—Any developments this week?
—Since we went after them, the drug trades have been minimized and it seems that those loyal to the King's heir are consolidating. It looks like his followers are going to increase as time goes by.
—Damn King, they can't even have a few moments of peace.
The head of the combat department, the big bear, Krist, complained to Luca and the strategy teacher Kei.
—And is it confirmed that the drug does not take place in the science district?
Luca asked Kei, ignoring Krist.
—We can never be 100% sure, but we believe the drug is something they have been supplying since last year, I think the King family wants to make a move.
—The antennas prevent communication with the outside of the Academy so it must be a plan to try to strengthen the King family while weakening us and the rest of the families. —Luca was speaking out loud when he looked at Krist. —By the way, Krist, what punishment did you impose on the first year boy?
—That one? I asked him a couple of questions, he passed me by and I sent him to paint a wall while being guarded by an IOH soldier.
—Did you punish him with community service?
Kei could not believe what his superior was saying.
—The truth is that the reason for the punishment was just for showing up in a class that wasn't his and making a bit of a ruckus.
—It's okay. —Kei wanted to complain, but Luca defended Krist. —That kid could be a source for supplying the drugs to the first-years, we have to keep an eye on him.
—Yes, —Kei replied— but I think after his mistake Leo won't want to use him again. But we have the event next week. It's an ideal time to make a move.
—The joint class of the first and second year students —said Luca in a whisper.
—And on top of that, the five heirs are coming together. Well, the Wolf's is not the heir, but almost. What are we going to do? Should we cancel it?
Krist asked, not knowing what to do. His had not been much about thinking of ways to act, but more about fighting, and being good at making quick decisions.
—If we call it off, the sophomores will be suspicious, and some of the freshmen who know about the event will be too. In the end it's something we've been doing almost from the beginning.
Luca was thinking about possible solutions, but he didn't have an idea he was enthusiastic about or liked enough.
—Let's leave it as planned —said Kei to everyone's surprise—. It may be risky, but if we catch them red-handed we can demand explanations from both Leo and the King family. Besides, if they don't do anything it's a moment when we can see everyone's level.
—More than the drug issue, I am worried that one of the 5 heirs will take advantage of the situation to try to kill another. Maybe not directly, but using someone else.
—That's where Krist is right.
—Let's increase security, on Saturdays and Sundays the class schedule is reduced or even non-existent, let's use the other professors in the other departments to keep an eye on next week's meeting.
—Not a bad idea that Kei. Although it's certainly not going to endear him to the other professors.
—Well, it's not always good news.
Kei said that with a smile that meant 'I don't care'.
—Well, the last day of the first week of school is about to start. Tell the teachers to remember next week's event.
Kei stood up from the chair.
—Yes, sir.
When Kei finally left Luca turned to Krist.
—What do you think?
—Ah. This is the first generation that didn't experience war in such a direct way. I feel that those of us who grew up in war and grew up to fight are losing our place in the world. Who knew I would be taking care of children.
Luca got up from his chair and rested a hand on big Krist's shoulder.
—Don't worry. Besides, there's a problem, the war isn't over yet.
—What do you mean?
—During the first great war, on the surface, it was a war that "united" families. But the families betrayed each other, they betrayed us, some of the families even allied with the Reddaj.
—I know.
—The families are waiting for their heirs to return. I'm sure they have orders to weaken the rest of the families and us. And as soon as they return I wonder if humanity will survive the war.
—But we have hope.
—Do you think sacrificing the boy will prevent war? —Luca asked in surprise.
—No, but I think he can be the one to unite humanity.
—Oh, and that?
—During this week he has formed a group of friends and do you know who is part of that group?
—Who?
—Olivia Wolf and Caleb White. Two of the heirs talking and treating each other like normal people.
—If their parents see them, they're going to get a good punishment. —Luca gave a sarcastic smile.
-But they don't know that here. And they are the generation of the future, the ones who will lead humanity. It's like we're getting closer to our goal.
—It's certainly good news. I'll tell the heads of the IOH to let them know too, I'm sure those old guys will be happy to be getting closer to their goal.
Krist got up from his chair and walked over to the exit of the office.
—I'm going to visit my dear sophomores to tell them about next week's meeting.
—I'll see you later.
As Krist headed out to the sophomore forest, he passed by the freshmen's training grounds.
He saw Scarlett Moon in Brand's class, easily recognizable.
'Scarlett Moon, a controlling and intelligent girl. I'm sure she has similar plans to Leo King and will try to lure most of her class into her family.'
He passed another training camp. There surprisingly there was no leader there. It's Professor Lewa's class and they were all getting physical exercise.
'It sure does put them in fine to practice.'
Krist smiled at the sight of the teacher and the students before walking on. He noticed another group of students who were making awkward movements with wooden weapons. Among them was another heir, Schrott Ergaster.
'I hope that boy didn't bring out the cruel side of his family.'
Mary noticed him and waved a hand from afar, Krist waved back before continuing forward where he found Joshua leaning against the wall observing another class.
—Interested in the students?
—No. Just curious to see how they fight.
When Krist looked at the class he saw that it was Professor Hanks' combat class.
—Anybody interesting?
—The only ones who fought were from the 200th rankings. Although the rankings are still unclear, you could tell they left something to be desired in their moves.
—They are children Joshua. They are not machines.
—I can't tell the difference.
The two men turned to see the entrance of a teacher who was not supposed to be there.
—What are you doing here, Ivonne?
—Today I had the day off and decided to come to see a student.
—Are you interested in a student? They're a little small for you.
By the time Krist finished saying that, she had Ivonne in front of her.
—Don't get confused, bear, lest you lose your claws. —Ivonne finished saying that with a wry smile on her face, and turned back to the students making Krist breathe easy. —I'm here to see a student named Arlen Ober. I'm curious to know what he's like during class.
—That boy? How do you know him?
Krist asked in surprise.
—He goes jogging every morning before school starts.
—How lazy...
—You certainly have to be willing to do it.
—It looks like he's going to fight next.
—Who is the opponent?
Krist looked through the personal files he had stored in his watch.
—It's number 13 in the rankings, Kevin Ball.
In the middle of class Kevin and Arlen looked at each other with smiles on their faces. It wasn't that they were like that because they wanted to, but because the same teacher had chosen them to fight.
—All right, listen up, we'll do like last time, both of them will fight and then we'll comment on what could have been done better and the feelings of both of them. —Everyone nodded. —Okay, so tell us your names and position in the ranking.
—Kevin Ball, ranked 13.
—Allen Ober, ranked 300th.
The professor hesitated for a moment, but both boys smiled at each other and commented on the upcoming fight.
—Don't make me lose quickly Kevin, otherwise it's not going to be funny.
—HAHAHAHA, don't leave anything out Arlen, fight with everything.
—Are you not afraid I'll beat you?
—I would laugh.
And both of them with a smile bumped fists and took their places. Hanks didn't know what to think.
'They certainly look like lifelong friends.'
—Well then, if Kevin wins there would be no change, if Arlen wins his position goes up to 180. —Both boys nodded to him. —Ready, set, go!