The Nobles showed similar expressions – shock mixed with fear mixed with the dawning understanding that every assumption they'd made about power hierarchies and commoner limitations had just been shattered.
"That's... that's Damian Valcor?"
A Noble boy's voice cracked as he spoke, his family's pride completely forgotten, his expensive combat training feeling worthless.
"The commoner from Stormhold Academy?!"
"The one who started the revolution?!"
"The one we mocked for being a criminal scum?!"
Silence was his only answer.
Because words felt inadequate.
Because every insult they'd ever thrown now seemed like the height of stupidity.
Because they'd been mocking a monster in human skin.
William Greene stood with his mouth open, his pride in reaching B+ rank through pure effort and determination feeling hollow now.
Worthless.
