Surviving as the Second Main Lead: Second Lead's POV

Since Horas had been the one to write this novel, he had thought he had no way to be surprised by it anymore. But ultimately, that turned out not to be the case.

The world he had created had been shallow and he had no focus on world-building much as he had focused on character-building since that was the trend then. But despite that, Horas did have a mental image in his mind when he created this world.

He had thought of a mix of modern and current times when he had created the academy. He had thought of large machines embased on concrete walls and pre-fabricated structures.

And of course, he had not thought of any of the structural implications or how it was even possible at that time. He had been rather native and only learned of his world design flaws once he had studied architecture for real.

So naturally, now that this world had become a reality, it had to be completely different from his imagination in the past.

Everything he took in was new to him and it inspired him more and more. He was sure this world’s architecture would have a lot of practical implications in the real world. Now, if only Horas could understand it…

He was sure that he would be able to create a marvel once he returned to the real world.

…………..

Principal Marbel, who had been observing the kid behind her chuckled. The kid looked too serious as he observed the world around him. Since the kid was only five years old, she was sure that Horas Spencer was having the time of his life.

Even the adults who visited the Esper’s academy for gifted felt shocked when they first stepped in there. The school was too different from the ‘normal’ world after all.

‘I feel sorry for this kid who got abandoned here. I wish I could do something for him.’

But the truth of the matter was, Principal Marbel’s hands were bound as well. She was a slave to the current system and she could not make an exception for a child.

If he was to be a part of this academy, then he would have to become a student. There was a law that had been established to make sure no one abused the system. But no one had ever thought to make a law that states an age limit for a cadet.

“Hoars Spencer, get ready to take a new step in your life. From today onwards, you will become a student in our academy.”

The Principal took Horas through a corridor he had written about a thousand times but had yet to think about how it looked. She was trying not to think about what she was about to do so that she would not feel guilty about her future doings.

“Principal, what are you-”

The technical operator noticed the Principal heading inside as soon as she did. The Principal motioned for her to stand down and gestured toward the kid following behind her.

Principal Marble tried not to show how impressed she was with the kid and his conduct. Even adults found it hard to contain their excitement and asked questions. But this kid was too quiet.

And dare the Principal even say it - observant. His eyes were moving over eye thing but her teacher’s institution told her that the kid was trying to understand everything he saw.

“Mark, this kid here needs a system controller. He will be a new student in our academy.”

Finally, Horas looked up from the machines he had been observing and his eyes showed wonder and wariness. He understood what was going on.

“A kid? Principal? I knew we liked to take in young to groom but isn’t this a little too young? I’m sure there is a law or something that stops us from doing this?”

Mark, the person Principal Marble had called up exclaimed. Despite his protest, he started up the machine and even pulled up a compatibility program.

“This is a special case so keep your mouth shut about it. I will be taking Horas as a personal student of mine.”

Horas looked even more shocked than before at her exclamation and he tried to subtle make his way out. Not that he got very far since the room was locked.

Mark whistled as he noticed this small chase and he called Horas over to him. The kid looked resigned to his fate as he hurried over to the machine. Principal Marbel could have sworn that the kid cursed under his breath as well.

‘I guess I am getting too old. My ears have begun to ring now.’

Principal Marbel watched as the kid was marked by the system and then scanned all over. It took a full day to get a kid this young registered but things were finally finished in the evening.

…………..

Horas cursed his writing for the fifth time that day. The process to get fully registered was too long but it was only done for special cases.

As far as he knew, the only one who had been made to do ridiculous tasks for data recording had been the main character. And it was because of his ‘higher than normal’ stats and acquiring first place.

Then why was Horas being made to go through the same regimen as a five-year-old?

“You are doing well kid. Just five minutes more to go and you can stop running.”

Horas pushed his small legs as far as he could but his energy was spent. He collapsed on the treadmill and it stopped instantly. His legs were protesting against standing up and Horas let them go.

He felt like he would die if he stood up now.

“Wow kid, you did great. Have you been trained before?”

Mark, the devil from hell, asked this question as he looked over the data he had collected. Horas would have given him the middle finger if he had the energy to do so.

“So, how did the kid do? Do we need to run more tests on him?”

Principal Marbel finally made her appearance on the scene with a rather blank expression. She was threatening Horas an academy cadet and for all the wrong reasons.

“Well, he’s under average according to our data but that’s to be given since all our stats belong to people above the age of thirteen. So in total, I have no idea how the kid did.”

Mark, like the devil he was, decided that Horas had not had enough and gave the most confusing answer ever. Principal Marbel looked worried for Horas but he would rather have water than concern at this moment.

“So, we have no idea what class to put him in? What about the basic missions? Can we get him started on them?”

Horas felt alarmed buzzing inside his mind. He was five years old and these people were already talking about missions and dungeons? He was not going to survive if he went in one like he was.

“Ughhh-”

Horas tried to voice his opinion but even his throat felt tired and hurt. Just what kind of mess had he gotten himself into?

“Principal, I don’t think we can put a five-year-old on a mission anyway. But on a happier note, I did finish the system for the kid so he can choose his weapon next. From his data, it doesn’t seem like he’ll build a lot of muscles so he should consider his weapon to be something light.”

Horas had tuned out listening to Mark at that point. He did not care much for weapons since he already knew what suited his body.

As the writer, Horas had given the second main lead a sword-type weapon which people called ‘cool’ at that time. It was also a direct comparison to the main character who also used a sword.

But Horas had no intention of using a sword. Not because he did not want to compete with the main character, but because he did not want to fight in close quarters.

‘I also want something easy to use. Maybe a gun or something would be good.’

The Gun was not a tactical weapon in the dungeon which had a lot of obstacles. Mainly, bows and other long-range projectiles were used instead of guns due to the compatibility of magic with them.

Often, metals were unable to conduct mana as well as natural materials so anything made up of metal was ill-advised.

“I see. Then, I will take the kid to choose his weapon next. I am sure he will find one that matches him quite well. Horas, hurry up after me and-”

Horas tried to stand but his head decided to spin round and round. It was even difficult to keep track of where he was and the ground came near his face at an alarming speed.

Before he knew it, his face was plastered into the ground in front of him and Horas’s vision was going in and out of focus.

“What happened? Is the kid alright? Mark, I thought this procedure was safe for everyone and that was why we used it. Is there some kind of fault with the machine? Do we need to change the mechanism?”

Principal Marbel’s voice seemed to be coming out in a shocked manner but Horas’s brain decided it needed a break.

…………..

Principal Marble tried not to cry out in shock as the kid fainted in front of her. Never had she seen this happen in her long carrier as the Principal and she was afraid of what it meant.

Had something gone wrong with the testing? Did she need to change the equipment? How much would it cost overall?

“Principal, I think you should take the kid to the school nurse before you have a panic attack. I think the exam ended up being too physically taxing for a five-year-old.”

Mark was the voice of reason in all this panic as he looked at the exhausted kid. The kid seemed to have fallen asleep more than anything else to him.

“Right, the doctor. I forgot all about it with my panic. So, does that mean there is nothing wrong with the equipment we are currently using? I will not have to replace it all, right?”

Principal Marbel had her own set of worries which made Mark concerned about the future of this institution. It was a wealthy place but the expenses it bore were too much.

“Yeah, there is nothing wrong with the equipment, just with the child. Now, why don’t you allow me to take over the kid’s education and development? I can see that you have too much on your plate right now.”

Mark was not a ‘parent’ type of guy. In fact, he was too young to be a parent since he was only 21 years old. But even he could see that he would be a better fit to look after the kid than Principal Marbel.

Besides, top-ranked Guild masters lacked common sense and often had a twisted sense of morality. Mark felt sorry for anyone who had to grow up with them as their guardians.

“Alright, I can see the point in your words. You can take over as the guardian for the kid temporarily but make sure he learns everything he needs to. I will leave his development in your hand.”

Principal Marbel left after saying those words and Mark looked at the unconscious kid in his arms.

He had no idea what he was getting into but he knew he had just saved a kid’s life.

“You better be grateful to me later kid. You have no idea what kind of sacrifices I have made for your sake already.”