Meanwhile, Craig's and Latifa's gazes met. Her cold eyes screamed unapproachable and distant as she quickly looked away.
"She's definitely off-limits," Craig thought, just as nonchalantly, and turned his gaze elsewhere.
Suddenly, the drill officer called everyone into ranks for the next activity—combat training.
As the session began, students paired up with their assigned sparring partners. Craig stood silently, watching as Poco stepped into position.
"A boxing stance?" Craig noted, eyeing Poco's posture and footwork.
Without warning, Poco launched a punch at Craig. Craig swiftly dodged, shifting back—but Poco swept his leg mid-move, and Craig tumbled, hitting the ground headfirst.
"Impressive, but not on my level, new cadet," Poco smirked proudly.
The male cadets watching on the sidelines clapped and grinned in admiration.
"Here, have my water, Class Rep!" Mark said, handing over a bottle with a smile.
"Hey, come on—get up," Manning said, stretching out his hand to help Craig up.
"Do I really fit in here?"
Craig sat quietly, watching the others from behind as combat training continued.
"A murderer like me?"
The guilt gnawed at him.
Suddenly, his eyes widened in fear. A haunted chill crawled down his spine—as if his dead sister's presence loomed nearby. But when he looked, it was just Manning who had quietly sat beside him.
Manning, a boy with black bangs and striking purple pupils, gave a small smile.
"I'm sure you've noticed," Manning began casually, "our class rep's kind of a clumsy goof—but he's nicer than most people think, even with all his mischief."
Craig followed his gaze to see Poco dancing wildly, using only his footwork as the students cheered.
"Poocoo! Poco! Poco!" the crowd chanted, amused and impressed.
"I see," Craig replied flatly, his tone unreadable.
Just then, Craig's eyes shifted. Rini—the timid girl Guano had bullied—was running nervously across the field, only to be intercepted again by Guano.
"Well, well," Guano sneered. "Wanna show us your fighting skills, Rini?"
Her lackeys giggled behind her.
"I… I mean… I—"
Rini struggled to form a word, her voice shaking.
"Can't hear you! Speak up!"
Guano grinned cruelly and yanked Rini's hair, forcing her to look up.
"Seriously, what were you thinking joining this academy? You think you're built for this?"
"What happen if a war breaks out, and we're drafted?" she taunted.
"Will you turn tail and run? Leave your battle buddies to die?"
"She should be more worried we'll use her as a shield," Zana, Guano's best friend, added with a cruel laugh, eyeing Rini pitifully.
Craig instinctively stood up, catching Manning's eye as the boy looked up at him with a slight smirk.
"What am I doing?"
Craig questioned himself, confused by his own movement.
"A murder Playing hero? Seriously?"
"With everything I've done… with my own villainy, she's still less guilty than I am.
His hand clenched tightly, a war raging within.
But just then, he felt someone pass by—and his breath hitched.
Latifa.
"Cut that out," she said sharply, her voice calm but commanding as she walked toward Guano.
Craig stared in stunned silence.
"What is with her presence…?
He hadn't even sensed her approach. It was as if she moved through shadows—undetectable, untouchable.
Students began to gather, tension crackling in the air like a storm as the crowd buzzed in anticipation.
"Oh dear, Miss She-Hulk," Guano sneered with a sarcastic laugh, casually tossing Rini aside like garbage. "Didn't see you there."
She stepped closer, unfazed.
"But hey—I wouldn't mind if you took her place for today's beating!"
Now face to face, the air between Guano and Latifa was electric. Students whispered excitedly, eyes darting between the two top elites.
Jennifer, Guano, Latifa... Who's really number one?
"Of course it's not even a joke—Latifa would stomp her badly!"
One of the male students said, fully engaged in the brewing showdown.
"For real," another chimed in. "With her running time and insane acrobatic skills? That's an easy win."
"Nah," someone countered. "With Jennifer's raw strength, she could stop her."
"Don't forget Guano's strength too. And she's pretty smart."
"Still... I'm betting on Latifa," a girl whispered with certainty.
Meanwhile, Craig stood off to the side, observing silently as Latifa approached Guano, completely unfazed by her opponent's aggressive demeanor.
"It's not just her confidence," Craig thought, eyes narrowed.
Her body—it's relaxed, not tense. She's anticipating every possible attack.
He watched more intently.
"She's not reacting. She's waiting. Calculating."