Then, Stella's calm, commanding voice cut through the low murmurs.
"Damien Cross," she began. "Not only did you engage in a True Duel with Stanley—an outstanding elite student who was merely upholding the academy's principles—you've also shown a complete disregard for this institution by appearing here in violation of our dress code and decorum."
Her dark blue eyes lingered on him, steady but disapproving.
Damien exhaled softly, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"Elite this, elite that…" he muttered under his breath, then looked towards her. "Do you really think I care about any of that?"
The room went utterly silent for a heartbeat.
Then, before anyone could react, he continued, his gaze sweeping lazily across the long table.
"Just don't get in my way," he continued. "And I'll stay out of yours."
A wave of indignant gasps and murmurs erupted immediately among the gathered students.
"Did he just—?"
"How dare he talk to the president like that?"
