Chapter 23: Challenge

The biggest of the three cocoons served as the training ground, where two hundred students had gathered for the class rearrangement assessment.Clusters of students stood together, talking about who they might challenge today.

Natalie and Laila stood side by side, with Lizel nearby. Unlike Natalie and Laila, who rarely made friends, Lizel had many—even in other classes.

As the two watched the crowd, their eyes kept drifting toward a certain blond in the distance.

"Do you think he’ll challenge someone from Class One?" Laila asked.

Natalie let out a sigh. "Honestly, it would be surprising if he didn’t. From what I’ve seen, he’s set on tormenting Kevin. And for that, he needs to be in Class One."

Laila scoffed, folding her arms. "That’s so annoying. That’s the whole reason he approached Emma—to make Kevin jealous and worried."

Natalie shook her head. "But from what I can tell, it’s Emma who’s mostly approaching him."

Even now, as they spoke, the familiar silver-haired girl was walking straight toward William.

Laila rolled her eyes. "Well, she’s strange. So of course, she’d be drawn to someone just as strange."

Natalie didn’t comment on that. Instead, she asked, "But what about the assessment? We’ve all seen what he can do."

No matter what the headmaster said to convince them otherwise, Natalie and Laila couldn’t forget what they had witnessed that day.

William had stood against one of the strongest beings in the world.

It sounded ridiculous every time they thought about it, but it was the truth.

"With that strength, isn’t he almost as strong as Kevin?" Laila asked.

"Under the sun? Maybe. But without it, I doubt—" Natalie started, but the pink-haired girl cut her off.

"What? You really think Kevin would lose to him?" Googlᴇ search ????????????????????✦????????????????✦????????????

Natalie gave a weak smile. It was impossible to reason with Laila, who was hopelessly in love with Kevin.

Natalie liked Kevin too, but she couldn’t ignore reality.

And the reality was—William might be the strongest student in the academy.

"Thankfully, Kevin isn’t here today," Natalie muttered under her breath. But before Laila could ask what she meant, the instructor’s voice rang out.

"Cadets, gather around and keep quiet unless I ask you to speak."

A middle-aged woman stepped forward. She wore a tank top and high-waist pants, her dark brown hair tied in a short ponytail with both sides neatly trimmed. A scar ran diagonally across her left brow.

Her wide shoulders, strong arms, and solid build made it hard to decide whether to respect her or fear her.

She was the third-years’ instructor—Madame Russel.

Her sharp eyes swept over the crowd. "Is anyone missing today?" she asked.

Laila was just about to speak and explain why Kevin couldn’t attend when—

"I’m sorry for being late."

A familiar voice came from behind.

Heads turned, and three girls in particular—Lizel, Laila, and Natalie—stared in shock.

Kevin.

They hadn’t expected him to come today. He wasn’t fully recovered, and he definitely shouldn’t be here for an assessment.

Russel narrowed her eyes at him. Her voice was cold. "You’ve always been punctual before, so I’ll let it slide this once. But be late again, and I’ll make sure you understand the importance of time."

Kevin gave a short bow. "I apologize, instructor." He then moved into line with the others, but not before sneaking a glance at Emma.

Once silence settled over the crowd, Russel began speaking.

"No one wants to stay beneath others. Everyone wants to be seen as the best, to earn respect, better treatment, and a reputation. That’s why the academy gives you this chance every three months—to prove you’ve improved, to prove you deserve better."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "And that is the purpose of this assessment."

After a brief nod, she scanned the students.

"The person you challenge—you can take their place. But I advise you not to overestimate yourselves by challenging someone far out of your reach. Aim for someone just above you."

Her gaze swept across the group. "Any questions?"

A hand went up.

"Ma’am, if someone from a lower section wins against a higher section, they get their opponent’s seat. But what if they lose? What does the higher section student get?"

Russel gave a small shrug. "Meal tickets and merit points."

With that answer, the room grew restless as students began choosing their opponents.

Natalie and Laila instantly locked eyes with Lizel. Without a word, the three started moving toward Kevin.

But it was already too late.

"I challenge you, William," Kevin declared, his voice cutting through the noise and drawing every eye toward him.

The air shifted—shock, whispers, and a rush of excitement spread through the crowd.

Kevin stood tall, a wooden sword hanging at his side, and spoke with unshaken confidence.

"I’ll tear apart the cloud of rumors you’ve built around yourself. It’s time you see where you really belong."

William massaged his brows while Emma grinned ear to ear.

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Guess what conversation were they having?

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