Sss level Talent :The Infinite Hivecurse

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Does Ethan Even Need Me to Carry Him?



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The scene shifts back to Fairwind, who had just been ambushed earlier by Ethan. Emotions still lingered, but he had no time to reflect—the school announcement had already shaken up the student community.

The principal of No. 3 Middle School had just declared that all newcomers in Ravenshade City would be ranked within the week. The results would then be shared with mentors to determine the final distribution of resources.

But why did the leveling-up session end so early on the first day? The instructors explained: the principal had been attacked the entire night and remained unconscious for a full day. That's why he hadn't returned home and the schedule had shifted.

Now that everyone knew about the ranking system, Fairwind noticed the chat group had exploded with heated arguments.

> "Why is the resource distribution now based on individual rankings? That's completely unfair!"

> "Yeah! Are we just going to be abandoned at the bottom?"

> "If we can't get the proper resources, how are we supposed to survive leveling up? It's too dangerous out there."

> "You're all being dramatic. Trash doesn't deserve resources."

> "Oh? Then how high have you leveled up, genius? Tell us!"

> "I'm already at Level 3, nearly Level 4. So what?"

> "Hah, some people here already reached Level 5! And you're bragging about being Level 3?"

> "Still higher than you, losers!"

> "Enough already. Can we focus on how to level up efficiently next week instead of arguing?"

Fairwind stayed silent while everyone bickered in the chat.

But soon, the flames of blame turned toward him.

> "You know what's fishy? Other schools knew about this last night. Why did we only find out today?"

> "I bet Fairwind, Ethan, and Lily Winters already knew! That's why they didn't level with us today."

> "Yeah, especially Fairwind and Ethan. Aren't they close? I bet this was all planned."

> "Even if they knew, would they even bother helping the rest of us?"

> "Fairwind is the son of Ravenshade's City Lord, and Ethan is the principal's grandson. Of course, they got the info first and kept it to themselves!"

The chat became toxic quickly. Even the girls who had flirted with Fairwind the night before by sending him glam selfies were now badmouthing him.

Some even added:

> "They clearly left us behind so they could power up secretly and then shock everyone later."

Suddenly, an instructor entered the chat and tried to cool things down.

> "Do you all even know what you're talking about?"

> "Today was just a guided practice day. Your instructors were with you to help. Starting tomorrow, you'll be on your own."

> "The principal asked us to delay sharing this info because he didn't want you rushing recklessly and getting hurt. That's why we waited."

> "Or maybe you're just mad because you were lazy today and now regret it?"

Despite the explanation, some students were still upset.

> "Instructor, don't we have a right to be upset?"

> "We're cautious because we didn't get the resources we expected!"

> "Fairwind blocked us from his messages last night. Now we know it's because he and Ethan were planning their big power boost!"

Fairwind stared at his phone, annoyed. He had entered the group hoping to find a little emotional support, maybe some understanding.

Instead, all he found was pettiness, blame, and betrayal.

The same students who used to joke with him and flatter him now showed their true colors the moment resources were involved.

He shook his head bitterly. "Looks like I wasn't wrong to trust Ethan more than them," he muttered.

These people had begged him for help just the day before, practically on their knees. But Ethan? Ethan didn't beg. Even when Fairwind offered to help him level up, Ethan refused politely and went on his own.

That's the difference. That's the gap in character.

Fairwind felt so disgusted he wanted to quit the group entirely. But before doing that, he needed to clear his name.

He took a screenshot of his current level and combat power, then posted it with a message:

> "I just found out about the changes today. And Ethan didn't even level with me."

Not satisfied, he added another message.

He posted Ethan's level and combat power stats, along with:

> "These two screenshots are Ethan's. Do you really think someone like him needs me to carry him?"

And with that final message, Fairwind exited the group.

"What a bunch of fools," he muttered.

He leaned back and tried to calm himself. The gossip, the jealousy—it all disgusted him.

He turned to his instructor and asked for more details about the new personal ranking system.

The instructor explained clearly:

> In one week, students across Ravenshade would be ranked based on talent, level, and overall combat power.

Resource allocations would depend entirely on these rankings.

And the student who came first would get a special reward.

Fairwind didn't care too much about the prize.

But when he heard "first place in Ravenshade City", something stirred in him.

That was no ordinary title.

It meant being the strongest of all new-generation warriors in the entire city.

He smiled.

Coincidentally, the bet he made with Ethan was also set to resolve in a week. They hadn't officially agreed on what the wager was… But between men, sometimes just knowing who's better was reward enough.

Fairwind took a deep breath.

"How can I beat Ethan?"

He wasn't used to thinking this hard. For a few minutes, he sat still, mind blank, trying to figure out a plan.

Out of habit, he picked up his game controller and turned on a console. But this time, something felt off. He couldn't enjoy it.

Not even five minutes in, he powered it down.

He remembered the sensation of real combat from earlier—the raw danger, the blood, the thrill. No game could compete with that.

The sword swings, the monster roars, the near-death experiences…

They were real. They mattered.

His usual video games now felt dull and lifeless.

Fairwind tossed the controller aside.

For the first time in years, he didn't look up video game guides.

Instead, he searched for dungeon strategies near Ravenshade.

A few minutes passed.

He sighed.

"Too much information… headache. I'll figure it out tomorrow."

Still, something inside him had changed.

The games that once consumed his time now felt like child's play.

Real challenges awaited.

And this time, he wasn't going to be left behind.

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End of Chapter 22

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