After the duel, Alex was sent to the infirmary, escorted by his sister, Cassandra. The class resumed, but Arthur couldn't ignore the frequent glances his classmates sent his way.
"You're enjoying the attention, aren't you?" Alicia teased, her tone light but playful.
Arthur chuckled, leaning slightly back. "Who wouldn't? Besides, he asked for it."
"You could have gone a bit easier on him," Luna said, her voice carrying a hint of concern.
"Yeah," Alicia chimed in, "you brought him down so quickly. That must've really bruised his ego."
Arthur shrugged casually. "It wasn't about his ego. He needed a reality check. If he wants to live up to his potential, he has to work harder."
Eveline, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "You did the right thing. His strength doesn't match his identity."
