Leslie pulled out his phone and quickly made calls for reinforcements. Seeing this, Joshua and his friends did the same, frantically calling their friends to even the odds. Hector and his group weren't about to back down either, calling in their own backup.
The tension in the air was thick. More and more students gathered, eager to witness the brewing showdown. Conversations were hushed, and the entire dorm courtyard seemed to pulse with anticipation.
Joshua, Isaac, and Ronnie were doing everything they could to rally support. Even Samuel, who didn't have many connections on campus, was ready to throw himself into the fight, determined not to back down.
But Jack was the only one who remained completely unfazed. Instead of scrambling for backup, he leaned against a railing, casually smoking, lazily blowing perfect smoke rings into the air like he had all the time in the world.
Jack didn't need to call for help. He had contacts outside of school—people who operated under different rules. But he couldn't afford to bring them in if he wanted to keep his place at Alnewgo University. And more importantly, he didn't need anyone to back him up because he was his own backup.
Leslie clenched his jaw as he watched Jack remain completely calm, unfazed by the growing numbers on the other side. The sight made his blood boil.
"You're dead meat, you cocky little punk," Felix spat. "Just wait. In a minute, you'll be begging for mercy."
Jack suddenly noticed a familiar face in the crowd as they waited for reinforcements to arrive.
It was Feena. Her wide eyes darted between him and the escalating conflict, clearly in disbelief. She hadn't expected Jack to be involved in something like this—let alone leading it. But she was just a girl; even if she wanted to, she didn't have the courage to pull him out of the situation.
And she wasn't alone. Amelia and the other girls from the shared dorm room had also gathered, drawn in by the commotion. None of them had expected Jack and Joshua to be the center of today's chaos.
Then again, it had all started because of Joshua and Queenie.
Before anyone could react, the crowd stirred again. A slim figure pushed through, running straight toward Joshua.
"Joshua, get out of here!" Queenie's panicked voice rang out. "Hector's calling a ton of guys—you don't stand a chance! If you don't want to get hurt, leave now!"
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