Majority of paladins came from institutions that acted as the birthplace for them as well as a place where many of them returned.
And the institute in the San Diego location had produced many paladin. Some average and some that could be labelled as strong.
Wherever a institution was located in a city it's prestige and safety leaked into everyone's property values. Most of the neighbourhoods outside of the vast center where more of the attraction was, were in pristine condition with glistening windows.
Being so near an institution that normal people couldn't even see was like a godsend since they would just pop out paladin that could handle the situation like they were the vaccine's to cure viruses.
And people with powers wanting to do harm wouldn't be so close to the area either.
But every neighbourhood had a dingier side to it. Sprucewood Green was one such place. Not a slum by any means, but home to plenty of trashy alleyways where passer-by would feel unseen eyes on them that only grew more viscous as the sun went down. Many paladin who decided to continue their journey solo would find themselves in areas like this when patrolling.
So it was for Keith Hall, recent graduate of the sole institute in this very city. His power, a simple fire ability that maybe made him a little more confident than he should be. But many would still agree that he was a humble lad, just one that liked the idea of more of a challenge than the weaker chimera prowling around more so than often.
He had already gotten to silver rank too. So why was it that right now he was sprawled out in an alleyway cheek touching the cold ground. He tried moving his hand to touch his head but there was only a numb feeling there.
Anyone looking down at him would only see a mangled body with both his right arm and right leg broken and twisted in different directions.
He couldn't get to his feet and could only wriggle around, he made some movement only to realize he was in a pool of his own blood. 'It hurt.'
An intense feeling of pain was felt near his stomach area. He was struggling to remember what had happened to him. And in that struggle came panic.
There was no wind in the quiet and still night, he could feel no eyes on him. He was left here to die.
Then, a low ear-scratching noise was heard, similar to the noise of trains abruptly stopping at their destinations. The noise suddenly stopped and Keith started to think that maybe something went wrong with his hearing from the blow he undoubtedly received.
Instead, right in front of his eyes was the sight of a boy with rough grey hair with yellow eyes, there were dark circles surrounding his eyes which matched the boys downcast appearance but what stood out first was obviously the mask he wore.
It didn't hide his facial features and Keith thought that maybe it wasn't meant to. It was certainly not a normal mask, it resembled something like a deer skull without any antlers but instead were black pins stamped onto the forehead area.
The boys skin was pale, like it hadn't been touched by sun in years.
Keith was bewildered. The boy was about the size of a bug in his eye sight. He was using his power and it shrunk himself.
"W...what....?" Keith tried to talk but only stuttered before failing to get out his words.
The grey haired boy put his index finger to his mouth indicating for Keith to stay quiet.
"You're going to die now. Don't disturb the peace."
The words were clear which added to how disturbing it was. Keith was going to die, that shouldn't have been possible, he had been advancing, slowly but surely.
He was doing well for himself earning more with every year that went past, saving more lives and taking down more chimera.
Keith never really thought about how he would go out.
But to die to someone who looked like they would still be in their second year of high school, it shouldn't have been possible. But it was a very cruel and selfish world they lived in.
The boy shrunk in side pulled out something from his back, it was a knife, a cool looking silver dagger. He threw it into the still opened mouth of the still paladin and then...
Within an instant the dagger was as big as a sword sticking out from the now fallen paladin's head killing him in one blow.
The boy in a bigger form looked down at the body, "Guess I can head back to Charlie now."
Next came out a slightly commanding tone through his cracked voice, "Hand!" Out of nowhere a slightly yellowish grey hand appeared and grabbed him sucking him into another space in a swirling motion.
__________________
"...age nineteen, was found brutally beaten before killed in an alleyway in Sprucewood Green of the San Diego Region. During his time in school Keith Hall was described as a dedicated and ambitious student. Today we mourn his loss."
The newscast flashed a graduation photo of a student with a grand smile on his face, square in appearance and broad shouldered. None of the students preparing for their last day before becoming rookies had known the student in question.
They were standing around in the lobby of the dormitory. Theon could hear the broadcast from Cole's phone where some people huddled to listen in.
"God Damn another one?" Frustration was clearly heard in Corey's voice. Theon had bought a Tv but hadn't set it up yet so he didn't really know what was going on. "That's like the fifth one."
"Seventh." Corrected Arte who was already walking away from the growing conversation.
"Calum Verus has offered the following statement."
Theon now had his own phone out and was following along with the morning news report. The screen flipped and that one simple action caused Theon to stop all movement and stand still.
His heart pounded against his ribcage and he felt as if he was the only one in the room. He gripped on his phone tightly as the incoming air from the small draft coming from the open door felt like needled pressed on ice had pocked all over his body.
The screen showed the image of a man with a slim frame and all around geeky appearance, with the frames of his circular glasses, the bowl cut, the brown striped suit and the big teeth. All rounded off by the unsettling and off-putting smile on his face.
Calum Verus spoke eloquently but his voice was still a weird rasp that to Theon felt like he was edging closer to him and grabbing a hold of his shoulders and wrapping his entire lanky body around him.
It was familiarly disgusting!
"I want to offer my sincerest condolences." said the man. "And I want to let the people know that I show my full confidence that the criminal or criminals responsible for these string of attacks will be brought to justice. While neither the Bureau of Paranormal Affairs nor the Police have contacted us, I wish for them to know that we outstretch our hands to offer our aid. A new and different kinship between Paladins and the state may be born. We will gladly offer any assistance we can."
"The ministry of Welfare are making a comeback then." Whispered Bell, but her voice was heard in the silent room of people still listening to whatever else the man had to say.
"Who are they?" Corey asked with genuine intrigue and Lugh was the one who answered him.
"Back in the day when paladins weren't really a thing they popped up basically responsible to aid the government in regulation. Laws that state for three man teams for students still in the paladin institution is an example. They kind of faded into nothing when Noa Godwin was truly taking off though. I guess since he's not as active they will now become a more household name, I haven't seen this Calum Verus before though."
"I have." Ava said, "I think he's been there head for like two years now."
Two years?!
"Ugly prick." Corbin muttered as he started to head out.
Theon knew the man, much more than the people in the room. That man had been a major proponent in his life once upon a time. While he was locked away in the Grid.
Theon remembers him as more of a background character though, one who stayed behind jotting down notes and obsessively observed everything he could during experiments. His beady eyes staring down at Theon along with his widely grinning smile had seemed stuck in the forefront of Theon's mind.
'The Ministry of Welfare.' Clothing yourself behind something like that probably made things much easier. The chance of the Grid being a wide scale national operation was something that popped up in Theon's mind. He didn't think of it before, he didn't care to dwell on his past, he hated it and couldn't even remember it all. It was all just different pieces that could find their connecting piece.
"He seemed nice." Chloe said with her finger touching her chin. "He's at least trying to help."
Theon found out that something big had started during the month they had started school, around the time Charlie Liber had intruded.
'What was his reaction.' That was if he didn't already know of this man in the lead position.
But anyway, random property was being picked apart, whether they be in large shopping centers after closing hours or the shining and perfectly built houses that were on sale only to be left in pieces, none charred or burned but instead just left in a shattered mess. Information was left that some areas were left deeply dampened and moist like a flood had run through overnight.
That was an obvious clue pointing to Charlie Liber.
The first paladin found out to be a victim was found a day after the first night attack. Artlessly bludgeoned to death. There was only one survivor who doesn't remember anything of his attacker other than a shining silver sword and what he believes to be a skull mask of some kind of animal.
Charlie Liber didn't wear any masks, he was more exposed in that aspect. He didn't care for who saw him, he had a message he wanted to spread.
And the last thing. Something the news didn't even like to talk on, it only seemed to irritate the civilians and draw fear.
People began speculating it to be a chimera spreading a disease or curse, nobody wanted to speak on it in case they spread it through words alone.
For some reason, people ended up going crazy and started attacking each other and some even nearly going as far as killing each other. The paladins and police were certainly being put to work.
Throughout a hundred meter radius people suddenly turned into an angry mob attacking each other even when police and paladin showed up they were not immune, they just started mauling each other as well for nearly twenty minutes.
This is an instant that has happened three times now with people getting angsty hoping they are in the right place to avoid the trouble and be safe.
_______________
It was break time and the staff of the school were called in for an emergency meeting. Team assemblies will be happening after the break.
The staff were assembled to speak on the most recent attack that happened to one of their recent graduates, Keith Hall as well as some other pressing issues.
The atmosphere felt like that of a funeral mixed with a cold fury and feeling of expectance in the same meeting room where the members of staff were in.
Juniper Fay took her position at the head of the table, out of every member sat by the large and long circular table, Caleb Adams more mature frame looked as if it was about to break apart to its own weight.
"Alright, everyone's here." the head of the table said in a casual fashion. "I'm sure you have all seen the news this morning yes?"
Affirming nods went around the table but it didn't stop some looks of disappointment even on some of the fresher faces at the table.
"Can I ask why we didn't get the report that a student from this school died before the news did?" Carmen Ford asked slightly flustered but still keeping composed.
"It's because he's not one of ours anymore, he was part of the graduating class last year." Bruno cut in and answered in to the room in case there were other people that didn't know.
If they were still a part of the program it was easier to keep privacy in tact whenever early demise struck since they would have to go through the school first.
"So what information do we have?" Greg asked, he was a lot more serious this time around than the last meeting, some people in the room knew that he had a great hand in uplifting the boy who had just past recently.
"Well nothing new. The attack's were the same as most of the others' incredibly brutal and strangely amateurish, like the person attacking has a reason but forgets it and turns to a blind rage leaving multiple bruises and broken bones on the target before landing the killing blow."
The disappointment in the air was palpable. It was an attack on someone they had cultivated as one of their own. Other than it feeling like an attack on them, it also felt like they hadn't truly done their part in training him to handle those situations better.
"Well they take the time to decide in who they choose to go after." Marc Simpson announced. "Keith Hall had a flame ability that had great versatility but no range. Other than him the people attacked didn't really have powers that allowed them to gain an upper hand easily."
He was right. Throughout everyone attacked a majority of them had been people with simpler abilities that didn't really cover their backs. No Strongman powers, or elementals or summoners. Just those that can be caught off guard easier.
Juniper Fay nodded. "Quick solution to that is to make sure paladins in the area can only patrol if they are at least in duos from now on."
Greg hung his head back while thinking aloud. "Keith just graduated from his team, why'd he leave so early?" The question was rhetorical but some thought of answers, they had all been in that position and had all chosen to leave to pursue a different path on their own... or were forced by the cruel reality of the world they live in.
Juniper Fay sighed, she didn't really like this part of her job but it was what she signed up for.
"We know our mystery attacker must have a stealth ability, but their physique and power is probably average so going out in groups can help avoid being overwhelmed."
Most were in agreement but they also knew that paladin's were prideful. Everyone in this room was a gold rank paladin including Juniper Fay. They didn't think that there was a need for people of their rank and experience to stick themselves with a partner.
"Any Keepers have any information?" Bruno asked again, Keepers! They were people with Od that didn't want to get too deeply involved with things that paladin do like fighting chimera or other awakened. So instead they are just people that have standard jobs and live as the average citizen, but since they can perceive Od they still choose to help in their own ways by reporting any odd sightings relating to it.
It was like an odd job that pays small amounts for every instance.
"None. But I don't think that many will want to be on the lookout for whatever is going on." Juniper said in a subdued tone. "Now we should get to the other problem."
Yes, the other problem that may have been even greater than the few unfortunate individuals that ran into trouble they couldn't handle. It was about the weird attacks that are turning people manic suddenly and then forcing them to attack each other.
Talking about the reports of the incidents now made some of the veterans in the room feel an uncertain way. Ordinary people started going mad as the clocks would strike near midnight, attacking each other with anything they could get their hands on, metal bars, sticks, hammers or even their bare hands if there was no immediate option.
They would pop out of the comfort of their own homes with their eyes wide and pupils dilated. First responders found themselves too consumed by the uncontrolled rage to do anything of help, instead making it drastically worse.
"It is a miracle no one had died to these incidents." Elara said while clasping her hands.
'Yet.' Everyone else was thinking.
The attacks ended barely five to eight minutes after they started, leaving everybody in the area to stare catatonically into the night and their dirtied and bloodied selves and the wreckage they had caused to both their homes and other public property.
The paranoia kept many people awake at night and even more away from areas they would typically roam through. People were sticking themselves to their homes more often thinking that they could at least find safety and comfort their somehow.
Damaged buildings was nothing new, paladins being attacked on the job was just another part of the job, but this was strange... greater than strange even. There was no discrimination, it attacked any and everyone that it hooked itself into. Even the animals.
Elara Morgan continued on her spiel.
"I had to go into the major city hospital yesterday to help with healing efforts and it was just tragic seeing so many people in there. Seeing that many children there was heart breaking."
People just randomly attacking without holding back, not even feeling the pain to hold themselves back. Imagining an adult attacking a child made her throat close-up.
"The trauma may be worse on the young ones too. Just imagine if some of them became awakened from that."
A couple people in the room shuddered at the thought. Was that the purpose.
"And the attacks keep getting worse each time they happen. So far only three times now but with every time the radius has gotten bigger and the time has gotten longer." Juniper said. "And they're targeting the lower income areas first and seem to be slowly moving in to more populated areas."
"No power like that had been recorded with the BPA so there's no hints there." Greg spoke out. "But since they are slowly making their ways inward we can just station ourselves appropriately."
"With the new first years?" Bruno asked like he was asking for the most obvious answer to which Greg snarled at.
"Well we may have to. Not many paladins left so close by that want to get involved with something like this, its too unpredictable." Marc said.
People in the room were just getting their teams later in the afternoon and first years were always a little rambunctious during their first few missions in the year and they were still enjoying the honeymoon phase.
"What about that guy on the news?" Zara Bennet asked. "Calum Verus was it? He seemed like he wanted to help real bad, a little weird but he's at least offering help right. Sounds like we could use it."
Juniper heard her words and went stared right to Robyn Wilson.
"Robyn what is the percentage that this Calum Verus is hiding something big related to this from us and the public?"
People looked to the robotic like woman in anticipation.
"73.86%."
"Holy shit that's high." Greg responded with surprise lacing his voice.
Robyn Wilson's ability was versatile in many ways. One of the simpler functions of her ability allows her to read people with near perfect proficiency. What wasn't known to everyone but the principal though was that Marc Simpson had an even higher rating.
"Also there's been discussions with him and he truly can't offer much, unless what he is hiding is what can be of true value to us." Juniper said. "For now we'll consider him of only to find out what he's hiding."
"But I do plan on contacting him later to ask more about this matter."
Before Greg could ask what more she could be asking him about she clapped her hands together.
"Breaks over soon so new team leaders get ready to meet your teams!" And the meeting was adjourned with the people quickly shifting out of the room one by one.
______________
The students were in their classrooms with their phones out. Mr. Adams had told them that they will be receiving their assignments through email.
The class rankings were briefly glanced at since many didn't care for it on this day. Theo seen his name in the third place position with Bell and Corbin still being number 1 and 2 in class rankings.
There was nervousness in the air, sure most people in class got along with each other. But there were people who were clearly closer than one another.
Like Elena who would give subtle glances over to Ava, she seemed to view in a really high regard compared to other people who have even done better than her in other aspects, so there was probably more to her that she thought about than just her family relations.
Theon would prefer it if he were on a team with Jon, but he didn't mind being with anyone. He would probably work as fine with anyone or by himself if he didn't particularly get along with them.
A quiet hush of excitement was heard and then Theon realized that through all of the continuous refreshing of screens that everyone had done they had finally received their team placements.
Theon clicked into his top email that just came in and firstly seen a picture of a beautiful female with hair as dark as the night and eyes that reminded him of a forest, he wondered if he would get a similar feeling to seeing her in person.
The name at the bottom was Carmen Ford: Gold Rank paladin. 'So that's the team leader.'
For some reason she seemed familiar but he wasn't going to dwell on that for now. Instead he scrolled past that and looked at who his teammates were going to be.
And a crown of silver locks with strands of grey in it was what he seen first before the fierce gaze of crystal blue pierced him... 'Its just a photo and she still looks intimidating.'
It was Bell Wyatt, she was the other member of his team. He wasn't opposed but he also didn't know what to think of her. She usually gave off the 'don't look at me' vibes in class.
He scrolled to see who was next only to smile at the last name. Jon Sinclair.
The first person in this school, no in life even that he could call friend. It seems he would still stick by him.
Theon didn't notice the feint feeling of relief after seeing that, he wanted this a lot more than he thought.
Bell sat behind him in class, he swung in his seat to take a look at her.... and suddenly felt a drop of unease. She seemed to be glaring. But not full of hate or simply not wanting to be on his team, there was a look on her face that screamed someone failed to meet her expectations.
Or maybe she had...
Jon on the other hand smiled and raised his hand in acknowledgement over towards Theon.
Next thing you know, Cole and Corey were making celebratory noises completely ignorant to the rest of the class still processing their situation. That certainly didn't stop the incoming rage from the classes most volatile student.
"Would you two idiots Shut Up!" Corbin shouted out loud for everyone in the room and whatever passer-by outside to hear to.
The two turned to respond to him laughing.
"We're just happy we're not stuck with you dumbass." Corey stuck his finger near his nose emoting as he spoke.
"I'm the one that's glad I ain't stuck with any of you dipshits." He let them both know. "Now who the hell's Juno and Aaliyah?"
Some laughed and were more so elated because today was finally the day. Juno didn't look happy and it was understandable. For someone who enjoyed more peace, being stuck with Corbin wasn't a bright option. Aaliyah didn't seem to really care though and ignored him.
The teams were now written up on the screen for everyone to see. Five teams and the only one that had something inconsistent was team 2. But that was only because of the new name they hadn't seen.
It was clear that was the name of the student replacing Eli Sazaki. He would be on the same team as Ava Wolfe and Lugh O'Hara.
There was a knock on the door which was heard even through the rumbling noise of the room.
"That should be him now." Mr Adams briskly walked over to the door to open it and reveal the new student at the entrance.
He quickly brought him in and put him standing at the front of the class. Black hair and black gloves were the first things to be noticed.
"Alright students, this is your new classmate. Damian Santoro."