SSS Awakening: I Can Steal Attributes-Chapter 39: RUN!

Kevin was still in shock from what had just happened.

His eyes were still glued to the shield that managed to force back John.

It must be noted that John has a D-Grade Talent related to defense. It even grants him 2 attribute point bonuses for both Vitality and Strength. Not to mention his skill that would literally make him invincible. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

However, that same man he thought of as having an extreme defense was actually pushed back by a mere shield. And from the looks of it, his invincible Vanguard Arm skill seemed to have been penetrated as well.

Of all the things he could ever imagine to happen, this was surely not in his top 100.

And to think that it came from Desther. A guy he barely knew. A guy that he only knew because he was there when Victor tried to recruit him and got rejected. That was also the last time that he looked at Desther up close.

In his opinion, someone who stays quiet at the back of the class. Someone who barely has any friends and an average grade in both written and practical exams would surely not amount to anything.

At that time, he even thought that him rejecting Victor’s invitation was such an idiotic move.

"RUN!"

Kevin snapped out of his daze when John’s frantic voice reached his ears.

He was confused by his reaction but still decided to run without hesitation.

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

A shadow suddenly loomed over him.

And when he came to it, a force so heavy that it felt like he was carrying a mountain had already slammed on his shoulders.

The moment it landed, his eyes immediately turned white as his irises rolled back in his head. His mind went blank as he slumped to the ground face-first.

Desther looked at him coldly without a change in expression.

Fortunately, he did not use too much of his strength; else, he was afraid that the wooden staff would break again.

He just did not expect Kevin to faint after receiving that strike, though.

He actually used more strength with the shield, expecting it to be blocked. John’s defense also surprised him but was not something that he needed to be worried about.

For the two of them, he did not even bother to use his Ultimate Thief talent and was only using his pure attribute advantage.

When Kevin’s body landed on the ground, it was only then that the others were able to react.

Adrian, Miguel, and Carlo, who came with John and Kevin, finally snapped out of their shock.

Anger rose inside their hearts seeing their comrade collapse to the ground like a dead twig.

John stared in disbelief at the scene. His arm was still aching from the impact, but his wary gaze was already glued toward Desther.

Lexie moved at breakneck speed, arriving right beside Desther. Her sword was drawn and pointed towards them. One look and it was clear who’s side she was on.

The situation became even more intense. However, the deadlock between the two groups did not last long.

"How dare you hit Kevin!?" Adrian screamed at the top of his lungs. His spear was drawn and pointed toward Desther threateningly.

John forcefully calmed his raging emotions. Slowly walking toward Adrian and the others, he gestured with his hand for them to lower their weapon as he turned to face Desther and Lexie.

"I apologize for that attack earlier, Desther. Kevin acted on impulse. However, Kevin is right. You should have hit Kevin like that. Look at what you did to him. Aren’t you afraid of the school’s rules?"

As much as John wanted to retaliate and get revenge for his friend, he knew that it was not a smart thing to do.

At this moment, John knew that they would not be able to beat Desther and Lexie together.

Desther was already troublesome enough, and Lexie just added herself to the mix.

With her speedster talent, John knew that their group would be done for if the issue escalated even further.

Victor had specially warned them not to create any unnecessary trouble as well.

However, having come to this point, Victor does not plan on backing out easily either.

Hence, he decided to use the school rules to force Desther and Lexie to back down.

What he did not expect was that Desther and Lexie did not seem to be afraid at all.

"Of course I know the school rules. In fact, I also know that the only reason bullying seemed nonexistent in our school is precisely because of those said rules," Desther stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

With superpowers being present in the world right now, there was no way the school would let the students act freely.

Bullying was already apparent in schools even before the apocalypse. How much more so when superpowers already existed and each superpower was even graded according to their strength and potential?

This only amplified the idea of classification. Elitism would become apparent, and those with weak powers would be bullied by those who awakened great powers.

However, being in the apocalypse, with humanity on the verge of destruction, how could those in the government allow such things to happen blatantly?

Due to the rules they implemented, bullying in schools was greatly reduced, and those who broke those rules were punished strictly.

A lot was already made as an example, and in their school, bullying already seemed nonexistent.

It was to the point that even those that announced their talent was merely F-Grade would not be bothered and oppressed by the other students.

As the government and the school would say, every Awakened Professional was an asset to humanity. Any unjust behavior would not be tolerated.

Of course, altercations could not be avoided. In school, it was normal for students to spar with each other as well. Injuries were normal, as long as they were consensual and not overly excessive.

Hearing Desther’s words, John felt reassured and continued, "In that case. You should also be aware of the punishment once the school finds out how you caused excessive harm to your fellow student, right?"