The Killer in The Clasrroom Of The Elite

Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Shadows of Control

The next few days at the academy passed with a deceptive calm. Yet, Alex was constantly on alert, a taut string of vigilance coiled within him. His encounter with the masked assailants had given him a glimpse of something larger at play, an invisible network scheming against him. If he'd hoped they would back down after he'd crushed their operatives, it was clear now that they were just getting started.

Arisu stayed close, sharing the weight of this looming threat with him. The night they set their trap had strengthened their bond, an unspoken understanding settling between them. Her unwavering confidence in him, even in the face of danger, was a shield against his darker impulses.

One morning, as he scanned the campus for any signs of danger, Alex spotted Ryuuen's smug face across the courtyard. Kakeru Ryuuen seemed to be the only student unbothered by Alex's reputation. Instead of fear, his eyes held a familiar taunt, a provocation hidden behind a sly smirk. This time, however, something was different. Ryuuen's glances flickered not at Alex but at Arisu, a predatory gleam flashing in his gaze.

As Alex observed him, Ryuuen walked up to Arisu, his steps confident. "Sakayanagi, I thought you would've realized by now who really calls the shots around here."

Arisu tilted her head, the slightest frown of distaste appearing. "You? In control?" She let out a short laugh. "I think you're overstating your importance, Kakeru."

Ryuuen chuckled. "You see, people respect strength. And strength isn't always about brute force. Sometimes, it's about influence and knowing where to strike." His eyes flicked to Alex with a challenging look. "You, for instance—when push comes to shove, you'll break like the rest."

Arisu raised her brow, her voice cool. "Strength without principles isn't strength, Kakeru. It's weakness."

His gaze darkened. "Is that what he told you?" He nodded toward Alex, his tone mocking. "Because from what I've seen, he's no saint. I'd be careful trusting someone whose loyalty is up for negotiation."

Arisu's expression remained calm, but Alex could sense the insult rising in her. He took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Ryuuen, his voice low and dangerously calm. "Say what you want about me, but dragging her into this is your biggest mistake."

Ryuuen snorted, dismissing Alex's warning with a wave. "You're just a guard dog, trained to protect. But let's see what you'll do when that loyalty gets put to the test."

Alex's patience snapped. In a swift motion, he grabbed Ryuuen by his collar, pulling him close. His voice dropped, thick with threat. "You may think you're untouchable, but trust me—push me again, and you'll regret it."

For the first time, a flicker of fear crossed Ryuuen's face, but he quickly masked it with a sneer. "Then prove it. Show me just how far you're willing to go."

Alex released him, his body vibrating with the urge to retaliate, to end Ryuuen's games once and for all. But a hand on his shoulder pulled him back. Arisu's gentle touch was enough to restrain his fury, grounding him in the moment. Her gaze was calm, determined, and it stopped him from giving in to his darker urges.

Without another word, Ryuuen backed away, though his smirk lingered, taunting them even as he walked off. Alex's jaw clenched, his mind already working through possible ways to deal with Ryuuen. But he knew Arisu would want him to be strategic, to avoid acting out of anger.

As the courtyard cleared, Arisu turned to him, her voice calm yet firm. "He's not worth it, Alex. He's trying to provoke you."

Alex exhaled, the anger slowly dissipating. "I know. But if he thinks he can intimidate you—"