The Ultama

Chapter 10 (The tragedy reviled)

Rin knew better than most how things worked in the animal kingdom—the strongest earned respect, the swiftest won dominance. But she reminded herself: this wasn't the wilderness, and here in the human world, that raw instinct had to be tempered with caution. She'd have to tread carefully.

"Look, sorry again," she offered with an easy, placating smile, her tone sincere. But the tall girl's icy stare only darkened, and a few more students—most likely her friends—sidled up beside her. They formed a half-circle around Rin, but she didn't feel the slightest hint of intimidation. Instead, she let herself chuckle, looking the girl up and down with a casual, almost lazy gaze.

"Really?" Rin's voice held a teasing lilt. "I mean, I get it—you're the queen bee or whatever. But we're not in high school anymore. You're just one princess in a sea of them now. How's that feel?"

The girl's lips parted, eyes narrowing dangerously, but Rin pressed on, her smirk growing.

"And are your friends here for backup?" She cast an amused glance at the group of onlookers, their expressions uncertain as they watched. "Can't fight on your own? Or are you just scared I'd actually be a challenge?"

A murmur ran through the small crowd that had gathered, and someone in the back even snickered. The girl's cheeks flushed with anger, and without another word, she drew back her fist, her face twisted in rage.

But Rin was faster. Just as the girl's punch came toward her, Rin's hand shot up, catching her wrist in mid-air, holding it inches from her face. They locked eyes, and Rin leaned forward, her voice low but unmistakably fierce.

"Careful," Rin said, her voice like steel. "Wouldn't want you getting hurt."

After a beat, she released the girl's wrist with a slight push, causing her to stumble back. Rin took a step forward, and the girl's friends parted instantly, leaving a clear path for her.

With that, Rin walked off without looking back, her confidence radiating as she left her would-be attacker frozen in place. And from the stares and murmurs of respect trailing behind her, it was clear who had established dominance here.

As Rin walked away from the confrontation, she heard a voice drift from behind her: "I'd rather not try that next time. That girl will eat you alive." She stopped, turning her head just enough to see Blaze reclining lazily on a nearby bench, his signature smirk all but plastered on his face. He leaned back, confidence radiating, his arms sprawled out in a display of pride.

Rin rolled her eyes, her jaw clenching as she forced herself to ignore him. But Blaze wasn't about to let her off that easily.

"I was just trying to help you a little, princess."

That word—princess—cut through her patience, and Rin could feel her temper flaring up again. Without missing a beat, she stomped over to him, planting her foot on the bench next to his head, her glare fixed squarely on him.

"What do you want?" she snapped, her voice low but razor-sharp.

Blaze only raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed by her aggression. "Careful now," he said in a calm, almost taunting tone. "We're still in public. Anybody watching could report you. Don't want the daughter of Akhella Rider getting in trouble, do we?"

Rin glanced around, noticing a few eyes darting away quickly. The sight pulled her back to the moment, and with a frustrated sigh, she crouched down beside him, though she kept her distance, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

"We don't need to kill each other, you know," Blaze continued, his voice dipping into an oddly softer tone.

She stared at the ground, her hands gripping each other tightly. "After what you did at the dam... I will never forgive you."