- Eric -

After those two were told the news, they froze in a state of bewilderment, equally as confused as they were surprised. It seemed like the thought of the two of them working together was completely foreign to them.

It’s not too surprising considering they had been studying separately. They most likely have little to no experience fighting together and synchronizing their techniques.

“I’ll let you guys make of it what you will. You may need to make some preparations for the contest if you wish to come out victorious.” Edward sighed and flapped his hand at them, clearly not satisfied with their bland reaction to his reveal. “You’re dismissed.”

“Okay…” Julia eventually uttered. “Then we’ll be going.” The two of them turned and left the room.

I proceeded to make my report, detailing the pace of the many projects taking place around the city and the progress of various student campaigns. To end it off, I shared the events concerning the boy’s training and improvements over time.

“Principal Edward?”

Edward’s eyes dulled as he leafed quickly through a stack of papers on his desk, occasionally picking out specific documents.

With the coming division assessment, the amount of paperwork related to the preparation was tremendous, not to mention the incoming orders from the Mayer’s executive committee and the branching academies.

Though the work is divided between the administrative committee and student council, the bulk of the decisions and confirmation is directed by Edward himself. He’s probably been running around all day.

“Yes?” He sighed.

“If I may ask, why do you act so favorably toward those two?” I questioned. “Especially that boy.”

He went out of his way to personally assign the task of tutoring the boy to me, saying it would be a useful experience.

I cannot comprehend why I have to babysit a first-year when I could be getting real experience with a larger testing group.

Edward looked up at me and scoffed. “Isn’t that obvious? I’m sure you’ve noticed as well.” He tossed his work aside and leaned carelessly back in his chair. “Those two are geniuses among geniuses; They twist the very definition of being a prodigy. That type of talent must be nurtured in a suitable environment.”

“Of course I’ve noticed. I’m sure those two are unknowing to how their existence will impact the future of our society. But haven’t you considered the risks?” I adjusted my glasses, fixing my gaze on the principal, “Their emotions are yet to be sorted out and their ambitions are as loose as they come. They pose a threat to this city’s safety.”

Edward grumbled and stood up. “I know all that.” He turned around and walked over to the window behind his desk. “That Michael doesn’t know what to do with himself, so he’s jumping at every opportunity to fight someone in hopes of learning something. Young Julia is unsure of her future and has nowhere to go, so she throws herself into her studies to distract herself.”

I clicked my tongue, “If you know that then-“

“Eric.” Edward turned away from the window and faced me. “I told you, those two are special. This has a lot more to do with than just one little city.”

He lowered back down into his chair and leaned over his desk. “You came to this academy and asked to study under me. If you want to see what I'm trying to do, then watch. Watch and try to understand. Now’s your time to observe how professionals operate and how everything I’ve done up until now is essential to the agenda.” He silently returned to his work, making it clear that the conversation was over.

What do you mean essential to the agenda? That kid is just throwing himself around aimlessly with no plan. He hasn’t thought about how he can truly build himself towards his goals, whatever they may be.

I turned away from Edward, furrowing my brow in frustration. “I’ll be excusing myself now.” I left hastily and strutted down the hall back towards my office.

No use thinking so hard on this. It’ll be more rational to do as he said and observe his plans. I have to find what I'm missing.

In the meantime, I better get some work done. The Kaiser family is never short on things to do after all.

- Michael -

“We’re fighting together? You and me?”

“Ugh, Is your brain functioning? Yes, that’s what Edward told us.”

Julia and I have just left Edward’s office and returned to the council room. We sat at the round table by the door and went over the things we learned in the conversation.

“We just gotta accept that we’ll be fighting together,” Julia concluded. “Now we should start by getting getting familiar with each other’s fighting styles, as well as reviewing Aidin’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Wow, she really has this thought out. I should expect nothing less from a study addict such as herself.

I heard she’s always at the top of the class in terms of grades. It seems I’m not the only one that couldn’t keep up with her study-aholic tendencies.

“I have magic compatibility with three magic forms, Vector, Alteration, and Basic. I’m primarily a type two mage specializing in an Alteration-form Algorithm called ‘Creation’. While my firepower is relatively low, the various things I can create and alter are versatile and can amend most situations.”

She finished talking and stared at me expectantly, as if to say it’s-your-turn.

Hey, I’m not that much of a dolt when it comes to a conversation. When one person finishes sharing, the other person proceeds, I know that much.

It’s just basic group talk theory. She can at least give me a little bit of credit in that department.

“It’s my turn I guess. I can use all the magic forms and I’m a close-range fighter. I can also fight from long-range if necessary.”

After I finished sharing, Julia simply stared at the table idly, twirling her hair on her finger.

After a few moments of awkward silence, she eventually noticed that I was done talking.

“Wait, that’s it? I didn’t learn a thing from that short explanation.”

“Well there’s not much more to explain is there?” I responded. “I fight people up close, I can use elementary vector attacks, and… that’s pretty much it.”

Julia’s expression quickly turned flat. “What a boooring way of fighting.”

“Hey! It’s a great way to fight. It gets things done quickly and efficiently and gives me lots of options in a fight.” I argued.

Appeasing Julia was as hard a task as they came. For me especially because she seemed to find everything I liked or specialized in boring or too simplistic.

A wise man once said that the best wish granted was not riches, but temperance. I wholeheartedly agree with this motto.

Indeed, a simple life is best.

Julia sighed upon seeing my self-justified face. “Well we’ll leave it at that. Let’s go over Aidin’s fighting style now.”

A bead of sweat rolled down my face.

Even though I was able to stand up to it, I sustained major injuries when fighting against Aidin and his magic. It took a broken arm and bruises from head to toe for me to land a single strike on him.

Yes, this was the most important part of this discussion. Aidin’s frightening manner of fighting and his even more monstrous superhuman abilities.

If we don’t find a way around it, no matter what we do,

We can’t win.