09/29/3122 YDB – September 29th, 3122

Early morning Archer Griffen found himself doing something he really didn’t expect to happen. He stood in the middle of a crosswalk, holding up a stop sign and helping preschoolers cross the road safely. Archer wasn’t in any real rush, he was going to make it to school and besides, his impromptu shift was nearly over.

“Ah, you really saved me there Archer.” The normal crossing guard said running out of a convenience store.

“Oh it’s no problem at all Mr. Smith. It was only for two minutes.” Archer said as he handed both the vest and stop sign back over to Mr. Smith.

“Yeah, it was very embarrassing but I really needed the bathroom.” Mr. Smith said chuckling as another gaggle of children came walking along, “Well back to work.” He said as he helped the kids cross the road.

Archer gave the kids and Mr. Smith a wave goodbye as he continued his way towards Trinity Academy. Looking upwards he saw a pair of people fly over his head, he couldn’t help but feel jealous watching them.

With all the talents Archer had, flying was not one of them. At least he’s been told that there were ways for him to learn how to, it just hasn’t happened yet. As he was busy staring up at the sky, he wasn’t paying attention and felt something lightly bump his shoulder.

Turning his head around Archer looked down to see his fellow classmate and F-rank Joyce Hare. The rather well-developed blonde clutched at her head in pain as if she had run into a wall. Admittedly, a brick wall might have been a softer object to hit than an Archer who was spacing out.

I probably should’ve fallen over. She’s bigger than me and everything. Too late now. Archer thought as he knelt down and offered her a hand.

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking. Are you okay?” Archer asked concerned. She was an F-rank, which meant an enhanced human, but at the same time she did run into him and he did not budge.

“Owww… yeah, no, it’s my bad. Sorry.” Joyce said rubbing her head as tears welled up in her eyes from the pain. Looking up with watery eyes she accepted his hand, “Are you okay? I ran into you really quickly and I’m a bit, uh… big.”

“Yeah, I think you hit me at a weird angle, it wasn’t too bad for me.” Archer said, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes!” She said nodding her head adamantly, “I’m made of tough stuff!” She said.

“I don’t doubt that. But why were you running? We’re not late to class.”

“I know but I need to meet up with my friends early. Right! I still need to go. Goodbye!” She said before running full speed again.

Oh wow that’s pretty fast… I hope I didn’t concuss her. He thought as he watched her run. With a small shrug Archer walked after her.

***

While Cassia sat in her seat waiting for the bell to ring to start class, she couldn’t help but stare out the window. Stu the werewolf wasn’t seen over the weekend, but that was because he lost track of her. Now that it was Monday it was likely that he would be around. Though he wouldn’t be brazenly walking around school, he would be watching.

Though that being said, she felt less worried about it than she perhaps should. Perhaps because there’s Archer about. It almost felt as if Stu was encroaching on the territory of an apex predator. Though speaking of Archer, he still did baffle her.

While she didn’t go searching for Archer like Mercy did last night, she did see him save that woman from the thief. Was he really some type of good Samaritan? Cassia had no idea, only that she was glad he was currently her ally. Her attention was then directed to something else, a student stood up on his seat and gave an announcement.

“Don’t forget! After school tomorrow at four is the duel between D-rank Igor and the upstart F-rank Ran! Training arena has been booked and tickets are nearly all sold out! Watch as the loser gets his dreams get crushed!” He announced loudly.

Right, that was also happening. Cassia was vaguely aware of it, as it was a popular piece of gossip around school. Even second and third years were interested enough to pay some attention to it. It was a student challenging the status quo, though with it being an F-rank, it wasn’t very likely to change anything.

As the teacher arrived in class, the student very quickly sat back down and the morning lesson began. Though while Cassia was having a normal morning, the F-rank in question was having a bit more of a chaotic one. Down a floor and across several rooms, inside classroom 101-A, Ran was dealing with a lot of loudmouths currently taunting him.

“Oh look, it’s the hope of the failures preparing for his last day.” Someone jeered.

“You better not run before the fight, I have money riding on your death!”

“Ignore them, they’re all idiots.” Selena said assuring him.

“Yeah, you got this.” Emmra assured him.

“Quiet down. Class is in session.” Professor Blackowl said.

As Professor Blackowl treated the class as he always did with his lectures, Ran found his thoughts begin to drift. Had he improved over the past month? Yes, greatly even. But that also meant that Igor could’ve as well. Maybe he’s even stronger, and what if Ran lost?

What would happen to everyone? All that time and effort they spent on him only for him to disappoint them all? Some of the other E- and F-ranks have given Ran a tough time due to the added harassment that resulted from Ran’s actions. If he lost, it would only get worse for them and they would take it out on him.

Those thoughts all weighed on Ran, doubt crept into his mind. But then watching all these sneering faces and jeers lit a fire in him that made him want to shut them all up. He could do this. He had to be able to. He was a student of this school and he deserved a fair shot at Trinity Academy like everyone else did.

In the corner of the classroom, Archer watched everything curiously. Sitting in the corner seat proved to be quite the boon today. While every lower rank was given the stink eye from their classmates, Archer had all but disappeared into the background. It helped that he’s done his best not to be the center of attention, aside from that first day, of course.

From what Archer could see Ran despite the harassment was taking things rather well. As annoyed as he may be, it didn’t look like he was doubtful of himself. If nothing else, then Ran’s got a decent poker face. Most of the other F-ranks remained silent and also avoided more of the jeers than they should’ve expected.

It seemed that a conversation was discussed earlier between Ran and the others that Ran would take all the ire for the next forty-eight hours. It was a lot of stress, but if Ran could take it would be a good test of character for him. From what Luna said of Ran, he should be able to handle Igor.

Of course, underhanded methods were always a possibility if anyone felt as though Ran had a chance of winning. But that probably wouldn’t happen. Even if it did, it really wasn’t Archer’s responsibility, as whatever happens to the F-ranks wouldn’t affect his job of protecting the school from outside destruction.

Maybe I’ll forgo my nightly jaunt today. Archer thought as his eyes drifted to his seat neighbour. Kaiden Atkins, the man who walked around wearing his jacket uniform like a cape and wrapped his arms with bandages.

Archer had a single previous confrontation with Kaiden back during the class sparring tests. He felt a bit bad, he hit Kaiden harder than he had originally planned. But then again, it felt as though Kaiden was going to launch something potentially dangerous to everyone, so Archer felt as though it was necessary to knock him out.

Afterwards Kaiden had been pretty quiet. He had always been a loaner, despite also being an F-rank he refused to seek the refuge of joining his fellow lower ranks. Something that he and Archer shared, though that thought oddly bothered Archer a bit.

Kaiden had on occasion given Archer the stink eye, but that was to be expected. Today however, this lone wolf seemed a lot more animated. It seemed that this fight between Ran and Igor excited even him.

“Heuheuheu… the peasants fight amongst themselves while the dark conqueror watches in amusement. Fight you fools, let your pathetic squabbles consume you while I rise above the gods themselves!” Kaiden muttered to himself.

It seemed that everyone aside from Archer were all busy with Ran to pay Kaiden any attention. It helps to be known as the nonsensical weirdo of the class apparently. But Archer kept his interest on Kaiden. He had, well, something going on with him. A lot of mental things honestly, but it didn’t seem like all of it was natural.

The attack Kaiden attempted on Archer back during their match was a telepathic one. Kaiden had no such ability, or at least he shouldn’t. His talents lay in minor night vision and using projectile weaponary, throwing knives more specifically. He was decently accurate, but what made him good enough to be accepted by the school was that he could get the blades to return back to his hand.

For most people they would need to specifically get a weapon with an enchantment that would allow their weapons to return back into their hands, so it was a useful ability. It was honestly better than the average F-rank, but it also had limited use. If you could afford a weapon that returned back to your hand then the ability was obviously useless.

Most D-ranks can afford a weapon like that. Granted quality usually wasn’t great. But it was still a magic blade meant for combat against monsters, which meant that it was better than most knives. Which lay the other issue with Kaiden, he had no money.

If he was from a wealthy family, he could easily purchase a powerful knife or two and use them to rise in the ranks. But he didn’t, so the best he could afford were basic blades, from army surplus knives to kitchen knives, that was what he worked with. It was really hard to fight monsters effectively with mass-produced steel knives and only human-level strength.

The final issue was Kaiden’s physical ability. They were average for a person, as in weaker than a normal F-rank who would run in the category of top-tier athlete. With a knife he could beat a F-rank thanks to his skill and a bit of distance, but in a dungeon, not so much. Even worse for him is unlike some people who can increase their physical prowess to superhuman levels, it didn’t seem like he could. Thus, without an expensive weapon, he could do only so much, hence the F-rank.

But all of this doesn’t explain the psychic abilities he showed to Archer. So how in the world did he do that? He had no aptitude for magic, no extra mutated abilities, yet he could’ve fired a psychic attack, a powerful one at that.

Clearly he gained something at some point. But from where and what exactly? The what wasn’t the main concern, at least for now. It was the where that intrigued Archer. He was pretty sure that it had something to do with the deities. Similar to the twins who employed him, somebody chose Kaiden and gave him a gift apparently. Whose side employed Kaiden was another question.

Though all of this could be pondered on at a later date. Archer was pretty sure that Kaiden would stay true to his words, he would simply watch the fight tomorrow. Though Archer would need to find a way to get Kaiden to spill his secrets eventually.

“Ran Almer.” Professor Blackowl growled out suddenly.

“Yes sir?” Ran replied immediately.

“Do not think your injuries during your extracurriculars allow you to skip class. You will be punished for missing them.” Blackowl warned.

“But I’m not hurt.” Ran said confused which prompted a scowl from Blackowl.

“He’s saying you’ll lose and get hurt.” Emmra whispered.

“No talking during class. That’s detention for you.” Blackowl said before turning back to the blackboard.

“Detention? We can get detention?” Emmra said shocked.

“Keep quiet.” Blackowl warned.

“What, so people can beat others but a few whispers gets detention?” Selena said getting up from her seat, “You’re being biased professor!”

“That’s detention for you as well. Both of you will go down to the detention hall after school.” Blackowl said turning back around to shoot a cold glare towards Selena.

“After school? But they’re part of Ran’s team!” Luna exclaimed.

“Another one with detention.” Blackowl said not even looking at her. This claim prompted a few laughs from the rest of the class, laughs that notably went unpunished.

“You’re only punishing my friends!” Ran said indignant.

“Be quiet, the lesson isn’t over yet.” Blackowl said as he continued to write on the blackboard.

“You’re stopping Ran from training before the fight!” Selena accused.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Someone as weak as Almer has no chance no matter how hard he tries.” Blackowl said coolly.

“You didn’t give me detention!” Ran said.

“Stay quiet or I’ll suspend you.” Blackowl warned causing Ran to falter. Before turning around, “You, Murphy. Answer the question.”

“Huh? Uh… oh, uh…” Alex stammered out, completely taken by surprise by the command. He had been so enthralled with this entire farcical abuse of power that he was not paying attention to any of the writing. He quickly tried to read the contents of the blackboard, but before he could even start anything, Blackowl spoke again.

“Not paying attention, detention for you.” Blackowl said.

Ran and the others all looked angry, Selena looked like she was about to literally explode from rage. But despite everything, they were helpless and right now staying silent was the best course of action.

Blackowl slowly looked towards Joyce and she immediately went on guard. But after a moment of thinking, Blackowl continued his lecture as normal. Archer who was now leaning his face against the window, watched everything. Well that certainly adds a twist. He thought.

***

For Cassia, everything had been relatively normal. Her morning classes were fine, lunch was normal and quiet. As she finished her lunch early, she roamed aimlessly through the hallways as she often did.

“Good to see you again.” A voice filled with malice spoke.

Cassia immediately turned to see the source of the voice. Stu Clancy, the werewolf brother of an imprisoned criminal. Though this time he lacked a stolen uniform.

“You.” Cassia said getting into a defensive stance.

“Relax, I’m not going to start a fight today. Besides I can’t stay here long without a uniform. I’m just here to warn you that tomorrow you’re done.”

“As if I’m going to let you run.”

“Ah, but then I would have to expose your history to the school.” Stu said looking smug, “So if you don’t want that, you stay right there.”

“What is this stupid flaunting getting you?” Cassia snapped.

“Getting to you evidently.” Stu said with a shrug, “As I said I’m not fighting you today. But I heard that tomorrow there’s this big after-school event going on.”

“And?” Cassia said getting more and more annoyed.

“And that means a lot of people will be busy and that will mean we have some time to ourselves. I really don’t like having to chase you around so let’s use the distraction of tomorrow’s event to finish this.”

“You enjoy showing off huh?”

“You put my brother in jail! Unlike the others, he isn’t important enough to be bailed out and even if he did, they would blame him for his boss’s arrest. I’ve lost him because of you so you're going to get everything that’s coming to you!” Stu yelled angrily before collecting himself, “I’ve made sure for that to happen. So take your last day to get your affairs in order because tomorrow I kill you.”

Cassia narrowed her eyes at Stu. He seemed confident, even more so than last time, maybe he had an ace up his sleeve. Maybe it would be smart to fight him now, granted, it might land her into a pool of trouble, but it might be the smartest move right now. If the faculty is involved, then Stu was going to be helpless, but she could also be kissing her career away.

As she debated Stu suddenly looked nervous. He whipped his head around as if searching for something, and before Cassia could probe for any information, Stu turned and ran.

“I’ll see you tomorrow!” He shouted.

As Cassia was left confused she heard footsteps from her left. Walking down the hall was Archer happily munching on a bag of potato chips. He stopped as he spotted her, blinking in surprise as his mouth was stuffed with junk food.

“Archer… did you?” Cassia asked looking back towards where Stu ran.

“Hmm?” Archer said as he swallowed the potatoes, “Want one?” He asked offering her the bag, “I can’t believe they sell family packs here.”

“N-never mind.” Cassia said as she thought of Stu’s challenge.

“You should enjoy the show tomorrow.” Archer advised, “I personally would bet on the underdog.”

“Right the F-rank. Are you helping him?”

“Nope, never spoke more than a few sentences to him even.” Archer said.

“Then why do you think he’ll win?”

“From what I’ve been told he’s got a lot of talent.” Archer said with a shrug, “Relax and enjoy yourself tomorrow. I’ll take your place.”

“Take my place? Wait, so you heard the conversation?”

“More or less. He’s either a showman or really likes to make himself feel grand and special. Probably both.” Archer said with a shrug, “Looks like he’s tried a few things to make him stronger. I would like to see how strong.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” Archer said offering a kind smile to Cassia, “It’s my duty to protect you.”

“Oh, um. Thanks.” Cassia said, not sure how to respond.

Archer gave a small sniff, “By the way could you text me what brand of shampoo and conditioner you use?”

“Uh…” Cassia said looking at him suspiciously.

“Also perfume would be nice.”

“I don’t use perfume.”

“Then why do you smell so swe- never mind.” Archer said, “Just send me whatever, it’s important.”

“Alright.” Cassia said deciding that she should trust him, “I just hope this mess won’t be too much for you.”

“It will never be a problem. Besides, it’s October now and it’ll only get colder, fur pelts are sure to keep me warm.” Archer said as he turned around and walked back to the stairs.

Cassia couldn’t help but feel an involuntary shudder. Yeah, Archer was still a dangerous mystery, she can’t ever forget that.

***

“Hey Ran!” Nick called out towards the downtrodden F-rank afterschool, “Something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh it’s nothing it’s just that most of my party has detention today.

“Detention? That barely ever happens, what happened?”

“I think Professor Blackowl is trying to stop me from getting any last-minute training in.” Ran said, “Joyce had to do something, so she’s also gone right now.”

“That’s as biased as I’ve ever heard.” Nick said looking annoyed, “Hey if that’s the case do you want to train with me? I’m working with my classmate Julia.”

“That’s Luna’s friend right? She’s an A-rank?”

“Yeah, actually she told me to find you and ask you. It’s going to be a bit hard for you but what do you say?”

“Are you kidding? I need difficulty right now! Of course!” Ran said excitedly.

“Then come on, we’re using Julia’s training grounds.” Nick paused before remembering something, “Oh right, uh, a disciplinary girl will be there so be on your best behavior.”

“Disciplinary member?”

“Apparently she and Julia are friends, weird I know.”

“That doesn’t sound right.”

“I thought so too. But don’t let them catch you saying that.” Nick said with a laugh, “Now come on, let’s go.”