New resolve and a new enemy

As per usual, Victor maneuvered his sleek Mercedes into the school's spacious parking lot, the purr of the engine humming softly as he killed the ignition.

The cool leather seat beneath him offered a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from the morning sun as he stepped out of the car.

His stride was brisk and purposeful as he made his way towards the looming school building, the crisp morning air filling his lungs.

However, his steps faltered when a familiar silhouette caught his eye from a distance.

Even from that far, he could recognize her. It was Candice. The morning light played off her hair, setting it aglow in a halo of golden hues. Their gazes locked, her eyes meeting his across the sea of bustling students.

Victor's gaze bore no trace of the affection it once held; instead, it was imbued with a cool indifference. He resumed his stride, his focus shifting back to the path ahead.

But just as he was about to shake off the unwelcome distraction, his eyes were drawn back to Candice. A young man was now approaching her, his confident stride betraying a sense of familiarity.

The man slid his arm around Candice, pulling her into an embrace. Their laughter echoed across the schoolyard as they turned around, hand in hand, and began to saunter towards the school building.

A cold chill swept through Victor. The sight of them together felt like a punch to his gut. It was unexpected, this revelation - they attended the same school.

The dull ache in his heart flared, but he swallowed it down.

"Man, isn't that...Candice?" William's voice echoed in disbelief as he fell into step beside Victor. His eyes widened at the sight of Candice, their former classmate, now locked in an embrace with another man. "But she's your girlfriend...What happened between you two?"

Victor remained silent, his gaze fixed on the pathway ahead as he continued his trek towards the classroom.

William let out a low cough, an attempt to lighten the tension. "You know, I had a hunch about Candice. She may have that innocent look about her, but now her true colors are showing. God knows it's better you found out this way, Victor," he consoled, his tone earnest.

"And besides, you're a catch yourself, man. There must be a whole lot of girls dying to be part of your life," he added, injecting his words with a cheerfulness he didn't feel.

Victor, however, remained unresponsive, his silence unwavering.

"Come on, Victor. This isn't like you. Where's the Victor Redfield I know?" William pressed, his frustration seeping into his tone.

At this, Victor finally paused. He turned to face William, his face breaking into a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, William," he murmured, wrapping William in a brief hug.

Before William could reciprocate the gesture, Victor had already pulled away, resuming his path towards the classroom.

Undeterred, William hurried after him. "Hold up," he called out, catching his breath. "I think I recognize the guy who was with Candice."

This caught Victor's attention, prompting him to stop in his tracks. He turned to William, a single question hanging in the air. "Who is he?"

William's eyes were serious as he spoke. "I think it's Julian Steiner. He's the son of the Baron Steiner. Word has it that he's incredibly talented, and folks are betting on him awakening an A-level or even S-level ability."

Victor fell silent at this revelation. It made sense, then, why Candice chose Julian over him. The man had a promising future lined up with his innate talent and influential family connections.

It was a harsh reminder, compelling Victor to reassess his judgment of people, not just on superficial appearances but on their inner worth as well.

"Victor, I know this is hard for you," William's voice cut through his thoughts. "But steer clear of Julian. If you cross paths with him, just keep your distance. It's best to avoid any trouble," he advised, his tone bearing a grave seriousness.

Victor managed a smile. "I hear you, William. No need to worry," he reassured, a comforting hand landing on William's shoulder.

"Well, that's all I can say," William replied, his features softening into a relieved nod.

Victor and William made their entrance into the bustling classroom. As Victor moved past Candice's desk, her voice halted him momentarily.

"Victor, I... I know I messed up, I just..." Candice started, her face a tapestry of guilt and regret.

But Victor didn't pause to acknowledge her words. He merely continued his path towards his own desk, settling into his seat with a quiet resolve.

Candice could only watch as Victor ignored her attempts to communicate, her hope for a conversation dwindling with each passing second. The disappointment she saw in Victor's eyes was too much.

Their silent exchange was interrupted by the arrival of their teacher. "Today, we delve into the fascinating world of Quantum Mechanics," the teacher announced, swiftly plunging the class into a lesson.

******

At the end of the day, as Victor navigated through the maze of cars in the school parking lot, he felt a prickling sensation, an indication of a presence close behind him.

Swiveling around, he found himself facing a group of five, their smirks akin to predators closing in on their prey. At the forefront was a silver-haired youth, his arrogance palpable.

"What do you want?" Victor asked, his arms crossed in a display of indifference.

"Surely you recognize me?" The youth's question was laced with a superiority complex.

Victor remained unfazed as he met the youth's gaze. "I'm sorry, but I don't keep track of people who don't matter to me."

The youth's face darkened over at Victor's retort. He clenched his fists, and without warning, he swung at Victor's face.

However, Victor easily caught the punch.

"What is it that you want?" Victor's tone was icy as he stared down the young man.

The youth's smirk returned, his eyes gleaming with something akin to respect. "Not bad for an orphan," he jeered, though his voice held a trace of surprise.

"Is that all?" Victor challenged, unfazed by the insult.

"Just wanted to see if the rumors about your talent were true," the youth admitted, his smirk undiminished. "We'll meet again soon enough."

And with that, he and his companions sauntered away, leaving Victor alone in the vast parking lot.

Victor watched their retreating figures, a hologram flickering to life before him.

[Name: Julian Steiner]

[Age: 18]

[Race: Human]

The realization didn't surprise him. He had been expecting trouble from Julian sooner or later.

"When the time comes, I'll handle him," Victor muttered to himself, his voice devoid of emotion.

************

Upon reaching home, Victor made a beeline for the shower, washing away the day's stress. Dressed in comfortable clothes, he headed towards the forest with a purposeful stride.

His intention was clear: to hone his strength by hunting the forest's monsters, and perhaps, to absorb their powers...