---
By the time John and Fizz left the dorm, several students had already gathered near the courtyard path. Some had heard that Ned White was waiting there. Others had only seen a noble group blocking the road and decided that watching was more important than eating breakfast.
John stepped into the courtyard and saw Ned standing near the center. He wore a white academy coat with golden lines along the sleeves, and a sword rested at his side. Light mana gathered faintly around his body, making him stand out from the students around him.
Fizz floated beside John and sighed. "Breakfast is being delayed again."
John kept walking.
Ned stepped into his path. "Stop."
John stopped and looked at him.
The students around them became quiet. Ned had seen John several times before. He had watched him in the academy yard, heard rumors about his void-like power, and even seen Rhea kiss him. Until now, he had only believed John was an unknown student with an annoying name.
