"The school administration knows that most of you are preparing for the Summoner Academy Exams,"
"So we have decided to make this the final week of formal classes."
Professor Ailene's voice cut through the morning chatter, instantly catching everyone's attention.
She stood at the front of the classroom, leaning casually against her desk as she scanned the room looking at the student's faces.
"The written exams will take place very soon, so make sure to revise all your courses," she continue with her announcement before picking up her leather bag.
"Also, I will be in the practice grounds for the remainder of the day conducting the duels. If you want your turn, make sure to come by."
The moment the door clicked shut behind her, the classroom erupted into a mess. Everyone huddling into a group, discussing potential partners for the exam.
'Perfect.'
Verso stood up immediately. He didn't bother packing his bag or even closing his notebook.
His eyes were locked on the front row, where Xavier sat in his chair, already tapping away on his phone.
His two lackeys were also now standing up, moving to circle him like guard dogs.
'Let's hope he doesn't jump at me right away.'
Verso let out a sinister smile as he started walking down in his direction like a hunter closing in on his prey.
The lackeys noticed him first. They stopped talking, their expressions shifting from boredom to amusement as they saw him walk towards them.
"Hey buddy, what do you think you're looking at?" One of them sneered, stepping in front to block Verso's path.
Verso didn't stop. He did not even acknowledge the lackey. He kept his gaze fixed on the back of the blond head in the front row.
"Hey, blondie," Verso said, his voice loud enough to carry through the entire room.
"Going to hide behind your lackeys forever?"
The classroom went deathly silent. It was as if someone had sucked all the air out of the room.
Students who were halfway out the door froze and those who were talking stopped mid sentence with their heads turned around in disbelief.
"Did he lose his mind?" Someone whispered from the corner.
The lackey who had blocked the aisle turned a deep shade of red.
"What did you just sa-"
THUD.
The sound of Xavier's feet hitting the table rang out like a gunshot. He had kicked his desk forward, the metal legs screeching against the tile.
He stood up slowly, his shoulders tense as he turned around. The look on his face was one of twitching, insane fury.
"What did you just say?" Xavier asked, his voice sounding like a dangerous hiss.
'It worked just like I thought.'
Verso knew the best way to get Xavier to accept a duel wasn't through a request or threats but rather it was by shredding his ego.
For him being addressed directly by a commoner like Verso was a stain Xavier's pride could not ignore.
"Do you have a death wish?" Xavier said, walking right up to Verso until they were inches apart.
"Careful, buddy," Verso mocked, looking him straight in the eye.
"Your ego is looking a lot stronger than your summon right now."
Xavier's eyes widened in pure shock. Before he could even understand the insult, his hand shot out in a blur as he threw a punch aimed straight at Verso's jaw.
But Verso wasn't there.
Using his nearly maxed Agility, Verso stepped back just in time for the fist to whistle past his chin.
"Too slow." Verso mocked.
In a moment of rage, Xavier triggered his summoning space. A grey mist erupted from the shadows and a second later, the Ash Wolf lunged at Verso.
The mutant rank beast appeared from thin air, its jaws snapping and its claws extended for Verso's throat.
Usually, Verso would have dodged this attack. But today, he wanted to test what his strength stat of ten actually felt like against a Mutant beast.
He pulled his right hand back, his muscles coiling like a spring.
WHAM!
The impact was sickeningly solid as Verso's fist connected squarely with the Ash Wolf's eye mid jump.
The force was so immense that the wolf didn't just stop but instead launched sideways, crashing straight into a row of desks and as the beast slid across the floor it started whimpering in pain.
The classroom descended into chaos. Tables and chairs were knocked over as students scrambled to take cover, fear etched on their faces. This was no longer a normal fight with summons getting involved.
Verso shook his hand with the sinister smile still on his face.
He looked Xavier in the eyes, who was visibly taken aback. The arrogance on his face was replaced by confusion.
"I thought the elite families were supposed to be impressive." Verso taunted.
Xavier's face turned a deep, bruised shade of red. He looked like he was about to explode.
"You moth-"
"What is going on in here?!"
A voice like thunder boomed from the doorway. Every head snapped toward the entrance.
Sir Kolden was standing there, his massive frame filling the doorway. His arms were crossed over and his expression was one of absolute fury.
Xavier did not turn as his eyes remained on Verso, his teeth gritting so hard they sounded like they might shatter.
Verso, however, turned slowly toward Kolden.
He did not look like a student who just got caught in a fight but instead looked like someone who had everything under control.
"Sir," Verso said calmly, his voice smooth.
"Xavier was just showing me what summon he wanted to use against me in our duel."
He looked back at Xavier, mirroring the exact same smug look Xavier had given him at the practice grounds days ago.
"Right, Xavier?"
Kolden moved with swift speed, appearing between the two of them in a heartbeat. He looked at Xavier with furrowed eyebrows.
"Is this true? Are you two conducting a formal duel for your grade?"
Xavier's chest was heaving. He looked back at the whimpering Ash Wolf, then at the class of students watching him, and finally at Verso's taunting smile.
His pride would not let him back down, especially not after being humiliated in front of his peers.
Gritting his teeth, Xavier looked at Kolden.
"Yes, sir," He hissed.
"It's true."