"... that's how the Hover craft was invented. Now kids, watch as I demonstrate how fast it really flies," Mr Kimbly, our history teacher, said as he eyed a particular Furrha dozing off in his class.
With accurate precision, he threw a marker straight at me which would have struck home were it not for my enhanced speed and quick reflexes to catch it. Everyone by this point didn't look at all too shocked but just learned to accept the things I could do.
"Um... well then, that'll be all for today. Randoff, come by my office later on to grab the school work for today. Class dismissed!"
I walked out yawning as I headed to the washroom to freshen up. Remind me to never break any rules in this school ever again! When the principal said patrols, I thought we'd be doing rounds with her around the halls, like a good stroll or something.
Who would've ever guessed that we'll be doing gruelling exercises that surpus monster strength! That principal is one hardened soldier, I'll give her that. The worst part was that most kids caught last night(we're young, what did you expect?) barely made it five minutes before they passed out cold.
I was one of the less fortunate guys to be put under General Zard's care, and let me tell you, he made principal Kelly look like she was just giving us some stretching exercises!
I couldn't even talk to Arnold about last night cause I blacked out the second my head touched my pillow. Anyways, I'll just head over to the last class and hopefully Flinty ignors my existence so I can grab some snooze.
***
"Class, as you all know, various issues have risen in many camps, so we had decided to use the gates to give you guys some sort of battle experience. Keep in mind that this Friday it's still on and–gosh! I'm not that boring, I'm I?" Flintheart asked as he nodded towards me. He then nodded to Kira's direction.
I was probably in another realm, minding my own business, when I was rudely interrupted by a wet lily that shook me back to the living. I angrily turned to Kira, who was slowly retracting her arm, her face plastered with an innocent smile as if she hadn't just assaulted my ear.
"Moving on, we've decided to make things a little more interesting this Friday seeing that many of you kids had ended up battered by the monsters from those planets. This time, two classes will be sent to one planet, but there is catch. The planets you'll be sent at, will be even more dangerous that what you've ever faced before!"
A smile formed on my face. What are the chances...
"Our classs South, being the top in the last excavation, are to be paired up with the second best, North!"
Everyone began muttering all at once. I, on the other hand, was thanking Tarturus for the luck he has just bestowed on me. The gleam in my eyes didn't go unnoticed by Blade who raised an eyebrow in question.
"You look a little too excited for this trip, Max. Don't tell me you've already forgotten we won last time by pure luck," he mentioned, looking more worried about the expedition.
"Oh lighten up, will ya? No pun intended. We can do it this time, isn't that right Bareth?" Kira asked looking for support. Unfortunately for her, Bareth shook his head in dismay as if already imagining the loss we would suffer.
"That's enough class, settle down. I know what you're thinking and no, North can't take credit for any kills done by our class. I'll make sure of that. But more on the trip, we'll need new parties to be formed. No one should remain in the same group he or she was in," Flintheart continued.
A fresh new muttering began with everyone not pleased by the new arrangement. But Flintheart eventually managed to calm everyone down again.
"I know you want to go with your previous party but don't forget, we are training you guys for war and know this, you'll be lucky if you ever find yourself in the same squad as your friend. Now, about calculus..."
Class ended by lunch and many kids hurriedly left, probably to search for new party members. A few of us remained in class discussing the new arrangement of the expedition.
"So... any ideas on who you'll choose?" I asked the group.
"I'm not sure, any group is ok with me provided that Clive guy isn't in it," Emily muttered and everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Frankly, I wouldn't care less who was in my group as long as Alex was in it.
Obviously, as part of my plan I needed him to be. And as luck would have it, a certain someone I was targeting just so happened to be in North.
***
[What time?]
[Why haven't you ever mentioned anything about this to me before, ya leech!]
[Wait what?!]
***
If l understand correctly, now I qualify to do these quest thingies? This system sure is a mystery to me. But maybe my lack of knowledge about technology is to blame. Sure I've seen my fair share of tech, but you could only do so much as an orphan.
I wonder what my first quest will–
***
<* New Quest attained!*>
<*Friendship conquerors all!*>
<*Get revenge for your friend Alex against all his enemies. Any means are allowed. Reward will be earned after completion.*>
<*Enemies to kill: 5*>
<*Enemies killed: 0/5*>
***
That's interesting. Funny how the system just so coincidently happened to give me a quest exactly to my liking. But the number does surprise me though, five people? I guess that's just a bonus from the system.
And what's this about a reward? You know what, I'll take anything at this point. Best be patient and just finish the quest at hand.
***
[Yo, Bradley. What happens if I can't–]
[Well that's unfair. Dude, lifespan?]
***
Stupid piece of tech! Always thinking it's better than me! One day I'll put that bastard back in its place.
The gang were still going on about their potential party members but I really couldn't care less. I excused my self politely and went to deal with another pressing matter.
I circled around the school while eating an apple as lunch, looking for an ideal place and finally stumbled upon the janitor's closet.
"This will do for now,"
A good look around just incase of nosy people, and then I immediately locked the door.
***
*Five minutes later *
***
"How does this thing work?" I wondered as I held the ring of Spir at eye level.
"Should I like, will it to open or... poke it?"
The ring did not respond. Figures. Hmm.... I wonder...
I placed it back on my left ring finger and thought about Jupiter. A dark portal suddenly appeared, looking just as inviting as the black hole I had faced before. Let's just ignore the death smoke emitted by the portal and turn a blind eye to the spinning waves around it that looked powerful enough to slice a diamond.
Yeah... my compliments to the maker of this ring. Wait, now that I think about it, it looks very different from the one I opened for the wolves, maybe it's a sign.
Then again, my life hasn't been normal ever since that god gave me this power, so this wouldn't really surprise me.
Well... guess I'll have to suck it up and hope for the best. After all, we do have a lot to talk about with the wolves.
I unceremoniously jumped into the portal which immediately took me in circles till my vision blurred. Unsurprisingly, my skin was ripped apart like a kid with a gift wrap, but not as much as the last time yet still equally painful. Not a pip escaped my mouth even with all the pain I suffered cause I had an inkling feeling that if I inhaled the smog, I'd be a goner.
After what felt like ages, I was finally dumped down into a hard surface but thankful that the horrible ordeal had ended.
I tried inhaling some air to catch my breath but immediately wished I hadn't.
It felt like razor sharp glasses were piercing my lungs, forcing me to cough up blood in pain, which just worsened the experience. I knew it was either I breath the air, or die trying so against all my beast senses, I took a long and deep breath and waited for the inevitable pain.
I counted ten seconds, and then let it all out. The pain had lessened but was still there so I continued with the long breathes. Soon, I could at last breath a bit normally and that's when a notification appeared in my mind.
***
<*Poison nullification acquired!*>
<*User is now immune to all poisons! Level of skill can be upgraded!*>
<*Poison Resistance [LVL 1]*>
***
To tell you the truth, if l hadn't gained something out of this, I'd have thought of a way to destroy this despicable planet. A few more minutes of resting, and I had finally gained enough energy to rise off the ground.
I placed both hands down and tried lifting myself up but soon realized the gravity of the planet was holding me down.
And boy was it strong!
The last time I'd ever felt this pressure was when I jumped into the black hole. Even through a bridge, that gravity was too powerful to try and escape from. Luckily, speed was in the wolves favour cause if it weren't for that, no one could have escaped that pull.
Here I am, experiencing the same type of pressure but from the largest planet in this galaxy. Now I understand what principal Kelly meant about this dungeon. I have barely made it passed the portal and immediately the planet was already testing whether I'm strong enough to even walk on it!
I'll never make it out of this planet with that attitude! With every remaining energy I had, I struggled to find my footing till I was fully upright.
Now came the hard part: Walking.
"Easy does it....Yes! That's one step for monsters, and one giant leap for-OOFF!"
So...I landed face first into the dirt, in case you are wondering.
***
Two hours later, and I could finally move a few steps. But to be honest, without my unnatural healing abilities, my face would have been disfigured and I'd have probably bled out.
Time to take in the planet's 'beauty' after the hearty welcome I was given by it.
Honestly, I had no idea what to expect but the dark clouds that covered most of the sky and a full on barren land with very many hills and mountains.
My mind was finally clear enough to call out the wolves though.
---
[Yo, Murasaki. You there? Red?]
(Don't you worry your pretty little head, 'master'. We've been near you the second we sensed your presence, it's just that we maintained our distance to watch how you'd survive the conditions here. Wouldn't want a weak leader now, would we?)
---
I could live without hearing that voice in my head.
---
[Oh, shut up red! I'd like to hear how long it took you to walk around here]
***
The mountain next to me was suddenly filled with many lights, a red and purple one leading the way. Soon, all the wolves had reached my area and quite a few tackled me to the ground and liked my face to show their affection.
The rest just looked pleased to see me all except the previous leader.
"Well Red? I want to hear your answer," I smiled as I saw him look down in embarrassment.