Chapter 21. Showdown
The morning light filled the academy's hallways, but Garrik's mood was as dark as ever. His heavy boots hit the polished floor like thunder. Students rushed out of his path, heads down, moving quickly.
His towering frame and foul temper ensured no one stood in his way. Normally, Garrik would enjoy this display of fear—proof of his control. But not today. Today, he was furious.
He'd never been humiliated like this before. The academy's Bronze section had six classes total—three years, two classes each. Garrik had declared himself the ruler of them all. He was the self-proclaimed king of the Bronze, ruling through fear and brute strength.
Everyone bowed to him, obeyed him. Until now. Leonhardt Caulem—a boy Garrik had tormented like a ragdoll for years—had outright rejected his summon. Brushing him off with a simple "I'm busy." Garrik's jaw tightened, his teeth grinding as he stormed toward Bronze 2A.
Arriving at the door, Garrik shoved it open hard. The loud bang silenced the room instantly. Students froze in their seats, pale and quiet. No one dared to speak.
"Where's that son of a bitch?" Garrik growled, his voice sharp and threatening.
One of his lackeys hesitated, then pointed to the far corner. "Over there, boss."
Garrik turned his gaze. At the back of the room, Leonhardt—or rather, Reo—sat calmly. But what he saw made Garrik's fury worse.
Reo sat at his desk, his legs propped up on desk casually. His chair leaned back at a lazy angle, and a book rested over his face. He was asleep.
The vein in Garrik's temple throbbed as he stomped forward, towering over Reo's desk. Surely, the boy would sense him, wake up, and panic like he always used to.
But Reo didn't move.