Ryan walked down to the Earth Tower's bustling hallway, on his way to meet Elijah and Lucas, yet his mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about Fen's words, "You advanced well. Soon, the Council will surely assign you for a mission."
What mission was he talking about? Will it be dangerous?
Ryan's head throbbed as he thought about 'his first mission'.
He could hear the chatter and laughter of the students surrounding him, but it all felt distant. Then, he heard it—snickers, whispers, and the unmistakable sound of someone clearing their throat. The voice was intentionally raised.
"Ahem."
The hallway quieted. Eyes turned.
Victor stood ahead, flanked by some other students. Their ages were ranged around 18-24. They weren't loud or aggressive. No shoving, no shouting. Just a quiet, calculated presence. Victor's grin wasn't menacing—it was sharp, like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Well, well," he said, his voice smooth, almost friendly. But his eyes showed something darker.
"You've been busy training alone, haven't you, Ryan? With private instructors?"
His voice dropped. Just enough to make Ryan pause.
The gang chuckled, but it felt off. Nervous. Like they were waiting for something.
Ryan clenched his fists. He knew better than to react. Victor wanted that. Needed it. But why?
He had bullying years as well during his high and university, but that was far worse than this. They were using force, beating him up sometimes.
This Victor, he was up to something—something that Ryan was unsure of about.
Victor stepped closer, his voice low. "You know, Ryan, we could use someone like you. Someone… special."
He tilted his head, studying Ryan like a beast analyzing his prey.
"You've got potential. Real potential. Why waste is alone?"
Ryan's heart raced. He didn't trust the offer. Not for a second. But there was something in Victor's tone—a flicker of fear. Or respect. He couldn't tell.
The gang shifted uneasily. One of them muttered something under his breath. Ryan caught the word 'chosen.'
Chosen? Why would they get to bully a chosen one?
Victor's smirk widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Think about it, Ryan. We could show you things. Teach you things. You don't have to do this alone. You can join us. We will help you with your training."
Ryan hesitated. The offer sounded too good to be true. But Victor wasn't forcing him. He was… tempting him.
The hallway felt colder now. The silence was heavier.
Ryan took a deep breath. He thought of Elijah and Lucas. His friends. His real allies.
Victor's grin faltered for a split second. Then it was back, sharper than ever. "Your call, Ryan. But remember—we're always here. Watching. Waiting."
The gang stepped aside, letting Ryan pass. But their eyes followed him. Every step.
Ryan kept walking. His heart pounded. His mind raced. What did Victor want?
And why had no one told him about Victor?
Elijah and Lucas ever mentioned some 'bad guys', but never once on their names. Also, the other students never talked to him, some merely smiled and said hi.
The hallway slowly came back to life.
But Ryan stood still. He wasn't alone. He had Elijah and Lucas. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was coming.
And Victor? He wasn't just a bully. He was playing a game.
Ryan just didn't know the rules yet.
***
Ryan shook off the encounter quickly. His steps echoed down the hall as he made his way to the dining hall. The smell of food hit him as he pushed through the doors.
He scanned the room and spotted Elijah and Lucas at their usual table, tucked in the corner near the windows.
"Hey, guys! What's up?" Ryan slid into the seat across from them, his voice cutting through the hum of chatter around them.
Elijah leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "Did you hear about Victor's latest stunt?"
Lucas grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Yeah, he filled the arena's fountain with those colorful balls. You know, the ones that bounce everywhere? It was chaos this morning."
Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course he did. That guy never stops."
Elijah's expression shifted. He lowered his voice, glancing around before speaking.
"Be careful around him, though. He's been getting more aggressive lately. Like, way more than usual."
Ryan nodded, his smile fading. He thought back to the hallway—Victor's sharp words, the way he'd stepped too close. It wasn't just a prank anymore.
Lucas tapped the table, pulling Ryan's attention back. "Seriously, man. He's been acting weird. Even for him."
Ryan sighed. "Yeah, I noticed. I'll keep an eye out."
The three sat in silence for a moment.
Around them, the dining hall buzzed with life—students laughing, trays clattering, the occasional shout rising above the noise. But at their table, the mood felt heavier.
Elijah broke the silence. "Just… don't let him get to you, okay? He's not worth it."
Ryan nodded again, his gaze drifting to the windows.
Outside, the arena loomed in the distance, its fountain now cleared of Victor's colorful mess.
"Thanks, guys," Ryan said finally. "I'll be fine."
The conversation shifted, but the warning stayed with him. Victor wasn't just a prankster anymore. Something had changed. And Ryan knew he'd have to be ready for whatever came next.
***
The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Ryan wiped the sweat from his forehead, his muscles aching from the day's drills. He was about to head back when Victor approached, a sly grin tugging at his lips.
"Hey, Ryan," Victor said, his tone casual but with a hint of mischief. "I saw Master Cedric using a unique tactic earlier. You know, the one he doesn't teach everyone. Want to learn it?"
Ryan's competitive spirit flared. Cedric was the best, and if there was a technique he hadn't mastered yet, Ryan wasn't about to let it slip by.
He knew Victor wasn't to be trusted. Victor had a reputation for playing games, for twisting situations to his advantage. But Ryan couldn't resist. The chance to learn something new, something exclusive, was too tempting.
"Show me," Ryan said, his voice steady but eager. He told himself he'd stay alert. He'd watch for Victor's tricks.
Victor led him to a secluded corner of the grounds, far from prying eyes. He demonstrated the move with exaggerated precision, making it look effortless. Ryan watched closely, his mind racing to memorize every detail.
What Ryan didn't notice was the faint smirk on Victor's face. Cedric had never used this tactic—Victor had made it up. He knew Ryan's respect for Cedric would make him trust the technique without question.
As Ryan practiced, Victor leaned against a tree, arms crossed. He chuckled softly to himself. This was just the beginning. His plan was working perfectly.
'I will able to rule the world if I put a leash on him before he gets stronger. Otherwise he must die.' He thought.
The air grew cooler as the sun dipped below the horizon. Ryan was too focused to notice. He repeated the move, determined to get it right. Victor watched, his mind already plotting the next step.
Dinner would be served soon. But for now, Ryan was exactly where Victor wanted him—unsuspecting, eager, and completely under his influence.