The student mock battles continue until at last it is the turn of Albert Cross. Albert Cross had been paired up directly with Professor Stark. Albert pales as he takes a step towards the field. Turning warily back towards the gray-haired woman, “So any advice?” Albert warily asked.

#017 is silent for a moment, before dutifully saying, “Go and get your ass handed back to you.” Albert Cross sputters as Professor Stark hides a smile at the blunt reply. Most of the students who are within earshot also choke or frown at the response.

Albert sighs and dully asks, “Why?”

“You know you will lose and sometimes that is the way it will go down in the real world. So, if you’re going to lose, then learn everything you can from your opponent down to their very technique, steal it all from him for your own use. After all, this is a practice match, you have nothing to lose,” #017 firmly stated.

Albert stares at the gray-haired for a second, before honestly murmuring, “Thanks.” Turning around, Albert much more confidently steps forward onto the field to face, Professor Stark. The student’s hold their breath as Mr. Wilkins voice says, “3,2,1, GO!”

Energy begins to swirl around Albert as he leaps into the very air and floats, 20 feet off the ground. Professor Stark grins sharply, “Not bad,” he muttered. “But not good enough!” Professor Stark easily leaps into the air higher with the ease of a black panther.

Albert calms his mind and darts forward for Professor Stark’s midsection at full speed. Sensing Albert’s intentions, Professor Stark twists his body mid-air causing Albert to move underneath him. Effortlessly, Professor Stark pushes his full weight onto Albert as they fall back to the ground. Struggling with all his strength, Albert is unable to loosen Professor’s iron claw grip on him.

In frustration, Albert decides to act. Gathering his energy, he uses his telekinesis and blasts the professor off and into the air. Professor Stark despite being shoved so powerfully away, easily twists in the air to slow his speed and control his descent. Albert lands clumsily on his feet, breathing rapidly as he dully realizes, he only has one more ability move left. Gritting his teeth, Albert dashes straight towards the still falling from of Professor Stark in a final attack.

Professor Stark eyes gleam with satisfaction as he flips forward landing easily on his feet before Albert can arrive. Panic can be seen in Albert’s eyes, but he knew fully well that he couldn’t stop now. Using every bit of his strength, Alberts flies straight ahead at full speed for a swift body tackle.

Professor Starks merely moves to the aside at the last second much like a matador. Albert's eyes widen in disbelief as he shoots past the professor. But with ease, Professor Stark somehow reaches into thin air and grabs Albert by the scruff. Holding, the still figure of Albert in the air, Albert is too shocked to even attack until he sees the smile on Professor Stark’s face.

Albert flushes darkly and struggles to get loose, but Professor Stark holds by the neck like a small kitten. “Mr. Cross, though I admire your courage. One must remember to attack in new innovative ways, rather than attacking in the same dull roundabout manner. Because if you continue to do so, not just me but your enemies will be able to easily predict your moves and destroy you, is that understood, Mr. Cross?” Professor Stark crisply said.

Albert flushed with embarrassment, stiffly replies, “Yes, sir. May I be put down?”

Professor Stark grin widens and politely does as asked. Albert marches stiffly back towards the smirking gray-haired woman. Cursing her under his breath, Albert comes to a halt next to her and forces himself to refrain from an act of impending violence against that evil woman!

However, despite the embarrassing incident, most of the students of Class Z were impressed. Not only was Albert Cross, a strong telekinesis user, but he also had the ability of flight. Such abilities would pose even a serious challenge to Gareth Lockhart. Most of the students were now left wondering why such a powerful Esper had not been included in their class but they were wise enough not to state their thoughts. For a reason, the Academy had deemed it unwise for his inclusion in their class.

The last mock battle over the students lined up into a neat tired line. Professor Stark nods as he glances over them. “Most of you improved and attempted to try new things, I am most pleased. And several of you even excelled my expectations, congratulations. As for the rest of you, learn from today and try again tomorrow,” Professor Stark said.

#017 was turning away at the signal that the class is done, but halts at the voice of Professor Stark. “Miss Starr, I must say, I was most thrilled at your input, it was most valuable. However, I have a question for you, Miss Starr, you seem quite familiar, you wouldn’t have participated in an event known as Ragnarök?” Professor Stark flatly stated.

#017 turns to face Professor Stark and firmly replies, “I believe you have the wrong person, Professor Stark.”

“Is that so?” Professor Stark pointedly said. Failing to see any sort of reaction, Professor Stark nods and says, “You must be right, Miss Starr, but you seemed so familiar, but I suppose my memory may have begun failing me due to old age. Anyhow, perhaps, I confused you with your father, Atlas Stark.”

#017 coldly replies, “Yes, I could see that happening. Is there anything else, Professor Stark?” Failing to see a reply, #017 swiftly marches away and soon disappears around the corner of the recreational faculties. Yet all the while, the piercing eyes of Gareth Lockhart are glued to that silhouette until it tragically disappears from his sight. A look of disappointment appears on his face as if he had missed an opportunity.

Professor Stark turns his attention back to the class as Diane raises her hand to ask an important question. Professor Stark nods for Diane to ask and Diane swiftly asks, “Sir, will Miss Starr be joining us whenever Albert Cross is present?”

Professor Stark is still as Diane bites her lip in suspense. “Yes, as previously stated, Diane. Are there any other relevant questions?” Professor Stark barked.

Diane sullenly pouts, but grudgingly nods her head in agreement. Professor Stark rapidly says, “Class is over.” Professor Stark swiftly departs accompanying Mr. Cross back to the male dorms as the Z Class trails back to their private dorm area.

The students all whisper on the way back, primarily congratulating Theo for his unexpected win. Furious and stubborn, Diane marches forward as her brother, Hunger lets out a groan. Diane flatly asks, “What did Miss Starr say to you, Theo?

Theo and his friends stop to gaze at the cold figure of Diane. Theo swallows and replies, “Miss Starr, said to dodge twice with all my might and then reach out. Anything that I did after that was for me to decide.”

Diane chokes and opens her mouth to say something when Hunter covers her mouth. “Thanks, Theo,” Hunter hastily said as his sister bit into his hand. Holding back a painful shriek, Hunter holds onto the struggling figure of his sister until the group of students if far away enough. Holding his bleeding hand, Hunter lets go with a loud painful groan and clutches his tender hand.

Diane glares and moves in a threating manner towards her brother. A familiar voice pierces through her angry haze. “Diane, it’s fine, it was a fair win. If anything, Professor Stark is right. I rely too much on teleportation abilities and do not think about how my opponent will react or what will happen if I fail,” Gareth Lockhart stated.

Diane melts and sweetly answers, “Of course, you’re right, Gareth. Are you going to join us for dinner?”

Gareth smiles warily and says, “Not tonight.” Diane’s face is gloomy for just a second, before perking up. “Of course, you need your rest. Until breakfast then,” Diane happily said, before bouncing off to her room.

Once out of earshot, Hunter lets out a mutter he had been holding in about his older sister. “Crazy she-devil! I swear she’s going to be the death of me someday.”

Gareth snorts and says, “I doubt that. But I’m sure, if accused of bodily harm or murder, that wouldn’t be too far off.”

Hunter glares at his friend and mutters, “Yes, but she doesn’t want to me, but you.”

Gareth sighs and says, “It’s merely a youthful infatuation. She’ll find someone new.”

“Youthful infatuation, my ass. More like she’ll hunt you down if you’re not careful,” Hunter grunted as he licked his still bleeding hand. Gareth merely smiles as they head back to their dorms to shower. But occasionally, Gareth’s eyes will flicker deep in thought with the image of a gray-haired woman firmly portrayed in his mind.