Mirik's POV-

I can't believe that I would ever love coming to school. After the crazy journey, I had gone through I would rather come to school even on Sundays. I have other things to focus on. I have never taken participation in a tournament before. Uncle never appreciated me fighting which was weird because he was the one who admitted me to this school. Now that he is not with us anymore it feels like I am betraying him by joining this competition. But I have to get stronger if I want to protect people close to me.

I looked in the direction of Kiara and Bala and breathed a sigh of relief knowing that they were not in any kind of danger. But suddenly my perception of this changed when I saw who they were talking to. I stood up and made my way toward them.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" I said to the girl who was sitting beside Bala.

"Umm...What's going on? Is there something you want to say Mirik?" Bala said worriedly.

"Why are you guys sitting with her." I pointed towards Givi sitting there with her head down.

"What do you mean Mirik, she is our friend," Bala said trying to pacify the situation.

"Friend? Are you dumb or something?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Did they befriend a person from the Garden? Ridiculous. I tried to say more but was interrupted by a boy I had never seen before.

"Hey Mr. Wierd, I would like you to refrain yourself from saying anything against Givi here." the boy said coming face to face with me.

I looked at the boy in a black trenchcoat and saw the badge on him. He was also a part of Garden. What was happening here? Why were these guys hanging out with them?

"Shut up. I am not even talking to you. get off me." I said while pushing him aside.

"Bala don't you know that they-"

*Punch*

I was punched down. The good thing was that I tucked my chin or I would have been knocked unconscious. I looked up to see who was the one that did it.

"Say another word and I will beat you to death," Kiara said while light smoke was coming out of her body. A not very visible skull reddish black in color hovering over her head. She was close to manifesting a spirit. Looks like the chain is helping her plenty. I stood up again and patted the dust off me.

"You guys just listen to me," I said rubbing my cheek where I got hit.

The whole class was now looking at this situation. Murmuring to themselves. Some students were looking at Kiara with pity clearly thinking that I would kill her now. But they can't be far away from the truth. I tried speaking again but I started feeling a burning sensation inside me. It was not enough to harm me but it made me uncomfortable. I looked at Kiara smiling as she looked at me. It was clearly because of her spirit.

"HEY! PIPE DOWN YOUR HORSES!" the teacher shouted. I had clearly forgotten that he too was in the class.

"You came after such a long time and the first thing you do is bully the kids? I thought you changed but you are still the same." the teacher yelled at me. I understood the situation and backed off. I sat back in my seat and started looking out of the window.