The Initial Conflict

The exhausting first day had finally come to an end. Navies had learned a lot, but he still couldn't identify all the students in his class. What truly caught his attention were the quiet ones because, in his experience, those who appeared calm were often the most dangerous. He suspected that some of them had more influential backgrounds than Huang Zicheng and Laura, who blatantly flaunted their fathers' power.

Navies had asked Balqis not to walk home with him, but the girl was persistent. In the end, she came up with the idea that they were simply heading in the same direction. That way, if anyone asked, they'd have a logical excuse for being together.

As they were about to leave the school grounds, a girl suddenly approached them with confident strides, blocking their path.

"Navies, right?" Her voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable sharpness to it.

Navies turned to her, slightly intrigued. "Yeah. How do you know my name? And who are you?"

"My name is Hana. We're in the same class, though you probably didn't notice me," she replied nonchalantly. "I just thought I'd give you a heads-up because I care enough. Many students here are hiding their true identities. Huang Zicheng and Laura? They're just the tip of the iceberg. I hope you learn to adapt." Her eyes locked onto Navies', making it clear that she wasn't just trying to intimidate him. "I may not be able to help much, but if anything suspicious happens, don't hesitate to talk to me in class."

A faint smile appeared on Hana's lips before she turned and disappeared into the crowd. Navies remained silent for a moment, processing the information.

Beside him, Balqis glanced at him before murmuring teasingly, "Looks like she's interested in you."

Navies smirked slightly. "Maybe. But hey, why is a teacher like you so concerned about her own student?" They resumed walking out of the school grounds.

Balqis lowered her head slightly, then shot him a sharp look. "Mr. Navies, now that we're outside the school, I am once again your servant and bodyguard."

Navies sighed but didn't argue. They continued their walk toward the bus stop. However, their steps halted when a commotion erupted from a nearby alley. Faintly, they heard shouts and hurried footsteps.

Navies glanced at Balqis. "Wait at the bus stop. Your identity must remain hidden."

Balqis hesitated for a moment, clearly unwilling to leave Navies alone, but after a brief pause, she nodded and left without question. Meanwhile, Navies moved toward the source of the noise, bracing himself for whatever awaited him in the dimly lit alley.

At the far end of the alley, a student was kneeling on the ground, his breath ragged. Dust clung to his disheveled uniform, and blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. Surrounding him, Lily and her gang stood with smug expressions, as if savoring the sight before them.

"Your father…" Lily hissed, her voice deceptively light yet dripping with menace. "I could have my father fire him in an instant. So, you better understand don't make the same mistake again. Next time, obey me." She sighed, then smirked. "I'm in a bad mood, and you just happened to be in my way."

Her hand moved swiftly smack! The first slap landed on the boy's cheek.

"Don't fight back."

Smack! The second one.

"Do you understand?"

Smack! The third was harder than the rest.

Her lackeys held the student down, ensuring he couldn't escape or even lift his hands to protect himself.

For a brief moment, silence filled the alley. Then, a cold, unwavering voice shattered it.

"What's going on here?"

Lily and her group turned. A young man stood at the alley's entrance, the dim light casting shadows over his face. Navies. His gaze was unreadable, yet something about it made the air feel heavier.

Lily raised her chin, looking at him with amusement. "Who are you? Is he your friend?" Her hand, poised for another strike, froze mid-air.

Navies stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Lily's. "Let him go."

Lily chuckled, as if he had just said something ridiculous. "And if I don't?"

Navies' expression didn't change. His gaze remained sharp, piercing straight through Lily. "Then we take this to the principal."

The absolute certainty in his voice sent a ripple through the group. Lily assessed him carefully, her face tightening for a split second. Then, reluctantly, she gestured for her lackeys to back off.

As she passed Navies, she leaned in slightly and whispered, "You just made an enemy. Watch your back."

Navies didn't respond. He simply watched her walk away, his gaze unwavering until she disappeared.

Not long after, the beaten student slowly rose to his feet. His movements were stiff, his hands trembling as he reached for his bag. His face remained lowered, swallowing the pain. Without a word, he gave Navies a small bow whether in gratitude, respect, or fear, Navies couldn't tell. Then, with unsteady steps, he left.

Navies caught a glimpse of the name tag on the student's uniform. "Rendra, huh?" he murmured. His eyes narrowed slightly. "How can a girl beat a guy like that, and he doesn't fight back? Sometimes, the children of powerful families are far more terrifying than their parents." A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

The sound of footsteps approaching snapped him out of his thoughts.

Balqis stood beside him, her expression as calm as ever. "Are you alright?"

Navies gave a small nod. "We need to be more careful. They won't let this go so easily." His gaze drifted toward the towering school building, standing arrogantly beneath the evening sky. "The downfall of the pro-Western coalition will begin at this school."

Balqis remained expressionless, but in her eyes, there was an unwavering resolve. "Then we'll always be ready, sir."

As they walked toward the bus stop, Navies took a deep breath. The evening breeze carried a chill that felt heavier than usual. This school wasn't just a place for learning it was a battlefield.

And today, without hesitation, he had declared his war.

—

Inside a car speeding through the city, Lily sat with a scowl. Her mood had plummeted after what Navies had done, making her frustration boil over. Irritated, she swung her arm and slammed her fist against the seat in front of her, trying to vent her anger.

The air in the car grew tense, the silence broken only by the sound of her erratic breathing. Moments later, one of her subordinates approached and hesitantly handed her a phone.

"Miss Lily, your mother is calling."

Lily stiffened. In an instant, her furious expression drained of color. Her hands trembled as she took the phone and pressed it to her ear.

"Yes, Mother… Yes… I will obey," she murmured, her voice quivering.

When the call ended, Lily remained motionless. Her fingers curled into fists, suppressing something she couldn't express.