At the entrance of Azurewind Academy, the figures of Alistar, Hazel, Lilith, and the others could be seen with sad yet happy expressions on their faces.
"I guess this is goodbye," Theo said, having an air of sorrow about him as he gazed at the ground.
The usual annoying and idiotic air he usually had was no more as he had become a child who was getting separated from the person who raised him.
"Take care, Sister Lilith," Alistar said, smiling as if parting with her didn't bother him.
And that wasn't far from the truth as Alistar was aware that if he wanted to reach the top, there were a lot of people he needed to leave behind since later on there was a chance that they could hold him back.
"Take care of those back at the orphanage," Hazel said, looking at Sister Lilith with a trace of sorrow buried in her eyes.
Giving her a head nod as a greeting, the other boy who Alistar found out was named Miller had a small smile spread on his face.
"I'll miss you all." She said, smiling as she remembered the countless memories she shared with them.
"And I'll make sure to extend your greetings as well."
With one last happy remark, she hugged them all before turning around and gradually leaving their line of sight.
"So what do we do now?" Miller asked, staring into the distance as if he was trying to keep his eyes on Lilith's figure.
"I guess I'll go get myself a dorm what about you Theo?" Slightly puzzled about their next step, Hazel looked at Theo who stood not too far away from her.
"Do whatever you want." Looking at her for a while, he added. "I'm going to challenge Alistar. I can't let such disrespect slide so easily."
Immediately after he finished talking, Theo turned back and yelled. "Hey bastard I challenge you to a duel!"
Confused after seeing no one behind him, Theo muttered. "But he was here just a few minutes ago. Where could he have possibly gone?"
"I accept your challenge."
A rough voice said from the distance as the image of a dark-skinned blond boy with an extremely muscular frame came into their view.
Crack! Crack!
Letting out sounds that were akin to rocks getting broken from his joints, he walked up to Theo with fury clearly written on his face.
*If I don't teach you some manners no one else will." He said, looking at Theo who barely reached his chest.
"Huh?" Shocked at how things quickly derailed, Theo was left staring at the giant in front of him with widened eyes.
"This isn't Alistar." He muttered, having fear slowly creep on his features. The more he stared at the boy's angry face the more his strength got sapped.
Bam!!
Placing his hand on Theo's shoulder, the boy had a smile on his furious face as he asked. "What are you waiting for?"
Creeeaakkkkkk...
"Aren't you the one who's supposed to take the lead since you challenged this bastard?" He added while slightly increasing the force on Theo's shoulder.
"Argh..."
As a result, Theo was left groaning in pain with his shoulder feeling a tad bit lighter.
"P... Please no... I beg youuu... Mmmhhhh..." Tearing up a little after the boy tightened his grip, Theo was forced to swallow his words as anguish flashed through his eyes.
"Stop testing my patience." The boy stressed, having veins bulge across his forehead and tightening his grip the more."
"Mmmhhhh... "
Aware that his end wouldn't be pleasant if he chose to follow him, Theo added with gritted teeth and tears welling up at the side of his eyes. "The people behind me are my companions. They'd be mad if you mess me... Arrggghhh..."
Not letting Theo finish talking, the boy looked at Hazel and Miller while asking with a threatening tone. "Do you have a problem if I deal with him?"
Easily picking up his threat, Miller had a smile bloom on his face as he said. "No not at all. In fact, I would've personally beaten him if you hadn't shown up."
"Do whatever you want with him," Hazel said, adverting her gaze.
"You! How- Mmmhhhh..." Forced to swallow his words, Theo could only stare at those he thought were his comrades with a broken heart.
"I see." Glancing at Theo's sorry face, the boy said with a smile. "My name is Hans and I'm going to be one of the rulers in our academy."
Carrying Theo akin to a rice bag, he added with a cold tone. "And you sir, are going to be the first person I show my power."
With his face rapidly losing color, Theo stuttered. "Please show mercy."
"It's too late for that, let's proceed."
The boy replied, walking down the hallway with Theo's frightening screams accompanying their departure.
"Take one for the team," Miller muttered, closing his eyes as he imagined how Theo would like when he returned.
"Bye," Hazel said, walking away from Miller's side to an unknown destination.
Looking around him for some time, Miller laughed and said while walking away. "I guess this is where we part."
****
Sometime later, the figure of a black-haired boy with gem-like amber eyes could be seen scratching his cheek with a puzzled look on his face.
"I thought everyone would still be here." He said, looking around him for a while.
This boy was Alistar and unlike his friends thinking he had ditched them, he had gone to the bathroom to ease his bowels.
Unaware of what befell Theo, Alistar tucked his hands in his pockets with a small smile on his face.
Taking a few steps forward, he shrugged and muttered. "Each to their fate I guess."
....
Author's note- Sorry for the lack of chapters, I had exams and was kinda lazy but from now on, I'll try my best to release two chapters a day. And try to support this book with Power Stones, please.