Flames of defiance

Mr. Smith, Louis' homeroom teacher, raised an eyebrow as he scanned through the Student Career Registration (SCR). His eyes lingered on each entry, his mind processing the various career aspirations.

This was the document where students choose their future paths, which would be sent to the government for data collection. He couldn't help but think that some of the choices didn't make sense, but that was the new education system for you.

As he continued to scan, his expression suddenly changed. His face was a picture of shock and awe as he exclaimed, "Who chose to be a Guardian?" The room fell silent, with all eyes on Mr. Smith. The students stared at each other in surprise, wondering who among them had made this unexpected choice.

Mr. Smith's mind raced as he quickly traced the career choice back to the student's name. His eyes scanned the list, his finger running down the page until he found it. "Louis," he said, his voice firm but curious. "You've chosen to be a Guardian?"

The class erupted into laughter when they heard that the person who chose to be a Guardian was an E-rank student, someone who won't even survive a fight against a C-rank sinner. Some made jokes, while others were curious. "Well, Louis, is that your decision?" Mr. Smith asked, still curious. Louis nodded his head gently, "Yes, sir."

The class fell silent, thinking their teacher would discourage Louis from pursuing his goal. But instead, Mr. Smith said, "If that's the case, then no problem."

No one understood what Louis had gone through or what he felt, or they wouldn't have dared to laugh.

The bell rang, signaling lunchtime, and Louis quickly left the classroom, unable to withstand the upcoming scene. As he walked down the corridor, someone shouted his name from behind. "Louis, Louis!" It was Charles. "Hey, dude, I heard you chose Guardian as your SCR. Is that true?"

Louis was taken aback, wondering how the news had spread so fast. "Yes, I did," he said in a low tone. Charles's eyes widened in shock. "What the heck! You're going insane!" he whispered, disbelief etched on his face. "Do you want to die early? You're not fit to be that. This is crazy!"

Charles was distressed, thinking about the consequences. "Do you know what Ivan will do if he finds out?" Louis gave him a stern stare. "He'll kill you because he wants to be the only one to graduate from this school and become a Guardian."Louis went quiet, knowing he would be dead by now.

"Damn you, Louis!" a familiar voice echoed down the corridor. Louis whispered under his breath, "Oh my God, it's Ivan and his gang." People began to stare, gathering around to see what was happening.

Louis had become the center of attention. "What's going on?" people asked each other, whispering. "Isn't that Louis, the E-rank weak loser?"

Charles, sensing trouble, stepped forward to intervene. "Ivan, leave him alone."

But Ivan was too quick. He turned his attention to Charles, his fists clenched and ready to strike. "Mind your own business, Charles. This doesn't concern you."

Louis's senses screamed at him to act fast. He raised his hand, and hold Ivan clenched fist, as if guided by an unseen force. He grasped his fist, holding it in mid-air, and gave him a death glare.

"Back off, Ivan," Louis said in a cold, even voice, his eyes burning with an intensity

The crowd around them gasped, shocked by the sudden turn of events. Charles's eyes widened in surprise, and Ivan's face twisted in anger, but Louis's grip remained firm, his gaze unwavering.

The crowd whispered among themselves, shocked by Louis's sudden display of strength and courage. "Is that the E-rank moron? What's gotten into him?" "I've never seen anyone stand up to Ivan like that!"

Ivan's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "You think you can take me on, Louis? I'm the strongest guy in this school! I'm the one who's going to become a Guardian, not you!"

Louis's grip on Ivan's fist firmly, his gaze unwavering. "The strong may reign supreme, but the weak can still ignite the flames of rebellion," he said in a low, even voice.

The crowd gasped at Louis's words, and Ivan's face turned red with rage. "You dare to quote the Guardian's Code at me? You're nothing but a pathetic E-rank student!"

Louis's eyes flashed with determination. "I may be weak, but I won't back down anymore. And I won't let you bully Charles."

With that, Louis released Ivan's fist, and the two boys stood there, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down. The crowd held its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

Ivan's voice dripped with venomous contempt as he sneered at Louis. "You're nothing but a brief rebellion,a moment's bravery that will soon fizzle out," he taunted, his words cutting through the air like a whip.

You think you can challenge my strength and my might? Ha! You're just a whisper in the wind, a gentle breeze in the night.

Your fire will flicker and die, while mine will rage on, burning brighter with each passing moment. Ivan raised his hands, his eyes flashing with a proud gleam, his gaze blazing with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

In this world, the strong reign supreme, and the weak are crushed beneath their heels. You're nothing but a pathetic E-rank student, a mere insect to be squashed."

As he spoke, Ivan rolled up his long sleeves, revealing his muscular arms. And then, his hands ignited with a burning flame, the fire crackling and dancing in the air. The crowd gasped in shock and awe, and Louis took a step back, his eyes fixed on the flames.

"The flames of the strong will reduce the weak to ashes," Ivan hissed, his eyes blazing with fury. "You dare to quote the Guardian's Code at me? You're nothing but a joke, a mere pretender to the throne.

I am the one who will become a Guardian, not you. And I will make sure you never dream of that."

He bellowed in rage, his anger blazing like a wildfire, as he prepared to unleash his flame fist on Louis.

But with a silent command, Louis felt his power stir, a subtle hum of energy vibrating through his body. He utilized his heightened senses to dodge Ivan's punch, which struck the locker instead, melting it like magma.

Ivan's fury only intensified, and he continued to throw punches, but Louis dodged each one with ease.

The crowd was left aghast, utterly silent in disbelief at the spectacle unfolding before them. Louis knew he was dodging solely due to luck, as his senses were slightly slow.

If he continued to dodge, it would only anger Ivan further, prompting him to fight with is full power, which Louis was unsure he could withstand. So, Louis surrendered, and Ivan's flaming hands struck him with full force, a sinister grin spreading across his face.