Chapter 10

Charlie placed the large sword on his shoulder and swaggered up to stand in front of Colin.

Colin, being shorter than Charlie, suddenly felt overshadowed. He looked up at Charlie, his eyes flashing, and said with a smile, "Student Charlie, do you know I'm hot, so you came to block the sun for me?"

"Cut the crap." Charlie sneered, unmoved. "I'm here to challenge you."

"Student Charlie, you should say it like this: Student Colin, I've recently reached a critical point in my practice of the Roar Military Sword Technique. Please spar with me to help me break through." Bill shrugged, blocking Colin's path. He was even shorter than Colin and had to look up at Charlie.

"Pretty boy, I didn't ask you. I'm asking Colin." Charlie said rudely.

"You bastard." Bill's eyes instantly turned cold, like a leopard ready to pounce. Despite his somewhat feminine demeanor, he was actually one of the top students in the class.

Charlie was the son of a wealthy merchant and knew that Bill's family was much better off than Colin's, with considerable influence in the city. He regretted his words as soon as they were out, but he couldn't back down now. He raised his head and said to Colin, "What, are you scared, Colin? Or did your bloodline potion fail? Are you feeling guilty?"

His words stirred up a storm.

Not everyone was as bored as Brian, or as understanding of Colin as Bill, or as considerate as Ms. Anna, the homeroom teacher. Most of the students hadn't noticed any change in Colin's strength.

But with Charlie's words, the truth was revealed. The eyes of the noble children, the children of wealthy merchants, and the children of wealthy farmers all turned to Colin, and their gazes gradually became contemptuous.

People in the same circle began to whisper to each other.

A failed bloodline enhancement wasn't a big deal outside, as many nobles were still ordinary people. But this was the Will Knight Academy, the cradle of the extraordinary.

In Class 5, except for those without bloodlines, almost everyone had successfully taken the bloodline potion. Even those without bloodlines had taken strength potions, leading to increased strength.

And now, Colin Russell was the only one who had failed the bloodline potion. This small blemish was being magnified under a microscope.

Bill's face turned grim. He raised his head and said to Charlie, "Idiot, didn't you hear what I said? Colin isn't feeling well today. If you want to play, I'll play with you."

"Bill Pitt, I'm not here for you today." Charlie's face was also grim, his teeth gritted.

"Mr. Colin, just admit that your bloodline potion failed. It's not that shameful, after all, there's a ten percent chance of failure, right?" Brian crossed his arms and watched the scene, a smile on his face. He felt a sense of satisfaction seeing Colin in trouble.

Colin wasn't angry, nor did he lose his composure. He had anticipated this situation. He smiled, patted Bill on the shoulder, and said to Charlie, "My friend isn't lying. I'm not feeling well lately. When I'm better, I'll accept your challenge, Charlie."

"When will you be better?" Charlie sneered.

"I'm sick, and only a doctor knows when I'll get better." Colin said with a smile.

"I think you'll never get better." Charlie laughed, the meaning clear.

Colin Russell's refusal to accept the challenge meant that Colin Russell had failed his bloodline enhancement. Everyone knew the answer.

The students turned their gazes back to their training, swinging their practice swords diligently under the scorching sun. Charlie, after laughing, turned and returned to his original position, chatting with Brian and occasionally looking at Colin with disdain.

Colin and Bill felt it. They were already on the fringes of the noble circle, and now it seemed there was a wall, an invisible wall, between them and the noble children.

"Don't mind it." Bill, feeling sad, turned and gently patted Colin on the shoulder.

"I don't mind." Colin said with a smile. Then, he refocused on his training, swinging his large sword with vigor.

Bill, on the other hand, kept glancing at Colin, his face filled with concern.

Soon, the class ended, and the next one was riding, but there was a ten-minute break in between.

After class, Ms. Anna called Colin over.

"Lady." Ms. Anna was tall, and Colin slightly lowered his head in respect, only able to see her slender abdomen.

"Destiny always favors those who work hard. Don't mind what Charlie said." Ms. Anna said calmly.

Colin was a bit surprised. The homeroom teacher usually seemed calm and distant, but she was showing concern for her students. He bowed his head even lower and replied calmly, "Yes, Lady, I don't mind."

Ms. Anna frowned. Was my tone off, making Colin think I was comforting him?

"I'm serious, Colin. I don't look down on non-noble students. However, I see that Brian and Charlie, driven by jealousy of your noble status, target you but dare not challenge the prominent students in the noble circle. Such people, driven by their emotions, will never achieve much in life. But you, who work hard, will have a bright future. Failing a bloodline enhancement is not scary; what's scary is losing the heart to fight." Ms. Anna, mimicking an excellent teacher, spoke to Colin in a gentle and sincere tone.

"Yes, Lady." Colin felt the sincerity and bowed even lower, accepting it with respect.

...

"I didn't expect Ms. Anna to have that side. She usually seems so cold and intimidating."

After school, Colin and Bill walked side by side toward the academy gates. Hearing about Ms. Anna's words to Colin, Bill was surprised.

"That's what they call the duality of human nature, I guess." Colin reflected, feeling a sense of awe.

At the gate, they said their goodbyes, each heading in a different direction. Colin tightened the strap of his black backpack and began to think.

"Although I responded calmly to Charlie's provocation, I still feel uneasy. Besides, if this continues, it might reach Linda and Smith's ears."

Thinking of his brother and sister who had high hopes for him, Colin felt a sense of urgency.

"Twenty gold coins as initial capital is just too much. It's almost impossible for me to gather such a large sum. My head hurts."