Chapter 48
Clayton caught the mocking glint in his opponent’s eyes. He knew exactly what that guy was thinking.
"Hey, you over there. Are you insulting the Academy of Water and Fire Magic?" Hope sneered. "Aren’t you living in a city under the academy’s jurisdiction? Didn’t you attend this conference they organized—supposedly to learn? And now you act like some enemy of the very institution offering you a chance? How hypocritical. Honestly, I don’t understand why the academy even allows people like you to walk free. You should’ve been exiled—or better yet, executed—as an example to others!"
His voice was heated, each word dripping with venom. Hope clearly wanted Clayton punished.
Clayton raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, "You done with the lecture? So, I’m a hypocrite now?"
Hope was momentarily taken aback. Despite the harsh accusation, Clayton remained calm—unsettlingly calm. Shouldn’t a normal person be afraid or at least defensive? Why was he treating this like a joke?
"Isn’t that what you are?" Hope pressed.
Clayton let out a small, dry laugh and gave him a look of disgust. "Hah. You really are brainless, aren’t you?"
Hope opened his mouth to retort, but Clayton didn’t give him the chance.
"I’m not a hypocrite—and I never disrespected the academy. What I am questioning is how someone like you got accepted into such a prestigious institution."
He continued, his voice sharp with conviction, "You showed up spewing accusations without bothering to find out what actually happened. If you really cared, you would’ve asked the people around us first. They could’ve told you the truth—not that it would matter to someone as biased as you. If you’re really a student of the academy, then all you’ve done is disgrace its name."
His words rang out, firm and unwavering.