Ascension: Rebirth in a World of Powers-Chapter 26 - : Ripples of Victory

The dust had barely settled when the crowd of students erupted into hushed whispers. The once-feared Darius lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain, while Eren stood victorious, flames still flickering around his hands. He could feel their eyes on him—some filled with awe, others with apprehension.

Kaelena placed a hand on his shoulder. "Eren, we need to go. Now."

He nodded, shaking off the exhaustion creeping up his limbs. The fight had taken more out of him than he cared to admit, but he couldn't show weakness—not now. They had made a statement, and it wouldn't be long before the academy's authorities came to investigate.

Kain stepped forward, cracking his knuckles as he glanced at Darius's fallen form. "So what now? We just leave him?"

Eren looked at Darius, whose eyes flickered open, his breathing ragged. The former tyrant of the academy looked nothing like the arrogant powerhouse he had been minutes ago. His face twisted in fury, but beneath that, Eren saw something else—fear.

Darius tried to push himself up, but his body trembled under the strain. "You think... this changes anything?" His voice was hoarse, yet it still carried venom. "This school... it doesn't belong to you."

Eren met his gaze, then turned away. "It never belonged to you either."

Without another word, he and his group walked away, leaving Darius in the rubble of his own defeat.

The corridors of the academy were eerily silent as they made their way toward the dormitories. It was late, and most students had already retreated to their rooms, but those who were still awake watched them pass with wide eyes. Some whispered among themselves, others took a step back as if unsure how to react.

Eren ignored them, though he could feel the weight of their stares pressing down on him. He wasn't sure how he felt about it. A part of him relished finally standing up to Darius and proving himself. But another part... another part wondered what this victory had truly cost.

Kaelena stopped just outside his room. "That was reckless," she said, crossing her arms.

Eren let out a tired chuckle. "Yeah, I figured you'd say that."

She sighed. "I mean it, Eren. Darius may be down, but he's not out. And even if he were, someone else will just take his place. That's how this academy works."

"I know," Eren admitted, leaning against the doorframe. "But for now... we've bought ourselves time."

Kain folded his arms. "Yeah? And what are we supposed to do with that time?"

Eren hesitated. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Everything had led up to this confrontation, but now that it was over, the weight of uncertainty settled over him.

"We train," he finally said. "We get stronger. Because whatever's coming next... we need to be ready."

Kaelena studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But next time, we have a plan before you go charging into a fight."

Eren smirked. "I'll try."

Mira snorted. "No, you won't."

The group laughed, the tension easing slightly. But deep down, Eren couldn't shake the feeling that their battle was far from over.

The Next Morning

The academy was abuzz with rumors. News of Darius's defeat spread like wildfire, and the power dynamics of the school were already beginning to shift. Some students seemed relieved, as if a weight had been lifted. Others looked at Eren with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

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At breakfast, Eren and his group took their usual spot in the dining hall, but this time, there was a noticeable change. People gave them space—not out of fear, but out of respect.

"Looks like you've become a legend overnight," Mira said, nudging Eren's arm. "How's it feel?"

"Strange," he admitted, poking at his food. "I didn't do this for attention."

Kaelena arched a brow. "Well, you got it anyway."

Before Eren could respond, a new presence entered the hall. A group of students, ones who had never dared to approach before, hesitated near their table. One of them, a lanky boy with nervous eyes, stepped forward.

"Eren," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "I... I just wanted to say thank you. For standing up to Darius."

Eren blinked in surprise. "Uh... you're welcome?"

The boy nodded quickly before retreating, his friends following.

Kain let out a low whistle. "Well, that's new."

Kaelena smiled faintly. "You're not just another student anymore, Eren. People are looking to you now."

That thought unsettled him more than he expected. He hadn't set out to be a leader. He just wanted to survive.

But now...

Now, things were different.

And deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.