Chapter:36 - The Path of Redemption
When Phyro stepped onto the academy grounds, it was like walking into a battlefield. Not because anyone was attacking him, but because of the way everyone looked at him.
Some students whispered behind his back. Others openly avoided him. A few glared, as if he had no right to return at all.
He didn't care.
Or at least, that's what he told himself.
Lana and Yenta walked with him, but even they could feel the tension.
"You don't have to stay with me," Phyro muttered.
Yenta snorted. "And let them think you're alone? Not happening."
Lana said nothing, but when he glanced at her, he saw determination in her eyes.
He had lost control, nearly killed a classmate, and spent five days sitting in isolation. Yet somehow, they were still here.
It should've made him feel better.
It didn't.
Because no matter how many people stood beside him, the ones he truly wanted were gone forever.
The classroom was smaller than he expected. It was tucked away in one of the older buildings, a place most students never bothered with.
Inside, there were only a few desks, all arranged in a semi-circle. Phyro scanned the room, already regretting this.
Then—his eyes landed on one of the other students.
You've got to be kidding me.
Sitting at one of the desks, arms crossed, was Jerek Volstam—a third-year student with a reputation for being one of the most violent troublemakers in the academy. Unlike Phyro, Jerek had no tragic backstory to excuse his aggression. He was just a brute who enjoyed fighting.
Jerek noticed him and smirked. "Well, well. Didn't think I'd be seeing you here, Nishiki."
Phyro ignored him and took a seat.
The classroom door creaked open, and a woman walked in.
She wasn't a teacher Phyro recognized. She had short, silver hair, sharp blue eyes, and a presence that commanded attention. Unlike most academy instructors, she wasn't dressed in formal robes. Instead, she wore something closer to a combat uniform—black, practical, with a long coat draped over her shoulders.
She scanned the room, her gaze lingering on Phyro for a moment before she spoke.
"My name is Instructor Kaela Voss. I don't care why you're here. I don't care about your excuses, your history, or whether you think this class is a waste of time."
She leaned against the desk, crossing her arms.
"You lost control. That's why you're here. My job is to make sure it doesn't happen again."
Phyro met her gaze, expression unreadable.
Jerek just grinned. "Sounds fun."
Kaela's eyes flicked to him. "You. Shut up."
The grin vanished.
Kaela turned back to the rest of them. "First lesson—violence isn't about strength. It's about control. If you can't control yourself, you're not strong. You're just dangerous."
Phyro's hands clenched into fists.
Kaela noticed. She smiled—but it wasn't a kind smile.
"Good. You're already proving my point."
This was going to be a long class.
End Of Chapter