OJTTEG-Chapter 2: But I Haven't Even Enrolled (Patreon)

"Do you think we're clowns? Or do we need to bring out evidence before you'll admit your guilt!"

He can't believe someone at Bryant University would dare exploit loopholes like this.

Someone impersonated a campus board member and locked students in a warehouse for reflection, which could cause significant harm to these freshly minted adults!

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The crucial point is, this involves a sponsor's son!

This is a direct challenge to the authority of Bryant University and a personal affront to his own authority!

If he hadn't happened to pass by the warehouse and heard the cries inside, who knows how long this would have continued.

Is this something a human would do? Bristol feels like he's about to lose his mind!

"Haunter Reed!" He calls out again.

"I can hear you, sir," Haunter responds calmly.

"Do you know what you've done?"

"How much do you know?"

"You bullied him, locked him in the warehouse, and even beat him, causing a huge swelling on his calf. Besides that, you used a weapon to intimidate him."

Bristol taps his fingernails lightly on the table.

"Do you plead guilty?"

"Could you please explain the specifics of the situation? I'd like to understand." Haunter replies, "Are you sure you want to accuse me?"

"How dare you talk back!"

"I don't care what he did; there's no room for negotiation now. Megan is Mr. Olitov's son, and Mr. Olitov is one of our school's sponsors."

"I trust his character. How could a common student like you dare to do such a thing? You're really asking for trouble! I'm sure you won't graduate! I absolutely won't sign your diploma!" Bristol's harsh voice rings out.

It's undeniable that in a few sentences, he's already plastered "Megan has background" all over his face.

So, you're biased towards him, Haunter thinks, yawning as he stands.

But I don't even have a diploma to begin with. Haunter suddenly feels amused.

"Haha."

Oops, he laughed out loud.

"Bang, bang!“

”You need to be serious; this is the principal's office!"

The principal slams the table forcefully, looking extremely furious. Normally, this would intimidate most students, but oddly, today it doesn't.

To make matters worse, as he slammed the table with too much force, the principal's wig suddenly flipped over his head, covering his face.

The room falls silent, and as the principal adjusts his wig back into place, the atmosphere becomes so tense it feels like you could wring water from it.

It's just like when you're in a heated argument online, and suddenly the other person's account gets banned.

"Ahem." The chubby Megan quickly covers up the situation with a cough.

Bristol's expression grows even darker. Unable to lash out at Megan, he directs all his frustration towards Haunter.

His gaze locks onto Haunter, who, after a glance, appears deep in thought, much like a student working through a math problem.

Look at this unflappable guy; he's probably calculating how much of my head is actually bald!

"Pfft," Haunter suddenly chuckles, "I didn't laugh, Mediterranean." The word "Mediterranean" is said quietly.

"What did you say?" The principal's face darkens.

Haunter immediately becomes serious. "Sorry, I was wrong."

"Really, who would laugh at your...?"

"What?"

"Medi—ter—ranean." This time, he says it loudly enough; the mistake was speaking too softly.

"You brat!"

Why is this student so calm, as if he doesn't care about the principal's authority at all? If it were any other ordinary student... those poor kids would have practically been on their knees by now!

Like to be cheeky? Let's see how long you can keep that attitude.

"Wait here for a moment while I find out who admitted you in the first place." He starts calling various departments, seemingly planning to gather everyone involved.

"You're doomed, you know that!" Megan, the chubby kid, sits beside the principal's desk, exuding a sense of borrowed authority.

What’s there to fear? Just confront you directly and be done with it. Am I supposed to be scared of you?

Haunter closes his eyes. Given the situation, he decides to let his eyes relax for a moment.

……

Bryant University is located in a small city at the northernmost part of the Arkham Federation, named after its first principal. Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash a few years ago, and now Bristol serves as the principal. The school's standout feature is its exceptional basketball team, often seen in their yellow jerseys on the city championship podium, which brings in a substantial amount of sponsorship funding.

What do they do with the extra funds? Besides some insignificant sculptures, they invest in infrastructure. To put it plainly, Bryant University's library holds more books than the city's public library.

To better understand the mysteries of the world, Haunter sneaks into Bryant University. Rumor has it that the library contains some leftover books about mysterious creatures. Haunter would have loved to enter legitimately, but aside from academic performance, the tuition fees are astronomical, and the orphanage's support only lasts until graduation at adulthood.

Should he work first to earn money or sneak into college to study? Haunter unhesitatingly chooses the latter.

"Mr. Haunter, you've reached the legal working age. Our orphanage policy states that if you cannot afford further education, you should seek employment," the orphanage director's words still echo in his ears. Now, he has to rely on himself.

No way am I working; it's impossible. Besides, I don't actually need to complete four years here. All I need is knowledge related to the mysterious.

"Why don't you lick my shoe, you filthy creature... Wait, I don't think I've ever seen you before?"

Haunter hasn't been at the school for half a day before some trouble finds him. He's at the warehouse behind the school, a place he usually sneaks through the back door to return to the orphanage unnoticed. But today seems to be different.

Megan Slate, a notorious troublemaker, uses his status as the son of a board member to bully others. He enjoys picking on students who may look good but come from humble backgrounds. At this school, not only do you need excellent grades, but you also need enough wealth to afford the tuition. However, if you pay a little extra, exceptions can be made.

This kind of situation isn't rare; Haunter just happened to be picked this time. It's ridiculous how immature some people remain even after reaching adulthood.

"What are you looking at?"

As Haunter is deep in thought, the chubby kid suddenly kicks him in the shin.