Stable

On the other hand, Luca just sat patiently as Instructor Max finished his grand speech about choosing opponents wisely.

It was an oddly intense speech with more dramatic pauses and persuasion than necessary.

But Luca, ever the dutiful student, nodded along attentively, completely missing the thinly veiled attempts to push the other students to target him.

The class, however, was not as clueless.

Every other student refused to move.

Not because they were afraid of losing their dueling opportunity—but because they were afraid of dying inside.

Not physically, no. But mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—and in all ways that mattered.

In fact, most of them were praying that Luca wouldn't randomly choose them for this duel.

Which was what fueled the frenzy of finding someone to duel with.

As in anyone.

Anyone but the baby-faced freshman!