The tension was unbearable. A single movement would be enough to make everything explode. The nobles, wounded, humiliated, and furious, glared with murderous eyes, some grabbing chairs, knives, or anything they could turn into a weapon. William remained standing, defiant, not moving an inch. Behind him, his companions silently braced themselves, ready to fight at his side without hesitation.
Then, Captain Irven's voice cut through the air like a sharp blade.
—What in the hell is going on here?!
Everyone froze. The imposing captain appeared in the doorway, his figure as solid as a wall. At his side, walking with a firm stride and a tense expression, came Elric.
—The previous incident hasn't even been resolved, and you're already starting another fight? —Irven thundered, crossing his arms with a look of pure disappointment—. Are you children? Or just plain idiots?
Silence fell over the cafeteria like a slab of stone. The nobles took a few steps back, slowly lowering their improvised weapons. William didn't even blink.
Elric stepped forward, scanning the scene.
—Captain, it seems the commoners provoked them again.
One of the nobles, with a broken nose and a bloodstained bandage around his neck, raised his voice:
—They started it! They walked in, glaring at us! They're clearly looking for war!
—That's a lie! —Dixon shouted, his voice shaking with rage—. You were the ones who insulted us first! You always get away with everything and then play the victim!
Irven raised his hand, calling for silence. He didn't speak at first, just observed, as if trying to find the truth hidden in the ruins of the chaos.
Elric, however, kept a stiff stance.
—The nobles have every right to feel threatened. This group has a record. We can't let them rule by fear and violence.
William sighed and raised a hand, signaling his companions to stay quiet. Then he spoke, his voice calm and sharp as a knife:
—It doesn't matter what really happened, does it? In the end, the only thing that matters is what you people want to believe. I'd bet even the kitchen staff has already testified in favor of the nobles.
His words dripped with venom. Elric frowned; his jaw clenched. In a sudden burst of anger, he stepped toward William, arm raised to strike him.
But Irven was faster.
—Enough.
His voice was low, but icy. With a single gesture, he stopped Elric's strike cold. Elric lowered his gaze, swallowing his pride as his arm trembled.
—There's not enough evidence, —Irven finally declared—. This case will be closed for now. Both sides suffered losses, both made mistakes. If anyone dares raise a hand again... I swear I won't hesitate to expel you. And don't count on your families to save you.
Air returned to the room. The nobles began to step back, murmuring among themselves. Some looked at William with hatred, others with fear. Jasper, his neck still wrapped in thick bandages, didn't even raise his eyes.
A memory flashed in Elric's mind as he watched the chaos dissolve.
A skinny boy in ragged clothes, trying to hold back tears while a group of nobles kicked him to the ground. Himself. Years ago, he had been just another commoner. Humiliated. Beaten. Silenced.
He remembered dreaming of becoming strong, of earning a rank that would let him protect his own. But now that he had it, he was trapped. If he showed favoritism, if he openly protected William and his group, his career would be over. Or worse... he'd end up dead in a conveniently staged accident.
Elric clenched his fists. He couldn't help them. Not yet.
One by one, the nobles withdrew. The commoners still waiting outside looked at William with a mix of awe and respect. Once Irven finally left, the first of them began to enter.
One by one, they bowed with brief but deeply meaningful nods. William didn't respond. He just watched them as they quietly crossed the cafeteria.
They took their meals timidly, as if expecting to be punished for it. They hadn't dared touch anything since the last incident, afraid to provoke the nobles' wrath. But now, they felt permitted to exist.
—I think that's enough for today, —Cedric muttered, rubbing his neck.
—Yeah, —Thom nodded, yawning—. I need a week of sleep.
—It's only the first day, idiot, —Theo scoffed.
They laughed softly. William remained silent for a few seconds, watching the now-bustling dining hall.
—Let's go, —he said at last.
The group stood up and headed toward their dorms. No one spoke much. The emotions still weighed on them, their bodies still ached. But they had gained something today. Not a victory. Not yet. But a crack in the wall.
His companions said goodnight one by one, visibly moved by everything that had happened. Back in his room, William dropped onto the mattress with a deep sigh.
His mind was about to shut down when Angel's voice echoed in his head.
—Molecular acceleration detected. Muscle fibers increasing at an alarming rate...
Angel's voice startled William, who quickly sat up and placed a hand over his chest. But he couldn't feel anything. After a moment, he sensed a warm current spreading through his body, especially in the muscles worked during training.
—Angel, what's happening?
—Traces of the restoration potion remain in your system. When combined with components recently ingested, they reactivated, triggering a second effect.
—Analyze in real time and show me the changes. Also, notify me of any danger and start searching for countermeasures.
—Analyzing... Gathering data... The situation is entirely beneficial for the user. Upon completion, it is estimated that Strength will increase by 1 point, Dexterity by 1 point, and Vitality by 0.5.
—Wow... impressive. Under normal conditions, how long would it take to get those results?
—With a balanced diet, no use of enhancers, and system-assisted training: approximately one month of continuous effort.
—Based on this new data, update the training method.
—During the scan, I detected that the meat consumed yesterday contains a substance related to the restoration potion. Additionally... something very strange has appeared in your brain. Displaying anomaly.
In front of William's eyes, a detailed image of his brain appeared. A small blue dot glowed in the prefrontal region.
—Angel, what am I looking at?
—According to the records, this phenomenon was triggered by exposure to the wave of energy provisionally classified as 'Magic'. There's insufficient data to determine long-term risks. I've deployed every known medical protocol, but none are effective. Since the anomaly appeared, the user's brain capacity has increased by 3.5%, accelerating synaptic processes and enhancing cognitive efficiency.
Angel's words were both grim and full of infinite potential.
—Keep constant surveillance on that area until we gather more information. Notify me immediately of any changes.
With his mind brimming with thoughts, William closed his eyes, allowing the darkness to take him.