I barely had time to process my accidental victory before the crowd exploded into a frenzy.
"He's a total cheat!"
"No way, he's gotta be hiding his real strength."
"I need to fight him! If I beat him, I'll be famous!"
I clutched my head. This is bad. I came here hoping to keep a low profile, but now every single person in this school wanted a piece of me.
Garron, still pale from his humiliating defeat, scowled and stormed off without another word. I almost felt bad for the guy. Almost.
Meanwhile, Seraphis walked up to me with an amused smirk. "Well, I can safely say I wasn't expecting that."
I groaned. "Instructor, please, can you tell everyone to leave me alone?"
Seraphis tilted her head. "Why would I do that? This is an academy for beast tamers. Strength invites challenge."
"That's not fair!" I protested. "I didn't even do anything! Argonax just—"
I glanced at my so-called "partner," who was curled up in a ball, sleeping again.
"…just did whatever he wanted," I muttered.
Seraphis chuckled. "Welcome to beast taming." Then she leaned in slightly and whispered, "But between you and me, I suggest you get stronger. Quickly."
She gave me a final smirk before walking away, leaving me very concerned about my future.
I turned toward the exit, only to find—
A mob of students blocking my path.
"I challenge you!"
"No, me first!"
"I have a Mythic-tier beast! Let's see if that freak of yours can handle it!"
I took a slow step backward. Oh no.
Argonax, still sleeping, let out a tiny snore.
I glanced down at my dragon, then at the swarm of challengers, and made the only logical decision.
I RAN FOR MY LIFE.