The training ground was completely silent.
Everyone was looking at Arin.
The arrogant boy was still on the ground, shocked.
He slowly got up, his face full of anger.
"This… this is not over," he said.
Arin didn't reply.
He was still trying to understand what just happened.
"Enough."
The teacher's voice broke the silence.
"I told you this was not part of the lesson."
His expression was serious.
"You both will be punished."
Some students whispered.
"Punished?"
"But Arin won…"
The teacher looked at them.
"This is a school, not a battlefield."
Arin lowered his head.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
The other boy clicked his tongue but said nothing.
"After class, both of you will stay back," the teacher said.
"Clean the training ground."
Some students laughed a little.
The tension slowly disappeared.
Class continued, but things felt different now.
People kept looking at Arin.
Not like before.
This time, there was no laughter.
Only curiosity.
And a little fear.
After class, most students left.
Arin stayed behind.
The other boy was also there, looking annoyed.
Neither of them spoke.
They started cleaning in silence.
After some time, the boy suddenly spoke.
"Don't think you're strong," he said.
Arin stopped for a moment.
"I don't," he replied.
The boy looked at him.
Then he turned away.
"Tch."
Time passed slowly.
When they finally finished, the sun was already going down.
Arin picked up his bag and started walking back.
"Hey."
A voice stopped him.
Arin turned.
Rina was standing there.
"You're getting a lot of attention," she said.
Arin didn't know what to say.
"I don't want it," he replied.
Rina smiled slightly.
"Too late for that."
She walked past him.
"Be careful," she added.
"Strong or not… people will come after you."
Arin stood still.
Her words stayed in his mind.
When he reached the dorm area, he saw Leya waiting.
"You're okay?" she asked.
Arin nodded.
"Yes."
She looked relieved.
"That was dangerous," she said.
Arin looked at his hand again.
"I didn't plan it," he said.
"I don't even understand it."
Leya was quiet for a moment.
Then she said softly, "Still… it saved you."
Arin didn't reply.
That night, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Everything felt confusing.
The power.
The fight.
The way people looked at him now.
He closed his eyes slowly.
But deep inside…
that cold feeling was still there.
Watching.
Waiting.
And far away, inside a dark room—
Someone opened their eyes.
"So… it has finally appeared," a voice said.
"This is going to be interesting."