As Kai asked his friends about the competition, their smiles faltered slightly, and a sense of unease settled in the room. Sarah took a deep breath before speaking, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and concern.
"Don't worry, Kai. We won," she said, her words lacking the usual enthusiasm. The atmosphere seemed heavy with unspoken resentment.
Curiosity mixed with guilt, Kai leaned forward, prompting Emily to explain what had transpired after he left.
"Aoi was sent in as your replacement by Master Liang," Emily began, her tone measured. "She faced her opponent with remarkable agility, effortlessly dodging their attacks. Using her twin daggers, she inflicted deep cuts that left her opponent bleeding. Eventually, Aoi emerged victorious."
Sarah added, "Aoi's speed played a significant role. Her opponent struggled to keep up with her swift movements."
Interrupting the conversation Ethan's frustration seeped into his voice when he spoke up. "After Aoi, it fell upon me to take my turn " he expressed, disappointment tainting his words.
"Although I held my ground my opponent possessed a tenacious defense. The battle was difficult and lengthy but in the end, I discovered an opportunity and executed a decisive blow to secure the victory. "
Sarah continued with her tale "Then it was my time to shine. Utilizing my agility and swift reflexes I skillfully maneuvered around my opponent. It was a close conflict. But I managed to unleash a powerful strike that incapacitated them. "
Concluding the discussion Emily interjected with a mix of pride and subtle tension lacing her voice. "Finally given the chance to prove myself " she recounted triumphantly.
"I faced off against a tough opponent; however. Through strategic planning and precision. I overcame their defenses. The battle raged on fiercely until I emerged victorious."
As they recounted their fights, the strain in their voices became more apparent.
It was evident that the recent events had taken a toll on their camaraderie. A lingering resentment hung in the air, affecting the once vibrant dynamic of their friendship.
The conversation continued as they made their way to the restrooms, but the discomfort persisted. Michael's concerned expression deepened, and the smiles among the group seemed strained.
Kai's heart sank when he realized the tension in the air. With a sheepish smile, he tried to ease the discomfort, "What happened, guys? Why did you all suddenly go quiet?"
Their expressions turned stern, and Jackson, Aoi, Michael, Sarah, Rachel, Alex, and Emily instructed Kai with a mix of anger and disappointment.
They expressed their frustrations and scolded him for making decisions without consulting them, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust.
Kai listened in silence, his gaze flickering towards Ethan and Leon, hoping for support. However, their eyes remained fixed on the floor, avoiding his desperate plea.
They seemed to convey a message of saving themselves from the wrath of them, leaving Kai to face the consequences alone.
After an hour of scolding, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Kai's voice trembled as he apologized, his words filled with remorse. "I'm sorry. I promise I won't do it again."
Leon, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Really?" he asked skeptically, his tone laced with doubt.
Kai met his gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and resentment.
At that moment, he silently vowed to get back at Leon for his silent betrayal. However, the rest of his friends continued to look at Kai, awaiting his response.
With his gaze shifting slightly, Kai finally mustered a response. "Well, I'll try my best," he said, his voice lacking conviction.
His friends sighed, their anger dissipating slightly.
"We'll see," they said collectively, their lingering disappointment evident. "But for now, you need to rest, and you won't be participating in tomorrow's match."
Kai's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? Why not?" he questioned, his confusion evident.
Their response came in a sarcastic tone, accompanied by a sigh.
"Because, dear Kai," they said mockingly, "you got injured enough due to the 'terms' you asked for during the match without considering us."
Kai's sheepish smile returned as he nodded, acknowledging their point. "Okay," he conceded. "I'll take a proper rest."
Aoi, unable to resist a playful threat, added with a mischievous smile, "And just so you know if you weren't injured, you would've received quite a beating from all of us."
Hearing her words, Kai quickly laid down on his bed, covering himself with the blanket, realizing the gravity of his actions.
He understood that his friends' anger was justified, and he needed time to reflect and heal.
Under the blanket, Kai lay in contemplation. Despite his physical rest, his mind continued to race, preventing sleep from embracing him.
He decided to address the ignored notifications he had received during the fights