Chapter 90 A Good Friend [1]

Alex left the infirmary, stomping away in a storm. "Argh, that guy...!" he sighed heavily. Victor's behavior was difficult—more so after what had just happened. Alexander wasn't sure how to feel, whether to laugh or cry. He had heard his *friend*—or classmate—had challenged another cadet to a duel and lost pathetically. After that, he was brought to the infirmary, where he was supposed to be patched up and attended to. Victor was a bona fide loner with a cold, vague, and gloomy attitude. Surely, someone like that wouldn't have a single friend or acquaintance in an academy filled with teenagers and youth. That meant Victor would have no one to comfort him when he woke up. And so, Alexander decided to take on that role. Why? As Alexander walked away, his shoulders slightly slumped and drooping, he had a thought. "Because we're..." he stopped. Victor and Alex. They were what? "Friends." Alex wondered silently—could he really call it that? Certainly, Alexander considered Victor a friend. They were classmates and part of the same combat department. But could he say with certainty that Victor thought of him the same way? In the first place, what even defined the characteristics—what were the "requirements"—that determined a friendship? *Classmates...* Alex recalled part of a conversation he and Victor had once, a while ago, during the banquet. Friends? No, no, no. They were classmates. Victor had said so himself. At that point, during the conversation at the banquet, Alex had been flustered and embarrassed. Victor was right then. Wasn't it unfair of Alex—and sudden of him—to claim the two were friends when they hadn't even known each other for a week back then? Victor might have felt overwhelmed or wary. To Alex, Victor seemed like someone who was very conscious and sensitive about his rank. So perhaps that was why, most of the time, Victor would shoot him a troubled glare whenever they crossed paths. *But that was then.* The banquet was weeks ago now, behind them. Surely, at this point, it wouldn't be a stretch to call Victor a friend... right? Alex's thoughts strayed all over the place, and his steps slowly came to a halt, his expression growing strange. Speaking of knowing each other... *What exactly do I know about Victor?* "Ah." Alex's lips parted slightly, a sound of dawning realization escaping. It was then he realized there wasn't much he knew about this so-called "friend." For better or worse, it wasn't an entirely wrong exaggeration to say Victor was known among the first years, at the very least. Especially after what had just happened. The story—and name—of someone without talent was bound to spread quickly and widely. Perhaps it was instinctive, or just a part of his nature, but Alex couldn't stand by watching someone like Victor get bullied or trampled on when he first met him. At first, it was just reflexive. But as he exchanged words with Victor and watched him, slowly, he began to remind Alex of someone little from years ago—someone he used to know. Years back... before that tragedy. Thinking back, that person had also been resilient and persistent, always crying and screaming about how strong they would get to protect their family. But that was too much... before they could realize their dream, life snatched them away. No. It wasn't life that destroyed everything. Alex clenched his fist tightly, unconsciously. He gritted his teeth, and his soft, pale face turned blank with a ferocious intensity. Alexander's ghostly blue eyes glazed and widened. Rage and emotion boiled from the depths of his gut, like corruption spreading through his being and physicality. Life hadn't been the one who snatched them away. It was the demons. Perhaps that was why Alex couldn't pretend to just ignore Victor like the rest—because he reminded him of his younger brother, who was now long dead. Just as Alex had his unknown thoughts, feelings, and emotions, so did Victor. Victor's ranking: Number 1499. Alex could clearly see that Victor's rank and status hung over him like a guillotine. The cadet clearly wanted to change the whole perspective people had of him. Alex recalled the last conversation he had just finished having with Victor. Even someone as seemingly indifferent and irritable as Victor wanted power and strength to defy his fate and destiny. To break the stereotype, he would first have to get stronger. But alas, Victor became too impatient. The fastest way to climb the ranks in the academy was simply to challenge and win from the current owner of a rank. But Victor had aimed too far, too quickly. It was presumed foolish arrogance. He challenged the top-ranked cadet... And lost pathetically. Rather than change the perspective of those around him, his infamy only further increased. His reputation had plummeted even further. And yet, Victor didn't seem the least bit remorseful. In fact, Alex felt like he would still go ahead and do something foolish, like challenge another top ranker—or even Ceres again. Alex suddenly sighed, feeling exhausted. Truly, Victor was tiring. As Alex shook his head slightly with a sigh, he continued on his way to his dorm. He had said all he could to Victor already. Victor would probably be present for homeroom the next day, so Alex thought he'd check on him again by then. But as Alex was lost in thought, he suddenly saw someone abruptly step out from around a corner, smiling, which made him stop in his tracks. "Huh?" Alex raised his gaze and blinked in mild surprise. It was a stunning young female cadet wearing the Aegis first-year uniform. She had long, light purple hair cascading down her back like a shimmering waterfall, soft fair skin, and a petite face framed by her bangs. Her eyes were round and enchanting, an exotic violet hue that could almost glow in the dark. What was even more fantastical about them... Were the illusionary stars that swirled in their depths. Looking into her eyes gave the mind-numbing serene sensation of staring at a beautiful starry night sky. They pulled and pushed. With a gaze that seemed to see through everything, she approached Alex with a wide smile.