Chereads / Ace Seven: The Crimson Fist / Chapter 2 - The bullies exchange

Chapter 2 - The bullies exchange

Muffled murmurs, like the humming of restless bees, filled the room as students whispered about the presence of the school president. "As expected of the school's number one beauty," another student commented, admiration laced in her voice. "Not only is she breathtaking, but as the top student, she's also the school's president who keeps the bullies in check," another quipped with a respectful tone.

Felix, still having his head propped with his hand, listened to the comments. His expression betrayed no emotion. This classroom had livened up after the earlier confrontation; the tension was succeeded by a babbling among students that lasted for another hour. When the clock struck 3 p.m., the shrill chime of the bell signaled the end of the school day.

Felix began putting his books in his bag to leave when a loud, hard slap fell on his back, sending him into the real world. He turned startled, seeing his only friend, Milo, grinning at him.

"Why so dull? This isn't like the energetic you. I heard she was here earlier," he teased, plopping onto a chair opposite Felix.

"Hmph," Felix grunted in return, sounding far away. He slung his suitcase bag over his shoulder, resting it on his back, and shoved his free hand in his pocket as the two of them meandered out of the classroom at a sluggish pace.

"So, what's up?" Milo asked, pitching his voice low as he casually slung an arm across Felix's neck.

"Nothing much, just the usual 'stop being a bully' speech, blah blah blah," Felix said with a slight smirk as they walked across the school field flooded with sun, casting long shadows of themselves on the ground.

"He must have sounded pretty cold, huh?" Milo asked again, obviously curious.

"She's always been that way," Felix muttered; an undertone to his voice, unreadable. But before he could explain himself, a sudden impact jolted him. A soccer ball struck his head with force, making him stagger back as blood trickled from his nose.

Felix and Milo whipped around in the direction of the attack. Sure enough, there was the same bully from before, flanked by his two cohorts, marching up to them with smug arrogance.

"You may have gotten away with it earlier because of that school president, but that will not last forever," this muscular leader sneered as his voice was filled with malice. He turned to his cronies, who burst into mocking laughter.

"You're overdoing it," Milo intervened, pushing his way in front of Felix, his voice firm.

"Oh, and who do we have here? Another wannabe hero trying to shield his friend?" The bully sneered, his voice full of venom as he closed the distance between himself and Milo. He went on, his voice thick with disdain, "If this were a movie, you'd make a great side character-always expendable."

The bully lifted his hand, swinging it towards Milo in a menacing arc; before it could make contact, Felix's shot up, catching the blow mid-air with a grasp of iron. The pause was effortless, but one that sent the bully and his lackeys staring in utter shock.

"Don't you think too many extras ruin the plot of a good movie?" Felix said smoothly, smiling, an edge of mockery laced in his tone.

The bully's face contorted into a snarl. "Oh, so what are you planning now, huh?"

"Why don't we continue this conversation somewhere private-say, behind the school building? No one to disturb us there," Felix suggested nonchalantly.

The bully exchanged glances with his crew and then smirked. "Fine. Lead the way."

As Felix turned to follow the bullies, Milo grabbed his arm. "Felix…" Milo's voice was laced with a mix of worry and caution.

Felix smiled reassuringly and said, "Don't worry."

The group weaved through the school grounds, navigating a few corners until it stopped behind the building. Two more boys were waiting behind the building in the dark, and both were evidently part of the bully's gang. However, one of the newcomers was also trembling, his face white as he pointed at Felix.

That's him-the one I told you about! He's the guy who broke three of our boys' bones and sent them to the hospital," the shaking boy stammered, his voice trembling.

The muscular guy smiled upon hearing that. "Well, that saves us the trouble of finding him. Looks like he owes a pretty big debt.

"Ready, boys?" the leader barked, and the group went to work. The two with the wooden planks raised them like weapons; the leader and another lackey cracked their knuckles, clenching fists. Only the trembling boy made no move, his fear rooting him to the spot.

Felix was as cool as ever; he rolled up his sleeves. His left hand clutched the handle of his suitcase firmly, weighing its weight in his preparation.

Meanwhile, from above them, within the students' council office, Rose stood by the window; her crimson eyes set on the scene beneath. Dying rays of the sun lighted up her hair like a fire halo, her eyes lingering on Felix. For just a moment, something flickered across her face-a spark of admiration for the unbroken spirit.

The first lackey charged, swinging his plank in a wide arc. Felix ducked fluidly, the plank whooshing harmlessly above his head. The lackey lost his balance, his back to Felix, who seized the opportunity. With a swift motion, Felix swung his suitcase at the back of the lackey's head; he dropped to the ground instantly from the impact.

The second attacker rushed in, wielding his plank like a club, but Felix stepped in close, closing the gap. The attacker found it impossible to swing in such tight quarters. Felix smiled faintly before slamming his suitcase into the boy's left cheek, sending him spinning. A sharp kick to the attacker's leg followed, and he crumpled to the ground in pain.

The other two, the muscled leader and his companion, attacked as one. Felix flung his suitcase at the companion, sending him temporarily blind. Quick to take advantage of this, Felix planted a precise kick in the boy's ribs. A nauseating crack was heard as the boy dropped, holding his side.

The leader's fist landed right on Felix's face and sent him reeling. The bully charged again with a flying punch, which Felix caught in mid-swing. Felix spun himself with a quick twist of the arm, using the momentum of the bully to his advantage. With one swift movement, Felix lifted the brute off the ground and then slammed him down onto the ground with bone-jolting force.

Above, Rose watched the fight with an unreadable expression. While she was impressed by Felix's determination, a shadow of doubt crept into her mind. Such strength. but if he awakens weak, it'll all be for nothing, she thought, briefly softening her gaze before she turned back to her desk.

As the fight finally came to an end, Felix stood amidst the groaning bodies, his breathing steady, his composure unbroken.