Top Ranker

Wilfred had learned about the situation and allowed Ray to take a break from training for a few days. His roommates, though unaware of the full story, could tell something was off. Ray tried his best to act as he usually did, but it was clear they noticed. They had started greeting him more often, asking how he was doing. He had even found his bed neatly made for him.

The next morning, Sylvia insisted that Ray join them for breakfast in the dining hall. Normally, he would skip breakfast, preferring to fast until lunch, but she and the others were persistent.

As they entered the hall, a few heads turned in Ray's direction. It had been days since the incident between Gary and Monk, but while their group had moved past it, the rest of the students hadn't. The tension in the air was unmistakable.

Ray sat between Sylvia and Gary, eating in silence. They tried to make small talk, and though he responded, it felt forced. It wasn't that he disliked the conversation—he simply didn't know what to say.

Then, it happened.

A student walking past them tripped—or so it seemed. His tray of food spilled directly onto Ray's head, covering him in the slimy glop they served for breakfast.

The boy smirked. "Oh, sorry. It was an accident."

Sylvia shot up from her seat, furious. "That was clearly not an accident! What is wrong with—"

Before she could finish, Ray turned, grabbed the student's head, and slammed it into the table. The impact was so strong that the wooden planks splintered, leaving a deep indent.

But Ray wasn't done.

Placing his foot on the student's back, he grabbed his arm and pulled. A sickening pop echoed through the hall. The student would have screamed if he hadn't passed out from the pain.

The entire room fell into complete silence.

Every eye was on Ray. No one spoke. No one dared to.

Something inside him had snapped when he saw that smirk. These filthy humans needed to be taught a lesson. His father had been right—he should never allow himself to be bullied.

Without another word, he walked out of the dining hall.

Back in his dorm, Ray received a summons from Lancy to meet Wilfred. He already knew what it was about.

Upon entering the meeting room, he saw that Wilfred was alone, waiting for him. "Take a seat, Ray," he said. "I heard what happened in the dining hall."

Ray met his gaze. "I won't apologize for what I did."

Wilfred sighed. "I wouldn't expect you to. Your roommates vouched for you, explaining what really happened, but there were also witnesses siding with the other student. It took some convincing on my part to reach a decision, but in the end, you're important to Avrion Academy."

"Because I'm a Dragon Knight?"

"Correct. But I also know how you're treated in this school. The other knights might turn a blind eye to the mistreatment of red-haired students, but I don't. We have our own disagreements within the upper ranks."

Ray understood exactly what he meant—he had suffered from that mistreatment himself.

"I'm not saying these people don't deserve to be punished," Wilfred continued, "but next time, handle it through official means. If a student gets hurt during a ranked match, there's no need for the Master Knights to get involved." He gave Ray a knowing wink.

Ray smirked. "Understood."

There was still too much he needed to learn and accomplish—he couldn't afford to get kicked out of Avrion Academy.

As Ray made his way back to the dorm, he was stopped by a blond, curly-haired student standing in his path.

"You! Stop right there!" The boy puffed out his chest. "My name is Eric Sunshield of the Sunshield family. How dare a filthy commoner like you lay a hand on one of my people—especially a red-haired rat like you!"

Ray barely spared him a glance. He had just left a meeting with Wilfred. He had no interest in starting another fight so soon. He walked past Eric without a word.

Eric's face turned red with rage. "How dare you ignore me?! Did your parents never teach you manners?! No wonder—you must have been raised by pigs!"

Ray stopped.

His parents.

That was the line.

Without hesitation, he lifted his communicator and sent Eric a ranking match request.

Eric scoffed, seeing Ray's recorded rank of 280. "You actually think you can beat me? Fine. I accept. It's time I teach you what a real top-ranker is like."

The match began.

Ray did nothing.

He stood still, watching Eric charge at him.

With every swing, Ray simply sidestepped—calmly avoiding each strike. He made no attempt to counterattack.

Eric's frustration grew. His attacks became wilder, more erratic. His movements slowed. His breathing grew heavier. His confidence shattered.

When Eric finally staggered back, panting for air, Ray tilted his head.

"I guess it's my turn now."

In the next second, Ray disappeared—reappearing in front of Eric before he could react.

He raised his fist and brought it down—slamming it into Eric's skull.

One hit.

Eric collapsed.

Knocked out.

The next day, the entire school was buzzing with rumors. Students checked their communicators, shocked to see that their ranks had all dropped by one.

Ray glanced down at his wrist.

Rank 9.