As Archer closed the door to his bedroom and sat himself down at his desk, he pulled up his phone to read the group chat. The other three were currently discussing amongst themselves about their opponents for the duel tomorrow. With Julia and Esme voicing their excitement, while Luna sounded a lot more concerned.
You guys are lucky to fight tomorrow, I have to wait until Friday – Julia
I wish I didn't need to – Luna
??? – Julia
Why? – Julia
She has Annaxia – Esme
Oh right – Julia
Don't worry you can beat her ᕙ(•̀‸•́)ᕗ - Julia
I don't know… - Luna
Why does she hate you so much? – Esme
Because Julia likes her – Archer
I mean why does she hate Julia so much? – Esme
Long story - Julia
Is there any hope for me? – Luna
Honestly, not really? – Archer
Archer! >:( - Julia
You could have handled it more tactfully. – Esme
I'm just telling the truth, is that so bad? – Archer
It's okay Archer, I know I'm hopeless (╥﹏╥) - Luna
That's not what I meant – Archer
Look what you did! – Julia
Good grief, you made her cry – Esme
I said that's not what I meant! – Archer
You're the worst. – Julia
No seriously! I didn't mean it like that!!! – Archer
What do you mean then? – Esme
Realistically there is no way for us to be able to formulate a plan that would allow Luna to beat Annaxia in just a few hours with the equipment she has – Archer
So could she win if we had more time? – Esme
Yeah, just need a plan and a bit of luck – Archer
But what do we do now? – Julia
First off, no one is expecting Luna to win the fight. Heck no one is expecting her to even do anything, on paper it's a complete wash. – Archer
Not helping – Julia
You know I like to ramble – Archer
Anyways, right now all you need to do right now Luna is to impress those watching – Archer
How do I do that? – Luna
Hit her. – Archer
Hit her? - Luna
Hit her? – Julia
Hit her? – Esme
Hit her. – Archer
Really hard. – Archer
Once. – Archer
And make it clean. – Archer
… - Julia
That would definitely help with promotion. – Esme
Oh, okay – Luna
Wait – Luna
But how do I do that? – Luna
From the few clips I've seen Annaxia anytime a large shot comes her way she will jump to her right. – Archer
Large shot? – Luna
Explosions and the like – Archer
I don't have anything that can explode :( - Luna
The school provides flashbangs, smokes and EMPs. – Archer
They do? – Luna
Yes, surplus from the military. Really only E and F ranks use them. – Esme said
Will they even hurt her? – Julia
The EMPs and Flashes will work. You just need a mask and goggles. – Archer
So what do I do? – Luna
Okay, listen carefully, make sure to take notes - Archer
The conversation for strategizing continued for a couple more hours before Archer went to bed. There were a couple of things Archer was concerned about tomorrow. Primarily his attention was completely focused on Rosaline Bent and what exactly she let herself get involved in.
***
09/17/3122 YDB – September 17th, 3122
As Archer enjoyed himself a bowl of goat vindaloo pairing it with a garlic naan during lunch, he was joined by one Esme Soto. Archer looked up in between mouthfuls looking confused that she would join him.
"I don't see you around lunch." Archer said as he dipped more of his bread into the curry.
"I'm usually patrolling school grounds, I eat before lunch." Esme replied with a happy smile as she began to cut up her plate of half a chicken in a plethora of herbs and spices.
"You seem very happy." Archer commented.
"Because I'm fighting after lunch." Esme said, "With my power-up, I'm sure to win."
"You sure are excited to fight."
"Of course. You don't come to Trinity Academy without a hunger to best others." Esme said before eyeing Archer, "At least that's usually the case."
"Actually now that you mention it, it seems like everyone here has the same fervor as you." Archer said as he popped the piece into his mouth.
"Of course, the number of students part of the champions system is only in the hundreds and less than half will graduate with hero or hunting licenses. Everyone else will be forced to change to another focus or kicked out entirely. Even those who graduate might find themselves lowered by a couple of ranks." Esme said.
"Because students' ranks are measured differently from that of adults right?" Archer said nodding, "As we grow older, lots of people's power becomes stronger. Or at the very least they get a bit smarter."
"Rank equates to social standing in the outside world so it has to be the same here." Esme said with a shrug.
"Still find it a bit weird why they're so focused on categorizing things."
"Not the same from where you're from?"
"Specifically where I was taught? No, but outside of that very specific small circle, yeah very similar here. Just doesn't feel right for me." Archer said before adding, "By the way, speaking of rank, aren't people going to judge you for speaking to me?"
"Not really, as a member of the disciplinary committee I tend to converse with the lower ranks, so it's normal for me."
"Convenient for you then. How about your newfound power? Won't that cause some eyes to come your way?"
"Those are eyes I want on me. And you don't need to worry about the power boost. It's normal for B-ranks and up to learn and develop new skills and abilities."
"Really?"
"For prodigies at least."
"You're a prodigy for being an unwilling lab rat?" Archer said looking amused.
"Well, they won't ask for details at least." Esme said giving a light cough. Which caused a small chuckle from Archer.
"But forget about me, what about you? Are you planning to lose?"
"Yeah why?"
"At F-rank it's not going to take much to get kicked out." Esme said looking concerned.
"Don't worry, as long as I can make up for it in other events. Besides, I'll give a good enough showing." Archer said.
"Who is your opponent anyways?"
"A fellow F-rank. A bit particular, but so am I, so who am I to judge?" Archer said shrugging.
"Okay, just make sure you do well." Esme said as she began to work on her vegetables.
"I will. Hey, Do… do you not like eating vegetables?" Archer realized as she seemed to chew on the vegetables for way too long.
"That's none of your business!" Esme said looking embaressed, which caused Archer to chuckle out loud, "It's just since the whole event, plain vegetables are now extra bitter."
"Everything has its downsides huh?" Archer said with a grin.
***
After an entertaining lunch, Archer, Esme, and several other students made their way towards the training area. Archer as he walked realized just how much he missed being able to have lunch with others consistently. He had only eaten with Luna and Julia once, and it was due to his work. It was nice being with Esme, in fact it was also fun when he did it with the others.
Archer then tried to push those thoughts to the side. He was not here to make friends, he was only here to solve problems. He needed to distance himself, or at least he kept telling himself that.
Thankfully he made it to the training area which meant that he no longer needed to dwell on those thoughts and could focus on other things. Like watching his friends compete. Not friends… just acquaintances. Archer tried to remind himself.
The training arena where they were ushered was outdoors. A large flat field with carefully grown grass canvassed the area, save for a propped-up ring in the middle of stadium seats.
Obviously that was where the matches would take place. Archer then looked beyond this area and saw a large building with a large sign on it. The Grand Trinity was what it read. Archer then recalled that the academy would at times put on shows and grand tournaments. Evidently that building was where they took place.
Standing on a pedestal and getting everyone's attention was a teacher who had scruffy long platinum white hair and wore a suit with several patches shoddily resewn on. He began to announce to the students gathered in the room, "Alright when your number is called, you and your opponent will enter into the arena. Other students may sit and watch."
Behind him a device was placed down and out of it emerged a hologram which began to run a roulette of numbers. A number of seconds later the roulette stopped at the number eight. Two students then raised their hands up and were directed to enter the ring.
Quickly the other students swarmed over to get themselves seats. Archer counting the number of heads here saw that there were around eighty students gathered. So two classes for the afternoon will be competing. So that means forty matches. Archer then wondered how long each match was supposed to even be.
Actually, now that he thought about it he had no idea what the rules for the matches would be. He was never told the rules. I'm sure I can figure it out. Archer thought as he moved towards the stadium seats.
Another thought came to Archer, how will the fights in the outside world work? When it came to the skills and talents for some they could only be used or be fully effective when in areas like a dungeon. That was another weird lottery that abilities and skills carried, some S-ranks might only have their powers when in these zones.
Though considering how dangerous both those areas and potentially their skills could be, perhaps that was for the best. The theory behind why was simply because of the nature of the environment.
The dungeons, restricted zones, and towers were all similar in the sense that they were all supernatural. They changed and warped reality, creating monsters among other anomalies, there was something in those environments. It could be called mana, ether, karma, essence or some other name, whatever it was, those areas were rich with it.
Though that theory didn't exactly explain how others had powers and abilities that stayed active without ever needing to set foot in those areas. But that was the contrast between those who would be allowed to apply as heroes and those who could apply as hunters or adventurers. The ability to be at full strength all the time.
Archer had no idea what category his opponent would be in. Nor was he even sure if it really mattered. He was labeled as an F-rank for a reason. Archer then shook his head as he sat down in a seat. Come on Archer, now you're sounding like everyone else. He chided himself.
The ability of someone shouldn't be judged based on a letter that was given to them. Archer knew that, he's seen examples of it being proven to be true. Still, the ranks were a decent gauge to judge physical abilities, to say the least. It was highly unlikely that this guy, Orolos, was like Archer, a walking, talking problem for everyone.
Still, Orolos was peculiar compared to others. A familiar peculiarity that Archer felt as though he should feel offended for understanding and even relating to it. Of course the peculiarness of Orolos could just be due to delusion, but it could be something more.
As Archer was thinking, he realized that sitting next to him was Luna. Looking over he made eye contact with her and saw the nervousness in her eyes. Archer gave a small smile before focusing back at the ring.
"Just need one." Archer said softly.
Luna nodded her head as Emmra loomed behind them and asked, "Just one what?"
"Oh uh." Luna said surprised.
"Luna's nervous about her match." Archer said.
"Oh right. You have to fight Annaxia right?" Emmra said cringing a little at the prospect of it, "She's pretty horrible isn't she?" She whispered as she looked over to the other side of the stadium looking to Annaxia who was busy chatting with her friends.
Momentarily Annaxia looked back in their direction and locked eyes with Emmra, who promptly looked away from them in a panic. Luna also shrank a little as Archer looked back at the ring where the two students were now getting to fight.
If it's just in a normal environment, honestly Luna could win this. Luna's strength won't change while Annaxia's powers require a zone to activate. Archer thought just as a device was activated and the air around the ring rippled momentarily and Archer could sense a change with the fighters.
Archer realized that the device was a simulator, which created an area in which it allowed users to use all their abilities as if they were in a specialized zone. These were used in the simulation rooms at the academy, they weren't cheap but were extremely useful.
Though considering around half of the students probably couldn't reach full power without it, it was definitely necessary. Not a very good sign for Luna however, she would have to deal with a full-powered A-rank. Still, A-rank powers can be a bit ambiguous on how effective they are.
"Don't worry. Just keep cool and remember the plan." Archer reminded Luna who responded with a nod.
"You guys have a plan?" Emmra said looking interested.
"Oh well." Luna looked over to Archer, not wanting to accidentally say too much.
"We can tell her. It's not like you're fighting her." Archer said with a shrug.
"Yeah." Luna said with a nod as the two students began to fight, "Archer helped me come up with a plan."
"Really? Can you beat her with it?" Emmra said her eyes widening.
"Of course not. We only talked for a couple hours." Archer said matter-of-factly, "But she will be able to hurt her."
"Will?" Emmra said.
"Will?" Luna said sounding equally surprised, "You sound like it will happen."
"Because it will. I believe it." Archer said with a smile.
"Oh. Thanks." Luna said turning a bit pink.
"You sure are confident in her." Emmra said as she tried to hide a grin.
"I got into this school because if nothing else, for my brain." Archer said with a shrug, "Hey, where is Ran anyways?"
"Oh yeah he was doing some last-minute training." Emmra said looking around, "He said he would be here by now. Where is he? Where are all of them?" She asked looking around, "I even saved them all a seat."
As if on cue, Ran Almer, along with Alex, Alia, and Selena came rushing over collapsing onto open seats around them from exhaustion from running over. Well, all of them except for Ran who was barely breathing any harder than normal. Archer also noticed how when Ran sat next to Selena instead of Emmra, she visibly deflated a little.
"Where were you all?" She asked recovering quickly.
"Blame Ran." Selena said fanning herself.
"What did you do?" Luna asked.
"I was just trying to get my new move right." Ran said innocently.
"Well, you also spent time helping someone else." Alex added quietly.
"Well they needed help!"
"You have your own things to worry about! Doing too much is going to screw you over. Don't forget you also have a fight right now." Selena berated him.
"She's right. I think Kenneth is going to try to hurt you." Alia added, "He's friends with Hugo."
Archer didn't know who Hugo was, he assumed that he was likely the massive guy who challenged Ran to a fight at the end of the month. Acher remembered that Hugo did say that Ran was to be left alone, but Hugo wasn't here, and Kenneth's objective was to win. Kenneth probably wouldn't be blamed for what he does to him. Though looking at Ran, Archer didn't exactly feel worried for him.
"Don't worry. He won't." Ran said confidently.
As the conversation ended so did the first match. As some polite applause was given to the two combatants and a brief celebration was given to the winner, the roulette picking the next match began to spin once more.
Watching it spin to a stop the next number was called. Eleven. Luna's number, which meant it was also Annaxia's. Archer could see Luna's complexion turn pale as she slowly got up from her seat. Annaxia on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear as she made her way to the equipment table on one side and grabbed herself a single red fingerless glove.
"Just stay calm and work. You can do this." Archer assured Luna as she left the stands. Esme sat further away from them and called out to her cheering her on.
Luna took a deep breath and flashed everyone a confident smile as she went to the opposite side of Annaxia. Archer spent time helping you. You can do this. She told herself as she began to pick up her items. She quickly checked her jacket to make sure that the mask and goggles were indeed there.
She selected six grenades, three flashes, two smokes, and an EMP. She also grabbed a baton and equipped it on her belt as she stepped into the ring. It was a relatively large ring, around the size of a tennis court. Enough space that allowed two people to run around but nothing too large or complicated. No ring outs, simply get back into the ring if you stumble out.
"You know it's a shame Julia isn't here. She won't be able to see me beat her little pet." Annaxia mocked.
"Shut your mouth." Luna spat out glaring at Annaxia.
"What did you say to me?" Annaxia said, face twitching in anger slightly.
"I said shut your mouth before I shut it for you." Luna said as she grabbed her baton from her belt.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Annaxia said as she raised her gloved hand and a stream of flame began to trail behind her fingers.
"I'm Luna Foy and I am going to hurt you."
"Bitch." Annaxia said as she sent an eruption of fire towards Luna just as she disappeared into a cloud of smoke.