"Hey," I said, my voice betraying the flutter of nerves in my stomach.
"Hi," she replied softly, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "I was just… looking at the clubs."
"Same here," I admitted, my heart racing as I glanced at the bulletin board. "I was thinking about joining the Demon Subjugation Club or maybe the Magic Studies Group. What about you?"
She hesitated, biting her lip as her eyes scanned the list of clubs. "I'm not sure yet. There are so many choices."
I took a small step closer, hoping to close the gap between us—physically and emotionally. "Maybe we could join one together?" I suggested, offering a light smile. "It might be fun."
Her eyes widened just a fraction, and for a split second, I saw something like hope flicker in her gaze. But then she quickly looked down, her voice softening. "I don't know, Noah. I need to focus on my studies right now."
I could feel the disappointment settle in my chest, but I pushed it aside, trying to keep my tone light. "Scarlett, you've been working so hard. You deserve to have some fun too," I said, trying to make her see the bigger picture. "We could help each other out."
She chewed on her lower lip, her brow furrowed as she considered it. "I'll think about it," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
I nodded, forcing a smile despite the disappointment gnawing at me. "Okay, just let me know. I'd really like to spend more time with you."
After our brief conversation, I walked away with a mix of hope and frustration. I was itching to make some progress, and a club like the Demon Subjugation Club could help me grow stronger. The chance to fight demons and level up efficiently was something I couldn't ignore.
I approached the clubroom, my nerves shifting to excitement, my recent exam results fueling my confidence. I was ready for whatever came next.
As I pushed the door open, I was met with the buzz of activity. Some members were in the midst of training, their movements swift and precise, while others debated strategies for upcoming missions. I moved toward the desk where a club officer was seated, preparing to sign up.
"Hi, I'd like to join the Demon Subjugation Club," I said, trying to sound calm.
But before I could finish, a voice cut through the air. "You? Join this club?"
I turned to see a second-year student with brown hair and an arrogant smirk, his posture oozing entitlement. Eric Waltz, a nobleman's son, had the kind of arrogance you couldn't fake.
"What makes you think you're worthy?" Eric sneered. "With your B-rank potential, you'll just be a liability. You'd drag us down."
The laughter of a few nearby members rang out, and my face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. I was tired of this—tired of being underestimated, tired of being treated like I didn't belong.
"Is this how you treat potential members?" I asked, my voice rising despite my attempts to stay composed.
Eric took a step forward, his smirk widening. "What's a weakling like you gonna do about it?" he taunted. "You think you can just walk in here and act like you belong? You're nothing but a joke."
I clenched my fists, the anger building inside me. "You don't know anything about me," I said, my voice steady and low.
"Please, spare me the sob story," Eric mocked. "You're just a B-rank nobody. You'll never be anything in this club."
That was the breaking point. Something inside me snapped, and without thinking, I swung my fist toward his jaw. The connection was solid, and Eric was sent sprawling backward, his surprise palpable.
The room went silent. All eyes were on us, the air thick with tension. I stood tall, my voice cold and steady as I addressed him. "Is this how you treat your fellow members?"
Eric scrambled to his feet, fury flashing across his face. "You'll regret this, you little—"
But before he could finish, a voice sliced through the tension like a blade. "What is going on here?"
The room fell completely still as all eyes turned to the doorway. There stood Olivia Lanze—platinum blonde hair cascading down her back, her piercing emerald eyes sweeping over the scene. She radiated an air of authority that stilled the room, and even Eric faltered under her gaze.
"I asked you a question," Olivia repeated, her tone icily calm.
The club officer, still in a state of shock, stepped forward to explain. "Olivia, this new member was just trying to sign up, but—"
"I don't need the details," Olivia cut him off, her gaze narrowing at Eric. "You think you can bully someone just because of their rank? This is a club, not a playground for your ego."
Eric opened his mouth to protest, but Olivia raised a hand, silencing him with a single gesture. "Don't call me by my name, Eric. It's Senior to you."
His face drained of color as he scrambled to correct himself. "Sorry, Senior Olivia. I didn't mean to—"
"Enough," Olivia commanded, her voice sharp and final. "You'll apologize to him. And if you think you're so strong, how about a duel? If he wins, he can join. If you win, you can keep your pride, but you'll still apologize."
My heart skipped a beat. A duel? This was my chance—my chance to show everyone that I wasn't just the "weakling" they thought I was. A surge of adrenaline filled me.
"I accept the duel," I said, my voice firm.
Olivia turned to me, her eyes softening just slightly. "Are you sure? He's been training longer than you."
"I'm sure," I replied, my resolve solidifying. "I won't let them judge me just because of my rank."
Olivia nodded, stepping back to create space between us. "Very well. Let's see what you're made of."
Eric sneered, cracking his knuckles as he prepared himself. "You're going to regret this."
I took a deep breath, focusing all my energy on the fight ahead. The room was tense, the eyes of every club member fixed on us. I could feel their curiosity, skepticism, and something else—anticipation.
"Begin!" Olivia's voice rang out, clear and commanding.