Another day of school and the three teenagers were talking before classes could start.

"Man it'll be fun to know what exciting opponent we will be facing in Omega today!" Richard said very happily.

"The bigger question is...If you're going to pass History class this year?" Frederick pointed out and Richard deadpanned.

"Frederick is right Richard, you haven't been the optimal person when it comes to remembering paintings and what France did in the war," Alice told him.

"Well, I don't see how you two..." Before he could go further Alice and Frederick showed how much they knew about History in France.

"In 1968 Stone tools were discovered at Chilhac and Lézignan-la-Cèbe in 2009 indicate that early humans were present in France at least 1.8 million years ago. Neanderthals were present in Europe from about 400,000 BC, but died out about 30,000 years ago, possibly out-competed by the modern humans during a period of cold weather. The earliest modern humans – Homo sapiens – entered Europe by 43,000 years ago (the Upper Palaeolithic). The cave paintings of Lascaux and Gargas (Gargas in the Hautes-Pyrénées) as well as the Carnac stones are remains of the local prehistoric activity." Frederick stated.

"In 486, Clovis I, leader of the Salian Franks, defeated Syagrius at Soissons and subsequently united most of northern and central Gaul under his rule. Clovis then recorded a succession of victories against other Germanic tribes such as the Alamanni at Tolbiac. In 496, pagan Clovis adopted Catholicism. This gave him greater legitimacy and power over his Christian subjects and granted him clerical support against the Arian Visigoths. He defeated Alaric II at Vouillé in 507 and annexed Aquitaine, and thus Toulouse, into his Frankish kingdom." Alice said while Frederick nodded in agreement...Meanwhile, Richard was...well...

"SHOW OFFS!" Crying like a child. He would have sulked more if the History Teacher Mr. Fleur didn't come out to make a special announcement.

"Quiet everyone. Now today we have a newly transferred student. She has come all the way from the United States to learn the history and customs of our country some more." At this every student was wondering and asking who this girl might be and what persona she has to how cute and develop she was...the last part was mostly the boys.

"Ah, here she is." As the students turned to the door two faces were full of surprise and one was paled because the person that steps into that door was none other than.

"Hello, My name is Heidi Kitami. I'm the daughter of the owner of Hikami Ranch Montana Hikami." She flashes a cute smile. "Please take care of me."

"Whooa!"

"What a cutie!"

"Her hairstyle is great!"

"Look at that body!"

"Please take a seat Miss Hikami." Heidi nodded before going to the seat in the left of Richard.

"Um, excuse me? Can I sit here...Please?!" Heidi said with pleading puppy eyes.

("She is so cuteee!") "N-N-NO Problem!" The boy who sat there said before quickly moving to the chair behind without any hesitation. Heidi happily sat in the chair before sticking her tongue to her rivaled red-haired teen. Alice in response gave her a menacing glare. In the midst of things was Richard who not only felt the tension but sighed knowing that from this day onward his life was about to change for the better or worse...Most likely the worse.

()

Meanwhile, in Ice Omega, some players were cornered with no way to go.

"Ah. What the?" a boy said before he got stuck in the heart with a machete before dissipating into fireflies.

"Team Aquarius' Supporter has been eliminated"

"W-W-What are you people?" cowered the last survivor of its team to a person who has a native African with a mask that is painted in black and has dark red feathers around it. the man easily towered the boy by eight inches and had a native spear with the point made of a well cutting stone.

"We are hunters." the masked man said before he struck the person with his native spear thus ending their "hunt".

"Team Aquarius' Core has been eliminated. Winners Team Hunters." The announcer said and three red-colored and a purple-colored circle glowed before four players appeared.

"Crickey mate. Still easy targets, hey Shaq shouldn't there be a harder target to hunt?" asked a man to his partner a bit disappointed that the match didn't last very long. He was a very tall 27 years old man with blue eyes, blonde short-medium hair and he was dressed in a blue shirt, short black pants, a red short squared jacket, and black boots wearing a dark brown Australian hat. the man was very fit despite his weight.

"We'll find the perfect targets to hunt Crocodile," Shaq answered him. Shaq was three years older than Crocodile. he was from Africa, unlike Crocodile who comes from Australia. He is two inches taller than Crocodile himself and he was very slim weighing thirty pounds less than Crocodile himself. He has brown eyes and skin, very short almost bald black hair, and is dressed in an olive green Dashiki shirt and matching pants along with an olive green hat and black shoes.

"Well Geisha is been thinking of using her techniques on some of them but they end up being defeated easily."

"Do not worry Crocodile we will find the perfect target. If my hunch is correct they should come to us soon." Shaq said confident that the perfect target will come and when that happens...the real hunting will begin.

()

Inside Lycée it was lunch break and things couldn't get any worse for the brown-haired boy.

"Say "Ahh" Richard dear," Heidi said as she lifts a fork full of meat.

"Er...I can eat on my on Heidi." Richard nervously said with a sweatdropped.

"Hey. How long are you going to be here?" Alice said annoyed that her rival is "feeding" Richard.

"Aw, but I don't have many friends!" Heidi pouted. Alice pointed to the huddled group of boys that were at all sides of the group. Some with menacing glares toward the brown-haired boy, others with tears.

"That's not what they're thinking. Why don't you start making friends with them!"

"But...they're so scary!" Heidi faked nervousness.

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT SORRY EXCUSE OF AN ANSWER!!"

"Calm down Alice I'm sure Heidi will find friends...eventually," Frederick said though he doubts it a bit considering that the purple-haired girl is focused on getting the brown-haired boy into more trouble. Before Alice responded toward the purple-haired girl the sound of all of their C.C. rang.

"Huh?" Richard reaches for his C.C. and opened before a holographic message appeared.

"A message?" Frederick said as he opened his C.C.

"I wonder who it is?" Alice asked as Heidi curiously looked at Richard's C.C. As they opened it and press the message a holographic version of Leos appeared.

'If you have received this message then I will the first to congratulate you on being chosen for the upcoming event. For those who have this message with them, you have been given a free pass for this year's Omega Representation Tournament that is coming next month. I have given the message to twelve teams...twelve special teams with unique abilities for a chance at greatness...A chance to represent France in the OWTT. For those who are confused with the short terminology, those letters mean the Omega World Team Tournament that will be held in the last week of November. The whereabouts of this year's World Tournament will be announced right after all the Representation Tournaments comes to an end. So aim high and do not waste this opportunity that might come once in a lifetime. Farewell and good luck to you all my warriors.' With that, the hologram dissipated.

"A tournament?" Frederick said.

"And we're chosen?" Alice couldn't believe it neither they have only had four matches since creating the team and they're already qualified to a tournament with a high prize...an entrant to the World Tournament?

"Richard don't you think this is..." But before Frederick could go any further the fire in Richard ignited the whole cafeteria.

"ALRIGHT!!!! This is awesome! We're in a tournament! AH! We have to train harder! I should master my White Dragon Strike Fang! No, No, No! I should master my Core Shift and be..." While the brown-haired leader kept his constant ranting the other two just sweatdropped.

"Glad you're excited about it." Both said to him but they were ignored by their leader.

"But anyway. Why would he gave us a free pass to a tournament that is a month away from starting?" Alice asked looking at the message.

"I don't know but if we're in it...we might as well give it our all." Alice nodded. Though it looks a bit strange that they were chosen by their record, It might be their only chance to even get to the world tournament.

"Alright then is settle!"

"I'm so happy for you Richard, dear," Heidi said by hugging him.

"Hey! Get off him!" Life for the brown-haired boy couldn't be more lively.

()

In Omega Corp the owner of it was working hard on everything.

"Let see...Oh, right there." Leos said as he carefully put something inside a cube. The door of the office opens to reveal Inès.

"Sir have you..." But before the bespectacled secretary could finish she sees her boss putting another cube inside something. "Sir..."

"Yes, Inès?" Leos asked with a grin.

"What...are you doing?" She sweatdropped as she sees her boss just randomly putting cubes of...sugar on different Mugs filled with coffee.

"Oh, these? Just an experiment." Inès coughed before deadpanning.

"There are more important things than this "experiments" you're making. Even though I hate to ask, what is the experiment?"

"Oh yeah, I guess I should be finishing the schedules for my announced tournament. Plus the new maintenance for the update in Barcelona...Hmm, I wonder how she's doing there?"

"Please finish your work. We're behind schedule as it is." The blonde-haired woman told her boss who pouted.

"You're no fun." There was a moment of silence before Leos sighed and then looked at the monitor of his holo-computer. "I have been working on it. By the way the coffee experiment I mean it, I'm just testing the theory of how many limits can the Neo Genex can take before going black." The Neo Genex was a big powered generator cube that was installed in Omega Corp. so that every Omega game in the world could be active without the worried of spending too much light energy. "Suppose that some people like their coffee bitter, but others liked them sweeter. Well, some people like it just right...However, what is just the right amount of sugar needed to make it not bitter nor sweet? Some say 3 teaspoon others 2 but in reality...no one knows because everyone doesn't have the same taste buds. It is the same situation with the Neo Genex...Some places generate more energy than others...The question is...What is the amount of energy needed so each game has an equal amount without the risk of the Genex itself going overload and eventually...dying down. If that happens...don't you think that would be a big problem? Inès?" Leos explained. The blonde girl was no idiot she knows exactly why he asked that. It was...

"Is it because of her? If so...it wasn't anyone's fault. Things happen sir...they cannot be changed no matter how many times they are tested." Leos looked at the monitor and then at the 4 mugs.

"Yes...I suppose you're right. But...would she believe anything that we say?" Leos told his secretary. "Will she believe that it is not my fault? My fault that her big sister..." He could've gone further if Ines didn't put a hand on his shoulder.

"It wasn't your fault sir. In fact; if it wasn't for you and her the Neo Genex would have created a catastrophic meltdown that would've been worse than what happened in 2011 in Fukushima," she remembered very well the outcome was an INES level 7...Funny how her name abbreviated means International Nuclear Event Scale. However, if the incident did happen the Ines level would've been level 7 also...or even worse level 8: Disaster or level 9: Major Chaos. Luckily the meltdown was avoided but at the cost of someone's life. It was one of Leos' assistant and she was also...

"You're right, the past is the past but for now let's focus on the important thing and that is to unite them all."

"Unite them?"

"Oh yes, I forgot to mention. Team Omega isn't the only team that will participate in my special tournament." Leos grinned knowing full well that he was one step closer to gathering the pieces together.

()

School was over and the group plus Heidi was walking toward The Omega Arcade Station.

"Nothing but a good match in Omega to fend off your frustrations from classes," Richard said while stretching himself.

"Yeah although you would be better if you don't fall asleep during history class," Frederick said.

"I can't help it! I hate History!" Heidi wraps her arms around his shoulder.

"Is okay Richard dear I will teach you," Heidi said before Alice intervenes by prying Heidi off the brown-haired boy.

"He doesn't need your company, thank you very much! And why are you following us?! Aren't you suppose to go home?"

"And leave him with an old priestess like you? Please, you don't even know how to satisfy someone." Heidi flicked her hair to the side. That earned a thick mark on Alice's forehead.

"Oh, and a cowgirl like you do?" Alice retorted earning a tick mark on the side of Heidi's forehead.

"Do you want to pick a fight with me?"

"I'll be glad to comply!" Alice and Heidi glared toward each other releasing their auras one purple (Heidi's) and one dark red (Alice's).

"Er, girls calm down." Richard tried to ease the tension but failed...miserably. Frederick sighed before they entered the Station. Upon entering the crowd was huddled in a circle. Curious the group went to investigate to find the group of people surrounding three people.

"I wonder why they are here?" One of the people said.

"Did you see them in their last battle?"

"No wonder he was the first world champion."

"Wow, there so much crowd here," Alice said looking at the crowd of people.

"Tell me about it," Richard answered completely ignoring Heidi wrapping her arms around his right shoulder. Frederick got closer to see a glimpse of who the crowd was so interested in.

"No way!"

"What? What's wrong Frederick?"

"Guys he is here!" The group tilted their heads in confusion before Frederick continued. "Omega's first world champion Shaq!"

"Wait for Shaq! The Omega Hunter!" Heidi exclaimed as Frederick nodded. Shaq Paldemore also was known as the Omega Hunter was well known worldwide as not only Omega's first singles champion but also for being one of the most stealthy hunters in the world. His nickname was because using his experience as a professional hunter he hunted his adversaries with precise patience like a feline ready to trap it's prey.

"What he is doing here though?" Their answer was the big T.V. screen appearing and in it was none other than Leos Kishima.

"Oh, it is so good that everyone is gathered here."

"Huh?" everyone looks at the big screen.

"President Leos?" Shaq said.

"So that's the boss of the company, eh?" Crocodile look toward the screen. Geisha was just fixated on it.

"As you may well know. We will have our annual Omega Representation Tournament next month. In other words, in 4 weeks eight of our best teams in France will face each other for the right to participate in the biggest tournament in the world the Omega World Tournament. Of course, the tournament for the singles tournament will be held one week after this one so if you can't make it to this one don't be discouraged you will still have a chance for the single one. Now then how about we have a...teaser of what to expect this year shall we? As you know our first world tournament champion Shaq Pauldemore is here and he is not alone. He has brought his group to enjoy the game here. So how about it Shaq and company...? Would you like to show your skill and also show them why you are our first Omega world champion?" Leos said while looking specifically at the African native veteran. Who just grinned and closed his eyes.

"How can I refuse? After all, I'm still looking for my perfect prey."

"And you shall get it. Because I have the perfect opponent for you. He is a champion like yourself and he created a team this year. Now, where are they...Ah, there they are!" Leos said before he points toward someone. When the spotlight shined it did toward Team Omega. It took them three seconds plus a blink to register to them that they were chosen to be Shaq's next (prey) opponents.

"EH?!"

"Well, what do you say Team Omega? Richard Kurosagi? Would you let this opportunity of a lifetime pass? Or would you step up to your game and show the world why you're the next generation of Omega?" Leos said before grinning. "Take your time I have all day." The group huddles up to decide what to do.

"So what do we do now? We can't back out!" Richard said as his adrenaline for a great challenge was boiling deep inside him. The brown-haired boy had dreamed of the day where he would face one of Omega's best competitors and that day might be today.

"But the odds are stack against us. I mean don't get me wrong Rick, you're a great scouter but we're talking about a six years Scout veteran here! His status and speed might be through the roof." Frederick pointed out.

"He's right and even if the other two don't have much experience in Omega than him they might know already how to play the game in a way that is compatible with Shaq!" Alice added.

"Well, I think you should take them down to pay." Said Heidi surprising them. "What?"

"To hear that from you...are you sick or something?" Alice said.

"HEY!" Heidi yelled with a vein on the back of her head.

"Heidi is right." The other two look at Richard. "We were invited to this tournament so we might as well see who are we facing when we make it to the World Tournament."

"You make it sound like we will make it," Alice said. She is not being negative about it but she is being realistic about their chances of winning it all and represent France they are not the only ones invited. They're 7 more teams and she bets that all 7 are season veterans ready to show them that they deserve the tickets more than them.

"Because we will! Come on guys we made this team! We were picked to participate in a regional tournament with the prize being able to represent France in the grandest tournament of them all! Even if the odds are against us...Even if the probability of winning is less than one percent! We have to give it our best!" Richard said with a grin. "So how about it?!"

"So what's it going to be?" Richard turned toward the owner of Omega and grinned.

"We accept." This made Leos smile.

"Good. Well then let's get this show on the road! My lovely announcer..."

"Y-Yes! Please proceed to the empty spots. Okay, Location...Arrow Forest, the minimum requirement for this battle three classes. All set...Entering Omega!"

()

Among entering the group landed inside a forest. This forest was full of life, from trees to birds that flew by. The grass cut so it could not get in the way of competitors however, the trees were full of life that they could hide skill people, and right now they were against one of the most experienced Omega Warrior.

"This is so awesome no matter how many times I see it!!"

"Yeah, but we need to watch each other's back, Rick. Knowing Shaq and his group they must be in the hiding already."

"Frederick is right, we are already at a disadvantage. They could be everywhere....even here right now!"

"Well, we can't stand and do nothing guys. We need to find them before they send their scout to find us!" If they weren't found yet. The brown-haired boy was thinking about what to do against Shaq. The man was heavily experienced and he never faced him before...However, that made his competitive blood boil even more! Man, he is getting very excited. "Huh?"

"What is it, Richard?"

"Did you guys hear that?" Frederick tilted his head confuse.

"Hear what?" Just then, Richard's instincts kicked in and he carried Alice before yelling to Frederick to get out of the way. At first, Frederick was confused before seeing something flying. That something was a gray grenade and as soon as it landed it exploded taking a few of the nearby trees.

()

Somewhere nearby a tree someone with a native mask was looking at the group patiently.

"Let the hunt...begin."

()

"Urm..." That was the groan of the red-haired girl.

"Is everyone alright?!" Richard asked.

"Yeah...what was that?" Frederick asked.

"I think that was a grenade."

"A grenade? That means they're..." But before he could say anything Frederick shot an arrow at the trees.

"Did you get him...her...whatever it is!" Richard said confuse. It took a few minutes for the answer to come to them.

"Wah!!"

"Richard-kun!" Alice yelled as someone dragged the brown-haired boy away from them at a speed just as incredible as their core friend. Just then two sets of grenades were flying in all directions and the two remaining members separated to get away from the upcoming explosion. However, that gave a chance for someone to attack Frederick.

"Urah!" Frederick blocked an incoming Machete with his bow. Luckily the bow's material was strong to block steel blades otherwise it would realistically break the bow in half.

"Impressive, that's some hard material that you got in that bow, Mate!" He backs Frederick far away before pursuing the flying elf archer.

"This is bad." Alice had to dodge another grenade. "Urgh, this is getting annoying!" Alice annoyed said. Although she was worried about her friends she had to focus on the person responsible for separating them in the first place.

()

Richard was being dragged by the collar of his shirt by the mysterious person that dragged him away from his friends and teammates.

"Damn it let go!!" As Richard struggled to get free that person decided that they were far enough from the two groups and threw him to one of the trees. "Ahhh!" Richard flailed his arms before adjusting himself to touch the tree with his feet and not hit it with his body. As soon as he hits the tree he saw the face of the culprit or to be more precise the mask. He could tell that he was a male by his physique. He was holding a native hunting spear like the ones a tribe will use in order to defend themselves from wild animals and other threats. He was very tall. The one thing that made Richard know this man's identity was the skin color. While the others had a more peach and semi-pale skin the first-ever Omega champion had dark skin similar to Alice's. All of this was processed in the brown-haired boy's mind while descending from the tree and landing on the grassy floor of the forest.

"This should be quite far enough so no one can interfere with our fight," Shaq said before taking his mask off. "From the look on your face, you don't seem surprised."

"Well to tell you the truth I kind of figured it was you as soon as I stopped myself from breaking my back in that tree." Shaq chuckled.

"He was right, you are the perfect prey. I haven't had the pleasure of facing a World champion before although my reason is that I have never seen them as great preys."

"And I'm different from them in..?"

"For instance, you see your friends as comrades who aid you in battle and not just a group of people that aspire for one goal. No, you Richard Kurosagi are a one of a kind."

"I'm honored?" Richard said with a questioned look.

"By now you know the difference in our capacity levels, don't you?"

"I will be a liar if I didn't. The way you dragged me out of my friends and getting as far away from the groups in a matter of seconds is quite impressive on its own." The brown-haired boy stated. Shaq was on another different level than any scout that he has faced before. He can easily tell that the man was a true veteran of the game.

"I appreciate the praise. Now shall we get this fight started?" As soon as he said that he blocked the brown-haired fast slash with his spear.

"Thought you never ask!"

"Aren't we impatient..."

"More like excited!" Richard backed Shaq off before using his speed to walk up a tree.

"Humph, yes this will be a great prey to hunt down," Shaq said as he prepares himself for the biggest hunt of his entire career.

()

Inside Omega Corp, Leos Kishima was enjoying a good cup of coffee while watching the match between first-year champion Shaq Pauldemore and last year's Omega Champion Richard Kurosagi.

"Sir, I know that you created this match but..."

"Hmm? What is it Inès?" He asked the blonde secretary.

"You have a lot of work undone." She said as she gave him a pile of papers.

"Hah, Really? And just when this fight was getting good!" Leos sighed and then look at the pile. Leos sighed one more time he wanted to see this match so badly.

Inside the Forest, the sparks were flying from the different trees as Richard and Shaq's weapon clash upon each other while the two Omega warriors pace from tree to tree with their incredible speed. Shaq tries an upper stab only to Richard to parry the spear and retaliate with his own slash but failing to hit due to the speed of The Hunter of Omega. Richard blocks the following stab before backing away to another tree.

"Man, this is going to be tougher than I thought." Said the brown-haired boy to himself. He goes down with Shaq following him suit.

"Can I ask you something, Kurosagi?" Shaq asked.

"Yeah sure."

"You were the last singles champion. Why did you decide to become part of a team? When I was the champion I defended my title against the world before as you see created this team with my former colleagues from college. But you...you're the first one to ever win the title and not defend it this year. So I ask again as a fellow Omega Champion: Why are you not defending your title as the best singles warrior in the world?"

"Oh, that! Well...It's not like I am not thrilled to do so, on the contrary, I will be excited to defend my title against newcomers and previous competitors. It's just that...I always want to have fun with my friends!"

"Have fun?"

"Yep, Fighting alone is challenging and fun but before I fought in singles competition I fought in a team match with Alice, against Frederick, since that day I always thought that maybe...just maybe we can have fun together as a team and who knows become the best team in the world."

"Why didn't you?"

"Alice...well she was, hmm how should I say it...I guess not good with people? No, I think she was a bit inexperienced with Omega back then. Frederick was okay but we couldn't rely on him always."

"But here you're leading a team."

"Yeah but is not me who decided that! It was my friends."

"Are you upset that they decided that?!"

"What?! No! No! It's just that...I don't want people to say "Oh look is the past Omega Champion. Huh? Who are those two with him?" Then the other person saying: "Meh, they must be just his teammates, I bet they were desperate to find a partner" and that's not it! I want people to see the team as a whole and not as only me!" Richard told the African native.

"Hmm...I see. Yes, it seems that I was correct, you're definitely a special one indeed. One who looks after it's teammates so they can be treated as equal. A true leader should be thinking that always. When I lost my tittle I thought about what to do after. It was on one of my trips to Australia that I reunited with Crocodile and Geisha. We talked about the old times before Crocodile suggested that we made a team. At first, I was surprised since I didn't know they were also playing this game. It's funny how the world works, correct?"

"Yeah, I know what you mean...I wonder if she learned about us already."

"Hmm?"

"Oh sorry just talking to myself now then shall we continue?" Richard told him.

"Yes."

"Okay, Let's get Round two started!" They both vanish.

()

Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, the red-haired Japanese teen and her friend were fighting Shaq's former colleagues. While Alice was busy dodging grenades from a concealed Geisha, Frederick was blocking and trying to get some distance from the Australian hunter Crocodile.

"This is not good," Frederick said to himself dodging another slash from Crocodile's machete.

"Come on Mate! Don't make this boring!" Crocodile said as he exerts more pressure on the black-haired boy.

"Where are you?" Alice said before dodging another grenade. She growled in frustration before looking at the direction where it was thrown. She would've asked for help from her friend but he looks very busy with the Australian hunter. "Ugh, this is getting annoying!" Said the red-haired dark-skinned Before she swatted the grenade to the other side before said grenade detonated.

*Boom*

The trees were now nothing but splitters and ashes as the fire starts to spread all over the forest.

Frederick, on the other hand, was now shooting arrows to Crocodile who surprisingly deflected all of them with its giant machete even slicing one in half.

"Come on Mate! You can do better than this!" said the Australian before moving at great speed despite his size. Frederick is thinking however in how to defeat his opponent. He knew how the true question is can he make sure his opponent doesn't notice the effect of one of his special arrows.

"I hope this works!" Frederick said as he shoots the arrow. Time slows down as the arrow travels from one side to the other towards Crocodile who deflected it to the ground as said arrow spiked itself into the solid earth soil.

"It's that all? Maybe we should end this now." Crocodile said before seeing Frederick smile. Confused Crocodile asked... "What are ya smiling about, mate!?"

"Oh, it is just that is funny you said "End this now" because I was thinking the same thing right now." As soon as the black spiky-haired boy said that a beeping sound was heard from the Australian's feet as he looks he sees what the beeping was. The arrow that he deflected from Frederick had a red-colored light on the tail of the arrow and in a few seconds, the next thing that followed was an explosion.

()

Far away the earth shook making Richard stumble a bit.

"Whoa, what was that?" The brown-haired boy asked himself before blocking the incoming spear. "Okay, got to focus. Haa!" He screamed as he backs Shaq off and uses his speed to try and get into the African native's defense, however, Shaq being the veteran that he is parry Richard's dagger and grabbed Richard by his shirt before slamming him into a tree. "Ow! Okay, bad idea." Richard then sidestepped to the left before disappearing and re-appearing on the other side. Shaq pulled his spear out of the tree.

"It seems our comrade's battles are at its ends." Shaq pointed out in which Richard will have to agree to be honest. He was a bit worried that one of his friends might be already in the real world. If that's the case then he really needs to defeat the African native as soon as possible before he gets into a 2 on one or even worse 3 vs 1. It will also be good because once he defeats Shaq then the game will be over as he is the core of the group and whenever the core is defeated so is the team. To Richard's relief he heard the announcer say these words:

"Team Hunter's Powerhouse has been defeated."

"Maybe we should do the same."

"Sure, although I have a question for you."

"Yes, what is it?" Shaq was curious about what the brown-haired boy was going to ask. Is it about his purpose of wanting to fight him? Maybe is about the tournament? Whatever it is...

"Are they going to make other tournaments like this around the world? No that's really stupid of course they would. I think what I am trying to say is will we see each other again in the Omega World Tournament?"

"Hmm...we might. That's, of course, depends on how we perform in our respective tournaments." Shaq confirmed.

"That's awesome! Man, I can't wait for what new opponents We will face!" The brown-haired boy said excitedly. They're so many different opponents in the world and he cannot wait until he met and battle them in the world tournament. However, in order to do that they must win the upcoming tournament and who knows what opponent will participate in it. One thing is for sure, Harry will definitely be there. He wouldn't be his rival if he didn't but for now... "But right, now." The brown-haired boy used his speed to appear behind Shaq who uses his speed to dodge the incoming slash. The native leader of Team Hunter tried to counter with a stab from his spear but Richard uses his speed to stay out of harm's way. The two of them weren't going to give the momentum to their opponent as it was apparently much to the surprise or thrill of the 1st ever Omega World Singles Champion that one false step will lead to their team's defeat. Shaq was fine doing this as his stamina despite his age was similar to any teenage boy currently at this age. Eventually, the African native thought that the boy will tire up from this dodge and catch game, and when he leaves an opening...he will strike.

Richard, on the other hand, wasn't getting tired at all, in fact, his stamina was at a max peak, most likely because his opponent was a former champion and as the current champion he always finds it fun fighting new and strong opponents. The brown-haired boy was wondering whether or not to use his White Dragon Strike Fang. It was his only out now but he needed to get an opening from him.

()

Geisha had to re-group after the explosion that occurred nearby. After hearing that Crocodile was defeated she need it to find a better spot to set up. This is the weakness of being a supporter you might give the advantage for your teammates but this class cannot fight one on one against most of the classes except the new magician class. Sooner or later she will have to...

"Now where is she?" Asked the red-haired opponent that she was hiding from. If she manages to defeat her then she will have an easier time with the other opponent, knowing him...He must be on his way toward the red-haired girl's location. She needs to...Geisha decided to use her main weapon, A very bright blood red combat knife with a ring-shaped handle. The sound of clicking was heard from the ring showing a tube on the bottom side the size of a peashooter. In the middle of said ring was a button that most likely was the trigger. Now, all Geisha had to do was make sure that the content that was inside the peashooter like tube from her weapon hits her target. "Hey come out now and fight!" She should end this now since if Shaq is eliminated then the game will be over.

Alice heard the noises coming from the nearby trees and decided to unleash the chain that hides and connects each half of the pole surprising the supporter of Team Hunter dragging her down one of the trees.

"I got you now!" Yelled the red-haired priestess. Geisha thinking fast tilted her knife and aimed the tube at Alice's neck before pressing the button. From the tube, a small needle escaped and stung Alice's neck. "Ow." Said Alice before loosening the grip of the chain from Geisha who use this opportunity to escape the chain completely. Alice reached her neck and peeled off the small needle of her neck. However, the next thing that happens made Alice world dizzy. Alice questioned herself what was happening before Geisha spoke.

"Are you feeling the effects? It will be impossible for a supporter to defeat a powerhouse normally. But, My weapon neutralizes the disadvantage that a supporter normally has against said class. The needle contains a poison that will slowly drain your health points not only that but your movements become slow. So even if you manage to defeat me here by a miracle our leader will not have a 3 to 1 disadvantage." That was Geisha's explanation to the red-haired teen.

(Damn.) Alice's vision was becoming a bit blurry meaning the poison was already taking effect on her.

"Nothing personal but in order to become the best team in the world you must find different ways of defeating your opponent especially the ones you're weak against." The supporter of Team Hunter said. Before Geisha could deliver what it seems to be the final blow on her, The mature woman sidestepped to the left dodging an incoming arrow that spiked itself on a tree.

"Are you alright, Alice?" Alice's response was covering her mouth in an attempt to stop the content of her stomach from going out. The poison was at a point that it made her nauseous and she can barely see who the enemy was in front of her anymore.

"Watch Out!" Alice Push Frederick out of the way before another needle was impaled in her neck. This was enough to knock The powerhouse of Team Omega out before she transformed into fireflies.

"Team Omega's Powerhouse has been eliminated."

"Damn," Frederick said as he shook himself before he dodged. He doesn't know why but his body and mind were yelling at him to move out of the way since Alice seemed to warn him about something. That did not stop Geisha who went and pushed the button again making Frederick retreat to one of the trees. The sound of wood being hit by an object confirmed Frederick that whatever happened to Alice had something to do with the weapon that the mature hunter women had. He unloads an arrow before carefully peeking to see Geisha approaching.

"There's no escape. Sooner rather than later you will come out, boy. If you do not...Hmm maybe it will not matter as once Shaq defeats Last year's champion this game will be over." She does have a point. The only reason that he came here for was so they could defeat Shaq together. Despite how skillful Richard is he might not stand a lot of chance against the first-ever Omega World Champion alone. That is why he must finish this fast before the words "Team Omega's Core was eliminated" can be heard through the intercom.

"Here goes!" The elf archer boy unleashes released an arrow from his bow making Geisha dodge to the right and shoot one of her needles. A duck and cover is not the type of match Frederick wanted right now. He must take care of her if he is going to help his friend. The best he can do is to make sure that he gives all the time that the brown-haired boy needs to finish this match. He can only hope it will be enough.

()

The Klinks and Swoosh sound were heard throughout the forest as Shaq and Richard continue to try to get the upper hand. A swing from the Brown-haired boy forced the first-ever Omega World Champion to back away and use his speed to get some distance.

"Core Shift! Powerhouse!" Shaq said as his spear transformed into a wider metallic spear. Its head was shaped like a cone while the back had an arrow shape form. The center had a handle that will make the maneuvering of the weapon easier for the user.

"That's awesome. Although why would he do that?" Richard questioned himself. Most of the time Scout vs Scout would be good! Heck, he expected the Core Shift to be Defender as they can easily defeat Scouts. Why would the first time Omega champion shift his class into one who has a major disadvantage against Scouts normally?! In any case...Using his speed the brown-haired boy went after the brown-skinned African hunter but to his surprise, Shaq easily dodged his swift slash from his Kris dagger before this one did a swift swing with it's newly transformed spear which the brown-haired barely dodged.

"Are you surprise Kurosagi? Did you think that just because I change my class to powerhouse using my Core Shift that you would have an advantage against me?"

"To be honest I thought so." Was the reply of the brown-haired boy who proceeds to dodge each and every swift swing. It didn't make any difference if the African native changes his class from a Scout to Powerhouse. He right now was attacked as he was still a scout itself. Being the first-ever world champion must have made him train his classes to a point that it does not matter if the African native goes as a supporter. That made the brown-haired fired up! "But I guess this is why this game is fun!" Richard's diamond necklace glowed a bit before it faded however this was not unnoticed by a certain owner of this game.

()

"Oh!" said Leos as he saw his Hexagon stone glow before it dissipated. "Well, this is very interesting indeed!" The owner of Omega smiled. This tournament will be a very good place to reunite some of the 11 children of the branch families. On the other hand, Leos secretary Inès was thinking. What is her boss's real goal? There has to be a motive to put the first and the last Omega World Champion to battle. It's as if he's trying to test the brown-haired boy and his two other teammates. For now, all she can do is watch this match with her boss.

()

Outside Omega, Alice's Necklace glowed for a bit before it dissipated.

"Eh?... That was strange." Alice said as she looks at the necklace but nevertheless kept looking at the match on the big monitor.

()

Somewhere in Paris inside a room was a girl was on her bed knitting a doll. She was small and has long white hair that cascade through her body as the front of her hair covered her left eye, which was gray while the doll's hair was colored blond and was as long as her creator. She has an emotionless yet mischievous expression on her face. she was dressed like her doll the exception that her doll has short black heels while she has black boots. Her lips are painted in deep black while her doll's lips were colored light red. On her left hand, she had a bracelet that holds a black coffin and on her neck a silver cross. It is surprising how this girl was 13 years of age considering her small petite doll-like body. As she worked she stops for a second when the black coffin bracelet started to glow before dissipating.

"Hmm, interesting." Said the girl.

"My Lady." The girl stops her work to look toward the door to see her butler. He was 40 years old with short white hair and goatee. The butler was dressed in a white buttoned shirt, black pants, black boots, and a black vest. He was very tall towering the petite girl by a foot and a half and he seemed to have a slim body. He has a gold monocle on his left eye and carries a silver watch on his left pocket hanging freely from it but attached by a golden chain that is attached to his pocket.

"Irogan, is there something that you want to inform me?" The old butler took his monocle off and from his pocket, he cleaned said monocle with a white sheet before putting it back to his left eye.

"Yes, it seems that an invitation was given to you by the father of your childhood friend."

"Oh really?" Now that got the girl's interest. What would Leos want with her now?

"...Yes. It seems that a tournament is being held and he wants you to participate in it."

"Participate?" Now, why would he invite her to a tournament of the game?

"This letter might answer your questions." He hands over the letter and she read it.

"I see...Interesting indeed." Her lips curled upwards before she looks at her doll and put it on her ear. "Ah, yes Magdalene I think so too. Hmm, what's that? Do you want to participate too? I do not mind at all it seems that is the goal of Leos after all."

"My lady. Is it time?" The butler asked. She handed the invitation to Irogan before finishing knitting Magdalene and getting off her big queen size bed.

"It seems that way Irogan. Leos seems to think so too. I will not be surprised if they start to make their move once we start to gather together in this tournament. From the way he is inviting me to this tournament and the way he wrote the letter, he seems to think that as soon as the tournament starts or when it is at its climax they will do something." The girl said to him.

"I see. The invitation also said that you must at least fight one of the teams listed here."

"Hmm..." She looks at the list. There were a lot of names in there but not too many caught her interest. There was one team that caught her eye and that was Team Alpha a team that formed three months ago in Russia and have been the hot talk in Paris. The team consisted of 4 girls led by Aeris Russo daughter of a former Omega Pro player Senna Russo. Right now Aeris' mother is working as a communicator from one of the big malls in Russia which holds the 3rd biggest Omega game, the second being this one here in Paris and the largest being in America. Maybe she can pick...Just then she saw a very intriguing name. "Irogan?"

"Yes My Lady?"

"Who...is this Team Omega?" Irogan looks at the name.

"Ah, Yes! I believe that's the new team that has been talked about. It consists of 3 members. Two males and one female. I believe last year's Omega World Champion is leading them?"

"Oh?!" This got the white-haired girl's attention. She has seen the boy battle before. She has to admit he has good potential also that aura of his was incredible. However, his true potential hasn't been unlocked yet as he still lacks the energy to use even a special move or ability. With Him being the core he at least has the ability to shift into any class however the risk of being eliminated means the whole team loses the match similar to a power plant. Remove its core and it will not function at all unless there's an emergency one and in this game there's none. "If that is the case...I think I have my choice!" her lips went upward as she said that. It has been a while since she has made her presence known in the world of Omega plus going outside once in a while won't hurt a bit. "Irogan, is there a possible way that I can attend Lycée High?"

"...I see. I will seek to it that the arrangement for you to attend is accepted."

"Hmm, see that you do."

()

Richard felt something inside him. He took it as adrenaline as he was having a fun match with the first-ever Omega World Champion. Shaq had the same feeling only this one of having the perfect prey. He hasn't had this much of a challenge ever since "they" arrived. It is no surprise to him that the boy in front of him is following their footsteps. That is why he must test him if he got what it takes to lead this team to higher grounds.

"Shall we finish this hunting game, Richard Kurosagi?"

"Well, as much as I don't want this fun game to end I guess we must, right?"

"Seems we are in an agreement, well then..." Shaq starts concentrating before a bright yellow aura surrounds him. "Haaaaaaah!!" Shaq let out a battle scream before the ground shook.

"Awesome," Richard whispered.

"Now then..." With this new aura, Shaq went on a speed that made the brown-haired boy instantly raise his dagger up to block the spear. This, however, was short-lived as the African native former champion used his newfound strength to overpower the teen resulting in Richard flying toward the trees breaking one of them in half.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" were the grunts of pain from the last year's champion as he tries to recover. However, it was not meant to be as he had to react even faster to the upcoming attack from Shaq who was already instantly on the offensive. The brown-haired boy tries to use his speed to an advantage but Shaq's power-up has given him equal speed.

"You won't escape me easily this time." The African native said before this one lunge himself into the brown-haired boy who barely escapes the attack and only gut grazed in the left shoulder.

"Good thing this is a game. Otherwise, this will sting for weeks." Richard said even thou it still stung in the game it will not transfer to the real world thanks to the safety program. He will have to defeat Shaq now but he wonders what can he do to let the first time Omega singles champion guard off for a split second before he unleashes his new finishing technique. Well, he will have to think while fighting because Shaq continued the pressure. Sidestep left, duck, sidestep right, sidestep left, attack, block, block, sidestep right, attack. This was one of the many patterns that this fight was following x5 speed the normal human. Richard was now figuring out each move of Shaq and was now ready to counter-attack. After a few attempts by Shaq the African native try to swipe Richard but to his surprise the brown-haired boy anticipated this move and caught the spear with his free hand.

"What?" was the surprise response from him.

"It was difficult to figure out your pattern but I manage to do it," Richard said as his dagger glowed brightly. "Sorry but this game is over Shaq!" with his dagger charged up before unleashing his attack. "White Dragon Strike Fang!" Richard swung his sword. Shaq didn't have enough time and took a slash that quickly transformed into a white line that sends him flying.

"Huahhh!!" screamed the African native who kept going until it crashed on one of the trees before a huge explosion occurred.

()

Meanwhile, Frederick and Geisha stopped their battle when the ground shakes.

"What the?" Frederick said before he heard the announcer's voice.

"Team Hunter's core has been defeated, Team Hunter has been eliminated. Result: Team Omega Wins!" And with that, they were all transported back to reality.

Outside the remaining players appeared from the teleporters.

"Phew, that was a ride," Richard said sighing.

"Way to go, Richard!" Alice said happily that they won.

"It was indeed a very good one."

"Oh Shaq." the six people involved looked at each other.

"That was a great match I say, mate. I was really surprised about your arrows boy."

"Thanks your hunting instincts were a bit unpredictable."

"I see great things from this group. Just like a group we face back a week ago." Geisha said.

"Ah, yes. Her group was formidable. Hmm, perhaps she will come here."

"Another group?"

"Yes, she seemed excited to come back to this city said it has been a while."

"Well, whoever she is I can't wait to face her!" Richard said with excited fire in his eyes. The other two sighed but expected this reaction for him. New people equals new opponents for the brown-haired boy and they, of course, will be going for the ride with him.

()

As the conversation with Team Omega and Team Hunter continued. Somewhere in Paris, a 16-year-old long pink-haired Caucasian teen with light purple eyes looked at her necklace. The necklace had a small silver Rubix cube. The Rubix cube a few minutes ago started to move on its own. It wasn't the first time though as She called her parents the previous time who replied that they will investigate as soon as they have free time. Her mother works in Omega as one of the operators of the game in Russia while her father works as a scientist in the same country. She was given this cube during her 13th Birthday as a gift. She solved it within 2 days afterward but every time she went to sleep the cube was in a different place than she put it. She found it strange but shrugged it off as her nanny moving it herself. But now it happened again but this time on its own. The Rubix of Knowledge...this was one of the rumored 12 pieces.

"Aeris." The pink-haired beauty looked to her right to see one of her teammates. The girl was the same age but a few inches taller than her. Her hair was very short and was colored brown. Her eyes a mystical blue sea color her face very serious and noble. She was dressed in a black and white dirndl with long white socks and black short heels.

"Adel."

"Is something wrong? You were watching the Rubix of Knowledge react."

"Um, no. is just..."

"...Hmm, I see. Do you think the stories that we were told be true?"

"About how the 12 children fought against the Dragon Seifer? Come now, that's just a fairytale. None of that is true."

"So you say but it does not explain why you space out or have this...dreams about the past. Plus the fact that Genre mentioned that she heard a different rhythm when her piece glowed." Aeris sighed. Maybe she just wants to deny it but it kind of scares her that having the Rubix of Knowledge meant having the history of previous holders and their experiences. Genre had the Sharp of Sinfonia which allowed her to read the heart rhythm of the people around her. She has used this to master her skills as their wall by using different genres of music. The more hardcore the rhythm the more violent the walls become and the softer the song the more fluent her defenses become.

"But..."

"In any case let us go we will have to study in this city's high school."

"Ah, yes! We must! I think the name is Lycée High. I just hope that they are there as well."

"You mean your childhood friends?" Aeris nodded. She is very excited to see Richard and Alice after three years. Those three years, were a bit difficult but she manages to pull through thanks to her new friends/teammates. Aeris and her group have been talked about for months as Team Alpha the best team that consists of 4 different countries: Russia, Japan, the U.S.A., and Germany. While they could go to any of the representative tournaments Aeris was given an invitation from Kishima Corp. to participate in France's tournament. As the core of the group, it was her decision of whether to accept or decline the offer.

"Is everyone ready?" The two turn around to see two teens. The one on the left was a teen that seems to be hailing from America who was around 4"10 which was about four inches smaller than Aeris and around 6 on Adel. She had a bob cut hairstyle only a bit longer than the usual bob cut hair and it was colored blonde. Her eyes were blue. Her figure was a bit loli and was dressed in a red blouse and dark blue skirt. She wore long black socks and black sneakers with the soles colored white. She wore headphones with the ear-pads colored black while the rest of the headphone was colored platinum. On her neck a necklace with a transparent Sharp symbol use in music notes. She seemed to be a year younger than them. The one on the right was older than them and she was an Asian, Japanese to be more precise. She was slightly taller than Adel by two inches. Her hair was semi-long and black tied in a fishtail style, while her eyes were brown. She was dressed in a white long sleeves shirt and black jeans. She wore white sandals.

"Yuma. Genre." Genre nodded then proceeded to listen to the music she was hearing a note from her banging her head up and down was an indication from the girls that she was listening to a metal song right now.

"We are. Aeris seems to have been worried about the Rubix." Adel said.

"Hmm, well we can't do much about that. We still don't know anything and her parents haven't given the news about it. We can only assume on the stories that we were told when we were little kids." Yuma answered before Genre turned the volume of her headphones down.

"Tournament...we might find the answers there." She might be right, maybe the owner knows something about this. Until then they will have to wait, so until that time. Aeris will have to be patient and hope she can reunite with her childhood friends.