Betrayal and Breakthrough

(The Next Day – Near the Rodova Military Academy Notice Board)

If there was anyone more devastated than David to see Leo score 61/80 in Basics of Magic Theory—

It was Su Yang.

Standing before the massive notice board, his eyes darting between his own 9/80 and Leo's 61/80, as he looked like a man who had just watched his best friend ascend to godhood while he remained a mere mortal, trapped in the cruel reality of academic failure.

His fingers trembled as he pointed at Leo's name.

Then at his own.

Then back at Leo's.

And then, with the tragic flair of a betrayed war hero, he clutched his chest as if he'd just been run through with a sword.

"Skyshard! You… you absolute traitor!" Su Yang gasped, turning on Leo with the raw betrayal of a man left to die on the battlefield.

Leo, who had been casually munching on an apple he had just picked on his way out of the mess hall, barely spared him a glance as he muttered, "Huh?"