The Rise of the Masochistic hero 03

Chapter 3


         My protective barrier was depleting with each passing second. The barrier would disappear in a few seconds, and then, I would be injured a lot. I certainly didn't want to let that happen.
- Are you still saying your boyfriend is a marksman, Amanda? - I called out to the girl.
- What are you talking about, asshole? - The girl flared up. - You can't even attack, only defend yourself while a real man attacks you!
- Maybe I just don't want to attack.
- So you're a coward, Arthur? - Amanda laughed contemptuously. - You're a pathetic coward. You're nothing but filth. I can't even bear to look at you!
         Amanda's humiliation was hitting the target, but it still wasn't enough. The mana was replenishing too slowly, only delaying the moment when my defense barrier would break.
- Are you saying I'm not worthy of being gifted? You wouldn't accept my helping hand if you were in mortal danger?
- Stop talking! - Greg was angry, increasing the pressure of the icy barrage, but I'd already gotten the point across to his girlfriend.
         Amanda even blushed with anger. She sprinted to the edge of the field and spat at me.
- I wouldn't even wipe my feet on you! You're worse than dirt on my soles, do you hear me? You're more disgusting than dirt! You're just trash! You're worse than the shit in my toilet!
         Amanda hurled insults at my dignity, my skills, my whole life, and this time, the effect was stunning. In front of the audience, my magical barrier began to take on color... like a soap bubble.
         The purple soap bubble was rapidly inflating, strengthening, and there was no doubt that I would have enough mana for the rest of the battle. Moreover, I could attack! With a smirk, I took a step towards Greg.
         Greg was no fool. He saw what was happening and shouted in panic:
- Amanda, shut up! You're in my way!
- I'm stopping you from defeating this pathetic scumbag?
- Stop insulting him! - Greg panicked as I took a few steps away. Greg's mana has already decreased and he has to defend himself against me......
- Why can't I insult that asshole? - Amanda said angrily. - I want to call him names, because he's nothing!
- Because you're making him stronger, stupid!
- Stronger...?
         Amanda froze in amazement, and her friend standing next to her whispered something in her ear. Amanda's eyes widened in fright and she clamped her hand over her mouth, but it was too late.
         As I got close to Greg, I channeled my will and inflated the magic shield even more. I didn't even use magic projectiles! I simply directed a wall of purple barrier at Greg, toppling him onto his back, and then, with the same barrier, pressed down on his chest, pinning him to the ground.
- Do you give up? - I asked cheerfully.
- You... You cheated! - he shrieked.
- Why? Did I ask your girlfriend to charge me with mana? - I asked mockingly.
- She just didn't know, because she.... - Sighing heavily, Greg nodded doomfully. - Okay, you're right. I give up.
         Amanda was still shouting something from her seat, but we were done fighting. I gave Greg a hand to help him up, and he clapped me on the shoulder approvingly.
- You're a great fighter, Arthur. I never would have guessed. So you're an emotion mage?
- I guess so, - I shrugged. I was still having a hard time with the terms.
- You'll have a hard time replenishing your mana with humiliation.
- Don't worry, I can handle it, - I assured my opponent.
         We shook hands and walked to the edge of the field, making way for the next pair of fighters. I watched with interest as the other contenders fought. The mood was just fine, but that changed when I noticed a muscular man in a black suit lurking behind the guys.
         The Baroness's man was watching me intently, which meant he'd seen the fight. His mana reserves are disproportionately larger than mine, and his skills must be perfectly honed. How do I deal with this threat? Even now, while he's only one, I won't risk a battle.
- Are you going to participate in the preliminaries tomorrow? - I heard a voice behind me.
         It was Agatha. The quiet girl. She was very modest, quiet, inconspicuous. Even her clothes matched Agatha's character: wide pants, a baggy sweater, and a hood hiding her hair. No one knew what kind of figure was hiding under the clothes. However, because of Agatha's behavior, no one was really interested.
- Why would I do that? You know what my problem is, - I admitted.
         Agatha sat down on the ground next to me and stared at the fighting contenders. One day, I consulted Agatha about books. She gave me a couple of textbooks, thanks to which I learned the simplest spells.
- About your credential problem. I've been reading up on the Academy's admissions policy, and I have some good news. You can be accepted without papers.
- Really? - I turned to her in amazement. - Are you sure about that?
- There's a chance, but it's a small one. I didn't want to offer you because I thought you were weak, - Agatha admitted quietly. - To get a guaranteed place, your gift must be at least C rank. That way, they'll overlook the problems with your origins.
         Rank 'C'... Is that a lot or a little? Agatha's news completely changed my worldview. If I manage to get into the Academy, I will be protected from any persecution for the duration of my studies. That's the law. I never thought I could try this!
- You read a lot about magic. Agatha, do you think I can reach the "C" rank?
- I think you can reach "B" if you try hard enough. The convex magic barrier looked very impressive, - the quiet girl assured me. - Anyway, you should give it a try. You can't lose the chance to get a high-paying job!
- That's true. And not just any job... - I muttered thoughtfully, looking at the Baroness's servant.
         Agatha was kind enough to help me put together an application. My village home didn't have a personal computer, so we used her laptop. After copying all the documents I had available, we added the petition, and sent it to the Academy's post office. Half an hour later, a reply came back.
- They agree! If I demonstrate the skill of rank "C", I'll get the right to train! - I hugged Agatha and rejoiced. - Thank you very much!
- Now go, - Agatha mumbled, pulling away from me. - You need to rest. The trials are going to be difficult.
- I owe you, Agatha. I'll do whatever you ask!
- I'll remember that.
         I thought my promise made Agatha very uncomfortable, but she was so quiet and modest that it might have just seemed that way. However, I had more serious tasks to accomplish right now.
         I decided to turn to Margarita for help. She was the only person I could trust with such a matter.
         We met at her house. Margarita was wearing a homemade skirt and a tight sweater, and it was very hard for me to take my eyes off her naked thighs. How attractive she was...
         After hearing my request, Margarita sighed sadly.
- If you leave, who will charge my artifacts with mana?
- I'll come back someday, I promise! But you realize I'm in mortal danger!
- I do, - Marguerite nodded. - I will help you, Arthur. But when you finish your training, you'll come back to me, and you'll pay your debt. All right?
         Marguerite didn't make a condition. She asked me to, and I nodded willingly. That woman has done a lot for me, and I'm happy to repay her. As soon as I'm rid of my pursuers.
         Our sweet conversation took an abrupt change of degree when Marguerite pointed me to the floor.
- Lie down, you filthy wretch. I'm going to sit on your face, but I don't want to dirty my furniture with your filthy body!
         Just a few words were enough to open a powerful stream of mana flowing into my body. I obeyed her, for Margarita tried very hard to humiliate me, even though it was difficult for her to do so.
         Following our old program, Margarita placed her foot on my face, rubbed my lips with her toes, leaving a faint scent of slightly sweaty feet. Then, moving her foot to my chest, she leaned over and spat savorously in my face.
- You disgust me. You're just awful. You're trash. You're worse than trash!
         Without stopping to humiliate me, Marguerite straightened up and stepped over my body, turning her back to me. Looking over her shoulder, she glared at me with a contemptuous grin. That smile of hers was still not as impressive as the Baroness', but it still fueled my mana.
- You're just my seat, - Marguerite continued to sneer. - And you know what? You're so pathetic that if I want to fart, I won't hold myself back. Do you understand me?
- Yes, mistress! - I replied with inspiration.
         Marguerite laughed, but she managed to translate the laughter into mockery. I almost managed to believe her contempt for me, and it was working. I didn't dare close my eyes, I stared at her sexy ass approaching my face, and I felt that flesh with pleasure.
         The moment Marguerite relaxed, the moment I felt her weight with my head, the mana began to fill me at a tremendous rate. Marguerite, thank her very much, started twisting her ass around, fidgeting on my face, and then she froze. There was a quiet hiss, and... A powerful, stinking fart hit me in the face!
         The mana flow accelerated manifold at that moment. Damn it, I've never felt so powerful before!
- Stinky fart swallower. Even I can smell a vile odor, and you're going to sniff it. That's all you're capable of!
         Marguerite kept laughing, kept fidgeting with her ass on my face, and it finally de-energized me. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't resist. I became a battery that was powered by a power station. I FELT MY POWER! The power of masochism!
         I didn't even notice the mana flow had stopped. I only saw Marguerite's worried face above me, and felt her sitting on my stomach, rubbing my shoulders.
- Arthur, are you sure you're all right? Should we stop?
- Why?
- I'm so worried, because I haven't sat on your face yet..... - blushing, Margarita explained. Looking away, she fixed her hair. - What if you get too much mana and you blow up like a balloon? And blow up...
         Marguerite's assumption sobered me. What if she was right? As much as I wanted to continue our erotic game, I had no right to take that risk. At least not until I figured out how magic really worked.
- You're right, thank you. I was a little confused because I feel very strong... - Breathing heavily, I nodded to her and then took hold of her hand, picking myself up off the floor. - Thank you for your help. I owe you one, Margarita. Thanks to you, I will definitely pass tomorrow's test!
- I accept your debt, Arthur, - Marguerite nodded gratefully, offering to sit down at the table and drink tea. As she tended to the kitchen, she reminded him casually, - I hope you will not forget me when you become a powerful and noble wizard. You won't, will you, Arthur?
         There was a pleading tone in her voice. Even though Marguerite had just dominated me, she felt vulnerable, so I hurried to dispel her doubts. Putting my arms around this stunning woman, I promised:
- I swear I will never forget about you. When I get the chance, I will fulfill your every wish.
- Anything? - Marguerite asked coquettishly. - Even if I say I'm a little tired of this place? - Marguerite meaningfully circled the room with her hands.
- What are you talking about! You are the headman of this village! - I marveled. - You run it! Don't you like being in charge?
         Marguerite sat down across from me and crossed her arms over her chest, emphasizing her sexy tits.
- I like running this village, and I'm good at it, but the owner of these lands is a real bastard. I'm not sure I can fight back. He's been harassing me, you know? Even though he has two wives! - Marguerite's shoulders slumped. - I have little doubt he won't touch me, but to work under a man like that? I can't take much more of this, Arthur.
- I wish I could help you! - I said sincerely. - But it will be a very long time before I reach the earldom. He is an earl, isn't he?
- He is, - she nodded. - But you could be a baron! I've heard it's a title given for accomplishments, a gift from the Emperor. The title and the lands that need to be managed.... - Marguerite blushed again, averting her gaze, and I laughed merrily.
- I dare not even dream of such a thing... First I would have to pass the tomorrow's test! Baron... That's a very high bar.
         We talked about it some more, and the more I learned, the more my fantasy strengthened. To have a title! Become a nobleman! That's really cool, but... Before I even get on the path to the title, I have to pass a test. And I have to escape from the Baroness.
         Because if something goes wrong tomorrow, that bitch will have my ass. No one will regret the death of a stray dog like me.
         When I got back to my house, I tossed and turned in bed for a long time. I could not sleep. Perhaps it was because I had too much mana, or perhaps it was the excitement of the ordeal, for I had no idea what awaited me.
         Coffee was expensive in this world, so I settled for herbal tea. As I was drinking another cup, I suddenly noticed activity outside the window. I ran out to look, and saw several soldiers, in full combat gear, walking leisurely through our forest. They were walking in a large group of about ten men, and they looked completely out of place.
         Thinking that I had nothing to hide, I approached one of them and called out from a distance.
- Please tell me, what's going on? Are you catching someone?
         The scowling man chewed a cigarette in his teeth and snapped at me.
- They're putting a protective ring around the city for the duration of the trials. No one goes in, and no one comes out, understand?
- Uh...
- Go back to bed, kid. Soon we'll be going door-to-door, looking for threats. So...
         The soldier kept rambling on about how there might be a lot of bandits living here and stuff like that, but my attention turned to the other side of the edge. Where the exact same soldier was being interrogated by the Baroness's servant.
         I saw his eyes widen. He must have heard about the cordon. When he looked sideways, he saw me too.
         And he ran in my direction!