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CHAPTER 4: Shadows of Jealousy
[Scene 1: Academy Training Grounds – The day after the simulation gate]
Students gather in awe. Aman's name is now whispered across campus.
Student A:
"Did you hear? He soloed the boss… even saved Serin Arha!"
Student B:
"She's Class Rank 3! Why would he save her?"
Eyes full of envy and speculation surround Aman.
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[Scene 2: Principal's Office – A meeting among faculty]
Principal:
"We need to reclassify Aman. No one unawakened should survive that."
Teacher:
"He showed no powers. But his instincts… far beyond normal."
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[Scene 3: Inside Class 1-A]
Aman walks in. Serin enters behind him and takes the seat beside him, surprising everyone.
Serin (smiling):
"You forgot to give me your number yesterday."
Aman (calmly):
"You don't owe me anything."
Serin (softly):
"Maybe I want to…"
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[Scene 4: Meanwhile – Jealous murmurs rise among top-ranking students.]
Ren Kai (Rank 2 – flame user):
"So the lone wolf steals the spotlight… and the girl too?"
Lyra (Rank 4 – illusion mage):
"This can't stand. Weaklings need to know their place."
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[Scene 5: Duel Challenge Arena]
Ren Kai steps forward in front of the class.
Ren Kai (loudly):
"Aman! I challenge you to a sanctioned duel. Let's see if your strength is real—or just luck."
The room goes quiet.
Serin:
"He doesn't have to prove anything!"
Aman (stepping forward):
"It's fine. Let's get it over with."
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[Scene 6: Battle begins.]
Ren Kai's fire ignites the arena. Aman's movements are swift, calculated.
He dodges each strike, then lands a single clean hit that knocks Ren off his feet.
Crowd gasps.
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[Scene 7: Aftermath]
Ren Kai (angry, wounded):
"This isn't over…"
Serin (to Aman):
"You just made a lot of enemies."
Aman:
"They were never friends to begin with."
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Narration:
Jealousy, ambition, and affection now orbit Aman. But he remains distant… for he knows the true enemy hasn't revealed itself yet.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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