Sin Slayer System : Levelling Up From C-Rank to SSS-Rank

Elric and Ernestina stepped into their classroom together, their hands finally parting as they slipped into their separate seats. The room hummed softly with early morning restlessness. Bags rustled, chairs scraped, and quiet conversations drifted through the air.

It wasn't time for break yet. The teacher hadn't arrived. Everyone was in that in-between state ;restless, waiting, whispering.

Elric sat quietly at his desk, his fingers drumming lightly against the tabletop. He felt eyes on him but kept his gaze forward, steady. He was different now, he reminded himself. He had to be.

Ernestina stole shy glances at him from her seat, her face half-hidden behind her book.

Suddenly, the door slid open.

Mabel and her squad stepped in, their presence sweeping over the room like a cold breeze. Mabel didn't even glance at Elric. She walked straight to her seat, her head held high, her expression as icy as marble. Her girls --Rosemund, Amber, and Lyra --followed like loyal shadows, taking their seats around her.

Elric felt a small knot tighten in his chest but ignored it, turning his focus to the blank board at the front.

Then ,the door opened again.

Bertinus stepped inside first, his swagger as loud as his voice. Behind him came Derrick, Delvin, Aurelius, Josiah, and Verde. They laughed as they entered, their voices echoing like thunder in the quiet room.

They looked around and spotted Elric immediately.

Bertinus was the first to move, striding confidently toward him. He slammed a hand down on Elric's desk, leaning in with a cocky grin.

"Heyyy, buddy…" Bertinus drawled. "What's up with you lately? You been quiet… distant."

Josiah came up beside him, crossing his arms. "Yeah! Talk to us, man. You're not rolling with us anymore… you just sit here with your head down. And Ernestina? Really?"

Delvin let out a snort, smirking. "Bro, that shy girl? You used to hang with us… clubs, parties, real fun. Now look at you."

Aurelius and Verde chimed in too, crowding around him, voices overlapping:

"What's your problem, man?"

"You've changed, Elric!"

"You acting like some priest now or what?"

The words came at him in waves, each one pressing against his chest.

Elric stayed quiet for a moment, staring down at his desk. The boys waited, shifting impatiently.

Finally, he looked up. His eyes were clear, unwavering.

"Hey… boys," he started, his voice low but firm. The room fell even quieter, some students turning to listen.

"It's like this," he continued, lifting his gaze to each of them in turn. "I don't want to be a bad boy anymore."

A murmur rippled through the classroom. The boys froze, eyes wide.

Elric went on, his tone calm but edged with something strong, something unshakeable.

"Only if you boys change… only if you choose to walk a straight path too… then maybe I'd come back. But right now? I want to keep my life clean. I want to stay true to myself."

Bertinus's smirk faltered. Josiah's arms slowly dropped to his sides. Delvin looked away, his jaw tightening.

For a long second, none of them spoke.

Behind them, Ernestina watched silently, her hands clasped tight on her lap, her heart pounding in her chest.

Mabel shifted in her seat, eyes flicking toward Elric, her expression unreadable.

Then, Bertinus laughed, but it was hollow, forced. "Man… you serious?"

Elric nodded, steady. "I'm serious."

He leaned back slightly, the tension easing from his shoulders as he added, "I wish you guys the best… but I'm not going back."

A heavy silence settled over them. The boys exchanged glances, some scoffing quietly, others looking almost… lost.

Finally, Bertinus slapped the desk once more, a loud crack echoing through the room. "Whatever, man," he muttered. "Suit yourself."

The group slowly drifted away, some shaking their heads, others muttering under their breath.

Elric exhaled deeply, his hands finally unclenching. He turned slightly and caught Ernestina's gaze. She gave him the tiniest nod, her eyes shining with quiet pride.

For the first time, he felt truly free. Even if it meant standing alone.

But as he looked around, he realized he wasn't truly alone after all.✋🏻