As Trinity and Altine intervened, the tension in the air shifted instantly. Akeh's punch remained suspended in mid-air, frozen by their presence, while the first-rate students nervously backed away.
Trinity surveyed the scene with her usual cold demeanor, while Altine's concern was evident in her expression, especially as her eyes landed on Akeh's bruised form.
"What's going on here?"
Altine's voice was sharp as she glanced between the students.
"Looks like Trinity's students are causing trouble for mine again?"
The first-rate souls, caught off guard by the accusation, quickly tried to clear their names.
"No, it wasn't us!" Lekan protested.
"Juwon and the new student were being disrespectful, so I thought I'd teach them some manners."
Trinity waved her hand dismissively, her tone making it clear she wasn't interested in his reasons.
"I don't care. Get back to your dorms, all of you. Now."
Without further argument, the first-rates hurried off, casting quick glances at Akeh and Juwon before disappearing into the distance. With them gone, Altine immediately turned her attention to Akeh, concern softening her features.
She stepped closer to him, gently touching his arm where bruises had already begun to form.
"Are you okay?" she asked quietly, her voice filled with genuine worry.
Akeh gave her a faint smile and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Altine wasn't fully convinced but let it go for now. Trinity, however, wasted no time getting to the point of their visit. She stepped forward, her tone all business.
"We've discussed something important...about the soul eaters reincarnation."
"What about it?" Akeh asked.
"We think it's crucial information that we need to pass on to Chief Lamthe."
She paused, folding her arms.
"This doesn't affect you much, but it concerns Juwon." Trinity gestured towards juwon.
"Me?" Juwon said, his voice laced with confusion.
"Yes, you. Since Chief Lamthe isn't back from his isolated training, i decided to go meet him... and you will accompany me."
Juwon, still soaked in water, couldn't understand Trinity's decision.
"W...Why me? You could take the soul expert or even one of the first-rate souls. They won't cause trouble for you like I will."
Trinity's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a flicker of amusement in them.
"That's the mentality that's keeping you from making progress progressing, do you really think of yourself as a dead weight?"
Her gaze bore into Juwon as if daring him to back out. Juwon remained quiet.
"Well?..." Trinity said, waiting for a reply.
Juwon hesitated for a moment but then nodded, determination flickering in his eyes.
"I'll do my best."
Satisfied, Trinity turned on her heel, gesturing for Juwon to follow her. Without another word, they left the dormitory, their footsteps fading into the evening air.
Altine and Akeh remained behind, a quieter calm settling over the space. Altine looked at Akeh, and a soft smile spread across her face. Akeh noticed it immediately.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Altine shook her head, trying to play it off.
"It's nothing."
But Akeh wasn't satisfied.
"No, really. You are clearly smiling for some reason, so what is it? Is it me?"
Altine chuckled, turning her face slightly as if trying to hide the smile.
"I said it's nothing."
Akeh crossed his arms, still pushing for an answer.
"You can't just smile like that and not tell me why."
Altine tried to brush it off again, but her amusement was clear. She admired the way Akeh had stood up for Juwon, his pride and loyalty evident in every action he'd taken. She wanted to tell him, but for now, she kept it to herself. Instead, she laughed lightly, and the two of them exchanged playful banter as they walked off together, the tension from earlier fading entirely into an easy, lighthearted moment.
To be continued...