The final bell rang, signaling the end of the day's last class.
Jengraimukh Academy's corridors flooded with students—some rushing to their hostels, others gathering in groups, whispering strategies and alliances. This school was a battlefield, even when fists weren't flying.
A week had passed since Mri's arrival.
He walked through the hallways, hands in his pockets, his sharp jawline catching the dim glow of the setting sun. Unlike the others, he didn't rush. He didn't talk. He simply walked.
Beside him, Ayang matched his pace—his childhood friend, now the leader of The Revolutionary Stars. He had changed, his presence carrying the weight of leadership. A faint flicker of green aura danced around him, a subtle reminder of his power.
"You've been quiet today," Ayang noted, scanning Mri's unreadable expression.
Mri exhaled. "Nothing worth talking about."
Ayang smirked. "Still pretending not to care?"
Mri stopped. He turned slightly, his dark eyes sharper than before.
"I care about the things that matter."
A beat of silence. Their gazes locked—a moment of unspoken understanding.
Before the gangs. Before the wars. Before Jengraimukh Academy.
Then, the atmosphere shifted.
From the other side of the hallway, a group of students parted like the Red Sea—not out of respect, but out of fear.
Three figures emerged.
"Look who it is. The so-called 'Legend of Dibrugarh' acting like he's something special in Jengraimukh."
Mri remained still. Ayang's smirk faded.
The one who had spoken was Baikon Lagachu, Vice President of The Dragons—the most feared gang in the academy. His Black Aura swirled like a storm, and the arrogance in his stance was undeniable.
Behind him, two more figures loomed—division captains of The Dragons, their eyes burning with hostility.
Ayang cracked his knuckles. "Let me guess—you came looking for a fight?"
Baikon laughed, his voice echoing through the hallway.
"Inside the academy? Don't be stupid, Ayang." His grin widened. "But outside?"
He leaned in slightly, locking eyes with Mri.
"You and I both know that's a different story."
A faint pressure filled the air—tension.
Everyone knew the rule: no fights inside the academy.
But outside? It was a free-for-all.
Baikon's smirk deepened.
"You've been keeping your head down since you got here, Mri. But that's not how things work here." His voice dropped. "I know who you are. What you've done. But none of that matters in Jengraimukh. You're either at the top, or you're nothing."
He turned away, his challenge set in stone.
"Tomorrow night. The Eastern Ground. No running. No excuses."
As he and his men disappeared into the crowd, a wave of murmurs erupted.
Mri had been called out.
Ayang sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well... that escalated quickly."
Mri didn't respond right away. He stared at the spot where Baikon had been standing.
Then—slowly—his lips curled into a smirk.
"It's about time."