A World Between Realms

Weakling Earthling

The tension escalated as one of the bullies turned their scorn towards Sophie, their voice dripping with contempt. "So, the other weirdo is here, an earthling. Why don't you go back to Earth too, you weakling. You're just a disturbance in this world."

The words stung, but Sophie held her stance, her resolve firm. "This 'weakling earthling' believes in respect and dignity for all, qualities that seem to be lacking in your actions today," Sophie retorted, her voice steady despite the hostility. "Navaria may be new to me, but I know enough to stand up for what's right."

As Sophie finished her retort, Georgina arrived on the scene, her tone sharp and commanding. "What transpires here?" she demanded, her eyes quickly taking in the standoff—Sophie standing resolute, the other bullies now uncertain.

Recognizing Georgina as the de facto leader, and reminiscent of the "queen bees" from movies like *Mean Girls*, Sophie prepared herself for another clash.

Georgina surveyed the group with a sneer. "Art thou truly squandering thy time on this earthling?" she jeered, addressing her followers but keeping her icy gaze fixed on Sophie. "Hast thou naught better to do than to trouble the new maiden? Or is this thy notion of sport?"

Despite her dismissive words, Georgina's voice carried an undeniable air of authority, signaling her dominance over the group. Sophie could see the subtle retreat of her cronies, confirming the control Georgina wielded.

Sophie met Georgina's eyes with a composed yet assertive look. "I'm just making sure everyone at this academy is treated with the respect they deserve, something you might want to try sometime," she replied, her voice clear and strong enough for the surrounding crowd to hear, stirring whispers among them.

Georgina laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Charming," she sneered. "But beware, Sophie. You're playing a game you don't quite understand," she warned, her voice dripping with contempt. Yet, she didn't turn to leave immediately; instead, she paused, eyeing Sophie with a calculating gaze.

In her mind, yesterday's defeat was not an acceptance of inferiority but merely an oversight on her part, having underestimated what she considered a 'weakling earthling.' Georgina was not one to back down; instead, she saw this as a momentary setback, a chance to reassess and strategize. Her pride stung, she held her ground, her entourage waiting for her signal.

"You may have won yesterday, Sophie, but don't think that puts you above me. You've got a lot to learn about how things work here," Georgina continued, her tone menacing. "And I'll be watching closely. Don't get too comfortable."

Before Sophie could respond, a new voice cut through the tension, deep and commanding, causing everyone present to stiffen. Argus Romazov, the mighty lord of Herculea and the military commander of the kingdom, stepped into the fray. "Do not meddle in others' business unless you're willing to step into the arena. That's what the matches are for," he declared, his presence alone silencing the murmurs around him.

Sophie, less daunted by titles and reputations than her peers, met Argus's gaze directly. "Lord Romazov, while I respect the purpose of the arena, standing up against bullying in everyday situations is also necessary. We can't just wait to settle every dispute in a match when someone's dignity is being attacked right here."

The crowd around them held their breath; it was uncommon for anyone, let alone a newcomer, to talk back to Argus Romazov. His reputation as a strict and formidable leader preceded him, and his authority was rarely challenged openly.

Argus looked at Sophie, a flicker of surprise crossing his features at her audacity. Yet, after a moment, his expression softened slightly, an unspoken acknowledgment of her courage. "Very well," he said, his voice still firm but not unkind. "But remember, the arena serves its purpose to maintain order and resolve conflicts definitively. Use it wisely."

Sophie's pulse quickened, but her resolve didn't waver. Meeting Argus's stern gaze, she took a deep breath and responded with a clarity and confidence that carried across the gathered crowd. "If the arena is indeed for resolving conflicts, then perhaps it's there that we should prove our points. Lord Romazov, would you accept a challenge from me in the arena to discuss this further? It seems only fitting to use your suggested method."

The suggestion hung in the air, audacious and bold. The surrounding students gasped, their expressions a mix of shock and awe. Challenging a figure like Argus, especially someone of his stature and expertise in military command, was unheard of for a newcomer, let alone a new student.

As Sophie issued her challenge, Argus's expression cycled rapidly through shock, anger, irritation, and then an unexpected amusement. Her audacity in challenging him, a seasoned military commander, to an arena match was almost unthinkable. Yet, as he stood there, a particular memory flashed through his mind—just days ago, this same bold woman had collapsed in the palace hallway after the council meeting. He had caught her out of reflex when she reached for him, a moment of vulnerability that contrasted sharply with the defiant figure she presented now.

The thought that in just a few days, she had gone from fainting into his arms to boldly challenging him in front of a crowd brought a reluctant smirk to his face. This rapid shift from needing his support to standing in opposition was both irritating and intriguing. Argus found himself unexpectedly respecting her gumption, even as it frustrated him.

"Very well," Argus finally responded, his voice calm but tinged with a trace of bemusement. "If thou art so eager to make thy point in the arena, I shall not deny thee the opportunity. Let us see if thy spirit is as strong as thy words suggest."

To everyone's shock, Argus accepted a challenge from someone who was essentially a newcomer with no military background—a stark contrast to his last match, which had been a high-stakes affair attended by spectators from across the kingdom. That previous duel had been brutal; his opponent, a high-ranking military official seeking Argus's position, had refused to yield, fighting to his last breath despite being overpowered, which had ultimately led to his death.

The memory of that match hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the risks involved. Pita, who had been quietly observing the unfolding drama, was the first to recover from the initial shock. Despite her general reluctance to form friendships or take sides, she felt a pang of concern for Sophie. Pita appreciated Sophie's courage in standing up for her earlier, and she didn't want to see her new acquaintance face such dire consequences simply for trying to defend the principles of respect and dignity.

Pita quickly approached Sophie, her expression more animated than usual, reflecting a genuine concern. "Sophie, you must reconsider this," she urged quietly, glancing around to ensure they weren't overheard. "Challenging Argus is not just a test of skill—it can have severe consequences. He's not just any opponent; his battles can be lethal."

She paused, her eyes searching Sophie's for any sign of reconsideration. "You don't have to prove your point this way. There are other methods to show courage and leadership without risking so much." Pita's voice carried a sincerity that underscored the gravity of her warning, hoping to sway Sophie from the path she was about to take.