Adam sensed the Golden Team's departure.
Their proud if humiliated retreat left a power vacuum in the courtyard.
The immediate overwhelming threat had been neutralized. But Adam's work was not yet finished.
He turned his full attention back to the sea of first-year faces. His expression was unreadable hard to tell what he was thinking.
"I need your answer now," he stated. His voice was calm yet it carried an undeniable weight that cut through the nervous silence.
The new students who had just witnessed a display of power that defied all their expectations exchanged uncertain glances.
The offer Adam had made was tantalizing. It was very tempting.
He promised protection respect and freedom.
But the risks of accepting his offer were equally immense.
They had just seen the fate of those who defied the established factions. They had seen what happened to Kado. Joining this new group was a very dangerous choice.
