Duel Part 1

After finishing his shower, Cruzer wrapped a towel around himself and returned to his room, his mind still buzzing with excitement over his newly acquired Abyssal Shardblade.

But as he approached the door, he could hear muffled voices. Something was off.

Opening the door, he was immediately greeted by a group of students from the Silver Serpents, their sneering faces lit with cruel amusement. They stood arrogantly in the hallway, blocking his way.

"Look who it is, the teacher's pet," one of them snickered, a tall, lean boy with jet-black hair and a cocky grin. His eyes flickered with barely contained disdain.

"So, how's it feel to have Nina Hazerlink take you under her wing, huh? Must be real nice to be the golden boy. So afraid of us, that you went to directly hide under teacher's skirt."

Cruzer's expression remained calm, showing no reaction to the goading. "Not interested," he muttered, stepping forward to pass them.