The murmurs around the flower garden hadn't yet died down.
Some third-year students still whispered among themselves about the short exchange between Edwin and Nathan, but most returned to their conversations, the clash of pride quickly forgotten.
Edwin exhaled softly, turning to leave.
His hands were still trembling slightly from anger, but he forced himself to relax.
"No point wasting energy on arrogance," he muttered under his breath. "I'll prove myself when the time comes."
But before he could take more than three steps, something sharp struck the back of his leg.
Thud!
"Ow—!" Edwin stumbled forward, nearly tripping.
He turned sharply, only to see a tall girl with long dark hair tied in a tight braid.
Her piercing green eyes glared at him.
She wore a red-edged uniform that marked her as a third-year elite.
"Who—"
Before he could finish, she crossed her arms and snapped, "To the Ground Two. Right now."
"...What?" Edwin blinked, still confused.
