I've always been someone fond of strength and Hierarchy.
Back from when I was a child, till now, a time where I still cherish the idea. It was fun. Being able to rule over others and have a lot to gain. That's why, ever since I was in school to now, I've always ruled over others.
One day, my father told me to join a hero academy. At first, I didn't want to but after a lot of insisting, I decided to join. Did I join to be a hero? Of course not.
Why would I want to do something as dumb as risking my life for a bunch of strangers who I've never met in my life? I didn't care about the praises of a bunch of insignificant beings. What would I gain from that?
So, I aced the examination with ease and was quite bored. But, something was bugging me.
This guy, who was so insignificant, struggled to pass the examination and somehow made it. He bumped into one of my underlings and didn't apologize. It frustrated me so much! I didn't care about something like status, all I cared about was strength. And, this guy, was so weak, yet, he didn't apologize to those who were above him.
Now, I meet another one of these insignificant people and he's even weaker. Forget it.
"Ahaha, my ability is only F rank."
"F rank?", James immediately changed his expression.
"Y-yeah, I couldn't-"
"Oi. Shut the fuck up.", James glared at him, closing his face, an inch away from Archehon.
"I'd prefer it if a weakling would like you would just get lost.", he shooed him away.
James turned around and was about to punch the boy who was cornered.
"Hey.", James heard a voice from behind him.
He turned around and glared at him.
"S-stop hitting him, please.", Archehon whimpered.
"Haaa.."
'What is it with the hierarchy in this place? Nobody knows their place. What did I expect from an academy that promotes equality..', James thought.
"I was going to let you go but you- Hm?", James looked at him with a startled face.
When he looked at Archehon, he could see him putting his fists up.
"Tsk.. looks like, you need some disciplining.", James stretched his arms.
"Hmph!"
Punch!-
James's punch penetrated through his arms and made Archehon fall. He didn't stop there. After all, he needed to 'discipline' him.
Bam- Bam- Bam!-
He kicked him numerous times all over his body. Leaving the person curled up on the ground.
"Tch. It's boring now. Let's go.", James walked away with the other two. Leaving, just Archehon and the other boy in the corner.
"A-are you okay?", the boy asked Archehon, trying to help him up.
Archehon coldly stared like a lunatic, frostier than the stone floor itself, which led the boy to frown. But as soon as he blinked, the expression that he once saw on Archehon's face vanished.
'Was that my imagination?', the boy thought for a couple of seconds before making the concentrated, petrifying image vanish from his eyes.
Archehon then opened his eyes to see the owner of the voice. It was a boy of the same age. He had brown hair and blue eyes. A kind smile. With, a hint of regret.
"Yes, I'm okay,", Archehon said as he got up.
"Really? I'm sorry that you got hurt because of me. You didn't have to defend me from them.", the brown-haired boy looked to the ground with a regretful expression.
"Haha, it's fine. We should get going now. Our examiner may get suspicious if we've disappeared for too long."
"Okay! By the way, what's your name?"
"Archehon. You?", Archehon smiled.
"I'm Atif. It's nice to meet you, Archehon.", Atif smiled generously despite having a couple of bruises over his body.
"Oh, can you go by yourself? I have to do something really quick."
"Hm? Uh, okay.", Atif left the alley.
When he left, the alley fell silent and Archehon stared at the wall.
"System.."
His kind demeanor had exited his body and he acted nothing like he did two seconds ago.
".. why are you getting in my way? Before, when you gave me the emergency quests, they were only hurting my pride a small amount. But now? You're hindering my plans.", Archehon glared at the dark-blue screen while clenching his fists.
"Inter.. esting? I don't get it. What part of giving me an emergency quest that forces me to get beat up or die is interesting? And, what difference does it make? I'm not bothered about whether my plans are interesting or not at the moment. The only thing that matters to me is carrying out my plans with, perfection.", his eyes glowed blue as he pierced through the system panel.
<...>
Silence.
"Hmm.. thinking of this deeply, I've realized that I've never discussed what it is that each of us want. So, how about we make a deal? Seeing how you're clearly not a machine but something that is being controlled by another entity. Certainly, an omnipotent being.", Archehon paused for a few moments before uttering the last sentence.
"Haaa.. so, using you to reach my goal of becoming the strongest in the world.. is what I wanted to say. But now I've changed my mind. I want to not just become the strongest. I want to possibly transcend and be in the realm of outer space. Now, I've just said what I wanted. What is your demand?", Archehon looked at the system carefully.
"Then, it's a deal. If you try and pull any tricks like you did last time.."
Archehon paused and stared at the dark-blue screen with cold eyes.
".. I'll not complete your task. And, if I die? Then. I. Die. That's a loss for both of us.. if that were to happen. After all, I should've already died months ago as Lucifer. Not transmigrating into a new body with my old memories instead of continuing the end of my chapter."
"Hooo.. it's not a total loss though. I got two things in return from that beating."
"Just be patient."
Archehon closed the system panel and exited the alley. He saw the group of students walk away and joined in quietly. Xavier noticed this and walked up behind him.
"What were you doing in the alley? I saw a couple of students walk out as well.", Xavier whispered to Archehon so that only he could hear.
"Nothing. I made a friend.", Archehon gave minimal details and walked ahead.
Xavier looked at him with an irritated look but decided to conceal his emotions and blend in with the group- recalling that he had already attracted too much attention.
The group of kids left the academy grounds and travelled back to their homes.
* * *
One week later...
Thrust!-
A volume of wind was created after Archehon thrust his spear forward.
Swish!-
The spear sliced through the air as he repeated.
Bu-buzz!-
Archehon felt his phone ring and opened it to see a notification.
"Hm? What's this? Aequalitas Academy sent an email?"
He opened the email.
--
Dear Mr. Archehon,
Looking at the results of your exam, you have successfully passed the test. We would be happy to welcome you to the entrance ceremony on xxth xxxxxxx...
--
"An entrance ceremony, huh? I also have to pack up for the dorms as the academy requires all their students to stay there. It's probably for security reasons."
Archehon switched off his phone and stretched his arms.
"System.."
The dark-blue screen appeared out of nowhere.
"Can you give me an explanation on the story quests? I believe that I unlocked it a while ago."
' Description: Story quests are quests that allow the story to progress. In order to complete a story quest, the host must follow the requirements set and not break any conditions. Story quests usually occur at [Plot change points]. The host will be rewarded points based upon how significant the plot change is. >' "Hm? Then, what can I do with these points that I earn from the story quests?" "Yes." ' (1) Invest into [Divine power]. Although, a single point will equate to 0.001 Divine power. (2) Convert into Normal Stat Points. (3) Reducing the penalty on the hosts talent >' "There's only one method I can do and that's reducing the penalty. That's vital for me to get stronger." Archehon closed the system panel. "I guess that there will be a change of plans then." * * * It was daytime and the birds chirped as Archehon and Xavier walked into the academy grounds. 'Finally.. I'm here. The past few days have been tiring with that cunning girl who constantly barraged me with her nagging.', Archehon let out a sigh of relief after remembering Ariel torturing him with her nagging- telling him to make sure he's got everything packed. He was also wearing the academy uniform which consisted of black pants, blazer and tie with a white-sleeved shirt underneath the blazer. 'It is fascinating how they've got some convenient inventions of magic. Thanks to that, I was able to get my belongings that I packed over to the academy with no effort. Although, I'm disappointed in how they focused on using magic for their own convenience rather than developing it further.' Another hour passed and both of the two travelled to the entrance ceremony being held outside. The decorations were certainly done amazingly. The lush green leaves that were delicately trimmed gave off the posh vibe. There were multiple lines designated for each year group: the oldest at the back; the youngest at the front. At the front was a stage with multiple seats which was where the teachers and headmaster would sit. Time passed and every space was occupied. The stage was filled with many new faces and the headmaster was standing behind a microphone. Both Archehon and Xavier stood next to each other behind the front two rows. The headmaster finally began his speech. "Welcome students to Aequalitas Academy!", the headmaster spoke firmly into the microphone.