All the other first years started leaving, and the other four teachers did too. Only Likombe remained, watching the four students, even though she had called for five.
"I-I'll see you later," Mei-ling said, her voice trembling. Ryuji didn't reply, his attention fixed on Likombe.
Mr. Bake walked past Ryuji, straightening his claws as he moved. Ryuji's hand drifted to the hilt of his blade, beginning to unsheathe it. There was a moment of silence before Bake muttered, "You'll fight Marquis."
Ryuji smiled at that and waved Mr. Bake off, clearly uninterested in him. His thoughts turned darker: Father wiped out his entire clan.
"He was simply weak," Ryuji thought, the only thought lingering in his mind.
"Where is Sin-iddin-apli?" Likombe asked abruptly, her voice sharp as she descended invisible stairs that shimmered faintly. "Follow me to the river."
