Dante's senses heightened as he heard Alex's chilling remark. He had already demonstrated his prowess, but Alex's words suggested that the confrontation was far from over. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their fascination and fear evident as they witnessed the aftermath of the skirmish. Dante has never been threatened in his life, not because he was powerful, but because he lived in a peaceful village. So he had to admit that being threatened left a bad taste in his guts, but it wasn't enough to make me cower.
Alex's sinister smile widened, and he stood, his eyes glinting with a dark promise. "You may have won this battle, but the Golden Lion Academy has long arms. Your actions here will have consequences."
Dante's expression remained composed, though he could sense an underlying threat in Alex's words. "I stand by what I did. Bullies shouldn't go unchallenged."
Alex's eyes narrowed, his voice low and menacing. "You'll soon learn that actions have repercussions, especially when dealing with people of my caliber."
As Alex and his remaining allies slowly retreated, the crowd watched in mixed reactions—some felt relief, others apprehension. Dante felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere, as if a storm was brewing just beyond the edge of the city.
Sapphire, having heard about the disturbance through the academy's channels, arrived at the scene. Her presence commanded instant respect, and she quickly assessed the situation. Seeing Dante standing amidst the aftermath of the confrontation, she approached with a measured stride.
"Dante," Sapphire greeted him, her tone both warm and authoritative. "I heard there was a bit of a commotion." She wanted to ask Dante the reason he didn't call her like they agreed but she decided not to.
Dante nodded, his expression neutral but slightly weary. "Just a minor disagreement. Nothing I couldn't handle."
Sapphire's eyes glimmered with approval. "You handled it well. It seems your reputation precedes you, even before you've officially started." Though Dante's news of awakening as S-rank has tuned down a bit, it will soon flare up if anyone was to recognise him here.
Dante shrugged. "I didn't expect it to be so... intense."
Sapphire glanced at Alex and his companions, who had slunk away into the distance. "They'll be dealt with. The Golden Lion Academy will need to address this internally. You've already made an impression, and unfortunately, that means you'll likely face further challenges."
Dante nodded, accepting the reality of his new position. "I understand. I'll be ready."
Sapphire's gaze softened as she turned her attention back to Dante. "Let's get you settled in at the academy. There's much to learn, and your journey is just beginning."
As they walked away from the scene, Sapphire gave Dante a reassuring smile. The Mighty Ones Academy was known for its rigorous training and high standards, and Dante's first real test had come sooner than expected. But Sapphire had confidence in him.
The bustling city, filled with its myriad of sounds and sights, continued around them as they made their way to the academy. Dante looked back one last time at the square where the confrontation had taken place. The experience had shown him that his path would not be easy, but it also reinforced his resolve.
As they reached the academy's grand entrance, Sapphire paused. "This is where your new chapter begins. I'm sure you'll find your place here and continue to grow."
Dante took a deep breath, absorbing the magnitude of what lay ahead. "Thank you, Miss Sapphire. I'm ready."
With that, he stepped into the Mighty Ones Academy, leaving behind the city's chaos and embracing the new challenges and opportunities that awaited him. The academy's imposing architecture loomed above him, a symbol of both the promise and the trials that would shape his future.
As the door closed behind them, Dante's journey had officially begun.