"I was defeated. So what?" he said quietly. "It's not the end of the world. It just means I need to improve. I need to keep pushing forward… and become better."
"Hahaha, no wonder you defeated me." Vorg approached the duo with a grin and stood shoulder to shoulder with Sylar. "If you don't fail, you don't learn. And if you don't learn, how can you evolve?"
Two more sets of footsteps echoed across the arena floor. Michael and Arthur appeared beside them, silent but resolute, each standing firmly with Sylar and Zendo.
Pierce, however, refused to back down.
"Even if you don't mind," he spat, "the rest of us might! Who knows how many times he used that power to gain an unfair advantage? We're talking about the honor of the Shooting Star!"
"Hmph. What do you know about our honor, boy?" Captain Lancel's voice cut through the stronghold like a blade, heavy with power and intent. Instantly, every recruit turned toward him. Silence fell.
