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Chapter 53: Challenge

Chapter 53: Challenge

Eric’s hands clenched into fists as he listened to Robin’s mocking words. The anger in him was reaching a boiling point, and he looked ready to strike.

His fist tightened, and he took a step forward, but just then, Leo appeared, stepping in between Eric and Robin. Little away stood his girlfriend, Susan, who watched the scene with concern.

Leo quickly grabbed Eric’s wrist, stopping him mid-swing.

Eric’s eyes, blazing with fury, locked onto Robin, but before he could lash out, Adam spoke up, cutting through the tension with an icy tone. "Are you out of your mind, Robin?" Adam’s voice was steady but fierce, his masked face giving him an intimidating air. "If you’re so desperate to pick a fight, then take your shot. But why provoke Eric like this?"

Robin sneered, a smug smirk spreading across his face. "Oh, look at this! Even this loser has found some courage now that his friends are here," he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

Eric gritted his teeth, struggling to break free from Leo’s grip. "Let me go, Leo," he growled. "I won’t be satisfied until I’ve broken his face."

Leo tightened his hold, trying to calm Eric. "Eric, listen to me," he whispered urgently. "This is exactly what he wants. Hitting him will only make things worse." Eric took a deep breath, his fists slowly unclenching as he tried to rein in his anger.

Sitting quietly on Adam’s shoulder, Sona, the tiny creature with golden wings and a fierce spirit, had been watching the whole exchange.

She was fuming, her small face scrunched up in anger, and with a determined flutter of her wings, she launched herself off Adam’s shoulder, aiming straight for Robin. Just as she was about to swoop down, Adam’s hand shot out, catching her in midair.

"Let me go, Lord Adam!" she protested, struggling against his grip. "I’ll show him a nightmare he’ll never forget!"

Adam chuckled slightly, his fingers relaxing just enough to let her wriggle a bit. "Stay with me, Sona. Don’t make things more complicated," he murmured, his tone gentle but firm.

Reluctantly, Sona pouted and settled back down on his shoulder, but not before shooting one last glare at Robin. She folded her arms across her chest, huffing, but she respected Adam’s request, knowing he had a plan.

Outside the classroom, a commotion was brewing in the hallway. A large group of students had gathered, watching the scene unfold through the glass of the classroom door.

Their whispers filled the corridor, each one eagerly relaying the details of the confrontation happening inside.

Ani, a tall, graceful girl with sharp eyes and an air of innocents, was seated at her desk, but the noise outside caught her attention.

She glanced over, noticing the students’ curious faces peering through the window. Her brow furrowed, and she rose from her seat, her classmates trailing after her as she approached the door.

As Ani stepped out into the corridor, she quickly took in the scene.

Adam stood in the center, holding Eric back, while Robin’s group looked on with smug expressions.

Ani’s eyes narrowed as she took in Robin’s mocking words and Eric’s barely-contained rage. Her fists clenched involuntarily, and her usually composed face flashed with anger.

Sona, sensing Ani’s arrival and her rising fury, leaned close to Adam’s ear and whispered urgently, "Lord Adam, Miss Ani is furious. She’s heading towards Robin!"

Adam’s gaze darted to Ani, who was striding toward them with determined steps, her eyes locked onto Robin.

There was fire in her eyes, a dangerous determination that Adam knew all too well. She was not one to back down, especially when provoked.

"No, no, Ani, not you too," Adam thought, panic flickering across his face beneath his mask. He had to act before things got out of hand.

Taking a steadying breath, Adam released his grip on Eric and stepped forward.

With a quiet nod to Leo, who gave him a knowing look, Adam approached Robin, his posture calm but intense.

"Alright, Robin," Adam said, his voice echoing in the now-silent hallway.

His eyes, sharp and unyielding, locked onto Robin’s. "If you’re so confident, let’s settle this at the sports festival. You and me. I’ll race you in the 200-meter running. Let’s see who’s really the loser."

A murmur spread through the crowd as the gathered students exchanged surprised looks. "Did Adam just challenge Robin to a race?" someone whispered, and another voice replied, "Looks like it."

Eric, who had been seething just moments before, relaxed slightly, a smirk spreading across his face. He could tell Adam had a plan.

Ani, too, was taken aback by Adam’s sudden challenge. She managed to keep her surprise hidden, though, watching intently as he confronted Robin.

Inwardly, she felt a surge of pride. Adam wasn’t just standing up for himself but was diffusing a tense situation in his own way. She thought, What are you doing, Adam? But... I trust you.

Robin let out a loud, mocking laugh. "Fine," he sneered. "Whoever wins the race gets to make the loser do whatever they say."

Adam nodded, his face a mask of determination. "Deal."

Robin extended his hand for a handshake, but just as Adam reached out, Robin sneered and pulled his hand away. "I don’t shake hands with losers. Better be ready, Adam," he said, flashing a taunting smile before turning on his heel.

He paused to glance back at Ani, throwing her a smug smile that made her stomach churn. His smile hinted that this challenge wasn’t just about the race—it was personal.

Ani felt a twinge of unease. Something about Robin’s attitude felt off, as though this whole challenge had been orchestrated with her in mind.

She glanced at Adam, who returned her look with a reassuring nod. He then slipped through the back door of the classroom, leaving the other students to gossip excitedly about the upcoming race.

Back inside the classroom, Leo walked over to Adam and placed a hand on his shoulder, his face a mix of worry and admiration. "Adam, you know Robin’s an incredible athlete, right? Even I would be nervous about beating him in a race. Are you sure about this?"

Adam gave a small laugh, brushing off Leo’s concerns. "Don’t worry, Leo. I won’t lose, no matter what," he replied, his confidence unwavering.

Leo couldn’t help but smile in response, admiring Adam’s determination but still worrying about the challenge that lay ahead.

Eric, having calmed down, clapped Adam on the back. "Robin’s got no chance against you, Adam. I believe in you," he said, his tone sincere.

Adam gave him a grateful nod. "Thanks, Eric. And sorry for dragging you into all this."

Eric waved it off. "Forget it. I’m just glad I get to see Robin lose."

As they settled back into their seats, Leo turned to Adam, his expression still curious. "You know, Adam, I’ve never seen Robin this angry at you before. Is there something going on between you two?"

Eric chimed in, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it’s weird. He’s never even acknowledged you before. What changed?"

Adam hesitated, exhaling a deep sigh. "Robin found out that I spend time with Ani," he admitted quietly.

The three friends looked at each other, each one silently piecing together the puzzle. They understood now why Robin had been so hostile—it wasn’t just rivalry; it was jealousy.

Leo chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that explains a lot. But don’t worry, Adam. No matter how hard he tries, Robin’s got nothing on you."

Eric grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, let him be mad. We’ve got your back."

The bell rang, signaling the end of the period, but the excitement for the upcoming sports festival was already building. In the midst of it all,

Adam’s resolve only strengthened, his mind focused on one goal: winning the race and proving once and for all that he wasn’t someone to be underestimated.