“Do you mind repeating your name for me?”

“My name?”

“It’s just a legal thing.”

“Oh, right. Florey Faraday.”

“You live in Central Point?”

“Yes, I do. Always have.”

Mr Vent lay back in his seat, tapping his pen idly against his clipboard. “Alright, starting off, these questions are meant to judge your character and whether you’d be suited to join the Venator Academy. You’ve already passed the physical…by the slimmest of margins, so if I judge you to be right, you’ll be starting your degree next spri-“

“I’m sorry, judge me to be right?”

Vent blinked. “I’m seeing if you’ll work well with others. The team system isn’t built for everyone, so we don’t want you dragging down four other soon-to-be graduates.”

“O-oh, yeah…”

“…so, let’s get the easy one out of the way. What type of Venator do you want to be?”

Florey scratched his cheek awkwardly. “I was hoping to…be a scientific Venator.”

“A scientific Venator?” Vent repeated. “And you came to a combat focused school?”

“Well…” Florey said, hoping to avoid the question. “…the Venator Academy’s science program is nationally well-regarded.”

“Combat classes are still mandatory, though.” Vent pointed out. “Most students pursuing solely science go to an actual research facility.”

“Yeah, but most of them aren’t hiring unless you have Venator experience…” Florey remarked, laughing a little afterwards.

Vent didn’t look amused, as he filled a couple boxes out, causing Florey to tense up.

“Do you have a personal weapon or a Whil? And if so, do you have a weapon preference?”

“Uhh…” Florey let out. “…no, and no. My dad…”

Florey dismissed the thought and continued. “I guess for preference I’d say…melee? I don’t…have much experience with weapons…”

“Uhuh.” Vent said, filling out a few more things, as a heavy feeling started to weigh down Florey’s gut.

“…this’ll be the last question.” Vent said, with a certain finality. “Why do you want to become a Venator?”

Florey was somewhat dreading this question, as he cleared his throat and leaned forward a bit. “…I’ll be honest…I don’t know.”

Vent sat back and looked back at him. “That’s a bold answer.”

“It’s true. I’ve moved around most of my life, and I haven’t had consistent groups of friends, or much to strive for, but I know I can. And being a Venator seems like a noble enough goal to pursue while I’m still figuring things out.” Florey professed. “I don’t know what it is yet, but I’m hoping to find my calling here.”

Vent breathed out through his nose, before putting away his clipboard.

“You ever hear that legend of the pig who believed he was part bird?”

Florey shrugged. “I guess not.”

Vent leaned back. “Well, long ago, there was this valley filled with animals, and bordering it was a giant chasm engulfed in flame, and on the other end was a prosperous land filled to the brim with all the pleasures of the world. No one dared cross it, not even the flying animals, but one day, a pig approached the cliff and said ‘I’m gonna cross this chasm.’ The other animals asked how he would do it, and he said ‘Don’t worry, I’m part bird!’”

Florey sat there dumbstruck, as Vent continued. “Of course, this only confused the other animals. ‘No, you aren’t!’ They cried. ‘You don’t even have wings!’ ‘I’ll prove you wrong!” said the pig, ‘I’ll grow my wings as I fly!’ And just like that, the pig jumped and sailed into the chasm, right into the fire. Some say they saw him fly out, having grown his wings and let the wind carry him, but most agree he didn’t make it.”

“…okay.” Florey said, smiling awkwardly. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, it has a couple interpretations, like appreciating where you are, listen to the advice of others…but to me, it’s about not assuming more than you’re actually capable of. You may think you’re going here to find a purpose, but you may end up failing more than learning. In the end, you could be free as a bird, or crash and be engulfed in flames.”

Florey realised what he meant and quickly lost his smile.

“…however,” Vent started. “This isn’t to say I’m rejecting you outright. You don’t have much experience, but the fact that you’re trying anyway, and already made it this far shows your determination. A key trait of Venators has always been boldness.”

With that, Vent scribbled down a few more notes and ticked a couple boxes, before standing up. “If you can apply that to your team, I’m sure you’ll do great.”

“D-does that mean I get in?!” Florey asked excitedly, Vent raising his hand.

“You’re on the shortlist.” He said. “Your lack of combative drive certainly holds you back, but you may just have enough to be considered. Just be reminded that more qualified applicants will be ahead of you, okay?”

“Yes sir, thank you!” Florey exclaimed. “I promise, I’ll try my best! Count on it!”

———

Florey had spent the morning far more prepared than he’d ever been. Mornings were usually pretty rough for him, but today had been an exception, all for one reason.

He was doing something bold again.

“Alright, this is it…” He said, peering around the corner. “No pressure. She’s the nicest person ever…”

He finally heard himself and sank to the floor. “Why did I say that? Now there’s way more pressure…”

He peaked around the corner again and spotted Joleicia, waiting outside her classroom, adjusting her hair idly, before he took in a deep breath and stood back up.

“Hey there, Jo. I wanted to ask you…Jo? You’ve never called her Jo.” Florey muttered, pacing back and forth. “Hey, leader…hey boss…hey…Joleicia?”

Florey hit his forehead. “Obviously just use her name…”

He took another deep breath, before forcing himself to sprint around the corner and finally approach her, as she lifted her head and noticed him.

“Oh, hey Florey.” She waved.

“Hey there…Jojo.” Florey tried, mentally berating himself.

“So, you locked your card in the dorm again?” She asked, giggling afterwards. “We’re gonna have to attach it to you somehow. This has to be the third time now.”

“Yeah…just forgetful, I guess.” Florey excused, moving his arms a little too much. “Anyway, there’s, uhh, something I wanted to ask…if that’s okay.”

“Sure thing.” Joleicia said, bumping shoulders with him as they walked back to their dorm. “What’s up?”

“W-w-well…” Florey started, noticing his absurdly dry mouth. “I was wondering…if you wanted to go somewhere…sometime…”

Joleicia put her finger to her chin. “That’a a very vague invitation.”

“I-I meant…you know, together…” Florey said, finally clearing his throat. “Like a date…”

“Oh.” Joleicia realised. “Oh! Wow, uhh, huh…”

“It doesn’t have to be anything special!” Florey blurted out. “Just a movie or something. I can pay too.”

“Oh, Florey.” Joleicia said, resting her hand on his shoulder. “That’s a really sweet offer, but I don’t think that’d be a good idea.”

Florey’s stare went blank, as he took a second to comprehend Joleicia’s reply.

“It’s not that I don’t like you. We’re a good team.” Joleicia said. “But you know there’s that stigma about teammates dating each other, and…I don’t really feel the same way about you.”

She rested a hand on his arm. “Sorry, Florey.”

Florey shook himself free of his trance and laughed a bit awkwardly. “Yeah, right, of course! You’re totally right. It was stupid of me to suggest.”

Joleicia gave a well-meaning smile. “It wasn’t stupid, and we can still go out some time, just not on a date.” She clarified. “…you aren’t mad?”

“No, of course not!” Florey replied, breaking a sweat. “You had every right to say no. I’m not gonna force you out on a date or anything.”

“Yeah, exactly.” Joleicia agreed, as they arrived at their dorm room. “Thanks for taking that so well. I’m sure that wasn’t easy for you.”

“Well, you know me.” Florey said. “I roll with the punches.”

Joleicia dug around her bag and pulled out her room card, swiping it and opening the door. “Alright, that should do it. Try to remember your card next time, okay?”

Florey nodded, watching Joleicia head off back down the hall and out of sight, as he entered the room and reached into his pocket, pulling out his own room card and gripping it tightly.

“Way to go, Florey…”

———

“…nyway, while the Wailing are understood to possess what’s called ‘magic,’ in actuality, it’s generated by a certain chemical present within their bodies. Think of it as a secondary type of blood with extra properties.” Mr Cecil explained, writing a couple notes on his board, as a student raised their hand. “Yes?”

“Has anyone tried drinking it?” They asked, getting a couple laughs from the room.

Cecil chuckled. “I think I heard of one guy drinking some down in Crasher’s Ridge, who supposedly breathed fire for thirty minutes, but that was most likely an urban legend.”

“Or a circus performer.” Chops remarked to Lenin and Florey, getting a laugh out of them.

“And of course…” Cecil started, before looking at his watch. “Oh, guess the class is already over. We’ll pick up from here next week. You should have your test results back at some point today, but don’t worry, you all managed to pass.”

Cecil wandered over to Florey’s desk. “Of course, some of you did better than others.”

Florey looked up at him, as Cecil gave him a subtle smile and thumbs up, leaving his desk with the rest of the class.

“What was that?” Chops asked, leaning over to Lenin’s desk. “You guys have a secret handshake too?”

Florey ignored her comment, checking Activ for his test result, as Lenin leaned into Chops. “Does that mean we didn’t do as well?”

“It means Mr Cecil plays favourites.” Chops pointed out, as Florey found his results and gasped.

No way… He thought, Chops leaning over even further, grabbing his tablet.

“98?!” Chops exclaimed, showing the phone to Lenin. “There’s no way you got that!”

“It…checks out.” Lenin confirmed, assessing the legitimacy of the results. “And Cecil wasn’t playing favourites either. They were all Florey’s own answers.”

“Hold up, that must mean…” Chops prefaced, checking her own results. “…oh.”

Lenin leaned over her shoulder and breathed in. “Damn, only 62.” He pointed to his tablet. “That’s three more then what I got.”

Chops and Lenin looked at each other, before both cracking up, as Florey studied over his results, still awestruck with the outcome.

The trio left the classroom, following behind the others, Florey still staring down at his tablet in utter excitement.

Does this mean… He thought. I still have a chance at becoming a V-

Having not looked where he was going, Florey nearly tripped over as a student walking the other way bumped into him, turning around to address him.

“Oh, sorry, I…” Florey started, staring up at the other person.

Avalon looked gracious. “It’s quite alright. After all, the greatest Venator in the academy should be forgiving!”

Florey blinked, as Avalon continued down the hall, flipping up his cape and attempting to look cool, before nearly tripping over said cape, and getting an earful from his team behind him.

“Oh geez, not Team Exemplary…” Chops groaned. “If any team’s undeserving of their name, it’s those guys…”

“Why does he have a knockoff Northern royalty cape?” Lenin asked, offended at the sight. “He doesn’t have the right…”

Florey kept staring, more dumbstruck than anything.

Greatest Venator? He thought. Since when?

———

“…nyway, while some Wailing possess the poorly named ‘magic,’ a few breeds have been found to lack it in recent years, most notably the Gelatinous Wailing.” Ferris explained, dryly pointing to her board. “We still don’t know why that is, and I doubt we’re going to know for a while…”

Most of the class was half-paying attention, as was the case with most of Ferris’ classes, all except for Joleicia, Chops and Florey at their seats, Florey finishing up his notes, and quickly raising his hand.

“…oh.” Ferris let out, noticing it was Florey. “I guess you have another opinion.”

“Actually…it’s a theory. About what you were saying.” Florey said.

Ferris tapped her head with the whiteboard marker, before sitting against her desk. “I’ll let you talk as long as I don’t have to.”

That was all the confirmation Florey needed. Joleicia gave him a thumbs up, as he looked back over his notes. “Mr Cecil described a chemical that lets Wailing use their ‘magic.’” Florey explained. “What if the Gelatinous Wailing have a disease that shuts off access to it? Like one that disrupts the Wailing’s liver?”

Ferris leaned tiredly against her desk. “A mystery disease? That’s your big idea?”

Ferris walked about the lecture hall, as Florey started getting flustered. “I-It would explain why they lose parts of their flesh, and why their offspring carry the same traits. It’s a genetic trait that gets passed dow-“

“One that we haven’t found or noticed yet, or even noticed developing? After centuries of studying the Wailing?” Ferris interrupted. “I’m not dismissing it, but if you wanna run with this, you’re gonna need better reasoning then ‘it kind of fits.’”

“Wha-“ Florey said. “It doesn’t kind of fit! The theory fits great!”

“Yeah, and cheese sales skyrocketed at the same rate as handguns, so clearly people are shooting their cheese!” Ferris argued. “Correlation doesn’t equal causation, Florey. Also, calling it a theory would imply it had evidence.”

Florey stood up in his seat. “If it was a disease, we wouldn’t know. You’ve said before that we can’t properly autopsy Gelatinous Wailing.”

Ferris sat back at her desk, before lifting her head excitedly. “You’re right.” She exclaimed. “Since we can’t autopsy them, let’s diagnose them with everything! After all, it must be right if we can’t be proved wrong.”

“Th-That’s not what I meant!” Florey complained, Joleicia tugging on his sleeve.

“Florey, let’s just calm down. We don’t need to arg-“

“You just don’t like the idea that I might be right.” Florey demanded, having woken up the class by the excitement of their argument.

Ferris rolled her eyes. “Is that so?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

Ferris scowled, before moving to her computer and attempting to start up the projector.

“Loudmouth little…this here is…god frickin…” She said, smacking the side of the projector, as it whirred to life, displaying an old photograph of a scientist. “…this is Greta Callems, a very famous scientist from several decades ago. I’m sure you know her.”

Florey bit his tongue and nodded along.

“She was responsible for most of the genetic breakthroughs involving Wailing biology and behaviour.” Ferris explained, her demeanour surprisingly professional. “She was also the first to come up with the idea that Wailing couldn’t touch water. Along with her other discoveries, she touted this as fact, despite having virtually no evidence to back this up, and most of it being personal hearsay. Her biggest reasoning was having witnessed a group of Wailing wary about crossing a river, but never touching the water.”

Ferris leaned her arm on her desk. “Lines up pretty well, huh Florey?”

Florey gritted his teeth, Joleicia still encouraging him to sit down.

“And surprise surprise…” Ferris said, quickly sitting up. “She was proved wrong! Turns out aquatic Wailing exist, and most Wailing can swim fine. But everyone still brings up the Wailing water thing because it’s easier to understand then real science, and a smart person said it once.”

Ferris sat back down, rubbing her temple. “Quite simply, she jumped to baseless conclusions.”

“So, you’re saying never question anything?” Florey demanded.

Ferris leaned back and massaged her temple. “You’re putting words in my mouth, Florey.”

“Oh, so now you’re too tired to defend your side?” He pushed. “It’s clearly not from doing your job well.”

A couple people gasped in the class, including Chops, who was here for every minute of this.

Ferris looked back up. “…yeah, I’ll take that.” She said, shrugging it off.

“It’s clear you don’t care about your job, so stop acting like some authority on the Wailing conflict when all you’re doing is putting others down!” Florey yelled. “What’re we supposed to be learning from you?!”

Ferris held up a finger, pausing the conversation for about five seconds, before the bell rang out over the class.

“How to run out the clock.”

With that, Ferris grabbed her bag and took her time leaving, leaving Florey fuming at his unresolved debate, Joleicia grabbing his shoulders.

“Florey, don’t go yelling at our teacher.” Joleicia asked. “If you’ve got a problem with her, let her know outside of class.”

“You saw how she treated me!” Florey yelled. “I brought up good points, an-“

“Florey!” Joleicia demanded. “…it’s not worth it. Okay?”

Florey slowed his breathing, looking back at Joleicia tiredly, resting his hand on his face. “…yeah…yeah, sorry.” He apologised. “I shouldn’t have…she really gets under my skin…”

Joleicia patted his back. “You want some time to cool off?”

Florey nodded, pulling himself back through the halls, Joleicia watching on with an unfortunate stare.

“It’s not his first time blowing up at a teacher, especially Ferris.” Chops reminded her.

“It isn’t normally this bad.” Joleicia pointed out, sighing to herself. “I wish he’d actually talk to us. I don’t even know what’s going on with him…”

Florey continued further through the academy grounds, focusing his breathing and trying to get some air, as a familiar figure appeared from the other direction, still flashing his new cape.

“Av, maybe don’t peacock that thing around.” Acadia suggested, nearly tripping on it herself. “It’d be a bad look for the team if you broke something from trippi-“

“He’s not gonna listen.” Claudius interrupted. “Especially since it matches his new staff.”

Avalon turned on his heel. “My dear teammates, if the leader can’t look good, then how’s anyone going to know about the brilliant Team Exemplary?”

“A fashion disaster blog?” Acadia suggested, getting a smirk out of Claudius.

Avalon pouted, before shaking it off. “Come on, I know you’re just jealous.”

He turned back around and continued down the hall, passing Florey on his way. “It must be hard comparing yourselves to the greatest Venator in the whole academy.”

“Hey.”

Avalon turned back around, as Florey stamped his foot. “Stop calling yourself that.”

Avalon looked Florey over, before pushing his luck and leaning in. “Did you notice the cape?”

“Yeah, I noticed it.” Florey declared. “If you want to be a great Venator, then stop showboating and actually accomplish something great.”

“Are you kidding? I accomplish something great everyday just by being me!” Avalon bragged, Acadia dragging her palm across her face.

“He didn’t just stay that…” She let out.

Florey’s anger started building again. “Venators are supposed to be, and act, like heroes. Comparing yourself to them is disrespectful.”

“Disre-“ Avalon repeated, flustered. “I have every right to! I’m training to be one, after all, and I’m surely doing better than you.” He scoffed openly. “I don’t even remember your name.”

“It’s Florey.” Claudius informed, Avalon’s face losing its composure.

He turned around and whisper-yelled to Claudius. “I already knew that! I was trying to psych him out! Don’t ruin my moments like that!”

“I thought you didn’t know.”

“Of course I know! He’s from Team Vanguard! They’ve got that gorgeous platinum blonde on their team!”

“Oh, she’s so hot…her boyfriend too…” Acadia added, Avalon realising Florey heard everything they’d said.

“Ahem…there’s no point arguing.” Avalon reasoned. “It’s clear just from looking at us who’s going to live on in people’s memories. You’d be lucky to even intern for a Venator.”

Florey had just about enough. “You know what? If you’re so much better, then put your money where your mouth is.”

Avalon squinted. “I’m not following.”

“I want a sparring match.” Florey said. “If you’re the greatest Venator in the academy, then beating me should be no challenge. After all, I’m so much worse than you, apparently.”

Avalon took a second to register, before readjusting himself. “Y-yes, of course! A sparring match!” Avalon declared. “And after my victory, you’ll finally acknowledge my rightful claim to the greatest Venator in the academy!”

Florey leaned in. “We‘ll see about that.”

Avalon leaned in as well. “I look forward to our match.”

———

“Alright, I move…” Harley said, rolling her dice. “…five spaces.”

She did so, as Julia picked up a card and read aloud. “Your sheep stock plummets, and you become desperate to regain capital.” She explained. “You have thirty seconds to convince the nearest player to sell you their stock, or else you’re bankrupt until next harvest.”

Julia turned her hourglass over, as Harley looked frantically for the nearest player, noticing Essex only a few spaces away.

“Essex! Please, I’m desperate!” Harley cried.

Essex nodded. “I will aid you i-“

Julia leaned over and whispered in Essex’s ear, as she nodded along and cleared her throat.

“You will need to offer something in exchange.” Essex said. “I will not provide ‘handouts.’”

“Julia!” Harley complained.

Julia checked the hourglass. “Fifteen seconds.”

“Uhh, oh shit…” Harley panicked, picking up her numerous cards. “What about wood? I’ve got tons of that.”

“That will not suffice.”

“How about clams? You’ve got no coastal cities.” Harley tried.

“You are failing to convince me.”

“Can I give her my stock?” Sola asked, raising her hand.

“Only on your turn. Five seconds.” Julia replied, eye to the glass.

“Marble! I’ve got marble!” Harley cried, Essex only replying with a slow, painful head shake, as Julia watched the sand hit the bottom.

“Time’s up.” She declared. “You’re now bankrupt until you harvest your remaining livestock.”

“Man, this sucks…” Harley complained, Wess shuffling her cards. “You feel like helping me out?”

“Are you kidding? You were my main competitor on wood.” Wess reasoned. “You’ll have to raise the price absurdly to meet your debts, and everyone will flock to me. Basic economics.”

“It’s a board game, Wess. No need to be so cutthroat.” Harley complained.

“Well…” Wess said, pulling out her wood cards and showing them off. “Who’s got the wood now?”

“Can I kick her out for being a jerk?” Harley asked Julia, as a knock came from the door.

“That’s just how the game’s played.” Julia replied, getting up from the floor to answer it.

Harley turned to Essex. “Now that’s she’s gone, can you still hel-“

“No.” Essex bluntly stated.

Julia giggled to herself, opening the door to see Florey, momentarily distracted.

“Oh, hey.” Florey said.

“Florey, hi.” Julia replied, moving out of the way. “Come in, we’re just playing Corn Grinders.”

“Oh, I didn’t realise I was interrupting…” Florey said, turning to leave, Julia nudging him in.

“Nonsense. You know you’re welcome whenever.” Julia excused, as the others got up to address him. “Did you need anything?”

“Actually…yeah.” Florey let out, sighing carefully. “…I…challenged Avalon to a sparring match.”

“Seriously?” Harley remarked, leaning against the couch. “Way to go. That’ll finally teach him a thing or two.”

“Yeah, really knock some sense into him!” Sola agreed, scratching her chin. “Or knock the nonsense out of him…”

Julia looked at Florey’s worried expression. “I’m assuming you didn’t come over to brag.”

Florey shook his head. “…I need some help…I’m…not the best at combat, and I need to be better if I’m to beat Avalon.”

Wess scoffed. “He’s not exactly a formidable foe.”

“Even still, he has a Whil, and I’m pretty inexperienced with one-on-one combat.” Florey admitted. “If I don’t know what I’m doing…”

“We will aid you in this.” Essex said, bowing to him. “It is important that we use our knowledge for those who require it.”

“I’ve already beaten him once. I can show you a couple techniques to really make him hurt.” Harley bragged, flexing a little. “How about after our game?”

Florey smiled proudly. “Thanks. I didn’t expect you to offer help so quickly.”

The team sat back down to continue their game, as Julia rested a hand on Florey’s shoulder and leaned into him.

“Florey…is there a reason you didn’t ask your own team for help?” Julia asked. “I’m not accusing you of anything, but that’s kinda what they’re there for.”

Florey went to speak, but deliberately let go of it and spoke again. “They…were all busy. You know, we’re near the end of semester, lots of assessments.”

Julia looked him over, before smiling back at him. “Yeah, makes sense. Admittedly, we should be studying a lot more too.”

“Right, yeah.” Florey said.

“Except us, since we’re already geniuses.” Julia joked.

“Well, yeah, obviously. That’d just be a waste.” Florey replied, laughing happily.

“You’ll save us front row seats when it happens, right?” Julia asked, sitting back down with the others.

“Will do.” Florey clarified, nodding in confirmation.

———

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three!”

Florey and Essex clashed on the field, blade to blade, pushing against each other, before Florey lost his footing and was knocked back, falling badly against the ground. His weapon fell from his hand, as Essex re-centred herself.

“Balance is important. A sparring match only requires you falling once.” Essex explained, as Florey picked himself back up. “You have chosen a longer-range weapon, which will alter your centre of gravity as you attack.”

“Yeah…” Florey said, staring back at his halberd. “I didn’t really factor that into the design.”

“Keep it up, Florey! You can do it!” Julia cheered from the sidelines. “You’ve got this way more than Avalon!”

Florey blushed and waved back. “Thanks!”

“I know you’re just encouraging him, but are you sure of his chances?” Wess asked, sitting beside Julia. “His lack of experience is…”

Florey fell backwards again, nearly landing on his own halberd.

“…obvious, and his lack of a Whil puts him at a disadvantage.”

“You seem to manage.” Julia remarked, getting a dry laugh from Wess.

“Might I remind you I’ve lost both of my matches with Team Ferocity?” Wess recalled. “Us Venators without a Whil always have to work around those who do. But if we’re lucky, you become too reliant on them.”

Wess waved her hand. “Regardless, I’m curious if Florey’s ego will let him handle a loss.”

“Ego?” Julia asked.

Wess stared back at her. “He took offence to Avalon proclaiming himself the greatest. Most people wouldn’t get up in arms about that.”

“…he doesn’t have an ego.” Julia reasoned, watching Florey throw himself back at Essex over and over. “He’s passionate, and opinionated. He hasn’t always had the best luck, so he often has to fight for what he wants, even if it terrifies him inside…”

Florey hit the dirt again.

“…or if he’s unprepared for it.”

Harley and Sola re-emerged from the dorms, carrying out some freshly prepared food for the group, as Julia twiddled her thumbs. “I’m surprised he came to us and not the rest of Team Vanguard.” Julia said, rubbing her arm. “I haven’t been great about training him in the past…”

Wess sighed out. “Well, if Team Vanguard’s as busy as he says, it might be safe to see us as his necessary backups.”

“More like his discount option.” Julia said, Wess chuckling to herself. “Or his store-brand option.”

“His obligatory coupon purchase.” Wess retorted, Julia giggling now as well.

“His free trial.”

“His free sample at the counter.”

“His pre-order bonus.”

“His batteries included with the toy.”

Julia and Wess snickered to each other, amusing themselves, as Florey caught a glimpse of them in the middle of his training, noticing how close Wess was to Julia. How much she…

Julia…

His frustration distracting him, Essex took a swipe at Florey, which he couldn’t dodge in time, scratching his face and knocking him back, as he clutched it in pain.

“Ow, shit…” He let out, noticing some blood on his hand, Essex rushing over.

“Reliasda Selo. I did not mean to injure you.” Essex apologised, inspecting the wound. “I had assumed you would block the attack.”

“…I guess I didn’t.” Florey excused, the others soon joining them.

“Are you alright? Did you get hurt?” Harley asked. “Essex, you’re meant to go easy on him.”

“No, that was my fault. I got distracted.” Florey admitted, bringing up his halberd again. “Come on, let’s keep it up.”

“It would be reckless to not have that treated.” Essex advised, lowering her scythe. “Pain is temporary, but injury is not to be ignored.”

“I said I’m fine.” Florey said, aiming his weapon, as Essex refused to raise hers.

“I will not spar with you if you are acting this reckless. It will only mean I may damage you further.” She reasoned.

Florey continued aiming his halberd, before breathing out and lowering it, holding his hand to his cut. “Yeah…sorry, I’ll get this checked out at the infirmary.”

“Here.” Sola said, offering a wet tea towel. “You don’t want it getting infected.”

“Thanks.” Florey replied, keeping it pressed against his cheek, Harley resting a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m gonna take you there.” Harley offered, grabbing her things. “Help yourself to the food. We should be back soon enough.”

“Okay. Don’t take too long, Florey!” Julia called, watching them disappear into the main building.

———

Harley and Florey walked in silence, Harley admiring the architecture of the main building, as Florey still idly touched his wound, covering it with the towel to avoid any further bleeding.

“Sorry…” Florey said. “I didn’t mean to drag you away from the team…”

“Hey, I offered.” Harley pointed out, bumping his shoulder. “Can’t have you wandering around with a huge cut on your face.”

“Yeah…” Florey said, letting the moment breathe. “How’s first year been for you guys?”

Harley placed a finger to her chin. “Hectic.”

“Really?” Florey asked.

Harley’s eyes drooped. “We got attacked by four Wailing. How many have you guys fought?”

Florey looked a bit awkward. “Fair call.”

Harley kept walking, smiling to herself. “But the team’s been great. I don’t think I would’ve coped with half of the stuff this year if everyone wasn’t so awesome and supportive. Sola’s like my own personal cheerleader.”

Florey looked to the side, thinking to himself. “How’ve…Julia and Wess been getting along?”

“Those two?” Harley said, snickering. “They’re as thick as thieves. Wess has been opening up little by little, but she’s easily the most comfortable with Julia.”

“Comfortable?” Florey asked.

“Yeah. From what she’s told us, Wess needed to act certain ways around her parents and rarely got a say in what she did or where she went. Also, and don’t tell her I told you this, but her parents tried to stop her becoming a Venator.” Harley explained.

Florey kept walking, his gaze focused forward, as he replied. “Uhuh.”

Harley nodded along. “But with Julia, she doesn’t need to act, or prove herself. She can just focus on herself, and she’s always got someone in her corner. And Julia hears her out…more then we used to, admittedly.” Harley confessed. “She was the first to really let Wess in.”

Florey noticed his saddened expression in a passing window, as he turned away from Harley and questioned her further. “…that sounds good for Wess.”

Harley picked up on his subtle tells and smiled. “You don’t need to be jealous of her. Julia has plenty of room for you too.”

Florey felt a pang in his chest, as they continued walking to the infirmary, Florey hoping to get back to sparring as soon as possible.

If she does, then she hasn’t shown it…

———

Training continued as expected, with Florey slowly getting better and better with his halberd over the course of the week. Julia, Essex, and on occasion Sola, helped him get used to sparring against Whiled combatants, and Wess and Harley offered advice with melee combat.

Harley’s advice seemed very skewed toward hitting Avalon in the crotch, but Florey would be lying if he said he hadn’t considered it.

Regardless, the week was slowly consumed by Florey’s training, save for the couple classes he still had to attend.

“Anyway…” Cecil said, checking his watch before the bell went off. “…that would signify the end of class. You all know what’s expected of you, so don’t let me down. This assignment’s important.”

The class picked themselves up and left, as Chops rested herself against Florey’s desk, Florey still scrawling notes down.

“Hey, you free this afternoon? Me and Lenin wanted to check out this new exhibition at the art gallery.” Chops asked, Florey breaking a sweat.

That’s right. I didn’t tell them about the fight.

“N-no, thanks. I’m getting myself ready for the assignment.” Florey lied, Lenin stretching tiredly.

“Your loss. They’re displaying some works from as early as the Second Wailing War. Real cultured stuff.” Lenin sold, as Florey went back to his notes.

“I’m sure…” Florey said, Chops and Lenin taking their leave, as Cecil was about to do so as well, before noticing Florey still in his seat.

He wandered over and peeked at Florey’s notes.

“Are these worth reading?” Cecil asked, pointing down to his notebook.

Florey looked up at him and started sweating. “O-oh, not really. They’re…just some random theories I’ve been working on…”

“Well, a theory would imply evidence, so there must be some validity to what’s here.” Cecil pointed out, pulling out the notebook from under him.

Florey reached for it instinctively, as Cecil flipped through the pages, nodding in affirmation.

“This is really good.” He said, turning back to Florey. “These are your ideas?”

Florey nodded. “I-it just made sense, c-considering their biology…”

Cecil kept reading in silence, before smiling to himself. “A disease! It seems so obvious now. Of course the magic wouldn’t be filtered through the liver…genetic component…wow…”

“B-but we can’t autopsy Gelatinous Wailing, so it’s pretty pointless…” Florey downplayed, Cecil waving his hand.

“Well, we can’t autopsy them yet. Who’s to say where we’ll be six, seven years from now?” Cecil reasoned, handing the book back. “Florey, those are exactly what I’m looking for.”

Florey lifted his head. “Looking for? For what?”

Cecil went to speak, before laughing to himself. “Tell you what. I’ve got a few more classes left in the day. After they’re done, come to my office, and I’ll let you in on something.”

Florey looked around unsurely and laughed a bit. “You’re making it sound like I’m joining a cult.”

Cecil chuckled to himself. “No, Florey…I’ve got an offer. I don’t want to promise much, but I think you’ll take to it. I…know Venator combat hasn’t been your favourite, and the other teachers tell me your results in their units are lacking, so this may be exactly what you need to really find yourself.”

Cecil turned back and started getting ready to leave. “Or you can just go back to swinging your halberd around.”

Cecil waved to him as he left, leaving Florey to stare back down at his notebook, reading over his ideas again and weighing up the merits of the upcoming fight.

Florey felt ready. Some part of him was ready to commit to his promise, whether it was the pressure of Team Valiant’s presence, Avalon’s showboating, or his own honour code.

But even still, he hesitated on entering the training grounds.

“Well, I’m not surprised!” Avalon announced, standing alone on the sparring court. “I knew he was just talk and bravado!”

“Look who’s also talking…” Acadia remarked, getting a laugh out of Wess sitting near her, as the rest of Team Valiant were getting antsy.

“Where the hell is he?” Harley asked, looking around the grounds. “He didn’t ditch us after all that training, did he?”

“Let’s be honest, he just ran away.” Avalon chimed in. “Too scared t-“

“Could you shut up, Avalon?” Claudius asked, sitting with the others. “He’s not scared of you. I can promise that.”

“He should be here…” Julia said, pulling out her tablet.

“Florey wouldn’t just leave us.” Sola said. “That’d be pretty shitty of him…I mean, we even bothered to get Ferris to referee.”

Ferris was lying on the sidelines, half asleep and shouldering an unfortunate headache from her lack of an afternoon nap, as Essex cleared her throat.

“It would not matter if he were to lose anyway.” Essex pointed out. “It is a petty conflict, but one he has promised to act on.”

Julia sent another text to him, asking desperately where he was, as Florey lay outside the walkway’s adjacent to the training grounds, catching a glimpse of the others on the field and shrinking back down into his seat with his halberd.

What was I thinking? I’m not built for this. I’m gonna get my ass handed to me. He realised, as Julia’s next text came in, surprising him with the buzz of his tablet.

He looked it over, guilt hitting him again, as he noticed Team Valiant on the field, all looking out for him, despite not needing to be there.

…I can’t just blow this off. I need to do what’s right. Florey thought, pocketing his tablet and getting up, even if his legs felt like they refused.

“I’m coming for you, Aval-“

“Florey?” Chops called, freezing Florey in place. “There you are. Man, you’re really hard to track down.”

Florey turned and noticed Chops and Joleicia approaching behind him, clearly in a huff, as he looked between them and the fight, deciding which to commit to.

“Florey, I’m mad at you!” Joleicia yelled, making that decision for him. “Since when were you fighting Avalon?”

Florey blinked. “Who told you?”

“Sola mentioned you were training for it the other day.” Joleicia said, stamping her foot.

“Wait, that’s why we’re here?” Chops asked in utter disbelief. “Florey, why didn’t you tell us?”

Florey tried to look innocent and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, you knew I was training with Team Valiant…”

“Not for this!” Joleicia yelled. “And that’s not a proper answer!”

“If you needed help training, you could’ve asked us.” Chops reasoned, only half-facing Florey. “It’s common curtesy, at least…”

“Look, can we talk about this later?” Florey asked, looking back at the training grounds. “If I’m not out there soon, I might have to forfeit.”

“That’s still not the issue here!” Joleicia complained, getting legitimately angry. “You lied to us for no reason! We totally would’ve understood! Didn’t you trust us?”

“It’s not that…” Florey started. “…I need to go out there. I made a promise and I intend to keep it.”

“Yeah, great moral compass there…” Chops remarked, Joleicia staring her down.

“Florey, if you really need to do this, then we’ll support you.” Joleicia said, finally taking a breath. “But if you do this again, don’t go behind our backs and leave us in the dark.”

“…yeah, you’re right.” Florey said, mostly to move things along to the fight. “You don’t have to stick around…”

“Oh, we’re sticking around!” Joleicia declared, trudging out to sparring court with Chops in tow, as Florey finally made his appearance.

“There you are!” Harley called. “We were about to send out a search party.”

You indirectly did. Florey thought, catching Ferris refereeing, unfortunately, as he stood on the other side of the field opposite Avalon.

Joleicia and Chops joined the other teams on the spectator seats, as Joleicia grumpily sat down next to Julia.

Julia looked side to side. “Are you okay?”

“Peachy!” Joleicia exclaimed, clearly still fuming.

“It’s about time you showed up!” Avalon said. “We were about to send out a se-“

“Harley made that joke already!” Florey called back, stunning Avalon in place.

“I-I know, it was a reminder!” Avalon said, getting into his pose and holding out his new staff. “You’ll be needing one after I knock you unconscious!”

“Yeah, that’s not happening…” Ferris grunted, bothering to get up. “You’re knocking each other down, not out. No lasting damage.”

“That’s weirdly considerate of her.” Julia pointed out, as Chops tapped her shoulder.

“Wait a minute…”

“I don’t need Faller breathing down my neck about more students getting hurt because of me.” Ferris said, grabbing out her pocket flask and returning to her seat. “But other than that, go nuts.”

“There we go.” Chops remarked, Harley laughing to herself.

Florey resettled himself, ready to go again, as Avalon held up a finger.

“Hold on.” Avalon said. “Instead of just once, let’s make it first to three knock downs. Spice things up a little.”

Florey was a bit thrown off and shrugged his shoulders. “Okay? Can we do this already?”

“Of course!” Avalon declared, using his Whil to summon his ‘electric fence’ and sending it shooting across the ground toward Florey, as Florey was immediately shocked backwards, stumbling over his own feet while avoiding the approaching electricity, before falling to the ground clumsily.

“I guess that would be one for me.” Avalon proudly boasted, dancing around with his staff, Acadia and Claudius looking on in confusion.

“He could’ve just ended the fight then and there if he didn’t make it three knockdowns…” Acadia groaned, face in her hands.

“Avalon’s two things. Prideful and arrogant.” Claudius pointed out.

Acadia gave him the side-eye. “They’re practically the same thing…”

Florey managed to get back to his feet, dusting himself off, as Julia called from the stands.

“Come on, Florey! You can bounce back!” She cheered. “Show him how much ass you really kick!”

Florey grinned back to her, as Avalon rolled his eyes.

“A cute display, you guys.” He remarked.

Florey turned to him again, halberd to his side, as Avalon returned his electricity back to himself.

“I can assure you, I won’t do that again.” Avalon said, moving his staff toward the suspended electricity. “Only because I wouldn’t be the best if I kept doing the same thing over and over.”

“Does than mean you’ll stop asking me out?” Harley called from the stands, as Avalon froze in place.

“…anywho,” He started. “I hope you’re prepared. I’m not just some one trick pony…”

As he moved his staff around, the electricity from his ‘fence’ wrapped around it, creating what looked to be an electrified baton.

“…I’ve got multiple.”

Avalon started running, Florey freezing in place out of instinctual fear, until Avalon was too close to ignore, causing Florey to run away and around the court avoiding him.

What was I thinking?! I’m gonna die here!

“Florey, you’ve gotta knock him down! You can’t just run away! He’s not even that good!” Harley called out, Florey narrowly avoiding a swing from Avalon.

“How about when I get a Whil, I can take matters into my own hands?!” Florey complained, swinging back at Avalon, Avalon narrowly dodging and hitting Florey’s leg in turn, knocking him down for a second time.

Ferris briefly glanced over, before lying back down. “That’s, uhh…two, I think. One to go.”

I hate her so much. Florey thought, picking himself up again, Avalon cackling to himself on the sidelines.

“Oh, poor Florey. He sure looks quite pathetic right n-“ Avalon boasted, before stepping back and tripping over his cape, falling down to the ground.

Ferris looked up, then lay back down. “That’s two to one.”

“H-hey!” Avalon cried, fumbling back up. “That’s not fair! Don’t give him special treatment!”

“Don’t fall over your own cape.” Ferris advised, Avalon catching snickering coming from the stands.

“Stop it! I don’t deserve this!” Avalon moped, stamping his foot. “Why’s everyone being so mean to me today?!”

I’m pathetic? Florey thought, regaining his composure as Avalon had his tantrum.

“You’re all jealous of the cape! It’s a status symbol tha-“ He tried, before falling over the cape again, drawing more laughter from the stands, and admittedly Ferris.

“Two for two, loser.” Ferris chuckled, wiping a tear from her eye. “Try to look a bit more dignified, okay?”

Florey watched on as the other laughed at Avalon, even his own teammates, as Avalon desperately tried to come off as regal and important while falling on his face, and only proving everyone’s assumptions of him.

And then the question crossed Florey’s mind in the midst of the show.

Why was this happening?

In the middle of her laughter, Ferris heard a sudden thump against the ground and noticed Florey lying flat on his back, arms splayed out, before he got up, grabbed his halberd and left the field.

“Hey kid, where’re you going?”

“I’m forfeiting.” Florey announced, trudging off in the other direction, the others noticing and stopping their laughter.

“Forfeiting?” Avalon repeated. “I-I should hope so! My brilliance has finally dawned on you! Team Exemplary will not be trifled wi-“

“Oh, would you give it a rest?” Acadia called from the stands, hands over the railing. “You didn’t beat him, he left! And no, not because he was scared of you!”

“Did he just leave?” Wess asked, peaking over the stands. “Even though he was the one who initiated the fight?”

Joleicia stared at him too and started to get out of her seat. “I should g-“

Essex held out her hand and blocked Joleicia off, before looking back at her.

“I will retrieve him.”

And with that, Essex leaped out of her seat, following after the swiftly disappearing Florey, now out of sight from the grounds.

———

Florey kept up his pace, his frustration building, as he thought about kicking the wall to let off some steam, before Essex swung around the corner, catching up to him.

“Florey, you should not leave during a match.” Essex said, as he kept walking. “There is no honou-“

“I don’t wanna hear it!” He complained. “Screw honour, screw doing what’s right. Nobody appreciates me for it anyway.”

Essex followed behind. “We have aided in your training and observed during the match.”

“So?!” Florey yelled, turning around and repeatedly poking Essex’s chest. “Where were you when I was standing up to Avalon?! Where were you when I was calling Ferris out on her bullshit?! Where was anyone when I was…”

Florey stepped back, before crouching to the ground. “I hate this whole…bullshit academy!” He yelled. “What’re we doing?! We’re not winning the Wailing conflict, we’re fucking around! Are we actually becoming Venators?!”

Essex waited for an appropriate moment before sitting down with him. “We are here to train as Venators. We are not prepared to fight the Wailing.”

“And some of us never will be.” Florey spat, sighing deeply. “…I’m not gonna be a Venator, and I don’t want to be anymore. No matter what everyone says.” Florey declared. “Everyone assures me Venators are saving the day, and that they’re something worth being. They’re taking down the Wailing, one by one. No matter what happened in my life, I still had this idea of Venators being paragons of good, beacons of change for humanity.” Florey said, getting up angrily. “But they aren’t doing shit! Wailing are still just as much of a problem as they’ve been for centuries, and we’re letting idiots like Avalon walk around calling themselves the best and lead future Venator teams!”

He threw his halberd onto the ground. “And he goes unchallenged! Nobody cares enough to prove him wrong! Does no one care about the integrity that should come with being a Venator? He’s a lousy fighter, he’s a total wimp, and he’ll probably die in a training accident! Where are the Venators who actually want to change things and finally wipe out the Wailing once and for all?”

Essex breathed out, watching Florey hype himself up, before feeling like she needed to step in, and resting a hand on his shoulder. “Florey, I must tell you…I have arrived at the academy with similar intentions. I wish to end the conflict by any means, with the Wailing no longer a threat to humanity.”

She removed her hand. “But this is not the way to handle the issue. Acting on selfish desires and only seeking catharsis is a self-destructive path. Do not let violence be your guide.”

Florey looked back at her, clear and heavy thoughts crossing his mind after Essex’s declaration, before he slapped her hand away.

“Hypocrite…” He declared, trudging off down the hall again.

In frustration, Florey kicked the wall, bruising his foot, before doing it again, leaving a few scuff marks against it. He lifted his leg again, ready to continue, before sighing and following his way down the hall, wandering aimlessly.

His foot started to sting, as he lay back against the wall. Why don’t they get it? Don’t they want the conflict to end? I am the only sane one here?

Florey looked up at the ceiling, before scoffing to himself.

“You’re the one talking to yourself…” He muttered, picking himself back up and continuing down the hall.

He wandered far enough to make his way to the science building, looking over the equipment in need of something to do, as he crossed past Cecil’s office and stopped by the door, drawing Cecil’s attention away from his paperwork and his singing.

“…so the kingdom collapses in…ruined in despair…oh, Florey, you made it.” Cecil said, putting down his forms. “I was starting to think you’d chicken out.”

“Yeah, hi, Mr Cecil.” Florey replied, still dejected, as Cecil indicated to his seat.

“Please, take a seat. I promise I won’t waste your time.” Cecil said, smiling back to him. “And feel free to call me Ryan.”

“I…might just stick with Cecil.” Florey said, Cecil shrugging his shoulders.

“Whatever makes you comfortable.” He said, before grabbing a couple stacks of paper and placing them on his desk, as he sat against it. “Now before I start, I want to ask a couple questions of you.”

Florey nodded back to him.

“What does the term EHM mean to you?” Cecil asked, as Florey tapped his chin.

“That’s…Event Horizon Manufacturing, right? They’re the biggest tech manufacturers in Daysend.” Florey asked, Cecil nodding his head.

“Correct. Second question, how much experience do you have with Wailing biology?”

Florey looked to the side awkwardly. “I did some basic dissections in science class, and I’ve spent a ton of time looking into it, but my knowledge is mostly theoretical…”

“Not a problem.” Cecil dismissed, before resettling himself. “Last question. How much experience do you have with Wailing themselves?”

Florey’s pupils shrank, as he sunk into his chair a little, mostly avoiding eye contact. “…I…was, uhh…face to f-face with one when I was little. My parents pulled me away, but it clawed into my neck before they saved me.”

Florey pointed to the scar running past his hoodie, as Cecil nodded along.

“I tried to fight back, until a team of Venators came in and saved us.” Florey explained, pulling himself back up from the chair. “I wanted to thank them afterwards, but they we-“

“Okay. That’s all I needed.” Cecil said, grabbing the papers again and getting up from his desk.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“I figured we could move this to the lab. You seem uncomfortable in my office.” Cecil reasoned, insisting Florey follow him, as they moved to the main academy research lab, still as pristinely kept as it always was.

Cecil rested against one of the counters, staring up at the night sky displayed through the overhead skylight before Florey felt pressured to follow his lead, propping himself on a counter as well.

They both stared out the window, not saying a word to each other, as Cecil slid the papers over to Florey.

“I’ll stop beating around the bush.” Cecil admitted. “I have a job offer for you.”

Florey was left stunned, struggling to process Cecil’s request. “A…w-what for?”

“A research position at Event Horizon Manufacturing. We’ve been looking for someone to shadow me and my staff, someone with a keen interest in Wailing and their biology.” Cecil explained. “Lines up pretty well, huh?”

Florey blinked. “Your staff? Are you…”

Cecil nodded. “Well, I’m the co-CEO of the company. My business partner, Marcus, handles most of the bureaucratic work and board meetings.”

Florey finally took in everything he was saying and stood back up frantically. “This…I can’t…I’m in the middle of a degree…I can’t just…”

“Florey, you’re wasting your potential here. You have a brilliant mind that the Venators don’t need, and you shouldn’t need them either.” Cecil reasoned, turning to him. “You’re no good swinging some weapon around.”

“…but I’d just be leaving my team.” Florey declared. “This is my big opportunity to…”

“And this is a big opportunity too. I’m here to help you, to give you the chances very few get. I wasn’t lucky enough at your age to get this chance, so I don’t want to see a fellow prodigy go unappreciated by those around him.” Cecil said.

Cecil indicated to the paperwork again. “This is your decision.” Cecil said, tapping his pen to the paper. “Only you can decide this for yourself.”

Florey stared back at the pages, reading over the ‘Event Horizon Manufacturing’ title again and again in his head, before picking up the first page, then putting it back down.

“…I need time…to think about it.” Florey said, leaving his hand on the stack. “This is a big decision and I want to be completely sure. I don’t just want to abandon people…”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Cecil remarked, getting up from the counter. “Take the forms with you and sleep on it. And, come back whenever you’ve made your choice.”

Florey nodded, mostly to reaffirm himself, as Cecil rested a hand on his shoulder.

“We’d really appreciate you.” Cecil insisted. “I have faith you’ll make the right choice for yourself.”

Florey smiled back to him, taking the sheets and his bag and leaving out the lab’s main door and reflecting on the day he’d just had.

Cecil stayed back in the lab, still staring out at the window, as he hummed to himself while watching Florey, waving back as he ducked around the corner.

“…but the rubble hides monuments…that are always there…”