Chapter 67 Cruel Reality & Duel

[Let me tell you a tale, That life is a hell.

When your pair of eyes gains a clarity,

You will know that how cruel is Reality.]

Bullying.

Apparently, it is a small issue in the eyes of others.

But is it? Most of the people already know the answer of this question. I don't think I should have to answer it.

Then, what is bullying?

Someone said,

Bullying is aggressive behavior among school aged children that involve a real or perceived power imbalance.

The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

But is it only in school? And only physical?

It is everywhere and with anybody.

Even with social media, people can just bully someone with their words.

Isn't it magical?

People tend to ignore it, but it isn't a good thing.

Because bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.

Now let's see what are types of that...

Like verbal bullying

Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things.

Like taunting, body-shaming, threatening etc...

Physical bullying

Physical bullying involves hurting a person's body or possessions.

Social bullying

Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone's reputation or relationships.

Spreading rumors and lies about someone. Or isolate them intentionally.etc...

And now there is also cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.

Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation.

Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

While there are some people who tend to ignore it,

then there are also some people who strongly try to oppose it.

Like Ken is doing now.

"Then, What Academy did about that? "

Ken coldly asked a question. He was very angry and confused now.

"Oh, Academy has rules about that. After all, we can't afford to have something like bullying happen here." Kevin just stated it like that it was obvious.

"Then, why it is still happening?" Ken asked with a frown on his face.

Slowly, his heart was filling with deep rage.

"You know how those high-class families are. They just put facade of purity.

Although not all of them like that but many times, some children of their children or children of some high-rankers tend to show superiority." Kevin took a crystal ball in hand and started fiddling with it.

"In blindness of showing thier superiority they try to beat anyone. Then, slowly, it repeats and become like this." Kevin explained.

"Most of the Academy professors are from them or from some factions that follow them. So they don't take any actions against them or just gives small warnings to them." Kevin stated.

"And in from which faction are you?" Ken asked. He wasn't seeing any point any Kevin's babbling.

Hearing this, Kevin chuckled.

"You think I would join some meger faction? If I make a faction they would kneel before me to join my faction." Kevin said proudly.

Ken felt that Kevin wasn't a normal professor.

"But can't Academy do anything about this?" Ken asked.

"Academy can do very much with them. If only there is any evidence. Most of the time, bullying is verbal bullying or social bullying, so we can only give them warning." Kevin just shrugged his shoulders.

"Then, What if it's physical bullying?"

This time Ken asked with some cold tone.

"Like I said, if there is an evidence, the Academy will take action. However you know, in most of the cases, evidence doesn't even reach us." Kevin calmly explained.

"Why? How?" Ken was confused.

"Let me tell you. There are many things.

First, the victim is scared. After all, most of the time victims are weak, timid and in lower or disadvantageous position."

He continued.

"Second, Bully threatens the victims.

This threat might be many things.

Like they will harm him, his family or his loved ones. They can kinda destroy them or even kill them.

Third, even in the cases' victim tries to reach anyone.

Then he will be under great pressure. Sometimes bully will really destroy his everything. Or his voice will be pressed down by someone.

And even if in the end the victim gets justice, what will he do? It will be an empty victory."

Ken was silent. He clenched his first enough to bleed.

"Ken. Reality is just like this. Cruel and heartless. These things about equality and justice are just empty facade. Still, I will try to do some things.

But remember. [Freedom is not free] and [world is not always bright].

Weak people are always crushed, like we crush the ants. You have to be strong, so nobody can crush you." Saying this, Kevin crushed the crystal ball in his hand, he opened his hand and there was only sparkling powder left.

"Still, I want to make these things stop." Ken said with determination.

Kevin started thinking

After some time...

"Okay. You can make things slightly better, and there is a way for that. A Duel."

Hearing this, Ken got the idea.

"Now, let's go to class. Otherwise, we will be late and the Academy will cut my salary." Kevin commented.

As soon as Ken and Kevin left the office, they made their way towards the classroom.

Ken could feel his heart beating faster with every step he took. When they finally reached the classroom, Ken opened the door and stepped in.

He was met with a cacophony of noise as the other students in the class were already there, chatting, and catching up with each other.

Many pairs of eyes turned towards Ken, who had never been late before without a group.

Noticing Ken's arrival, James quickly made his way towards Ken.

He put his hand on Ken's shoulder.

"Pal, Where were you? And you are so late." James said.

"I had some things to do." Ken just answered calmly.

When James was going to ask something again.

Professor Kevin entered the classroom.

James returned to his seat and all students also returned to their seats.

"Good morning, everyone." As usual, Kevin greeted them.

"Good morning, sir." And students also greeted him in unison.

"So, like yesterday, we will do physical training again. Now follow me."

Saying that, Kevin left the classroom.

Although some people were dissatisfied. However he just ignored them.

In the end, all students followed him.

James again came near Ken.

"Now, will you tell me the reason?" He asked.

"I will tell you later. Now let's go, or I will late again." Kevin just smiled and walked.

James just made a dissatisfied face.

He made hmph sound. It might have looked cute if he was a girl or some small boy. However on his muscular body. It looked quite a bizarre sight.

Shortly after arriving at the training area, all the students were instructed to begin their physical training by Kevin, just like the day before.

The group started with running laps, and soon enough, the students were panting and sweating as they tried to keep up with the rigorous exercise.

As time passed, many of the mages started dropping out and were left lying on the ground, exhausted.

However, Ken, Amy, and James continued to push themselves, not wanting to give up. Finally, after an hour of intense physical activity, Kevin called an end to the class.

As everyone was packing up and leaving, Ken did something unexpected. He deliberately stood in front of Ben, blocking his path

"What do you want?" Ben asked with an annoyed face.

"Ben Tyson. I challenge you for a duel."

Ken declaration with a determined face.