Chapter Eighteen: Rumors and Consequences
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The day after the duel, Rin became the most talked-about person in the Academy. Whispers and rumors followed him wherever he went, each more ridiculous than the last.
"I heard he's secretly an A-rank but pretends to be F-rank to stay under the radar."
"No way. Someone said he has a cursed artifact that gives him random bursts of power."
"Leon didn't even use his full strength! It wasn't a real fight."
Rin sighed as he walked through the Academy halls, his hands stuffed in his pockets. It was barely mid-morning, and he was already tired of the attention.
"Hey, Rin!"
He turned to see Aila jogging toward him, her usual fiery expression softened with curiosity.
"Morning," Rin said flatly.
"Don't 'morning' me," she snapped. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you've stirred up?"
"I can imagine," Rin said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Aila stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "You're the talk of the Academy. Even the instructors are debating whether or not to investigate you. Leon's not letting this go, either. He's been whining about how you 'cheated.'"
Rin shrugged. "Not my fault he tripped over his own ego."
"That's not the point!" Aila hissed, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You've put a target on your back. Leon's family won't be happy about this, and neither will the higher-ups. You're playing a dangerous game, Rin."
Rin raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous? Me? Nah. I'm just trying to survive."
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An Unexpected Invitation
As they walked toward their next class, a messenger in a sleek, dark uniform approached them.
"Rin Park?"
"That's me," Rin said warily.
The messenger handed him an envelope sealed with the Academy's official insignia. "You're summoned to the Headmaster's office. Immediately."
Aila's eyes widened. "The Headmaster? What did you do now?"
Rin sighed, tucking the envelope into his pocket. "Guess I'll find out."
The walk to the Headmaster's office felt like a march to the gallows. Students whispered and pointed as Rin passed, their curiosity only adding to his growing unease.
The Headmaster's office was located in a towering spire at the center of the Academy. Rin had never been there before, and as he stepped inside, he was struck by the sheer opulence of the place. Shelves lined with ancient tomes stretched to the ceiling, and the air was thick with the scent of parchment and incense.
Behind a massive oak desk sat the Headmaster, an imposing man with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Rin.
"Mr. Park," the Headmaster said, gesturing for him to sit. "Do you know why you're here?"
"Not really," Rin admitted, sinking into the chair.
The Headmaster steepled his fingers. "Your duel with Leon has caused quite the stir. While duels are a sanctioned part of Academy life, the nature of your victory has raised some questions."
"Questions like what?" Rin asked, feigning ignorance.
The Headmaster's gaze sharpened. "Questions about your abilities, your ranking, and whether or not you've been concealing something. Several instructors believe you possess a powerful artifact or hidden talent."
Rin felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. "I don't know about powerful. Lucky, maybe."
The Headmaster leaned back in his chair, studying Rin with an intensity that made him squirm. "Luck alone doesn't explain what happened yesterday. I've decided to let the matter rest for now, but be warned: any further incidents will be thoroughly investigated. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal," Rin said, forcing a smile.
The Headmaster nodded. "You may go."
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A New Threat
As Rin left the office, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The Headmaster's warning echoed in his mind, but it wasn't just the administration he had to worry about.
Leon's family was powerful, and their influence extended far beyond the Academy. If they decided to retaliate, Rin knew he'd be in serious trouble.
"Hey, Rin," Aila said, catching up to him outside the spire. "What did the Headmaster say?"
"Nothing I didn't already know," Rin replied. "Stay out of trouble, keep my head down, blah blah blah."
Aila frowned. "You're not taking this seriously, are you?"
"Taking what seriously?" Rin asked, his tone light. "The fact that everyone thinks I'm some kind of secret powerhouse? Or the fact that Leon's family probably wants my head on a platter?"
"Both," Aila said firmly. "You can't just brush this off. If Leon's family comes after you, you're going to need allies."
Rin stopped walking and turned to face her. "Allies, huh? And where exactly am I supposed to find those? Everyone here either hates me, fears me, or thinks I'm a joke."
Aila crossed her arms. "Not everyone. You've got me, for starters. And there are others who'd back you up if you gave them a reason to."
Rin raised an eyebrow. "Like who?"
"You'd be surprised," Aila said cryptically.
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The Rising Tension
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Rin went through the motions of his classes, but his mind was elsewhere. Every glance, every whisper, felt like a potential threat.
As he sat in the cafeteria, poking at his food, a shadow fell over him.
"Rin Park," a deep voice rumbled.
Rin looked up to see a towering figure clad in dark armor. The man's presence was suffocating, his aura radiating raw power.
"You've been summoned," the man said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Summoned by who?" Rin asked, his stomach sinking.
"You'll find out soon enough," the man replied.
Before Rin could protest, the man turned and walked away.
Aila, who had been sitting nearby, leaned over. "What was that about?"
"No idea," Rin said, his voice uneasy.
But as he stood to follow the armored man, one thought consumed him: whatever was waiting for him, it couldn't be good.
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End of Chapter 18.