Scene: Judgement Above The Cloud
INT. CLOUD TOWER GUILD HALL
Cloud Tower, a tall, foreboding castle perched on a rugged, mist-covered mountain. Green lightning crackles across the storm clouds that loom around its spires, casting flickering shadows over the stone walls. The interior is dimly lit, with only occasional torches casting red-orange glows against dark walls lined with ornate ironwork and unsettling magical relics.
In the center of the vast, gothic hall, Griffin Discordia, the Guild Mistress of Cloud Tower, sits on a dark, imposing throne. She is an unnaturally tall woman with a pale, slightly greenish complexion and piercing yellow eyes. Her dark purple hair is styled in two upward-tapering streaks, resembling a witch's hat. She watches the room with a regal, almost disdainful air, her eyes scanning the shadowy corners where her hunters—dressed in dark, rebellious attire—mingle like specters.
Suddenly, a figure enters. Candice Nosferatu, a striking vampire with long, jet-black hair, approaches Griffin with quiet urgency.
Candice (bow slightly, respectful) "Guild Mistress, I have gathered the reports you requested. Information on the hunters from St. Alaric Academy… as well as some details about their potential alliances and weaknesses."
Griffin extends her hand, and Candice places a folder into it. Griffin opens it, skimming through the documents with a practiced, deliberate ease.
Griffin "Thank you, Candice. I cannot wait to look at these files."
Griffin said as she opened the envelope which contains information about several students, the fighters from the match of St. Alaric Academy.
Griffin (smirking as she reads) "Let's see… Yue Gentoshi. The so-called king of the academy and the leader of the superpower branch. Feared and admired by his peers, powerful enough to rival even the strongest dungeon monsters... And that's also why he hates his own branch."
Candice (raising an eyebrow) "Huh? What do you mean mistress? I thought he hated them because of classism and racism since he is a Gentoshi..."
Griffin (chuckling dryly) "Not quite. Yue's hatred is more complex than mere family pride. It's not the Gentoshi bloodline that makes him resent his branch. It's the fact that… he's beyond them."
Candice tilts her head, intrigued.
Candice "Beyond them? How so?"
Griffin (smiling) "He is too elite. Every task, every challenge, he accomplishes effortlessly. Even if he wanted to align with them, they would only slow him down. His very presence is a reminder of their inadequacies, so he turns to the academic branch, to the students who bring something of value. There, the students at least have the monetary and influence needed to contribute to the relationship, some even offer intelligence and wisdom like his cousins."
Candice (surprise) "The arrogant king, searching for equals. Ironic, isn't it?"
Griffin lets out a quiet, almost sympathetic sigh before continuing.
Griffin (turning to the next file) "Then there's Ludociel Vanderbilt. The queen, as they call her. Actual leader of her branch since Yue's defection. They cling to her, hoping for strength and unity. The Maiden of Orleans, pure and virtuous… but one loss to that academic student, and her reputation faltered."
Candice (smirking) "Ah, there must be a darkness there, right?"
Griffin (smiling wryly) "Not in her, no. But in her guild—the Knights of Orleans. They tolerate her idealism only because it furthers their reach. Her defeat in that duel, however, shook them. It weakened their influence. They're caught between needing her and resenting her vulnerability."
Candice nods thoughtfully, processing Griffin's insights.
Candice "So she's the opposite of Yue… open, trusting, relying on allies to cover her weaknesses."
Griffin "Precisely. But for the Knights of Orleans, her compassion is both a strength and a vulnerability. They'd prefer a leader who stands alone, unyielding. Someone like Yue, in fact. But for now, they have Ludociel, and she's all they can afford to depend on."
Griffin's expression darkens as she flips to the next page, her eyes gleaming with calculated interest.
Griffin "Next, the real second strongest student, Lysander Chocolate Gentoshi, the one who defeated Ludociel. Above average grades with below average physical capability but he has proved to be an excellent strategist as he was the one who planned the defeat of both Wilhelm and Ludociel. He also has access to a variety of weapons from the GGG. He is the smart one among his siblings. Similarly, to his other siblings, Angela is the pretty but deadly one and Alexei is the brawl one."
Candice (Suddenly remembering) "Oh, right mistress, Hugo Gentoshi is their brother... or was their brother. He was exiled."
Griffin laughs softly, a cold and mocking sound.
Griffin (grinning) "Typical of them, exiling faulty products..."
Griffin turns the next page
Griffin "Next on the superpower branch, we got the Jack of the school, Kimhyun Narukami, a sponsored student of GGG and thus, he is on the Gentoshi side. An orphan who got sponsored by the GGG. I do not know if he intended to become a hunter and join a guild or become the Gentoshi's guard dog... Whatever the case, he did not use his full power in the battle against Alexei. Why, I wonder? Is it fear of his own strength, or a lack of control?"
Candice (shrugging) "I wasn't able to find more on him, Guild Mistress. His records were… incomplete."
Griffin (smiling faintly) "That's all right, Candice. There are always ways to learn more. Time has a way of revealing everything."
Griffin turns the page with a steady hand, her eyes narrowing as she takes in the next profile.
Griffin "Now, back to the Gentoshi… Alexei Orca Gentoshi, the one who defeated Kimhyun. Normally, I'd say he's just another rich brat relying on expensive toys to fight, but..."
Candice (interrupting, her voice thoughtful) "Kimhyun is a monster in his own right, and their fight was more about skill than gear."
Griffin (nods, acknowledging the point) "Yeah… there's something strange about Alexei. His physical prowess is exceptionally high, and his techniques are polished enough to go toe-to-toe with a trained martial artist like Kimhyun. I wouldn't be surprised if he had his own superpower—possibly some form of super strength. And yet, he chooses to align with the academic branch. Perhaps he's trying to distance himself from the superpower branch because he knows how much Yue loathes it."
She taps her finger thoughtfully on the page.
Griffin "Can you dig deeper into his background, Candice? I need to know more about him."
Candice (bowing slightly) "Yes, Mistress."
Griffin flips to the next profile, her expression shifting as she reads.
Griffin (almost to herself) "Angela Grimhilde Gentoshi… There's almost no record of her battle experience, save for a brief exchange against the fifth-ranked student, Drole Ennadai. From what I can gather, she's… the winner of last year's Academy Beauty Pageant and a model featured in various prestigious fashion magazines. Admired by the entire school for her beauty… But really, there's no record of her battle prowess?"
Candice (smirking a bit) "Well, we can't expect too much, Mistress. Her siblings also kept a low profile until recently. They're Gentoshis. If they want to stay hidden, they have the means to do so… and the family influence to ensure no one dares expose them."
Griffin sighs, her expression darkening slightly.
Griffin (sighing) "Haizz, those damn scientists… always meddling in things they don't fully understand."
She shakes her head, clearly frustrated, and turns the page once more.
Griffin "I won't waste time on the academic branch any further. It's obvious the other two students they sent are just being used to advertise GGG's newest flashy armor. But let's see… Shizuka Maidono, fourth-ranked in the superpower branch. A half-elf, and one who's been discriminated against by both humans and elves. She clings to her strength, believing it's the only thing she can rely on to survive in this world."
Candice (thoughtfully) "Another soul hardened by rejection. She's probably spent her whole life learning to fight monsters, and in a way, people too."
Griffin "Indeed. But her confidence may also be her downfall. The gap between her and Kimhyun is vast—she has no realistic path to surpass him. Still, she'll push herself relentlessly. That's the nature of someone who's been alone too long… They turn their isolation into a weapon."
Candice (curious) "She does have friends though, Hugo Gentoshi and Fenix Tepes."
Griffin (smiling) "Exactly. Those three are also receiving abandonment issues in some form. Hugo was abandoned by his family. Fenix is a vampire but he is too young to call himself one. Thus, his clan did not give him the attention he needed. Those three probably find solidarity in each other's presence."
Griffin turns the page with a steady hand, she reads the next profile.
Griffin (smiling) "Finally, Drole Ennadai, the fifth ranked student. His power isn't that impressive, increasing the mass of his weapon to 5 tons but combining with his swinging technique of accumulating inertial force, his offensive potential is quite high. He can also use his mass to defend. He lost because he is slow and bulky. Also because he underestimated Angela… He can make for a good tank. Any idea which guild he would join after graduation? He is a good talent."
Candice (musing): "From what I've heard, Drole might lean toward the Knights of Orleans or possibly even OverEdge. They tend to favor strong, defensive types. But… he has a soft side, apparently. He's been seen helping underclassmen and handling disputes in the superpower branch."
Griffin (smirking): "A tank with a conscience. Interesting. That could be a strength or his undoing, depending on where he ends up. The Knights may find him useful, but only if he shows unwavering loyalty. OverEdge, however, would want someone without such… gentleness."
Griffin taps her finger on the page, her eyes narrowing as she thinks through the profiles she's just reviewed. With a flick of her hand, she dismisses the report, a flicker of excitement glinting in her eyes.
Griffin (with a calculating tone): "These students are a fascinating batch, aren't they? St. Alaric Academy is molding them to be perfect hunters. And yet, for all their talents and powers… they're divided, bound by conflicting allegiances and fragile egos… Can you look out for talent? There are definitely a lot of hidden talents there. I want to recruit them to Cloud Tower."
Candice (smiling slightly): "So, you're truly considering bringing some of them into Cloud Tower? Even with their... fragmented loyalties?"
Griffin (her eyes gleaming with interest): "Yes, indeed. Their rivalries make them volatile, but there's untapped strength in that division. With the right guidance, the strongest among them could become more than hunters. They could be shaped into forces this world has yet to reckon with."
Candice (nodding thoughtfully): "Then, I'll continue monitoring the academy, Guild Mistress. Shall I also look for potential guild prospects among the lower ranks?"
Griffin (smiling, approving): "Exactly. Those who show resilience in the face of adversity—those who survive their branch's politics—are the ones I want. And if they prove themselves, we can offer them a path that values true strength, untainted by the academy's rigid standards."
A pause, and then Griffin leans forward, her gaze fierce.
Griffin: "This will be an ongoing test, Candice. One that measures not just power, but loyalty and ambition. Keep watch, and when the time is right, we'll see who among them is worthy of standing in Cloud Tower's ranks."
The storm outside intensifies, green lightning splitting the sky, casting an eerie glow through the windows. Candice bows slightly before retreating into the shadows, leaving Griffin alone in her throne, anticipation flickering in her piercing yellow eyes. For the Guild Mistress of Cloud Tower, the thrill of discovery—and the power to shape these young hunters—had only just begun.
Scene: Pairing for Mid-Term
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SECOND-YEAR SUPERPOWER BRANCH CLASSROOM – EARLY MORNING
The early morning sunlight streams through the classroom windows, casting a golden hue on the bustling room. Students of the second-year superpower branch gather, murmuring with excitement and tension as they prepare for the upcoming midterm exam. Groups form as classmates discuss potential partnerships, eager to prove themselves in the coming battle against their teachers.
Riva Thornwood: "We should find partners who complement our abilities. Think of it as a way to sharpen our teamwork."
Riva, known for her powerful shielding ability, glances toward Toren Voss, whose strike abilities make him a natural attacker. Toren nods thoughtfully, clearly considering her words.
Toren Voss: "Maybe we should pair up. You block, I strike—we'd make a solid team."
Meanwhile, a group of students gathered around Kimhyun Narukami, the Jack of the branch, who stands calmly at the back of the room. Kalypso Haname and Dimitri Keene, hopeful that he'll partner with them, eagerly approach him.
Kalypso Haname (excited): "Kimhyun, would you consider teaming up with me? I can amplify attack power—imagine what we could do together!"
Kimhyun smiles politely, though he looks slightly uncertain.
Kimhyun (slightly hesitant): "I'd like to, Kalypso , but as a sponsored student of GGG, I need to check in with them first. They might already have a partner in mind for me."
A few disappointed murmurs ripple through the group, and Alyssa sighs.
Dimitri Keene (grinning): "Can't blame us for trying, right? It would've been awesome to team up with you."
At the other side of the room, Ludociel Vanderbilt, the Queen, stands surrounded by a respectful group of students. Her confident and composed demeanor draws admiration from her peers. She listens to their requests for partnerships but chooses her words carefully as she responds to each.
Harper Gale: "Queen, would you consider partnering with me?"
Ludociel (smiling thoughtfully): "Thank you, Harper. But to make the most of our skills, we need partners who complement us. A strong offense paired with a solid defense, for example, can create a balance that keeps both fighters protected."
She looks around the room, making eye contact with a few students.
Ludociel (thoughtfully): "Riva, with your shield ability, Toren's strength would make a strong combo. Rhys, your close combat skills could be supported by someone with ranged attacks, like Marcus. It's about covering each other's weaknesses as much as it is about combining strengths."
The students around her nod, appreciative of her advice. Meanwhile, whispers ripple through the room about Yue Monarchy Gentoshi, the King, who has skipped class again today, leaving everyone wondering about his plans. Despite the growing respect many students have for him, his absence creates a mixture of curiosity and frustration.
Jasper Lorne (whispering): "If anyone can take on a teacher solo, it's Yue. But if he does pick a teammate, you know he'll probably go for someone from the academic branch."
Maeve Sutherland (nodding): "Of course. He's closer to them anyway. Probably Lysander or Angela—no way he'd pick one of us."
Emory Flint: "It's almost an insult, you know? He's our King, but he'd rather skip class and team up with the academic branch. It's like he thinks we can't keep up."
Despite the whispers, the students refocus on the task at hand, their thoughts buzzing with strategies, suitable pairings, and the challenge of facing their formidable teachers. With new excitement and determination, they continue discussing, fully aware that this midterm will be more than a test of power—it will challenge their teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.
Scene: The King Court's Strategy for Mid-Term Exam
EXT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH TRAINING GROUNDS – MORNING
The training ground stretches out under the afternoon sky, a sprawling area marked with scorch marks, broken pillars, and faint lines of previous training battles. In the center, Yue Monarchy Gentoshi stands with his cousins, Lysander Chocolate Gentoshi and Angela Grimhilde Gentoshi, the trio scanning the area with an air of intent focus.
Lysander (grumbling): "Ugh, fighting our teachers… Are they serious? There's a limit to making exams brutal, right?"
Angela (smiling slightly): "Relax. Honestly, except for Professor Roderick and the Headmistress, I doubt Yue would have much trouble dealing with them."
Yue (with a grin): "True… but Professor Roderick made a point. A single person can only do so much."
Yue glances around the training grounds, then back at Lysander and Angela, his eyes gleaming with an idea.
Yue: "Hey, what if we team up? We'd be unstoppable."
He looks at Lysander first, his grin widening.
Yue: "Lysander wouldn't even need to use his teleport. Just generate swords, and I'll handle the force to launch them at the target—easy victory."
He then turns to Angela, his confidence unwavering.
Yue: "And Angela, you could use your abilities to enhance my invisibility, plus detect any concealment spells they might throw our way. That opens up opportunities for sneak attacks. I can say it was all my power so you can conceal your power."
Angela and Lysander exchange a look, surprised but intrigued by Yue's strategy.
Lysander (considering): "You might be onto something… I did take down Wilhelm, so unless we're up against Roderick himself…"
Yue: "Even then, the teachers will be using seals to limit their powers. So Roderick's not really a problem."
Angela (grinning): "Then isn't this all just a piece of cake for you?"
Yue: "Yup! But I want to test our combined power—see what we can really do as a team."
Lysander (sighing, amused): "So we're here as your guinea pigs, essentially?"
Yue: "Exactly! Come on, Lysander, generate those swords. I want to see how much force I can create with them in a single blast."
Yue's excitement grows as he positions himself, focusing on the strategy. Lysander holds out his wand, Azure, summoning a series of shimmering, razor-sharp swords into the air. Yue raises a hand, concentrating his telekinetic force behind the blades. A moment later—
Boom!
An explosion erupts, sending a shockwave through the air that ripples across the training grounds, rattling windows and turning heads all over campus.
Nearby Students:
"What the heck was that?"
"A terrorist attack? Gates opening up?"
"Someone call security!"
The sudden noise prompts Professors Linden and Roderick to rush to the training ground, their expressions a mix of alarm and disbelief. When they arrive, they find the three Gentoshis standing amidst the dust, wide-eyed at the blast they've just created.
Lysander (nervously trying to smile): "Oh… hello, Professors."
Professor Linden (sternly): "What on earth are you three doing?"
Lysander (hesitantly): "Uh… power testing?"
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH TEACHER'S OFFICE – LATER
The three Gentoshis sit across from Professors Linden and Roderick, who seem both exasperated and bemused as they listen to the explanation.
Professor Linden (pinching the bridge of his nose): "So… Yue charged the telekinetic force while Lysander generated the sword projectiles… and the result was a B-ranked attack moving at seven times the speed of sound?"
He places his head in his hands, letting out a resigned sigh.
Professor Linden: "Are you two even aware of what you've just done…?"
Angela (trying to ease the tension): "We're really sorry, Professor. This time it was just Yue and Lysander. I haven't even joined in yet—"
Professor Linden (raising a hand): "No, stop. We'll figure out a better place for you three to train… Just, for now, no more tests like this."
Yue (raising an eyebrow): "Stop training? Isn't that the whole point of us being here?"
Professor Linden (muttering, exhausted): "If you blow up another part of campus, I'm putting a seal on all of you."
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH MAIN HALLWAY – MORNING
The three Gentoshis step out of the teacher's office, met by a gathering of students who quickly avert their gazes and begin whispering among themselves. The rumors spread fast—everyone seems to know that the trio had just been forbidden from testing some devastating new attack. As they walk past, Yue, Lysander, and Angela exchange amused glances, each trying to hide their own reactions to the gossip swirling around them.
Lysander (mocking, grinning): "So, what now, your majesty? Still determined to pull off that super-deadly attack?"
Yue (sighing): "Of course. But I want Angela in on it next. Angela, what do you say? Want to see if our combined strength has any edge?"
Angela (thoughtful): "I'm interested. But… where are we supposed to train? We have afternoon classes, you know."
Yue (shrugging): "Can you skip?"
Lysander (snickering): "I can, she can't. Angela has that tea party right after classes, don't you?"
Yue (rolling his eyes): "Ugh… tomorrow, then."
Angela (nodding, with a slight smile): "GGG lab?"
Yue (grinning): "Where else? Best place to push things to the limit."
Scene: Debrief in Class – Gargoyles & Frustration in the Afternoon Class
EXT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – COURTYARD – AFTERNOON
The entire second-year superpower branch class is gathered in the academy's courtyard, a less-than-ideal training space compared to their usual grounds. Candice Nosferatu, their teacher, paces in front of them with a noticeable frown, her frustration clear as she begins the lesson.
Candice (exasperated): "So… due to certain 'experiments' that some students thought were more important than everyone else's training, we're out here instead of in the proper grounds."
Hugo, Shizuka, and Fenix exchange glances, all thinking of the same culprit—Yue, the King—who decided to team up with his cousins and "test" a technique that ended up obliterating the training ground. They each suppress smirks, mildly amused and annoyed in equal parts.
Candice (sighing, regaining composure): "Now, onto the lesson. Today, I'd intended for us to work with an actual gargoyle—living stone, fast as a hawk, and tough as iron."
She gestures to the stone figure standing at the edge of the courtyard, an imposing creature of rock with large, clawed wings folded tight against its body. The gargoyle's sharp features and stony gaze make it look like it's ready to leap into action.
Candice: "Gargoyles are among the stronger monsters out there. Solid rock for a body, so it can take a good hit without so much as cracking, and it has aerial maneuverability that can rival even the fastest fliers. Now, let's think critically here: if it's made of rock, how can it fly?"
The class murmurs in thought, and Grigor, a tall, muscular student with earth-based powers, raises his hand, his brows knitted.
Grigor: "Maybe there's some special mechanism in there? Like a… plane?"
Candice raises an eyebrow, shaking her head with a hint of a smile.
Candice: "Not quite, Grigor. Planes fly because they're specifically designed to work with aerodynamics. A gargoyle is… definitely not aerodynamic."
A girl with short, dark hair, Elena Vark, speaks up.
Elena: "Is it magic, then?"
Candice (nodding approvingly): "Exactly, Elena. It's magic. Their wings are engraved with wind magic circles that allow them to move air and achieve lift."
She points to the intricate carvings on the gargoyle's wings, where faint, swirling patterns glow as the magic within them hums with a low energy. The students look closer, some leaning in with interest, trying to understand the symbols.
Candice: "These magic circles are the source of a gargoyle's agility and speed. They allow it to stay in the air longer, even make sharp turns mid-flight. Normally, we'd be fighting it within a barrier, trying to wear it down as a class."
Alyssa Kane, sitting near the front, mutters under her breath, rolling her eyes.
Alyssa Kane: "But the training ground is destroyed…"
Candice (with a deep sigh): "Exactly. Thanks to some people's little experiment earlier, we can't actually let it fly or go all out. For now, we're going to focus on defensive maneuvers and controlling your mana output."
Fenix smirks, nudging Hugo as he whispers.
Fenix (mock admiration): "You have to admit, only a true king could decimate an entire training ground just by trying something out."
Hugo (whispering back, amused): "Right? I wonder what they were trying to do… maybe aiming for their own gargoyle technique?"
Candice, overhearing the whispering, narrows her eyes, and the boys quickly straighten up, pretending to be intensely focused on the gargoyle.
Candice (clapping her hands): "Alright, enough daydreaming. Let's split into groups and work on mana control while visualizing defenses. I'll come to judge if your team can defend and fight against gargoyles."
As they move into position, Candice keeps a wary eye on the gargoyle, making sure it remains dormant. Though the training grounds may be out of commission, she's determined that her students won't waste a single lesson, even if it's in a makeshift arena.
Scene: Class Accident Gargoyle Escape
EXT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – COURTYARD – AFTERNOON
The students' focus intensifies as Candice explains the intricacies of the gargoyle's magic. Suddenly, the magical restraints on the stone beast flicker and then vanish, releasing it from its cage. With a powerful beat of its wings, the gargoyle launches into the air, hovering above the courtyard.
Ryuto (startled): "What?! It's flying out!"
A murmur of shock ripples through the group, but Shizuka steps forward immediately, summoning a swarm of water snakes and ice swords with swift precision. They shoot toward the gargoyle, striking it from all directions, but the monster moves with remarkable agility, dodging most of her attacks. The few hits that do connect glance off its rocky hide without leaving a scratch.
Shizuka (eyes widening in frustration): "It's too fast. Even if I could catch it, it'll just fly out of my range again!"
Severin Ashford and Kenjiro follow her lead, unleashing beams of energy and fireballs that scorch the air around the gargoyle. Yet it dodges with graceful speed, twisting and weaving through each attack.
Just then, the gargoyle swoops down, grabbing Kaelen Moretti and Arabelle Fairwater in its talon-like claws. With a malicious glint in its stony eyes, it soars high above the courtyard, releasing the two students mid-air. A collective gasp goes through the group, but Candice springs into action, using her vampiric agility to leap up and catch both students before they hit the ground. She lands safely, setting them down with a nod.
Candice (calling out): "Everyone, stay focused! Don't let it take anyone else."
Just then, Elena Vark steps forward, a glint of determination in her eye.
Elena: "Remember our lesson! Gargoyles use wind magic to move. If we disrupt its wind magic, we can make it fall. I'll need someone to keep it still long enough for me to charge up my wind."
Fenix (grinning): "No need to ask twice."
With a flourish, he creates a whip of blood that snakes around the gargoyle's leg, coiling tightly.
Fenix: "Hugo, fire some shots at it from the side. Let's keep it distracted while I hold it down."
Hugo (nodding): "Got it!"
Hugo sends a flurry of fiery projectiles at the gargoyle, forcing it to dodge while keeping it tethered by Fenix's whip. But as the gargoyle thrashes, it pulls Fenix off his feet, nearly lifting him into the air.
Fenix (struggling): "Ugh… someone, a little help here? It's trying to take me with it!"
Seeing Fenix struggling, the other students rush in to grab hold of him, each adding their weight to keep him grounded as the gargoyle continues its attempt to escape.
Elena (focusing): "Alright, it's ready. This ends now!"
With her magic charged, Elena conjures a small tornado, directing it at the gargoyle's wings. The vortex disrupts the magic circles, cutting off its wind magic. The gargoyle's wings suddenly lose power, and it plummets from the sky. With a thunderous crash, it slams into the ground and shatters into pieces, defeated.
The courtyard falls silent as everyone catches their breath, glancing around at one another in relief and awe.
Hugo (relieved): "Well… that was intense."
Candice (clapping her hands, regaining her composure): "Good work, everyone. Looks like you can handle a rogue gargoyle after all."
Scene: Teachers Debate
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY - SUPERPOWER BRANCH TEACHERS' LOUNGE - MORNING
The teachers are gathered around a large, mahogany table, their faces a mix of worry and frustration as they discuss the upcoming mid-term exams. The tension in the room is palpable, with Professor Linden standing by the window, visibly troubled as he stares out over the academy grounds. Professor Roderick is seated at the head of the table, his fingers laced together thoughtfully. The rest of the faculty—including Professor Aster and Mrs. Mühlhausen—exchange anxious glances.
Professor Linden breaking the silence, his voice tinged with apprehension
Professor Linden "Yue Monarchy Gentoshi… That kid's raw power is enough to make any of us hesitate. And now he has allies—Angela and Lysander. With them by his side, I'm genuinely concerned. If things get out of hand, they might end up destroying the entire academy… all just to pass an exam."
Professor Aster leaning forward, her tone serious
Professor Aster "You're not wrong, Linden. Yue's power alone is terrifying, but with the added support of Angela and Lysander… we might not stand a chance if they decide to go all out. And if we have seals on us, there's only so much we can do to protect ourselves and the students."
Mrs. Mühlhausen (nodding solemnly) "We're practically sitting ducks with those seals in place. Yue's skills have already surpassed our expectations. If we limit ourselves further, it'll be like handing him victory on a silver platter. Some of us might not even make it through the exam without serious injuries."
The room falls into an uneasy silence, each teacher contemplating the potential consequences. Finally, Professor Roderick clears his throat, drawing their attention. He leans back, his expression calm but clearly hiding his own concerns.
Professor Roderick (sighing) "If you're asking if I can handle them… I can certainly hold my ground. But I doubt I could overpower them, especially with the seals in place. I'm more of a researcher than a frontline fighter, after all. And let's not forget… I'm funded by the GGG. If I go full force without restrictions, they might see it as unfair, and I could lose my funding."
He lets out a weary chuckle.
Professor Roderick "Unleashing my power unchecked would only raise more questions."
Professor Linden (grumbling) "So we're left facing down three of the most dangerous students this academy's ever seen… with both hands tied behind our backs?"
The teachers exchange resigned glances, knowing the truth in Linden's words. Just then, the door swings open, and a confident figure steps inside. Dressed in a sleek black coat with a crest bearing the mark of OverEdge, the prestigious hunters' guild, John Carter enters the room with an easy, assured stride. He's a towering presence, with piercing eyes and a relaxed yet commanding demeanor. Behind him stands Sakae Gentoshi, her face tense with concern.
John Carter (grinning) "Sounds like you all could use some backup. How about I handle this little problem of yours?"
The teachers stare in disbelief for a moment, then several of them break into relieved smiles, visibly easing up at the sight of the powerful hunter. Murmurs of approval ripple through the room.
Professor Aster (unable to hide her relief) "John Carter… the guild master of OverEdge. It's an honor. And yes, we could certainly use your help here."
Mrs. Mühlhausen (chuckling) "I don't think any of us thought we'd actually get a pro hunter of your calibre involved. But if anyone can stand up to Yue and his team, it's you."
John Carter (shrugging modestly) "Well, I've been looking for a good challenge, and I've heard quite a bit about these Gentoshi kids. An S-rank test should put them in their place. Besides, it's not every day I get to test my skills against future top hunters."
He casts a glance over his shoulder at Sakae, who shifts uncomfortably under his gaze.
Professor Linden (smiling despite his earlier worries) "With you here, John, then things are going to be easy."
Professor Roderick (nodding thoughtfully) "However, let's not underestimate them. Yue's tactics are unpredictable, and his power… well, you know the stories. Even as a professional, you'll need to be on your guard."
John Carter (smirking) "Good. Wouldn't be fun if it was easy."
As John speaks, Sakae watches him with a mixture of awe and nervousness. Her posture is rigid, and her face betrays a hint of worry. She knows all too well the ruthless potential of her Gentoshi relatives. Slowly, she raises her hand.
Sakae (quietly) "If it's alright… I'd like to join the fight as well. Yue and the others… they're my family, in a way. I know what they're capable of, and if I'm there, I might be able to… keep things from getting too out of control."
The teachers exchange glances, considering her offer. Some seem hesitant, but Professor Linden nods approvingly, recognizing her connection to the Gentoshi clan and her insights into their methods.
Professor Roderick (sighing as he looks around the room) "Alright, everyone. Let's do our best to contain this exam. With John and Sakae on our side, we might just survive… and keep the academy intact."
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY - SUPERPOWER BRANCH MAIN HALLWAY - AFTER THE MEETING
As John and Sakae walk down the hallway, students glance their way, awestruck at the sight of the renowned hunter and his apprentice. Sakae's expression is still distant, her mind racing with possible scenarios. John, noticing her distraction, pats her shoulder.
John Carter (in a low, reassuring tone) "Hey, relax. We're not walking into a war zone. Just a couple of overpowered kids looking to prove themselves. We've handled worse."
Sakae managing a small smile, though her worry lingers
Sakae "I know, Master… It's just… the Gentoshis, especially Yue, they can be ruthless. As an ex-member of them, I know them the best. I'm more worried about you than me."
John chuckles, ruffling her hair slightly in a reassuring gesture.
John Carter (chuckles) "Well, I'll take that as a compliment. Besides, if Yue wants a real challenge, I'm happy to give him one."