Chapter: 10

After finishing their meal, Nitish, Karl, Marco, and William made their way toward their assigned rooms, discussing their first day at Soltarin Academy. However, before they could reach their destination, a group of students blocked their path.

At the forefront stood a tall, lean young man with an aura of noble arrogance and chilling composure. His ashen-pale skin contrasted sharply against his dark red and black attire, his long silver hair cascading elegantly down his back. But the most striking feature was his crimson eyes, gleaming with an unsettling mix of amusement and malice.

The boy observed them for a moment before fixing his gaze on Karl. He took a step forward, his lips curling into a polite yet unsettling smile.

"You must be William," he said smoothly, extending a hand in greeting.

Karl blinked, taken aback, but before he could correct the mistake—

"I am the real deal!" William interrupted, puffing out his chest. "And these are my minions!" He waved a hand toward Nitish, Karl, and Marco, speaking in an arrogant, self-important tone.

Nitish and Marco exchanged looks, silently questioning whether William had truly lost his mind.

The silver-haired boy tilted his head slightly, his smile never faltering. "Oh? So you're the famous William, the B-Rank Awakener that everyone's been talking about." His voice was smooth, carrying an eerie politeness.

"Yes, that's me," William said proudly, crossing his arms.

"Nice to meet you, William." The boy placed a hand on his chest, inclining his head slightly in a formal gesture. "My name is Roderic Graves, of the noble House of Graves."

William's smug grin widened. "Even nobles want to be my friends. I guess that's just what happens when you're a high-rank Awakener! Not that you guys would understand," he added, smirking at his companions.

Nitish rolled his eyes. This idiot…

Roderic chuckled, his laughter soft but condescending. "Actually, I didn't come to offer friendship, William. I came to challenge you to a duel."

The group tensed.

"A duel?" Karl repeated, frowning.

Roderic nodded, his expression unchanging. "Yes. However, since I am a third-year and have been awakened for quite some time, it would be unfair to challenge you immediately. So, I propose we wait ten days to give you time to adjust to your newfound power." His tone was polite, yet it carried a hint of mockery, as if he didn't truly believe William could improve in such a short time.

Nitish, Karl, and Marco exchanged wary glances. Something about this felt off.

William, however, grinned confidently. "A duel? Ha! No problem! I'll wipe the floor with you!"

The entire group—including Roderic's followers—stared at William in disbelief.

"What an idiot," everyone thought simultaneously.

Roderic's polite smile widened slightly. "Good. Then it's settled." He turned on his heel, walking away without waiting for further discussion. His group followed, casting amused glances at William as they left.

As soon as they disappeared from view, Marco whirled around and grabbed William by the collar.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Marco shouted, shaking him. "Are you an idiot? A dumbass? What were you thinking?!"

William pushed him back, rolling his eyes. "Relax, bro. It's just a duel. And there's no way I'll lose." A smug smile stretched across his face.

Nitish sighed heavily. "Bro, you're a Priest. What exactly can you do in a head-on fight? Do you even have any offensive skills?"

William froze.

"...About that," he muttered, looking away in embarrassment. "I… don't actually know how to read my skill list…"

Silence.

Karl facepalmed. Marco shook his head in disappointment. Nitish, on the other hand, burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO READ YOUR OWN SKILLS?!" Nitish doubled over, clutching his stomach.

William's eyes darted around nervously. "Shut up! If people hear you, I'm done for!" He rushed forward and clamped a hand over Nitish's mouth.

Nitish still laughed through his muffled voice.

William turned to Karl with wide, pleading eyes. "Boss, please! Help me figure out my skills!"

Karl sighed, crossing his arms. "Let me get this straight—you signed up for a duel without even knowing what abilities you have?"

William nodded sheepishly.

Marco groaned. "We're doomed…"

Karl took a deep breath, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll help you. But first, let's get somewhere private before you embarrass yourself further."

William grinned. "I knew I could count on you, Boss!"

Nitish, finally recovering from his laughter, wiped his eyes. "This is going to be hilarious."

With that, they made their way toward their rooms.