Garrick's gaze settled on Kaiden for a brief moment.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm the head trainee."
"No, you're not."
"What? Yes, I am—"
"What does 'head trainee' mean?"
Kaiden hesitated for a moment, thinking it through.
"…the strongest trainee in the division."
"Exactly." Garrick tilted his chin toward Zephyrion. "You lost to him. That makes him the strongest."
"It was one fight! If we go again, I can—"
"What are you, a child? Stop whining. I watched that fight. You had chances. You got beaten. Simple."
Garrick's gaze turned cold, pinning Kaiden in place.
"What matters is whether you can own it. Only pussies can't accept their loss. What are you, huh? A pussy?"
Kaiden's fists tightened, then he slowly lowered his head.
"…I'm not…"
"Say it properly."
"…I'm not."
"Good. Then get out of my sight and go train."
As Kaiden stepped down, Garrick tossed the reward toward Zephyrion. The moment he caught sight of it, his eyes seemed to flicker faintly.
"Thank you."
