Acting Foolishly

“You dare ignore me!” An angry bellow interrupted the kind moment Abelard was having with his lowerclassmen. Aegeus had finally given into his rage when he realised that the silver wolves thought nothing of him. He was a proud person. And he had been used to ignoring others and not the other way around. Because of the team’s reputation, he had been trying to garner their attention with some subtle hints, including loudly clearing his throat. After all, in his books, he was being courteous by giving them such a huge amount of face.

Unfortunately, all his efforts yielded nothing. The group continued to ignore him, as though he and his entourage were invisible. Worst of all, the onlookers were snickering in contempt and joy, when many of them realised that he was still being ignored, despite his efforts. For Aegeus, seeing people he normally looked down on, gloating at his insufficiency was the last straw.  Without thinking. He employed his best martial technique.

When his friends saw the expression on Aegeus’ face, they instantly tried to stop their colleague. It was against the rules to attack someone so openly! Unfortunately, none of them were quick enough. They could only watch bitterly as Aegeus catapulted himself towards Mane.

“Crippling palm!”

A powerful attack was heading towards the captain of the Silver Wolves, full of the anger of Aegeus. The faces of the onlookers paled when they saw the power behind the technique. Though they did not think highly of Aegeus, one had to admit after seeing his palm technique that he was indeed a talent. Although his talent was nothing much compared to the top talents of the academy, he was not weak at all. His skills were a few notches above the average student and his techniques were top notch. It was easy to deduce from the power behind the palm that Aegeus was at the peak of the F- grade (first level of the mortal stage). A character like that would certainly break into the E- grade (second level of the mortal stage) in a few days. A twelve year old E- grade wielder was impressive. It may not put him at the top of the academy’s food chain, but it would at least place him among the top! Then again, they wondered if it would be enough to deal with his opponent.

Under regular circumstances, any other person in Aegeus’ shoes would not be so stupid. After all, three of his opponents were a level above him. Their captain was also a character with an unknown cultivation level. Even so, many were sure that his strength was not low. Regardless of these factors, there were two other reasons why this was a very immature step to take.

The first being the rules, which forbade fights on campus grounds. Sure there were some few brawls here and there each year. However, many of them were secretive and did not lead to serious injuries. Aegeus had boldly attacked in front of a large crowd. And the team he had chosen to oppose were looked upon favourably by the academy. There was no way he would go unpunished, with or without his brother’s help.

Secondly, he had attacked royalty! The boy was so unimaginably stupid that he forgot to factor in the Crown Prince of the empire that ruled his kingdom. There were also a pair of twins whose power was enough to strangle his pitiful family to death. The academy would naturally not allow anyone to flaunt their status around. However, when a person leaves the academy, they are on their own. This was the very reason why Aegeus could threaten others so freely in the past.

Mane was surprised when he felt the technique that was coming his way. It seemed he had looked down on Aegeus. Although the outcome was still going to be the same, he was impressed to know that the power behind the palm rivaled that of average early stage E- grade wielders! But he was even more impressed with the degree of daftness of the kid called Aegeus. He assumed that he would have to do much more to get such a treatment, but it was triggered by just ignoring the boy.

Mane sighed as he sidestepped, easily avoiding the attack. He then grinned at Aegeus, flashing his beautifully white teeth, and gently delivered a flick to the older boy’s forehead. He used no technique, no strength…he used nothing. It was just a nonchalant flick to the forehead. It could even be described as a tap with the index finger.

Aegeus was amazed when his palm was easily avoided. He had assumed that his target would be hit. After all, Mane had not made a move until Aegeus was just a few inches away. He grew terrified when he realised how easily his attack was avoided. What Mane did may seem easy to do, but Aegeus knew it wasn’t. Aegeus had spared with his brother several times. That was why his attack rivaled an early stage E- grade wielder! He was confident that even his brother did not have Mane’s reaction speed.

His fear intensified when he saw the younger boy’s smirk. That smirk seemed innocent to anyone else who saw it but to Aegeus, it was as though the grim reaper had appeared. His anger had disappeared. In its place was regret, and fear. He may have a short temper and a very proud head on his shoulders, but without these emotions, he was able to think clearly. He finally realised that what he had heard concerning Mane was true. Looking at that smirk made him feel that he had been played! It was clear that his opponent was goading him into action. And to think that it had worked so easily!

The flick that looked so slow and harmless to everyone sent a chill down his spine. To the onlookers, this was a playful gesture, completely harmless. But he knew it wasn’t. He could not move in the face of this ‘playful gesture’. The attack was not fanciful and it seemed lackluster in comparison to his. To observers, the flick lacked substance, but as the one facing that finger, he knew otherwise. And when the finger touched his forehead, he found himself flying back, with no control over his body.

*BOOM*