After receiving their rewards, the top ten students began heading toward their assigned dormitories. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as they left the academy grounds.
Ashton and Felix walked together, discussing their plans when suddenly, a familiar voice called out.
"Noah?" Felix stopped in his tracks, surprised to see Noah Flameheart standing in their path.
Noah crossed his arms, his red eyes calm but observant. "Felix, congratulations on making it to the top five."
Felix, still frustrated over Emily's earlier actions against Ashton, barely acknowledged the compliment. His blue eyes flickered with irritation, and without a word, he turned to leave with Ashton.
Ashton, sensing the tense atmosphere, simply nodded in acknowledgment before walking away. Samael, who had been watching from the side, clenched his fists as Ashton once again ignored him, leaving without looking back.
Noah frowned, noticing his younger brother's frustration. "Samael, what happened?"
Samael exhaled sharply, suppressing his irritation, and recounted the events of the competition, including Emily's attempt to manipulate him and her attempt to turn him against Ashton.
Hearing this, Noah's expression darkened. "That bitch," he muttered under his breath. "She dared to pull something like that?"
Before Samael could respond, another presence approached them.
Michael Duskbane, the number one student in Xerth Academy, casually walked over, his sharp gaze scanning the group. He first gave his younger brother, Kevin, a nod of acknowledgment before turning to Noah with a smirk.
"Yo, Noah," Michael greeted, clapping his best friend on the shoulder. "You and your little brother look ready to kill someone. What's the story?"
Noah scoffed, his anger still simmering. "Let's just say some people in this academy don't know their place."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Sounds like trouble." His gaze flickered toward Samael, noting the younger Flameheart's clenched fists and stormy expression. "And I'm guessing it's got something to do with Ashton Walker?"
Samael remained silent, his mind still occupied with thoughts of Ashton. He didn't care about Emily. He would deal with her soon enough.
For now, his priority was clear—he had to win Ashton over, no matter what.
Noah sighed and placed a hand on Samael's shoulder. "For now, just observe the situation and don't act rashly. Go rest in the dormitory. You'll have plenty of chances to deal with things later."
Michael nodded in agreement. "Yeah, don't lose focus over one person. This is just the beginning."
Samael hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.
With that, Noah and Michael left together, leaving Samael standing alone.
Meanwhile, students started heading toward their assigned dormitories. Some were excited about their rankings, while others were disappointed.
With one day of rest before classes officially began, everyone prepared themselves for the new challenges ahead.