Limits and Confrontations
The weeks leading up to the exams were a blur of late-night study sessions, lectures, and mounting tension. The academy's atmosphere grew more intense as students scrambled to prepare. Samson, however, remained focused. The weight of his newfound powers, the burden of secrecy, and the pressure to prove himself drove him to study harder than ever.
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1. Theory Exams Begin
The day of the theory exams arrived, and the air buzzed with nervous energy. The first test, Primary Magical Theory, was challenging but straightforward. Samson meticulously wrote out answers, his hand gliding across the parchment as his mind pieced together years of accumulated knowledge.
After the first exam, Pedro caught up with him in the hallway. "How'd it go?" he asked, slinging an arm over Samson's shoulder.
"Not bad," Samson replied. "I think I got most of the questions right."
Pedro laughed. "Of course you did, bookworm. Meanwhile, I barely scraped through."
Samson chuckled. Pedro's lighthearted nature always helped ease his nerves, and he appreciated having someone who didn't treat him like an outsider.
The second exam was even tougher, delving into the intricate mechanics of mana flow and spell construction. Samson felt the weight of each question but pushed through, determined to excel. When the exam ended, he stretched his aching hand and prepared to leave the hall.
That was when he saw Siddhartha waiting outside.
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2. An Unwelcome Confrontation
Siddhartha leaned casually against the wall, his piercing gaze locked onto Samson. Two of his subordinates flanked him, their postures exuding arrogance. As Samson stepped into the hallway, Siddhartha pushed off the wall and blocked his path.
"Samson," Siddhartha said, his voice smooth yet laced with condescension. "Got a moment?"
Samson frowned but nodded. "What is it?"
Siddhartha smirked, taking a step closer. "I've been meaning to talk to you. You should learn to stay in your limits."
Samson's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Siddhartha's smirk widened, and his tone turned mocking. "Oh, come on. Do you really think someone like you has a shot at succeeding here? A poor boy with low mana reserves? You can ace as many theory exams as you want, but we both know it's the practical tests that matter."
Samson's heart clenched. The words struck a chord, dragging up memories he had tried to bury. He remembered the disdainful looks, the whispered insults, the way his family had been humiliated because of his supposed inadequacy. For a moment, his mind drifted to Ayla's face, the pain of losing her still fresh.
But Samson wasn't the same person he had been in his past life. He met Siddhartha's gaze with calm defiance and responded, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Wow, Siddhartha. I didn't realize you cared so much about my success. Should I thank you for the advice or get you a medal for being so concerned?"
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3. Rising Tensions
The sarcasm hit its mark, and Siddhartha's smirk faltered for a split second. One of his subordinates, a broad-shouldered boy with a scowl permanently etched on his face, stepped forward. "Watch your mouth, runt," he snarled. "You don't get to talk to Siddhartha like that."
Samson remained calm, though his fists clenched at his sides. "I was just answering his question. Or do I need your permission to speak now?"
The subordinate's face darkened, and he took another threatening step forward. Before he could act, Pedro appeared, stepping between Samson and the others.
"Alright, that's enough," Pedro said, his voice firm but measured. "Back off."
Siddhartha's subordinate sneered. "And who are you supposed to be? His bodyguard?"
Pedro grinned, unbothered by the insult. "Just a friend who doesn't like bullies."
The tension escalated as Siddhartha's subordinate shoved Pedro's shoulder. "You've got a big mouth for someone who doesn't know his place."
Pedro's grin disappeared. "And you've got a big attitude for someone who doesn't know how to act in public."
The insult was the last straw. Siddhartha's subordinate swung his fist at Pedro, and chaos erupted.
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4. The Fight
Pedro blocked the first punch but was unprepared for the second. Siddhartha's other subordinate joined in, and the two ganged up on him. Pedro fought back, landing a few solid hits, but he was quickly overwhelmed.
"Stop it!" Samson shouted, stepping forward. But before he could intervene, Siddhartha raised a hand, signaling his subordinates to back off.
Pedro staggered to his feet, blood trickling from his lip. He glared at Siddhartha and his group, his chest heaving. "Real brave of you, letting your goons do the dirty work."
Siddhartha ignored Pedro and turned to Samson. "This is what happens when people don't know their place. Consider this a lesson."
Samson's anger boiled over, and he stepped toward Siddhartha, his fists clenched. But before he could say or do anything, a voice cut through the tension.
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5. Professor Irwin Intervenes
"That's enough!"
Professor Irwin's voice echoed through the hallway, freezing everyone in place. He strode toward the group, his sharp eyes scanning the scene. The students around them scattered, unwilling to be caught in the aftermath.
"What's going on here?" Irwin demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Siddhartha straightened, his confident demeanor intact. "Nothing, Professor. Just a… misunderstanding."
Irwin's gaze shifted to Pedro, who was still wiping blood from his lip. "Doesn't look like nothing to me."
Pedro opened his mouth to speak, but Samson stepped forward. "It's my fault, Professor. I—"
Irwin raised a hand, cutting him off. "Save it. All of you, report to my office. Now."
The weight of Irwin's authority was impossible to ignore, and the group reluctantly followed him down the hall. Samson's heart sank as he thought about the potential consequences, but he held his head high. No matter what happened, he refused to let Siddhartha or anyone else intimidate him.
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6. Reflections
As they walked, Samson's mind raced. Siddhartha's words had stirred something deep within him—a determination to prove himself not just to others, but to himself. He thought of his mother, Maren, who had always believed in him. He thought of Ayla, whose memory fueled his resolve.
I won't let anyone look down on me, he thought. Not again. Not ever.
Beside him, Pedro walked in silence, his face set in a determined expression despite his injuries. Samson glanced at him and felt a surge of gratitude. He wasn't alone in this fight, and that made all the difference.
The confrontation with Siddhartha wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.