The Return of the God-Slayer

A group of girls gathered around a tall, radiant girl with clear eyes and a captivating smile, gossiping with excitement.

"Emily, is it true that the new guy, Ryan, is actually your fiancé?" one of them asked, glancing toward the back row where a quiet boy sat, his presence almost blending into the background. The girls exchanged glances, each thinking the same - they didn't look like a match.

Emily was the definition of beauty - tall, slender, and graceful, with delicate features that made her stand out like a model stepping off a magazine cover. Her long, chestnut hair shimmered under the classroom lights, and her poise gave her an air of elegance far beyond her age. In short, she was the girl every boy dreamed about and every girl secretly envied.

Ryan, however, was a different story altogether.

He had a lean, wiry build, and his sun-darkened skin made him look like he spent more time working under the blazing sun than sitting in a classroom. His hair was a bit unkempt, his uniform slightly worn at the edges. There was a kind of raw strength in the way he held himself - quiet, alert, restrained. But next to Emily, he looked like an afterthought. Like a forgotten shadow next to a glowing star.

Among the onlookers, sitting in the front row, was Jake Carter - the class president. He was everything the school admired: confident, sharp-jawed, charming. With his polished appearance and easy smile, he had quickly risen as the unofficial prince of the campus. And everyone knew about his not-so-secret crush on Emily.

The moment he overheard the word fiancé, his smile faltered.

"Of course not!" Emily snapped, her tone sharp and filled with irritation as she shot a glare at Ryan. Her hands clenched at her sides, barely hiding the frustration bubbling beneath her elegant surface.

He had vanished from her life for years. Then out of nowhere, he just showed up - in her class, no less - dragging behind him the ridiculous engagement arranged by their families when they were children. And now, she was the center of every whisper and stare in school.

Only one person knew the full story - her best friend and seatmate, Lily. The same Lily who had always promised to keep the childhood engagement a secret. But judging by the grins and pointed stares from the others, Lily had clearly let it slip.

Realizing this, Emily shot her a second, deadlier glare.

Lily, ever unbothered, stuck out her tongue with a sheepish grin, pretending innocence.

Emily let out a frustrated sigh. Dealing with Lily was like trying to bottle up sunlight - impossible and always a little painful. She turned back to the group and lifted her chin with that signature Emily poise.

"That engagement? It was just a silly joke between our families when we were kids. It means nothing now."

She straightened her back and added with conviction, "Besides, it's not like we're living in some ancient era where arranged marriages still happen."

But despite her indifference, her eyes darted once more toward Ryan. He sat there quietly, unfazed by the noise. Not a flicker of emotion betrayed him. That calmness - that detachment - only made her more annoyed. Was he even listening? Didn't he care what people were saying about them?

Lifting her chin higher, she raised her voice, addressing the room more than anyone specific. "And if anyone wants to be my husband, it's not that simple. Either wear a military uniform and become a hero, or put on a suit and conquer the business world."

The girls gasped at her confidence. She smiled proudly, as if she had delivered a royal decree.

"Otherwise, why would I settle for less?"

Lily chuckled, unable to resist. "So... you mean Jake? He's clearly the only one here who fits the bill."

The others jumped in immediately, laughing and teasing.

"Right! Jake's family owns that tech company, right? He's practically a future CEO!"

"You two would be perfect together!"

"Jake, when are you going to make your move?" one of them giggled.

Jake smirked. This was going even better than he planned. He leaned back in his seat with ease, eyes flicking to Ryan. The quiet boy was still just... sitting there. No reaction. What rival? Jake thought. This is no contest.

Emily's cheeks flushed. "What nonsense are you all talking about? I didn't mean it like that!"

She turned to Lily, fuming. "You little traitor! I'm going to deal with you later."

The room burst into playful laughter again.

But Ryan wasn't laughing. His thoughts were far from the classroom gossip. His brow was furrowed, eyes clouded with worry.

Just that morning, he had received a call from home - his mother had collapsed. The doctors said it was serious. Lifesaving treatment was possible, but expensive. Very expensive.

And he didn't have the money.

Three years ago, after a chance encounter, Ryan had become the student of a mysterious martial arts master. She had trained him in ancient techniques, strengthening both his mind and body. The road had been brutal - countless hours of training, enduring pain, swallowing bitter herbal medicines that cost more than most earned in a week.

At the time, he had never thought much about the cost. His master had taken care of everything. But now, standing alone without her support, the reality was harsh and unforgiving.

He needed money. Fast.

His hands curled into fists under the desk.

Then, as if on cue, Jake stood up with a grin. "Hey, Emily. There's an underground boxing match this weekend. It's going to be intense. Want me to take you?"

His tone was casual, but his eyes said it all: this was his move.

Before Emily could answer, Lily jumped in, eyes gleaming. "Underground boxing? Like in those gritty movies? That sounds awesome! I'm in!"

The other girls, hesitant at first, quickly caught the excitement.

"Wait - we're really doing this?"

"Jake, take us too! We want to see the action."

"We'll even cheer for you - and put in a good word with Emily."

Emily hesitated. She wasn't exactly a fan of violence, but something about the whole idea intrigued her. Maybe it was the break from all the gossip. Maybe it was the idea of seeing Jake in action. Or maybe - just maybe - she was curious if Ryan would show up.

"Alright," she said finally. "Let's go have a look."

Jake beamed. "Perfect. I'll arrange everything. I'll pick you all up."

The group chattered with excitement as they began planning outfits and imagining the drama.

Ryan, meanwhile, had heard every word. And for the first time all day, his eyes lit up.

Underground boxing...

That could be the answer.

He wasn't just good - he was deadly. Trained in techniques that most fighters had never even heard of. If the matches paid well - and they usually did - this might be his only shot to earn enough for his mother's treatment.

His mind made up, Ryan stood quietly once the bell rang. He moved with purpose, like someone carrying the weight of something far heavier than pride or schoolyard romance.

After class, he walked alone, ignoring the whispers and curious glances.

He didn't care what they said. Not now.

He had a fight to prepare for.

And this time, it wasn't just for honor - it was for life itself.