“Watch out!”

“It’s bigger than we thought!”

“Vector, sweep the leg! Me and Prism’ll draw it’s fire!”

Julia stared in awe at the TV, glued to the screen, as the live news story unfolded before her eyes.

“If you’re just tuning in, you’re witnessing a live Wailing attack near the Southern Wayside farms. Team Spectrum are on the scene and...whoa!”

“Can we get a better idea of the situation, Dana?” Asked the news anchor.

“I-I don’t know what to say! Team Spectrum are fighting it off like it’s nothing!” Said the reporter covering the story. “It’s almost down already!”

“Wailing don’t stand a chance!” Julia proclaimed, standing up dynamically.

“Julia, can you calm down?” Asked Florey beside her, cowering behind his pillow. “You know I don’t like loud noises. Or scary Wailing.”

“So-rry, Flo-rey.” Julia sang, in too good a mood to take him seriously. “Team Spectrum are just so awesome!”

“If you say so…” Florey quivered, covering his eyes.

“What’s it looking like for the public?” Asked the anchor.

“Townsfolk are waiting on the sidelines as the Venators take care of the Wailing. They seem to trust in Team Spectrum enough to watch the fight firsthand.” Dana explained.

“Go back to hell!” Yelled a crowd member to the Wailing, as the others cheered in tandem.

“Don’t mess with the Southern Wayside!” Another one added, catching the attention of the Wailing and throwing it off its guard. It snarled directly into the camera.

“No…” Florey cowered, covering his eyes with his blanket, as the cameraman caught the Wailing throwing a member of Team Spectrum into a nearby boulder. “Please go away…”

“Florey, you baby.” Julia joked. “They’re totally gonna win!”

“Why can’t the Wailing just leave…” Florey asked.

Julia wrapped an arm around him. “Wailing don’t do that, silly! But we’ll be Venators too someday, then we can take out Wailing with Team Spectrum!”

“…oka-“ Florey said, before the pair heard the front door slam shut with a deliberate thud. Julia realised it must be her parents coming home, as they started bickering to one another about this and that. Mum sounded particularly angry. Julia turned up the TV to drown them out, as it looked like Team Spectrum was about to lose out to the Wailing. It bit into one of the team members shoulders and thrashed them aside, launching them into each other.

“Ultra’s down, along with X-Ray and Vector! The tide turned quickly, but it looks like the Wailing has the upper hand!” Dana frantically explained.

The Wailing gave out a vicious roar, exposing its fangs to the crowd, as some of the townsfolk fled from the scene now that Team Spectrum was down for the count.

“Come on…” Julia begged, grasping her hands together. “Get up…”

“Wait…” Said the reporter. “Prism’s come back around! He’s grabbed the Wailing by its teeth!”

“Holy shit!” Julia exclaimed, jumping up and down.

“Julia, we shouldn’t swear!” Florey complained, still covering his eyes from the screen.

“It looks like…yes! With a clear shot, Infra took the Wailing out with a single blow! Incredibly done!” The reporter cheered.

“Nobody messes with Team Spectrum!” Julia exclaimed, grabbing her mock Venator weapon and brandishing it proudly, her brown hair majestically flowing. “Take that, you dumb Wailing!” She started swinging it around, getting Florey to come out of his shell a little, as the arguing in the other room only seemed to get louder.

“…so that’s my job now? I can’t always be on…”

“…no, I’m not ASKING you to…”

“…this is just so typical!...”

Julia ignored them and returned her attention to the screen, as the reporter headed over to Team Spectrum, picking themselves up after the fight.

“I-is it dead?” Dana asked.

“Yeah, we got it. You can relax now.” The leader said, grabbing his teammates hand and pulling him up. “Just be glad we were here when it got snacky.”

“Oh, thank you!” Cried a villager, running up to him. “You’ve saved my families lives!”

“All part of the Venator gig.” He said, brandishing a heroic smile. “I mean, the pay’s pretty good too.”

“That was amazing what you pulled off!” Dana said, still a little out of breath from the excitement.

“What I pulled off? Infra got the last hit in. By the way, thanks, Infra!” He said, pointing to the figure perched up on a nearby cliff side with a large rifle, who gave a thumbs up back. “And Prism made the shot possible. Plus, Vector and Ultra weakened it just as much, and I’d like to think I did my fair share.” He laughed. “I’m the leader. My team’s what makes me.”

“Truly remarkable words coming from Team Spectrum’s leader, X-Ray. I think it’s fair to sa-“

Julia muted the TV as the reporter babbled on, watching fixated at Team Spectrum in the background, high-fiving and hugging each other after a job well done.

“Wow…” Julia remarked, as she heard the door behind her open up and her dad walk in.

“Alright, kiddo, time for bed.” He said, turning off the TV. “You too, Florey. You better get back home so your folks don’t worry.”

“Okay, Mr Alpine.” Florey said, grabbing his bag on the way out. “See you at school, Julia!”

“Bye!” She said back, waving to him, before turning to her dad. “Can I stay up?”

“No, you definitely can’t.” He said, picking her up. “You’ve got a strict eight thirty bed time. And I’m the adult, so what I say goes.”

“But Bell gets to stay up way later!”

“Bell’s four years older and at Amanda’s house. Nice try.” He reasoned, carrying Julia off to her room, with Julia trying to wriggle out as best she could. Eventually, she gave in and let him carry her, as he gently tucked her into her bed.

“Wait, where’s Maxie?” Julia worried, frantically looking around for him.

“I got it, I got it.” Her dad said, pulling a stuffed fox out from under the bed and handing it to her.

Julia hugged Maxie and slipped him under the covers with her, before seeing her dads slightly saddened face lost in thought.

“Is mum still angry at you?” Julia asked, as her dad looked off in slight discomfort, but tried his best to put on a convincing smile.

“You should get some rest…” He said, leaning over and kissing Julia’s forehead, before turning off the light and heading out of her room. Julia waited until he was definitely down the hall to get up and check on him. She saw him walking past the main bedroom and heading to the lounge room, grabbing a couple sheets from the cupboard and setting up his bed on the couch. Julia headed back to bed, wondering how she could help her dad, as she stared up at her Venator posters plastering the ceiling. She grabbed Maxie and started nodding off to sleep.

“I’ll be a Venator…I promise…”

———

ADDRESSED TO Julia Alpine REGARDING ENROLMENT

We hope this letter sees you well,

We have written to say that your application to the Venator Academy has been accepted. Your semester will start early spring along with the rest of your classmates.

As you know, the Venator Academy is an institution that prides itself on exceptional industry training, state of the art combat facilities, and teaching the values of teamwork and unity through the Venator Team program. As a soon-to-be student, we would ask that you keep this reputation in mind when representing the academy, and understand that attending this academy is a rare privilege that should not be wasted. Enclosed is the necessary paperwork for your enrolment, which is to be completed and handed in at the start of your new semester, along with subsequent payment. Any prior weaponry should also be registered with the Venator Standards and Practices before the start of semester.

While the Venator Academy is known to produce teams of capable and revered Venators, be reminded that success is not, and will not, be handed to you and will entirely be dependent on you. You will have to work hard for your position at the academy, and the subsequent positions of your teammates. Their success and yours will be linked throughout the duration of your course.

With all that said, best of luck to you. You’ve made it this far, so let’s see how much farther you’ll go.

SIGNED Principal Faller

———

Julia read over her acceptance letter again and again, still in disbelief. Her application had taken a while, and her results on the physical weren’t as great as others, but she still got in, despite not being an established name, and the first of her family to even register.

She took a seat by the train station with her luggage, waiting for the Flash-Rail to arrive, as she idly scanned the station terminal, noticing the glow of a monitor on the platform displaying the most recent news of the last week.

“…and after years of service, the heroic Team Spectrum have officially retired as of today. As stated in a recent press release, ‘both our ages and our love for sitting on our asses prevents us working any further. We wish luck to the future Venator teams in their ambitious endeavours.’ Interesting words from a beloved team. We here at CPNN will be mourning their absence from the field...”

Julia found herself laughing at Team Spectrum’s statement, but would be lying if she said the news didn’t upset her. Team Spectrum had been part of her Venator journey for so long. Seeing them out of commission felt…

“I hope this isn’t a bad omen.” She remarked, as she heard the train pulling into the station. The Flash-Rail slowly rolled into view, as Julia took her seat aboard, right next to the window so she could watch the city pass her by on the way to the academy.

“Next stop: Venator Academy. Five minutes to departure.”

Julia braced herself against the seat, as the nerves she tried to convince herself weren’t there suddenly reappeared.

This is it… She thought to herself. I’ll finally see it up close! Detu City.

Julia tried to calm her breathing, as the train slowly pulled out from the station, crawling along the connected rail into the air. “It’s like a roller coaster…” Julia remarked, before the train shot off down the rail and out of the station, as the city unfolded from the windows for the passengers to see. Suburbs surrounded skyscrapers, all climbing into the sky, with people going about their days in the distance, as the Flash-Rail sent Julia over the lower end housing straight towards…

“Venator Academy…” Julia said, staring out the window, fixated on the shiny complex coming out from the city, surrounded by a moat and large forest off to side, as its buildings stood proudly in the centre, calling Julia forward. Julia’s nervous flashes started coming back, as the realisation that this was happening finally hit her. She wasn’t just jumping around her bedroom with a foam sword and stuffed Wailing. She was here. She was…already here, actually.

“Next stop: Detu Central. Five minutes to departure.”

Julia snapped back to reality and grabbed her bags before jumping off the train. The Flash-Rail had stopped outside the large walkway leading to the main building of Venator Academy, the skyscraper encased in glass and historic furnishings, as several students were dotted around it, all carrying full bags and luggage, some chatting amongst themselves.

“Today’s the da-“ Julia started, before someone bumped into her, rushing off before they could say anything, as Julia took a second to readjust herself.

“Well, that was rude.” Julia said, brushing off her yellow flannel. “And on the first day, too.”

She continued down the exquisite walkway, leading beautifully to the main building entrance, as the moats that ran parallel to the walkway caught Julia’s curious eye. “I think I read about these…” She mumbled to herself. “They acted as barriers to any Wailing who couldn’t wade through them, and gave Venators time to strategise in case the academy was being attacked…”

“There was also a rumour that Wailing couldn’t touch water, but that turned out to just be a myth.” Said a voice behind Julia, as she spun around to see who it belonged to.

She saw a girl with long white hair, a tired expression, and several bags under her eyes and on the ground being dragged behind her. She was smiling right at Julia.

“Hi there.” She said. “Glad I’m not the only nerd here.”

“N-nerd?” Julia asked, now on guard.

“Don’t worry. It’s a compliment.” She grinned. “My ex was a bit of a history buff, so I just picked up a couple things from her. You a first year?”

“Y-yes, and I’m guessing you are too?” Julia said, indicating to the girl’s bags.

“Got it in one. I’m Chops.” She said, sticking out her hand, as Julia tried not to laugh.

“Is that your real name?” Julia giggled, shaking her hand back.

Chops smirked. “Maybe. But I’m not gonna tell you if it is.”

Julia smiled, happy that Chops looked to be a normal enough person. Chops jumped onto the wall adorning the side of the walkway, as her and Julia kept walking and talking down toward the main building.

“A drifter?” Julia asked.

“Well, I was. I’m staying here for a three-year degree, after all, so I can’t really call myself one anymore.” Chops explained. “I mostly bummed around the countryside, sleeping on whatever couch I could find. And the occasional bed, too.” She winked, causing Julia to blush. “Then I became old enough to get a degree, and decided to make something of myself. Wailing combat felt right, and you know wha-“ She started, before her footing betrayed her and she fell off the wall, head first into the ground.

A brief second passed before Chops realised she should’ve hit the ground already, as she opened her eyes and noticed she was still falling, but with nearly no momentum. Off to the side, she saw Julia holding out her hands, eyes closed and thoroughly concentrating, and realised her fall had been slowed significantly by Julia herself. She was gently lain against the ground, as she got up and dusted herself off properly. Julia finally let go of her breath and bent over, exhausted.

“So…” Chops said. “You didn’t tell me you had a Whil.”

“You…didn’t ask.” Julia panted.

“Touché.” Chops replied. “Thanks though, for real. I probably would’ve, like, died.”

“…no problem.” Julia replied, having recovered, as Chops leaned against Julia’s bags and stared up at her curiously.

“Go on. Give me the details.” Chops asked.

“Of my Whil?” Julia wondered.

“Not everyone’s got one, and most of them are different. So, I wanna know yours.” She asked.

Julia realised they wouldn’t make anymore progress with Chops holding them both up, and sighed in acceptance. “Well, mine appeared around twelve, I think, and all of a sudden, I was slowing down and speeding up things I could see, if I concentrated hard enough. But, I’m still not great with it.” Julia admitted, before laughing a little. “Honestly, it was a fifty-fifty chance whether I’d slow you down or send you into the pavement even harder.”

Julia noticed Chops had a notebook out, scribbling down everything Julia was saying, with an impressively detailed sketch of her beside it.

“Excellent. Velocity Control.” Chops remarked, jotting a few more things down. “Another first.”

“Another? Don’t tell me…” Julia said, as she flipped the pages on the side of the book to see far more filled out with records of different Whils. “Whoa! You’ve recorded so many!”

“This is volume four.” Chops bragged, as Julia stared at her with pure amazement. “I’d lend it to you, buuut…orientation day means way more people I haven’t met, so I’m gonna do a lot more recording. Speaking of which…”

Chops looked to the building, as Julia realised they’d already cleared the walkway and arrived at the entrance from their walk and talk. “You’re welcome.” Chops said, grabbing her bags off the ground. “I’ve got some people I wanna meet. If you’re lucky, I’ll catch you around.”

“Y-yeah.” Julia said, waving Chops off as she headed into the building with a loveable confidence and grace. Julia’s nerves were finally going down.

“What an interesting girl.” Julia said to herself.

“She could do with a haircut.” Said a voice beside her, as she turned to see a man standing next to her in a well pressed suit. He looked up at the academy. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Julia cocked her head in confusion. “What is?”

“The building.” He said, staring at its commanding stature, climbing high into the sky, seemingly forever. “There’s plenty of history in this academy.”

“Are you a teacher here?” Julia asked.

“I’m the Vice Principal.” He responded, his gaze still fixed, as he readjusted his suit.

“Are you…busy?” Julia wondered.

He sighed openly. “I wanted some air and alone time.”

Julia took the ‘subtle’ hint and grabbed her bags to head inside, before he took notice and tried to get her attention.

“Might I give a recommendation? Since you’re new.” He interjected, as Julia turned to him. “Do you know of the welcome event set up tomorrow for the students?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t recommend going.”

Julia looked confused. “Why not?”

“You’ll find out afterwards, but I wouldn’t suggest it.” He advised.

Julia nodded slowly and headed inside the building, hoping their conversation was really over and that he wasn’t staring at her now.

What a weird guy… She thought, checking over her shoulder to see if he was still there. It’s just a fete…

Julia headed to the front office and stood in line, paperwork in hand, as she waited for the students in front to hand everything in.

“New student?” The clerk asked.

“Yeah, first day.” Julia replied.

“Paperwork and payment.” The clerk said with a professional precision, as Julia handed both in. The clerk took a few minutes, shuffling and unshuffling papers, moving this and that around, momentarily forgetting their place, then continuing, before handing Julia her ID card. “Temporary dorms are set up in the academy hall. Once you have your team members by tomorrow, you’ll move into the official dorm rooms together.”

“Do I get t-“

“Any complaints or questions should be given to the Dorms Advisor or your Student Representative.” They answered, returning their attention to their papers. “Thank you.”

Julia realised she was holding up the line behind her and quickly shuffled along, checking the academy map on her tablet and heading straight for the academy hall.

I’ll check out the school grounds later. Let’s drop these bags off first.

Julia found the large doors leading to the hall, and opened them to reveal an enormous number of students all packed into the giant room. Beds were set up in rows, plenty occupied with luggage and people, as large groups seemed to have formed naturally as the day passed. Julia froze stiff at the sight of so many strangers invading her view. The large groups of already established friends were especially intimidating.

She tried to steel her mind as best she could before entering the hall, blocking out the mental image of worst-case scenarios.

Come on, Julia. New school, new you. Chops was nice, your dad’s nice, and you’re nice. They can be nice too.

Julia breathed out before shuddering her way through the hall, bags in tow, trying to find a bed that wasn’t surrounded by an absurd number of people. Eventually, a spare bed caught her eye, and she worriedly hurried over, nearly tripping over her own bags in the fray. For a second, it seemed like she was about to reach it without interacting with anyone else in the hall.

Well, except for the giant woman who took up the bed with her bags.

She was hunched over, staring down at something menacingly and blocking the walkway with her torso. Julia stared back at her back, trying not to collapse to her knees, as she was already intimidated just from her bulky physique and…long blonde hair?

“U-uh, excuse m-me…” Julia shuddered, tapping her shoulder gently, as the woman slowly turned around with noticeable presence. “I-I uhh…umm…”

She looked straight down at Julia, like a skyscraper of her own. Julia gulped loudly.

“Hey, do you know where the academy Spire is?” The woman asked, tapping away at her tablet casually, her bag slung over her shoulder. “I can’t find the updated map on my tablet. I asked some other first years, but they were about as clueless as me.”

Julia stood still, trying not to make any sudden moves, as the woman waved a hand in front of Julia’s face.

“Hello? You good, cutie?” She asked. “I really just need the map. I can find my own way.”

Julia returned to consciousness and assessed the impressive woman. She appeared to be about twenty, just a year older then Julia, though much fitter and muscular, with a lovely red tank top, flowing, majestic hair, and…

Julia realised she was staring and forced herself to blink. “Yes?”

“…map?” The woman replied, holding out her tablet.

“S-sure.” Julia said, grabbing the tablet and scrolling through the academy’s main webpage. “Just here.”

The woman smiled. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” The woman noticed Julia’s bags and quickly deduced what she was looking for. “Were you looking for a bed?”

Julia slowly nodded, as the woman smiled and grabbed her bags off the bed.

“Go ahead and take it. I’m heading around the school most of the day anyway, so it’s the least I can do.” She nudged an elbow into Julia’s side. “Plus, if you have any nightly plans, you should have the proper setting, right?”

Julia found her blush returning, as the woman grinned openly.

“Hate to leave you high and dry, but I best be off. See ya whenever.” She said, grabbing her bags and walking off with a deliberate swing in her step, as Julia subconsciously stared.

She was like a real-life amazon. Julia thought. And she’s in my year…

Julia pumped her fist a little, thrilled about this recent development, as she watched the woman head around the corner and out of sight.

I wonder what her day’s been like…

———

Harley didn’t know how to feel.

Though she was enjoying herself, Harley’s first day had been pretty disorienting so far, but she was surprised with just how out of her element she felt. The academies layout was like a labyrinth, and the supposedly noticeable Spire was very unnoticeable.

At least that girl was helpful… Harley thought to herself. What kind of academy updates the map on orientation day?

Harley sighed and frizzed her blonde hair to calm herself. She turned the corner, before being blocked off by two girls walking back into the hall.

“But no one saw it coming! They just retired right out of th-Liddy, Liddy! Look!” One of them exclaimed, excitedly pointing at Harley.

“Ah-ohmy-wow…” The other stammered, looking a little flush. “She’s so big.”

“Can we get a photo together?” The first girl asked, having trouble standing still.

“Uhh, sure.” Harley shrugged, getting in the middle of them and giving a giant grin, as they took a photo with their tablet.

“Liddy!” The girl yelled, pointing at the photo. “We got a photo with a really pretty third year!”

Pretty? Harley blushed, before double taking. Wait, third year?

“Is that what we’ll look like after our degrees, Rose?” Liddy asked her friend eagerly, as Rose swung the tablet around joyously.

“I hope so! We’ll probably shoot up in height at some point!” Rose suggested, as Harley couldn’t help but smile at their childlike wonder.

Let’s not dash their dreams.

“We gotta show this off! See ya, Miss Big Lady!” Rose waved, running off with Liddy in tow, as Harley waved back.

“Try good food and exercise! And keep it consistent!” Harley yelled to them, before laughing to herself and continuing on her way down the academy halls.

Harley marvelled at the beautiful architecture of the academy and the fascinating connection of old and new aesthetic. Clear updates had been made to the exterior of an older building, as the halls felt fresh and classic all at once. State-of-the-art reinforced walls lined her walk, with gothic detailing on each edge, and beautiful large archways that brought it all together.

“It’s like a generational cocktail.” She commented, knocking against the pillars cornering the halls with her knuckles. “These have to be a century old, at least. And a Northern Wayside build too…”

Her next stop was the academy training grounds, which were noticeably less built up than the main buildings. Large flat plains marked with outlines captured the outside of the academy, stretching far enough to prove their necessity for the students and staff. A few students were already jumping around them, showing off their weapons and Whils.

Harley thought about joining them, but wanted to preserve her strength for her new team, whoever they may be.

Of course, the official dorms just across from the training grounds were the next best stop. Built taller and wider than most of what was on campus, with rooms just big enough for five, and halls large enough for way more. The notice board full of events and off-campus programs caught Harley’s eye, as she snickered at a couple of the listings.

“Alternative music act needed for local bar.” Harley read aloud. “That’s pretty vague…”

She stopped by a vending machine on the same floor and grabbed a drink, appreciating her self-made alone time. So far, Harley’s tour had been exactly what she needed, and truly showed the best the academy had to offer.

But nothing compared to the Spire.

“Holy shit.” Harley remarked, staring at the exterior of the large tower in the middle of the academy. Just in the middle of the main buildings stood a large pillar climbing into the sky, an architectural staple of the grounds that was here before most of the modern updates, encased in a near perfect sheet of marble. The inside was entirely hollow, save for a winding staircase that circled it, leading to the top.

“It’s exactly how I pictured it.” Harley said, admiring its furnishing as she inspected the inside. “We reach to the skies, from down on the ground...” Harley sung to herself, remembering the songs she was sung before bed when she was a kid. “So Gods can all hear, our beautiful sounds.”

She wandered about the inside, spinning around its spiralling interior.

“We play it for them, as thanks for our bread…”

The vertigo started getting to her.

“They play it for us, to welcome the dead.”

She pinched the brim of her nose, recovering and taking one last look at the Spire, before a yell rang out from the academy halls and Harley assumed a combative stance. She spotted a girl walking by in a black dress, bitterly stomping about with her bags in tow, as a sharply dressed man in distress followed behind her, trying to get her attention.

Harley rushed to see what was going on, hurrying around the corner, before bumping into a girl in a suit also rushing around the corner.

“Relias.” The girl said, before hurrying off without another word, as Harley wondered if that even was a word.

“What the…” Harley said, before remembering she was chasing two people and continuing her effort. She caught them quickly enough, hiding around the corner to stay out of sight, as she found them heading up the stairs, with the man grabbing onto the girl’s sleeve and trying to stop her.

“Miss Nouvel, you mustn’t go any further! Being a Venator is a dangerous business! You can’t be anywhere near it!” The man cried, as the girl threw his hand off and turned to stare him down.

“I refused to be swayed by your false sentiments, Graham.” The girl argued back, continuing up the stairs.

“Your place is back home on the estate. Please don’t fight about this.” Graham begged.

“I will not be talked down to, and don’t you dare parrot my parents to me! I’ve made my decision!” She yelled, taking back her bags, before glaring back at him once again. “You will take yourself back to the family car and leave. I’ve no place for you here.”

Graham was about to continue, but repressed his emotions and decided to bow instead, heading back to the car, as the girl breathed out and rested against the stairs.

Geez, what’s her problem? Harley wondered, looking at the girl’s tired mass. Best not get in the middle of that, whatever it is.

She left the girl to her devices, as the girl ran her hands through her hair, trying to calm herself down.

———

Wess’ day was only getting harder.

First, her parents ‘misplace’ her ticket to the Central Point train, then they insist on Graham accompanying her on the train and family car, despite her only packing two bags worth of items and not even bringing them along with her. Then she finds out that they only sent Graham to convince her to leave the academy after having just gotten there.

And now she was in the academy halls, nearly collapsing from the pressure of her first day.

She let herself take a moment on the steps, processing everything that just happened, before breathing out deeply and shaking herself conscious.

“Come on, Wess. You can’t be late for orientation.” She said to herself, forcing herself up and continuing on her way to the academy courtyard.

Students were gathered in a large mass, all facing forward toward the stage and talking amongst each other, with academy security surrounding them in a large circle encompassing the courtyard. Wess took her place at the back of the group, as an older woman approached the stage with a microphone in hand and a podium being rolled in front of her.

“Hello? One two…” She dryly stated. “I’ll assume you can hear me. Lord knows I’m not checking…”

Wess rolled her eyes, appalled at the lack of manners on display. The woman looked visibly tired, and far too unhappy about it.

“You know why you’re here. I’m not about to explain the purpose of the academy to you, so don’t ask me.” She muttered. “My name is Miss Ferris, and my first name shouldn’t concern you. Please listen, this is...apparently important. Now, the matter of curriculum and boarding…”

Wess checked out of Ferris’ announcements, as she studied the faces in the crowd. Far too many of them looked young and naïve, almost childlike in their gleeful thrill at finally arriving at the academy; They were nothing Wess was looking for.

As soon as orientation is over, I’ll need to be quick. Can’t assume they’d all stay around to converse, after all. Wess thought to herself.

“…which should commence by tomorrow, if all goes to plan.” Ferris droned. “We’ve more to talk about, but now that we’ve covered the basics, lets have a short speech from Principal Faller.”

The audience waited in silence, as Ferris started loudly clapping into the microphone, encouraging the crowd to join along, which they promptly did so. A taller man in a classic suit and orange tie got up and walked to the podium, taking the microphone from Ferris.

“Thank you, Miss Ferris, for your words of…” Faller said, before deliberately trailing off. “By now, I imagine I’ve only talked to you indirectly through your acceptance letter, so I’ve no need to carry over the same sentiments. However, thank you for trusting us with your time.”

“In recent years, our studies have shown that Wailing populations has been increasing drastically, and that the variety and biology of Wailing has become much harder to explain and predict.” He grabbed a remote from the podium and turned on a projector to his side, displaying a ferocious looking Wailing attacking the camera, distinct red markings running down its body, its teeth bared and claws at the ready, with slight speckles of blood staining the camera lens. Several first years backed off in fright, some even audibly gasping.

“Oh gods…” Ferris bemoaned, dragging her hands across her face.

“The traditional Wailing are quite animalistic in appearance, sharing resemblance with large wolves, bears, birds, what have you. When the public think of a Wailing, this is often what will come to mind. But recently…”

Faller turned to the next slide, with another image of a Wailing, carrying the same markings across its body, but this one far more…gelatinous and alien in appearance, with no clear form or structure to it whatsoever. A Venator was captured in the image as well, trying to slice through the Wailing to no effect.

“…they’ve taken a less composed and more unpredictable appearance. Not only that, but the traditional Wailing have become far more hostile in turn, and we are forced to change our tactics in dealing with the Wailing threat.”

“I see potential amongst this crowd. Students come here to learn, grow and evolve; to take on the threat to our lifestyle that is the Wailing. We can’t keep fighting them forever, and we can’t keep using the same tactics either. We must learn to adapt to our surroundings like the Wailing have, and continue to do so. I assure you, innovation will be their downfall, so I ask of you to innovate.”

Wess and the rest of the crowd took a second to let Faller’s words sink in, as Wess watched him lead with a dignity she’d rarely ever seen in person.

“But, truly, I thank you for choosing our institution. The Venator Academy has a proud history as the first Venator training facility, and we hope to finally end this conflict with the Wailing within our lifetime. We do not promise you and your team perfect results, but we will do what we need to. True growth is only ever preceded by pain. But that is how we help others.”

He displayed his palms to the crowd.

“We will help you so that you may help those who need it.”

Faller cleared his throat. “Now, we will have the other teachers and lecturers present themselves and their roles, followed by a welcome event tomorrow morning to get to know you in a less formal setting. I will personally be serving drinks, as compliments of the academy.” Faller remarked. “Mr Cecil, if you will…”

Each teacher took time to explain their place in the academy, most with double billing as head of two or more facilities, before Faller took to the podium again for his closing words.

“By tomorrow, you should know who your teammates for the remainder of your degree will be, and I ask of you to appreciate them. People in constant close proximity have a tendency to clash, and personalities may not always mix, but look to them not as an academy requirement, but an equal, and a person to share your time with. You’re all Venators in training, so remember to balance your fist with an open palm. With all that said…” He bowed politely to the crowd. “Thank you for your time.”

A light applause broke out as he left, as the students started fanning out into little groups, some heading off to do their own thing and others sticking around to talk to teachers and classmates. Wess looked over the students remaining and planned a route out for optimal networking, as she pulled out her tablet and readied her appearance.

I’ll find the best candidates and insist that we become part of the same team. My family name should carry me far enough…

She spotted her first target and prepared her questions.

Time to network.

“What’s your field of expertise?” Wess asked a student.

“Uhh, melee mostly. And guitar, but that’s not really important.”

“Favourite combat style?” Wess asked another student.

“Long distance firearms, duh. Play it safe and pick ‘em off far away.”

“Any history?” Wess asked more students.

“M-my dad does weapon manufacturing. H-he wanted me to promote some of his stuff during the yearly tournament.”

“What are your main aspirations?” Wess asked the last student left in the courtyard.

“Honestly, my main goal is to find a team and become someone for them to depend on. I don’t know how helpful I could be in a fight, but I want to inspire them to be greater than they were the day before. We’re a group of people, not soldiers, so we should strive to be better and always improving, even if that may be hard to accept.”

Wess was left enraptured by the perky, well put together girl in front of her, smiling so genuinely and properly.

“I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t talk your ear off.” She apologised.

“Nonsense. You spoke with such lovely passion, Miss…?” Wess said.

“Joleicia.” She replied, bowing a little, before regretting it. “I’m a sniper by trade, but I have experience in other firearms and hand to hand combat too. Faller brought me here himself on a scholarship program.”

“Scholarship?” Wess replied, very impressed. “Quite the triple threat.”

“Oh, thank you…” Joleicia smiled sheepishly.

“I’m sure your teammates will find you quite the asset.” Wess commented.

Joleicia looked a little embarrassed. “Really, I’ll be happy with whoever I get. The academy has a pretty good track record for grouping teams together, so I’ll trust in their decision.”

Wess took a second to register what she said, before stepping back in shock. “T-the academy…grouping?” Wess warbled. “We don’t get to choos-?!”

Just as she was ranting, a girl in a suit rushed past her, bumping into Wess and suddenly throwing off her rhythm.

“E-Excuse me! I want an apology for that!” Wess yelled at her.

“Where is he…?” The girl mumbled to herself, moving on, as Joleicia tried to get her attention again.

“Just so you know, by tomorrow, they’ll tell us who we’re teaming up with.” Joleicia explained. “Didn’t you know about that?”

Wess started shaking a little, before reminding herself who she was with, and putting on a polite demeanour. “…no, I-I suppose I didn’t know. I-If you’ll excuse me.”

“Oh, sure. Hey, maybe if you’re lucky, we’ll get grouped together.” Joleicia said. “We’re already friends, so it totally works out!”

“I hope so.” Wess replied, before rushing off back to the temporary dorms. “I truly hope so…”

She made her way around the corner and grabbed her head in her hands, frustrated and annoyed.

It must be a joke! She reasoned. A practical joke they play on all first years. Yes, a playful hazing!

Wess really thought about it for another second.

No, that’s delusional of me. Joleicia’s far too polite to try something like that. She realised, before slumping to the ground in a moment of weakness.

She rested her head in her hands and breathed slowly.

“So, I suppose it’s true…”

She let herself sit and think, at least to re-strategise how she would go about her next three years of training at the academy. If she couldn’t pick her members, she’d have to tip the scale somehow.

“…a lacklustre member or two doesn’t mean you won’t become a great Venator. You’ve gotten this far on much less.” Wess reasoned to herself. “This will only make your claim to fame more triumphant in the end. A true celebration of your accomplishments.”

Wess stood up dynamically and stretched herself.

“This is a minor setback, but not a crippling one. I can always convince the academy otherwise. I’m sure the academy will allow a transfer if my team isn’t worth my time.” Wess said, swinging her way back to the temporary dorms.

She headed through the hallway back to the main hall, as her nerves had just returned to fairly normal; perfect for dealing with a girl in front of the large door, pacing back and forth through the hallway. Wess held back as the girl kept up the pacing, exercising caution.

Is she quite alright? Wess wondered. I hope she isn’t one of those ‘problem students’ I’ve heard about. That’s the last thing this day needs…

Wess slowly approached her, still pacing back and forth nervously.

“Excuse me, are you quite alright?” Wess asked, grabbing the girl’s attention.

“Me?” She asked.

“…you’re the only other person in the hallway.” Wess acknowledged.

“Right, that makes sense.” She said. “Do you know where the temporary dorms are?”

“…right behind you.” Wess bemoaned, realising what she’d gotten herself into.

“That…also makes sense.” The girl said. “You look annoyed.”

Wess sighed. “It’s been quite the first day...”

The girl stared at her. “Oh, do you know where the bathrooms are too?”

“I believe I saw them around the corner.” Wess explained, trying to disengage from the conversation as soon as possible.

“Right. Right. Cool.” The girl said. “I’ll be off then.”

The girl walked off, stumbling a little in her slightly oversized coat, as Wess tried to make sense of that interaction, before giving up all together.

“…please, Old Gods, don’t make her part of my team.” Wess prayed, heading inside to finally unpack and unwind.

———

Sola was lost again.

It had been all of three minutes since she found the bathroom, and already, she was hopelessly lost. The academy’s numerous hallways and unfamiliar landscape had already beaten her, and now she was left wandering around without a direction in the world.

“Echo!” She yelled, as the hallway gave a decent reverberation. “Echo echo echo!”

She spotted a few doors to classrooms and lecture halls as she walked, but quickly noticed they needed a card reader to open.

“Did I get my ID?” She asked herself, feeling for a pocket and realising it wasn’t there. “Stupid good security…”

She slumped to the ground, tired from all the walking, and started playing with her thumbs out of boredom.

“I’m already lost here.” She remarked. “I need a guide. Like a…councillor, or a scout leader.”

Sola leaned her head against the wall, counting the ceiling tiles to herself, as a figure popped out from around the corner, rushing down the corridor with her tablet in hand. In a moment of hindsight, she tripped over Sola’s outstretched legs and face planted into the ground with a painful thud, shaking Sola conscious.

“Fuck…” She muttered, getting up and brushing off her clothes.

“Hi.” Sola greeted. “Do you know where the temporary dorms are?”

The woman turned to glare at Sola. “First, you address me as Miss Ferris.” She grumbled. “Second, don’t do that, and third, they’re in the assembly hall. Weren’t you at orientation?”

Sola started counting on her fingers. “Sorry Miss Ferris, that was an accident, I got lost going to the bathroom, and no.” Sola answered back.

Ferris pursed her lips and looked Sola up and down, unimpressed, as she only confirmed her worries about the quality of this year’s batch of students.

“How old are you?” Ferris asked, folding her arms.

“Eighteen.”

“…huh.” Ferris let out. “Bit old to be getting lost.”

“I guess so.” Sola replied, looking around Ferris to try and spot any exits she could use.

“And you’re a student?” Ferris rhetorically asked.

“Well, classes don’t start until next week, so not yet.” Sola answered, still looking.

Wiseass. Ferris thought to herself.

Sola kept scanning, as Ferris looked at how helpless she seemed, almost pathetic in a way. In Ferris’ eyes, she was nearly the ideal student.

“…I can show you if you’re so desperate.” Ferris offered, grabbing Sola’s attention.

“Hooray!” Sola exclaimed, as Ferris nodded for her to follow.

“So, why’re you here?” Ferris questioned.

“You mean in the hallway or the academy?” Sola asked, genuinely unsure.

“The academy. You already told me the other one.” Ferris grumbled, massaging her temple.

“Well, I’m at the academy because I’d like to be a Venator.”

“…you’d ‘like’ to be?” Ferris asked, getting a confused look from Sola.

“Yeah?” Sola replied.

“You have a weapon yet?”

Sola looked to the ground, avoiding eye contact as she walked. “No.”

“What about a Whil?”

“…yeah, but I can’t really show it off here. It’s pretty…unstable.”

Guess that’s to be expected… Ferris thought.

“But I got some decent experience at my old school since I used to win most of the training matches. My Whil knocked out opponents before they could even fight. But that’s because most kids were still figuring out their Whils, and most of the weapons they brought were conductive, so they were at a disadvantage. But after a whi-“

“Shut up!” Ferris yelled, stopping Sola in her tracks. “Why’re you still talking?!”

“You asked about my Whil.” Sola replied, poker face intact.

Ferris looked to the ceiling and swore under her breath. “…right.” She replied, fiddling with her tablet, a scowl painted on her face, ignoring Sola as they walked to the dorms.

Sola then suddenly stopped and patted around her pockets, before pulling out her tablet triumphantly. “I just remembered! I have the digital map!”

Ferris death glared her. “Then take it out and stop wasting my time!”

Sola held it up and blinked. “It’s out of battery.”

Ferris nearly slammed her head against the wall, before dragging Sola along in silence, and finally reaching the academy hall. “There. You can leave now.” She barked.

“Oh, okay. Well than-“ Sola started, before Ferris raised a finger and silenced her.

“If you want to thank me, you’ll do well in your classes.” Ferris ended, heading back down the hall. “Don’t disappoint me anymore.”

Sola was left standing in the hallway, right outside the assembly, before sighing to herself.

“I thought I’d be better once I got here…” She remarked. “I’m still a big doofus…”

Sola headed back in and met up with her luggage, still unpacked on her bed, as she grabbed her tablet charger, plugged it in, and lay against the bed in a big heap. “This place is way different than Mykonori town.” Sola noticed. “No coast for a start.”

Before she got too comfortable, Sola quickly realised she needed to go to the bathroom again, and nearly hit herself for having such a weak bladder. She hopped up and grabbed her tablet, heading out before the day was over.

“Excuse me.”

“Ahh!!!” Sola jumped back in shock, nearly falling over. She noticed a girl in a suit standing behind her, close enough that she nearly bumped into Sola. She had a large scythe strapped to her back and an attractive mallen streak, which Sola couldn’t help but stare at.

“Would you know how to use this?” The girl asked, holding out a tablet.

“…huh?” Sola asked, before registering her request. “Oh, right, sure, is it broken?”

“I have not broken it.” The girl replied. “I only received it as of a few days ago.”

“Have you tried the power button?” Sola asked.

The girl blinked. “No.”

Sola looked back down at the tablet and turned it on, handing it back to the girl.

“Grela.” She replied. “Might I ask of your name?”

“Sola Lusagi.” Sola said, with a stunning plainness.

“Calias.” The girl said, proceeding with a gentle bow. Her expression stayed neutral throughout, but her politeness was well conveyed.

Sola was visibly confused. “Is that your name?”

“It is a greeting.” The girl said. “Was that not translated well?”

“I guess not. Are you from…here?” Sola said, pointing to the ground for no real reason. “I mean, you obviously moved here, but you don’t look local.”

“I am from the Segaru Clan. I transferred here earlier today.” She answered, leaning over Sola’s shoulder. “How would I access the map function?”

Sola looked at the screen. “You press the map button.”

“Understood.” She said, attempting to do so to the best of her ability.

Sola looked puzzled. “Did you say a Clan?”

The girl nodded. "They found me as a child.” She explained, before pocketing the tablet. “Relias, I have forgotten to introduce myself.” She bowed again, but further this time. “Aerlo Decali. My title is Essex. It is an honour to make the acquaintance of another Venator in training.”

“Likewise.” Sola replied. “You’re the first person I've seen who already looks like an official Venator.”

Essex adjusted her suit a little. “I am a professional. Why would I dress any other way?”

Sola awkwardly looked down at her big poufy jacket. “Hmm.”

After a second without distraction, Sola quickly remembered she had to leave for the bathroom and resumed her panic. “Super sorry, but I gotta go…”

“Understood. I appreciate your assistance.” Essex thanked, as Sola rushed off, forgetting her tablet in the rush.

It was all of three minutes before she got lost again.

———

Essex knew what she had to do.

After a day of wandering around, trying to find any semblance of Principal Faller’s office, she finally had a lead with the official school map. She’d checked it a few days prior to prepare herself, but for some reason, the office was marked on the other side of the academy. Now it was five thirty in the afternoon, and truly starting to annoy her.

“Main building, floor thirty eight, third corridor…” She recited to herself, having accidentally closed her tablet and forgotten how it works again. She marched down the academy halls, up the stairwells, getting past his secretary, and eventually arrived at the office itself. She slammed the door open, causing a slumped Faller to jump back in his seat from shock.

“That…was…difficult.” Essex panted, thoroughly out of breath from traversing the academy’s labyrinth like design.

Faller climbed back up to his chair and tried to regain some level of dignity. “Did you need something?” He asked, attempting to calm his heart.

Essex took a second to centre herself and readjust her ponytail. “Upon my scholarship, I received a care package requesting I meet with you once the semester had started. I also received this object which has shown me incorrect map layouts and annoyance.” Essex said, displaying her tablet.

Faller took a second to look over his papers. “You must be Ms Essex from the Segaru clan.” He deduced. “Thank you for making the time to be here. How did you find the care package itself?” He asked, sitting up to address her as a near equal.

“The clan found some of the items to be offensive.” Essex explained. “Specifically, the mechanical objects and the ‘self care’ products.”

“Oh, my apologies.” Faller said. “The Clan’s still yet to contact us about their customs, but I’ll make a note of that for the future. Now, what’s this about a faulty tablet?”

“The previous map was inconsistent with the current layout, despite being presented as accurate.” Essex explained.

“Yes, of course.” Faller said. “We make a habit of changing the location of my office every year or so in case of a potential attack. We also deliberately mark the maps wrong at the start of semesters to throw off any threats. I’m impressed you picked up on that.”

“Potential attack?” Essex asked.

Faller took a beat, then laughed at his own mistake. “I guess I should have been smarter about my wording.”

Faller stood up and started wandering around the room. “Now that you’re here, I need to ask you something. Can I trust you with some sensitive information? As a future Venator?”

Essex didn’t speak, but nodded in understanding, still rigidly in place near Faller’s desk.

“I believe there may be a third party to the Wailing conflict.”

Essex remained unblinking, but nearly let out a faint gasp.

“One who is, say, fanning the flames of the war between us Venators and the Wailing. Worse yet, I fear they may be working within the academy itself.” Faller sat back down at his desk. “I’ve only told you and the other scholarship students about this since you’re the closest we have to professional Venators, and I don’t believe you to be untrustworthy. You’re also our first representative from the Segaru Clan, after all, and they’re know for their noble and honest nature.”

“Is the third party an assumption or something you have evidence of?” Essex asked.

“…what I’m asking of you is to look out for anything suspicious. If they’re operating on our grounds, I need eyes and ears wherever I can get them.” Faller clarified. “But I must ask you, don’t take these matters into your own hands. While you’re close to them, you still aren’t Venators as of yet. We have professional security for a reason. Just inform us of anything worth looking into and let us handle it.”

Essex processed what he said, as Faller flipped through a couple more papers.

“Is that everything?” Essex asked

“One more thing.” Faller said. “How was your trip here?”

“Needlessly extended.” Essex remarked, getting a laugh out of Faller.

“Will I see you at tomorrow’s welcome event at least?”

“Is it a required event?” Essex asked.

“No, but it’ll be fun.” Faller smiled. “We have some mock fights planned, if you feel like participating. Get some practice in?”

“Understood. I shall attend.” Essex replied.

“Wonderful. Now be prepared for your classes, and your new teammates. I have faith you’ll make the academy proud.” Faller proclaimed.

“Relias, sir, but it will not be faith that will aid me.” Essex said, as she nodded, turned and politely left his office, as Faller laughed to himself at her statement.

Essex headed back down the hall, much less hurried this time, and weighed the responsibility she’d just been given by Faller. Sociopolitical espionage was nowhere near her strong suit, but she was willing to act in place of a professional Venator if the situation required it.

“If I am already near a professional, then why am I needed here?” She asked herself, receiving no clear answer from anywhere. It’s not like she wanted to be here…

Essex found her way back to the temporary dorms, getting her exercise outfit from her luggage and heading to the bathrooms to change. She started her run near the real dorm building, planning out a potential route for when she moved in with her team. She headed off and kept up a steady pace.

“One, two, three, four…” She counted to herself, taking two steps every second of her run, her heavy scythe strapped to her back throughout. The heat started to build up across her body, nearly burning the palms of her hands through and through, as she took a breather beside the main building.

As she let down her guard, a girl walked by and bumped into her mid breath, before hurrying off without another word.

“That…was rude.” Essex panted, catching the back of the girl’s yellow flannel, as they ducked around another corner and out of sight. Essex straightened herself up and looked back at where she’d been. “I…wonder what her day…has been like?”

———

Julia finally made it.

She knew she should be getting ready for the new semester and welcome event, but she had to see it, at least once, before her education truly started. It took a while to find the right elevator, but after a bit of searching outside, and accidentally bumping into someone, she found one that made it to the roof of the main building. Technically speaking, she shouldn’t have been up there since it wasn’t available to students, but she also wasn’t quite a student yet, so it balanced out in a way.

And, of course, the view was entirely worth it.

The academy was lain out below her, sprawling the grounds with high tech architecture and students wandering about, the forest adjacent to the training grounds stretching well beyond the horizon line. The large, defining Eldos Mountains captured the landscape so well, marking a barrier around the academy that nature provided, all with the perfect sunset disappearing behind it, as Julia stared at the majestic view and took a deep breath.

“I’m finally here…Venator Academy.” She proclaimed, proudly holding herself to the moment. “Everything’s about to start for me…”

She stayed up there for a few more minutes, before the rational part of her brain reasoned sleep and an early wake up would be best for tomorrow. Not only for the welcome event, but also for meeting her new team members too.

Five of us all living in one room. For three years… She thought. With strangers…

Her spine started to tingle, before she pushed her nerves down and tried to keep a positive attitude.

The academy knows what they’re doing. They’re sure to be amazing.

Julia kept walking back to the dorms, before getting excited all over again. “I wanna meet them so bad! Why can’t classes start already?” She exclaimed. “My very own Venator team of colleagues and friends.”

Julia excitedly hurried back down the halls, picturing what her great new teammates might be like, as she reached her bed along with the other students and eventually drifted off to sleep, waiting for the next day.

———

“You ready?”

“…”

“Jules, you ready?”

“…”

“Yes. The answers yes, moron.”

“…”

“Yeah, charming gesture. You got the chip to work properly?”

“…”

“I’m not risking my ass. Why do you think we’re back here and not watching the carnage in person?”

“…”

“You know, for a mute, you sure manage to say just enough to piss me off.”

“…”

“I’m getting payed. What does it matter…you good to go, Wicker?”

“Everything’s in place on my end. All ready for tomorrow morning’s big event.”

“And the press too?”

“No need to micromanage me. I know what I’m doing.”

“Whatever, boss…someone tell me when the interesting stuff starts…”

“…”

“Okay, then sign it or whatever! Gods…”

———

The next day was as thrilling for Julia as the last. Needless to say, it took a while for Julia to fall asleep the night before. She kept hyping herself up about who might be in her team, secretly hoping for Chops or that blonde woman she met, but she’d be happy with whoever she got.

Her alarm rang at a solid eight o’ clock, as she jumped out of bed with a ready vigour and prepared attitude. Along with most of the first years, the welcome event was top priority for Julia. She wouldn’t be meeting her teammates until the afternoon, so the event ran until twelve for the entire academy, as a sort of playful welcome to the grounds.

Julia grabbed her bag and rushed out of the hall. The event started at seven thirty, but she deliberately left it a little late to give everyone time to set up and students time to settle down.

After reaching the courtyard, just a little out of breath, Julia looked out at welcome event in full swing. The place was flooded with students, staff and interested citizens playing carnival games, checking out extra curricular activities, and a few Venator industry professionals giving their time to potential future Venators. Stalls were set up selling all manner of fun gift bags and novelty toys, a mini roller coaster was zipping around the grounds, and there was even a small Venator museum established, showing the great lineage of Wailing Wars and government regulation that shaped the Venator industry into what it was today. Up on stage, Faller made a little address to the students there, encouraging them to try and fail, and learn from their failures, and wishing them well with their future team. It was something bright for the future.

Well, in actuality, that was what the academy planned.

A joyous event for all the new students.

But it didn’t quite work out that way.

Julia didn’t know what she’d see when she exited the hallway, but from the sounds ringing out, she figured people would be celebrating and cheering to a new year of studies. However, as she got closer, the screaming sounded panicked, far more frantic than what would be warranted. And what she assumed to be the roller coaster and speakers were more like crashing noises, cement being torn up and glass being shattered.

It took a minute to process what she saw.

Upon entering the courtyard, the sun shone down on her, glaring her eyes a little, as the sounds of people yelling and running finally registered, and she saw the cause of the calamity.

A Wailing.

An enormous Wailing, nearly a hundred metres in height alone, that had torn through the gap between adjacent skyscrapers, laying waste to the courtyard with noticeable ease and no remorse. Its hulking mass helped drive its enormous limbs, letting it claw its way through the campus grounds with a mere swing of its arm, its vicious, red eyes clearly blind in its bloodlust.

Students ran. They cleared out without hesitation, their natural instinct being to self preserve, as the security team and third years remained, doing everything they could to hold it off. What looked to be hundreds of Venators all slashed, fired, lacerated and maimed the creature, but it showed no sign of slowing down, no sign of visible injury or fatigue. It swatted at the Venators climbing up its form, trying to grapple its fur and reach its face, but any effort to reach higher was met with severe punishment.

And now Julia was right in the middle of it, staring up at the behemoth, blocking out the sun rays she’d felt entering, as confused screams around her started to seep in.

“Watch out!!!

“It’s bigger than we’ve ever seen!”

“Fourth unit, aim for the leg! Second unit, draw its fire! Our priority is the safety of the civilians!”

Julia noticed people still along walkways surrounding the buildings, some raised up above the ground, and some half destroyed by the Wailing’s weight alone. A few civilians stayed in place from a pure and unkind shock, staring up at the beast as it rampaged the academy around it.

And Julia was amongst them, no matter how hard she tried.

———

Harley headed down the corridor, ready the check out the rest of the school before meeting her team. She thought about going to the welcome event, but she’d seen plenty of carnivals and fetes back at home, and they were nothing like the facilities on display at the academy.

“Hmmmmhmmhmm…” She hummed to herself, taking her time and appreciating the scenery, before a thunderous crash shook down the hall and up her spine. She took a second to re-cooperate, before heading out onto the nearby balcony and seeing where the noise came from.

It was worse than she imagined.

“Oh no…” She muttered, as the gargantuan Wailing crashed into both the skyscrapers again, roaring out in a horrid screech. Fortunately, Harley was a few buildings away, but even with those obstructing her vision, the Wailing’s destructive path was clear as day. She looked out at the courtyard, people still evacuating in mass numbers, before spotting a few people still cowering in fear below the violent aggressor.

In a snap judgement, Harley jumped out the balcony and down the adorning building’s roof, sliding as fast as she could manage, and running straight to the courtyard.

I don’t have my weapons. She reminded herself. This’ll have to be quick.

She found the entrance to the courtyard and assessed the situation. Several students and staff were helping civilians and each other escape, making their way to the exits, as a woman in combat gear yelled commands at the campus security, their attention on taking out the Wailing.

That can’t be all of them. Harley realised, counting the evacuees as they left.

Then someone caught her eye.

Harley noticed Liddy, unconscious, still trapped behind some rubble, too weak to free herself, as Rose tried to pull her out to no avail. The Wailing’s thrashing only saw more debris crash around them.

Harley dashed in, making sure to avoid the falling cement and glass, dodging and weaving, until she found Liddy trapped against a wall, a solid chunk of building forcing her against it. Harley braced herself against the wall and pushed the chunk back, straining her muscles from the shear weight of it, as Rose pulled Liddy out just in time for Harley to stumble backwards from overexertion.

Rose held Liddy over her back, before the Wailing swung its arms against the building again, smashing into several classrooms, and causing a large shard of glass to plummet toward an exhausted Harley at top speed.

“Watch ou-!”

Before anyone could catch what was going on, the woman in combat gear leaped right past Rose and above Harley, aiming her fist at the bottom of the shard, as she activated her Whil and launched the glass off to the side, smashing it against the ground and away from Harley.

She pulled Harley to her feet, as Harley recognised her as the chief of security. “You okay?”

“Rrrggh…yeah, I pulled something.”

“Get these two to a safe spot. Don’t come back until we’ve handled this.” The chief declared.

“You can’t se-“

“Don’t back chat me! Do your job as a future Venator!” She yelled, pushing Harley back and re-entering her squadron to continue their assault.

Harley watched her take off, as she helped bare some of Liddy’s weight, escorting her and Rose out as fast as they could.

Please take that thing down… Harley wished.

———

Please take that thing down… Wess hoped, cowering in utter fear.

She was still in the courtyard, huddled under a large chunk of debris, hands over her head and tears seeping down her eyes. She had gotten up early to speak to industry Venators and staff, hoping to get a few contacts in for the future, and maybe enjoy herself around the welcome event. But she wasn’t prepared for this. Nobody was, and everyone was trying to adapt to the situation as quickly as possible. But Wess couldn’t. She wasn’t ready yet.

This wasn’t supposed to be her first fight.

Metal and scaffolding rained down around her, connecting and ringing out horrid sounds of clanging steel, as Wess looked for an opportunity to escape.

In a brief second, she heard the Wailing roar out in pain, and one of the security team yelled about stunning it for a second. Wess dashed out, sprinting to the courtyard exit with all her energy, as the Wailing regained its consciousness and stepped forward, separating the ground beneath its feet. Wess tripped up against the unsettled cement and scrapped her leg badly, holding back a pained scream and continuing to the exit to lessen any more harm to her.

She made it to the courtyard exit, taking a breather by the archway, and trying to slow her rapidly beating heart.

It’s unheard of. She thought, desperately trying to rationalise. No Wailing should be able to reach that size.

After checking she was in the clear and slumping to the ground, the familiar face of Joleicia ran by toward the courtyard, a large sniper rifle in her hands and a look of determination on her face.

“Joleicia! Where are you going?!” Wess cried.

“I’m defending the academy. What does it look like?” She replied, setting up her rifle against the ground. “I can do enough damage from back here to help out.”

“This isn’t a time for heroics! We’re first years! Leave this to the professionals!” Wess reasoned, grabbing Joleicia’s shoulder.

Joleicia batted her hand away. “I’m not letting them risk their lives for mine! I deserve a say in whether I help or not!” Joleicia yelled, readying her rifle. “Let me do this, Wess.”

Wess looked back at her, lying against the ground, as the Wailing continued stomping back and forth, slowly approaching the main building itself. It didn’t look like it was slowly down at all, but the campus security kept holding it off with everything they had.

Wess made her decision and continued her safe exit, trying not to push her bloodied leg too much, as Joleicia aimed her sights and fired toward the Wailing’s face.

Whilit's speed, Joleicia.

———

“Oh no no no no no no no…” Sola muttered to herself, as another part of the academy was obliterated near her.

She was huddled behind the adorning balcony of the courtyard, metres away from a large hole in the building caused by the Wailing’s wild swinging of its claws. Sola stayed frozen in place, hoping dearly that the Wailing would avoid her, just skip over her and let her be.

“Go away, Wailing…”

In the least likely of events, Sola saw Ferris of all people heading out onto the balcony with her, a clearly visible sword by her side, her attention entirely on the Wailing. Ferris looked over at the campus security, with the melee focused members attempting to get closer to the Wailing, being batted left and right by its limbs, as several gunners lined up, firing at its chest and face, to no clear effect.

“Its hide is too tough.” Ferris assessed. “They need the melee units to cut through and weake-“

“Ferris!” Sola exclaimed. “Why the heck are you here?!”

Ferris looked over and groaned once she realised who it was. “Of all the students…”

“Ferris!!!” Sola yelled, as the Wailing took a giant lunge back, causing the balcony to start collapsing in on itself and the roof to crumble under the pressure.

Sola reacted quickly, noticing the part above Ferris starting to shake, and instinctively pushing her out of the way with a leap, sending them both to the ground, as the roof caved in on itself and took most of the balcony with it.

Ferris took a beat to recover, looking at Sola lying on her. “You good?”

“Uhh…no.”

Ferris looked behind her and saw Sola’s leg trapped under some scaffolding, as she rolled her eyes, got up and lifted the metal beam off.

“Ow…” Sola groaned, grabbing her pained leg.

“Oh, come on, you’re gonna be a Venator. You’ll feel much worse.” Ferris said. “It’s not even broken.”

Sola still held it against her, as Ferris checked back on the Wailing, now aiming for the other side of the balcony adjacent to the courtyard, then to the security focusing their shots, and offered a hand to Sola. Ferris grabbed Sola’s torso and walked her out, taking the pressure off Sola’s leg and assuring her the year would definitely be easier than this.

———

With a solid swing, Essex dug into the Wailing’s hide with her scythe, using her weight to drag it down and slice through its side, as it roared out it pain and tried to swat at her with its arms. Essex expertly swung out of the way, using her momentum to send her back to the adjacent balcony to regain some ground.

She looked at the supporting fire coming from the campus security, their gunners all aiming at the wound she’d open, along with a few more student snipers off to the side, and some third years emulating what she was doing. The Wailing used its arm to hide the slash as best it could, as Essex planned a further attack closer to the heart this time.

“Essex, wait!!!”

Before she could head out, a panicked and panting Principal Faller ran onto the balcony, severely out of breath. “What’re you doing?!”

“What must be done.” She answered, as Faller grabbed her arm.

“You’re a first year! Get to safety with the rest of the first years, please!” He pleaded.

Essex growled and threw him off, hooking her scythe onto the roof and climbing up, as Faller looked over the balcony to find her.

“Wailing kill professional Venators everyday, and you’re still in training!” He yelled, as her sole focus remained on the Wailing itself. “Don’t risk your future when you don’t need to!”

Essex waited until the Wailing was close enough to her position and leaped onto the arm still covering its wound, as Faller watched on in shock at what the Wailing had done to his academy.

Essex managed to climb up the arm, digging into its skin with her scythe, as the pain shot up the Wailing’s side, causing it to start swinging its arm back and forth to throw Essex off. Essex nearly gave in from the force of the swinging alone, but remained determined, picking her moments carefully for when to keep moving.

The Wailing swung its arm into the skyscraper again, aiming Essex into as much dangerous material as it could, as Essex nimbly swung back around to the other side of its arm to dodge it, then back on top, before running down the arm itself toward the Wailing’s head with a level of speed and grace rarely seen. The Wailing swung with its other arm, glaring at Essex with its horrifically bloodshot eyes, as Essex vaulted off, careening through the air, and aimed herself at the Wailing’s top torso.

The campus security and third years stared, mesmerised by her technique, as she finally reached its chest, digging in from the top with her scythe, and severing it down the middle.

In a last ditched effort, the Wailing took a final swing at the now slowed down Essex, and slashed her off with a shockingly painful swing, sending her soaring through the air with her scythe still inside the Wailing’s chest.

As her backup watched on, the chief of security herself rushed up to where Essex was heading, right toward the balcony Principal Faller was still on, climbing up the building frame in front of him, before slowing Essex down with her Whil and catching her safely.

In that brief moment of distraction, the Wailing took its awful chance and slammed its fist against the ground, cracking the pavement even more and sending the gunner squadron into disarray. The ground reverberated from the impact, throwing the third-year gunners and Joleicia off as well, launching her rifle off to the side, as the Wailing closed in and attempted to take them out once and for all.

———

Julia still stood there, unmoving despite everything. She was sure she heard people yelling and screaming at her about evacuating, but if the academy wasn’t safe from this thing, then there truly was nowhere left to go.

Finally, she felt the shock running through her body, as the ground shook and broke her from her trance-like state, and the Wailing’s presence was felt just as hard.

It couldn’t be stopped.

It just…

Julia was just about to give up entirely, as she noticed something sticking out of the Wailing’s chest, something shining slightly in the sunlight. A scythe, one that had cut its way through the Wailings hide. Better yet, another wound was on its side too, including visible bullet holes and other gashes against its legs and face. It looked to be affecting the Wailing pretty badly, as it tried to use the broken skyscraper as a support for its body.

It even looked tired.

It’s vulnerable. She realised. We can still win this.

The ground shook again, as the Wailing crashed its arm back into it, now keeling over in its pain, as Julia tried to formulate a plan for how to take it out for good.

She looked around and saw plenty of the security staff still attacking it along side third years, the weapons slowing it down, but only doing that much, as others hung by the sidelines and looked for any kind of an opening. The chief of security was tending to Faller and that girl that was thrown off, so whether she could help in any meaningful way or not was hard to say.

And then, it hit her.

Literally, it hit her.

Landing by her side, Julia noticed a sniper rifle, coming from behind her and seemingly belonging to another student who was knocked out from the last shock wave. Julia finally had something to act with.

She propped up the rifle against the ground, trying to find a hold amongst the shattered cement, aiming at the Wailing’s large chest wound, still bleeding profusely. The security kept yelling commands and orders at each other, with plenty of gunfire and roaring from the Wailing filling the courtyard, as Julia slowly breathed to herself, trying to drown out the sound and focus.

Focus…just focus…a bullet on its own won’t be enough…but…

In a moment of quick thinking, she aimed directly at its heart, still breathing steadily, as the Wailing went in for another smash against the ground. She pressed her finger against the trigger, sending the bullet flying through the air toward the Wailing, before she focused her hand toward the bullet, and using her Whil, increased its velocity to unbelievable speeds, as it pierced through the air and into the Wailing’s freshly opened wound.

There was a moment of silence that followed, the security and third years left in an unexplained moment of calm, as the bullet travelled too quickly for anyone to process and could only be seen by the damage it did to the Wailing. The Wailing started to stumble, almost collapse in on itself, losing its firm grip on its skyscraper support, as its arm finally slipped, and it crashed against the pavement behind it with a final, defeated thud.

A giant dust cloud was sent into the air with its fall, acting like a shroud for the Wailing’s death, as the same silence hung over the crowd once again.

“…”

“…”

“We did it!!!”

Everyone started cheering, celebrating, high-fiving and hugging each other after a job well done, as the security cautiously checked the body to confirm it was killed.

And Julia let herself feel relief after such a tumultuous morning.

She did it.

They all did it, together.

And the sun shone through once again.

———

“And…there we go.”

“…”

“Why do you look so relieved?”

“…”

“Yeah, okay, I don’t like ‘em either, but I’m not about to cry like a pissy little baby. You’re such a pussy.”

“…”

“Uhuh. How’re things on your end, boss?”

“The Wailing has just been confirmed as dead, and the press are transmitting right now.”

“You sound happy.”

“Of course I am. From what I saw in person, there were no casualties.”

“…what? Seriously none?”

“Well, except for the Wailing of course.”

“I thought you wanted the school destroyed?”

“Only partly. This was a perfect execution, overall.”

“Bu…sure, whatever. I’m not gonna pretend to understand.”

“…”

“You look relieved again. If you let your heart bleed this much, you might just die from it.”

“…”

“Alright, just go. Our jobs done anyway.”

“Oh…not by a long shot.”