Chapter 11: Web of Manipulation

A sense of routine had settled over David's days at the academy. Training with Enryu had become a part of his daily schedule. Every day, he sparred with bots, pushed his body to its limits, and learned to navigate the complex social hierarchies of the academy. The echoes of aching muscles and a tired body felt strangely rewarding.

David caught sight of Jade Frost in the corner of his eye. He'd seen her watching him during his training sessions a few times now, but she never said anything. He wasn't sure why she took an interest in him, but it didn't bother him. His goal was never to appear strong. He wanted to be strong, and he was diligently working towards that.

His training session was interrupted by a familiar figure. Mavis Silver, a member of the influential Silver family and as reputable as the Jupiters, sauntered over to him. His condescending gaze met David's. The gymnasium noise faded into the background as Mavis approached him.

"David," Mavis began, his voice dripped with arrogance, "Why do you still associate with Enryu?" Mavis's words hung heavily in the air between them. He was referring to the incident involving Enryu and Elysia, where Enryu had slapped Elysia in public. "He has no respect for anyone, not even Elysia. Doesn't that bother you?"

David looked up at Mavis, wiping the sweat off his brow. There was a moment of silence as he weighed his words carefully. He knew the gravity of what he was about to say and the potential ramifications his answer could have.

David looked up at Mavis, wiping the sweat off his brow. There was a moment of silence as he weighed his words carefully. He knew the gravity of what he was about to say and the potential ramifications his answer could have.

"Mavis," David started, his voice even but firm, "Our association is not based on what one does in a fit of rage, but on what we can learn from each other."

Mavis raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised by the response. David continued, "Yes, what Enryu did to Elysia was harsh. But have you thought about why he did it? Have you considered his side of the story?"

Mavis stayed silent, his expression pensive, giving David the cue to continue. "I have learned a lot from Enryu," David went on, "and one important thing is that not everything is as it appears on the surface. People are complex and are driven by various motivations, experiences, and emotions."

"And, you see," David hesitated for a second, realizing he was on the verge of revealing something he shouldn't. He rephrased his next words carefully, "There might be more to Enryu's actions than we know. He's not the kind of person who'd act without a reason. Maybe he saw something we didn't."

David paused, letting his words sink in. Mavis had a stunned look on his face, clearly not expecting this kind of retort.

"Why I still train with Enryu? Because he's one of the few here who isn't afraid to be himself, despite the consequences. And honestly, I find that refreshing."

With that, David turned back to his training, leaving Mavis Silver in silence as he returned to his fight with the bots, his words hanging in the air like an unsheathed sword.

Even as David trained relentlessly, Elysia Seville, the auburn-haired beauty who had earned the ire of Enryu, was engrossed in her own pursuits.

She had a glow about her, a captivating radiance that made her stand out in any crowd. Yet, her soft pink lips that currently curled into a convincing smile hid a manipulative streak that had ensnared many in her games.

"Jake, it's not just about me," she implored, her voice taking on a distressed note as she spoke to Jake, a senior student known for his tough demeanor. "Enryu, he... he humiliated me. And worse, he enjoyed it."

Jake, towering and muscular, had a reputation that often preceded him. His presence was intimidating, his reputation well-established. He was not one to let disruptive elements thrive, especially if they threatened the balance of power in the academy.

"The weakling needs a lesson," Jake grumbled, the underlying hint in Elysia's tale not going unnoticed. His face was set in a stern frown, the thought of Enryu's audacious behavior stirring annoyance within him.

Elysia flashed him a grateful smile, her eyes twinkling with unshed tears. "Oh, Jake, I knew you'd understand. It's not just about me, it's about maintaining the prestige of the academy."

Her words, calculated and crafty, were aimed to inflame Jake's irritation while ensuring her innocence remained intact. She wanted Enryu punished, but she didn't want to get her hands dirty. If Jake were to do it for her, it would be nothing less than perfect.

Jake's stern face softened slightly, a glimmer of sympathy crossing his hardened features. "Don't worry, Elysia," he said, his deep voice echoing across the training room. "Enryu won't get away with this."

Elysia's face lit up at his words, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. "Thank you, Jake. You have no idea what this means to me."

Jake shrugged off her gratitude nonchalantly, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "It's not about that, Elysia. It's about justice, and that's something the academy has always stood for."

"Yes, of course, Jake. Justice," Elysia echoed, her eyes shining with a dangerous glint. Her plan had been set into motion. She watched Jake walk away, his towering figure slowly disappearing in the crowd of trainees, a triumphant smirk creeping onto her face.

"Wait, Jake," Elysia called out, causing him to pause and turn back towards her. Her lips curved into a wry smile, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "Don't forget about his buddy David too. The weakest Jupiter.""

Jake's eyes flickered with interest. He nodded, his gaze hardening. "I'll keep that in mind, Elysia."

Her triumphant smile widened, watching Jake's retreating back. Elysia had set the stage. All that remained was to watch the performance unfold.