(While Lugas and his trio entered the class)
The atmosphere in the classroom crackled with excitement as Lugas, Izuki, and Esha stepped inside. Their return from the elite Class A selection had cemented their status as rising stars, and admiration swirled in the air like an unspoken chant. Some students clapped, others nodded in silent respect, while a few envious murmurs slithered through the crowd.
"Man, look at Lugas," one boy muttered to his friend. "Striding in like a king with the goddess beside him. Why can't I get that lucky?"
Lugas, unfazed by the murmurs, walked with an air of effortless dominance, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He took his usual seat in the middle column, second row, with Izuki and Esha flanking him like a well-guarded formation. As they settled in, an unsettling presence loomed over them.
A boy from Class A sauntered forward, his disheveled uniform and sly grin giving him the appearance of a wolf in disguise. He tilted his head, his sharp eyes locking onto Esha.
"Esha," he said smoothly, his voice slithering with false familiarity. "Aren't you Esha? Damn, you've grown. Don't you remember me? It's Dozen."
The moment his name left his lips, Esha stiffened. Her radiant confidence faltered, and a shadow passed over her eyes—a flicker of something dark, something buried. Fear. Trauma. She froze, her breath hitching. Lugas caught the shift instantly, his expression darkening.
His sharp gaze snapped to Dozen. "Don't disturb her. She's feeling uncomfortable."
Dozen's smirk widened, but his eyes glinted with something far more sinister. He gestured lazily to his two lackeys lurking nearby. "Seems like you've gotten cocky, Lugas. Let's fix that."
One of Dozen's lackeys lunged, a fist hurtling toward Lugas's face. But before it could land, Lugas's hand shot out like a viper, seizing the attacker's wrist in an iron grip. A flick of his wrist, and the lackey's arm twisted at an unnatural angle. CRACK! A sickening snap echoed through the room. The lackey howled in agony, clutching his broken arm as he collapsed to the floor.
Lugas didn't hesitate. His other fist rocketed forward, smashing into Dozen's jaw with the force of a sledgehammer. Dozen staggered backward, his head snapping to the side, a trail of spit and blood flying through the air. He crumpled against his remaining companion, who barely managed to keep him upright.
Dozen's dazed eyes flickered with panic as he wiped the blood from his split lip. "You… you bastard," he spat, his voice shaky. "My family will not forgive this."
Esha, who had been frozen in place, let out a shaky breath. Her chest rose and fell as she struggled to process what had just happened. Then, slowly, a faint blush dusted her cheeks as her gaze locked onto Lugas. "I'm sorry…" she murmured, her voice fragile yet sincere.
Lugas met her gaze, his expression softening just a fraction. "Don't worry about it."
But the battle was far from over. Before the day ended, an announcement blared through the school intercom.
"Lugas, Izuki, and Esha, report to the headteacher's office immediately."
The trio exchanged glances before heading toward the administrative wing. As soon as they stepped inside, they were met with the smug faces of Dozen and his injured lackey, both exuding a sick sense of satisfaction.
The headteacher sighed, rubbing his temples before addressing Lugas. "Violence is unacceptable in this institution. You've made quite a name for yourself, Lugas, but if this continues, you'll be expelled."
Izuki stepped forward, his hands clenched into fists. "But it was self-defense! They started it!"
Esha, still shaken but determined, added, "Dozen was harassing me! Lugas only stepped in because—"
The headteacher silenced them with a raised hand. "Enough. Rules are rules. Lugas, this is your final warning. If there's another incident, you're out."
Dozen smirked, his face lighting up with triumphant arrogance. "Tch, guess even the mighty Lugas has to bow sometimes."
Lugas let out a low chuckle, a sound that sent a chill down the room's spine. He took a step forward, closing the distance between him and Dozen. The air grew heavier.
"You don't need to expel me," Lugas said smoothly. "I'll transfer to Class E on my own."
A stunned silence followed his words. Even Dozen's victorious smirk faltered. The headteacher's brows furrowed.
"Lugas," he began, his voice cautious. "You're one of our top students. Class E is—"
"A waste of talent, I know," Lugas interrupted, his voice steady and cold. He cast a slow glance at Dozen, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "But I'd rather be there than share space with scum like him."
Dozen stiffened, his confidence flickering.
Lugas leaned in just slightly, his voice a whisper that slithered into Dozen's ears like a deadly promise. "Hope your friend's hand heals properly. Next time, maybe don't pick fights you can't win."
A shudder ran through Dozen's spine. Without another word, Lugas turned on his heel and strode out, leaving the room in stunned silence.
Izuki and Esha hurried after him, their steps quick to match his. As they reached the hallway, Izuki gaped at him. "Are you serious? Class E?"
Lugas shrugged. "I've made my decision."
Esha, who had been quiet, suddenly reached out and grabbed his sleeve. *"Lugas…"
He stopped, glancing down at her. She bit her lip, the light pink hue on her cheeks deepening. "Thank you… for everything."
Lugas smirked. "You look cute when you blush."
Esha's face turned crimson, and Izuki groaned dramatically. "Oh god, please not the flirting right now. We just barely got out of a fight!"
Lugas chuckled, ruffling Izuki's hair before continuing down the hall. "Come on, we've got a new class to check out. Let's see if Class E is ready for us."