Bully Lord

Part-18

Principal Byzed steepled his fingers once more, his gaze flickering between James, Ryan, and Mili. A sigh escaped his lips. "Look," he began, his voice gruff but laced with a hint of weariness, "James' grandfather, Harold, and I go way back. We were practically inseparable in our youth. He was like my elder brother figure to me. I respected that man more than anyone, and frankly, I still do." He paused, his eyes meeting James' for a fleeting moment. A silent message seemed to pass between them – a respect for the past influencing the present.

"Because of that history," Byzed continued, his voice regaining its authoritative tone, "I'm willing to let this go... slightly. However, let me be clear, your actions were unacceptable." He looked pointedly at both James and Ryan. "Ryan, your behavior towards Mili was inappropriate and disrespectful. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in this school, and you will face consequences."

Ryan shifted uncomfortably under Byzed's gaze. The bravado he'd displayed earlier had completely evaporated.

Byzed then turned to James. "And James, while I appreciate your desire to help, resorting to violence is never the answer. There are better ways to handle a situation like this."

James met Byzed's gaze with a mix of relief and disappointment. Relief that the situation wasn't escalating further, a reprieve from the potential storm brewing within him ever since the mission notification popped up. Disappointment, however, gnawed at him. He'd intervened, put himself at risk, used this strange power the system had thrust upon him, all to help someone in need. Yet, here he was, being reprimanded for it. It felt unfair, a discouragement from doing the right thing. But a sliver of understanding flickered amidst the disappointment. Principal Byzed was right. Violence, even a bizarre, non-injurious slap, wasn't the answer. There had to be a better way, a way the system hadn't equipped him with yet.

"That said," Byzed continued, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips, "considering the circumstances..." He trailed off, letting the tension build for a moment before delivering his verdict.

"Both of you will be responsible for cleaning the overgrown patch of weeds behind the school until it's completely cleared. Every day after school, until the job is done."

Ryan's jaw dropped. "Clean weeds? Every day? Why?" he sputtered, indignation coloring his voice.

Byzed's eyes narrowed, unleashing a death glare that sent a shiver down Ryan's spine. It was a look that held the weight of years as an educator, a lifetime of experience dealing with students who tested boundaries and pushed limits. It was a look that had quelled countless teenage rebellions and defused volatile situations. In that moment, Ryan saw Principal Byzed not as the slightly goofy administrator he usually dismissed, but as a man of formidable presence and unwavering authority. The playful banter and easy demeanor Ryan was accustomed to vanished, replaced by an icy resolve that brooked no argument. 

"Because I said so, Mr. Ahmed," Byzed replied, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Consider it manual labor therapy to reflect on your actions."

Ryan, suddenly subdued, mumbled a begrudging, "Yes, Principal Byzed."

Byzed then dismissed Mili and Ryan with a curt nod. "You two are free to go. But remember, this isn't over. We'll be having a follow-up conversation about your behavior, Ryan."

Once they were gone, Byzed gestured for James to stay behind. A different kind of look settled on his face – one filled with curiosity and a hint of concern.