A hush fell over the courtyard, pierced only by a student's whisper, thick with awe.
"Isn't that... isn't that one of the seniors?"
Gasps spread like wildfire. Another voice followed, this time jubilant.
"Oh no way—they came to save us!"
Hope surged through the gathered juniors. Relief broke like sunlight after a storm, and a few even cheered aloud, their fear momentarily forgotten.
A tall, composed figure swung down from atop a majestic lion whose mane shimmered like molten gold. The beast stood silently beside him, regal and still, while the young man adjusted his coat with unhurried grace. His sharp eyes locked onto Mark Williamson, filled with contempt and calm fury.
"What was that you were saying?" the senior called out, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "I didn't quite catch it. Something about killing everyone, erasing the evidence, and walking away because you're some kind of big-shot don?"
He clapped slowly—mockingly—with a crooked smile that held no warmth.
"I can't believe you're bullying our juniors this much. Didn't anyone tell you? Only seniors are allowed to bully the juniors. You're really out of line."
Mark snarled, insulted.
"Watch your mouth, kid! You clearly don't know who I am!"
Without warning, Mark barked a command. His buffalo-like beast charged forward, hooves pounding against the earth. Gasps echoed again—but the senior didn't move. He didn't even blink.
Calmly, the young man lifted one hand and—
SLAM!
He stopped the beast in its tracks with a single, impossibly strong palm. A heartbeat later, his fist came crashing down against the creature's skull. The beast let out a soft groan and collapsed where it stood, blood trickling from a deep gash on its forehead.
Stunned silence followed. Students stared wide-eyed at the unconscious monster.
Such power.
He really is a senior.
The senior brushed nonexistent dust off his sleeve.
"I doubt you have any better cards to play," he said coldly, eyes fixed on Mark.
Mark smirked in response. "Who says I don't?"
At his signal, the remaining bodyguards raised their guns. They fired—
But the lion stepped forward, shielding its rider.
The bullets struck the beast's hide… and dropped harmlessly to the ground.
The senior laughed, eyes sparkling with something dangerous as he met Mark's glare.
"You think you're the only one with trump cards? I've got a few myself. But I doubt you're ready to face their power." He stepped forward, voice dropping to a low growl. "I'm a professional Beast Tamer. And their senior. I could crush your entire empire before you even realize it."
Mark's eyes narrowed, his confidence starting to crack. He studied the young man carefully.
"You're awfully confident in your strength. Fine. I'll be back. And next time, I'll break that arrogance of yours."
Before he could turn away, the senior gave a subtle signal.
The lion reared back and let out a thunderous roar—a sound so raw and powerful it made the ground tremble. Mark's bodyguards scattered in sheer panic, running in all directions, their composure shattered.
Only Mark stood his ground… but barely.
The lion stepped forward. Then again. And again. Its heavy paws shook the earth beneath them.
Mark's face twisted. Sweat broke out on his brow. He hesitated—and then bolted.
He turned and ran, stumbling, tripping, dragging himself away as laughter erupted from the crowd of students behind him. The image of Mark Williamson—once so feared—scrambling away in terror would remain burned in their minds forever.
As he disappeared down the path, he muttered bitterly under his breath, "You're arrogant now, but we'll meet again soon..."
But the senior didn't respond. He stood tall, expression unreadable, as if nothing extraordinary had happened at all.
To him, it was just another day.