Demo was unable to find the 9th ranked student. Pulmo and Braverte having found a location that was heavily guarded retreated to come up with a plan of attack. Ten and Cyte waited for the supplier to come out but they saw his room lights go off and he didn't come out, so they figured he went to bed. Now knowing who he was, they felt that they could also use this time to rest and went back. Ten and Demo arrived at Braverte's house around the same time. Braverte and Pulmo were already there. They seemed to be waiting for Ten and Demo. Once all four were together they told each other about the progress they made. Braverte who was leading the conversation considered the information that came in.
"We already knew the students were distributing the MYOS. But we were unable to find their key supplier. If you can find him that would be good. And Demo, you're now in the top 10. This means you will soon be contacted by the governing body to make it official. You can use that position to get more information. Well done you two."
Demo nods proudly at his achievement and the way he is helping the plan forward. Ten gives him the side eye because he knows that Demo did NOT plan any of that, he just wanted to fight the strongest people. Ten then moves on to his plans for tomorrow.
"Tomorrow, me and Cyte will follow the supplier we found to see if we can find his boss."
Braverte shakes his head.
"I don't think Cyte will be able to join you tomorrow."
With a sense of confusion Ten looks at Braverte.
"Tomorrow is Cleus' weekly battle. She will be tending to him."
Demo's interest is now properly piqued.
"Weekly battle?"
"I'm sure Cleus can tell you more about it."
And with that, the evening ends and everyone retreats to their rooms. All of them got some well-deserved rest except for Demo. He sat in his room, throwing a stone up and catching it, over and over again. While doing this he tried to activate and deactivate Cover-Up on his hand as well. The next day after school Cleus and Cyte were walking towards a specific point in the school grounds. It felt like a ritual for them almost. Once they reached the middle of the grounds they stopped and waited. From a distance, they heard a loud voice.
"BABY EXCLEUS!"
The name still irritates Cleus no matter how many times he has heard it before. He grinds his teeth as Endo walks toward him with Thelia behind him.
"Exleus, our fallen king. The weakest of them all. The head without a body. How are you today?"
Cleus takes deep breaths to calm himself and not react in anger. Endo knows that at this point Cleus will accept his challenge regardless.
"Nothing? Hmm. Well, weaklings don't really have anything to say. Heard your father was quiet too when he lost his kingdom."
This comment was the drop that made the bucket of rage overflow.
"YOU …"
Before Cleus finishes his sentence he checks himself and stops. He brings out his duel coin and presents it to Endo. Endo with a huge smile on his face presents his as well. The duel has been decided. Since this is a weekly thing, the venue and the audience were all prepared. Demo, Ten, and Cyte were together in the audience as they watched Cleus standing in the ring.
Ten is surprised at how many people there are in the audience. It feels like a packed room.
"Why are there so many people here?"
"This duel happens every week. This is their 98th fight."
Demo is surprised at the fact they fought this many times.
"How many times did Cleus win?"
Cyte lowers his head in shame.
"Not once."
Demo can't help himself.
"So losing is like his thing?"
Ten feels bad for Cyte and wants to defend him and make Cyte feel less bad.
"Maybe that Endo guy is just insanely strong."
"Then cheat. Man, after getting your ass whooped 97 times I feel like you can use a weapon to even the odds."
"He is a king, people like that don't cheat, they have too much pride."
"Yeah … being a punching bag in public is extremely honorable.
"Maybe he likes getting beat up. It builds character."
"What kind of losing-ass character are you building?"
Cyte jumps in because she doesn't like where the conversation is going.
"The reason he loses is because Endo is cheating."
"Endo is cheating?"
"Endo is the son of the general who overthrew the kingdom. Because of that, he has been learning techniques and moves that are only meant for the Royal lineage. Cleus was never able to learn them because he was on this planet."
"Endo is learning the secret moves of Cleus' family and using it against him?"
Cyte gets a troubled look on her face.
"He is using Cleus as a practice dummy."
Demo looks back at Cleus who seems determined in the ring.
"Is this Endo guy really that strong?"
Cyte nods.
"He is ranked as the 2nd strongest fighter in this school."
Demo's eyes open up in shock and slight excitement.
"Hmmm, well Cleus should at least be able to put up a fight. After that many clashes, he should be able to know what Endo is going to do."
Cyte balls her fists and her look gets very serious as Endo now makes his way to the ring.
"He should."
Chapter 36 Fin