Popcorn And Soda

Max, who leaned back in his seat, expecting Arthur to run away like a rat, was shocked.

He never expected him to say a word; after all, he was not only impure but also a weak bastard with no backbone.

Of course, his being impure was false, but Max wouldn't know that. 

'...Why?'

Surprisingly, Arthur's response didn't anger him.

Instead, it made him take a metaphorical step back and reconsider why he had ordered his goons to bully the guy in the first place.

What he saw in the outpost wasn't anything close to good, but it was definitely better than the average student. 

Most of it appeared to be luck, but that didn't matter to him; that was also a skill.

Besides, that wasn't why he took a 'step back.'

The reason was because of Arthur's emotional growth.

Not only did he move past his fear in the outpost, but also now, when confronted with people that could ruin his life in seconds.