Shattered Sanity

(Meanwhile, Inside House Argent’s Common Hall, Riven’s POV)

It took nearly two hours for the healers to properly treat the hole through Riven’s palm and bandage his hand, and by the time he finally returned to House Argent’s common hall, several students were already waiting for him.

”There he is!” someone shouted almost immediately, causing Riven to turn towards a group of nobles who began approaching him before he had even made it several steps inside.

”What the hell were you thinking out there, Dawnriver? Every single member of House Argent was ashamed because of you today!” the boy leading them demanded, as several of his companions quickly gathered around Riven.

”I can’t believe you’re our first-round pick. You fight like a disgrace, and someone like you shouldn’t even be representing us!” he continued, as Riven silently watched him approach without interrupting.

”And here I was looking up to you for the last two days and admiring your work ethic.

I actually even told someone in here that I want to be more like you and train hard everyday.

When the reality is that you’re nothing but a fraud...” the boy said, before seemingly reconsidering the accusation and shaking his head.

”No, not a fraud. You’re nothing but a fucking savage.”

For several seconds, Riven simply stared towards the unfamiliar noble standing before him, paying little attention to the others who had gathered around until an uncomfortable silence gradually replaced the boy’s anger.

”It’s quite impolite to make such bold statements without introducing yourself first, don’t you think?”

Riven eventually asked, causing some of the confidence on the noble’s face to disappear.

”My name is Milano. Milano of House Fox,” the boy introduced, as Riven gave him a slow nod.

”Well then, Milano of House Fox, what I want to ask you is quite simple,” Riven replied, as he stepped forward until barely any distance remained between them.

”You clearly have a problem with the way I fight, so what exactly are you going to do about it?”

Milano’s expression changed slightly, although Riven did not give him an opportunity to answer before taking another step forward and forcing the boy to either surrender ground or remain standing directly before him.

”Are you going to fight me over it? Are you going to issue a formal challenge, fill an arena like Gary did and teach me how someone with your apparently superior understanding of honor is supposed to fight?” Riven asked, as a savage smile slowly spread across his face.

”I’m asking whether you’re actually going to challenge me, Milano, or whether your words are just words and you don’t have the guts to follow through on them.

I clearly hurt your precious sentiment by fighting the way I did.

You’re clearly jealous of me being the first round pick.

So, I ask you this....

What exactly are you going to do about it?”

The confrontation suddenly felt considerably different from the one Milano had initiated only moments earlier, as the anger on his face gradually gave way to hesitation before he eventually took a reluctant step backwards.

”I—I—”

He stuttered, as Riven smirked.

”That’s what I thought.”

Riven replied as he allowed his gaze to move from Milano towards the other students surrounding them, making certain that everyone who had approached alongside him understood that his next words were meant for them as well.

”That’s exactly what you, or anyone else standing here, is going to do about it.

Absolutely nothing.

Because not one of you here actually believes that you can take me on in battle.”

Nobody answered.

”I actually went easy on Gary Ironveil today because he’s the son of the Western Duke, but I have absolutely no reason to extend the same courtesy to you, Milano of House Fox,” Riven continued, as Milano’s expression stiffened.

”As long as we’re members of the same House, I’ll be a great friend to you. I’ll spar with you, mentor you wherever I can and protect you against the other Houses if the situation ever demands it.”

Riven paused for only a moment, allowing the promise to settle before his expression hardened once again.

”But test my patience again, insult my honor or dare face me on a battleground, and I’ll show you exactly who I am.”

Milano remained silent.

”You don’t have to respect me, and you certainly don’t have to like me. You can hate me for all I care, but there is one thing you need to learn if we’re going to spend the next two years together.”

Riven stepped closer once again, staring directly into Milano’s eyes as the smile disappeared from his face.

”You need to fear me, Milano of House Fox.”

The common hall had fallen almost completely silent by then, with first years and seniors alike watching the confrontation without attempting to interrupt.

”And if you ever speak to me in that tone again, or decide that you’re qualified to lecture me about honor and morality, I swear I’ll issue a formal challenge for a spar and leave you in a worse condition than I left Gary Ironveil today.”

Riven held Milano’s gaze for another moment before finally stepping past him, deliberately brushing shoulders with the noble as he continued deeper into the common hall.

”And if you ever find your balls once they finally drop out of your mother’s womb, come challenge me yourself,” Riven added without turning around.

”Any day, any time, any place. I’ll accept. I promise.”

Nobody attempted to stop him as he continued walking, while the silence following his declaration made his position regarding the exhibition match perfectly clear to every student who had witnessed the confrontation.

He did not regret how he defeated Gary Ironveil, nor did he intend to change himself simply because the other nobles found his methods distasteful.

More importantly, anyone within House Argent who intended to confront him over it now understood exactly what doing so would entail.

As despite risking the entire house to turn against him because of his attitude, Riven decided to keep his pride intact rather than apologizing to the mob.