The senior class of the academy's final year was deeply engrossed in self-study, a common sight as they prepared for the grueling final exams that marked the culmination of their training. The room buzzed quietly with the sound of pages turning, pens scratching, and the occasional soft murmur of students discussing complex problems.
All except for one.
Clayton, the academy's lethargic student, was slumped over his desk, face buried in his folded arms. His breathing was deep and steady, the faintest sound of a snore escaping now and then. No one disturbed him until a loud voice shattered the calm.
"Hey! A junior accepted Zak's challenge!"
The class fell silent for a moment before erupting into excited chatter.
"Huh? Which idiot junior has a death wish?"
"Zak again? Doesn't that guy ever get tired of picking fights?"
"He usually goes after us seniors. Why's he targeting a junior now? Is he running out of people to bully?"
"Maybe he's bored. Everyone knows Zak's a level-four Assassin. The juniors don't stand a chance, especially not this year's batch—they're all weaklings."
"Do you want to go watch?"
"Victory's obvious, but I'm curious who the junior is. Imagine if someone could put Zak in his place for once."
A voice called out from the back. "Hey, Clay. You coming?"
Clayton groggily lifted his head, his messy hair sticking up in odd angles. He yawned, his voice slow and gravelly. "What's going on?"
"Geez, man, you look worse than yesterday. Those bags under your eyes—pandas would be jealous."
"My mom forced me to train all night again," Clayton grumbled, rubbing his eyes. "Said she'd 'enslave me' if I didn't graduate this year."
Kai, his seatmate and closest friend, shuddered. "Man, your mom's terrifying. Anyway, there's a fight brewing between Zak and a junior. Wanna check it out?"
Clayton blinked lazily. "Zak doesn't usually go after weaker opponents. What gives?"
"No idea. But come on. It'll be fun to watch, even if it's just Zak showing off."
Clayton yawned again, stretching his arms over his head. "Alright. My mom always says there's value in watching skilled fighters."
Kai grinned, grabbing Clayton's arm and pulling him along. "Good ol' Mom's advice again. Let's go before we miss the show."
The match area was already buzzing with energy by the time they arrived. Students from various years crowded around, their chatter filling the air.
Clayton's sleepy gaze sharpened the moment he spotted Zak's opponent. A petite girl with tangled green hair stood calmly, her posture relaxed despite the intimidating presence of her much larger opponent.
Kai gawked. "Wait, it's a girl? Seriously? Zak's never even spared a glance at girls before."
Clayton's eyes narrowed as recognition dawned. "That girl… I've seen her before. I bet she would beat him."
"Huh? You know her?"
"No."
"Then how—wait. Are you seriously saying she'll win?"
"She will," Clayton said with a confidence that startled even himself.
Kai stared at him incredulously. "What makes you say that? She's a level-two mage going up against a level-four Assassin. This isn't just an uphill battle; it's a slaughter."
Clayton's lips curled into a faint smile. "My mom once said, 'A person who remains calm when facing a stronger opponent is not to be underestimated.'"
Kai groaned. "Man, how much of your mom's wisdom is stored in that head of yours?"
"Dunno," Clayton replied with a shrug. "Haven't counted."
The referee, a seventh-level Knight, raised his hand. "Begin!"
Zak wasted no time. He vanished from sight, using his stealthy ability to disappear into the shadows. The crowd murmured in awe, most of them expecting the fight to end in seconds.
But the girl didn't flinch. She closed her eyes, standing as still as a statue.
"Why isn't she moving?" Kai asked, frowning.
"She doesn't need to," Clayton replied, his tone calm but firm. "Zak's already attacked her. He just can't land a hit."
Kai blinked, turning to his friend in confusion. "How do you know?"
Clayton's eyes, usually dull with fatigue, now gleamed with an intensity that sent a chill down Kai's spine. "Look closer."
The crowd gasped collectively as Zak reappeared, panting heavily. His once-pristine uniform was tattered, scratches marring his arms and even his neck.
"What the—?" Kai stammered, his jaw fell in disbelieve.
The green-haired girl opened her eyes, her gaze steady and serene. "I've returned the favor for the scratch on my neck," she said softly, her voice carrying an air of finality. "Now…"
She smiled. It was a simple smile, but something about it seemed to radiate warmth and confidence. The crowd, even those who had mocked her before, fell silent.
"Will you be my friend?" she asked.
Zak, the cold-hearted Assassin who had never shown an ounce of empathy, blinked in shock. Before he could stop himself, he murmured, "Yes."
The crowd erupted in disbelief, but Clayton's focus remained on the girl.
"What a smile," he muttered to himself.
Kai turned to him, startled. "What did you say?"
"Nothing," Clayton replied, his lips curling into a faint grin.
Later that day, at the renowned Knight's residence, Clayton was greeted by his mother, a formidable eighth-level Knight known for her unmatched strength and discipline.
"Welcome home, Master Clay," she said with a respectful bow.
Clayton sighed. "We're outside, Mother. Isn't this a bit much?"
"I've sealed the premises as you instructed," she replied smoothly. "There's no one here but us. But Master, why the sudden request for privacy? And why dismiss the staff early?"
"I'm tired," Clayton replied, running a hand through his hair. "This mission is… excessive. I'm a plane's guardian, not a monster exterminator."
"With all due respect, Master," his mother said softly, "eliminating monsters is one way to protect the balance of this plane."
Clayton paused, his gaze distant. "This plane has only four divine envoys. Other worlds have at least seven. It feels unfair."
The Lady Knight held her tongue, silently thinking, Other planes would envy this one for having four envoys with the power of high-level gods.
Clayton said no more, retreating into the mansion.