The black dragon's trial (2): Resolve

After the teacher's class finally ended, Ken, the notorious school bully, called out to Akun as he was packing his bag. "Hey, Akun! Get over here!" he demanded, wearing a smug grin on his face.

Akun reluctantly walked over, already dreading what was to come. Ken was known for tormenting him, and this time seemed to be no exception. "What do you want?" Akun asked, trying to sound as calm as possible.

"Buy me lunch from the vending machine," Ken said, leaning against the lockers. "And make it quick. I'm starving."

Akun felt his anger rising, but the memories of past beatings held him back from standing up for himself. He knew Ken's father had a lot of influence, and the school turned a blind eye to his actions. "Fine," Akun muttered, "but this is the last time, got it?"

As Akun was about to leave, a group of girls who had been eavesdropping chimed in, making their own requests for snacks and drinks. "Oh, and don't forget to get us some too," one of them said with a teasing smile.

Akun clenched his fists, his frustration growing. "Seriously? You too?" he replied, unable to hide the irritation in his voice.

Ignoring his protests, the girls giggled and continued to list their orders. "Come on, it's not that hard," one of them taunted playfully.

With a sigh, Akun resigned himself to the task. He didn't want to make any more enemies, especially not among the popular crowd. "Fine, fine. Just give me your orders, and I'll be back," he said, trying to sound as cooperative as possible.

As he walked toward the vending machine, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and helplessness. It wasn't fair that he had to endure this treatment just because Ken's father had connections. But for now, he chose to keep his head down, knowing that one day, he would find a way to stand up for himself and change his circumstances.

Akun returned from the vending machine, holding the items he was ordered to buy by Ken and the girls. As he walked back to the classroom, memories of his life as an ant kept flashing in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was all just a dream, but it felt so real.

Deep in thought, he realized that the dream had taught him something important – the need to stand up for himself. But as he glanced at Ken, who was much larger and surrounded by his friends, doubt crept in. Could he really take them on? Would he even stand a chance?

Nonetheless, as he stepped into the classroom, he felt a newfound resolve. He didn't want to be pushed around anymore. "Here's your stuff," Akun said, handing over the snacks and drinks to Ken and the girls.

Ken smirked, taking the items without a word of thanks. "Yeah, that's all. Now get lost," he said dismissively.

One of the girls spoke up, intervening in the conversation. "Hey, Ken, don't send Akun away just yet. Let's go for karaoke! And Akun should be the one treating us, right?"

Akun's heart sank as he heard their request. He knew he couldn't afford to spend any more money, especially on a lavish outing like karaoke. His house was quite far from school, and the nearest karaoke place was miles away from his home.

"I... I don't think I can," Akun stammered, trying to find the right words. "I don't have much money left, and I need it for other things."

Ken's eyes narrowed, and his tone turned sharp. "What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly. Speak up!"

Akun's palms clenched into fists, frustration building inside him. He wanted to stand up for himself, but he knew he couldn't risk angering Ken. "I said... it was nothing," he replied, his voice quieter this time.

Feeling defeated, Akun reluctantly followed the group to the karaoke place. He knew he had no choice but to comply with their demands, even if it meant sacrificing his own needs.

Inside, the group sang and laughed, enjoying themselves while Akun sat on the sidelines, feeling like an outsider.

After Karaoke, Akun was seething with anger. He couldn't believe how Ken and his friends had taken advantage of him, making him pay for everything until he had nothing left. In fact the last payment he made had to be backed up by Ken because his money wasn't enough.

As they stepped out the Karaoke place Akun checked the time and it was past 7 pm. Akun was worried about how he was going to make it home by this time, without money. While he was pondering his choices a limousine pulled up and picked up Ken his boys and the girls than followed them all together they where 8 people.

As Akun watched the limousine drive away, he couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration. He was left standing there, alone and with no money to get home. And the streets were getting darker and quieter. He knew he had a long walk ahead of him.

"See you later loser," Ken's taunting words echoed in his mind. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his helplessness and humiliation.

With no money and no ride home, Akun knew he had to start walking. "Great, just great," he muttered to himself. "Why did I have to get stuck with those people?"

As he began his journey, he couldn't help but think about the unfairness of it all. Why did Ken and his friends always get to enjoy the luxuries of life while he struggled to make ends meet? It wasn't fair that they could make him do whatever they wanted, simply because of their status and power.

"Why do they always have to treat me like this?" Akun thought to himself, feeling the injustice of the situation. "I'm so tired of being their punching bag."

The black dragon observed everything happening to Akun through a dark mana orb. "Pathetic!" he exclaimed, dissatisfied with how Akun let those people treat him. He questioned whether Akun should truly inherit his legacy. However, as he paused, he had a change of heart. "No! I know what I saw in him. He has the potential! He just needs a little push."

As Akun walked down the streets alone, a bus suddenly pulled up, and the driver called out to him, offering a free ride home. Akun was grateful and thanked the man as he stepped into the bus. The driver, sensing Akun's unease, asked him why he was walking alone at this hour. Akun replied, "It's because of some bad classmates."

The bus driver shook his head and said, "That won't do. You've got to stand up for yourself, my boy. You can't let people control the course of your life." His words struck a chord with Akun, and he fell silent, realizing the truth in what the driver was saying.

The driver continued, "And when are you going to have your revenge? You're making this boring, you know."

Confused, Akun asked. "what do you mean?".