Don's words hung in the air like smoke from a slow burn.
The students around William hadn't moved much—still scattered, some brushing off dust, others still trying to understand what they'd just witnessed. But their murmurs... those didn't stop.
And William heard every single one.
"Wait, he's supposed to be the top of Category A? We're doomed then."
"He's not even in the same league. This isn't fair"
"No wonder they never let him into the Elite Hero Program..."
That one hit different.
William clenched his teeth. His nails dug into his palms.
**Thmp**
His fist struck the ground like a war drum—once, hard, and honest. The grass flattened under his hand as the impact sent a low rumble outward.
Loose dirt vibrated. Nearby students staggered back or outright dropped to one knee, off balance from the sudden shock.
A few cursed under their breath.
William didn't notice.
