Act: 55
"I did it...!"
Shizu was left stunned; a 2 Star, like him, was able to make it to the second round of the tournament. Adjusting his glasses, Hano glared at the overly joyful Shizu. Wishing that he wouldn't have made it. Chisaka noticed how he was staring at Shizu. Resting her hand over his shoulder, she rubbed it to calm his anger.
"Don't worry about him. He won't last in the first round. Remember, these individuals strive to beat us; we are the ones on top. Shizu stands no chance against us!"
Hano managed to calm down and faced her.
"You're right. If he manages somehow, he won't beat us at all."
Taku standing beside Oto. Looking over his shoulder, he, too, saw a joyful Shizu.
'Good. You better not lose now, weakling; I still need to pound your face in after all.'
The announcer waited, allowing the students to express their excitement and the sadness of some people who didn't qualify.
Waiting for it to quiet down, he continued to speak.
*All right, students. Listen up. The monitor will announce which bracket you'll be placed in and who your first opponent will be. Tomorrow morning is when the fights will begin; when you leave, pick up your star card that'll have your ID and placement number with it. On the backside, it will tell you who you're fighting against if, in any case, you forget or would like time to study your opponent. Lastly, it will show the star's name and star number along with the time of arrival. That's all. Let the games begin.*
Each qualified student had walked towards the exit to pick up the stuff needed for tomorrow's big day. Shizu, excited, saw Hano and his council members all seemingly look at him in disgust, blending in with the mass. He even caught a glimpse of Taku's hair next to Oto with his headphones, which stood out the most. However, Daichi was nowhere to be seen. In the end, he was alone. Yet that wouldn't stop him, whether or not he had someone.
"In the end. I will win."
Shizu followed the crowd to where he needed to pick up his new ID and uniform for the tournament's second round. All of it was put together neatly. Shizu looked around at every booth that listed the number and required students to go in numerical order. Finding out where he needed to be, the lady at his booth had pieces of paper and a tablet with her jotting down information about him. She spoke in a rather semi-arrogant tone and wouldn't bother making eye contact with him.
"You must be Shizu, right? I have you listed as Number 92. You came close to not cutting it short out of the 96 students. Anyway, please place your hand on the glass sphere here, and after answering a few questions, I will give you your ID and uniform to hold on for the next day."
"Huh? Ok."
Shizu placed his hand on the globe, and it started to read his information, going through the list of details. He even glanced at his ID, which on the backside was uploading the data onto it.
"Oh, a 2 star; Resurrection, eh? You sure will have a rough time, won't you? Good luck with that. I will list you as a support role out of courtesy; maybe your opponent will spare you the beating."
'Damn, I really have to hear it from you too. God. Whatever at this point.'
"As for the uniform you will be given, there will be a badge on it with your star number and color regarding your number. The color you have is blue, which identifies one and two numbered stars. Red is for three and four, then shining white is for five and six. It will be somewhat of an added show-off to the audience. Though for you, not much to show off, I presume. The last thing I can mention is that the uniform is pointless if you get to the finals because you can wear anything to that stadium."
She moved around in her chair, grabbing out the paperwork.
"But you won't have to worry about that. You may make it through your first fight; after that, I doubt it, but good luck, kid."
*....*
Shizu only remained silent.
After some time passed, a photo of him was taken, and the ID had been completed; he ended up having to fill out some paperwork agreeing to the legal portions regarding the tournament and his safety. Once that was all taken care of, he could move on from that room and was given his ID and the new uniform, similar to his current school uniform. The only significant difference was that his gray uniform was now black, not too exciting. As he left his booth, he saw Taku and Oto chatting. Walking over to the two, Hano abruptly stopped him.
"What do you want? Hano."
"Shizu. I can't believe you actually made it. A pathetic piece of shit like yourself being able to walk the same ground as me is truly disgusting. I surely will enjoy watching you get pounded by the other students. That win against Takao, luck. Remember that. Don't get a high head now."
"..."
Shizu couldn't bring himself to say anything; he desperately wanted to punch Hano but wasn't going to risk disqualification or the aftermath of his lackeys'. Over Hano's shoulder, he saw Taku watching, not bothering to interfere or give him a helping hand.
"Hano that's some big talk coming from you?"
Shizu turned over to see Han Chul-Moo standing up in his face.
"I dare you to say something about me. If you do, I can guarantee you won't be participating in the tournament. Do you get that? You keep fucking with my big bro, and you'll be dealing with me, understood."
Hano responded in arrogance.
"You Korean fuck! Do you really think I will allow you to get in my face and get away with it?"
"Aren't you student council? Breaking character there. You're so worked up over someone who you consider underneath you? Seems you're afraid of his true potential. I know him personally, and when he understands how to control his star. You're the fucked one here. Come on Shizu, let's leave, you shouldn't have to be around this before your first game."
Han Chul-Moo directed him away from Hano and led him out of the room. As for Shizu, he continued walking. Han Chul-Moo stopped briefly past Taku, whispering.
"He spoke a lot and respected you, placing you on a high pedestal, and all you could do was watch. Keep your fake ass away. Never come near him again."
Once he grouped up with Shizu again, he told him they should head to the rooftop and discuss something. Shizu was confused and showed minor signs of it. He agreed, and he went up to the rooftop with the key. Shizu sat on the bench while Chul-Moo stood with his head down a little.
"What's wrong Chul-Moo? You can sit down if you want?"
He nodded his head no. Gaining courage, he looked up at Shizu, putting on a brave face.
"Big bro... I must tell you something before I mess up and don't get the chance to tell you. The reason for why I am here and why I was supposed to kill you."
"Huh."