One month had passed since the day of Max's fight with Noah. Each day since had been filled with grueling physical training and intense study. Max was determined to bridge the gap between his raw potential and the polished technique that was so glaringly missing during his first fight.
He had fought multiple times in the training yard, winning some and losing others. But, each time, win or lose, he learned more about the art of combat. He spent hours watching his fellow students spar, soaking up the different techniques and strategies they employed. And he used every free moment to train his own body, pushing it beyond limits he never thought possible.
Each defeat only fueled his determination, and each victory boosted his confidence. He was growing stronger, faster, and more technically proficient with each passing day. His relentless perseverance had earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and even Instructor Brunt seemed to regard him with a hint of approval.
One day, after lunch, Max was heading back to his dormitory when he spotted a familiar face. It was Lily, a girl from his village who also attended the academy. She was surrounded by a group of second-year students.
Max's protective instincts flared. "He wasn't close friends with Lily, but having known her for several years, the sight of her in distress stirred a hot anger within him. Without thinking, he marched up to the group, his eyes fixed on the sneering boy.
"What's going on here?" Max demanded. His voice was steady and assertive, belying the turmoil of anger churning within him.
The second-year students turned to face him. The leader, the burly boy, looked him up and down, his sneer widening into a condescending smile. "None of your business, first year."
Max clenched his fists, feeling his anger building. "Lily is my friend. That makes it my business."
The burly boy laughed. "Is that so? Well, your friend owes me money. Unless you're going to pay up, I suggest you back off."
Max's eyes flicked to Lily. She was clearly terrified but shook her head at Max. She didn't want him to get involved. But Max had already made up his mind. He turned back to the second-year students, his gaze unwavering.
"I won't pay you anything because Lily doesn't owe you anything. Now scram." Max paused, looking over his shoulder at Lily.
Hearing a first year student telling him to scram, fueled the anger inside the burly boy, who angrily said: "Who do you think you are? Since you are a first year, let me tell you the unwritten rules. You don't tell people to scram. If you got a conflict, you settle it through a fight. What do you say? Wanna be beaten up?" The burly boy's eyes lit up at the prospect of an easy fight. He was a second-year student, after all, and Max was just a first year. Surely, he could easily beat him.
Max's eyes narrowed hearing the challenge. He had never heard of these rules, but this looked like an optimal solution.
"Okay, I will fight you. Friday after school, we will have our fight. Once I win, you will stop bothering Lily about the 'debt'". Said Max, stressing the word debt.
"It is settled then. Good luck to you. Hahah. Boys, let's go, we have places to be." With that the burly kid turned around and left with his crew.
Seeing them leave, Lily slumped on the ground and started crying.
"Lily, what was all this about? Who was he and why was he bothering you?" Asked Max, knowing that Lily would not go out of her way to make enemies, or be in debt to someone.
Lily's lower lip trembled as she tried to form words, her eyes welling up with tears. Max watched in alarm as she sucked in a shaky breath, clearly struggling to maintain her composure. After a moment of strained silence, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"He... He's one of the seniors," she said, her words stuttering out between sobs. "He...he was making fun of me, saying I was useless and weak...that I didn't belong here. That with my talent I am only fit to be a farmer."
Tears spilled from her eyes, streaking down her cheeks in twin trails of misery. Her usually bright eyes were dull and filled with pain, a sight that made Max's heart clench with a strange ache. In the face of her torment, he felt an intense surge of protectiveness.
"Hey, it's okay. You're not useless or weak. You're here because you deserve to be here, just like any of us," Max consoled her, his voice steady and reassuring. "And you've got me. You won't have to deal with bullies like him anymore."
At his words, Lily nodded, wiping away her tears. She offered him a shaky smile, gratitude and relief reflecting in her teary eyes.
"His name is Skal Bullo. He is a second year, and his talent is barely good to reach apprentice rank. He just started his second year and has still not awakened. He is considered to be the best fighter of the second year among the non-awakeners. That is all I know." Said Lily, trying to remember all she knew about the burly kid.
"Don't worry, that is enough. Let me handle the rest. You should go back to your dorm and rest."
With that Max turned around and made his way back to the dorms.
Next day started for Max as usual, he attended classes and did everything regularly, but he noticed that his classmates were taking glances at him way more than usual, although they tried to be discreet about it.
Whispers followed him around the corridors, his name echoing from one end to the other. Clearly, the news about his upcoming fight with Skal Bullo had spread. With each curious glance, each whispered conversation, Max could feel the anticipation building among his peers.
During the lunch break, his friends crowded around him, their eyes wide and curious. "Is it true, Max?" Asked his roommate, Oliver, his voice low with intrigue. "Are you really going to fight Skal?"
Max simply nodded; his eyes focused on his plate. His calm demeanor seemed to amuse some of his friends. "Aren't you scared, Max?" one of his classmates asked, her eyebrows raised.
"No. If it comes to a fight, I will stand my ground," Max replied, his tone firm. The table went silent at his words, all eyes on him. Max looked up and locked gazes with each of his friends.
His confidence was contagious, and his friends soon rallied behind him, their initial worries turning into fiery support. Max wasn't alone; he had a team behind him.
"Max, you know, if you need help, you can ask for it. I myself might not help much, but I can ask my dad." Said Oliver, reminding Max he had a Viscount father standing behind him, ready to support when needed.
"Thank you, Oliver," kindly replied Max to his friend's proposal.
Same thing happened during the Battle Training class. His friends and classmates came up to him concerned, but the only one who was as aloof as always, was Andrew. It seemed that he had not even heard the news, probably busy practicing in some corner.
As the days passed, Max prepared for his fight with Skal. He trained hard and studied harder. He knew his opponent was more experienced and technically proficient. However, Max had something that Skal didn't – he had a burning determination and an unyielding will.
Friday afternoon finally arrived. The training ground, which was usually deserted at this time, was now swarming with students. Word had spread quickly and almost everyone from first year had come to witness, with some second year students, who probably knew Skal, or in fact disliked him, wanting to see him be beaten up.
Max stood at one end of the yard, his gaze fixed on Skal who was swaggering toward him, a smug grin on his face. Max's heart pounded in his chest, but he pushed down his nerves. He had a job to do, and he was going to see it through.