Laura's gaze locked onto Maria, anger and curiosity blazing in her eyes. "What do you—"
But before she could finish, the white-haired stranger intervened, stepping between them with an air of calm authority. "Already stirring up trouble for the new student, Maria?"
Maria's smirk twisted into a scowl. "Mind your own business, Aurelio. Stop playing hero for once."
Aurelio's smirk matched hers. "We're in a hero training school. Heroism is our business. And honestly, I'd classify you as a villain."
Maria's eyes flashed pink, her palm glowing with an intense, rosy light. A sleek pink sword materialized in her hand, its presence filling the hallway with it's light.
Aurelio continued, his voice calm but laced with a subtle warning. "You know the rules, Maria. No fighting outside combat class. Besides, I don't think you're eager to get hurt... do you?"
As he spoke, Aurelio's eyes flashed with an icy blue light. The air around him began to crackle with electricity, and a halo of blue lightning enveloped his body. The energy was palpable, making the air vibrate with tension.
Laura felt the piercing power emanating from both Maria and Aurelio, but Aurelio's energy was unmistakably stronger. It was as if the very atmosphere was charged with anticipation, waiting for the spark that would ignite a fierce battle.
Maria's grip on her pink sword tightened, her knuckles white with rage. "You think you're superior just because of your precious Element?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.
Aurelio's smile was a thin, confident line. "Not superior, Maria. Just prepared."
Laura swiftly stepped between the two, her eyes locked on Aurelio's. "There's no point fighting if the person you're protecting doesn't need it," she said, her voice calm and resolute.
Aurelio's expression shifted, pain and sadness etched on his face. The blue lightning surrounding him dissipated, leaving an unsettling silence.
Laura's gaze softened, and she grasped Aurelio's hand. "Besides, I thought you were going to show me around?" She smiled, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.
Aurelio's face relaxed, a faint smile forming. Together, they turned away from Maria, leaving her seething.
Maria shouted, her voice echoing down the hallway, "You're just going to walk away like that?"
Laura glanced back, her eyes flashing with a deadly glare. The brief moment was enough to make Maria take a step back, her pink sword still clutched in her hand.
Laura turned away, her grip on Aurelio's hand tightening. "Let's leave her alone," she whispered, as they walked away from the confrontation.
The hallway fell silent, the gathered students watching the scene unfold with bated breath. Maria's anger was palpable, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
Maria's pink sword faded away, but her fists remained clenched, anger still simmering. Stella and Ami approached, their faces etched with concern and indignation.
"Who does he think he is, talking to you like that?" Ami asked, her scowl deepening.
Stella nodded in agreement. "And that new girl needs to be put in her place too. She thinks she's so special, intervening like that."
Maria's smile spread, a cold, calculated glint in her eye. "Don't worry, I always take care of people like them." Her voice dripped with malice.
Stella and Ami exchanged a knowing glance, their faces reflecting excitement and anticipation.
"We're with you, Maria," Stella said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Whatever you plan, we've got your back."
Ami nodded vigorously. "Yeah, show them what you're made of."
Maria's smile grew wider, her eyes flashing with malevolent intent. The air around her seemed to darken, as if the very atmosphere was infected by her malevolence.