SSS Cultivation: I Can Conquer Earth's Rank System

He couldn't give a direct and plain explanation because he didn't know the extent to which Hunter had discovered his secret. Hunter might only have suspected due to his observation skills but he might not have really pointed out what Leo was hiding. So, Leo decided to play it safe for now.

"I don't understand what you mean by that sir. I took the test and got a D-rank, that's all."

"No, you didn't. I won't pester you to find out because I already know. But why did you have to fake it?" Hunter said.

A cold drop of sweat fell down Leo's forehead. Hunter Man knew it all and that was what he feared. His little secret was finally out and into the hands of one of the teachers. What was he to do?

"Fake what, Mr. Hunter?" Leo was still trying to prove innocent.

"C'mon Leo. You can't play this game like that. You know I already know," Hunter said with a smile and a clam face that Leo fell in love with at first sight. "Aside the fact that your supposed quirk is a strange one, the device scanner that I held to monitor students in case of cheating during the test, beeped as soon as you threw that blue energy at the wall. Can you explain why a device was with you at the time this happened?"

Leo tried to say something to defend himself but he found he couldn't. He has been caught butt naked and there was no clothe within a mile radius to cover himself.

"I guess you understand now that you cheated," Hunter said, smiling widely. "And in case you want to deny that as well, I have another claim against you... Just to be fair, yunno.

"You know where else I've seen this type of quirk as yours? I've seen it once when Loca last traveled to Earth, and I'm sure you know Loca. He used it to decapitate a wild man who suddenly went uncontrollable. And let me help you how he did it... He sent the man flying tens of feet in the air with the laser-like quirk before capturing him in a thick bubble with the same colour and energy.

"Now Loca was my close friend while I was on Luxus and everyone close to Loca knew that he does not possess an active quirk. But whenever the time for combat comes, he'll defeat a C-rank mutant easily with his little innovative pen-like device that he created for combat so he won't appear weak against other mutants.

"Now Leo, not only did you use the same laser-like energy like Loca's, a student was also found floating into the arena, trapped inside a thick bubble that could have been produced by Loca's invention.

"Sorry for the pun, but to bust your bubble, this same Loca was the one who recommended you to this academy through me. So, do you still have any other way to deny that you have no quirk and that you're using Loca's pen to hide this fact?

Leo Rayden, did you or did you not cheat during the quirk test at the arena? Reply now or your silence will prove that I'm right."

"Yes I cheated, if that's what you call it," Leo replied glumly. He never expected that being found out like this could have so much negative effect on his body. He was sweating profusely and almost shaking visibly before Hunter.

"I'm glad you admitted that. And have you read the school rules about cheating during the test? Do you know what punishment awaits those who break that rule, Leo?"

"No, I haven't."

"Well, I hate to break this to you, but you might get expelled if you do not have a solid defense, and I don't think you have one," Hunter Man said with a sad smile.

Leo dreaded how dire the punishment was but he figured something fishy was going on. If Hunter had indeed caught him with the device detector right during the test, why didn't he immediately report to Mrs. Black who was the test supervisor? Why is he only making Leo know that he caught him cheating in his office instead of announcing publicly?

"But why are you telling me all these in your office? If I was to be punished, why didn't you report the cheating to Mrs. Black during the test?"

Hunter was taken aback. He was expecting an apology instead of a confrontation. "Well, if you want to be punished, I'll be glad to meet your want. What say you?"

Of course, nobody in his right senses will choose such a punishment so he wouldn't opt for that. But Leo somehow was sensing that Hunter wanted something from him than his punishment.

"This man might not be as likeable as he seems," Leo thought.

"What do you want me to do, Mr. Hunter?"

"Seems you're smart after all. Well, I don't want much..."

"I don't think so," Leo interrupted. He knew he was now in a trap with little chance of escaping and that has made him a little furious with himself. How could he have played sports easily into this man's hands?

"I still insist I don't want much... First, you'll hand Loca's device to me. I will have it seized because I can't allow you go about deceiving others with such pretense..."

"But Loca gave it to me for protection. He told me to use it to avoid being bullied. You said Loca was your friend, you can ask him!"

"Yes, Loca is my friend but school rules remains school rules. Find another way to protect yourself.

Secondly, you must adhere to every instruction I give to you from now on... Don't worry, I won't burden you.

Lastly, and this is what you gain from following the second request... Since we now know you have no quirk, you have to join our little group. We can make you powerful, Leo."

"'Our little group'? You and who?" Leo asked, very confused.

"Me, and a bunch of others, that's all I can say for now," Hunter replied. "We gather quirkless students like you and make them powerful, amazing right?"

"Is that not what the academy was meant to do? Why is your little group taking charge?" Leo questioned.

Hunter suddenly became infuriated once again. He slammed his fist hard on the table and was about to spring up from his seat but suddenly stopped his rage, hitting his forehead and speaking harsh words silently.

Leo wanted to yell out to Rosa immediately but stopped as soon as he saw that Hunter was calm again.

"This man is really hiding a monster behind that gentle face," Leo thought.

"You're not supposed to argue with me, Leo," Hunter said with his head still bowed. "You really don't want to do that again. Remember the second request?"

Leo shifted where he stood and hummed a "yes".

"That's right. The academy cares about the welfare of weaklings like you, that's why this task was assigned to our little group. Follow my instructions henceforth and you can possess an active quirk more powerful than Jade Morningbolt's."

Leo didn't know what to say any longer. He was careful not to infuriate the man any further as he wasn't sure if his hidden monster has been tamed. He just hummed another "yes," and kept quiet.

"Now drop that blue pen on the table and get out. Make sure that nuthead Morningbolt girl didn't come in here again... For the agreed meeting with our little group, we'll be meeting every Saturday at the third-year school. Precise location and time will be communicated later. Now, get out."

Horrified, Leo finally moved from his glued spot and bowed slightly before walking to the door. As he made to press the button on the door, Hunter Man said again...

"Remember, Leo. This meeting must be kept secret, or else..."