Degis, who had followed them all the way to Arlen's room, had heard their entire conversation. He, who idolized cultivators, now found himself on the ground, crying.
He had lost his parents during a cultivator confrontation. He used to tell himself they were just unfortunate casualties—at least the majority had been saved.
But if they lied, then what meaning does my parents' death have? Degis, who had let himself be bullied just to one day meet Canou Gérard and thank him for saving his life, now saw his goal shatter upon learning the truth.
"So be it... First, I have to get into Tony's group, and then I'll decide what to do," he said with a faint smile as he returned to the room.
A week later
"Today is the beginning of your training. Professor Arlen, are you feeling ready?" I said.
"You'd better shut your mouth and tell me how exactly you plan to train me, little boy," Arlen snapped.
"You bastard... Fine, but don't think I'll go easy on you," I replied.
I went back to the room to grab something I had forgotten. When I opened the door, I was greeted by Kamo Caho and ten of his goons.
Degis was on the ground, blood pouring from his nose and mouth. I kind of liked the guy, even if he wasn't exactly a friend.
"Tony Morga... There's a rumor going around that I'm afraid of you, that you beat me half to death, and that I'm supposedly your bitch. Funny how a rumor that benefits you so much just happens to exist," said Kamo.
"So, you came here planning to beat me up, is that it?" I asked.
"Yeah—but that's not all. Afterward, I'm gonna put a leash on you and make you crawl on all fours around the academy, so everyone knows who's whose dog."
"If I can't talk sense into you... what are you all waiting for? Come on then."
"Guys, show him what real life is like."
The ten goons rushed at me.
I knocked each of them out with a blow to the neck.
Seeing that, Kamo said, "So you're not just a liar—you're strong too. Once I'm done beating you, I'll make you my personal guard dog."
Kamo started throwing punches, but they were easy to dodge.
"That's all you've got?"
"You talk big but all you do is dodge! Come on, hit me!" he shouted.
"As you wish."
I landed a solid punch to his gut. He thought he could handle it, but he passed out within seconds.
"So much bark... for that?" I muttered as I walked over to Degis, who was awake despite his condition.
"Look what you did to him," he said. "Once everyone finds out, you'll be the new king."
"No, no—please don't tell anyone. I'd like to stay anonymous. But to thank you for your silence, I can offer you something in return."
Degis got down on his knees, forehead to the ground. "Thank you... thank you."
"It's nothing, don't worry. After all, that's why I'm here—to build a team. And now... we're five," I said, looking over at Kamo.