Everything unfolded exactly as before, even down to the speech...
"I respect only those who have proven themselves worthy... nothing more, nothing less," the Dragon Emperor said, his tone as indifferent as ever.
This time, however, Victor didn't react... He neither provoked the Emperor nor showed any sign of even caring about the speech. Everyone around him exchanged puzzled glances, clearly wondering why he was keeping so silent when he was usually the first to stir things up.
The Principal let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful that Victor hadn't caused any disruptions. Though, if you looked closely, there was a faint glimmer of disappointment in his eyes, as if he'd expected—or even wanted—Victor to do something unpredictable.
As the meeting concluded, and just like before, Kai approached Aqualina and asked for Aether.
Then, Jack suddenly walked beside Victor. He leaned in close, his voice a low whisper, "I need to speak with you. Alone."
