The Elemental Class training came to an explosive end. Flames still lingered faintly in the air, and the buzz of mana began to die down as the instructor dismissed them with a satisfied nod. Students chatted excitedly, many still amped up from the intense practice. But amidst the crowd, eyes were drawn to a single figure approaching with a cocky grin and heavy steps.
Drevon Valorin.
He walked with the pride of someone who thought the world belonged to him. Whispers began to rise.
"Isn't that Drevon from Class 1-A?"
"That's the Valorin heir, right? Thought he rarely mingled with other classes."
"Why's he headed towards Miranda…?"
Miranda, still recovering her breath, noticed his approach with narrowed eyes. She had no interest in dealing with drama after the intense session, but Drevon didn't seem the type to care.
"Nice moves out there, Miranda," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You've got fire… I like that."
She gave him a bland look, wiping sweat from her brow. "And I don't like wasting time. Get to the point."
Unfazed, Drevon leaned in slightly, voice lowering to something he probably thought sounded charming. "Why don't you and I grab a bite sometime? We could… talk about our talents. I have a lot to offer someone like you."
The air around Miranda dropped a few degrees. Her smile was sharp, cold, and without warmth.
"Not interested. Try someone who's impressed by empty boasts."
Gasps and muffled laughter rippled from the crowd nearby. Drevon's face twitched, clearly not used to being dismissed—especially not in public.
"You'll regret that," he muttered under his breath, before turning sharply and storming out of the arena, shoving past a few students without a word.
Zane appeared beside Miranda, hands casually tucked in his pockets. "That guy's bad news. Be careful. He's not the type to take rejection lightly."
"I can handle myself," Miranda replied, her expression still hard.
Later that evening, the crew regrouped at Alex and Kirito's dorm. It had become their unofficial hangout spot after class. Kirito tossed a few snacks on the table while Alex sat by the window.
Then Zane proceeded to tell them all about what happened at the elemental class
"So," Zane said, plopping onto the bed with a sigh, "Elemental class was crazy. But that Drevon guy? Definitely unhinged. I don't like the way he was looking at Miranda."
Kirito nodded, eyes serious for once. "If the rumors about him are true,then he's got a reputation for being volatile. Especially when his ego takes a hit."
Miranda leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Let him try something. I'll deal with him."
Alex's fists clenched unconsciously. Something about Drevon rubbed him the wrong way—maybe it was how Miranda had to deal with his crap, or maybe it was just instinct. Either way, he didn't like it.
Eventually, Zane left for his own dorm, and Miranda, after a short chat, excused herself too. The dorm quieted.
But elsewhere in the academy, fury brewed.
Inside a dimly lit room, Drevon's face was twisted with anger. He paced back and forth, mana flaring slightly with each step.
"That bitch," he spat. "She dared to embarrass me in front of everyone?"
One of his followers shifted uncomfortably. "You want us to do something?"
"Oh, I'll do more than something," Drevon growled. "We're going to teach her a lesson. Gather some of the first-year loyalists—Tier Bs and Cs. Arm them with the mana training weapons from the combat arena. I don't care if they're low-tier. I want her humiliated."
He barked orders like a general preparing for war. His lackeys nodded, already moving.
"Find her," he hissed. "And make sure she remembers what it means to cross a Valorin."
That night, Miranda quietly made her way to the convenience store at the edge of the academy grounds. The streets were dim, most students already in their dorms. She pulled her hoodie up, sighing as she walked.
"Why now…" she muttered, heading in to grab some basic supplies—pain meds, snacks, and a few things for her period. As she stepped out of the store, she felt a chill run down her spine.
Then—a hand grabbed her, yanking her violently into a dark alley between the convenience store and the adjacent building. It happened too fast to react.
She hit the ground hard, groaning as she scrambled to her feet.
When she looked up, her heart skipped a beat.
A group of masked students surrounded her—armed with low-tier mana weapons. Their presence was suffocating, their intentions unmistakable.
One of them stepped forward.
"You pissed off the wrong guy."