"Come with me to the principal's office!"
The teacher's angry shout echoed through the field.
Leon's expression changed instantly. Worry flashed across his face. There was no way to escape now.
The teacher grabbed his arm tightly, like iron claws locking onto him, and dragged him toward the principal's office ahead.
Leon looked around.
Many students had stopped to watch. Some stared with curiosity, while others looked at him with open disgust, as if he had already committed a serious crime.
Then his eyes landed on Lucas.
Leon's anger surged again.
Lucas was smiling. That smile was filled with mockery, as if he were laughing at his misery.
The fury burned inside Leon's chest, but he could do nothing. For now, he could only suppress his anger and follow the teacher, just like a prisoner being led to judgment.
---
Lucas wiped the blood from the corner of his face.
To be honest, he had not expected Leon's punch to be that strong.
Something felt strange.
Leon was supposed to be only at the lower levels of the Human Realm, yet that punch carried power beyond what it should.
Still, it did not matter.
Lucas was already in the peak of the Origin Realm, only one step away from the Spirit Realm. Leon's attack could not truly hurt him.
"Hey, are you alright?" a familiar voice asked.
Lucas turned and saw Gavin approaching with several others.
"It's nothing," Lucas replied calmly.
"You could have beaten Leon easily. Why didn't you fight back?" Gavin asked, confused.
"Relax," Lucas said with a faint smile. "Everything is under control."
Gavin's eyes lit up. "So this was part of your plan. Looks like it worked. Leon will probably be expelled this time."
"You did well bringing the teacher here," Lucas said.
"I was just doing what I should," Gavin replied proudly.
---
Inside the principal's office.
Bang!
A loud sound echoed as someone slammed their hand on the table.
"Fighting on school grounds, and against Lucas Drakebane no less. Have you lost your mind?" a middle-aged man shouted angrily.
He was Leandro, the principal of Lutherville High.
Leon frowned slightly. "It was just one punch. And it was only Lucas. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" he asked calmly.
The teachers in the room frowned. Leandro's face darkened.
"Only Lucas?" Leandro snapped. "Do you know who he is? The Drakebane family is the biggest supporter of this school, and you dared to hit their young master!"
Leon fell silent.
He knew how powerful the Drakebane family was. He knew that punch might ruin his future.
But he did not regret it.
He raised his head and looked straight at Leandro.
Bang!
The table shook again.
"Your actions have stained this school's reputation. I have decided. You will be expelled."
Leon's expression stiffened. "Principal, this is too much. It was a small matter. Why expel me?"
"If you wish to remain," Leandro said coldly, "then kneel and apologize to Lucas publicly. Acknowledge your inferiority before the entire school."
"What?" Leon clenched his fists. "That's impossible. I will never bow to him!"
"Then there is no other choice," Leandro said. "You are expelled. I believe the other teachers agree."
"I agree."
"So do I."
"Yes."
Four teachers raised their hands.
One did not.
A young woman, about thirty years old, sat calmly to the side, sipping tea.
Everyone looked at her.
Leon's eyes brightened. He recognized her.
It was the physics teacher, Sullen Crowford.
Leandro forced a smile. "Ms. Sullen, do you disagree? Leon crossed the line. We cannot offend the Drakebane family."
"I don't care about the Drakebane family," Sullen said calmly. "They won't destroy this school just because Lucas got hit once."
"But still…"
"My family also comes from the same class," Sullen interrupted. "If I wished, I could close this academy within a day. Would you like me to prove it?"
Silence fell.
Cold sweat appeared on Leandro's forehead.
Everyone knew Sullen's background. What none of them understood was why someone of her standing had chosen to teach here.
He exhaled heavily. "What is your proposal?"
"Leon stays," Sullen replied. "He will be punished. He will stand beneath the flagpole from dawn until dusk."
"Ms. Sullen," Leon blurted out.
She turned her gaze upon him, sharp and unyielding. "You acted on impulse. This punishment is deserved. Learn control."
Leon fell silent.
Leandro nodded reluctantly. "Very well. But if he causes further trouble, especially involving Lucas, he will be expelled without exception."
"I accept," Sullen said.
"The matter is concluded," Leandro announced.
---
The bell rang.
Instead of returning to class, Leon walked beside Sullen through the quiet corridor.
"Leon," she said softly, "I shielded you today. Do not mistake that for permission to be reckless. Lucas is not someone you can challenge carelessly."
A faint floral fragrance lingered in the air as they walked.
"I had no choice," Leon replied, his voice low. "Lucas took Sofia. You know how long I have cared for her."
Sullen paused briefly, then sighed.
"So it is because of Sofia. Very well. I will warn him."
"And not only that," Leon added. "He stole my family's jade heirloom."
Sullen's eyes widened.
Her gaze moved to Leon's neck.
The jade was gone.
"He truly took it?"
"Yes."
"That jade is everything to me," Leon said bitterly. "Sofia, the heirloom, and now I know the Drakebane family was behind my family's massacre."
Sullen's expression darkened. "Are you certain?"
"An elder of the Creed Mountain Order told me. His name is Hanrick."
Sullen bit her lip. "Then this is far more serious than I thought."
She studied Leon carefully. "You are certain Lucas has the jade?"
"I saw it with my own eyes."
Sullen stood abruptly. "Then this cannot be ignored. I will handle it."
She turned and left without another word.
Her steps carried her upward.
To the third floor.
To Lucas's classroom.