Chapter 44: Punching Bag of the Academy
The moment the words were uttered, Jethro and Kekius quickly pushed through the crowds of students, hurrying to Oand where tiny Med Drones were diligently checking over him and his Toad for injuries. Oand was pale, clutching his side where the burns were worst, his eyes downcast.
"Oand!" Kekius called him with a rush of worry.
The Med Drones left almost immediately, noting that Oand’s injuries were minor and would heal with time. Oand got to his feet just as Kekius and Jethro arrived.
"We’re so sorry, Oand!" Kekius said urgently. "We were supposed to stay together, but we got separated because of the Faction grouping. Are you okay?"
They walked out of the amphitheater, and could hear the grinding and clanking as the arena transformed back to a class hall.
Oand looked dazed. Jethro watched him with an expressionless look on his face.
"I’m fine," Oand finally said, sounding tired. "It’s expected since I’m weak." He glanced down at Froggy, his tone despondent. "I guess I just have to get used to being the punching bag of the Academy."
"Don’t say that."
Oand and Kekius turned their heads to Jethro, who had suddenly stopped walking. Kekius thought that his face looked completely different now— sharper, like he was actually very angry.
"Don’t speak about yourself that way," Jethro repeated. "It’s regressive."
He looked at Oand. "Have you forgotten that I’m the only one with a Gray-Rank in the school. The weakest kind of beast anybody could have— a Gutterling. I’m weaker than even you, Oand. So don’t just say things like that."
Oand looked at him for a moment, maybe slightly inspired, but overall still saddened by the reality of his fate. "Yeah, but..." he spoke quietly, his gaze drifting past Jethro towards the dispersing crowd, "you’re different, Jethro. People weaker than I am don’t survive the Conqueror."