The classroom lay silent as the lone student slipped through the door, thumb still drumming lightly at the purple glow of the mana crystal hidden in his pocket.
Behind him, the bullies remained frozen—shoulders tense, breaths shallow, eyes locked on the empty doorway.
For what felt like minutes, nothing stirred. It was as if the entire world had paused, waiting for the echoes of defeat or the reclaiming roar of triumph. Instead, only the distant chime of the bell drifted through the stale air.
Then, as the first footstep faded, one voice cracked:
"Dude… what the hell…?"
Ramos, the leader, stared at the doorframe until his jaw crooked. "He just… dodged everything. Every single strike."
Across from him, Kellan's mouth dropped, eyes wide. "Are you sure? I mean… damn. He moved… like water."
Daryn leaned forward so quickly the desk groaned. "Bro, were you holding back?"
Ramos shook his head in slow disbelief. "No. I didn't hold back. I mean I did, but… I didn't?"
