Cycle 2 — Chapter 12
Scene 1
Javi POV
"Xavier, fix your mask, you idiot."
I heard Ron practically yelling at his usual victim as Gabe and I ignored Xavier, who had cut a hole in his mask to let his hair through. Only to get punched by Ron as he was forced to put on a new one.
"Like I was saying, Gabe, the tunnels under the main grounds are hunting grounds. Depending on where you enter or how well you can navigate the tunnels, you can end up in another faction's territory or in the areas where everyone hunts nobodies.
"With any luck, we can catch a couple of second years who are exploring for their emblems. If you're unlucky, then honestly, I'll offer a prayer for your future outside the school if you attack a third year. Most of them are high B-ranks, either planning on going into Class A or stabilizing their cores. Both are a death sentence."
I nodded along with Ron's explanation as we ignored him punching Xavier for casting a fireball for light.
"So why are emblems important?"
Xavier finally asked something worthy of praise as I recalled TJ only yelling at me not to lose his in that match.
"In our faction, we control the arena area under the sparring hall. From what I know, each faction that's taken it over required you to be recognized by your class, whether through fighting in the pit or earning a reputation through the school.
"The third years of my first year created the emblem requirement once TJ started trading there. He started the market culture of the arena to trade notes and manuals. Except they got beaten by their own rules once TJ melted it like he did Megan's.
"So some factions started requiring emblems to even walk into their territory. Except it's against school rules to be caught with another student's emblem if you aren't known associates. So everyone hunts each other for the emblems they carry to pass through territories.
"If you lose yours, then it's practically a wrap unless you're going to earn another one through the school and explain how you lost it to Director Chiron himself."
Ron explained as we spotted a flashlight in the distance.
"Oh, y'all are really lucky. No one comes to this section unless it's us. So it's definitely a second or first year. Even if they don't have an emblem, their supplies are worth it because you guys are broke bastards."
We nodded our heads as we waited for the person to walk further into our tunnel.
Scene 2
Tia POV
"Ms. Tia, I'm only coming to you because you told us to focus on our mental spaces."
I looked up from my reports on all the students' test results at the young lady standing before me.
Ren, a second year.
"That is correct. I'm the general counsel for all students, so to me, your mental health is just as important as your physical health, within reason. Your test results were fairly good for a second year with a low B-rank core."
I typed her name into my computer, where I pulled up her files.
"I'm facing bullies from the third year."
I paused my reading as I glanced at her before turning my screen off.
"Are you going to say any names?"
I watched her look down when I asked my question. Sighing to myself, I pulled my glasses off.
"Okay. Since you won't give names for us to look into, I'll place you under a white banner for the next two weeks until the next test. Since you don't have an emblem, this will be your first strike as a Class A of the second years."
I reached into a drawer and pulled out the decorated banner used to call a ceasefire.
I placed it on the desk, the giant 'O' for Odin facing her.
I turned my screen back on as I glanced at her hesitating.
"You already walked in here, so the rumors will start regardless. So my advice as the counselor is to go to Mr. Johnson for additional training as a second year. He won't give you combat techniques like the third years, but refining your cycling and mind will help you more than you think, Ren."
I watched her grab the band as she walked away, gripping it with embarrassment.
Scene 3
TJ POV
"They didn't?"
I looked across the student gathering the school had decided to hold at the last minute. My eyes landed on the second years, where I found Ren along with the rest of our former group.
"Oh, they did. I told you, TJ was increasing the heat on everyone. If we didn't take tutor spots with his group, we'd be stuck out in the cold as well."
I focused on the armbands they were all wearing. They were white.
"Now everyone's looking at us as well. That band might've worked last year, but our class is ruthless. They'll have to stay within Mr. Johnson's view."
I focused on the stage where Director Chiron had walked out.
"There shouldn't be any need for greetings, so I'll keep this short and sweet. Third years, do not have a repeat of last semester. I'll personally oversee your punishments if you're caught attacking white banners."
I heard whispers around me like last time as I offered a prayer to anyone dumb enough to break the unwritten rule again.
"Now, on to the main subject. Third years and up, your main assignment for this semester will be based on demonstrating your abilities within controlled and uncontrolled environments.
"Primarily focusing on evaluations submitted by Travelers and civilians. With the increase in cults across the country, you don't have to be perfect or a nice person, but character is also a part of the evaluations guilds will look at. So be mindful of your future. Dismissed."
He left just as quickly as he had continued the tradition of teachers wasting an hour only for ten minutes of a one-way speech.
Scene 4
TJ POV
"Javi! All three of you, come sit with us!"
I glanced toward the door where Thomas was yelling toward us as the low light of the club barely hid his pale crimson hair. He was flanked by his classmates, Xavier and Gabe, who both had bruises on their faces.
"Ron, go figure out who attacked them. If it's the dudes from Horizon Academy, then take some of the hounds and pay them back."
I watched as Ron glanced over before patting the shoulder of a couple of his fellow second years. They caught Javi's group before they made it to our section.
"TJ, don't cause an issue this close to the academy wars, please. The last thing we need are the first years of both schools attacking each other in the streets."
I glanced toward Alexis, who took her seat after getting drinks for the three of us.
"If Ron does it now, then it'll shut down a lot of the future issues. By the way, I was playing with the idea of giving out armbands to our first years we tutor."
I pulled out the medallion I got from Dex at the monthly trade.
I handed it to her as she rubbed her hand over the golden skull with the crown hanging off its head.
"I'll see if Alice will make a couple for me. I'll even create little symbols to show which group they train with.
"Amber and Megan are here tonight as well, so I'll talk to them about balancing out the groups. They'll most likely bring in more first and second years for us to use."
I nodded my head as I took a drink while Thomas chugged his.