A cold satisfaction settled over Michael as he watched Braydon struggle alone under the gravity spell. He wanted nothing more than to laugh—loudly and obnoxiously—to rub in his victory and relish the look on the guy's face.

But he didn't dare. Not with Professor Quinn still nearby—within earshot.

"Quick, let's go," he whispered to Rudy, grabbing his arm and hurrying back toward the castle.

They weren't the only ones. Every student seemed to have the same idea—put as much distance as possible between themselves and the combat class. No one looked back, just in case the professor remembered her earlier threat to punish them as a group.

Once inside the castle, Michael pulled Rudy to the side, no longer able to contain his excitement.

"Dude, that was amazing," he burst out, looking at Rudy as if he were some kind of hero. Somehow, Rudy had perfectly mimicked Jakob's form—delivering the punch with even greater force than the original.

"How did you do that? Especially without using any mana?"

Rudy scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish. "Heh, not really sure... It just kinda happened."

"Well, doesn't matter," Michael grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver ring—the storage ring that had been part of the bet.

"This is yours. I'll teach you how to bind it so you can store your prize," he said, placing it in Rudy's palm.

Rudy stared at the ring in awe, admiring its smooth luster. "I've never worn jewelry before," he murmured, slipping it onto his finger and rotating it to catch the light—like a newly engaged fiancé admiring their ring.

Michael cleared his throat, suddenly self-conscious as a few students nearby began to chuckle at the scene.

"Let's head up to the dorm before lunch. There's something else I want to show you," he said, pivoting away. His eyes scanned the crowd of first-years, looking for the familiar streak of blue—hoping to invite Melody along.

Instead, he spotted Jakob and Randolph making their way along with the crowd.

Randolph looked like someone who'd just been stripped of everything he owned, pale and hollow-eyed. Jakob, on the other hand, was glaring at Rudy, his expression dark and intense. For a moment, Michael thought he might come over and start something—but after a long pause, both turned and walked away.

Michael exhaled in relief. The last thing he needed was another complicated enemy—especially one as enigmatic as Jakob.

Then he saw her.

Melody was approaching, her small frame looking worse for wear after the exertion of class and the cruel gravity spell.

"We're heading to the dorm before lunch starts. I want you there," he said firmly.

"Huh? Why do I have to go?" she replied, clearly annoyed.

"Not now, Melody..." Michael sighed, too drained to argue.

Yet this only seemed to irritate her further—her cheeks puffing out like a flustered woodland critter. It was almost comical, but Michael wisely chose not to comment. She was clearly still upset about their earlier argument.

"Just come with us. You'll understand why soon enough," he added.

Melody didn't reply, but after a moment's hesitation, she reluctantly followed them up to the violet dorms.

Once they arrived, Michael closed the door behind them and let out a quiet sigh of relief. Away from prying eyes, he could finally kill two birds with one stone.

"Rudy, take off your shirt and robe," he said.

"HUH!?" both Rudy and Melody blurted out, equally dumbfounded.

The room fell into a brief but awkward silence, the two of them blushing like embarrassed children.

"W-what do you mean? You want me to take off my shirt… in front of your fiancée?" Rudy asked, his voice laced with horror.

"Yes."

"I'm leaving," Melody snapped, making a beeline for the door.

Michael quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Just bear with me for a few moments, please. I promise it'll make sense."

She hesitated. Conflict flickered in her eyes, but after seeing the sincerity in his expression, she finally relented and took a reluctant step back.

"Rudy, please. Trust me," Michael urged again, this time with a small, reassuring smile.

Rudy hesitated, glancing at Melody. His reluctance came from a different place—it wasn't embarrassment, but something deeper. Still, after a long pause, he nodded and began to undress.

He pulled off his robe and then his white shirt, revealing olive-toned skin. Michael's eyes narrowed. A portion of the shirt was stained red—clearly the result of Braydon's slap earlier that day.

The blow must have struck a half-healed wound, tearing it open again.

Beside them, Melody's expression shifted as realization dawned. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the bloodstained fabric.

"Turn around, Rudy," Michael said gently, sensing his friend's discomfort.

With a sigh, Rudy turned, revealing his back.

Melody gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Shock painted her sapphire eyes as she stared at the sight.

His back was covered in thick scars—ragged, discolored lines that crisscrossed his skin like a cruel roadmap of pain. One of the wounds had reopened and was actively bleeding, a fresh crimson trail running down his back.

"W-what happened to you!?" Melody whispered, her voice trembling.

But Rudy didn't answer. He merely turned back to Michael, his expression flat. "Can I put my shirt back on now?" he asked, clearly uncomfortable.

Michael shook his head. With a wave of his hand, a small suitcase materialized from his storage ring—the one he'd taken from Randolph as part of the wager.

Without ceremony, he opened it and retrieved one of five phials nestled inside. The vial contained a brilliant red liquid that glowed faintly, even under the bright lights of the dorm.

"These are Bloodmend Phials," Michael explained, holding it out. "One of the best mid-tier healing medicines on the market."

He smiled, extending the vial toward Rudy. "Drink it."

Rudy's expression changed. His eyes locked onto the phial with cautious interest. "Mid-tier healing medicine? Will that really heal my wounds?"

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