Chapter 16 Bark

Rohan stood outside the headmaster's office, his expression slightly confused. He had just finished a conversation with the headmaster, one that left him with mixed feelings about his future at the Academy for Magus Arts.

Inside the office, Varian remained engaged in conversation with the headmaster, his crass humor and candid remarks likely causing the headmaster to reconsider his life choices.

Rohan had been informed that, despite his excellent display of micromagic during the entrance exam, his overall performance had been inadequate in the eyes of the academy. The headmaster had insisted that Rohan retake the exam, but this time, it would involve combative spells—a prospect that left Rohan feeling uncertain.

I might accidentally kill someone if I fight.

Varian, ever the advocate for his students, had defended Rohan, claiming that his opponent in the previous duel hadn't even had the chance to cast a single spell. However, the headmaster explained that the ice mage's family was influential and wouldn't accept the results unless there was a rematch.

"I made a compromise, though," the headmaster had said, "you will take the exam again but with a different opponent."

Sitting by the window, Rohan idly watched the students bustling about the academy courtyard, lost in thought about his future.

How do I hold myself back? I'm pretty sure I'm not as powerful as before but that also means I'm not as precise with my magic now too…

Rohan had been lost in thought by the window, he noticed the afternoon sun gradually descending in the sky. Deciding it was time to head to the dormitory where he had been assigned, he pushed himself away from the windowsill and began making his way through the now empty corridors.

However, as he strolled along, he witnessed something utterly unbelievable that brought him to an abrupt halt. It was Sydnia Schwartz.

"Hey, dog water, why don't you bark? Don't try to speak human language," Sydnia was much said. Thankfully, she was engaged in tormenting a poor girl to notice anybody else's presence.

She's still a bitch though!

Rohan quickly concealed himself behind a nearby pillar, his curiosity piqued as he eavesdropped on their conversation. It became apparent that the girl had been Sydnia's opponent during the entrance exam, and the situation was far from pleasant. Sydnia had drenched the girl in water, leaving her in a miserable state.

Rohan's brows furrowed in concern as he watched the scene unfold. He couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy for the unfortunate girl who had become her target. However, he had already planned not to reveal himself in front of Sydnia until it was the right time.

The poor girl, her brown hair stuck to her face and dripping with water, attempted a meek dog bark.

Sydnia and her cohorts laughed wickedly.

Bitchnya, you bitch! If anyone should be barking, it should be you.

Rohan clenched his fists in anger as he continued to observe the cruel spectacle. Sydnia and her entourage of mean girls seemed to take delight in degrading the poor girl, calling her demeaning names like 'dog water.' The taunts and laughter from the group were like a barrage of verbal attacks, each one aimed at eroding the girl's dignity and self-esteem.

His heart went out to the girl, who appeared to be struggling to maintain her composure in the face of such humiliation.

Before Rohan could take a step towards them, a figure with icy blonde hair stepped forward and boldly confronted Sydnia. In a shocking display of defiance, the blonde-haired individual delivered a resounding slap across Sydnia's face, the sound echoing through the courtyard.

Rohan couldn't believe his eyes. He had expected no one to stand up to Sydnia and her entourage, let alone challenge her so directly.

Interesting.

"Sydnia!" The beauty's voice was deep and bold, "how dare you try to sully our family's name with such insecure acts?"

The courtyard fell into a hushed silence as the gravity of the situation sank in. Sydnia, typically the one in control and surrounded by her entourage, now stood speechless and isolated. Her followers, sensing the heavy atmosphere and the brewing confrontation, quickly made up excuses and discreetly left, leaving Sydnia to face her sister alone.

"Rosenia…" Sydnia's face was a mix of humiliation and anger. "I fucking hate you."

Sydnia walked off in the opposite direction, leaving Rosenia and 'dog water.'

Rohan, still hidden from view, couldn't help but be drawn into the drama unfolding before him. He knew nothing of the complexities within the Schwartz family, but the tension in the air and the boldness of the confrontation were impossible to ignore. As he continued to watch, he wondered how this family feud would ultimately play out and what role, if any, he might come to play in it.

Rosenia sighs, "you there, hiding behind the climbing lilies."

Rohan looked at the flowers on the pillar beside him, indeed, they were lilies. He came into the light and before he could say anything, Rosenia interrupted.

"Help this girl... And speak none of this to no one," Rosenia ordered and promptly left afterwards.

She's kind of stuck-up but with a heart, huh?