Is that him? Natashas expression shifted subtly as she examined Joshua. She stepped back from Icarus as if shed lost interest. Its completely out of the blue, isnt it?

Ash pen FrederickYou finally showed yourself, huh? Anyways, this is the first time Ive ever remembered the name of a useless trash commoner like you. Veron scowled, revealing his magically-implanted front teeth.

What is this bastard saying Are you gonna get in trouble, Veron? Gehog asked with a calm expression.

What is he doing? Gehog lifted a finger and twirled it around his temple, implying that Joshua was sick in the head. The surrounding children laughed.

Stop! Veron glared at Joshua. I told you to halt! Do you care what happens to this guy? Veron stomped on Icaruss head and grinned viciously at Joshua. Icarus was half-conscious at this point.

Im sure you know how this works, so dont even think about moving. You know that I have the authority to expel you and them from the Academy; I also have the power to torment their families for the rest of their lives. You must have a reason for coming to the Academy. Dont throw it all away now.

Joshua finally came to a halt, much to Verons pleasure.

Ah, finally. Now we can talk. The reality here is that family power is everythingso what options do you have?

Are you really that great? What do you want?

Seems pointless, Natasha mumbled under her breath.

Let me ask you something Why return this? Something on Verons finger glittered in the sunlight as he waved his hand. I dont know what its like for lesser or fallen aristocrats like you, but this is a bigger deal than you think. You could buy an entire castle for this thing.

Veron, he wouldnt even know if you told him. Its just a normal ring to that kid.

No, he wouldnt have taken it and threatened me with it if he hadnt known. Veron shook his head.

Gehog shrugged. If thats the case, this makes me even more curious about your relationship. And I supposed youve insulted Veron too much.

Is it appropriate to talk about this in front of these kids? Natasha looked worried. If the rumors get around, your fathers going to hear

Who would dare?! At this point, it doesnt matter. If somebody lets slip to my father, Ill stop at nothing to hunt them down.

A stiff silence weighed down on the assembled students.

Answer me, Veron said to Joshua. You could have scared me for a long time with this; it would have ended poorly, but you would have lived.

If I did, what would be the difference between you and me?

What?!

Id be no different from scum like you, right?

The students stirred in surprise. They couldnt believe someone was trash-talking the Villas heir, especially where so many people could see. Was he insane?

The Sten swordsmanship also got called trash

Is he insane? What makes him so bold?

How can you talk like that unless you belong to the Imperial Family or the Five Dukes?

Three of the Twelve Families are represented hereeven the Five Dukes wouldnt challenge us. I mean, I guess Duke Agnus or Duke Dremblin could

Veron smirked.

Of course you keep up the act. I wouldve been upset if you changed your tune.

Veron then pumped mana into his Deon Ring. A faint light rose from it, growing larger and larger. Soon, Verons entire body was coated in the light; through the glow, a faint rustling could be heard.

The light fell away, revealing Veron completely encased in plate mail. Its magically-lightened bulk was a stunning, polished silver. Red feathers on the helmets crest flapped elegantly in the wind, and the sword-and-shield motif of the Villas house was embossed prominently on the chest.

Kyaaa! Isnt Verons Deon Ring always gorgeous compared to the other B-Class?

Should I get mine modified?

Who knows, Natasha snorted at Gehog, maybe your father will be happy to trade you for a good Deon Ring.

Idiot.

Veron stepped closer, and Gehog licked his lips in anticipation.

Wake him up.

Icarus was doused with cold water from a barrel theyd had prepared.

Ugh The water jolted Icarus awake. Even soaking wet, his sky-blue hair and immaculate white skin glowed.

Im going to break his limbs, one by one. Having the wrong friend is a crime, you see.

Fuck! Agareth exclaimed.

As your senior, Id advise you to stay still unless you want to see this gentleman and his family die.

Joshua met Icaruss eyes.

It must be painful and frightening. Icaruss tiny frame shook uncontrollably.

Yet, his gaze was unwavering. Something in Joshuas heart soared and raged when Icarus solemnly shook his head.

I know what its like to have something you need to protect.

Youre just like Shimizu kun Douglas, this bastards older brother. Veron jerked his chin in Agareths direction. An idiot who didnt know his place and dared to cross the line and try to change this place. A complete idiot. Instead of joining hands with me and living a pleasant life in the Academy, he would rather go to the professors to snitch and beg for help. He didnt even know wed already bought out half the staff in the Academy. Funny, right?

Stop Please stop. Agareth desperately tried to block his ear.

It was annoying, you know? I mean, who would take the tough road when you can live in luxury? But you know what I did with him? Veron grinned at Agareth. I turned him into a cripple.

Joshuas eyes dilated slightly.

Of course, it got waved off as an accident. I initially planned on just murdering him, but I figured that would be too inconvenient. Making him atone as a lame didnt seem like such a bad idea.

Well No one can use their funny words when we threaten their family, right?

Natasha raised her hand. The Douglas family cannot threaten us without concrete evidence. She licked her lips. Dont worry. Your name was Ash, right? If you pay close attention, Ill make sure you avoid any unfortunate accidents.

You, Natasha! Gehog started to protest but noticed her give him a little wink.

Are you planning on playing with him before you crush him? Gehog stepped back. You got it right, crazy woman.

Is that all right, Veron? Natasha asked.

...My business comes first. Its time to get rid of that unfortunate eye color; it seems to be begging me to remove them.

Ummm I dont want to scratch those blue eyes because theyre so uncommon Natasha thought about it for a second. Should I just give up? Hmm, no She suddenly clapped her hands. Were doing this because Veron noticed you first, right? When I think about it, having one eye is a different kind of charm too!

Hahaha. Right, crazy bitch.

...What did you say, Gehog? Natasha gave him a frosty glare.

I didnt say anything. He waved his hand dismissively.

Huh?!

Veron stopped paying attention to them and turned his focus back to Joshua.

Let me pull those cheeky eyes out before I break this guys arm. Veron stepped forward confidently. The fear creeping up on his heart had been washed away by the reassuring weight of the Deon Ring wrapped around him.

A C-Class Knight can barely scratch a B-Class Deon Ring. If youre not as careless as that idiot Veron gripped his blade and cautiously approached Joshua, watching for a surprise attack.

You mentioned something like Family is everything here.

Veron paused. Okay, so you plan to rely on your feeble strength to flee

Youre kind of right. Joshua drew something out of his sleeves.

Thats! Veron, the closest person to Joshua, quickly figured out what it was. Deon Ring?!

No way! Theres no way a fallen noble would have a Deon Ring.

You! Veron backed away, recalling Mookers words.

Let me show you the power you were boasting about. Joshua shoved the Deon Ring onto his finger and injected it with mana.

A thundering resonance, far beyond what Veron displayed, shook the air around them.