Chapter 792: Different
Chapter 792: Different
As Liam continued along the path, several students noticed him.That had not changed. Not completely.
Some still moved aside too quickly. Some still stared at his shadow more than his face. A few first-years whispered and then immediately pretended they had not. There were students who disliked him for being a dark mage, students who feared what he could do, students who hated what his existence represented, and students who simply wanted nothing to do with the kind of attention that gathered around him.
But after Nalim, the open hostility had reduced.
There were still glares. Still muttered comments. Still noble-born students who looked at him as if his presence lowered the value of the air. But fewer people challenged him aloud now. Fewer made theatrical displays of disgust in the middle of corridors. Those who still hated him had learned to measure the cost of showing it.
In its place, something more uneasy had formed.
Respect, perhaps.
Not admiration. Not acceptance. Just the reluctant acknowledgment that whatever Liam Hunter was, he was not weak, not fragile, and not someone most students wanted as an enemy. Nalim had done more than test him. It had placed his capability in front of too many eyes for denial to remain comfortable. Some students now looked at him with the wary attention given to dangerous weather: unpleasant, possibly destructive, but real.
That suited him fine.
Fear was simple. Respect was useful. Distance was best.
Charlotte eventually drifted away from him near the path leading toward the dormitory side buildings, catching sight of Ariana and Maxwell near one of the covered walkways. She lifted a hand lazily in farewell before heading toward them, already calling out something that made Maxwell turn with exaggerated suspicion.
Liam continued alone.