors about him. After all, many people in her class were talking about it. It was a bit strange considering that an ordinary freshman had become the topic of conversation among the sophomores. Besides, they themselves had their own difficulties in school.

Regardless, she knew about the rumors, but she didn't believe them. It didn't make any sense.

"In ancient times, combat was seen as a means of survival or conquest. With the discovery and mastery of magic, the nature of combat changed. Mana, the fundamental force of our magical world, became intertwined with the practice of combat, transforming it into an art form."

She continued to think as she listened to his speech.

If he was really that kind of person, he would be like everyone else, always trying to take advantage of himself. However, he didn't.

Instead of taking his help for granted, he would ask, why?

He looked at me with eyes that I couldn't understand, which was one of the reasons why I had some good feelings towards him.

'Why?'

As she listened to his speech, she asked herself this question.

'Why do I want to help him? Why do I want to help others?'

'Do I really want to help them?'

She herself didn't know the answer.

Why should I give him the Dreamland Plum?

"Mana adds complexity, allowing the user to tap into the invisible forces that surround us. It grants the warrior the ability to cast magic, channel energy, and create visually stunning displays. Every movement, every attack, becomes a carefully choreographed expression on the canvas of battle. The user manipulates their environment and skills to follow a structured pattern."

Is it because I want to see what he will look like in the future? Is it because I am looking forward to his reaction?

What is the reason?

'I have no idea.'

Morse's eyes remained firm as he continued his speech.

"Mana control injects style into combat. Like an artist choosing a canvas, a fighter chooses magic and techniques, creating a structured display of skill and power. Mana flows through fighters, guiding their movements and adding a sense of rhythm to the chaos of combat."

Just then, his words reminded her of the time when she taught him how to use his power. It was an exciting experience for her because she felt like she was nurturing a newborn baby.

That is a

'A thrilling experience.'

Back then, she didn't do things because someone asked her to. Even though she did it to help others at first, it was different now.

"In general," Morse concluded, "with the advent of mana, even wielding a sword can now become an art. The aesthetics that mana imparts make it an art, and those who wield it become artists."

He paused for a moment, letting his words hang in the air, then gave a slight nod of his head, signaling the end of his speech.

“Thank you for listening.”

silence!

At first, there was silence, as if in protest against him, and no one moved. Maya did not notice this because she was lost in thought.

Bang!

Then, there was applause. It was Sylvie, who looked at the people around her with obvious annoyance.

Snap! Snap!

Then, everyone started clapping, and Maya started clapping too.

'I understand now,' Maya thought, clapping her hands.

'I want to understand why he is so closed off.'

Her eyes followed Morse back to his seat.

'What made him like this? Then I can answer the questions in my mind.'

......

As the speeches ended, applause broke out, and the club members began to gather together to exchange their views and praises on each other's topics.

Among them, Mason and Sylvie became the focus of everyone's attention.

Especially Sylvie, like many people, she is not good at speaking in front of a crowd, and she shows more shyness.

The society's vice president, Emilia, a keen enthusiast of the art of "lily", interjected with an encouraging smile: "Everyone's presentations were great. This society thrives on diverse opinions and knowledge."

After she finished, she gently pushed her glasses up with her middle finger and smiled slyly. Not every speech was so inspiring, but she admitted that this platform allowed the members of the community to develop social skills in preparation.

'But it's not enough.'

As an art society, they have bigger plans. Many artistic pursuits await them, and to achieve these goals, each member needs to master the necessary skills.

'They are not ready for a true artistic journey.'

"Now, please listen to me."

As she had everyone's attention, she glanced at the plan they had made.

"Next time, we'll be looking at ancient civilizations and lost languages ​​from before the age of the Hub Fusion. We won't be focusing on the academic side of things though, we'll be exploring how art evolved and what important art movements there were during that time. We've got a special guest lined up for that event, so be sure to mark the date and attend."

Emilia looked around and noticed that the club members were nodding in agreement, a good sign that they were all excited about the upcoming event, which would explore art through a historical lens.

“Thank you for your enthusiasm,” Emilia continued, pushing up her glasses.

As the club members exchanged glances and absorbed the importance of the next activity, Emilia ended the meeting.

"That's all for today. Feel free to stay and discuss ideas or simply enjoy each other's company. Let's reunite at the next meeting with a new perspective and a thirst for knowledge about art. See you!"

As she finished her words, the members began to disperse, some discussing the speech, others talking about what they were going to do next.

Mason was among them, and he approached Sylvie with a friendly smile on his face.

"Hey, Sylvie," he began, "a few of us are planning on studying together in the library later. Do you want to join us?"

Sylvie thought for a moment, considering the suggestion. She was always a little hesitant about these kinds of gatherings, but then several other girls joined in and made encouraging comments.

"Sylvie, this is a great opportunity to connect with everyone. And we also want to get to know you better, after all, you are the only therapist in this club." said one of the girls.

"And Mason is a great helper with his studies," another girl added.

Feeling a little more relaxed, Sylvie smiled and nodded. "Of course, I'd love to. Thank you for inviting me."

Mason grinned, pleased with her acceptance. "We'll meet in the library around four. I hope to see you there."

After that, Mason left, and Sylvie began to pack her things. Because today was her first speech, she brought a lot of sample materials, but she forgot to use them.

As Mason left and Sylvie began to pack her things, she noticed the lingering gaze of those purple eyes. They were as cold as ice, emotionless but with a hint of irritation.

'Why is he looking at me again?' Sylvie thought to herself, feeling a little uncomfortable under his gaze, reminding her of her friend's words.

The thought made her blush slightly. Thanks to her friend's words, she couldn't help but start thinking about it.

she asked tentatively, a hint of shyness in her voice.

Morse maintained his cool attitude and answered her with a rhetorical question: "What's the problem?"

"You don't stare at people for no reason, do you?" Sylvie asked, trying to understand his concern.

"It depends," he answered briefly.

"What do you think?" Sylvie asked further.

"Sometimes, I just want to look at them," he replied.

Sylvie's face turned redder as she misunderstood his words, thinking he meant more than he had intended. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened as she thought he might be expressing some interest.

"Ah, that..." Sylvie stammered, trying to regain her composure. "I... I thought... I meant that maybe the person you were staring at would be uncomfortable with your gaze?"

Morse blinked, still unable to comprehend her implication. "Uncomfortable?"

'Have I been staring too long? ' he thought to himself. He was a little irritated because of Mason, and even his intentions were a little revealed.

Sylvie felt her face getting hotter and hotter. "Is... yes, like, feeling uneasy or... uncomfortable?"

Morse frowned, thinking about her words. "Are you uncomfortable being stared at?"

Sylvie nodded, feeling her embarrassment growing. "Yes... yes, some people don't like being stared at."

He pondered for a moment. "I see." He nodded. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, but if my gaze makes you uncomfortable, I will pay attention next time."

He said nothing more, but picked up his things. His speech also used a lot of sample material, but unlike her, he used it better.

"goodbye."

And just like that, he left.

Leaving behind a flustered and confused Sylvie.

"I really don't understand you at all..."