Lloyd POV
I looked at the amount of paperwork that was waiting for me, completely covering my desk. There wasn't a single spot spared from the amount of work that needed my attention. I removed the mask with a frown and sat on the worn-out spinning chair. When was the last time I had this much work to complete? It must have been that one time I went on a three-month isolation training. It was funny how my father ordered me to get stronger but didn't bother getting someone to replace my position. In the end, Pluto, Jacob, Stitchface, Eugene, and I had to help catch up. I sighed as I leaned back into my chair. I had forgotten how difficult it was to be a leader handling supplies, training, weaponry, and finances.
I picked up the nearest paper before scanning its content. It looked like we needed another supply run. I rubbed my hair aggressively; it looked like I had a lot to catch up on. I placed the paper back on the top of the pile it came from and sighed heavily. Being a leader is awful.
I looked over at the radio neatly placed on top of another pile of papers. I had brought it for the hell of it, considering how much time I spent in this office. This was the same radio that helped me figure out Elijah's future; it was more useful than just playing tunes. I grabbed the radio and tuned it to the NGTV news station, hoping for something useful that would help me with my final exam. For once, Mister Glasses told me instead of making me work for it. I was glad that it wasn't a knowledge exam. I only went to school for about a month, and I know I'd flunk a quiz if there was one.
The thought of proving our growth seemed doable, considering I had been growing ever since I came back to the past. Besides, I knew myself better than anyone. I went into isolation training before I revealed myself to be the Chosen One. During my isolation, I discovered my Energy Manipulation ability and learned how far this ability could go during Chen Island. But the fact that the second part of the examination was to do real-life hero work was what I found annoying. I am a villain. The only time I ever help people is if it benefits me or the Outcats. I don't want to go outside to stop some random low-life just for some people to praise me. They could barely do anything, relying on ability users for almost every little danger that came their way.
I increased the volume of the radio to my liking before placing it back on top of the many piles of paperwork. I grabbed the recruitment list, skimming through the familiar and unfamiliar names. I never spent any time with them, being too focused on myself and ruining Noah's life. It looked like Eugene was doing a good job finding new members. I needed to train them properly if I didn't want history to repeat itself.
Crushing the paper a bit in frustration, I admitted to myself that I still didn't have the plan to stop the 'move'. I'd never seen anything like it in my entire life. Even though Noah and his group had fallen apart, I knew they would eventually get back together. If they discovered that 'move'; it would be all over again. I needed to find out how to stop it or make sure they never discovered it.
I tried to stop thinking about Noah and his ex-teammates but couldn't shake the memory of the voice that had brought me back in time. I still didn't what that voice was or how it had sent me back. But that wasn't important right now; I had a plan to execute.
The weather report finally finished, and the latest news segment began. "This is Gayle Gossip from NGTV news, and today I am going to cover the incident of what Master Chen did…"
I turned off the radio immediately. This was why I didn't listen to the news. I wasn't interested in what happened on Master Chen's island. Sighing, I looked at the ceiling. I would deal with those issues later, but for now, I needed to focus on the group. There was a knock on the door. I rubbed my face before putting on a stern expression. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Jacob's head appeared. He looked at me with concern as he entered the office, glancing at the mountain of paperwork. "You okay, Leader?"
"Yeah, just… swamped with all this," I replied, gesturing to the paperwork. "I didn't realize how much there was to handle."
Jacob grabbed some papers. "Me and Stitchface could help out, considering you have an examination later today."
I appreciated the offer but felt the need to maintain control over my responsibilities. "Thanks, Jacob, but I need to go through these myself. It's part of the job."
Jacob nodded, understanding but persistent. "At least let us help organize it. We can make it more manageable for you."
I sighed, finally conceding. "Alright, fine. Just organize them by priority. I'll tackle the most urgent ones first."
Jacob smiled and got to work, sorting through the piles. I watched him for a moment before turning my attention back to the recruitment list. Training these new members was crucial. If I could instill the right skills and mindset, maybe we could prevent the disasters of the past.
The names on the list blurred as my mind wandered. I needed to ensure that this team was prepared for anything. That 'move' haunted my thoughts, a shadow over every plan I made. I had to be ready for it.
Jacob's organizing was efficient, and soon the desk looked more like a workspace and less like a chaotic mess. "There, that should help," he said, stepping back.
"Thanks, Jacob," I said, genuinely grateful. "I'll get through this. We need to be ready for anything."
Jacob nodded, his expression serious. "We will be, Leader. We trust you."
His words bolstered my resolve. I would figure out how to stop that 'move', and how to keep this team safe. The past wouldn't repeat itself. Not if I had anything to say about it.
…
I made my way to the gymnasium, throwing on my jumpsuit sweater. It was about time for the first exam, and I would have missed it or come very late if it weren't for Jacob reminding me of the time. I sighed as I grabbed the door handle. Where would I be without Jacob?
Opening the door, I saw that everyone was already there. My eyes wandered over to Pluto, who was sitting next to some classmates. He gave me a quick wave with a sad smile as if wishing I were sitting next to him. I return the wave with a nod, realizing I would have to sit with someone else.
I closed my eyes briefly before making my way to the only available spot, which was next to Zane. I took in his new look- it seemed he had taken my advice. Zane noticed my presence and waved, inviting me over. It looked like he was genuinely grateful for what I had told him back on Chen Island. Scanning the crowd, I didn't see Noah, and a smirk formed on my face.
"Oh, hello Lloyd, your fight with Elijah at the Tournament of Elements was amazing!" Zane complimented me as I took my seat. "I'm sure you're going to give us all an excellent performance."
I gave Zane a reassuring smile as I nodded my head. I know I could always pull off something impressive. It was a habit of mine, and beating everyone gave me a unique pleasure.
"Well, you're looking good with your new skin," I pointed out, poking his cheek. "You look exactly like the original, except the hair… Why is your hair white?"
I stared at his pure white hair. It looked more natural than the blonde the original Zane had. Usually, I wouldn't care about something as insignificant as hair color, but my curiosity got the better of me.
"I was about to make my hair blonde like the original," he explained. "But then I remembered your words. That's when I decided to dye my hair white instead, to remind me of my purpose."
I nodded, feeling a growing respect for this Zane. But at the end of the day, he would have become my enemy. I looked past Zane to the rest of the group. They all looked gloomy, unlike Zane, who seemed excited, or Kai, who appeared angry. It must be because of Noah, but that wasn't my problem.
"How are you guys doing?" I asked, wanting to know if Morro had gotten his hands on Noah. "I heard you got into a small fight."
Kai's eyes widened as he turned to me. "That's right. Do you know where that brat is?"
I frowned, noting Kai's aggression. "I don't keep in contact with him, but I bet he's with Mother. You should check up with him later."
"He's not with your mother," Cole said, looking deeply concerned. "She told us that he went to the museum, and when we checked it out, the two police officers there told us he left a while ago. We don't know where he is."
"I'm pretty sure he's fine. He's not the type to not take care of himself," I lied. I knew nothing about Noah besides him being a wuss. "Maybe he's just clearing his head. Besides, something tells me this summer is going to be windy."
Zane gave me a thoughtful look. "You always seem to have a way of predicting things, Lloyd. But if Noah's in trouble, we need to be ready to help him."
I shrugged. "He'll show up when he's ready. Let's focus on what's in front of us."
I sighed and looked away, not wanting to reveal any more. I knew I had already said too much. My thoughts wandered to what everyone else might be planning to show off during the exam. I scanned my surroundings, thinking there was a good chance people would focus on demonstrating their offensive abilities or durability. Some might showcase their growth in a particular skill, but in the end, it didn't matter to me.
I watched as Mister Glasses made his way to the center of the gymnasium. He held his microphone and began to speak. "Hell first years, I am glad to say that this year was both intriguing and exciting."
Everyone cheered, but I knew he was just talking about how much fun he had messing with me. This annoying bastard, I thought. I wouldn't even be in this stupid school if he weren't taking care of Koko or Melony.
"As you know," he continued, "we have two final exams before the school year ends, and all you have to do is show that you have improved since the beginning of the school year."
The excitement in the room was palpable. Students exchanged glances, some looking confident, others nervous. I, on the other hand, froze on the spot. Wait, what am I going to do? I never planned what I was going to do for the first exam. I knew this was going to happen, yet I didn't plan anything. The irony was that Master Glasses told me before everyone else, yet here I am, not knowing what to do. I clenched my jaw as I continued watching Mister Glasses give his speech.
"We are going to go by last names, so I hope you prepare something that might shock us to the core," Mister Glasses' eyes landed on me, and I glared right back at him. "Remember, this might be your chance to go to the higher-level classes next year, so try your best."
I looked away from Mister Glasses and stared at my feet. Showing off my skill isn't hard, but considering that I already show off most of my abilities, I don't have anything new to present with Energy Manipulation. I barely even know how to use the ability itself. Now they're expecting something amazing from me, something they've never seen before. I have some time before it's my turn, but I have a feeling the teachers aren't going to make it easy for me.