The duel's aftermath lingered in the air as Kain and Thorne left the training grounds. Word of their victory had already spread across the academy, and students whispered as they passed. Some looked impressed, others wary. A few still sided with the second-year, but no one dared to challenge them outright.
Kain glanced at Thorne, who was uncharacteristically quiet. "You alright?"
Thorne exhaled slowly. "I don't know. I expected them to push back, but I didn't think my family would go this far." He paused, his fists clenching. "They won't stop."
Kain smirked. "Then we just have to keep proving them wrong."
Thorne blinked, then chuckled under his breath. "You really are stubborn."
"Of course. It's one of my best traits."
