The arena remained eerily quiet even after Ravenna left.
Most upperclassmen were still staring at Alex like they were trying to understand what exactly they had witnessed.
A first-year surviving even a minute against Ravenna was already absurd.
Actually forcing her to acknowledge him?
That was worse.
Alex slowly stood from the cracked battlefield while stretching one sore arm.
"…My entire body hurts."
That tends to happen when someone folds you like paper, Adoff muttered inside his head.
"Supportive as always."
One of the third-years from earlier approached carefully, still holding his sword over his shoulder.
"You're actually insane," he said honestly.
Alex glanced toward him.
"So I've heard."
The third-year laughed slightly before extending a hand.
"Darius."
Alex looked at the hand for a moment before shaking it.
"Alex."
Darius grinned.
"Yeah, everyone knows that now."
Several other upperclassmen slowly approached afterward.
Not hostile this time.
Curious.
