15 years later
NB: Danlis identity has been changed to Louis
Huh, do I look like I give a damn about what you're saying? Give me your money or I'll roast you alive," Ivan declared, his hands ablaze with burning flames. He was a B rank power level flame user, the strongest and leading the school in victorious competitions. Ranked at number 20 among the Top 50 strongest students in the city during last year's summer interschool battle competition.
"Have you made up your mind, or do you want to be roasted?" His voice whispered, his smile malevolent. His two henchmen holding the victim burst into laughter.
Louis's teacher, Mr. Smith, called out to him. "Louis, Louis!" He looked away from the window, his attention drawn to the history teacher, who wore a distinctive long red sleeve shirt with trousers, had a gold ponytail hair and spectacles, Held a C-rank power level. "Can you answer this question, Louis?" Mr. Smith asked.How do you think our society would be if no one had powers?"
"If everyone didn't have powers, I think our society would be much more harmonious and peaceful. Without power rankings, we wouldn't have the constant competition and comparison that leads to conflict and inequality.
People wouldn't be judged and looked down upon based on their power level, and everyone would have an equal opportunity to contribute and be valued. We wouldn't have individuals using their powers for personal gain or to harm others, and we wouldn't have the fear and mistrust that comes with it.
Instead, we would work together, using our unique skills and talents to build a better world for all. We would celebrate our differences and support each other, leading to a world where everyone has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. There would be no more power struggles, no more oppression, and no more fear. Just peace, understanding, and unity."
The class fell silent as Louis finished speaking, even Mr. Smith seemed taken aback. Louis' comprehensive answer left no room for further discussion. With a nod of admiration, Mr. Smith smiled quietly, impressed by Louis' insight.
As the bell signaled the end of class, Louis gathered his books and left the room. Outside, he pondered his feelings about the world.
Do I really hate this world? Or is it because I'm the weakest one, an E-rank, that I hate it so much?"The air turned humid, and rain began to fall.
Louis took out his umbrella and noticed a guy sitting in the rain at the school garden compound. It was the same guy Ivan had bullied and taken money from earlier. He walked over to the guy, Using his umbrella for cover, he found the guy.Tears streaked down is face as he sat alone.
Has the rain stopped now?" the guy wondered.He raised his head to see the skies for himself looking up at Louis in surprise.
Louis,was dressed in the school uniform - a black blazer, white long-sleeved shirt and tie, dark-colored trousers, and black shoes.Dressed in the school dress code, held the umbrella. "You should probably get out of the rain, or you'll catch a cold," Louis said, offering a hand to help the guy up.
"I'm Louis," he said, offering a handshake. "I'm Charles," the guy replied. He was chubby, with a rounded face, big cheeks, and a bulging stomach. He stood at 5'8" with bright brown eyes and thick, curly brown hair.
"Ivan and his squad did that to you, right?" Louis asked. Charles bowed his head, embarrassed. "Yes," he said. "How did you know?" Charles asked.
"I saw everything from the window of my class. I'm the only one who saw it since we were having a class," Louis explained. Charles sighed in relief. "I just remembered, what's your name again?" he asked.
"I'm Louis Flynn," Louis replied. Charles's expression changed to shock. "You're the one with an E-rank power level, right? The weakest person in school? People have been talking about you, right?" Charles asked.
Louis was surprised. He never knew being an E-rank would make him popular. He forced a smile. "Yes, that's me," he said.
Charles's expression shifted from curiosity to anger. "Thank you for helping me out, but I can't hang out with you, or I'll be targeted as a loser too," he said, walking away.
But as he walked, he fell down, feeling intense pain in his leg. Louis walked over and offered him a hand."Will you allow me to help you get to your house, or do you want to crawl there?" Louis asked. "No one cares about you if you sleep on the ground all night.
They won't even bother to ask why," Louis explained.Charles looked around and realized Louis was right. "Why do you care to help me anyway?" Charles asked, worried."Because we're the same," Louis said. Charles watched him, feeling angered but unable to deny the truth. He sighed.
"Okay, you can help me." Louis carried him, supporting him on his shoulders, escorting him to his house.
There was a long, awkward silence, and Louis tried to break it. "H-hey, Charles... have you played that new game, 'Eternal Realms'? I heard it's really good.He looked up, his expression hesitant. "Y-yeah... I've played it. It's okay, I guess."
Louis nodded enthusiastically. "I've been wanting to try it out! I've heard the graphics are amazing. Do you have a favorite character? He shrugged. "I like the assassin class. They're pretty cool, I guess."
Louis grinned. "Yeah, I've heard they're really powerful. I'm more of a fan of the mage class myself. I love the power system in that game."Charles smiled slightly, and Louis saw an opening. "Hey, have you read the new 'Chrono Wars' comic? I heard it's really good..."
His eyes lit up. "Yeah, I've been following it! The artwork is amazing, and the story is so engaging."Louis nodded. "I know, right? I love the way they're exploring the characters' backstories. It adds so much depth to the story."
As they talked, Louis noticed Charles relaxing, his hesitation fading away. Emboldened, Louis decided to steer the conversation towards the topic he really wanted to discuss. "Charles have you ever thought about the guardians in our society? You know, the ones who use their powers to fight sinners?"
Charles looked at him, his expression curious. "Yeah, I've thought about them. Who can't, right? They're the ones who keep us safe."
"Exactly!" Louis said, his eyes lighting up. "And I've always wondered, who's the strongest? I mean, we have Magnus, the S-rank hero with incredible strength. He's like a one-man army!"
Charles snorted. "Magnus? Please, Louis. He's nothing compared to Zarix, the S-rank hero with super speed. He's the one who's been taking down the toughest villains lately."
He raised an eyebrow. "Zarix? I don't know, Charles. I've seen Magnus lift a ship with one hand! Zarix may be fast, but Magnus has brute strength on his side."
Charles chuckled. "That's cute, Louis, but Zarix can move so fast he can dodge attacks before they even land. And he can strike from multiple angles at once. Magnus may have strength, but Zarix has agility and quick thinking."