Kael sat in tense silence as the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically against him. The disdain in the eyes of every person grew darker, morphing into outright hostility.
The other Grade Ones lowered their heads in silent grief, their spirits crushed by the oppressive environment. Kael, however, braced himself, sensing the storm brewing.
"Get up, newbie!" a boy growled, his tone sharp and commanding. His sneer cut through the air like a dagger aimed directly at Kael.
Kael's response was anything but submissive. He shoved the boy's hand off his shoulder, his voice steady and defiant:
"I'm eating. I'll deal with you later."
The sheer audacity stunned the room into a hushed rowdiness. Eyes widened, whispers buzzed, and Jeremy, seated opposite Kael, gasped in disbelief.
'This guy... How confident is he?' Jeremy leaned forward, his curiosity piqued, as he watched the reckless display unfold.
The insulted boy, Elliot Grayson, was no ordinary second-year student—he was one of the elite Grade Twos. His face flushed red with humiliation and growing rage.
"You brat—" Elliot snarled as he hurled a fist toward Kael's head with blinding speed.
Kael, however, moved in the nick of time, shifting his head just enough for the fist to slam into the table with a resounding thud. The cafeteria fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.
But Kael didn't stop there. He sprang up from his seat and retaliated, his knuckles colliding with Elliot's jaw. The punch sent Elliot staggering back, nearly losing his balance.
"What the hell?"
"This guy has a death wish!"
Kael's eyes darted to the others. He could feel their anger boiling over. 'An attack in the cafeteria? This is insane. I didn't expect this, but I have to stay sharp.'
Elliot's subordinate, Aldric, stepped forward, his movements deliberate. He extended both hands as if preparing for a wrestling match, but then a violent gust of wind exploded from his palms.
Kael barely had time to process what was happening before the force struck him like a truck, flinging him across the table and onto his back.
"Ahhh! What the hell was that?" Kael groaned, his body screaming in pain. 'So this is what a Grade Two is capable of.'
He couldn't dwell on the thought for long, as Aldric's approaching footsteps snapped him back to reality.
Kael rolled under the table, his movements quick and desperate, crawling to the other side. He heard Aldric's voice thunder above him:
"Where the hell did he go?"
Elliot and the other boy dropped their guard, rushing to Aldric's side. Their confusion gave Kael the opening he needed.
Seizing the moment, Kael emerged from beneath the table and launched himself at one of the boys behind Elliot. His fist connected with a sickening crack, the sheer force sending the boy flying across the room.
[One enemy defeated.]
[3/10 EXP gained.]
Kael barely glanced at the notification as he prepared his next move. He planted his foot and pivoted, his body coiled like a spring.
Elliot turned just in time to see Kael's fist hurtling toward him. The punch struck his nose with bone-shattering force.
The sound of the impact echoed through the cafeteria, drawing gasps and winces from the onlookers.
Elliot staggered back, clutching his face as a piercing scream escaped his lips.
Kael's triumph was short-lived. Pain shot up his arm as if he'd struck solid stone. He clutched his throbbing fist, bewildered.
'What the hell? His skin... It's like hitting rock!'
Elliot glared at him, his fury undiminished. "Don't get cocky just because you managed to beat one of us."
He spun around and delivered a powerful kick. Kael raised his arms to block, but the impact sent him stumbling backward, his footing barely holding.
'I can't take them all on. Not like this. I'm not strong enough yet... They're going to crush me.'
"You dare hit Lord Elliot?" Aldric growled, stepping forward. His hands radiated swirling, tornado-like energy, each movement promising devastation.
"Apologize," Aldric sneered, "and I might just consider reducing the pain."
This was a rare offer, one Aldric had never extended to a mere Grade One before. No one dared to refuse it.
Except Kael.
"Fuck off!" Kael spat, his defiance unwavering. "Is that the best you've got? I'm just getting started. I'll break your bones, Grade Two or not!"
The room erupted in an uproar of jeers and threats.
"Kill that runt!"
"Teach him his place, Aldric!"
"How dare he insult Lord Elliot!"
Kael's defiance only fueled their anger. The odds were stacked against him, and it seemed his first day at the academy would end in a brutal beating.
Aldric raised his hands, the swirling tornadoes growing in intensity, ready to unleash their wrath on Kael.
But before he could strike, a voice cut through the chaos.
"That's enough. Leave my boy."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Jeremy, who sat with an air of unshakable authority.
"Y-your boy?!" Elliot stammered, his anger crumbling into confusion.
Jeremy leaned back, his gaze cold and commanding. "Yes. My boy."
Elliot hesitated, the fire in his eyes dimming. He forced a smile, masking his frustration. "Oh... If that's the case, we have no problem here. Right, Aldric?"
"What?!" Aldric's voice rose in disbelief. "Are you serious, Elliot? This brat disrespected us, and you're just going to—"
"Shut up and pick up Mike," Elliot snapped, his tone final.
Aldric growled, but he obeyed, casting Kael a venomous glare before hoisting the unconscious boy off the floor.
[A successful draw in battle.]
[2 EXP gained.]
[5/10 EXP.]
Kael blinked at the notification, his exhaustion overshadowed by curiosity. 'What happens when my EXP fills? Something good, I hope.'
His thoughts were interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Jeremy standing behind him, a faint smile on his face.
"You're hurt," Jeremy said. "Let me take you to the clinic before it gets worse."
Kael hesitated, caught off guard by Jeremy's sudden kindness. 'Why is he helping me now, after ignoring me earlier?'
The question lingered, but Kael decided to set it aside. For now, he needed treatment—and answers could wait.
He nodded and followed Jeremy out of the cafeteria, leaving behind the whispers and stares of their stunned audience.