The classroom was alive with the quiet murmur of students as they focused on their studies. Kai sat with Seraphina beside him, focused yet vigilant, always aware of Xavier's presence in the room. Xavier lounged in his seat, appearing nonchalant but with a smirk that hinted at a hidden agenda. The atmosphere was tense, but everyone's attention was suddenly drawn to the doorway as the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
The door burst open, and in strode the king himself, his presence commanding the attention of every student. His face was lit with excitement, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Kai.
"There he is!" the king boomed, his voice filled with pride. "Where is Kai? Stand up, young man!"
Kai rose from his seat, the entire classroom staring at him in awe and curiosity. "Yes, Your Majesty?" he replied respectfully.
The king walked closer, a wide grin on his face. "I have heard you faced off against members of Dragon Morach and emerged victorious. Is this true?"
Kai nodded humbly. "Yes, Your Majesty. They posed a threat, and I did what I had to do to protect the academy and those within it."
Whispers of admiration rippled through the class as the students exchanged glances. But one student's expression was anything but admiring. Xavier's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he forced a smile. So, he defeated my comrades? Xavier thought, masking his irritation behind a casual smirk.
The king beamed, patting Kai on the shoulder. "Remarkable! This academy is safer because of you. But I must ask—what is your assessment of the situation now?"
Kai's gaze shifted, scanning the room thoughtfully. His eyes lingered on Xavier, a knowing look passing between them. "We have to be careful, Your Majesty," Kai said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of warning. "While we've managed to weaken Dragon Morach, there's a possibility that a dragon could still be lurking among us. They're capable of transforming into perfect human forms… indistinguishable from us."
A tense silence filled the room, and Kai's eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze directly to Xavier. "Isn't that right, Xavier?"
Xavier leaned back, his lips curling into a smirk as he met Kai's stare. "Why, I wouldn't know, Kai," he replied, his tone smooth. "But it sounds like you've done your research… quite thoroughly."
The air in the room was thick with tension as the students glanced between Kai and Xavier, sensing the undercurrent of hostility. Seraphina felt Kai's hand tighten slightly around hers, a silent reassurance and a warning all in one.
The king, oblivious to the silent duel unfolding between the two, chuckled heartily. "Excellent instincts, Kai! It's exactly that kind of vigilance we need to protect our realm."
Xavier's eyes gleamed as he watched the king praise Kai. Enjoy your moment, Kai, he thought. It won't last long.
Kai held Xavier's gaze, unyielding. He knew Xavier was hiding something—and he intended to find out exactly what.