The academy was in chaos.
The fight between Ethan and Lucian Aldric had sent shockwaves through the institution, and rumors spread like wildfire.
"He took down Lucian?!"
"No way… The Aldric family won't stand for this!"
"I heard Ethan shattered Lucian's Celestial Judgement attack with his bare hands…"
The entire student body was in an uproar. Even the professors were struggling to maintain order.
Ethan, however, remained as nonchalant as ever.
Sitting under a tree in the academy's courtyard, he leaned back, his arms crossed behind his head. Despite the tension in the air, he wasn't worried.
Sylvia, standing beside him, let out a sigh. "You really don't care, do you?"
Eline smirked as she adjusted the straps of her daggers. "I kinda like it. You're shaking up this boring academy."
Ethan yawned. "Should I be worried?"
Sylvia frowned. "The Aldric family won't stay silent. Lucian is their golden child. You humiliated him in front of everyone."
Ethan stretched. "Sounds like a personal problem for them."
Sylvia stared at him. "You're impossible."
Eline chuckled. "That's what makes him fun."
Just then, a sharp voice rang through the courtyard.
"ETHAN CROSS!"
A group of armored figures stormed in, their golden insignias shining in the sunlight.
The academy's Disciplinary Council.
Leading them was Leonhardt Aldric, Lucian's older brother and one of the strongest students in the academy.
He wasn't just here for a friendly chat.
Ethan's grin widened. "Oh? More entertainment?"
Leonhardt's Challenge
Leonhardt's gaze was like ice, his golden eyes filled with restrained fury.
"You dared to humiliate my brother?" he said coldly.
Ethan shrugged. "He challenged me. He lost. Simple."
The students gathered around, whispering.
"This is bad… Leonhardt is way stronger than Lucian."
"He's a high-rank Awakened! Ethan might be strong, but can he handle this?"
Leonhardt stepped forward, his aura pressing down like a mountain. "I should kill you right now."
Sylvia moved in front of Ethan, her sword half-drawn. "You'll have to go through me first."
Eline grinned, spinning a dagger in her fingers. "Same here."
Leonhardt's expression darkened. "Stay out of this. This is between men."
Ethan sighed and stood up. "Fine, fine. Let's get this over with."
Leonhardt's lips curled into a smirk. "You'll regret this."
Then he attacked.
Battle of Titans
Leonhardt's fist shot forward like a cannon, the sheer force splitting the ground as it rushed toward Ethan.
But Ethan sidestepped at the last second, the punch missing him by inches.
Leonhardt's other fist came next—faster, stronger. Ethan raised his arm, blocking the strike. The impact sent a shockwave through the courtyard, the ground beneath them shattering.
Ethan's feet slid back slightly, but he remained firm.
Leonhardt's eyes narrowed. "Not bad."
Ethan grinned. "I get that a lot."
The battle exploded into high-speed exchanges. Leonhardt's attacks were brutal and relentless, each blow carrying the weight of someone who had been trained to destroy enemies in a single strike.
But Ethan was faster.
He dodged, weaved, and countered every attack with precision.
Leonhardt's frustration grew. "You're toying with me."
Ethan smirked. "You just realized?"
Leonhardt roared, unleashing a massive golden shockwave.
Ethan punched through it.
The energy shattered like glass.
Leonhardt's eyes widened in shock.
Before he could react, Ethan closed the gap, his fist slamming into Leonhardt's stomach.
The noble coughed up blood as his body was sent flying across the courtyard, crashing through several pillars.
Silence.
The entire academy was in shock.
Leonhardt Aldric—the strongest of the Aldric family within the academy—had been defeated in seconds.
Ethan dusted off his knuckles. "That was disappointing."
The students watching couldn't believe their eyes.
"He beat Leonhardt…"
"Is he even human?!"
Sylvia sighed, shaking her head. "You're really making enemies everywhere."
Eline grinned. "I love it."
Ethan turned to the unconscious Leonhardt. "I hope your family sends someone stronger next time."
The Aftermath
The Aldric family wouldn't stay silent.
Ethan had crushed not one, but two of their elite members. This was no longer a simple academy rivalry—this was war.
Professors arrived, trying to control the situation.
But deep down, everyone knew.
Ethan Cross had become unstoppable.
And this was only the beginning.
To be continued…