PART ONE, CHAPTER THIRTEEN: "PRINCIPALITY"

-THE GOLDEN BOY & THE INNER CITY-

A twinkling blue streak descended.

The teal meteor illuminated the darkness. It slammed into the hill ahead of me. Assorted cans and broken machines rippled out from the epicenter, scattering oil and grime in all directions. A cloud of dust surrounded me as shadows gave way to effluvial browns and grays.

Through the darkness, a pair of glowing dots pierced the murk. Eyes, blue eyes. The world rumbled as they focused on their target, a golden beacon in the gloom. Wheezing laughter revealed winding police tape behind the wall of zero visibility- not yellow, but blue.

Ethereal blue tape snaked through the air and across the ground. GAIA read along the surface, repeated in a blockish and spaced-out font.

So they're here—?!

"On these shoulders!"

A shooting star cleared the distance.

Deep blue fists hammered my sword. The weight of the world sent air rushing past- the shockwave blasted through my weapon. Howling winds killed the silence and scattered trash in crumpled ribbons. Not good enough, not by a long shot.

Sloppy, very sloppy!

Dozens of impacts traced blue streaks through the air. Ra ta tat tat, I countered each blow with a golden streak of my own. Aurum criss-crossed with blue as stars hammered the visage of a roaring beast. Screaming metal overlaid the creak of bone and the crunch of joints.

Gravity wept as winds swept up the surrounding trash. Conflicting forces kept debris afloat between the atmospheres of our clash, then exploded as streaks of light clipped them. Twinkling explosions flecked the darkness around our showdown.

There's one more!

The roar of crushed earth marked their stomp. Golden fangs deflected the next blow.

An aurum paw slammed the earth. I launched forward, using the resultant lip as footing. The enemy's arm entered my view for a split second- more than enough. Using my momentum to spin, I slammed Hawkbit's hilt upwards- and in the enemy's direction.

Bang! A pointed shock wave jettisoned grime and dirt straight upwards. The cloud funneled towards the heavens into a gaseous cylinder, then dispersed onto the winds.

As the dust settled my foe stared down at me through wild eyes.

So this is fortune's fool?

Wild cyan hair crackled with a bubbly light. They were a tall- a little shorter than Midas, but a fair deal taller than me. The anti-contamination didn't hide his toned figure. He'd trained. He'd trained, and trained, and trained. That's why he didn't react, even with Hawkbit's hilt against his jaw.

The lightning-shaped scar on his forehead made me squint. Yamashina had mentioned in passing a student with a lightning bolt on their head, back when we were planning. I didn't know the cyan youth, but he looked like a scumbag. His name danced on the tip of my tongue.

"Kohei Kitamura?" I whispered.

"That's right!"

Kitamura smirked. He moved his chin, allowing Hawkbit's hilt to slip up. The titan rested his cheek against the cool metal surface as if relaxing on a hot summer's day.

"Wanted the fox, but you'll do. Tough as nails, just like the lady told me!"

I clicked my tongue. "Is that so?"

The blue giant punched his palm once, then cracked his neck. He stared at me for a moment, his mouth opening and closing as if deciding what to say. Kitamura touched a thumb to his chin and, after a moment, opened his mouth once more.

"Shibuya, you ever know a Fran Fairchild?" he said.

I lowered my sword and hopped backwards.

Kitamura sniggered. "Been vying for a seat, see. Sat on the Zeta list for a bit, at least until that bitch took my spot." He thumbed towards the school above. "Really thought I could settle for taking it back, but... I don't know, Alpha seems ripe for the picking right now."

My brow twitched. 'That bitch?'

"Lady said I could have the Alpha if I got through you. You know, really gave you the works." Kitamura stretched an arm over his chest. He did the other as well. "Seemed like a bad idea at first, but you? You ain't looking so hot. I might as well leave the bitch to Betahara."

I stomped forward and grabbed Kitamura by the rubbery collar. He leered down through mocking eyes, but that didn't frustrate me. It felt weird to feel so put off by a choice in terminology, yet I couldn't help but get... angry? Yes, angry.

Yoshida Yamashina could only be described as stupid. A simple-minded lightning dog with easily misconstrued ill character, the likes of which I'd never seen before. It took a special sort of person to come clean about their malicious tendencies, let alone stating them matter-of-factually. Never before had I seen such filth.

"She's a dog." I hissed.

And yet she came across as earnest. I couldn't hate someone who knew what they wanted, someone who so honestly prioritized their own satisfaction over that of others.

I shoved the titan. He took a step backwards and eyed me with a wide grin. The bizarre sort of grin a man gives when he thinks he's figured you out. Why would he make that face, I wonder? Picturing the mind of one Kohei Kitamura left me seething.

Only the illustrious and immaculate Satou Shibuya could make assumptions.

"So that's what you're into, huh?"

I sighed. "Don't misunderstand, I'm high-maintenance. I wouldn't fall for the likes of Yoshida Yamashina, even if tasked with repopulating the world after the end. My heart and my body are separate, I won't settle for anything less than a perfect romance."

Kitamura snickered. "What the fuck?"

"Furthermore," I averted my gaze, "I'm testing the depths of my tolerance for imperfection. That mermaid's bust is incredibly large. I'd prefer not to associate her gloomy face with those assets, it's a rather confusing feeling. Honestly, how dare she distract me—"

Blam! A jab rocked my jaw.

I stumbled backwards, my eyeballs rattling in their sockets. After catching my footing, I licked the blood from my split lip. Both eyes shifted to the titan who struck gold.

Kohei Kitamura stood with both hands raised and eyes wide open. His gaze skittered between his clenched fists and my bloody mouth. I think he wanted to snicker, but he cleared his throat and started talking with a mocking tone.

"Oops."

That's right, why banter with this fool?!

Clang! Knuckle clashed with metal. Our battle resumed.

I stepped backwards, he stomped the earth in front of me. His right hook passed overhead. My knee hammered his ribs, but he didn't flinch. A supermassive punch clipped the face of my sword, and I went spinning backwards.

"Show me a good time, golden boy!" he roared.

My vision spun as mud-laden feet traced spirals. I slid to a halt. His fist greeted me as I turned my head- the titan started moving faster. A slow starter?

It didn't matter.

Swish! Hawkbit traced two vertical arcs. Two lines tore into the distance, forming a massive V on the filth's surface. A wall of trash rose between us.

Ra ta tat tat, machine-gun punches blew a dozen holes in the barricade. A right cross cleared the distance- its shock wave hammered my sword. I deflected the force, which rocketed off into the distance. Explosions reached my ears.

He hits like a truck.

Kohei Kitamura slid to a halt in front of me, fist cocked.

"Tch!" I clicked my tongue.

"The world, on these shoulders!" he roared.

Reality fought against his superhuman punch.

I stepped in as rushing winds passed my cheek. Less than an inch separated us. I couldn't underestimate the strength of this foe- in my current state, a single good blow might down me. I spun, carried on dancing feet.

In that case—!

Hawkbit traced a horizontal arc as the sword's mass spun me. The maneuver conjured a dusty spiral. Metal groaned as golden feet stomped the earth. I redirected Hawkbit's centrifugal force into an overhead swing, and its spine slammed the titan's head like a hammer to nail.

Kitamura recoiled, I advanced.

He'll go for a hook next.

I craned my neck and the world behind me exploded.

Bang! Hawkbit slammed the top of his head once more. He stumbled, I ducked in. My sword's spine hammered his jaw for the third blow. Each time he stepped back, he opened himself up for another blow. No, it won't do.

Teal lights crackled at his knuckles- he wouldn't go down so easily. I needed more than just consecutive strikes. If I wanted to win in my weakened state, I'd need to get a little serious.

I hate it.

Reiki consumed the world.

I absolutely hate it!

Bang! A blue streak slammed my jaw. I stumbled backwards, into a trashed vending machine. That's right, focus. I glanced at the blue giant and his gaze lit up. To continue fighting- he wanted nothing more than that. It didn't take a mind reader to see.

"Shibuya!" he roared.

"Don't talk!"

I moved to deflect a punch, but it slipped over my guard. The phantom streak rocked my forehead. I stumbled backwards, he hooked my chin from below.

Darkness greeted me through blurry eyes. I hit a wall- no, the floor. The taste of iron filled my mouth. A heavy hand grabbed my collar. The cyan titan, Kohei Kitamura, propped me up on unsteady feet. A bad move.

Damn it!

A golden line sawed the horizon in half. Kitamura stumbled to the floor- he'd narrowly dodged my lightning-fast strike. Behind the giant, a mountain of trash collapsed. The avalanche of refuse and worthless metals fell towards the two of us.

"Tch!" I jumped backwards to avoid being buried. Him too.

The ground rushed past as I soared backwards through the air. Below, trash filled in the craters of our battle. I landed with an explosive crash and slid to a halt using Hawkbit as a brake. My distant foe greeted me as I glanced over my shoulder.

Blue tape billowed up from the ground beneath Kohei Kitamura. He stood with both arms crossed, and he stared at me through glowing cyan eyes. He didn't approach. No, we'd moved past that. Now he wanted to banter.

"I want that Alpha!" he yelled from across the field.

"Alpha?" I sneered. A weird sort of venom overwhelmed me. My weakened state didn't help- rather, it sparked a completely separate case of irritation. "You couldn't handle Zeta, worm. Remember your place on the food chain and I'll consider forgiving you!"

"Oh, you're one of those!" Kitamura snickered.

"I suppose I am!"

The titan cracked his neck. "Seats aren't indicative of power, bud! Nothing says the Gamma is stronger than the Delta, or that the Alpha is stronger than the Zeta. You're on top of the Alpha list, but that's easy when nobody else is on it! Don't get too big for them britches, golden boy!"

"You honestly believe that?!"

"And if I do?!"

He didn't understand.

Kohei Kitamura didn't realize what purpose he served! A potential Alpha? No, Fran Fairchild positioned him as food for the beast! Kitamura knew half-truths, but not the true nature of the Letter system. He mistakenly assumed that every seat held the same weight. Could he comprehend what it meant to come first? To stand in front of everybody else?

Laughter left my lips, quiet at first.

Then louder.

And louder!

Who could sleep in the face of such thunderous laughter? I couldn't contain it, wild cackling escaped! Not just mine. A bestial guffaw, a loud roar like the King atop his throne! You too have come to laugh, little one? The nature of Kohei Kitamura's confidence, does it tickle your gut as well? I see, let us laugh together!

"▅▅▂▅▅▂!"

Guttural laughter became eldritch howling as it reached open air. The visage of a long-eared beast, fangs displayed for all to see, assumed visual stimuli. Bright golden tears dripped to the ground below. More than laughing, my ability wept. It wept at the foolishness of this foe, at the thought that it might never again hear its name.

"▅▅▂▅▅▂▅▅▂▅▅▂!"

My laughter slowly subsided. What a wonderful day. I touched a hand to my child's head and comforted it. Flesh and skin scorched black under the heat of its conviction. No more tears, sweet Prince. I'll break those chains for you.

"One thousand foes, chasing the endless aurum." I chanted.

It all felt so clear now! I understood the world and its inner workings. Slowly, as if wading through honey, I held a burnt hand up in front of my face. Between charcoal black fingers I watched Kitamura bob and weave. Another boxer, is it? Too many of those!

Reiki traced golden honeycombs along the surrounding space. Aurum fangs tore away at the world- ones and zeroes devoured my existence. Reiki powered this otherworldly code, an operating system without limits. The air grew wild.

Show them your true colours, little one.

My ability activated at full power. I felt the toll immediately- my view burned gold as a prince with a thousand foes fooled reality itself. I lifted Hawkbit to the sky.

Aurum consumed the field. Golden winds swept up filthy machinations, machines left behind by the passage of time. Rust and plastic flashed white then burned red hot. Molten metal swirled through the air like a firestorm as it raced to coat my weapon.

"So you're getting serious!" Kitamura raised his fists.

Hawkbit grew larger and larger until the sword reached three meters in length. The hilt felt like I held a spear- long, but adequate for gripping this colossal weapon. Numbers skittered across my mind like spiders prancing across the water's surface.

More.

Metal stakes unscrewed from the base of the sword's spine. The blade widened to two meters and lengthened to five. Reiki traced honeycomb cells across the weapon.

Please, just a little more!

Hawkbit's blade spun like a drill- raging winds couldn't drown out the high-pitched whine. A subterranean tornado sucked in grime, which splattered into burning liquid as it approached. The scene around me spun like a whirlpool.

"Gaze upon me and weep, Kohei Kitamura! You witness the birth of a miracle!" My golden aura came to life. "The sword before you is the Spiral of Wrath, the Pillar of Golden Prophecy- the newest addition to the King's arsenal, the completed Hawkbit! Don't disappoint me, are those muscles of yours just for show?!"

Blue caution tape wrapped the titan's arms. He grinned.

"Then I'll get serious too!"

Kohei Kitamura dropped to one knee. He lifted both hands above his head. A flickering sphere manifested above him- the so-called weight of the world. Muscle rippled as he spun the massive blue globe in the palm of his left hand, almost like a basketball. That blue rotation threatened to drag me in if I didn't plant my feet.

"I'll carry it all!" Kitamura roared. "Demons ain't nothing, I got the world on my shoulders! Can you bust my ace before it dunks you?!"

The world beyond SHIBUYA's zone could crush mountains- he intended to throw that, right? I understood why Kohei Kitamura had been on the Zeta list. It didn't matter if he had one projectile, that one projectile could crush anything with its destructive force.

That deep blue world, the endless dream it conveyed—

"I'll shatter it, just like the Moon!"

Hawkbit roared a crimson streak across swirling trash as I pointed it towards Kitamura. I held the sword under my arm, like a horse-mounted knight with a lance.

Kitamura stomped the earth- the shock wave nearly toppled me. He stepped forward once, then twice, as a teal glow solidified ribbons along the surface of his body. He entered within twenty meters- the domain of my activated imperial regalia. I couldn't forgive such impertinence.

"Atlas, it's me and you!" he roared.

With a thunderous boom, he released that blue globe.

The massive sphere shot forward. Dark blue undulated across the ocean-coloured surface. It traced a deep teal trail through the filth and parted the sea of trash like a gift from the heavens. Except, he didn't launch it at me.

To his right?!

If I hadn't watched, I wouldn't have been able to react.

Fwoom! The sphere shot into the distance, treading up the ground like a bulldozer. It turned into a shooting star in the darkness, a zig-zagging stream of blue light. It circled around faster than a speeding bullet, but I could see it. I could stop it.

Feet planted, eyes glittering, I lifted my left arm into the air. Armour clad the limb's surface as I spun around. Hawkbit traced a molten semi-circle across the rusted sea as I changed directions.

Screeee! Metal whined as I propped the spinning Hawkbit onto my left palm.

I curved my fingers to get a better grip on the weapon. Red twinkles consumed the drill's surface, and golden lines shone through the crimson veneer. The heat burned through my arm's metallic plating- the fingers within burst into flames.

Reiki gathered in my right hand as I assumed the third form of the Path of Jupiter's crimson winds. Once. Only once. Such a foe proved stronger than Satsuki Sanae, but weaker than Fran Fairchild. I knew how much power to use, how to reduce this enemy to nothing. Even without my full power I could crush this man.

"El-Ahrairah! This is your stage!"

The ground exploded as I shot forward to meet Kitamura's world. Golden reiki launched me like the boosters on a fighter jet. My surroundings became a golden blur as I thrust Hawkbit forward, blasting tunnels through mountains of filth.

Metal ground against a material I couldn't place. Gold sparks turned blue as our paths crossed. An earth-shaking boom scattered fire and residual ash in all directions.

Fsshhh! The blue globe spun opposite to Hawkbit's drill- they ground against each other. Lashing winds tore through my anti-contamination suit- I needed both hands. With a roar, I rerouted more reiki towards propulsion. Shrike's crimson spike formed at Hawkbit's tip.

"You won't break it!" Kitamura yelled.

I rocketed past the globe. My feet traced scarlet trails through the grime as I spun to a halt with Hawkbit as my brake. I slammed the drill to the ground, ejected a burning hot cartridge, and funneled molten metal into the weapon's chamber.

Vree! Hawkbit's drill roared to life with renewed vigor.

Over my shoulder, a blue streak of light danced through the darkness. I recalled the time sister dearest and I saw a meteor shower.

So this is a Zeta candidate's power?

If a failed Zeta like Kohei Kitamura held this much power, what about Yoshida Yamashina? What about the candidate who took his spot on the list? How would the golden girl's true power fare against Genjou Gekkouhara's, or even my own? I tightened my grip.

A whine filled my head.

"You think I don't know that?" I murmured.

That's right, El-Ahrairah and I were the strongest. It didn't matter how mighty the golden girl, the snake, or even this titan were- SHIBUYA stood above them all, a god among men with power on par with the stars. I couldn't lose to anyone, especially not a failure like Kohei Kitamura.

I recalled a valiant red-haired girl- a swordsman who couldn't fathom the idea of losing. We weren't similar, not at all. After all, SHIBUYA had no match.

From the left... it's tracking me.

Kitamura's world tore through the darkness- I swung Hawkbit like a bat. Blue sparks melted rubber to my skin. The globe shot into the distance as an explosive shockwave sent me sliding backwards. That wouldn't stop it, not a chance. How long could I get away with fooling around? I needed to blow it away, to go further.

Golden lights coalesced at Hawkbit's tip. Metal expanded outward and jets of flame burst from the gaps- a four-pointed star of fire. Hawkbit's layers peeled back like a pine tree and spun against each other, scattering sparks. A metallic spike emerged from Hawkbit's tip- a last minute modification to this sword, the true Golden King's grand finale.

This'll be a good time to test it!

A blue streak zig-zagging towards me. Its settled into a straight line and sped up- the boom burst flattened any trash it passed over. Winds at its back gathered to form a horizontal twister, a burning tornado that left a bright red streak along the ground. It got crazier.

Kitamura appeared on the globe's top in a blue flash of light. He dropped into a low stance as if surfing atop waves of molten metal. It had to be part of his ability- he could teleport to his globe, the world he'd been tasked to carry until the end of time.

"Here he comes!" he roared. "It's Skyscraper Kitamura's special shot!"

Time slowed- I registered each nanosecond.

A deep blue bullet hungered, and I decided to meet it with arms outstretched.

"Come!"

Bang! That globe hit home.

Sky-coloured death called for order as its surface ground against me. No, it pushed me. My vision became a blurry mess of red and black. I felt my knees creak under the weight of the world- the fluids that lubricated my joints burst into flames. My left eye went dull under the assault of bright sparks and magnificent lights. Beneath flesh, bone burned black.

And yet, SHIBUYA would not break.

"Shortcut— Panzerstein!"

Golden circuitry illuminated the darkness.

Twisted machinery overlaid chrome flesh. Ash and brimstone blasted from the exhaust, the remnants of a man who'd gone further, howled louder than any other. A flesh-consuming inferno twinkled the colour of a sky in flame, a brilliant gold with no match in heaven or earth. Glittering aurum eyes traced a star streak through the gloom.

My armour-plated fingers dug into the world, scraping five lines across its deep blue surface. The globe's rotational speed accelerated the process- golden sparks dragged a white hot trail across the surface of Kohei Kitamura's ability.

"You've got something good going!" Kitamura knelt to look at me. He grinned.

"Durability is workable." El-Ahrairah's engine spun to life.

"The hell are you mumbling about?!"

Golden reiki exploded behind me- thrusters fought back against a supersonic projectile. Reiki converted to propulsion on contact with the air. The world behind me melted, consumed by the flickering golden dawn. We passed through hell and back. I had to reward my newest creation's god-given tenacity.

Let's go, little one.

"Now, a test of strength!" I roared.

My feet dug into the floor, aided by armour-mounted stakes. Something snapped- it fell back into place shortly after. I'd learned everything I needed about Kitamura's globe.

Atlas's projectile couldn't penetrate Panzerstein's armour- it worked best against foes with lesser defenses. Demons relied on regenerative power over durability to win battles of attrition, and this ability countered that splendidly. Considering its long range, Kohei Kitamura had a promising future as a Meister ahead of him.

As expected, I'm superior!

Hawkbit's handle glowed red hot with anticipation. I stomped forward and slammed my left palm against Kitamura's ace- it ground against the surface, setting the sphere ablaze.

"Tch!" Kitamura hopped off, no doubt to avoid my next attack.

"Path of Jupiter, first unarmed form," I twisted my palm. "Sparrows."

A thousand birds chirped.

Raging winds tore across the battlefield, scattering dust and grime in all directions. The spin of my foe's globe paused for a moment. Then, as if smashed with a hammer, it cracked. I removed my hand and watched the sphere float backwards, as if suspending in the air. What felt like an eternity passed before my next move.

"This is it!" I lifted Hawkbit.

"Damn it!"

Fwoom. A heavy impact slammed the floating sphere- Hawkbit's stake. The blue orb cracked further, once more faced with my might, then began spinning anew.

Sparks singed my visor. Crimson winds coalesced with golden lightning on Hawkbit's surface- it fought back against the weight of the world with ease. I stomped forward and the globe bounced back. It lunged forward once more, grinding against Hawkbit's spike. What a laughable ability, it couldn't recognize its own loss!

"I've decided your fate—!"

"So he's not all talk?!" Kitamura clicked his tongue.

Hawkbit's talons dug into the blue sphere- they tore burning black scars across its marred and warped surface. Unquestionable might raised that eight-meter sphere above my head. I sneered as I pulled the golden trigger.

"Shatter, just like the Moon."

Hawkbit's spike sank to its maximum depth.

Burning air scorched the heavens. SHIBUYA's newest toy forced super-heated gas skyward. The ground burned red-hot, and colossal cables dripped molten metal. A raging inferno engulfed the world, and everything above turned to ash. Ceiling-bound plastic, carbon wiring, everything scattered to dust on the winds of destruction.

A burning whirlwind annihilated all moisture in the air. The ceiling screamed like a boiling kettle. Only the thump of a spike falling back into place killed the noise. Melted and malformed, like the rails of an electromagnetic gun. Hawkbit spat an empty shell from its side. It hit the ground and splattered into molten metal.

Seismic activity rocked the maintenance floor, which sent trash and machinery flying in all directions. Gravity wept as air pressure kept matter afloat. Vibrations saturated the atmosphere, which detonated our surroundings in a flash of glittering golden stars. My handiwork soon became apparent.

The blue world dropped to the ground with an explosive bang. Half of it melted into the trash below, like water soaking into dirt. It couldn't withstand the heat. Blue sparks consumed the orb's remainders. It disappeared into thin air.

Still, this is quite amazing!

Hawkbit survived El-Ahrairah's tantrum.

"I suppose that's cause to remember you, hm?" I lowered my sword. "You've truly impressed me. From a single longsword to a weapon capable of handling the little one, is it? I must give credit where credit is due. You have your place in my archive."

Colour returned as El-Ahrairah's engine spun to a halt.

Panzerstein's pieces scattered into golden particles. Everything clicked back into place- fingers, eyes, skin, bone, my body put itself back together. I stumbled to the ground at the sudden sensation, dropping my prized Hawkbit. My stomach turned. I vomited on the malformed clump of metal next to my face. It tasted like iron.

Damn it.

The world around me looked like a blur. Studies showed that I should have been near-sighted, but apparently my ability corrected minor imperfections. I swept my gaze across the world until I noticed a blue blur in the distance.

Kitamura stumbled backwards. He was enclosed in a one meter line that stretched into eternity. Flames surrounded him on both sides. The titan fell to the ground bottom first.

Yes, I almost forgot.

Try as I might to retrieve my sword, but it didn't budge. Satou Shibuya lacked the strength to wield such a mighty weapon. What a sad thought.

"Worm," I pushed myself up. "Listen well."

"Now we're talking!" Kitamura's shaking legs actively denied the enthusiasm in his voice.

I spat on the ground. "The Gamma must be a strong Burner, the Zeta must have strong long-range capabilities. The Beta must be the fastest Chaser, while the Delta must be a powerful Vanguard. As one goes down the list, criteria like this tend to pop up. There are two Letters, however, with more absurd criteria- the Alpha and the Omega."

I couldn't place the Omega's criteria- those were far more vague than Alpha's criteria. Something so odd, something so bizarre, to be Alpha you needed but one thing. Or rather, many things.

"Vanguard, Meister, Chaser, Support, Burner- the Alpha must be able to do them all." I turned around. "An unstoppable juggernaut of an existence, a god among men with no match among the demon-infested stars. Few have held this title before me, worm. Quallen of the Boreal Sword, Ryashen Ryulong, and before both of them, Sylvia Schneider. Have you heard those names?"

Upon receiving no response, I turned back around.

How foolish.

Both fists to the ground, I watched my foe push himself off the ground on shaking feet. His blue eyes burned with an endless fervor, an undying tenacity. This hadn't happened before. Nobody had simply gotten up after one of SHIBUYA's demonstrations. He had to be delusional.

"You're out," I said.

"You too—?!"

I stepped forward and stomped the titan's gut. He collapsed, hacking and coughing. His strength and durability didn't protect him- we were at the same backlash-themed costume party now. That didn't stop his struggle. Both palms in the trash, I watched the youth force himself back up. How frustrating.

"I said you're out!" I roared.

"Not ye—"

My next kick crumpled him once more.

"Not—"

And the next one.

"N—"

And the next one after that.

After the tenth kick, I clicked my tongue. He kept getting up, no matter how hard I kicked him. What's more, he didn't seem particularly fazed by my assault. Only a little winded. Anger at my foe's tenacity soon shifted to frustration at my body's weakness.

I stepped forward and stomped on my foe's face. He held up both arms, a foolish attempt at guarding. I kicked them aside and resumed by attack. Stomp, stomp, stomp. Soon it turned to monotony. He didn't want it to stop. I took a deep breath—

"Got you." He grabbed my leg.

"Tch!"

He disrupted my footing and threw me to the ground. I landed on my back. Before I realized, he'd mounted me. This wasn't a game to him anymore, I could see it in his eyes. Kohei Kitamura was a true battle junkie, on par with the likes of Midas.

Kitamura clenched his fists. "Grit your teeth."

I spat in his face.

"Yeah, this is the way it should be!"

A punch hammered my temple. My face snapped to the side. Blood dripped into my left eye from my brow. It stung, it really stung.

"Come on, where's the moxie now?!" he yelled.

I slammed my knee into his groin. Kitamura crumpled to his side and I jumped to my feet. I glanced around until I saw what looked like a baseball bat, malformed and twisted as the result of our battle. Jagged edges marked its surface. I strode over and grabbed the weapon.

Impertinent!

Kitamura flinched when he saw what I found. I returned to him with the baseball bat lifted high above his head. My focus shifted to his knees. Maybe he'd realize where he stood if he never stood again. If he recognized his place beneath my feet, that would be nice as well. It couldn't be helped, I decided another demonstration to be necessary.

I gathered reiki, but my ability didn't accept it. El-Ahrairah had gone to sleep. I could only rely on my own strength. It wasn't any different than usual.

"Do it." Kitamura scowled.

"Okay."

Then, as I went to swing—

"Is anyone hurt down there?!"

Kengo Kusanagi's familiar voice filled our ears. My eyes shifted to the left, towards the all too distant patch of white in the sky. Crisp, modern machinery met our eyes. Patches of white, red, gold, and green descended to the maintenance floor.

Someone set up a mobile lift above- I wagered this to be the case. They were a staple of emergency rescues, used primarily on steady ground to bring medical supplies and other necessities to where someone had fallen.

This won't do, not at all.

I tossed the baseball bat aside. Kitamura heaved a mighty sigh once he saw I'd dropped the weapon. He sat up straight and propped himself up against a rusty guard rail.

I saw a white-clad figure wearing a red cap a long ways off. In the distance, a four-legged all-terrain machine pointed an arm in our direction. I recognized this as a Junebug, a piloted machine developed in America. Most Junebugs were fitted with super-heated blades and flamethrowers that allowed normal humans to fight against demons. This one was an emergency model.

The Junebug stood six meters tall. Its namesake was its vaguely beetle-shaped body. Four folding legs, mounted with retractable wheels for use in urban environments, connected to a chassis under its bulky frame. Two metal plates opened up on its back like cannons on a certain turtle from a certain pet game, and that's where the Junebug's arms appeared from. The machine's joints were large and bulky, but also durable- large metal cylinders protected the delicate machinery within. This particular Junebug was white with a brilliant red cross on both sides.

Oh bother, I'm gushing.

The Junebug shone a bright white light on us. It went to work spraying foam at us to extinguish the surrounding flames. The concoction's scent stung my nose.

"How unnecessary!" I whined as I shielded my eyes.

We were swarmed by Niflheim's white-clad Medical Staff (hereon shortened to MS) in an instant. They'd gotten me propped up before I could tell them not to bother. A single touch from one such MS was all it took- a masked man read back my current condition to me.

"This one is the Alpha, sister. Satou Schneider. Bruised eye, fractured orbit. First-degree backlash- minor stress on the nerve-connected circuitry. The reiki system is swelling, but the complex itself has been strained by overuse. No other issues," he said.

"This one... a Zeta candidate, brother. Kohei Kitamura. Fractured ribs, second and third-degree burns, ruptured testicle. Second-degree backlash- it'll heal over time, but the rest is serious. We should get him to the medical bay." The other MS, a masked woman, spoke.

Kitamura clicked his tongue. "I'm fine."

"You are not fine. You will be fine if you come with us but, left in your current state, there's a non-zero chance that you won't be able to have children in the future. If you come with us then our superhumans will be able to heal you."

Maybe that did it, but Kitamura didn't resist. A pair of machines lifted Kitamura onto a stretcher and then carried him over to the distant Junebug. The back opened up, much like an ambulance, and they slid him into place. I almost wanted to laugh as the Junebug trotted off into the distance. Machines emulating a walk always struck me as amusing, in a weird sense.

Like a child learning its own walk cycle.

As I took a deep breath, the male MS propped me up. I went to work scraping the foam off myself. It really made me sick- I couldn't stomach the stuff. When I considered plugging my nose, I saw a familiar face pass by a group of white medical droids.

A tall, burly man with a wild red ponytail stared at me fiery eyes- Kengo Kusanagi. One could almost imagine a mane of fire around his neck. Who wore it better? The answer was me.

Wait, what are they doing here?

The golden girl and the snake stood behind Mr. Kusanagi, both breathing laboriously. This struck me as odd, but further thought dispelled my confusion. It made sense, right? Obviously they'd continued fighting after I fell from the roof. I told myself this.

Both parties knew that I'd be fine. Genjou simply by nature of being Genjou, and Yoshida Yamashina because I'd quipped about my longevity. I made it abundantly clear that Satou Shibuya couldn't die a fool's death.

What a frustrating bunch.

With wooden sword in hand, Kengo Kusanagi strode over. Artificial grime and effluvia seemed to part where he stepped, and his straw sandals remained pristine and untarnished. He came to a halt in front me. The Kusanagi clan's red eyes scanned me. The man nodded, perhaps satisfied with whatever conclusion he'd come to.

"Kids these days," mumbled Mr. Kusanagi. He scratched his head. A peculiar expression spread across the man's face. "The kids over there told me a Kohei Kitamura caused the escalation. You... aren't that kid, are you mister Kusanagi clan dropout. Satou Shibuya?"

I frowned. "You can tell?"

"Your aura says it all, kid."

What a stupid notion.

"So?" I dusted myself off. The male MS began wrapping gauze around my brow. "Considering Niflheim's Emergency First Response Unit is here, should I assume this is a little more damning that a schoolyard brawl? One bark for yes, two for no."

"Bark."

"What? Gross! It's true that my word is law, and I probably shouldn't be saying this, but you should assume that a large portion of what comes out of my mouth is rambling or conjecture. If you notice I've made a bizarre request, there's a very high chance that I don't actually want you to fulfill it. Why does nobody get this?"

Mr. Kusanagi rolled his eyes. "Can't please you, huh."

"Apparently not!"

"Well, here's what's gotta happen. We'll get Kitamura's statement later. Since you're relatively fine, you've gotta own up to what happened. We gotta head down to the Principal's office, and you have to explain why there's a gaping hole in the side of the field."

"Oh, that's all? What about the game?" I frowned.

"We'll get an earth manipulator to fill it in. This is part of the curriculum, so we can't really stop. Being that you're the Alpha and all, I think the Principal will be lenient if you act nice. At least, provided there isn't anything particularly damning you want to tell me about this encounter, dropout. Anything you want to come clean about?" Mr. Kusanagi squinted.

"I kneed that man's testicles." I puffed out my chest.

"You seem... very proud of that."

"Now that you mention it, I am quite proud!"

Mr. Kusanagi rolled his eyes but didn't comment. Every fiber of his being questioned my morals, I could see it on his face. It took an almost divine level of tact to avoid retorting. I had to respect that. The man stepped aside, and the two students behind him rushed over.

First to arrive was Genjou Gekkouhara. The snake slid to a halt in front of me, nearly tripping over a trash can in the process. He knelt then gave me a once over. His expression didn't change, but I heard a small sigh. The green-haired youth grinned.

"My, you really took a beating." The snake motioned towards the distant Hawkbit, a mechanical monstrosity birthed by El-Ahrairah's might. "Someone caught you off guard."

"Nonsense, I planned this entire outing."

Genjou extended a hand. "I believe you, don't worry."

I groaned but took his hand. Gross. "That's not the face of a man who believes me. As expected, you truly don't understand the exalted Satou Shibuya's splendor. I always believed you were terrible at lying, and this only proves my thoughts."

Genjou snickered. The snake pulled me to my feet. He glanced to the rather glum looking Yoshida Yamashina, then to me. He sized me up with a smile, then put a finger to his chin.

"So how does defeat taste, Satorio?"

"I've never lost." The corners of my mouth drooped.

"And how does it feel?" Genjou tilted his head.

"As if I'd know. Like I said, I've never lost."

Genjou squinted.

What's with that look?

I glanced over Genjou's shoulder, at the cross-armed Yoshida Yamashina. I shoved past the snake and stepped towards the golden girl. She stared up at me with sharp eyes, saying nothing even when I cleared my throat. How troublesome, couldn't she take a hint?

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

The exalted Satou Shibuya did not rely on others. Not for any particular reason. They simply could not meet my fast-increasing quality standard. However, I could justify it. Though I loathed to admit it, we were a team. One could argue my classmates were extensions of my legacy. In this scenario I couldn't be faulted.

"Yoshida Yamashina," I said.

"Yes?"

After all, I relied only on myself.

"You should know already," I spoke, "but I absolutely hate losing. I reject failure in every way, shape, and form. This is not failure. I have not failed, and thus there is nothing to reject. Additionally, I still don't like looking at you. You're too distracting."

Yamashina nodded. "Even now you reek of vanilla, Shibuya. It's overpowering, and I'd suggest a gentler scented conditioner. If you can do that much, I'll consider looking past your sharp tongue."

I frowned. "Who do you think you are?"

"I should be asking the same question!"

As expected, this girl irritates me to no end!

Still, the rather foxy Yoshida Yamashina could be reliable at times. When bound to a table like the climax of a spy movie, she'd no doubt save the day at the last second. Also, what's with that blinding speed? She caught a quick-witted snake like Genjou off guard, I saw it myself.

"You should know that your touch still disgusts me. I hate it when people touch me. You can't possibly know what or who a person has done, where they've been, or if they washed their hands afterwards." Just the thought made me gag.

"Are you okay?" Yamashina squinted.

"W-With that in mind, understand I do not take a handshake lightly. Today is a special case. You're lucky I'm wearing even a torn suit such as this. I wouldn't dare touch you with my bare hands..."

Yamashina's expression soured.

"...But if I know you've taken the proper precautions, I wouldn't mind shaking hands with you. Someday. Without these bizarre, fetishistic suits, rather. So, erm... be satisfied with this for now."

I took a deep breath and extended my hand. The golden girl watched my hand through wide eyes, saying nothing. She slowly glanced up to my face. Again, what's with that look? I thought she might laugh for a moment, her bottom lip quivered so much.

Instead, she took my hand.

Her palm still felt rugged, even through two layers of anti-contamination suits. I'm not sure what I expected- I'd already confirmed this before. The sensation made me a little queasy, and the golden girl's firm grip only exacerbated the problem. Still, her hand was warm.

"Very well," said Yoshida Yamashina. "I'll accept this gesture of friendship."

"I'm accepting your gesture of friendship."

Maybe she thought my pride a joke, but she laughed. A quiet laughter, as if she tried to contain it. The girl cleared her throat, took a deep breath, then nodded. Her steely gaze locked with my own.

"We won't lose, I promise."

I nodded.

-S0022-

General Academies were not the same as other schools.

Buildings were segregated off under the assumption that first years would go into slaying. Pesky second years and loathsome third years were cooped away as bad influences, dark ideals running counter to the dogma preached on flyers and ads. In the eyes of Yggdrasil's administration, a superhuman who can't contribute to mankind's war has no worth. A superhuman who won't contribute is beneath that, an existence that Orwellian practices actively erased from the mainstream media.

Kawagusa General Academy was no different. The second and third year buildings were a full ten minute walk away from the front gates of the premise. You were forced to acknowledge two decrepit, almost archaic school houses on your walk to the Principal's office. Not concrete, but wood. Screen doors and tiled roofing marked the scene of education for KGA's second years. I actively ignored the third year building. It could hardly be called adequate for teaching, let alone learning. Administration's mindset troubled me to no end.

I'll be in one of those buildings next year.

A precious cousin on Vanaheim once told me of her school's learning conditions. Small desks filled gloomy rooms that students themselves were tasked with cleaning, and that had been her second year. She spoke of her third year with a look of recollection, as if parsing darkness from light. She seemed much happier after her now fiance's proposal, but it pained me to remember her tired voice. From what she described, Vanaheim treated its third years better than Niflheim. That scared me to no end.

Thus, after Mr. Kusanagi lead me to the Principal's Office, I had a number of ill thought questions swirling through my mind. That wouldn't do, I needed to save them for another time.

The Principal's "office" looked like a home more than anything else- a traditional Sengoku-era house, surrounded on all sides by bamboo. Counter to its antiquated look, it sported sleek metal foundation to fend off Niflheim's harsh year-round winters. A stone path traced a serpentine line over a number of small ponds. The water came up to my knee, I gauged this by eye.

It all struck me as a little gaudy.

I was lead up to a sliding door and made to stand on the landing, adjacent to the entrance. The cream-coloured wall at my back stank of mud. I couldn't attribute this to the structure itself, but I avoided leaning against the wall just in case.

"Who dares keep me waiting?" I crossed my arms.

"She's got a guest right now," Mr. Kusanagi said. "Our mock demon arrived a little faster than expected. I was greeting the lady at the back entrance when Gekkouhara and Yamashina told me about your altercation with Kitamura. We got a good one this year."

"A good one?"

The door behind me slid open.

This is his idea of a good one?

Winter came early. Wavy hair, whiter than snow itself, bounced against broad shoulders- much too broad for a Japanese woman. Alabaster strands clung to her slender waist and wide hips, the latter of which swung to and fro with each step. Her black faux fur coat danced on the wind as she emerged from the the Principal's office. The click of high heels against the metal platform caught more than just my eyes.

I saw Mr. Kusanagi hone in on the woman's tight-fitting dress shirt, embroiled in constant battle against the buxom figure attributed in popular fiction to the west. Black pants clung to long legs, but ended just above the ankles to reveal a silver bangle on her left leg. She worked a casual, almost nonchalant gait as she entered view. The key ring she spun on her index finger agreed.

As per usual, Fran Fairchild was enticing.

Wait, why is she here?!

Fran whistled an unfamiliar tune as she walked. She went down the first step and paused, then glanced over her shoulder. Pink eyes focused on Mr. Kusanagi (who hastily averted his gaze) and then to me. Her sweat-drenched brow tensed for a moment.

"If it isn't everyone's favourite top-scoring first year student," Fran spun around. She wore a smile on her face. "Born May 8th, 2041, Satou Shibuya."

I scowled. "It's creepy if you recite it back so naturally."

"So what brings you here?"

"T-That's my question to you, rather."

Fran leaned against the staircase railing. She rested both elbows on the bars and puffed her chest out. I didn't avert my gaze. One can't be faulted if they aren't looking directly at them- I justified my sneaky glances at her rather impressive assets like this. Maybe Fran noticed, but she snickered.

"Funny story about that." Fran leaned forward. Mountains disappeared behind her coat's horizon. "The Boss sent me to test the new blood since we're proctoring. I'm in the middle of testing a certain red vampire when the Boss calls. Says I should help out an old member of the Karatsuba crew as a mock demon for her students. And, well, hello. I'm here. It's me."

"Leave."

"Oh, okay."

I blinked. "That simple, is it?"

"Not really. The Satou Shibuya handling document," Fran slapped her right breast pocket, "says I'm supposed to say what you want to hear. It lists a bunch of weird tricks too. Apparently I can hypnotically influence you if I whisper in your ear while you're staring into space? Or, with a simple shift in tone and posture, I can stimulate part of your brain to suggest that I'm a lovable person?"

"How foolish, the illustrious and immaculate Satou Shibuya isn't stupid." At least, I didn't think so. That meant I wasn't. "If it were that simple then winning me over would be the least of your worries. I'm quite amazing, you see."

"Besides," she continued as if I hadn't spoke, "I've got some other fish in the pan too. A Beta, a Gamma, an Omicron, a Zeta candidate, and dare I say the Kusanagi's precious Omega candidate."

Mr. Kusanagi chimed in. "You're gonna try our heir, huh?"

"Her aptitude test results were off the charts. A one-hundred percent immortality ratio, god given talent with the sword, and combat parameters on par with the head honcho's pet project." Fran thumbed in my direction. "I can't help but get excited. What was her name again? Having trouble, give me a sec."

I clicked my tongue.

Fran smirked. "Keiko Kusanagi, right?"

"Damn right!" Mr. Kusanagi beat his chest. "You better start your family plan, lady. Keep an eye out. With our little girl on the front lines, you might live to see a world without demons."

The pale woman shrugged her shoulders. After a moment, she continued down the stairs without a word. She got maybe five meters away before she stopped. Fran turned around and stuck one hand into her coat. She glanced in my direction.

"I almost forgot! You wanted it, so here it is!"

The woman tossed something, which I caught.

It looked like a collar of some sort, no doubt for a pet- black leather, studded with solid gold. Expensive, for sure. Blurry eyes scanned the object's surface, and on the inside I found a phone number. The thought that it might be Fran's left me frustrated, but not as frustrated as what I failed to notice. I heard Mr. Kusanagi staving off laughter.

"Kid, what did you do?" he snickered.

"Pardon me, but I'll need a little more than that to discern the problem here. I'm not one for hints, but in this scenario I'll allow one. Maybe two. Rather, I'll allow as many as I ask for."

Mr. Kusanagi traced a circle with his finger.

I turned the collar around and immediately realized the problem. On the collar's front rested a single golden plate, etched with the name "FRAN." My eye twitched.

What a farce!

"L-Look," Mr. Kusanagi said, "you should probably head in to, uh, meet the Principal. Don't want to keep her waiting. I'm sure you've got a lot to discuss, and, er--"

"Very well!" I huffed.

Maybe he thought it funny, but the red-head teacher slid open the front door and motioned inside. A low murmur reached my ears, no doubt in mocking jest, but I scarcely deciphered the man's mumbling. Nothing to be done, it seemed.

I stepped into the Principal's office.

As expected, the former Omicron knows how to please.

Anachronistic to the building's outward feudal roots were the amenities attributed to modern society. Checkered marble flooring smoothed to a reflective surface, such that separating individual tiles by eye felt impossible. The floor looked like a single marble plate, polished and cut specifically to suit this exact room. Amber-coloured eyes reflected my own on the ground below.

Shelves and glass window cabinets filled out the back of the room, but couldn't block out the sun's light which filtered through a series of circular windows. I couldn't spy any familiar titles. Barring my weakened eyesight, it seemed like none of the books were labeled. My mind raced to guess how many were journals and how many were fake books, used to pad out the shelves.

A black hemmed carpet formed an oval in the room's center, upon which sat a glossy wooden desk that formed a rather square U-shape. Mahogany, I wagered. The common articles presented themselves atop- pencils, personal affects (a kaleidoscope), a plastic stand containing a number of cream-coloured folders, etc. More important was the steel-edged obsidian plate, upon which read the Principal's name: Robin D. Shiranui.

"So you're here." Her voice was mature, dare I say cool.

I nodded.

The Principal sat in the sort of chair one might attribute to a President of the United States- a black leather monster of a seat, custom made for one person and one alone.

Robin D. Shiranui was the idea of authority. She wore neat black hair in a coiled bun behind her head, suspended in place by two intersecting red glass hairpins. Bangs parted at the front to show off her forehead and, more importantly, the scar that ran from above the right brow to beneath the left eye. Her lips curved downward at the ends, creating a perpetual scowl. The cerulean tie around her neck fell over her black dress shirt and disappeared into the white formal vest she wore over top. The platinum-plated belt at her hips read "HOPE," and it fastened tight-fitting white dress pants firmly against her hips.

The brown mink coat resting on her shoulders couldn't hide the slender figure beneath. A constant tapping brought attention to brown dress shoes, worn atop impatient feet. Magenta eyes peered out from across clasped hands, which formed a bridge beneath her nose. Her presence almost masked the imposing machination at her back.

A low, almost electronic growl caught my focus.

At the Principal's back stood a four-legged monstrosity, a marvel of modern technology- a BIG BAD unit, assigned to ESPers on the battlefield to defend themselves. The quadruped stood two meters tall. White plates started at a lengthy, crocodilian head. Traditionally the BIG BAD's fangs were deposited after biting, then detonated from within. The name "KILLJOY" read in bright purple across the jagged, almost organic plating that clad the machine's too slender frame. A lengthy black cable extended from its back, no doubt the tail.

Oh dear, it's happening again.

As I cleansed the palate, the door behind me slid shut. I glanced over my shoulder and found a certain Kusanagi nowhere to be seen. He left me alone with the Principal and her pet, if it could be called that. What an irritating thought.

"Your childish bout has caused me no small amount of trouble, Satou Schneider the current Alpha. Your ability is El-Ahrairah, the Prince With A Thousand Enemies. What have you to say for yourself, child of Sol Dios?" The Principal's expression didn't change as she spoke.

"A former Zeta candidate by the name of Kohei Kitamura struck first. Look, I have gauze on my brow. I look like I stepped out of a battle manga. Left with no other options, I defended myself using my power as the current Alpha."

"You caused structural damage to the district using your power as the Alpha. I suspect the explosion of three nights prior was your doing as well, and your squirming confirms this. You've gravely inconvenienced the people of Niflheim. Not just them."

I scoffed. "That's nonsense-"

"I did not say you could speak, boy. What I've stated is fact, there is no room for discussion. Your childish antics three nights prior knocked out telephone lines in the northeastern Kagami district. The mainland contacted us under the assumption that Night Parade #734 had invaded. Does this clarify the gravity of your actions?"

"Both of those cases were beyond my control. That man, Sol Dios, sent Fran Fairchild to test me three nights ago. What the mainland witnessed was a demonstration of the strength they covet. I am not to blame for the whimsical decisions of that man. Furthermore, Kohei Kitamura called upon his strength as a failed Zeta candidate in our bout."

The Principal sneered. "Yet you thought fit to use the Alpha's power against a Zeta, let alone a mere candidate? Consider the tale you tell from my perspective, child."

What a frustrating woman!

"I can forgive that statement. Snide comments and insults kept to oneself have no bearing in a discussion of words, thus I will ignore them."

"Don't you dare read my mind." I scowled.

"You're an open book."

"Is that so?"

I'm not sure why the Principal's gaze narrowed. She slid her elbows off the desk top and leaned backwards in her seat. "Yes, and I can also tell that you regret your actions. Do not comment. Do not speak, I see the venom in your eyes. Regardless of what you've done, you are still the Alpha, a precious gift, a twinkling star in the night sky. Thus, I will be lenient."

I snorted.

"Junko Shiranui, that name should mean something to you."

"Of course," I crossed my arms. "Junko Shiranui, the fifteenth highest scoring first year student with a final result of ninety-two percent. She finished her test in nine minutes."

"You should also know that she hasn't shown up to school a single time since the year started. That daughter of mine, so bright, but her brother whisked her away to the underside of this island of children and animals. You've heard of it, haven't you? The Gekkou District."

"As an ESPer, you already know my answer."

"Yes, you and your unruly bunch of comrades wasted valuable potential in petty squables whilst others prepared for the future." Her cool tone hid a sharp edge.

Though I can't argue.

It's true that the Round Table could be categorized as a waste of time. That entire period of my life could be compartmentalized and, without it, you'd be left with the very same person. I would not have spoken differently. I would not have any less vitriol for the system than I already did.

"So? What exactly are you suggesting I do?"

"Truth be told, the how means nothing to me. My daughter is a gifted ESPer with the necessary potential to surpass I myself. I cannot let such talent waste away in Niflheim's darkest depths. All you need to is bring her to school, a place where she can develop. Time is of the essence, you should know that better than anyone else."

I clicked my tongue.

"You have your task, Golden King." She spat my former title. "You will bring my daughter to where she belongs, unless you feel confident enough to challenge me on the matter."

"Perhaps I do feel that way?"

"Then you may return whenever you please to make your statement. Until then, I will not budge. Any further comments, child?"

I didn't respond.

"Then you're dismissed. Fear not, I won't ask about the animal collar."

She noticed it?!

-S0023-

I hated taking orders.

Damn it all!

No, more than that, I loathed relying on others.

Never had I felt so out of control of a situation. The slow trickle of students into the gymnasium told me little of the match's impending outcome. A student from my class would step in, then a student from Genjou's class. Another of Genjou's classmates would step in, then two of mine would enter the gym. Without any consistency to the pattern, I found myself rocking back and forth in my seat.

Why all this hassle, just take their flag!

It had to be that simple. Were I still in, we'd have already won. With Yamashina proven skilled enough to handle a snake like Genjou, I could've strode into the enemy fortress. That musclebound rock head's trick wouldn't have worked on me again. What's more, Kitamura wouldn't have caught me off guard.

My face hurts far more than expected.

I planned to blame it on my classmates, but that became increasingly difficult as the game progressed. I couldn't find an opportunity to berate them. As each classmate entered the gym, they'd apologize to me for some bizarre reason.

First, Walter Washio. "Sorry, Shibuya!"

Then the Sashizumi twins. "Hoshino got us with his rock trick."

Then Botan Tachibana. "They didn't fall for it."

One by one, the students of Class 3-A would apologize then fall into line. Some introduced themselves when I squinted, while others shrugged. It became fairly clear that someone gave them the wrong impression of me. A familiar golden girl came to mind. I clicked my tongue.

Maybe I was too hasty!

Maybe so. I counted four remaining on both sides before Iori Ikuzawa stepped into the gym. He walked up to me, caked with mud, but didn't apologize.

Ikuzawa pointed at himself. "This is your fault."

I frowned. "Wh- don't you dare walk off! Hold it!"

After Iori Ikuzawa came Reika Rurisaki. The shark-toothed girl sheepishly bowed her head. She strode to the end of the line without a word. A moment passed before the next student entered- someone from Genjou's class. I didn't recognize them.

It should be Yoshida Yamashina and Kozue Kotobuki against Genjou Gekkouhara, Rock Hoshino, and some other student.

Kozue Kotobuki entered next, an unfamiliar face hot on his tail- another of Genjou's classmates. The blue-haired boy stepped over. He gave me a wordless thumbs up, then strode to the back. At that point I got concerned. That doesn't happen in normal day to day life. Anyone who gave you a thumbs up was setting you up for failure, nobody could tell me otherwise.

The exalted Satou Shibuya felt then more than ever uneasy. At some point I'd stood up and started to pace around. Bad manners, for sure. My stress did little to hide the snickers and chatter from the classmates I walked circles around. They discussed matters of the future. Plans, movies, so on and so forth. They moved on much too fast!

"Oh dear," I murmured. "Oh dear, oh dear."

Ikuzawa groaned.

Kotobuki chimed in as I passed. "Shibuya, chill."

I scowled. "It's always winter. I'm always chill as a result, Kozue Kotobuki. You don't need to tell me to be chill. Even now, I'm feeling very chill. This is the most chill I've ever been. Global warming ceases to be a factor with each passing second. That's how chill I am."

He snickered. "Ever hear a word so many times it sounds weird?"

Before I shot back, someone entered the gym. I turned to see a familiar tan-skinned youth, Rock Hoshino. He stepped over to his classmates, where the Satsuki Sanae greeted him. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but that atmosphere... something clicked into place.

Oh youth, what a hassle! I watched the two flirt with a scowl on my face. Don't think about it, Satou Shibuya. You've got bigger fish to fry. One day, some day, they'll all see. The exalted Satou Shibuya had high standards, after all. High standards equaled high payout!

Yes, of course. There's no reason to be jealous.

No, I'd gotten sidetracked.

There were two combatants left, Yoshida Yamashina and Genjou Gekkouhara. I couldn't gauge the outcome of their match-up. Though I loathed to say so, I didn't know the full extent of either party's strengths. Against myself they were no match, but against each other I couldn't say. They were fast. Both of them moved very fast.

Yamashina could've been the Beta.

Except she wasn't, Genjou Gekkouhara filled the seat. That had to say something about his top speed, but I doubted he'd use his full strength here. Conversely, Yamashina landed three hits last I'd seen. She couldn't have simply caught Genjou off-guard, right? There had to be something else to the equation—

"At this time, the game of Capture the Flag between Class 3-A and Class 3-C has concluded."

Silence reigned for a moment.

I remember having taking a number of deep breaths as I watched the gym's entrance. Had it been Genjou? Maybe Yamashina? If it wasn't Yamashina, would I have a loss on my chart? If it wasn't Yamashina, how should I react? More than a mere dislike for failure, I loathed the very idea. Failure stemmed from inexperience, weakness, and a number of other faults which I lacked. To lose implied the contrary, a statement I'd deny with the galaxy at my back.

If Yamashina stepped through that door, I'd have every right to be angry. I always had a right to be angry, but in this specific case I'd have an even greater right. If she entered with arms crossed and fingers clutched against her side, no apology would suffice. If she trampled my trust and returned with nothing, that golden girl would have hell to pay.

And yet—

"Ah."

When Yoshida Yamashina entered, I wasn't mad.

Back straight, golden eyes forward, the golden girl stepped along. Her posture never changed. The fire in her eyes, that dignified tenacity, never wavered. Vibrant golden hair bounced back and forth with each step. Mesmerizing, like always.

Yamashina came to a halt a meter in front of me. She didn't take a deep breath, she didn't close her eyes. Arms flat against her sides, she leaned forward and bowed her head. She didn't panic, she didn't make excuses.

"I couldn't defeat Gekkouhara," she said.

"Very well."

"I wasn't skilled enough."

"I see."

This was the natural outcome.

Genjou Gekkouhara started training as a child- before Shizuka or I myself. He passed advanced slayer tests whilst sister dearest and I were studying for the basic tests. More than anyone else on this island, the thrill of battle ran in his blood. Faster than Vane, stronger than Gagetsu. More clever than Sergio, more tenacious than Midas.

When I'd first met Genjou, he could hardly be called person. The snake who sat adjacent to me all through middle school spoke only of violence and bloodshed. Such traits lent themselves well to the Golden King's agenda, and soon we rose to the top. The Silver Knight and the Golden King. Both of us, undefeated. The rest gathered around us, became our foundation.

The Gekkou District's Round Table was born in a damp, dark classroom.

And so, I couldn't blame Yoshida Yamashina. I couldn't blame a person who bowed to hide their face. She served to the best of her ability, a true Knight of the Round.

"Raise your head," I said.

She didn't.

I sighed. This girl, always more trouble than she was worth. You'd disobey a command as simple as that? No, that's not it. You didn't hear. In that case, it can't be helped. I didn't want to repeat myself. Next time I'd speak louder, more clearly.

"I didn't lose," I said.

Yamashina didn't respond.

"You all fought, together as a group. Thus, a single loss is spread out across our twenty-five. I have only one twenty-fifth of a loss, Yoshida Yamashina. If you round down, that's still zero losses. I, rather, we didn't lose. You haven't broken your promise."

She nodded.

I sighed. "If you understand, stop your incessant weeping."

Once more, she nodded.