Theo and Kyle walked side by side through the quiet academy corridor, leaving behind the crowd that still buzzed with excitement over the fight. Every few steps, they passed groups of students whispering among themselves, their curious gazes lingering on Theo before quickly looking away. News spread quickly inside the Military Academy, and by tomorrow, everyone would probably know that a first-year had defeated a second-year.Kyle stole another glance at his roommate before shaking his head with a helpless smile. "I still can't believe you beat him. Lucas has been bullying new recruits since the semester started."Theo shrugged as though the victory meant little."He lost because he stopped thinking. Anger makes people careless."Kyle laughed softly. "You make it sound so simple.""It wasn't," Theo replied honestly. "If he had stayed calm, the fight would have been much harder."The answer only made Kyle admire him even more. Most people would have bragged after defeating an older stu

The six second-year students led the way across the academy grounds without saying another word. Theo and Kyle followed a few steps behind, drawing curious glances from every student they passed. Quiet conversations sprang up in their wake, only to fade once they had moved farther down the stone pathway.As they crossed into another section of the academy, Theo noticed subtle differences almost immediately. The buildings appeared older and sturdier, while the training fields bore countless scars from intense battles. Second-year students walked with calm confidence, their movements disciplined and purposeful. Unlike the lively atmosphere surrounding the freshmen, very few voices disturbed the silence here.Kyle leaned closer, keeping his voice low enough that only Theo could hear."Do you think we should've refused?"Theo shook his head slightly."If they wanted to threaten us, they wouldn't have approached us in front of everyone."Kyle considered those words before nodding."I guess