Theo nodded once and stepped forward.
He explained everything that'd happened as calmly as possible under the stern gazes from everyone present.
Slowly, the expressions of those present began to change, especially the principal, whose gaze had turned cold and hostile.
"After calling my father a dog," Theo said, a somber expression on his face. "Owen lost his temper and stepped in."
David scoffed loudly, shaking his head.
"That's not how it—"
The woman raised a single hand, releasing a gray light toward David's face.
It passed him in an instant.
David opened his mouth to speak again, only to freeze in horror as no sound came out.
The room went dead silent.
"You'll have your turn later," the woman said coldly, nodding for Theo to continue.
Theo gulped and nodded.
"After that, he threatened to evict and make slaves of Owen's parents," he said. "That's when I stepped in and punched him."
As he finished speaking, he took a step back and locked eyes with the woman.
The entire time, he hadn't justified anything, nor had he tried to apologize.
'Trying such things is useless,' he thought, biting the inside of his cheek. 'Let's just hope she can do something about the principal's decision.'
The woman studied him for a few seconds longer than before. Then she raised an eyebrow slightly.
"So," she said slowly, "you were registering for the competition when he provoked you. And then both of you struck him."
Theo nodded. Owen did the same.
The principal immediately seized the opportunity to speak up.
"Regardless of provocation, violence sets a dangerous precedent."
She nodded once but didn't look away from Theo.
"That is true," she finally said. "But defending one's family and friends is not a dishonorable, random act of violence."
She paused for a moment, her gaze settling on David.
"In the end, this entire situation was created by him… and he suffered the consequences for it."
The principal swallowed, glancing between David and the woman in desperation.
"I still must punish them," he insisted. "Otherwise, others may believe violence is acceptable."
The woman considered this for a moment, then nodded.
"That's true. Then this is my proposal," she said. "David receives a one-week suspension for causing the fight. Owen gets two weeks for getting physical. And this young lad will get a month for breaking someone's nose."
The principal's eyes widened.
"David should not be suspended," he said sharply. "And Theo should receive a far harsher punishment. At the very least, compensation for the healing."
She narrowed her eyes.
"I already healed him," she said coolly. "And I won't charge a thing."
David clenched his fists, finally able to speak again.
"What he did was assault!" he snapped. "I'll sue him, and then I'll sue you right after for using magic on me!"
The principal slowly turned his head toward David, his face paling as horror spread across his features.
The woman locked eyes with David, slowly narrowing them.
Finally, she lightly shook her head.
"Then how about this," she said. "We'll let you settle it properly."
David looked at her in confusion while everyone else remained quiet.
"We'll put the two of you against each other," she continued. "In the opening round of the Youth Competition."
The room fell silent as both the principal and Vice Principal Jones turned toward her, eyes wide.
David's eyes lit up instantly, a wide, vicious grin spreading across his face.
"I accept," he said without hesitation.
He turned to Theo, his eyes cold and calculating.
"You were going to join the tournament anyway, right?" he said. "I dare you accept this!"
All eyes landed on Theo in an instant, each evaluating him with their own agendas.
Theo couldn't help himself and smiled faintly.
'Isn't this… perfect?' he thought. 'The suspension allows me to earn money… and the tournament finally gives me a chance to deal with him.'
"I accept," he said calmly.
The woman clapped her hands together, a faint smile appearing on her face.
"Good," she said. "I'll take care of it."
Her gaze shifted to David, any trace of warmth vanishing.
"But if I discover any foul play before the competition… there will be consequences."
David nodded slowly. Even the principal wore a semi-satisfied smile.
Only Owen looked at Theo with worry in his eyes, clearly concerned about the supposed gap between his and David's affinity.
"You can leave now," the principal said, gesturing toward the door.
The vice principal quickly guided them out, shutting the door before heading off in a different direction.
As the three of them stood there, David scoffed loudly.
"You are lucky for now," he said, smiling viciously. "Just know I'll kill both of you in the tournament."
Owen turned around, raising his fist just a little.
David immediately stepped back, shielding his face.
But no impact came.
"Clown," Owen said, unclenching his fist.
Theo tapped him on the shoulder, nodding his head in a different direction.
With that, the two of them left a stunned, red-faced David standing there.
After turning into a different corridor leading to the exit, Owen turned to Theo.
"Aren't we in more trouble now?" he asked with an uneasy expression.
Theo shook his head lightly.
"No, this is perfect."
Owen glanced at the ground as they walked, the uneasiness not leaving his face.
"They gave us a lot of free time," Theo continued, smiling. "We just have to use it to train and get real combat experience."
"Real combat experience?" Owen asked, eyes widening. "Are you planning to…?"
Theo nodded.
"Yes. I'll be signing up for the hunter's exam tomorrow."
Owen stopped walking, turning to Theo with his mouth open.
After a moment, he recovered.
"That's great," he said, raising a thumb. "I'll take a little… longer."
Theo patted his back, letting out a short laugh.
"That's fine. Take your time."
The two walked out of the school building together, leaving the property shortly after. They headed straight back to the forest, fueled to train even harder.
'There are three months until the competition,' Theo thought, balling his fist with a smile. 'I have to put everything into training and reach the Silver Core as soon as possible.'