Chapter 9: Mozzie Clan

The morning sunlight bathed the academy grounds as Xavier stepped out of his barracks, a faint confidence radiating from him. For the first time since arriving, he felt a glimmer of hope. With Elior's guidance and the progress he'd made in the dream realm, Xavier believed he could face the challenges ahead. Still, he knew the importance of allies in a place like Vice-land Academy.

Walking through the cobblestone paths, he observed clusters of students sparring, meditating, or discussing strategies. Many radiated powerful spiritual energy, and their confident postures made it clear they were used to being the best. Xavier knew he had to tread carefully, especially with the bounty Colby Reyes' family had placed on his head.

He spotted a small group of students near the training fields. They seemed approachable—laughing and joking rather than exuding hostility like some of the others. Taking a deep breath, Xavier approached them, his nerves threatening to bubble up.

"Hey there," Xavier said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach. "Mind if I join you? I'm Xavier."

The group paused, their gazes appraising him. A tall boy with short silver hair and a laid-back smile was the first to speak. "You're the one who stood up to the Reyes family, right? That took guts. I'm Eddie." He extended a hand. "We were just talking about the upcoming tournament. You ready?"

Xavier shook his hand, relieved that Eddie seemed friendly. "Ready as I'll ever be. I'm still working on my skills, but I'm determined to give it my all."

A petite girl with fiery red hair scoffed playfully. "Bold words. I'm Mara, by the way. You'll need more than determination if you want to survive the tournament." Her tone was teasing, but her sharp green eyes suggested she was sizing him up.

"Don't listen to Mara," Eddie interjected with a grin. "She's just bitter because she lost to me in the last sparring session."

Mara crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "I let you win, Lance. Anyway, what's your story, Xavier? You don't look like one of the elites."

Xavier hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say I'm here to prove I belong, even if I'm not from a powerful family. I know I've got a lot to learn, but I'm willing to put in the work."

The third member of the group, a quiet boy with dark hair and glasses, finally spoke. "I'm Felix. If you're looking to make friends, you've come to the right place. Lance and Mara argue all the time, but they're good people." He adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful. "And I admire your resolve. Most wouldn't stand up to someone like Colby."

Xavier smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Felix. I'm glad I ran into you guys. I was hoping to scout out the competition, but it's good to know there are people here who aren't just out for blood."

Eddie laughed. "Don't get too comfortable. We're still your competition, and Mara's got a mean streak when it comes to fights."

Mara smirked. "Better watch your back, Xavier. I might just be your first opponent."

The group laughed, and Xavier felt a sense of camaraderie forming. For the first time, he felt like he wasn't completely alone in this new world.

As the day went on, Xavier sparred with Eddie, exchanged tips with Felix, and even managed to hold his own against Mara in a light practice session. Though he was far from the strongest rank he realized he didn't have to go all out in order to keep up with them, his determination and newfound strength didn't go unnoticed.

By the time the sun began to set, Xavier felt a small but important shift. He wasn't just the underdog anymore. He was a contender, and with allies by his side, he knew he had a fighting chance. The tournament loomed closer, and with it, the opportunity to prove himself not just to the academy but to the world.

The setting sun painted the courtyard in hues of orange and gold, but Xavier's focus was locked on the scene ahead. Jessica, visibly uncomfortable, was cornered by a group of men led by a towering figure with bulging muscles and a smirk of arrogance. The group wore the insignia of the Mozzie Clan, one of the most prestigious noble families in Vice-land.

Anger surged through Xavier as he clenched his fists and strode over, stepping between Jessica and the group. He gently pushed her behind him, his expression a mixture of calm determination and simmering rage.

The leader of the group, a noble-level 8 warrior, scoffed, crossing his arms. "Look what we have here, boys. The peasant who dared test the Reyes family. You think you can stand up to us?"

The other two warriors laughed, their smug expressions mocking.

"Listen closely, commoner," the leader continued, "I'm Darius Mozzie, and these are my brothers, Kieran and Alaric. We're noble warriors of the Mozzie Clan, not that you'd understand what that means. Turn around now, and maybe I'll let you leave in one piece."

Xavier's jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady. "I don't care who you are. Leave her alone, or you'll regret it."

Jessica tugged on Xavier's sleeve, whispering urgently, "Xavier, please. You don't know who they are. They're from the Mozzie Clan—this isn't a fight you can win."

But Xavier didn't back down. His gaze remained locked on Darius. "Tomorrow, during the tournament, you'll find out you messed with the wrong person."

The Mozzie brothers exchanged incredulous looks before bursting into laughter.

"You? A nobody who's a fifth-ranked noble dares challenge us?" Darius sneered. "I'll tell you what. If you survive long enough to face me tomorrow, I'll make sure to personally crush you in front of everyone."

Kieran and Alaric smirked, adding their own jabs. "Don't make promises you can't keep, peasant," Kieran taunted.

But Xavier stood his ground, his posture unyielding. He wasn't thinking about their ranks or the overwhelming odds. All that mattered was standing up for Jessica and proving to himself that he wasn't the weakling they thought he was.

Finally, Darius gestured for his brothers to follow him. "Let's go. Wasting time with this trash isn't worth it." As they walked away, Darius called over his shoulder, "Enjoy your last night standing, commoner. Tomorrow, I'll make sure you regret ever opening your mouth."

Once they were out of earshot, Jessica let out a sigh of relief, but her worry was evident. She turned to Xavier, her brow furrowed. "Xavier, I appreciate what you did, but… the Mozzie Clan is dangerous. Darius is a top-ranked noble warrior. You can't just challenge people like him!"

Xavier gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Besides, I'm not the same as I was yesterday."

Jessica bit her lip, conflicted. She admired his courage, but she couldn't shake the fear that he was in over his head. "Just promise me you'll be careful tomorrow. Don't let your anger get the better of you."

"I promise," Xavier said firmly, though deep down, he knew the odds were stacked against him. Still, he wasn't going to let fear dictate his actions.

As the two walked back to their respective quarters, Jessica cast a worried glance at Xavier. He had saved her today, but she couldn't help but wonder if he'd pay the price tomorrow. Meanwhile, Xavier's mind was already racing with thoughts of how to turn this seemingly impossible fight into his first true victory.