[Scene : School Courtyard, Afternoon]
Lunchtime. The sun cast long shadows across the school courtyard, where most students laughed and chatted. But in one corner, a completely different scene was unfolding.
Three or four guys were kicking and punching a lone student. The boy curled up on the ground, arms wrapped around his head, trying to shield himself. But the punches didn't stop. Neither did the kicks. Neither did the insults.
And yet, no one moved. No one spoke.
Eden stood a few steps away, his breath caught in his throat.
Eden (whispering to himself): "What the hell... Why is no one stopping this?"
He took a step forward.
Butler (grabbing his wrist, voice low and firm): "Don't. You don't want to mess with them."
Eden (eyes burning with anger, turning to Butler): "Why the hell not? They're going to beat him to death!"
Butler (gritted teeth): "They're members of the Evil Slayer Gang. Do you even realize what that means? If you interfere, you're making yourself their target."
Eden yanked his arm free.
Eden (growling): "So what? Just let them do whatever the hell they want?"
Without hesitation, Eden stormed forward and threw a punch—hard. His fist connected with the nose of one of the bullies, sending him stumbling backward. Blood sprayed onto the ground.
Another one rushed at him, but Eden dodged and drove his knee into the guy's stomach. He collapsed, gasping for air.
A punch landed on Eden's back from behind, making him lurch forward. But he quickly turned and struck back with a brutal blow, knocking his attacker down.
Silence.
The remaining boys scrambled to their feet and retreated.
Before leaving, one of them turned back and sneered.
Bully: "See you later..."
---
[Scene Shift: Hellfire's Hideout]
Eden sat alone, fists resting on his knees. His knuckles were cracked and bleeding, but he barely noticed.
Heavy footsteps.
Alex entered, his expression thunderous. Behind him, Joshua stood by the door, silent. Just a little behind him, Rafael and Snake were watching.
Alex marched straight to Eden, grabbed him by the collar, and yanked him forward.
Alex (voice shaking with anger): "Do you have a death wish?! You just started another goddamn war!"
Eden (staring at him, voice quiet but firm): "They were beating up an innocent kid. I couldn't just stand there."
Alex (gritting his teeth): "Who the hell told you to jump in? Who the hell do you think you are?"
Eden didn't reply. His jaw tightened, but his eyes never wavered.
Alex exhaled sharply and let go of Eden's collar, stepping back.
Eden let out a quiet chuckle—small, bitter.
Eden (murmuring, voice laced with frustration): "What's the point of being in a gang if it doesn't even protect the students? If it doesn't care who gets beaten up, who suffers? This school wasn't bought by anyone, was it? The principal allowed you all to be here. But you all just stand and watch, even if someone dies."
For a brief second, there was silence.
Snake and Rafael exchanged glances.
Snake (low voice, almost to himself): "Tch... Damn it, he's right."
Rafael (narrowing his eyes, voice unreadable): "This... is a problem."
Meanwhile, Alex turned to leave.
But just before he took another step, he stopped. His body tensed.
And then, without warning, he spun around and aimed a brutal punch at Eden's face—
But just before his fist connected…
Rafael (booming voice): "STOP, ALEX!"
Silence.
Alex's fist froze inches from Eden's face.
Slowly, he turned his head toward Rafael.
Rafael (calm but deadly serious): "Who gave you permission to hit him?"
For a moment, Alex stood there, chest rising and falling. Then, wordlessly, he lowered his hand and stepped back.
Rafael walked up to Eden, his cold eyes studying him.
Rafael: "You took down three guys on your own. But that doesn't mean you're strong."
Eden didn't answer.
Rafael (leaning slightly forward, voice almost a whisper): "You have power, but no control. Power without control is just fire—one that burns everything, including yourself."
Eden exhaled slowly, his fists tightening.
Rafael (smirking slightly): "You need more training, kid."
---
Endof chapter 13