Baddie Distribution System
Chapter 65: In A Row

Chapter 65: In A Row

"Y-You mean, Mr. Deegan was your disciple?!" Shinro’s eyes widened in shock.

"Yes, that’s correct. But I am way too old to have any disciples. However, I’ll create an exception in your case. Though don’t expect much from the teaching of an old man," Manor said in a low old voice.

"That is more than enough! I appreciate your kindness!" Shinro bowed deeply, his head almost touching the ground.

"Oi, oi, you don’t need to thank me like that. You are so much like Deegan. I just hope you don’t become a degenerate like him in the future."

"Degenerate?" Shinro muttered.

"Ahem, Shinro, let me attend to other students, I will talk to you later," Old man Manor waved Shinro, who bowed and left.

Next, Riley walked forward.

"Good morning, teacher," Riley greeted with her meek voice.

"Good morning, place your hand on the orb," the old man instructed and Riley did just as he said. She placed her hand on the orb and the old man closed his eyes for a few seconds as if half-asleep before suddenly opening it with a flutter.

"What is your name, young woman?"

"R-Riley."

"Umh... this is a bit of a surprise to see another special person. You see... I am scared of your Mana pool. Who taught you how to compress it?" Old man Manor asked.

"My mom," Riley answered.

"I see... though I noticed some strange fluctuations in your Mana. It’s flowing in the opposite direction. Can you cast spells?"

"No, teacher. That restriction is because of my system. But I can cast spells with the use of this staff," Riley said and the next moment, her staff materialized in her hand. In a twist, old man Manor collected the staff and inspected it.

"I will be seizing this staff because you won’t be needing it," Old man Manor said, putting the staff aside.

"B-But sir! That is only what I can use to cast magic. If you take it away, I am as good as useless! My mom told me to always keep it close to me," Riley exclaimed, tears nearly pouring from her eyes.

"I see... However, my words still stand. You won’t be needing this staff anymore, Riley. You see, your mother was wrong for making you think your ability to cast magic is limited to this staff. This staff is too big and easy for opponents to notice that as your weak points. I am sure that’s one of the reasons you were sent to the academy. I wish someone would take you as a disciple," old man Manor stroked his beard.

"Uh, a teacher took me as their disciple."

"I see. Who is that?" Manor asked.

"Dora."

"Dora? Now that I remember, Dora is a versatile mage. I understand now why she took you as her disciple. You also have the potential to become a versatile mage. Your only weakness is that you are attached to this staff. Listen, tell Dora, I seized your staff and won’t be giving back to you again until you graduate, she will know what to do. You can leave now," Old man Shinro said.

But Riley still stood there, her face dark. That was the only staff she could use to cast magic. She tried casting with different staff in the past but she was unable to cast magic.

"I said you can leave. Tell Dora what I told you. You’ll" Manor said with a stern voice.

"Okay sir!" Riley said while tears poured from her eyes as she walked away.

’What did the old man say to Riley that made her cry like that? Even though she’s a softie, she’s not the type to cry easily. And why did he take her staff?’ Dapper wondered as he stepped forward.

"Huh... why the bloodlust, young man? Is that young woman perhaps your girlfriend?" Manor asked as Dapper approached. The old man could clearly sense the chilling bloodlust radiating from him.

’This old man... he’s a veteran for a reason. I shouldn’t release bloodlust carelessly in a world like this. He’s a menace,’ Dapper thought, sweat trailing down his face as he felt an immense and cold pressure return from the old man, whose own bloodlust now clashed with his.

"I’m sorry," Dapper apologized with a bow. Instantly, the old man withdrew his killing intent.

"Place your hand on the orb."

Dapper complied, placing his hand on the orb. It glowed faintly as Manor closed his eyes. But suddenly, his expression twisted. His eyes snapped open, and his breathing grew heavy as he stared at Dapper in disbelief.

"Oi, is this orb broken? Another special person? That makes three in a row. What’s your name, young man?" Manor asked.

"Dapper."

"Dapper... I won’t ask about your past, but tell me, why did you join the military? What is your purpose?" Manor asked with a serious tone.

Dapper hesitated, unsure why the old man was asking such a question during what was supposed to be a simple appraisal.

"I joined because I want to learn more about magic... and also, for the thrill," Dapper answered honestly.

"I see... but it bothers me. Why does a young man like you carry such a tainted aura? You’ve taken many lives. Are you an assassin? Who is your target?" Manor pressed, his gaze sharp.

Dapper’s eyes widened. A sudden chill seized him. ’This old man... I need to be careful. How did he figure it out? I only killed in my past life, not in this one. Is it my soul that’s giving it away?’ His mind raced, but he finally settled on an answer.

"You’re right, teacher. I’ve taken many lives... but that was in the past. I don’t kill for a living anymore. Still, if the need arises, I won’t hesitate," Dapper said.

Manor paused, then smiled faintly. "I see. You’re not lying. That answer was satisfactory. Sorry for pressing, I’m just concerned that someone your age carries such a deadly presence. As for your appraisal... I’ve determined you’re not suited for anything ordinary. There’s only one thing you’re built for: killing. Your Mana is so sharp it felt like it wanted to tear mine apart. Dapper, you’d make a fine battle mage. Perhaps the best. I have high hopes for you. Has anyone taken you as a disciple?" he asked.

"No," Dapper replied.

"I see... not everyone sees what I do. If you meet your system’s conditions and raise your Mana pool properly, you’ll become an exceptional student. That’s all I have to say," Manor concluded, waving Dapper off.

Dapper gave a respectful bow and stepped aside.

He walked over and stood beside Riley and Shinro.

"Why were you crying, Riley?" Dapper asked.

"He said I don’t need my staff... that being attached to it won’t help me grow. But I don’t know if I can cast magic without it. Besides, it was a gift from my mother," Riley said, her fists clenched tightly.

"It must mean a lot to you then. What about your mom?" Dapper asked.

"She’s sick... bedridden. She’s the reason I focused solely on healing magic. But even then... I still couldn’t cure her," Riley replied, her head lowered.

Dapper figured it was best not to press further, he already got the gist of her situation.

"I think he’s trying to help you, Riley. Make you stronger, so you can heal your mom one day," Dapper said. Riley gave a small nod.

He turned to Shinro, who was grinning and rubbing his palms together like a scheming child, completely oblivious to the conversation.

"Shinro, you look real excited," Dapper said.

Shinro spun around with a wide grin. "Hahaha, Dapper! I thought I was trash, worthless even but guess what? Someone finally noticed my talent!"

"The old man?"

"Yes! He wants to make me his disciple!" Shinro beamed, practically bursting with excitement.

"Congrats, man. Looks like Riley won’t be flexing on you anymore," Dapper joked, throwing an arm around Shinro’s neck.

"Hehe... what about you though? You don’t seem excited about getting a mentor," Shinro asked, his grin dimming a bit.

"Right... I’m not really into it," Dapper admitted. "Sure, it comes with perks... but Shinro, there are some things better left unsaid." He sighed. "Still, I’m happy for you and Riley. Who knows, maybe someone will notice me someday too."

After about an hour, everyone had been appraised. Most were tired and drained from standing for so long. The old men hadn’t allowed anyone to sit or even crouch.

"Okay, I’ve appraised all of you. One more thing remains," Manor finally said. "You’ll spar against each other. Magic only, no physical attacks allowed. This will help build your core as mages. Remember, we’re not combatants. One step at a time, we’ll focus on your specialty."

Everyone’s expressions instantly turned pale.

"Fufufu, lazy children. I see you’re all tired already. No worries, you’ll spar in the next class. Adios!" the old man said with a smirk before vanishing from the facility.

Moments later, a soldier marched in and ordered everyone to vacate the hall so it could be locked.