Reborn in Classroom Of The Elite With A Lust System

It was finally the boys' turn to race. Don't get me wrong, watching the girls race was entertaining and all, but there was a certain energy in the air now—a mix of competitiveness and anticipation that made it impossible to look away.

"Alright, boys, are you guys ready?" the teacher called out, clipboard in hand, his voice cutting through the hum of chatter from the sidelines.

"Group 1 to 5, come forward," he added, gesturing toward the starting line.

The boys in the first groups stepped up, each one wearing a different expression—some grinning with cocky confidence, others focused and silent. The energy was palpable, and the sidelines were abuzz with chatter and anticipation.

The teacher clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, girls, it's now your turn to do what the boys were doing when you were racing."

Some of the girls exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the shift in roles. A few leaned forward with their stopwatches in hand, ready to keep track.

"I'll explain it once more so that none of you makes any mistake," the teacher continued, his tone firm. "The moment you hear the whistle, boys, you begin swimming. Girls, you hit the stopwatch. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" the group of girls replied in unison, some more enthusiastic than others.

"Alright then, boys are you ready?" 

All of them nodded in unison, their focus locked on the task ahead.

The teacher blew his whistle, and the boys launched themselves into the water. Instantly, it was clear that Koenji was in a league of his own. His form was flawless—every stroke precise, every kick powerful yet controlled. The water seemed to part effortlessly for him, as if even it acknowledged his superiority.

When Koenji touched the wall, the timer read 1 minute 12 seconds. The teacher raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, while the murmurs in the crowd grew louder.

"Damn, Koenji is fast!"

"Yeah, you're right. He nearly beat Onodera's time while she was using magic!"

"Imagine what his time with magic is gonna be…"

Their awe was almost palpable, and honestly, I couldn't disagree with them. If I had to admit it, he was impressive—annoyingly so, given the ego he'd surely develop from this.

Koenji, of course, soaked in the praise with his usual flamboyance. He slicked back his wet hair, flashing a confident grin as he turned to the crowd. "Ah, what a magnificent performance, don't you think? My body is truly a gift, sculpted to perfection!"

I rolled my eyes at his theatrics, but deep down, I couldn't deny his skill.

However I couldn't help but smirk at Koenji's over-the-top antics. His self-absorption was almost a form of art, and he thrived in the spotlight like a moth drawn to a flame. But beneath that flashy exterior lay a formidable talent that was impossible to ignore.

Even I wondered what his time with magic was going to be. And I guess I would find my answer shortly.

50 seconds. That was his time with magic.

The number hung in the air like a thunderclap. I felt the tension shift as the crowd processed what they'd just witnessed. Gasps of disbelief rippled through them, quickly swallowed by an eruption of cheers. It was official: Koenji had stolen the show yet again.

"Ho ho ho!! As expected of a perfect being like myself," he bellowed, striking a triumphant pose as if he'd single-handedly conquered the gods themselves.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to stifle a groan. His antics were insufferable, but damn it, he'd earned every bit of the praise he was getting. For better or worse, Koenji was a force to be reckoned with 

As much as his ego grated on me, watching him bask in the glory was almost... entertaining.

"Alright then, Groups 6 to 10, come forward," the instructor called, their voice cutting through the lingering buzz of Koenji's performance.

I straightened up, feeling the familiar mix of anticipation and focus settle over me.

"Good luck," Karuizawa said casually..

"Yeah, don't worry," I replied, keeping my voice steady and calm. Confidence wasn't something I needed to feign—it came naturally, especially in situations like this.

As I stepped forward, I could still feel the lingering energy of Koenji's display hanging in the air.

[Passive Skill: Underwater Hunting – Doubles your speed in water but reduces your stamina by 10%.]

The cool water greeted me as I dove in, and immediately, the effect of the skill kicked in. My body cut through the water effortlessly, each stroke and kick propelling me forward with uncanny speed. It was as if the resistance of the water had vanished entirely, leaving only pure momentum in its wake.

15 seconds.

That was all it took for me to finish the race. The moment my hand touched the edge. 

I turned behind, my breath steady despite the exertion, and caught sight of Ayanokoji and the rest still swimming. Their movements, while competent, seemed almost sluggish in comparison.

The crowd was silent for a moment, the sheer shock of my time sinking in. Then came the murmurs, the gasps, and finally, the scattered cheers that quickly grew into a roar.

I climbed out of the pool, water streaming off my skin as I took a moment to shake out my hair. My gaze briefly met Ayanokoji's as he swam. His expression was unreadable, as always, but I could sense the gears turning in his mind.

I could feel the weight of the stares, the awe, and even the envy.

"Man, it must be nice being so talented..." someone muttered, their tone carrying a blend of sarcasm and genuine defeat.

"Yeah, S-rank potential and now this," another voice chimed in, quieter but just as bitter. "What's the point of us even trying if he's always gonna be better than all of us?"

I could feel the weight of their words almost as much as their stares. The bitterness, the frustration—it all hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"Yeah, I hate how we need to compare ourselves to him," someone added, their voice tinged with a resigned sort of anger. 

"Well, that's a very good time," the teacher interjected, stepping in just as the murmurs of frustration reached their peak. 

"15 seconds is exceptional," the teacher continued, addressing me directly.

I gave a small nod in acknowledgment, keeping my expression neutral. 

Once everyone had finally made it to the finish line, the atmosphere shifted again.

It was time for us to race using magic.

"What's the point of them racing if Kamado is just going to win?" someone muttered, frustration seeping into their voice. "He got the best score without magic and even beat Koenji's score while he was using it." 

"Yeah, you're right," another voice chimed in, filled with resignation. "What's the point of us even racing if one student can win without using magic?"

Their words rippled through the group like a slow wave, drawing quiet nods and murmurs of agreement from a few others. The tension in the air grew thicker, fueled by a mix of bitterness and hopelessness. 

The teacher clapped his hands, calling for silence. 

"Enough of that. Now, take your positions."

The whistle blew, and I launched myself into the water, magic coursing through my body. Each stroke was precise, each kick propelled me forward with incredible force.

16 seconds. 

The realization hung in the air, and I could feel the curious stares of the others. Whispers began to spread, questions forming in their minds but left unspoken.

I climbed out of the pool, shaking off the water as I mulled over the result. Slower. Despite the boost from magic, my body felt… restrained, like it wasn't operating at its full potential.

The teacher raised an eyebrow, his pen pausing briefly on the clipboard, but he said nothing, simply jotting down my time.

"Did he get slower?" a voice murmured from the group, barely loud enough to carry over the sound of the water.

"I think he did," another replied, disbelief and confusion coloring their tone.

The whispers grew, spreading like wildfire among the students. I caught snippets of their conversations—uncertainty, shock, and even a hint of satisfaction from some.

"How does that even happen?"

"Maybe he can't handle magic as well as we thought."

As I walked back to the group, Karuizawa's eyes were fixed on me, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"You got slower?" she asked, her tone carrying an edge of disbelief.

"Yeah," I replied, shaking my head slightly. "I don't even know how."

She frowned, her gaze narrowing slightly. "You sure you're alright?"

"Yeah, why are you asking?" I countered, my voice calm but with a hint of curiosity at her concern.

She hesitated for a moment before shrugging, her tone casual but thoughtful. "No reason. Just… it's not like you to underperform."

I didn't respond, letting her words hang in the air as the races continued.

Race three was a close call, but Sudo managed to secure the win, his raw determination shining through. In race four, Hirata's consistency and technique earned him first place, drawing cheers and praise from the group.

And then, it was time. The final race—everyone competing together.

"Good luck, Kamado-boy," Koenji said, striding up beside me with his trademark confidence. His grin was as flamboyant as ever, radiating pure self-assurance.

"You too," I replied evenly, meeting his gaze.

The atmosphere around the pool shifted, heavy with anticipation. This was it—the race everyone had been waiting for, the one to settle everything. The chatter among the spectators faded into silence as the competitors took their positions.

I rolled my shoulders, loosening the tension in my muscles, and let out a slow, steady breath. The water shimmered beneath the bright lights, almost alive with energy, reflecting the moment's intensity.

And then, the whistle blew.

I dove in, cutting through the water with precise, powerful strokes. The world around me seemed to blur as the sound of the crowd faded, replaced by the rhythmic splash of my movements and the rush of water past my ears. 

3 seconds.

That was all that separated me and Koenji.

12 seconds vs. 15 seconds.

As I climbed out of the pool, catching my breath, my gaze flicked to Koenji.

"Ho ho ho! Kamado-boy, not bad," he said, tossing his wet hair back with dramatic flair. "Next time, however, I won't lose."

It clicked then—he had held back during his first race. Typical him I guess. 

I met his gaze, calm and steady. "We still have to race with magic," I reminded him.

His grin widened, the confidence practically radiating off him. "Ah, yes, the final test! Prepare yourself, Kamado-boy. This time, I'll show you the true extent of my magnificence!"

I smirked faintly, wiping the water from my face. The energy in the air was palpable, a quiet tension building as the other races wrapped up.

Finally, after everyone managed to finish their laps, it was time.

The big race.

The atmosphere shifted, growing heavy with anticipation. The students lined up, their eyes fixed on the pool. Whispers filled the air, speculation and excitement blending into a low hum.

The teacher raised his hand, signaling us to take our positions. The water shimmered under the lights, waiting to test us one final time.

When the whistle blew, I dove in, magic surging through my body like a second pulse. The water offered no resistance, every stroke and kick amplifying my speed beyond its natural limit.

2 seconds.

This time, we were separated by only 2 seconds.

5 seconds vs. 7 seconds.

As I climbed out of the pool, my breathing steady despite the effort, my gaze shifted to Koenji, who followed shortly after. His usual grin was still plastered on his face, but there was a glimmer of something else—a recognition, perhaps, of defeat.

"Well, Koenji," I said evenly, wringing the water from my hair. "It seems this is my win."

"Ho ho ho! Not bad, Kamado-boy," he replied, his tone as flamboyant as ever, though a hint of strain cracked through the bravado. "But don't think this is over. Perfection takes time, after all!"

I smirked. "I'll be waiting."

"Well then, since we are done with the races, it's time for your basic training," the teacher announced, shifting the focus from our competition to the next phase.

"Basic training," I echoed to myself, mentally preparing for what was to come.

"This consists of water walking and mana control," the teacher continued, his voice firm.

"Yeah, teach, I'm not bothering to learn that. I already know how to do it," one student interjected, folding his arms defiantly.

"Same here!" another voice chimed in, and I recognized it as Koenji's. "A perfect being like myself already knows such basic stuff." He struck a pose. 

The teacher sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That may be, but not everyone is at your level. For the rest of you, these skills are essential."

"Well you two go and sit on the stands. If you don't want to take part in this class." 

"Fine by me..." 

"Ho ho ho!" Koenji laughed, his confidence undeterred. "I'd rather observe the 'lesser' students while enjoying the view." He strutted off toward the stands, clearly pleased with himself. 

We both went and sat on the stands, giving us a clear view of everyone practicing their mana control. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of splashing water and focused concentration.

"Koenji, that was a nice race earlier," I said, leaning back against the stands. "You actually made me excited. It's quite surprising that your rank isn't the same as mine."

"Kamado-boy, this school can't measure my skill," Koenji replied, waving a hand dismissively. "A perfect being like myself doesn't need to prove himself to the weak."

I chuckled, rolling my eyes at his typical bravado. "Anyways, we should race again sometime. It's kind of fun."

"Ho ho ho! I would love to, but I am a very busy individual," he declared, puffing out his chest with mock seriousness.

"Busy individual?" I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I have dates to attend, you know," he said nonchalantly.

Dates? As far as I was concerned, I never saw him talking to any first years, so it must be second years or third years he was referring to.

"You should join me one day, Kamado-boy," he continued, flashing a charismatic grin. "People like us should enjoy ourselves instead of mingling with such defects."

"I wouldn't mind to be honest. However today it won't be possible." 

Koenji raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Girlfriend to meet, Kamado-boy?"

I shook my head. "Nah, I don't have a girlfriend. I have to meet someone later."

His expression shifted to one of mock surprise. "Really? A secret meeting? How intriguing!"

I smirked. "You could say that in a way."

"Well, good for you, Kamado-boy," he replied, clapping his hands together. "Mysterious rendezvous and all! I knew you had it in you."

I chuckled, amused by his theatrics. "You are quite an interesting individual, Koenji."

"You too, Kamado-boy," he said with a smirk, leaning back and crossing his arms. "It takes one to know one, after all. We both thrive in our own unique ways." 

"Oh, Koenji, after training is over and we're out of here, you give me your number," I said with a casual smile.

"Fine by me, Kamado-boy," he replied, a playful grin spreading across his face. "I'll be sure to send you all the details about my fabulous social life. You might even want to join me for one of my legendary outings."

I chuckled at his flair for the dramatic. "I'll keep that in mind. Maybe you can show me what a perfect being does for fun."

"Prepare to be amazed!" he declared, puffing out his chest with exaggerated pride. "Just be warned, my schedule is quite packed with charm and charisma."

"Sure." 

We kept talking amongst ourselves, the light banter providing a welcome distraction from the rigorous training going on around us. While the others focused on controlling their mana, their faces scrunched in concentration.

Finally, it was over.

As we made our way to the locker room, Koenji handed me his number with a flourish. "Don't be a stranger, Kamado-boy!" he said, flashing a grin. With that, I was off to meet her.

"Where was she??" I muttered to myself as I scanned the cafeteria, weaving through the tables and bustling students. After searching for what felt like an eternity, I finally spotted her.

"Ichinose!" I called out, approaching her table. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Kamado-kun," she replied, her expression brightening as she looked up at me. There was a hint of nervousness in her voice, but also a warmth that was comforting. "Thanks for coming. I wanted to discuss something important."

I nodded, intrigued. "Sure, what's on your mind?"