《The Mech Lord》


 Chapter 1 - 0: Beginning Of The Change

    Earth, Sr System, Year 7850


    "Dad!! Its early in the morning!! You should brush first and not drink¡­" A boyined looking at his father.


    "I am fine, Leo...don''t worry," the middle aged man replied with a grin on his red face.


    "I am not asking about your health...geez you are drunk!" Leo pinched his nose when the smell of alcohol wafted his nose, involuntarily taking a few steps back.


    Leo was around 5''10 and had a normal fair skin tone. His green eyes seemed to be darting around the room as he looked at the empty bottles of alcohol all over the ce.


    But, the old man didn''t even seem to mind his presence at all and opened another bottle to chug down.


    Seeing that he was being ignored, Leo could only sigh in frustration before going out to open the recycle shop in a bad mood.


    His father was alcoholic, useless and alive. But it was still better than being an orphan for Leo. Not to mention, he had a lot of freedom due to his father''s state. All the decisions of the house were on his call and hence, he was more mature than the kids of his age.


    On his way, Leo picked up the bag of trash from the hallway and left in on the trash space outside his house for the utility robots to carry it away.


    "Ting!"


    A message popped up on his phone. It was from his friend, Kyle. He was asking him out for a trip to get some fresh air. It was obvious that Kyle was trying to lighten his mood due to the unfortunate event yesterday.


    [Fine, but you are the one paying..]


    [Deal] An immediate reply came.


    Leo couldn''t help but smile. He was lucky to have such a best friend. He walked toward his shop. It was only a minute away from his house and usually didn''t take Leo long to arrive there.


    On the way, he saw people of his locality all getting up to go on their jobs while the shop owners were opening their own shops as well. And as usual, he stopped for a minute as he was about to cross through the za and turned his head to look at the huge screen which was showing the early morning news.


    [A Reaper has been found on Dwarf Sirius, a few light years away from Earth. ording to the Federation''s spokesmen, the threat has already been dealt with and the Reaper was in by the Alpha Squad of Defense Force]


    With that the scene changed and footages from the fight were yed.


    A huge creature which looked like to be made of metal with eight legs and arms fought with four giant robot like creatures. The creature was called Reaper while the those machines weren''t robots but human piloted body suits called Mechas or Mechs as the younger generation preferred.


    ''Woah! Are those RX7 from the 7th generation of Crafton''s War Mechs. What''s with the badass custom looks! I really wanna touch it and feel it from close!!'' Leo felt his blood surging. His love for Mechs literally had no limit.


    Seeing him shaking in excitement with a red face, people gave him a weird look and immediately got away from him.


    "Sir, Are you fine? You seemed to be showing symptoms for seizure. I will request for medical emergency in 30 seconds if there is ack of response." A monotonous metallic voice entered Leo''s ear giving him a shock.


    He hurriedly turned around to see a small public utility bot, it was shaped like an hour ss and had wheels below and a round head with sensors embedded in them. It was wearing a blue colored jersey with the word "PATROL" on it.


    "No! Don''t call anyone, I am absolutely fine!" Leo replied in a rush while wiping off his sweat. After that, he didn''t even wait for its reply and quickly ran away.


    If that thing really called on for emergency medical help, he would have another bill to pay. The same thing had happenedst time and he really had fallen in a state of chaos that month.


    ¡­


    "You are early today, Leo?" Aunt Jessie from the nearby store asked seeing Leo opening his shop.


    "Well, schools are over and I pretty much have nothing to do¡­" Leo replied with a smile. He would usually open the shop in the noon but now, it was going to be his full time thing.


    "Did you pass your schrship exams? I still remember how you used to scream all day that you want to be a Mech Engineer¡­" Aunt Jessie said with a smile making Leo extremely depressed. It was obvious from his expression that he had failed.


    "I failed for 3 marks¡­." He replied with a sigh. If he could have passed it, a good life would have been waiting for him but s he failed.


    "What about the awakening test?" Those words were like needles to Leo, he almost spewed out blood after hearing that.


    "I failed that long ago¡­If I was even a Lv 1 Awake, I would have passed the exam with a breeze¡­.most of my marks got deducted in the physical aspect.." Leo exined it to her with a heavy face. He just couldn''t understand why he had to go through physical test, he didn''t want to be a Soldier nor a Mech pilot. It had nothing close to do with physical strength. He just wanted to build Mechs¡­why in hell did he need physical strength to do that¡­


    "Is that so?" Aunt Jessie forced a smile on her face realizing she might have identally hit him were it hurt the most.


    "Don''t worry, you already scored so much while handling your shop. I am sure you would pass next year¡­.besides someone as talented as you will definitely awaken. Look even I am a Lv 2 Awake¡­." Aunt Jessie tried to encouraged him but it only did more damage to Leo.


    ''Even she is awakened¡­'' Leo felt another blow to his confidence.


    "Even though, I am awakened¡­I don''t have any potential. I just have an yellow rank skill that is a bit helpful in my daily life¡­" Aunt Jessie said as she rubbed his head as she have always done since his childhood, "I am sure you would definitely awaken a Golden Rank skill.."


    Leo smiled at her. She didn''t understand what a golden rank skill was but he sure did. But still, he didn''t correct her. After all, he understood that it was her feeling to encourage him that mattered and not the words.


    Anyway, it wasn''t like life was over just because he didn''t awaken. The current life was not that convenient. But it wasn''t that bad¡­He wouldn''t mind living like this for the rest of his life.


    At his moment, another message came in from Kyle saying that he had booked the tickets for tomorrow.


    ¡­..


    Thousands of light years away¡­.


    Gloria¡­


    A boy with pale white skin and silver white hairs stood on the balcony of his room as his blue eyes pierced into the horizon looking at the rising sun.


    "Master Aiden, the Lady called you for breakfast at the dining table.." A servant''s voice followed after the knock on the door.


    "I will be there.." Aiden replied as he turned around. There was arge bag pack on his bed. His looked a bit conflicted for some reason but after shaking his head, he tapped the side button on the bag and it shrunk into a small capsule which was then put into his pocket.


    He gave his room ast nce and then walked down stairs, but it seemed everyone had yet to arrive while his mother was most likely in the kitchen.


    Aiden grabbed a piece of food which looked like a loaf before finding his way out of the ce.


    "Maste-"


    "I am gettingte." Aiden cut off the servant who could only give Aiden a pitiful look and didn''t say anything.


    As soon as Aiden walked out of his mansion, he saw a carriage standing there and a person looking at him with a frustrated look. The guy had a light green hairs and pupils. He was a head taller than Aiden and was his only trusted friend.


    "Think again, Aiden¡­.This is not a good idea¡­.outside world is dangerous¡­you can slowly build yourself here. You don''t need topare yourself to other¡­"


    "I won''t change mind, Sun¡­ I can''t breathe in this ce anymore¡­even if death awaits me outside, it will be a lot better than staying here and dying everyday¡­" Aiden''s face finally changed. It was covered in pain and grief as he looked at mansion behind. He was going to leave this ce and everyone. But his decision wasn''t going to change. He had enough of it and had finally reached his breakdown point after thest incident.


    He felt that he would do something wrong, if he couldn''t cope up with the pressure. It was not like he wasn''t trying. But in this world, even hard work had its limit. He had to go beyond hard work, otherwise there would be no option for him.


    Sun looked at Aiden in frustration the entire way while trying to persuade him not to leave until they finally arrived at the Air Nest.


    "You sure? You are not gonna changed your mind?" Sun couldn''t help but ask once again.


    The Air ship behind announced the passengers to board up for thest time. People from different races hurried up one after another. Aiden gave ast look to his city and then looked at Sun who had a depressed face. He opened his mouth to speak but then suddenly stopped not knowing what to say. In the end, he just patted his shoulder and said, "Take care.." before quietly turning around walking up to board the ship.


    ¡­.


    Leo and Aiden were separated by thousands of light-years but the two had no idea how their lives were about to get entangled and change forever¡­.

 Chapter 2 - 1: Space Accident

    "Alert!"


    "Alert!"


    "This is not a drill"


    "The Arora reactors have malfunctioned, exceeding temperature limits. Please, follow the emergency evacuation procedure! I repeat follow the emergency evacuation procedure!"


    Red lights shed throughout the spaceship as the announcement went off. Chaos soon filled the ship. People began to scream and rush towards the evacuation area. Some pushed and some pulled attempting to get ahead of others.


    Leo who had been sleeping in his cabin immediately woke up upon hearing the sirens go off. His gaze met with Kale who just dropped down from the upper bunk. They could understand the look on each other''s faces.


    "Get your stuff, we need to leave," Kyle said with an urgent voice and the duo immediately began to pack their stuff.


    Arora reactors malfunctioning was no joke, if it exploded, nothing would be left unturned in the radius of a thousand miles and everything within a hundred miles would be vaporized.


    Leo''s hands moved quickly and efficiently as he picked his things whilst Kyle just just picked his bag and turned it back into a capsule and put it into his pocket leaving behind everything else which was lying around in the room.


    "Move! Move!" Kyle urged Leo as he swiped his card to open the gate and rushed out joining the crowd which was hurrying off towards the evacuation area. Leo immediately followed behind as well and the duo began to push their way through the crowd.


    "You left behind all your clothes and essories¡­" Leo said as he looked at Kyle doubting that he might have forgotten about it in a hurry.


    "Life is more important than those things¡­.I can buy it again¡­" Kyle shook his head without an ounce of regret.


    "You kidding me? The values those things are more than my worth. I am going to get it back." As Leo was about to turn around, Kyle grabbed him and pulled him along, "You areing with me!"


    Leo looked behind towards their room with a dejected face but do nothing as he couldn''t even budge his arm in Kale''s grip and only sigh "We shouldn''t havee here in the first ce."


    "Who was the one eager to have a look at the sceneries of Andromeda?!" Kyle red at him.


    "Y-You! I have always wanted to see Antians from the very beginning. It was only because of you unting how beautiful Andromeda was that I changed my mind." Leo replied not backing off even an inch.


    It had been two weeks since they left earth and were wandering around like nomads seeing sceneries all around. Who would have thought that when they would end in this mess when they finally decided to return?


    "Do you think I am interested in sightseeing? I only brought you because you sulked and sighed the whole god damn time after failing your test!" Kyle grumbled.


    "Oh great! Now I can''t even feel sad for my misery." Leo rolled his eye at his remarks.


    The duo continued to bicker as they reached the evacuation area.


    The ce was in utter mess. The hooting sound of the sirens continued to ring and the crowd of people scrambled towards the evacuation shuttles like mice fleeing from the predators and it had be even more difficult to find a path.


    When Leo and Kyle finally entered one of the shuttles after a tussle with the crowd, they found all the seats full. The Pilot of the evacuation shuttle immediately made an announcement from the cockpit when he noticed there were still people trying toe in.


    The evacuation shuttle only had about 50 seats excluding the pilot''s seat. It wasn''t possible to carry even a single extra person.


    "Please calm down everyone! We have enough evacuation shuttles and crew members to safely evacuate everyone. This shuttle is already upied, please proceed to the next one."


    After hearing him speak, people immediately left and the gates closed. Leo and Kyle could see the shuttleunching off into space through the ss pane and hurried up towards the next shuttle.


    "Proceed to the next one," the pilot''s voice sounded and the shuttle took off as it was full once again.


    They hurried towards the next one and it was full as well. They could feel the temperature rising in the spaceship. The Arora reactors were reaching their critical limits, the entire ship will blow up when the reactors couldn''t hold the energy stored within which would result in a gigantic explosion.


    When the next two shuttles turned out to be full again, Leo and Kyle became anxious and sweat started to form on their forehead as they moved towards the next one.


    "Hurry in! We still have one spot left," the pilot''s voice sounded. Just as Kyle was trying to process what it meant. He felt an impact on his back and was thrown in the shuttle.


    "Y-You!"


    He looked at Leo with one of his legs raised half of the way into the air as the doors closed.


    "Wait! My friend is still outside!!" Kyle shouted as he looked at the pilot.


    "You don''t need to worry there is still one of the evacuation shuttles left. Everyone will be safe. We have taken into ount the number of passengers. So please Sir, take your seat." The pilot replied as he began the procedure forunching off.


    Even though he was anxious, Kyle had no choice but to believe in the Pilot''s words and took his seat.


    ¡­.


    On the other side, Leo moved towards thest evacuation shuttle.


    "Please let me have a seat and not be full¡­" He was afraid and kept mumbling as he entered thest shuttle.


    It indeed had empty seats. Hell, even the seat of the pilot was empty.


    "I am dead." Leo felt it was the end and started to sweat buckets. The temperature was rising which was already making him sweat and coupled with this situation, he was scared and he felt like he would lose all the water in his body.


    The evacuation shuttle was entirely empty. Not a single shadow of a person could be seen.


    At this moment, hurried footsteps sounded and another person came running into the evacuation shuttle. Leo could tell at a nce that the person even though shared a resemnce to a human actually wasn''t one. He had a smooth white skin with refine blue eyes and silver white hairs, even though Leo believed himself to be quite a dashing guy, he was stillcking in front of this alien race.


    "Where''s the pilot?" The stranger asked with a worried look. He wasn''t doing any better than Leo, no he was actually even worse. His body was drenched in sweat.


    The next instant, his eyes fell on the empty pilot seat and he froze.


    "Don''t worry, we will definitely make it alive¡­" Leo said as he grabbed his shoulder and tried tofort him even though he himself wasn''t sure about what was going to happen to them.


    He really wanted to cry.


    Suddenly, the entire spaceship began to quiver and fear gripped the duo''s heart. They felt their hearts being clenched by the imaginary grim reaper hovering over their head.


    When they were about to lose hope, a person in a pilot''s uniform entered the shuttle carrying a helmet in his hand.


    The man looked like an angel in the eyes of the two.


    ''I am saved!!!'' The duo simultaneously screamed in their minds.


    "Sorry for beingte¡­I was in the washroom and was unable toe out. I hope you understand.." The pilot apologized with a sillyugh almost ring Leo and the alien guy in anger Those two were here dealing with life and death and this guy had the balls to say he took his time in washroom. Not to mention, the grin on his face almost made the two beat the hell out of him.


    "Hurry up, we need to leave before this thing explodes¡­" The alien guy said seriously as cold sweat poured down his forehead and Leo couldn''t help but nod after him vigorously. The two didn''t want anything but to leave as quickly as possible.


    "Is it only you two?" The pilot asked as he checked the hallway and indeed Leo and the alien guy were the only ones left. It seems that the number of passengers on the ship was less than the amount of their maximum capacity.


    "Well then," the pilot said as he closed the gate and a cold smile suddenly leaked out on his face.. "It seems there will be two causalities during this incident."

 Chapter 3 - 2: Caught In Someone Elses Mess

    Leo was suddenly taken back when the guy pulled out a dagger and waved it in the air before licking the de like a pervert. It send chills down Leo''s spine. The Green aura leaking out of his body signified that he was not your ordinary guy. He was at least a Lv 21 Magnate. It was obvious that the guy had a de rted skill in his arsenal meaning that he was an Awakener.


    Leo couldn''t understand what was going on. He was a poor ordinary human and didn''t even have any kind of deep enmity with anyone. Just what could one achieve by killing him?


    On the other hand, the alien guy''s face turned grim. He seem to have some idea about this.


    "Its all because of me¡­.I am sorry for dragging you in¡­"


    He sighed with a depressed and helpless look on his face and gave Leo an apologetic smile. It was now clear to Leo that the guy knew what was going on.


    "Let him go, you were here for my life to begin with.." The Alien guy stood in front of Leo and threw his hands wide trying to protect him. It was probably the best he could have done.


    Leo looked at him in surprise. Now a day, it was already great if people of your own race didn''t kick you down and here he was witnessing some random guy belonging to another race protecting him. The world needed more people like him. It would be a pity for him to die like this.


    The moment Leo''s reached the conclusion, he suddenly grabbed the Alien guy''s hand and pulled him towards the cockpit. "Run!!"


    The Pilot''s face turned ugly but he was a step toote as he was standing the near the exit while the other two were near the cockpit.


    In the end, he could only look as the door of the cockpit mmed shut.


    "Tsk!! Do you think a mere door can protect you from me?" The pilot asked with a sickugh.


    The Alien guy looked at Leo with a self ming look on his face, "Its my fault¡­you don''t need to do this¡­As long as I go with him.."


    "God!! How naive can you be? Do you really think he would let me go if you give up your life¡­" Leo rolled his eyes at him, wondering what kind of life did this alien lived to be so naive.


    "Its still better than not trying anything¡­" the alien guy smiled with a dejected face.


    "Open the door!! Or do you want me to break it!!!"


    The Pilot''s angry roar grabbed their attention and the alien guy looked at Leo as if asking what now. But, Leo only smiled as if saying leave it to all me before looking at the pilot through the ss pane.


    "Are you sure you want to break it? The evacuation shuttles are made of a strong alloy even if you can break it, I am afraid that the amount of strength will shook the whole shuttle damaging the equipment. If that happens, all of us will die¡­."


    "Stop bluffing!!!!" The pilot said with a snort as he prepared to break the door.


    "Idiot!!" Leo''s face turned pale when his n failed. How would he have known that the guy wouldn''t even believe him.


    "I run a recycle shop!! I deal with all kind of junk¡­.I am not lying!!" He screamed in panic and the guy finally stopped.


    Leo breathed in relief seeing that, but the guy''s next words immediately raised his anxiety to next level.


    "Hmmn¡­I almost forgot. I am the pilot. Of course, I have the ess key¡­" The pilot said with a smirk as he waved the ess key in his hand to Leo.


    "Stop!! Or I will destroy everything!!!" The voice came from the Alien guy and Leo turned his head to see him with his hands over the control board. There was a yellow aura surrounding him as electric sparks emerged from his hands. He was not an ordinary person as well but at least a Lv 1 Awake.


    It seemed the guy really wasn''t naive but just had acted in desperation to protect Leo earlier.


    Leo immediately looked towards the pilot and saw the nervousness on his face. The guy had started to panic as well.


    "You two brats!!! Come out while I am being nice¡­.I actually already have a way out. I don''t care whether you guys destroy it or not. So, think carefully¡­if Ie in, it wont be an easy death for you¡­"


    "Fine, then lets die together. Destroy it buddy¡­" Leo said as he looked at the alien guy.


    "Wait!!!!" The pilot shouted while sweating all over.


    At this moment, another series of announcement rang out¡­


    "Alert! Alert!"


    "Crossing critical limits, explosion in 5 minutes¡­"


    Color on everyone''s face started to fade. They knew that there wasn''t much time left. The heat had already started to get unbearable.


    "Fine!! Let''s call a truce!! We need to get out of here fast¡­.open the door and let me in¡­"


    Leo and the alien guy looked at each other. There was no way that they were going to let him in. He only need a minute to kill the two of them.


    "I am serious!!! I won''t do anything!! Besides, do you two even know how to operate this¡­" The pilot lost his calm with death on his head.


    "Shut up!! Tell us how to operate it!!" Leo could only think of this way. But was it really that easy to operate a space shuttle.


    The Pilot gave instructions to the two in a hope that they would seed inunching the shuttle off.


    "Its not working!!!!"


    "Which green button?"


    "There are many buttons here.."


    "What is cord locator? How does it look?"


    "Idiots!!!!! Open it!!" Seeing that the time was almost over and the two still hadn''t managed tounch the shuttle while still refusing to open the door, the man finally lost it and began to pound on the door.


    Leo looked behind and his face turned grim. He knew that there was only one way left now. He looked at the alien guy and spoke, " Don''t leave any button unturned."


    There were several switches, meters, radars on the control board. Within the span of a few seconds, the two tapped button''s like there was no tomorrow. Different alerts and notifications went off, lights turned on and off because of their random tapping. Sweat continued to trickle down their faces with each passing second.


    "Explosion in 60¡­59¡­58¡­"


    The sound was no different then death approaching.


    But, the thing which they wanted to hear the most finally entered their ear.


    "Location set."


    "Launching in 10 seconds."


    "Hurry, get to the seats!!!" Leo screamed and even the man who was destroying the gate turned away to take one of the seats.


    "10¡­9¡­8.... ¡­. 3..2¡­1..0"


    Leo finally felt a sense of relief when the evacuation shuttleunched. He was finally safe and leaned back on the pilot''s seat to rx. But suddenly his eyes fell on the sight behind the ss pane.


    "Why are the other shuttles bing smaller?" He wondered.


    The next instant he realized that the others were not bing smaller. It was just that they were drifting away in the opposite direction. He suddenly remembered the alert of ''Location Set'' and his face turned dark.


    This time, they were dead for sure.

 Chapter 4 - 3: Stranded

    "Ah! My head hurts¡­." Leo groaned feeling the thump in his head.


    A beep continuously rang and a red light shed in front of his slightly squinted eyes.


    "Where am I?" He muttered in confusion.


    "You are finally up?" A blurry face appeared in front of him and it slowly cleared up to reveal a fair face which was half covered in blood.


    It was the alien guy who was with him in the shuttle.


    Leo began to remember what had happened. They had been drifting in space when the evacuation shuttle suddenly began to sound alerts. They had apparently entered the gravitational field of a celestial body. What happened next was devastating.


    Leo had warned the pilot not to use force to break the door and yet he tried to. This resulted in thending gears failing and they ended up crashing.


    "Where is that Pilot?" Leo asked a bit nervous. That guy was dangerous.


    The Alien guy''s face turned a bit crooked as he pointed towards the evacuee seats. Leo turned his head and saw a giant splinter of wood piercing through the back of the shuttle and if he wasn''t wrong, he was seeing blood and intestines around.


    "Oohhh!!"


    Leo threw up right around the corner. It was his first time seeing something gruesome like that.


    "Are you fine?" The alien guy patted Leo''s back. "Don''t worry, that guy deserved it.."


    "I know¡­thanks.." Leo nodded and wiped his face. Still, his heart felt heavy. It was something he couldn''t help himself with.


    "Let''s get out of here¡­" The Alien guy spoke and Leo was very happy to do so. The sight and the smell in the shuttle was nauseating.


    As the two got out, a vast wilderness appeared in front of them and there weren''t any signs of any people.


    There was long trail of their Space shuttle sliding through the forest and the snapped trees answered where the huge wood splinter came from.


    "A space shuttle crashes and no one has arrived to inspect. Don''t tell me this is uninhabited." Leo frowned and then fell t on the ground, thinking about how he would be spending the rest of his life here if no one ever managed to find them.


    The Alien guy sat on the ground as well, "I am sorry."


    "Why are you apologizing?" Leo asked as he looked at him.


    "Well, if I hadn''t been with you th-"


    "That was thest shuttle, beside you have the freedom to board any ship you want and go anywhere you want. Its jerks like that dead guy who are the main problem here¡­" Leo interrupted him and retorted with a infuriated look on his face before calming down and letting it go. The guy was dead and paid for his evil deeds.


    There was no use in brooding over it now.


    "I am Leo Allison, a human by the way¡­."


    "What''s with the sudden intro? I wasn''t expecting that." The Alien guy smiled at him


    "Yeah and I was here totally expecting to crash on a and get stranded¡­" Leo replied sarcastically making the the guyugh.


    "You were all depressed and afraid earlier¡­but now look at youughing like that." Leo shook his head as he further spoke, " We are still not safe, bro.."


    "Well, I don''t mind dying like this¡­" The Alien guy said as he looked at the dark sky filled with stars.


    "I guess you are a guy with a story?" Leo muttered as heid down as well. If someone was trying to kill you like that then he refused to believe there wasn''t a story behind this guy. "Well, lying like this indeed is peaceful but dying is still a no for me.."


    "You aren''t going to ask me anything about it?" The Alien guy asked curiously.


    "Don''t raise gs with me¡­I feel I will get dragged in some serious thing if listen to your story. And even though I am a nice guy and won''t me you for what happened earlier, I don''t want to have any connection with a person who has killers after him," Leo refused his offer kindly.


    "Well, that''s not true actually. But anyway, let me introduce myself at least. I am Aiden Silver, a Glorian as you can see.." Aiden said with a smile.


    "Are you rted to Edgar Silver?" Leo couldn''t help but ask upon hearing his name.


    "I thought you didn''t want to hear my story." Aiden said with a smile a making Leo speechless. He indeed had said it after all.


    "Don''t make that face. How can I have anything to do with that man? He is one of the Heroes who saved the Universe 30 years ago while I am just a nobody with a Yellow Rank skill. I am nothing in front of him, don''t build random things in your head.." Aiden replied with a smile.


    "Be happy with what you have. I don''t even have that Yellow Rank skill. I am already jealous of you¡­" Leo said as he looked at him in envy.


    "Pfft!" Aiden suddenly busted out in aughter.


    "You making fun of me now?" Leo asked with an ugly face.


    "Did someone ever told you that you are hrious?'''' Aiden asked while holding his stomach. "Anyway, that''s the most refreshing thing I have heard in a while."


    He never would have heard such a thing back on Gloria for sure.


    Leo shook his head not knowing what was so funny here.


    "I guess we will have to survive here until someone finds us." He said while getting up.


    But the next instant, his face turned grim. It was only now that he realized that the air was thin and he found it a bit difficult to breathe than he normally did.


    "What''s wrong?" Aiden seemed to have noticed something was wrong as well.


    "I am not an Awaken like you. I have to depend of Breathing and gravity devices to adjust ording to the''s needs. The gravitational force here is fine but the air is thinner than Earth.." Leo exined as he walked back towards the shuttle to find a breathing device.


    But his luck sucked, the storage unit was trapped under the wood splinter and that things was stronger than steel and too heavy to move.


    "Am I going to die?" Leo asked as he looked at Aiden.


    "I can give you air mouth to mouth, if pushes to shove.."


    "Hell no! Isn''t that worse than death?" Leo out rightly refused.


    "Where is your spirit to live now?" Aiden asked giving him a wry look.


    "Its not that bad actually, air isn''t thin as much as I thought it to be.." Leo said as he walked ahead and jumped around a bit throwing a few jabs and hooks.


    "Well, try to not tire yourself out¡­" Aiden said as he looked at Leo''s flushed face.


    Leo quietly walked out of the shuttle and sighed.


    He was losing hope of his survival. They had traveled far away from their initial location and he hadn''t even seen any other spaceships on the way, which meant no one had sighted them.


    Leo wasn''t a VIP. There was no way that the federation would deploy its entire force to find him. And even if they took a pity on him and send a few people, the fastest response from them would take at least a month.


    A month at least¡­.he didn''t even knew how many days he could survive in this situation¡­


    He wondered how his father would react to the news of his disappearance. And if he died, could he even sustain himself.


    "Let''s explore the¡­" Aiden said with a smile.


    "Do you think we are here on a pic?"


    "Come on! Its too boring to spend thest few days of our life just sitting around waiting for death¡­" Aiden persuaded.


    Well, that made sense. Anyway, he might as well look around and see if he could identify the based on its flora or fauna.


    But before that, Leo picked up a stick and with Aiden''s help carved out a few huge letters on the ground.


    WE ARE ALIVE!! HELP!!!


    After that was done, the two ventured into the forest.


    "What ce is this? I have never heard of nt life which have such characteristics? Do you have any idea?" Leo''s eye appeared to be in confusion as he looked at the nts which had strange glowing veins in them.


    "No! I haven''t been out of my much and studies were not my forte¡­my biology is very weak.." Aiden said apologetically.


    "Then what are you good at?" Leo asked.


    "I am good with a spear¡­" Aiden replied confidently.


    "It''s useless in front of higher levels¡­not to mention your Awakening skill has nothing do with spear¡­" Leo replied and Aiden''s smile ceased as he seemed to have remember something.


    "Don''t go into shbacks¡­.we don''t know if there are any dangers here or not¡­'''' Leo said after observing Aiden''s expression and then handed him a wooden spear which he had just made using the dagger he had found on the shuttle. It most likely belonged to the pilot.


    "Are you an Esper?" Aiden asked in disbelief.


    "You are just too easy to read?" Leo shook his head.


    Aiden once againughed, "Well, I have been used to making fake faces for too long. With death approaching, I seem to be finally returning to my origin¡­"


    "You really are eager to die¡­." Leo asked curiously.


    "Tsk¡­.still refusing to ask even though I keep dropping hints that I want to tell my story¡­"


    "Just how desperate are you? Why not write a book on it?" Leo rolled his eyes at him.


    "Fine, I won''t tell you even if we will be bored to death¡­"


    "Do your every other words has to be death? I wonder why didn''t youmitted suicide until now¡­" Leo wondered what kind of life this guy have leaved up until now to be like this.


    "Isn''t that a cowardly way to die¡­.I have been a disappointment my entire life and I don''t want it to be the same in death." Aiden said with a smile.


    "You seemed to have mental issues I see." Leo said with augh. "If you have been a disappointment your entire life, then you will be a disappointment in death as well no matter how you die. The only way to get out of this is to struggle and fight back. And the most important thing, the only one who has the right to be disappointed in you is yourself¡­.because you are the one living your life and putting all the efforts. So, don''t take people''s words to heart¡­"


    "And yeah, I have been disappointed in myself as well because I failed something which could have changed my life for better recently. Only if I had that Yellow grade skill of yours I wouldn''t be stranded here and would have been walking towards a new better life¡­but am I craving for death because of it? Hell no! Its all over once you die¡­life is not simple, even though we all wish for something great. In the end, small things are what make people happy¡­.so even if you fail, there is no need to give up¡­follow the path of happiness¡­"


    "Are you from the Temple of Light? Why do you sound like the pope?" Aiden asked but his mood seemed to have clearly gotten better. Those smiles tired of life finally seemed a bit lively to Leo.


    "Those guys are in Gloria as well?" Leo asked in surprise.


    "Well, they are all over the universe and people believe in them¡­..after all, they are the one who assembled and helped all the Heroes 30 years ago with the help of the Alliance¡­" Aiden replied as he swept in with his spear clearing the vines in front.


    "That looks like some kind of fruit do you think its edible?'''' Aiden suddenly pointed at the weird nt which had blood red fruits hanging on it.


    "It looks like tomatoes.."


    "What is a tomato?" Aiden asked curiously.


    "Its a fruit on earth.." Leo really wanted to give him a look but then realized that he was not a human. He plucked the fruit nning to do some tests to find out if it was poisonous or not. Now all he needed was a creature that could be his test subject.


    The two continued to explore and where surprised to see long deep trenches on ground at several locations and remains of several animals at different ces.


    "Look another skeleton of some kind of animal¡­" Leo said looking at Aiden as he held his nose.


    "This one looks a bit fresh, it hasn''t been long since it has rotten." Aiden observed. "Don''t you find it odd? It looks as if the flesh wasn''t even eaten properly¡­I wonder if someone just killed it for fun¡­"


    "Bro, you are scaring me. It feels dangerous to roam around like this. We should head back to the shuttle.."


    "Its even more dangerous to go back. The pilot''s blood is still fresh, it might attract something unwanted¡­we shall find a different ce to hide.." Aiden said while shaking his head.


    "I know, but at least the shuttle is sturdy. If we can lock the doors we might be able to stay safe.."


    "Hmmn?" Leo suddenly raised his head and looked around, "What is this noise?"


    "Earthquake?" Aiden muttered with a frown.


    "Grr!!"


    Yet, the noise suddenly got stronger and thend began to rumble even stronger as if something was approaching.


    The two suddenly turned their heads and gulped inwardly and prayed that the dead remains of the beast, didn''t have anything to do with this¡­

 Chapter 5 - 4: Life And Death, Survival Begins

    The noise was getting louder and louder and the ground had begun to shake as well.


    Something wasing.


    "What is it now? At least let us die in peace¡­.." Aiden grumbled as he looked towards a certain direction.


    "Bro, I don''t wanna die¡­.so stop getting me in your suicidal ns." Leo replied helplessly as he turned around and began to look for a ce to hide.


    Suddenly heavy nging noises entered their ears and the next instant the sky turned dark as a shadow appeared above them.


    The duo looked above and froze.


    It was their evacuation shuttle above. It had bent in an unnatural way and went flying right above their head before crashing into the trees and rolling over several times before finallying to a stop.


    The two couldn''t help but gulp inwardly looking at the thousand ton shuttle being tossed up like a toy.


    An inhuman mechanical screech soon followed aftering in from the direction where they hadnded. It immediately sent chills running down their spines.


    "Reaper!"


    "Run!"


    Leo sprinted at his max speed but Aiden easily took over him. He couldn''t help but curse inwardly. Didn''t this guy wanted to die? Why was he running faster than him now?


    He shook his head and concentrated on running. He could feel himself crossing his bodily limits. If he had sprinted like this during his physical examinations, he might have topped the entire batch, but s there wasn''t a reaper behind him that day.


    Leo turned around from time to time to see the creature following behind them. Yet, the thing was still far away and nothing entered his visions.


    "Why in hell did we have to encounter this thing here?"


    "Isn''t this your Sr System Federation''s fault? I can''t believe they haven''t realized a relic from the war is still roaming around this¡­We are dead if it catches us¡­" Aiden said with a nervous face.


    "What now? Afraid of death?" Leo mocked while sweating.


    "Yes, I am¡­Anything is fine but dying in that things mouth¡­" Aiden replied.


    "Huff! Huff! Huff!"


    Leo began to feel short of breath. The atmosphere was thinner here and doing a such an intense physical maneuver was definitely a bad idea. He began to pant vigorously and his sight began to turn blurry.


    His body began to slow down and a figure finally appeared behind them in the distance. He had only seen the menacing creature in books before¡­.


    A gigantic worm.


    And when he said giant, he literally meant it. Its size was no less than a tiny mountain. It was frickin huge. Its skin had a metallic luster to it as if made of metal. What terrified him the most was its mouth. It was like a tunnel filled with spikes on all sides. A tunnel he definitely wouldn''t wanna step in.


    The creature seemed to be looking around for something as it continuously turned around its head on a lookout. Leo could see that a thin red-colored beam was being projected out of its mouth. It didn''t seem destructive as nothing happened to the ce where it fell.


    Suddenly, he felt the red beam onto his face. In that short moment, it seemed as if the creature and Leo''s eyes had met. The creature which was on the lookout seemed to have found what it was looking for and bolted towards Leo.


    "What the hell are you waiting for?!!" An angry voice entered Leo''s ears and the next moment he felt being pulled.


    Aiden had began to pull him along after noticing that he had begun to slow down.


    "Do you want to die in it''s mouth?" He asked with squinted brows.


    "I am willing to die anyway but in its mouth!!!" Leo screamed as he repeated Aiden''s words and the two pushed through the bushes not paying any attention to the beauty of nature which was being crushed under his feet.


    The two ran for a while as the thing behind closed in but they soon came to a dead end aftering out of a forest. There was nothing but a huge rocky terrain wall in front of them. It looked like they were at the bottom of some kind of cliff or something.


    There was no way for them to go back with that thing closing on from behind.


    "What do we do?"


    "Climbing is our only option!" Aiden said as he grabbed a protruded rock and put his feet on a small opening and began to climb.


    "We won''t be able to outrun it! That thing can shoot projectile¡­" Leo said with a frown but still followed after him as he couldn''t see another way out.


    "Do we have an option here?" Aiden asked. Sweat had began to pour out of his forehead and veins bulged on his body as he desperately tried to climb higher.


    But it wasn''t a good thing to rush so much. After he had climbed a few hundred meters or so, he holding below Aiden''s feet broke as he put his weight on it. It seemed he didn''t check it properly.


    ''Sh*t!''


    His eyes widened and he knew he was done. Falling from that height, even if he survived he would end up in that thing''s stomach.


    But suddenly he felt his feetnd on a surface and he regained his position. He couldn''t help but be surprised as he looked below to see raising his one hand and holding onto his feet while his other hand held onto the cliff.


    That was extremely dangerous and daring thing to do, he might have fallen below along with Aiden as well.


    "Hurry up! I can''t support much longer!" Leo shouted and Aiden immediately regained his holding.


    "Are you crazy? Do you want to die with me?" Aiden couldn''t help but curse after he was safe.


    "Stop with your death threats! Didn''t youe for me earlier as well?" Leo replied as he red at him, but suddenly his eyesnded on an opening above.


    "Cave!!!"


    Aiden followed Leo''s gaze and his eyes lit up as well.


    "Scree!!!"


    But the Reaper Worm had arrived.


    "Go!"


    The two didn''t care for any safety checks and began to rush up without a slight care of mistakes.


    The Reaper Worm seemed to be looking around when it finally detected the two''s presence.


    It released a metallic screech and charged towards the cliff.


    "Boom!"


    It''s giant body rammed into the cliff and shaking the rocky terrain.


    Leo and Aiden held onto the cliff with all their might as the cliff quivered and rocks fell from above.


    Luckily, the huge ones missed them. But a stone the size of a fistnded on Leo''s forehead. It broke apart his skin and blood began to gush out of his forehead like a fountain.


    Leo groaned in pain but didn''t let go as that would be equivalent to death.


    The two didn''t know why the thing wasn''t using any projectile attacks but it was a blessing for them.


    The two continued to climb even through all the shaking and Aiden was the first to arrive to the cave.


    But as he grabbed the edge and was about to get up, a rock fell from above and smashed his left hand.


    Pain immediately shot through his hand he clearly felt the bones break and his hand turn bloody.


    "Don''t stop! Grit your teeth and go ahead..." Leo screamed from below a bit towards his left.


    Aiden gritted his teeth and even with only one hand pushed himself above the edge entering the cave. After all, he was an awaken and was a dozen times stronger than Leo.


    As Leo was about to follow after him, his eyes dted as he saw a huge part of the cliff break ande crashing down towards him.


    "Grab it!!"


    Aiden''s voice awoke Leo and he saw the guy extending the wooden spear that he had crafted for him earlier. Leo didn''t hesitated and immediatelytched onto it.


    Aiden''s feet slid as Leo''s entire weight poured down on him and he almost got pulled out of the cave as he only had one hand to use.


    ''Damn it!''


    Aiden suddenly let out a roar and and with veins throbbing over his forehead he pressed his right foot deep into the ground and pulled Leo all the way in.


    "Thud!" Leo''s body smashed onto the rocky floor of the cavern and he breathed in heavily. A secondte and he would have been smashed to death.


    "Are you fine? You are bleeding a lot?" Leo saw Aiden looking at him with a concerned face, but he had began to feel dizzy and soon his vision turned dark.


    ¡­.


    After an unknown amount of time, Leo finally opened his eyes.


    He looked around to find himself around surrounded by a breathtaking sight. The ce was beautiful.


    "Is this paradise? Am I dead?" He couldn''t help but frown.


    "You really are afraid of dying aren''t you?" Aiden''s voice entered his ears and he turned around to see him eating some alien fruits. His injured hand was tied up with his shirt and there was still traces of blood.


    Leo looked at him as he touched his own forehead to finally realize why he was missing one of his shirt''s sleeves. It was wrapped around as a bandage on his head, "What happened after I fainted?"


    "Well, Imitted double suicide with you. This indeed is a paradise¡­" Aiden said with a smile.


    "Don''t joke around, I am serious here." Leo red at him. This guy really had the balls to joke even in this situation.


    "Boom!"


    A noise suddenly shook the valley and Leo looked a towards the huge rocky wall in the distance.


    Well, that looked a bit familiar to him.


    "Yup! The cavern led us to this ce. It wasn''t a cliff but huge wall and it is an enclosure to this paradise. I think someone has constructed this ce to chill out.


    "There are living being aside from us on this?" Leo asked in surprise.


    "Well, I doubt there are with that thing which still is ramming its head into the cliff." Aiden replied with a frustrated face.


    "Boom!"


    "How long have I been out for?"


    "A day probaly.." Aiden replied as he continued to eat.


    "You really are daring enough to eat anything aren''t you?" Leo asked as he looked at the unknown fruit.


    "Slowly starving to death or a quick death from poison which would you prefer?" Aiden asked looking at him.


    "Why do we talk about death every time you open your mouth?"


    "Bro, you started it!" Aiden retorted feeling that he was being wrongfully med here. "Anyway, the ce looked like it was constructed by someone. Who would nt a poisonous tree in a ce like this? So I took the risk¡­"


    Leo thought about it and yeah it made sense. There was also a small pond around and it wasn''t poisonous. It even contained some strange aquatic life in which was edible ording to Aiden.


    Aiden had tried to find an exit but aside from the one they came in from, there were none. The only other option they had was to climb over the rocky walls and escape.


    The two decided to wait for the creature to leave. Not to mention this ce had enough for them to survive for now.


    And so their survival life on the stranded began¡­


    ¡­.


    Time passed very quickly and in the blink of an eye a month had passed¡­


    Leo and Aiden had gotten very used to each other''s presence. The two already had great synergy to begin with and now in that situation. No one could say that the two were just a month old friends.


    During this time, Leo had finally given into boredom and asked Aiden about his story but the suicidal guy stubbornly held onto his oath of not telling Leo anything even if they were bored to death.


    In the end he could only let it go.


    There routine during this period of time was very simple.


    Aiden taught Leo some self defense and the two trained together to increase their physical ability as much as they could. After all, running and climbing was an important requirement to survive here. Aside from that, the two yed games and talked about random stuffs to know about each other''s race and culture. It was good way not to get bored.


    And the most important thing was¡­


    "What do we do? This thing had literally made this ce his home?" Leo said as he looked below from the opening of the cave. The Reaper Worm had coiled around and seemed to have entered a slumber. It had been constantly ramming its head in the wall all this time before finally entering its slumber 3 days ago.


    "We need to get out of this ce. The aquatic life in pond has an extremely low reproductive rate and the trees are the same in fruit production probably. We will be out of food soon at the rate we are consuming it." Aiden said with a sigh.


    "Well, they tasted really good. It wouldn''t be a surprise if those things are some rare exotic species of nt and animal. Such things obviously couldn''t be cultivated this easily.." Leo replied.


    "I wonder which filthy rich guy owned this ce¡­" Aiden wondered looking around. "Perhaps it is a privately owned small and the guy was killed by that thing.."


    "That sounds a bit too exaggerated¡­" Leo shook his head. He couldn''t even imagine people having enough money to buy a. After all, he was just a poor nobody.


    "Why doesn''t that thing drops dead¡­I hope a meteorite strikes it.." Aiden couldn''t help but curse in anger.


    Leo looked above not knowing whether tough or cry.


    Won''t they die to if a meteorite fell in such a close proximity to them?


    ''Hmmn?'' Leo''s eyes which was looking at the sky suddenly fell on something around the cliff and he suddenly spoke, "I think we can kill it.."


    Aiden followed his gaze and saw that dust was falling off of a cracked part of the cliff which had a giant rock peeking off the edge.


    He then looked below trying to see if there was any chance of that thing hitting the creature below and it did.


    A smile broke out on the two''s faces. This thing really had been making their lives miserable, constantly keeping them on edge¡­


    Now, it was time for some payback...

 Chapter 6 - 5: Despair

    Four dayster, Leo and Aiden were ready to climb the rocky terrain.


    The two had made all their preparations for climbing this time as no one wanted to take any risk of falling off. Leo had used the woods and vines to make some better than nothing gears.


    Aiden was surprised to see how Leo''s brain worked in such unique ways. He really knew how to craft things. On the other hand, Leo was surprised at Aiden''s idea and knowledge about things which could really help them out in the situation.


    "Were you training to be a soldier or a Mech Pilot?" Leo couldn''t help but ask.


    "Solider? Ah.. Its called a Knight in Gloria.." Aiden now knew a lot of things about earth and so did Leo about Gloria.


    "Yeah, the knight.." Leo confirmed.


    "Yeah, but I didn''t have much potential. I only have this Yellow Rank skill, Charge.." Aiden said as he raised his palm and sparks of electric current began to shoot out of his hand. "I am only a Lv 8 Awake and am close to hitting my potential limit¡­there is no hope for me bing a Mech Knight.."


    "You are strong in my eyes though.." Leo couldn''t help but look at him amazement.


    Aiden smiled as he shook his head, "From where Ie, I won''t even count as the lowest rung. I would have still been happy if it was a low rank physical skill as it could have supplemented my Spear Techniques¡­but this sparks are way too weak for me to do any damage¡­"


    "Anyway, we are done with the preparations. Lets go and deal with that thing.." Aiden didn''t seem too keen on discussing this thing any longer but Leo could see the frustration in his eyes.


    ¡­.


    A few hourster¡­


    The two had finally managed to climb up onto the rock walls after going back and forth to carry all their stuff above.


    "This is dangerous¡­" Leo muttered looking at floor which had huge cracks all over and they specially deepen towards the ce were the huge rock was sitting by the cliff.


    "We might fall down if the this rocky surface breaks.." Aiden said with a frown. "What to do?"


    "Let''s use the vines. We have to take the risk¡­" Leo said with a determined look, "We can''t y this game of cat and mice for long."


    "You are right¡­" Aiden nodded. They had to take the risk and wasn''t he out to do the same.


    The two tied the vines around themselves before using another boulder at the stable side of the rocky terrain to tie the vine''s other end around it.


    "Let''s do this and get out of here alive¡­" Aiden raised his fist towards Leo.


    "Its good that you have the will to live, but no thanks¡­" Leo politely declined.


    "Why?"


    "Haven''t you heard about gs? What you are doing now is called raising a death g¡­Keep it for when we seed in our mission.." Leo said looking at his fist. "I may not believe in god and ghost but I do believe in gs.."


    "I get it¡­You just don''t want to be overconfident, right?" Aiden asked as if understanding.


    "gs are not that simple¡­but that''s the base of it, so you are not wrong¡­" Leo didn''t want to go in detail for now and do what they hade for.


    The two finally began to work and arranged the piece of wood that they had carried along with them with them. The wood were trimmed down to twice the thickness of an average bamboo tree.


    They had cut down two trees which was thick enough for Leo''s hand to go around it. Even though trees weren''t as hard as steel here. It had still taken them four days to do it as they only had wooden and stone equipment aside from that sharp dagger.


    These pieces of logs were each a bit thinner than other and hollowed half the way.


    The two quickly began to insert the thinner log into the thicker ones as if filling in the refills of the pen. At the end, the two managed to create two giant and sturdy wooden poles and inserted in beneath the huge rock.


    The n was simple¡­


    They would cranked a wooden pole underneath a boulder and levered it from the edge of the cliff.


    And now the first phase wasplete.


    The two looked at each other and nodded. They once again confirmed the Reaper''s position and saw that it was stillzily coiled around waiting to be crushed to death. The two then adjusted the poles ording to its position before pressing down on it.


    But even after a few tries, the huge rock barely moved.


    "It isn''t working, I will get onto it.." Leo said and climbed onto the wooden pole trying to use his weight to force the rock off the cliff.


    "On the count of three." He further said, "1..2¡­3!!"


    The two immediately released all their might and the huge rock finally moved and a smile blossomed on their faces.


    But the smile on their facessted a second before ceasing because as soon as the rock moved, the ground beneath further cracked.


    "Shoot!''''


    With a thunderous noise, the floor below broke apart.


    Aiden was an awake and far above Leo in terms of in physique. He reacted pretty quickly and immediately moved.


    Leo on the other hand, couldn''t react in time. He felt his body bing light and the next instant, he was falling down the cliff.


    "Boom!"


    The huge rock along with the cliff smashed the Reaper below burying it underneath.


    On the other side, Leo suddenly felt a tug on his stomach from the vine tied to him and the force made him puke out blood. It definitely had caused internal injury.


    Still, it managed to hold onto him.


    But Leo seemed to be celebrating to early. His luck really sucked. Of all the ce where the vine could go, it managed to find the sharpest edge of the cliff. A cut appeared on the vine and it could no longer carry on Leo''s weight.


    Leo looked as the vine thinned with each passing second and he immediately tried to climb above but it only made it worse.


    Half the way above, the vine snapped and Leo cursed his luck as he silently closed his eyes counting all his regrets in life and things that he hadn''t experienced yet.


    As for him family, he only had his father and knowing Kyle''s character he would definitely me himself and would help his father out. He was filthy rich after all¡­He wondered whether the old man would be sad at his death or not¡­


    "Hmmn?"


    As Leo was going through his internal monologue and shes of his life, he suddenly felt another tug from the vine jolting his body once more. The next instant, he stopped descending and was left hanging in mid air.


    He immediately open his eyes and was shocked to see the suicidal guy holding onto the snapped vine with both his hands while his feet were pressed against the cliff.


    Leo didn''t know just how much guts he had to jump down the cliff like this.


    He really was crazy¡­.


    "Hurry up!! The vine might not be able to support two people.." Aiden screamed at the top of his lungs and Leo immediately sprung into action. He didn''t want to die after all. He kicked all the pain aside and with the adrenaline rushing through his body, he began to climb back up as if he wasn''t a Human but a member of Troll race.


    ¡­.


    "Its finally over.." Aiden said with a smile as he looked below the cliff, his bodypletely drenched in sweat. He was sure that thing was buried below.


    "Yeah.." Leo said while panting his finger were bleeding as the skin near it was torn due to his aggressive climbing method.


    "I guess now we can do this¡­" Aiden smiled as he raised his fist and Leoughed before bumping his own into it.


    The two were dead tired, especially Leo who had even injured his hand. Hence, they decided to rest for the day and stayed above the wall before finallying down the cliff the next day.


    The next two days where further spend on recovering and also checking on the buried Reaper worm. There was no problem in being cautious. But even after three days, there wasn''t a single sign of movement. It was definitely dead.


    "We should move out and return to the ce where our evacuation shuttle had crashed." Leo finally suggested it on the fourth day. They had left a message there. If someone hade looking after them then they must have left some kind of reply or might even be searching for them outside.


    ¡­.


    The next day, the two left the ce. They were still a bit nervous while crossing through the buried rubble afraid that thing would suddenlye back to life.


    "Are you sure its this way?'''' Aiden asked as they had been traveling for quite a while and had yet to reach their destination.


    "Yeah, I am sure. We are almost there.." Leo replied as they were finally arrive at the ce.


    But there was no sign of any on there message left on the ground.


    "Did that thing removed it?'''' Aiden couldn''t help but ask with a frown.


    As Leo was looking at the ce with a frown, he suddenly seemed to have remembered something and his expression turned dark.


    "Run!"


    "Again? Whats going on?" Aiden was definitely confused.


    "There is someone beside us and that dead Reaper here. Did you notice we didn''t saw our evacuation shuttle on our way here. It''s missing. The Reaper definitely hadn''t left us the entire time. It means there must be some other creature at least as powerful as that Reaper here." Leo exined as they continued to run without a stop back towards the safe ce enclosed by huge rocky walls.


    Aiden''s face changed when he finally realized it as well, "There shouldn''t be another Reaper here, right? If there are more than one of them, the resonance from them should be strong enough to be detected by your Sr System federation.."


    "I don''t know much about the technicalities but yeah, I have never heard of two Reapers being discovered together after the end of the war." Leo replied with a grim voice.


    When they finally arrived back at the ce, Aiden suddenly pulled Leo behind and hid among the bushes.


    "Ssh!" He immediately gestured Leo to keep quiet and look ahead.


    "Huh?"


    Leo''s eyes turned wide as he saw 4 Reaper Worms digging out the remains of the reaper they had buried.


    "There are more of them¡­" Aiden suddenly muttered in shock and as he pointed out and saw a dozen other Reapers who seemed to be out on a search. And some were even different than the rest.


    "What is this ce? How can there be so many Reapers here?" Leo had began to sweat as tensions began to rise once again.


    As the two were observing the situation, a shadow was slowly descending down on them from the tree.


    "Hmmn?" Leo suddenly felt something cold on his shoulder and touched the sticky substance on it before suddenly looking above. His eyes met with eight red dots of lights ring at them.


    It was Reaper Spider and was in no way smaller than the Reaper worm. Its mouth suddenly opened and Leo saw it aiming towards them. He immediately pushed Aiden and used the force to propel himself in other direction barely avoiding the white sticky thread that it had shot out.


    This alerted every creature in the vicinity and they were immediately surrounded.


    "I guess its as far as we go¡­" Aiden said with a grave smile. They were surrounded and even if they weren''t there was no way for them to escape from this many of them.


    "So, want to stay here and get squashed to death or try and make ast run.." Leo asked with a crazy smile as his legs quivered and sweat dripped down his chin.


    Yes he was afraid¡­who wouldn''t be..


    "Of course, we run. We need to die in a way befitting to justify our one month of struggle here," Aidenughed. If even Leo dare to show this much courage, how could he fall behind.


    "You are right. We have struggle to survive all this time. It doesn''t make sense to throw in the towel now." Leo nodded, "Let''s make a bet to see who is thest one to die.."


    With those words, he immediately dashed towards the forest trying to pass below the creatures legs. Aiden immediately followed behind as well.


    It seemed Aiden''s suicidal tendencies had rubbed off of Leo as well. The creature just needed to sit down and it would be the end of the two, but for some reason, it didn''t.


    The Reaper Spider shot out its stick thread but it barely missed as the the two were too small for the Reaper to target. But it didn''t meant that they would always miss¡­


    The Reapers rushed after them but none for reason shot any projectiles.


    But with adrenaline coursing through their body, the two had no time to think. The only thing on their mind was to run as fast as they could.


    "Aaahhhh!!!!"


    Leo roared and Aiden looked at him before screaming as well and the two ran like idiots who had gone crazy in face of death as the Reapers continued to chase.


    The only reason that the Reapers hadn''t caught up to them was because the forest was a greater obstacle for them. The huge steel like trees were blocking their path and slowing them down. Yet, they still were constantly closing the distance between them.


    As the two dashed through the forest, Aiden tugged his arms in and pushed himself through a bush but the moment he got out of it his eyes widened and he immediately pulled his breaks barely managing to stop himself from falling off the cliff.


    But the next instant, a screaming guy came closing from behind and collided into him.


    Leo tried to stop himself but it was toote. He had already crashed into Aiden and the next instant, he felt himself sinking into the ground, he immediately looked below and realized that there was no ground to sink in. He had jumped off a cliff. It was so deep that Leo couldn''t even see what was beneath, but he could definitely tell that he would be turning into a meat pattie soon enough.


    "Sigh! It''s still better than dying in those Reaper''s mouth." Aiden said as he slowly felt at ease.


    "I think your suicidal aura rubbed off onto me¡­I wasn''t suppose to die here.." Leo said with a reluctant sigh as the two continued to fall off the cliff.


    Suddenly, the two felt a red sh of light on their faces. They noticed that the Reapers were standing at the edged of the cliff staring down at them falling to their death.


    A smirk appeared on Aiden''s face as if he had won a battle. He slowly raised his fist in front of him and then showed a middle finger to the creature and screamed, "ROT IN HELL!!!!!!!!"


    Yeah, Leo was the one to have taught him the human way of cursing.


    "Stop provoking it!" Leo frowned. Even in death, he didn''t want to look at them.


    "Hmmnn?" Aiden suddenly spoke, "What are they doing?"


    Leo followed Aiden''s gaze and his eyes widened. The Reaper''s had made their way and opened up a path in between them allowing a menacing Reaper Hound with three heads to walk in front.


    Cerberus¡­


    Both Leo and Aiden''s eyes widened. That thing, how could one not recognize it...


    They finally realized where they were¡­


    There was never a chance for them to escape¡­


    The Three Headed Reaper Hound suddenly jumped off of the cliff.


    The two looked at each other and saw the despair in the other''s eye as everything around them turned dark and they were finally swallowed by the Reaper.

 Chapter 7 - 6: A Hero Is One Who Protects

    "Huff!! Huff!"


    Leo jolted up as he regained his consciousness. He remembered being consumed by the Three Headed Reaper Hound. He ran his hands all over his body. There was not a single wound much less any hole. There was no way he could havee out without any scratch after being eaten by the terrifying Reaper like that.


    "What''s going on? Was that a dream?" Leo mumbled as he felt the cold sweat running down his neck. He couldn''t help but gulp at the thought of it. It was too real for a dream.


    "Hmmn?" Leo suddenly noticed that his surroundings had changed. He was no longer under an open sky but a roof. It was filled with lights which were giving a slight blue colored gleam. He scanned his surroundings and found himself inside a room.


    "Is this a spaceship? Was I rescued?" Leo muttered under his confused breath as he got up from the sleeping capsule and began to take a look around.


    The room seemed to be filled with weird devices that Leo had never seen before. He couldn''t help but be in awe. Humanity was pretty well known for its advanced technology in the Universe. Even though every race had something special, humans were well known for their brains. Even after being one of theter races to enter the Interster age, the speed at which they had developed was no less than frightening. They had the greatest number of patents in the Gctic Science and Technology Union. It clearly showed how technology-driven humanity was. There was no way for Leo to have not seen any of this especially when he ran a recycle shop. After all, he needed the capability to identify normal trash and gold ss trash.


    He gently picked up one of the round metallic balls which was the size of his fist. There was a light in the very center of it and Leo could feel a tiny amount of heat-generating from it. It looked like a core for household purpose robots and Mechas. But the amount of heat being leaked out of it was clearly far from enough to power them up.


    "What are you doing?" A voice sounded right next to Leo''s ears frightening him to the extent where he was close to having a heart attack. The metallic ball in his hands dropped andnded right onto his toe with a bang.


    "Ouch! Ouch! It frickin hurts!!!" Leo rolled around the floor as he tightly grasped his toe with both of his hands. It continued for a while before he finally felt the pain calming down. Only then did he turned around to look at the source of the voice.


    It was a hologram. Most likely the A.I. of the Ship. They were designed to perform the job of a co-pilot and were only avable in Premium models of Spaceship. Now, Leo was even more curious.


    The A.I. had a human-like figure butcked any distinct details. You could tell at a nce that it was a human looking figure, but nothing more than that. Its voice sounded metallic like a robot.


    "W-Who are you and Where am I? Where is the person who was with me?" Leo asked. He couldn''t help but fumble a bit. It was his first time talking to an A.I. After all as a poor guy like him could only dream of it. Even this time, his trip to Andromeda was fully funded by Kyle.


    "I am the Captain of this ship, Arthur."


    The first sentence of the A.I. left Leo a bit dumbfounded. When did the technology advance so much? Weren''t A.I. only capable of doing support tasks? After all, piloting a spaceship was no joke. Manyplicated controls could only be performed by humans. Besides, there were always risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligences. System failure and hacking could be devastating. This was the reason that living beings were not overly dependent on A.I. technology.


    "This ship is the territory of the Nivera¡­ " the hologram further replied.


    "Nivera? Where is this?" Leo asked in confusion. He had never heard of this kingdom or. But it wasn''t surprising. There were so many races ands in the universe. It was obvious that he wouldn''t have known about them. He only knew the name of the top 10 races and a few others in the top 100 which were known for a thing or other.


    "It''s in the Niverian Gxy¡­.."


    Leo shook his head. He had never heard of them. They must be among the top 20 races if they were capable of making a fully A.I. controlled ship, they must be stronger than humans, that was for sure.


    "Is there anyone on ship? I would like to thank them for rescuing me." Leo spoke with gratitude on his face, that was the least he could do.


    "I was the one to save you," the hologram replied.


    "Y-You?" Leo asked in surprise.


    "Yes, you should have met my juniors. I had sent them to bring you two here," the hologram replied as it waved its hands and a screen appeared.


    Leo looked at the screen his eyes turning wide and his mouth opened in a huge O-shape.


    "Y-You!"


    He stared back and forth at the screen and the hologram. He knew it. It wasn''t a dream. The screen was showing the terrifying worm-like creature lying out in the wilderness. They were the Reaper.


    "What is going on? Where is this ce?!" Leo asked with a frown.


    "This is thest ship of Nivera and I am its captain, Arthur, carrying the veryst hope of my creators."


    "Creator?" Leo asked with a frown. He was having a bad feeling about it.


    "Yes, my creator..Sir Valen Longinus¡­"


    Those words were like thunder to Leo. His entire being froze to its core.


    He was very familiar with that name¡­.no not only he but every single person had that name etched in their very mind.


    Sweat trickled down Leo''s forehead as he felt his throat getting dry. He knew it from the moment he saw that Cerberus looking Reaper. That thing was said to be that person''s mount.


    That person who had gone down as the most evil being in all of history and was given the title of the Demon King.


    No one know, where this person came from but he brought utter destruction upon the world. Leading a whole group of strange creatures, he took over the southers and gxies.


    But, in the end, he was defeated by thebine efforts of the Interster Alliance and the raid team which yed this Evil Lord. This member of the raid team wereter called Heroes and admired all over the Universe.


    The Southerns were finally freed, but even after 30 year, the ce was said to be a living hell. One could only imagine how much worse it had been during the Evil Lord''s era.


    And Now, Leo couldn''t help but be nervous thinking that he was standing int the ship which once belonged to the Demon King.


    ''What could this thing possibly want from him?'' Leo muttered inwardly before finally asking, "What do you want from me?"


    "I want you fulfill my Creator''sst wish and be his sessor.." The A.I.''s emotions less voice rang out.


    Leo didn''t reply.


    He was being asked to be the next Demon King? Who in their right mind would want to be one?


    "There are currently two people on this ship¡­and only one sesso-"


    "Bang!" The door was suddenly smashed open and red light began to sh as alerts sounded all over.


    Leo looked towards the door and saw Aiden standing their with a blunt object in his hands. His expression was ugly and his voice sounded urgent, "We are getting out of here!!"


    Leo didn''t hesitate and rushed towards the door.


    ¡­.


    "Can''t believe we ended up in such a ce.." Leo said with grim looking face as he took the lead trying to find their way out. "Just who in their right mind would want to be the Demon King? It''s not like power is everything¡­right?"


    "No, I actually am tempted. If not for the fact that I had to kill you. I would have epted it already. After all, I won''t necessarily turn into a Demon King just because I have his power¡­"


    "Stop scaring me," Leo slowed down and began to match his pace, afraid of leaving his back open to the guy because he couldn''t tell if he was joking or serious.


    "Careful.." Aiden suddenly warned and Leo immediately became alert.


    As the two turned around the path way, a small eight legged reaper came into sight.


    "BAM!"


    Aiden smashed it with the blunt object in his without a second thought sending it flying into pieces.


    They were just like the Reapers outside but way smaller in size and weak.


    Aiden passed the blunt object to Leo and then grabbed onto another pipe above and broke it apart as some kind of gas began to leak out of it. But the two didn''t care.


    They immediately charged ahead and fought the small reapers while trying to breakthrough.


    "If this is a ship, then there must be an evacuation shuttle in here as well.." Leo suddenly said wiping off his sweat.


    "Yeah, we can leave as long as we find it.." Aiden nodded while panting. He was the one who was the main fighting force here. Even though these small reapers were terribly weak, they were surging in like a tide and he couldn''t see an end to it.


    The two hadn''t realized that their entire movement was being monitored by A.I.


    "The people in this Universe are really stubborn. But that is what my creator wished for and I will fulfill his wish. Open the outer gates¡­" Who could believe that this thing having conversation with himself like a human was am A.I. It behave more human than half of the human poption.


    ¡­.


    "There! Its the sign of evacuation lobby¡­" Aiden said with a smile pointing at the smile while looking at Leo.


    "Zmmn!"


    Leo''s eyes turned grim and he pushed Aiden aside as a bright redser grazed past his hand burning his skin ck at the point of contact and making him scream in pain.


    "Aaahhh!!"


    "Leo!!" Aiden''s face turned ugly as he looked in the direction where the attack came from. He saw that the shutter had been lifted up and the outside world was visible again. The terrain outside didn''t seem to be much different from earlier. They were still on the same.


    But that wasn''t Aiden''s main concern. It was the Reaper that was guarding the exit.


    It was a Three Headed Hound.


    Legend said that Cerberus guarded the gates of hell and it indeed seemed to be guarding the exit of this hell here¡­


    A metallic screech reverberated from its mouth sending chill down Aide and Leo''s spine. They knew that even a thousand of them were not a match for this thing. They were really screwed this time¡­


    The three mouths of hound suddenly began to shine with a dangerous light.


    "Move toward the evacuation lobby!!" Leo screamed but suddenly, shutters came down blocking every path for them and only leaving the one to the Three Headed Reaper Hound open.


    Aiden smashed the blunt object with all his might trying to break the shutter but only managed to put a light scratch on it.


    At this moment, a hologram appeared above the Three Headed Reaper. It was the A.I. of the ship, Arthur.


    "It''s the time for you to decide, only one of you can be the sessor and leave the ship¡­"


    "You can''t force us to do this¡­"Leo said with a frown.


    "Yeah, if you kill any one of us, the other willmit suicide.." Aiden chimed in looking at Leo with a face that was saying, ''I got this¡­''


    Leo immediately shot him nce, ''This suicidal guy¡­'' But he still nodded and supported him. "Yeah, you won''t get anything from us¡­"


    "I see. Is this the so called unity? Interesting¡­how long has it been since I learned something new. I must add this new data to my directory¡­" The A.I. depicting very human like behavior seemed to be happy about it.


    "What the heck is that thing mumbling about?" Leo frowned.


    "No, idea. I can''t hear him¡­" Aiden replied.


    "So neither of you two would ept my creator''s inheritance?" The A.I. spoke again. Its monotonous made it hard to understand how one should understand the sentence. But, Leo felt that it definitely was a threat and its next words confirmed his suspicion. "In that case, you both can die¡­."


    "It will kill us?" Leo frowned as sweat slid down his cheeks before falling down his chin.


    Their n had failed.


    It seemed they weren''t as important as they thought themselves to be. Leo''s breathing turned uneven as he looked at the Three Headed Reaper Hound opening its mouth ready to incinerate them to ashes and he couldn''t help but shiver. Even after going through death defying experience so many times, he still couldn''t say he was used to it, "Is this what staring at death feels like? We can''t survive I guess¡­"


    "No, one of us can.." Aiden said with determined eyes as he looked at Leo.


    Several thoughts crossed through his head and he finally took a step forward. Leo had saved him in the ship at the beginning. Not to mention, he was the one who got him involved in all this mess. So, now that he had the chance to get him out alive. He wouldn''t let it slip away.


    "He is ready to ept the inheritance, but I definitely won''t. The choice is yours!" Aiden said in a loud voice with a fierce look. How could someone like him be the Demon King''s sessor won''t the entire universe look at him with scornful eyes.


    The Three Headed Reaper Hound halted its attack at the A.I.''smand whose interest seemed to be piqued by Aiden''s words while Leo''s expression changed for the worse.


    "Wait! You-"


    "You didn''t hear my story even once because you didn''t want to get involved. So now just stay out of it or I will hold a grudge and haunt you¡­" Aiden interrupted Leo and looked at him with a smile on his face. "I wanted to die, you heard it all along and now I have the chance."


    ''Then why is your face saying something else..'' Leo looked at him and muttered inwardly while clenching his fist. He didn''t have the guts to say it out aloud. He didn''t want him to die but it didn''t mean he wanted to die as well. Unlike the previous times, there was no risking one''s life to save the other.


    It was a certain death for one of them.


    The two of them only knew each other for a month and weren''t even of the same race. He didn''t need to feel guilty for prioritizing his life when he was dragged in this mess by someone else. Other people would have followed this line of thought but Leo couldn''t ept it for some reason. But, he didn''t want to die¡­fear of death wasn''t something easy toe.


    Even Aiden''s back was drenched in sweat. His body trembled slightly. One could say that they want to die, but it honestly took a lot of courage to go through it. Obviously, those whomitted suicides were not courageous but coward who ran away from life but those who gave their life to save another were the true courageous heroes.


    They were being asked to be the Demon King but they had already shown the qualities of hero during this one month.


    After all, the saying that, ''A hero is one who protects.'' definitely could be depicted by their actions


    "I see. You two have made your choices¡­" The A.I. said as the Reaper Hound opened its three mouth once again.


    Leo looked down on the floor unable to raise his head due to shame. It was then that, Aiden''s light voice entered his ears.


    "After receiving the inheritance, ignore it. It will bring nothing but trouble for you. Live a life you want Leo. After all, simple things are what makes us happy."


    Those were the exact same words that Leo had said to him.


    "And, yeah¡­I might have been a disappointment my entire life, but I am now confident that in death, I am proud of myself¡­" His voice sounded happy and a bit sad as well.


    "Whoosh!" The Reaper attacked sending a terrifying beam of light hurtling towards Aiden.


    Aiden''s brows quivered but he gritted his teeth.


    "Thud!"


    Yet, he suddenly felt a push from the side and his eyes widened as he saw the red beam of light engulfed Leo''s body all the way below his chest incinerating them to ashes.


    Leo''s remaining part of the body above his chest fell lifelessly to the ground with a thud.


    "Leo!!!"


    Aiden raised his hand towards him as his body crashed into the shutter beside.


    "Bang!"


    But he didn''t care about the pain in slightest and rushed towards him tumbling half the way in panic before crawling up and anyhow reaching him.


    "Why?!!" He screamed as tears pour out of his eyes for a stranger of another whom he had barely known for.


    Leo looked at him, for some reason he felt at peace, "Why? I¡­. wonder¡­.too¡­."


    With that his movements ceased and his eyes lost his glow.


    "No!!!!"

 Chapter 8 - 7: My Name Is....

    Somewhere in the Sr System¡­.


    A Spaceship from Federation''s Patrolling unit was currently on its usual route towards earth when suddenly the radar caught the signal of another space craft drifting right along their path and heading straight toward them.


    No matter how they tried to contact the opposite party, no one answered back.


    The Pilot immediately informed the Captain of the ship, Alen Strong.


    "What kind of space craft is it? Is it armed?" The captain asked with a calm look.


    "No, Sir. It seems to be an evacuation shuttle¡­."


    "Evacuation shuttle? Check out with the headquarters if there is any information regarding this¡­" The Captain directed and very soon the co-pilot replied.


    "Sir, there has indeed been a missing evacuation shuttle from the Space idents a month ago. The search team couldn''t seemed to have found it anywhere and the search waster closed suspecting that the evacuation shuttle might have entered some unsafe wormhole," the co-pilot replied with a strange expression.


    The Captain didn''t wasted a second after hearing about the missing evacuation shuttle, "Quick! Bring that thing in¡­"


    Soon, the Space Mechs were send out with chained hooks and they attached it to evacuation shuttle before it was pulled into the spaceship.


    One of the soldiers maneuvered his Mech to grab the door of the shuttle and tore it apart like a piece of paper. After confirming that there wasn''t any danger, the team of medics rushed in to help.


    There was only one person inside who seemed to have fainted due to some injury as one could see dried up blood around his head which had turned his sliver white hairs and pale cheeks red. The guy definitely resembled a human but on a closer look, a knowledgeable one could tell he wasn''t.


    And yes, this person looked like Aiden but who know what he had went through, he seemed a bit different now¡­but one couldn''t actually pin point what the difference was¡­


    ¡­


    "Ah!¡­My head hurts¡­." Aiden groaned in pain clutching his head.


    "Sir, he has regained consciousness¡­" A voice sounded in his ears and he opened his eyes only to find himself lying in a healing capsule. The space craft was definitely one belonging to Human civilization.


    Was he rescued?


    He felt his head ache terribly and he couldn''t remember anything clearly after the evacuation shuttle wasunched from the exploding spaceship. He felt he was forgetting something very important. Vague images appeared in his mind and he seemed to be hearing something¡­


    "Aaahhh!!!" He screamed as he felt his head exploding with the emergence of this strange shes.


    Hurried footsteps sounded and a couple of people rushed in and subdued Aiden as the nurse administered the sedative, slowly calming him down and putting to rest.


    "Is he fine or not?" Captain Alen asked looking at the figure resting soundly on the bed.


    "Don''t be in a rush, Captain. He has just survived from a major disaster and seemed to have suffered a head injury as well. We don''t know what happened to him but seeing his reaction, it must not be something pleasant." The Doctor said with a grave face. "So, lets give him some time to rest and hope that he doesn''t develop any kind of mental problem or trauma¡­."


    The Captain looked at Doctor and nodded.


    ¡­.


    "Where am I?"


    Aiden slowly opened his eyes finding himself under the same ceiling. He was wearing a patient gown and couldn''t remember anything about what happened after the evacuation shuttle had left the spaceship.


    "You are up?" The nurse asked noticing Leo open his eyes.


    "Where am I?" Aiden asked with difficulty. He was feeling pretty weak as if he had not eaten for days.


    "This is Federation''s Star Finder Ship from the patrolling unit¡­..We rescued you a while ago¡­how do you feel now?" the nurse asked as she called and informed the doctor of his awakening.


    "I feel really weak and hungry¡­" Aiden replied truthfully.


    "Don''t worry, we humans are hospitable towards our guest. We won''t let you starve¡­" The nurse said with a smile.


    Aiden felt a bit odd at her words but didn''t put it to heart.


    A minuteter, the food was served and he himself was surprised by how much he ate. He began to wonder just how long had he been out for.


    "You like our food?" The nurse asked looking at with a smile.


    "Yeah¡­" He nodded looking at her. He couldn''t understand why was she looking at him with such expectation in her eyes. Wasn''t this your every day nutritious food which was given to sick people? How could it be good? But, he didn''t feel that outrightly denying it was a good idea.


    At this moment, Doctor and the Captain of the ship arrived. The nursed took a step back and carrying the tray full of empty tes away.


    "I am Edwin Schlesinger, the Doctor of the ship and this man here is the Captain of the Ship, Alen Strong, a part of the Federation''s Patrolling Unit. " The Doctor introduced himself as well as the Captain.


    Aiden slightly nodded respectfully, he wasn''t used to meeting such high level figures.


    "Then would you like to tell us what happened during the month you were missing?" Doctor Edwin asked.


    ''A month?''


    Aiden didn''t had any idea what he was talking about. He didn''t remember anything to begin with and his head began to hurt when he tried to.


    "I can''t remember anything¡­." He said with a worried look, wondering if they would believe him or not.


    The Doctor and the Captain frowned at Aiden''s words and exchanged a nce.


    "Well, you have suffered a serious head injury¡­.there is a possibility that your memories have been affected it due to it¡­." Doctor Edwin said after thinking a bit before further suggesting, "How about we start with some basic information about yourself?"


    Aiden nodded.


    "Then, Lets start with your name?"


    Aiden obviously remembered that, who would forget their name, "I am Leo Allison¡­"

 Chapter 9 - 8: This Is Not Me

    "Then, Lets start with your name?"


    Aiden obviously remembered that at least, who would forget their name, "I am Leo Allison¡­"


    Well that certainly was¡­anyway¡­let''s carry on...


    "What is your age?"


    "18."


    "Why were you on the ship?"


    "I was returning back home from a trip¡­"


    The Doctor and the Captain frowned on hearing that.


    "Which are you from?"


    "Earth¡­" Aiden replied feeling a bit weird at their gazes.


    "Are your registered with the embassy?" The Captain asked.


    "Why do a I need registration in the Sr System?" He couldn''t help but asked with a confused smile.


    The Doctor and the Captain exchanged a look and could see the shock in each other''s eyes.


    "Which race are you from?" The Doctor couldn''t help but ask.


    "Human.." Aiden who called himself Leo tried to force a smile, but it only looked awful. He couldn''t understand why they were asking him something so obvious.


    "Sigh! This is more serious than I thought about..." Doctor Edwin said as he looked at the Captain with a serious face.


    ''What''s going on?'' On other hand the person in question was even more confused at their words.


    But at this moment, he suddenly caught a glimpse of his reflection on the ss pane towards the side of the room and his eyes widened in shock.


    He hurriedly got out resting capsule and struggled to the ss pane as he staggered a couple of steps.


    It was pitch ck outside of the spaceship but he didn''t pay attention to that. He looked at the reflection on the ss and touched it with trembling hands before touching his own face.


    Silver white hairs, Blue eyes, pale skin¡­.


    It wasn''t him.


    He was Leo Allison, a human!!!


    Leo turned his head and saw the Captain and Doctor looking at him with a strange expression and finally realized the problem here.


    "This isn''t me¡­I swear¡­this is not my body. I am a human¡­" Leo answered nervously. He was totally freaking out and his body was shaking. He couldn''t understand what was going on. This didn''t make sense at all. This was not his body.


    "Calm down, Leo. We will figure out what had happened¡­" The Doctor was an experienced person and remained calm. He smiled and tried to assure him that everything was fine. But, there was no way that it was going to calm Leo down who was going through an existential crisis right now.


    "You believe me, right?" Leo asked as he looked at him with a tensed face.


    The Doctor nodded and asked him to rest for a while as Leo had some tests to doter on.


    After that he Doctor left the room with the captain.


    ¡­..


    "Is he lying?" Captain Alen asked as he looked at the Doctor Edwin.


    "Hard to say without any further check up¡­" The Doctor replied as he stuffed his hands in his pocket. "I will ask a Doctor form Gloria for help. They should know their people better.."


    At this moment, the Captain''s smart watch shed with a notification and he swiped it up releasing a projection in the form of a two dimensional screen.


    "Captain, we have reached our destination. Seeking permission to enter the gravitational field¡­"The pilot asked.


    "Sound the alerts and prepare for entrance in ten minutes.." The Captainmanded.


    ¡­.


    "I got too nervous¡­.calm down." Leo meditated as he sat cross legged trying to calm down.


    This was a bit too sudden and unexpected, well who would be expecting something like this to happen to them anyway.


    A minuteter, he opened his eyes, "Those two Sirs, they definitely did not believed me¡­what do I do now?"


    Leo looked at the mirror and sighed. "Just what in hell happened in the evacuation shuttle?"


    He tried to remember the events but no matter what he did, he couldn''t just recall what had happened at all.


    There were several questions in his mind but no one to answer. By, now he had realized that this body belonged to the alien guy who was on the board with him. He wondered where his real body was, whether it was with the Alien guy. And even if it was, what was he supposed to do to get it back.


    He didn''t even know the guy''s name and now they had switched bodies. This couldn''t be anymore ridiculous.


    But for some reason, Leo had an odd feeling whenever he thought about the owner of this new body¡­it was as if there was some kind of connection between them¡­


    "Hell No!! What am I thinking?!" Leo shook his head and chanted inwardly, ''I am straight!'' He didn''t seem to realize that things might not be the way he was thinking it to be¡­.


    "Ah! But I have to find him! He might have my body. Besides, how in hell did we change bodies to begin with. Is this even logically or scientifically possible?" Leo really didn''t know what to say. He really was speechless.


    Is this something which normally happens? He might be less surprised if it was a reincarnation or transmigration or even awakening a system¡­but don''t just go changing people''s bodies¡­


    What in hell was he supposed to say to his friend and families?


    Yo, I got up a makeover and changed my race..


    Hell no! Who would believe that?! He might be treated as a mentally retarded person.


    Now that he thought about it, the Doctor sure had must have followed the same train of thought. No wonder he was being so nice, he must be pitying him.


    Leo held his head half in depression and other in frustration as he rolled on the bed.


    At this moment, an alert sounded reminding everyone to get to their seats and lock on their seat belts as they were about to entered Earth''s gravitational field.


    ''I wonder how father will react¡­'' Leo muttered inwardly as he walked up to the seat in the corner and put on the seat belt and sighed thinking about the future.

 Chapter 10 - 9: Questions

    The Spaceshipnded on the surface of earth but Leo obviously wasn''t allowed to leave. Several tests were conducted on him and he really didn''t know what was going to happen to him.


    "Are you feeling all right, Leo?" the Doctor asked looking at Leo who was in a daze.


    "Yeah¡­" Leo replied but he was screaming inwardly that he wasn''t . The staff members were nice to him and were totally treating him like mentally ill person.


    Leo had really been shocked earlier on asking where the other two people who were suppose to be on the space shuttle were. It turned out that he had been the only one on the evacuation shuttle.


    They had actually found two more samples of blood on the shuttle but suspected that the two people had been sucked out of the craft at some point of time as their had been a huge gaping hole in the passengerpartment. Luckily for Leo, he was in the sealed cockpit or else he might have been gone along with the other two.


    ''What the hell is going on?'' Leo couldn''t help but freak out a bit. Things weren''t making sense and he felt his head hurt again when he tried to think about it. He was sure that his original body along with the present one, both were in the cockpit.


    It didn''t make sense that one disappeared and other didn''t.


    At this moment, a person came up to them and gave a look to Leo before whispering something to the Doctor. Edwin''s eyes flickered with a strange light as if he had came to some kind of realization.


    "Head to your room. I will call you in a while¡­"


    Leo didn''t know what had happened but after saying that, Edwin hurried away.


    ¡­.


    An hourter¡­.


    Leo was called by Doctor Edwin and the moment he entered his cabin, his eyes constricted when he saw his friend, Kyle sitting in front.


    The guy seemed to be in grief and looked extremely depressed. It was mostly because of Leo. He must be ming himself for nning the trip, if it wasn''t for that they may not have ever got caught up in the space ident.


    "Do you recognize him?" The Doctor asked Leo with a curious look. Kyle was actually here after finding through his sources that the missing evacuation shuttle had finally been found. But after arriving here, he had been disappointed.


    Leo looked at the Doctor knew he was being tested. He had earlier told the truth in nervousness thinking that it was the right thing to do. But, now if Kyle was here, the Doctor must have know about the dead human Leo and now here he was iming himself to be the dead guy.


    His curiosity must be piqued.


    ''Can I depend on him for help?''


    Leo pondered for a bit and in the end, he looked at Kyle and shook his head.


    The Doctor''s curious eyes dimmed down and he sighed as he stood up and spoke, "He is the friend of one of the deceased and wants to talk with you for a few minutes¡­"


    He then walked out of the room saying that he would be back in a few minutes.


    Kyle looked at Leo with aplicated face. He had heard from the Doctor about this man''s strange ims of being human and naming himself as Leo Allison. The Doctor said that Leo and this guy were definitely together on the evacuation shuttle and most likely some ident had killed Leo and the pilot as they got sucked out of the shuttle while this guy suffered some kind of trauma and now was mistakenly assuming himself to be the dead Leo.


    Cases like this were rare, but it happened.


    Kyle sighed looking at the guy and was once again engulfed in grief. Only if he hadn''t nned the damn trip, they wouldn''t have been caught in the mess to begin with.


    "Kyle Williams"


    "Lv 4 Awake"


    "Red Rank Skill, Wind Fury"


    "Single, No girlfriend¡­"


    "Has a small wiener"...


    "Shut up! Do you really think everyone is a monster down there like you?!! I am perfectly well developed!!!" Kain couldn''t help but shout in anger. But, the next instant his pupils contracted. He had instinctively berated the guy like he always did but this¡­


    "Did Leo say all of this to you before his death?''''


    "Why would he give me such information?" Leo replied helplessly.


    Kyle looked at him with a strange look. He really didn''t know how to react at this moment. He was really finding it hard to make any sense of this event.


    Leo knew it wasn''t easy to convince him since he himself had a hard time believing it. In the end, he began to talk about things rted to him and Kyle. He listed a dozen of things that no stranger should know.


    "Is this really happening? I really can''t believe it¡­"


    Even though Kyle had already begun to ept things, he still couldn''te on terms with it logically.


    It was just too bizarre.


    "Believe me! Even if I had given out personal information to others, do you really think I will tell people about your small wiener?"


    "Yup, you are the only one who could annoy me this much¡­.and its not small, its 6 inches you damn monster!!" Kyle replied with an infuriated looked and raised his hand, it looked like he was about to punch him but his hand suddenly lost the momentum and fell softly on Leo. In the end, he patted him. "Thank god, you are alive¡­but what is this¡­.I can''t believe my eyes¡­"


    "I can''t too¡­. I don''t know what''s going on¡­" Leo replied in frustration. "I don''t know what to do¡­I lied to the Doctor that I didn''t recognize you because I was not sure whether it was a good idea to tell the Doctor about it. What do you think? Should I ask him for help?"


    "No, its a good thing that you refused. If we can find out how to transfer ourselves like you did, doesn''t that give one eternal life¡­.even if we leave that aside, the mere fact that we can posses another''s race body in itself is something very attracting¡­" Kyle exined carefully.


    Leo thought carefully and it started to make sense. Besides, Kyle''s father was part of the Federation apparently. So, this guy had some basis for his confidence. He knew how things worked.


    "Just now, he had asked me to talk to you and find how much you know about Leo, if you really identify yourself as Leo then I bet he will have to inform higher up as your case would be too unique. Even if he is a good guy, do you think the everyone is the same....It won''t end well.." Kyle said with an utmost serious face. "Let''s do one thing. I will tell him that you only have superficial knowledge and the rest of things are just imaginary. I bet he will think you are just delusional and you too make sure not to give out any information to reveal that you really are Leo. y the part of a retard and a mentally ill person. In the mean time, I will try to figure out how to get you out.."


    Leo nodded, "Okay. I will wait for you and tell my father about me¡­I don''t know what situation he might be in."


    Kyle hesitated for a second but still nodded. They had to tell him anyway, it wasn''t possible to hide it from him.


    ....


    2 dayster¡­.


    Leo was diagnosed with a mental disorder and Doctor Edwin carefully tried to talk to him along with another specialist who specialized in General Biology of all Races.


    There was something which turned out to be in Leo''s favor here. His reports which were sent to a Medical Professional in Gloria had returned with some major ims. It seemed that his brain had suffered serious and he was lucky to just develop a mental disorder and not die.


    Leo was sure that it must have smashed any suspicions that Doctor Edwin had after Leo''s initial behavior.


    The rest was easy, Leo yed along with Doctors acting like a patient while Captain Alen kept staring at him from the sidelines.


    But on the third day, trouble came knocking at his doors.


    After his usual therapy session, Captain Alen came over and informed him, "We have received information from the embassy. They have recognized you and contacted your family. Someone will being to take over your possession.."


    Leo nodded while freaking inwardly. ''I am doomed!''


    He didn''t want to leave his home! This was his ce, all his friends and his only family, his father was here. Not to mention, he didn''t even know this alien guy''s name. What in hell would he do after meeting his family?


    ''Kyle! Where are you?! Get me out of here!'' He screamed inwardly.


    ''No, I can''t wait any longer..'' Leo calmed himself down. He needed to run away from this ce as fast as possible.


    "Umn.. Can I go out for a bit?" He suddenly asked pulling everyone''s attention to him before speaking with some hesitation on his face, "Honestly, I can''t stille in terms with my memories. I want to go out and see if things match with what I have in my head¡­"


    The Captain looked at the two Doctors and they nodded.


    "I will assign someone to go out with you¡­" Captain Alen said with a nod before stretching out his hand with a strange card in it. "And here, take it¡­I sense you are an awakened. You memories might be fussy. But you muscle memory should be still there. Try to use your skill, you might remember something¡­"


    Leo took the Awakener''s card from his hand. He had always wanted it.. But his original body didn''t awaken, but what now¡­was this body really an awakened one.

 Chapter 11 - 10: Awakeners And Skills

    Leo looked at the Awakener''s card in his hands feeling a bit excited but that excitement soon came down when he realized that he didn''t know how how to use it. He had seen Kyle using it in the past, he just had to pass his aura through it and it would lit up showing all his stats and skills.


    But, Leo literally had no idea how to use aura since he hadn''t taken your normal route to awaken like every other person did.


    Awakening was a natural process in which every race could form a connection with the Universal energy, Arora.


    This Universal Energy was very important for any race to enter the Interster Era. And without it, it was impossible to travel through gxies and survive the intersterpetition. All the different races in the universe heavily depended on this energy for different purposes.


    Every Gxy had several system like the Sr system in the Milky way Gxy. And every system had single living species inhabiting them. For the Sr System, it was humans which originated from Earth.


    When the Mother of this living species reaches a certain age limit, it would go through a certain change and form a connection with Arora energy. This led to a varying changes to a''s flora, fauna, topography etc.. All the living creatures would evolve and adapt themselves to it. Among these living beings there were a few whose connection with Arora are stronger than rest. These people wouldter form connection with Arora and energy to became Awakeners.


    Aside from the changes in living being, the gives birth to various source of Arora energy with Arora stones being the most valuable of them. This Arora energy is the only thing capable of fueling the long distance travels of the Interster era at the speed of light.


    Humans had gone through this process.


    Before the humans entered the interster ages, there were many myths all over Earth rting to different creatures through out the history. Most people usually didn''t believe them. But when the interster era arrived, these people turned out to be wrong.


    Most of these creatures existed as Alien Races. Even though the Interster Racial Alliance had set it in stone that no one was to interfere with the development of of theses which had yet to enter the Interster period as it was harmful for their natural growth and evolution, there were still instances of rules being broken, otherwise one wouldn''t be able to exin the records of this mythical creatures.


    No one knew what they had done when they appeared but they definitely had left a mark in the''s history.


    Every Race which had entered Interster era had to go through this changes and hence the one simrity between all this races was the use of Arora energy and Awakening.


    There was no particr age for awakening in all races but most people likely awakened between 10 to 20 years of age.


    Once the connection with aura was established, the bloodline characteristics within one''s body would strengthen beyond limits and retrieve knowledge form their lineage to form skills.


    The Awakeners then had to train and strengthen themselves. There was no fixed path for them to level up and it usually varied for people depending on their skills and potential of their skills.


    The Levels were simply calcted based on numbers. As much as Leo knew, every 10 levels fell under a category and passing that would be present a huge barrier. But as long as one did so, their Arora connection would turn stronger and they would be able to draw in purer energy resulting a change in the color of their energy.


    As for how the levels and Arora energies were ssified?


    Well each nation had had differences, but universally, people followed the Interster Races Alliance''s standards for ease¡­


    Lv 1-10 : Awake : Yellow Energy


    Lv 11-20: Elite : Cyan Energy


    Lv 21-30 : Magnate : Green Energy


    Lv 31-40 : Titled : Red Energy


    Lv 41-50 : Noble : Indigo Energy


    Lv 51-60 : Royal : Violet Energy


    Lv 61-70 : Prince : ck Energy


    Lv 71-80 : King : White Energy


    Lv 81-90 : Emperor : Silver Energy


    There were still levels above as numbers just didn''tsted till 90 but Leo had never heard anyone surpassing the Level 90 cap. Even the Heroes were all around Emperor categories. Hence he didn''t know what the above level was called. But there were rumors that the Demon King was an existence to have gone beyond that point but with his death the secret was buried.


    Anyway, leveling up was not an easy task and rank of skills one awakened heavily determined one''s potential.


    These skills were divided into 9 ranks. Starting from Yellow Rank, Cyan Rank, Green Rank, Red Rank, Violet Rank, ck Rank, White Rank, Silver Rank and Golden Rank.


    They were divided on the basis of colors as it was easy to identify their potential. A Yellow Rank Skill had only a potential to let an Awakener reach Lv 10 while a Blue Rank skill had the potential let you reach Lv 20 and simrly the rest of the skills had their own level cap as well.


    But just because one had a potential didn''t mean they would necessarily reach the level cap. It wasn''t that easy, especially with Higher Rank skills. They were harder to level up than lower rank skills but had far greater potentials.


    And one important thing to note here was that only people at Lv 30 and above were the true fighting force of every race as this people could pilot the strongest weapons of the Universe called Mechas or Mechs as the younger generation preferred.


    Mechs were not some ancient relics but had appeared only 200 years ago. It was the time when the reign of terror had started and that man called the Demon King had brought forth destruction and the fear of extinction to each and every races.


    He had brought a massive arm of mechanical looking living creatures with him called Reapers.


    The Reaper''s were gigantic creatures, no matter how strong Awakening made one, the people of different races found themselves weak in front of those thing and could only use spaceships to fight them off.


    But that obviously wasn''t good way as it had many downsides with restriction in movement and expensive being the major ones while production rate and a lot of technical manpower to power it were some other problems.


    In the end, every race came together and set up the Gctic Science and Technology Union which after some intensive research finally managed to produce an Exo-Skeleton with Arora cores in them. It not only boosted people''sbat ability but even allowed them to use their skills through Arora cores, multiplying their effectiveness.


    This changed the situation at once, the Exo-Skeleton were then further intensively researched and developed. Their structure change over time, size and strength were enhanced to improve theirbat powers. Special weapons were designed for this Exo-Skeleton Pilots to wield and allow them to fight to the best of their capanility.


    And then these things wereter finally termed as Mechas¡­


    The war raged on for 200 years before finally ending 30 years ago with the death of the Demon King.


    After that peaceful era began, were every other person didn''t have to pick weapons up.


    But, even though things had changed, Awakeners were still treated more valuably then the averages masses in the world and that was a fact.


    And now Leo was wondering what Rank of skill did this body possessed and at what level he was. If he had a Red Rank Skill then he might even be able to realize his dream of piloting a Mech built built by his own two hands.


    But, no matter what Leo did, he literally had no idea what was he supposed to do in order to find out his kill.


    "I will ask Kyleter..." Leo shook his head as he kept the card back into his pocket and prepared for leaving the base.

 Chapter 12 - 11: Crazy Friends

    ''I am finally out!!'' Leo screamed inwardly as he finally had the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air. He seemed to have started to develop a phobia of spacecrafts after being copped up in their for whole time like a prisoner.


    "Sir, please stay in my sight and don''t leave far¡­" the guard assigned to Leo informed him as he quietly followed behind. He seemed very disciplined and it certainly wasn''t a good news for Leo.


    ''How am I suppose to leave when he follows me so closely?!!'' Leo felt another headacheing in. But he had to do something about him.


    He led the guard all around the city hoping that he would get distracted or lose sight of him even for a second. But the guy kept staring at Leo as if he had murdered his wife.


    "I want to go in there." Leo suddenly said pointing at he PC cafe.


    The guard gave him a strange look but just nodded. He was simply asked to apany him and it wasn''t his job to question. As a soldier he only needed to carry out orders.


    "Umn..I don''t have any money.."


    Leo''s word almost made him choke on air. He gave Leo a look and was about to speak when he interrupted him.


    "I heard humans were a race known for their hospitality.." Those words immediately sealed the guards all escape routes.


    In the end, the guard dejectedly walked into the PC cafe while being led by the cheerful Leo.


    "Six Hours!"


    The guard almost puked out blood when he heard Leo speak on the counter. It was true they had the entire day. But was this guy out just to have fun and that too with his hard earned money. And why did it feel like this guy was too familiar with this stuff.


    He looked at Leo but since he had already agreed, he couldn''t back down as it would give a bad impression of the human race.


    Leo very skillfully led the guard to one of the VR capsules to y games. But as expected, the guy refused and insisted to be on standby.


    ''No problem¡­.I am still not done..'' Leo muttered inwardly as he entered the capsule and logged into his ount on MechField, one of the most hardcore and popr game around.


    And as expected that girl was online, he was right to havee in here.


    But, the next instant Leo almost went crazy when he saw his own picture on her profile pic and the line below that read.


    Rest in Peace my friend, I will ughter ten thousand Mechas in your memory (6000/10000)


    ''That girl!!!''


    He really wanted to teach her a lesson but in the end calmed down realizing that she was a barbarian girl whom he was no match for.


    [Its me, Semantha. Where are you? I need your help!]


    Leo send her a message a minuteter, she replied.


    [You piece of sh*t! You dare to hack into my deceased friends ount!! I challenge you to a death match!]


    Leo was really speechless.


    He was alive for god sake!!


    [I am alive!! Don''t go killing me!! You just help me contact Kyle. He knows everything. Hurry up and ask him toe online. I am in trouble!]


    [I don''t believe you¡­.I am reporting you damn hacker!]


    Leo almost smashed the pod in anger.


    [Didn''t you get invited by Athena''s Pro MechField Team to y for them?]


    [How do you know that?]


    [Because you told me about it idiot! Now hurry up and contact Kyle!]


    [Is it really you?]


    [Yes, its me!! Now hurry up!! We can have a tear jerking reunionter.]


    [Did you know how may hours have I spent trying toplete the tribute to you? Why did you have to revive now? Couldn''t you have done itter? I only had 4000 more to go.]


    Leo almost puked out blood in anger. This girl, once she got into her games, no one could talk sense to her.


    But after a few back and forth, she finally got Kyle online.


    Whether she was convinced or not was not known. But she at least got Kyle on thinking that they would be able to deal with this person together.


    Actually, Leo had lost his phone and didn''t remember Kyle''s number. In this days, smart phones were already rece by Smart Links which were basically hi-tech smart watches which provided dozen of new features like 3D and 2D projections, A.I. Support, A free cloud service and almost am uncrackable security. But poor people weren''t able to afford it and hence some still used smart phones and Leo was one of them.


    Now that he had lost his phone, this was his only option to contact Kyle.


    When Kyle arrived online, Leo didn''t hesitate and told him that he was in trouble and needed help.


    ¡­


    An hour passed...


    The guard looked at he VR Pod with a wretched face. It had been more than an hour and the guy hadn''te out once.


    "Excuse me sir, here is your drink.."


    The guard looked at the staff and then at the ss of drink before shaking his head, "I didn''t order it¡­"


    "Its the thedy there who has offered it.." The staff said with a smile while pointing towards girl sitting near the counter with a drink in her hands.


    The girl was really beautiful with red hairs and had a slightly harsher skin stone. Her hairs came down her nape in a single pony tail and that enchanting smile on her face immediately made the guard feel his throat go dry.


    She seemed to be a Martian.


    The girl slightly raised her ss in his direction and the guard hurriedly did the same when the girl beckoned him and patted the seat beside her.


    The guard looked at the VR pod in conflict. He was here to guard Leo. But, the guy had taken six hours worth of ytime. Maybe¡­


    As the thoughts began to appear in his mind, he hurriedly shook his head. As a soldier, his orders were to be his top priority. In the end, he put a rock on his throbbing heart and gave up on the temptations. But who would have thought that the girl would suddenly get up and walk to his seat.


    "Its very rare to see any soldier in such ces. Are you here to have some fun?'''' Her coyish voice along with that yful demeanor was enough to charm people.


    "Uh..I am here on a guard duty." The guard said with a silly smile. It was clear that he was a gone case.


    "Guard duty? Here? Who are you trying to fool?" The girl smiled as her her finger slid across the guard''s cheek and she slowly whispered to him in a low and provocative voice, "I can let you guard me though.."


    The guard couldn''t help but gulp looking at the girl being so provocative. His hand unconsciously moved towards the girl''s body and as he was about to touch her, she screamed, "Help! Help me! This creep is trying to touch me!"


    The guard immediately froze but before he could retract his hand, she grabbed it and an evil smile emerged in her face while the guard turned pale.


    People were immediately attracted by the scream of the beautiful girl.


    "Hey! What are you trying to do?"


    "Just because you wear a uniform doesn''t mean that you could do whatever you want!"


    "No, I di-" The guard had merely spoken a few words when the girl suddenly broke into tears and ran towards a tall huge guy into the crowd who seemed to be a Jupiterian.


    The sr system was actually filled mostly with humans. But after thousands of year, they had adapted a bit ording to their environment leading to slight changes in physique from each other.


    "Sniff! I just offered him- Sniff! -a drink appreciating him for defending our homes-sniff!- and yet he-he..Awaawaaa!!!''


    The guard was dumbfounded looking at the girl crying like that as if he had done something very wrong to him.


    "Semantha!! What happened?!!" Suddenly a guy rushed out from the crowd to her.


    Semantha looked at him and immediately flew into his arms and began to cry even louder, "Kyle! He misbehaved with me!!''''


    Kyle turned towards the guard shaking in anger as a yellow colored aura began to leak out of him. The calm air in the room immediately began to quiver. The people nearby were shocked and hastily began to ran out of the shop. Getting into fights between awakened, they weren''t foolish enough to do so.


    The guard''s face turned serious and he took on a defensive stance. Even though he wasn''t suppose to hurt civilians, he had to subdue the guy or else it might lead to destruction of property or injuries.


    "Sir, please stop!! You will destroy my shop!" The cafe owner immediately came down on his knees begging them to stop.


    Kyle looked at him and then at the guard before threatening him, "I will definitely file aint in Federation against you."


    The guard sighed as he looked at the two leave. Just what did he do to deserved this. He then swore in his life to never take a drink with Martian again.


    In the end, he sat back down and continue to stare at the VR pod. That guy still hadn''te out even after such amotion.


    He was truly amazed now.. He wondered if the guy had fallen asleep in there.

 Chapter 13 - 12: Proving Ones Own Identity In The Most Absurd Way

    "Did you really have to be so sinister? I said just distract him for a few minutes." Kyle frowned as he looked at Semantha. Veins were popping out of his neck.


    "What was I suppose to do?! He didn''t take the initial bait!!" Semantha roared in dissatisfaction. Her earlier enchanting demeanor was gone and she had totally turned rogue.


    "Besides, exin to me whats going on!!! Where is Leo?!! And who is this milky white guy!! Just look at him, what kind of sissy is he¡­" Semantha said pointing at Leo walking by their side wearing shades , a mask and a hoody which they had just brought from as store.


    "Like your the one too talk!" Leo couldn''t help but retort with a frown, "A tomb boy with a foul mouth.."


    "What did you say you b*stard?! Why don''t you say it to my face?!" Semantha grabbed Leo''s color ready to punch him at any time.


    "Stop it! Leave him!'''' Kyle dragged the unruly girl away while she continued to curse at Leo, "Don''t look at me like that you piece of sh*t! I will gouge your eyes out!"


    Leo shook his head. He was already used to it, but it had been a while since he had been her target of bullying.


    Anyway, he would let it go. She had helped him running away.


    Earlier, when Semantha had caused amotion and gathered a crowd, Leo had quietly sneaked out of the VR pod and when people ran away in fear, he too had followed behind mixing among the crowd and sneaking out.


    "Lets go to your apartment and we will continue it there.." Kyle said as he began dragging her towards her house.


    "Why in hell do I have bring this bean sprout to my house? Besides, we were supposed to save Leo! Where is he?!" Kyle really wanted to tap her mouth. "You will know everything when we get there! So calm down..."


    ¡­.


    Semantha''s Apartment, Sector- 4, Aine City.


    Leo and Kyle weren''t surprised in a least bit to see her house filled with video games, Mech figures, posters, weight machines for working out.


    She didn''t have any family here because she was a run away. Yup, she had runway from home because she wanted to be a pro gamer but her her family didn''t supported her.


    She had been going around participating inpetition, streaming her game y to gather money for her studies and living expenses. And that was how she was making her ends meet for now.


    Apparently, she was from some very well off family and was treated like a princess from a young age. But looking at her behavior, Leo and Kyle highly doubted it.


    "We are here now. Tell me what''s going on?"


    Kyle and Leo exchanged a look as they took a seat.


    "He is Leo.." Kyle said massaging his head. He was already having a headache thinking of the storm which was about toe/


    "Leo here¡­" Leo raised his hand with an awkward smile.


    The two then exined to her what was going on.


    "So, you are saying me that this guy even though looks different, sounds different and is from a totally different race is.....Leo."


    "Yes!" Kyle replied and Leo nodded as well.


    "You two pieces of sh*t!! You are trying to y with me!! You think I am a fool!" She roared in anger and before the two could react, they were already on the ground. Kyle was being choked under hear arm while her thighs clenched on Leo''s neck pinning the two to the ground.


    "I am not lying! Its really me Semantha!!" Leo said while tapping out, his face had turned red and he knew he was going to be out of breath soon.


    "I don''t know what kind of prank is this, but to think you will use Leo''s identity like this when he is no more. You really have fallen low Kyle!" Semantha''s expression turned sour and her eyes glistened. She was really furious at their actions.


    Kyle didn''t whether tough or cry. He hadn''t done anything low. It was just that this impossible thing was true. He tried to get Leo to convince her like he did to him.


    But who would have thought that she would turn even more furious thinking that it was Kyle who had given him those information about her to sessfully fool her.


    "Get out the MechField! He will prove it now!" Kyle suddenly realized a way. Games were the only thing which she took more seriously than her own life. "We will use the Assembly Garage to prove it!"


    Semantha looked at Kyle.


    "Do you really think I will fool you like this?" Kyle couldn''t help but ask with a sigh.


    She stared at him for a good while but really found it hard to believe. First of all what he was saying was absurd, but he wasn''t a gut o y such pranks too.


    In the end, Semantha finally let them go. But they still had to prove it to her and if they failed, she promised to never talk to Kyle again and beat the sh*t out of fake Leo.


    "You two better not fail.." She said with a menacing look on her face before sitting on the couch and ring at them.


    Kyle was still relieved though. They had a chance but when he looked at Leo, his eyes widened.


    Leo''s eyes had turned white and he was knocked out cold.


    "Leo!!"


    He shook him but there was no response at all. "You can''t die like this again!!"


    Semantha looked at the two acting all dramatic and got up before going to the kitchen and bringing a ss of water and sshing it on Leo''s face.


    "Haaafff!!''''


    Leo immediately woke up with a heavy breath, "White light! I saw a white light! Where is this?!"


    "What white light are you talking about? We area at Semantha''s apartment¡­" Kyle reminded and tried to calm him down.


    "Hurry up! I have already opened the assembly garage¡­prove it to me.." Semantha said pointing at the screen.


    Kyle exined to Leo what was going on.


    Leo was the one who had always customized her Mechs for her gamey. So, only Semantha and Leo should be aware of the correct parts and their arrangements. After all, one couldn''t guess the parts of Mech just from looking it from outside. Now all Leo had to do was create the Mech from a scratch in the Assembly garage using the same parts and that would definitely serve as an adequate proof.


    Leo looked at Semantha and smiled. He was not good as her in terms of actual maneuver of Mechs in the game. But when it came to assembling one, no could challenge his speed.


    He confidently entered her VR pod and when his eyes fell on the screen, he couldn''t help but smile.


    He really loved this.


    Either side of the screen was showing the types of part that he could use and the above bars were showing the blue prints of basic structure of different Mechas. There were different kind of Mechs and everyone had their favorite choices which they werefortable with.


    Beast type Mechs were good for forest and cavern areas. Knight type Mechs were most people''s favorites and could be considered an all rounder. Aside from these, their were dozen of other types like Water, Fire, Space etc. And there name pretty much suggested in what situations they could utilize themselves to their best ability.


    Apart from this, there was also a kind of Commercial Mechs which were avable for general public. It didn''t have any fighting power but was capable of doing heavy lifting and hardbor.


    Leo clicked on the Fire type Mechs which was Semantha''s territory and its roughy out appeared in front of him, His hands moved at the speed of light as he dragged an Arora core to the middle and then began to use the thin conducting fibers to map its body and form connections with every part and the core.


    Even though it was a game and had an assisting system, Leo loved the fact that they didn''t just made itplete childish and trashy.


    The designing system even though wasn''t very detailed andcked the use of heavy technical knowledge, it was still very close to reality when it came to part design and rough arrangement as well fine tuning of parts to determine flexibility and strength.


    A person without knowledge of Mechs would be doomed if he were asked to customize a Mech for himself even if it was a game. At best they could put out a half baked product. But people like Semantha who were aiming for professional league couldn''t perform best with half baked products while standard and ready made Mechs might not perfectly suit their taste.


    Semantha''s eyes slowly lit up when she saw Leo''s hand move at the speed of light, he brought over the ze Alloy to make a fire resistant skeleton and then used Strong stretchable V2 type fibers to form connections all over the joint''s. Soon the pilot cabin and the support system were inserted inside before he finally began to move onto its outer body.


    The process was very smooth and fast as if he had been doing it everyday to the point where he could do it with his eyes closed. He didn''t make a single mistake in terms of the material and even the skin he ced on the Mech was her favorite one. From the beginning to the end, only a minute or two seemed to have passed when Leo stopped. He then opened the VR pod and came out with a smile on his face.


    He was really excited actually. He had beaten his precious records by a huge margin. It meant that his current bodies capabilities were definitely above his earlier ones.


    "Do you believe me now?" Leo asked as he looked at Semantha and she finally threw herself at him hugging him tightly.


    Leo was surprised for a second but when he noticed her quivering body realizing that she was crying, he sighed and looked at Kyle who had the same expression as him.


    Who would be happy at a friend''s death?


    Kyle didn''t feel any less miserable when they canceled the search iming that Leo and the rest were dead. And they were reasonable, as it wasn''t possible for someone to survive in space like this for such a long time.


    But luckily, Leo was an exception.


    Leo looked at Semantha and patted her back, "I am alive¡­"

 Chapter 14 - 13: Fire!!!

    "Will you stop crying already? Are you really that upset at meing back alive?" Leo asked with a smile when a fist suddenly plunged into his abdomen and a pain sent him down on his knees as his hands clutched his stomach with a twitching face.


    "Jerk! You have the guts to joke around! Where have you been all this time? And what''s going with you?" The moment Semantha stopped crying, she immediately returned to her usual barbaric state.


    "I want to know that as well." Leo replied helplessly.


    He got really irritated whenever he tried to think about what had happened during the time he was missing, it was as if he was forgetting something very important. He felt it was just a hand away from him but he couldn''t seem to reach it.


    "This really doesn''t make sense.." Kyle couldn''t help but shake his head looking at Leo.


    "Isn''t your father in some important military post? Why don''t we ask help from him?" Semantha asked looking at Kyle.


    "I don''t think approaching the Federation would be good for help." Kyle replied after a bit of hesitation. It was precisely because his family had a Military background that he knew how things were.


    "You always said that your Father has an important military position but what exactly is his position." Leo suddenly asked in curiosity.


    "He is the Fleet Commander of one of the Federation''s Defense units¡­" Kyle replied with a light smile.


    "No wonder you are filthy rich.." Semantha looked at him in surprise.


    These three even though were best friends, had very different background.


    Leo was a poor and weak guy, Semantha was a runaway barbaric girl while Kyle was a talented and filthy rich guy.


    So how did the threee together.


    Well, Leo and Kyle''s friendship ran back. Kyle being a rich guy had weird hobbies of collecting antiques and had met Leo at his shop. Finding someone of his own age working like that was very intriguing to him and their interaction started there before they met once again at school and finally became friends.


    Since Education system was fully funded by government and there wasn''t much difference between schools in terms ofpulsory education, all children whether rich or poor attended the schools near to them. It was only after thepulsory education were over that the real word''spetition began.


    Semantha was someone Leo and Kyle had met in the PC cafe. It was just a random day and they went to the free lounge on Kyle''s insistence to challenge some random dude and ended up bumping into her. This girl''s toxicity had really shocked them. But luckily, she was on their side. After talking with her for a while, they had ended up exchanging contact Id and from there on would y with her once in a while. Until one day, Leo had ended up designing a Mech for her as sheined how expensive it was to get a customized one.


    And then the game freak had dered Leo as her best friend and their interaction increased.


    Later, she turned out to be a student from a different section in their school as well.


    Basically it was just a couple of random events entirely by coincidents.


    ''You don''t make friends, its just that by the time you realize it, you are already close enough to call that person a friend.'' The saying really had some basis in it.


    The three talked for a while and Leo filled in his missing knowledge of the past month. Everyone knew that he was dead by now apparently.


    Luckily, Kyle has informed his father earlier of his situation. Even though he was skeptical about it, he seemed to have epted it for now. Only Leo after meeting him could probably clearly his suspicion and convince him that it was true.


    "Well that''s enough of worldly knowledge. Now think something to help me out here¡­" Leo suddenly said waving his hand and pointing at his body.


    The two looked at him, their expression showed they had no idea how to go on solving this thing.


    "Let''s get you some make over for now. I am sure those people will go looking around for you after realizing you ran away." Semantha said and began her preparations. Even for a barbarian, she really liked to dress up and put make up on. She really had everything ready for Leo''s makeover.


    "Kyle, help me out.." She said and then the mission began.


    The first thing that they had to hide was his eye grabbing silver white hairs. Semantha poured down the whole container of dye to get back Leo''s ck hair and then carefully trimmed it to change his hairstyle.


    "Ouch!! What are you doing?" Leo felt a sharp pain running all over his body.


    "I am just trying to take these earrings off. Why is it noting off?'''' Semantha couldn''t help but frown at it.


    "Leave it be¡­" Leo couldn''t take the pain any longer.


    This was strange.


    Why was he feeling sharp pains all over because of an earrings?


    Now that he thought about it, the original owner of the body didn''t seem to be wearing any earring in the shuttle.


    Then, where did it came from?


    "Fine, I will leave the earring¡­but lets use some foundation to change the tone of your skin color.." She said while Kyle had went out to get some stuff for Leo''s perfect make over.


    ¡­.


    A whileter¡­


    "This looks good¡­" Kyle said in surprise not expecting her to do such a good job.


    "What did I say?" Semantha smiled clearly proud of her artwork and puffer her chest out.


    Leo''s hairs had been turned ck, his blue eyes had been turned to green using lenses. He was wearing a full sleeved T shirt which hid most of his skin and with a face mask hiding part below his nose, he was really good to go.


    Even though it wasn''t a good idea to go out now. He had to meet with his father. But before that¡­


    Leo took out the awakener''s card and showed it to them, "It seemed that this guy is awakened¡­so which one of you will help me out here. I don''t have any idea how to check my skills."


    Both Kyle and Semantha were Awakened.


    Kyle had a Red Ranked skill but his aura was still yellow as he was still below Lv 11 apparently.


    Semantha on the other hand, had a Green Rank Skill but since she never trained, her Level had stagnated.


    But Leo really doubted it when she had that freakish strength. After all, how could it be possible to be this strong without any leveling up.


    "Its very easy. Everyone needs a guide for their first time after awakening to quickly grasp it." Kyle said and volunteered to be Leo''s guide.


    "I will pass my Arora energy through your body. If you are an awakened, you will definitely feel the connection. Just let me know when you have familiarize yourself with it.." Kyle said as a Yellow colored energy gushed out from his body into Leo''s body.


    Leo suddenly felt light headed and extremely rxed. It was the same feeling he had on hitting the bed after a really exhausting day.


    "Idiot! Don''t sleep¡­I know its rxing. But we are here to find your skill¡­" Semantha''s voice entered his ears and he immediately concentrated.


    A few minutester, Leo let go of Kyle''s hand.


    The two took a step back and observed the quiet Leo when his body suddenly erupted with a pale yellow aura of his own and sparks began to emerge from him.


    "So this is it.." The excitement was very apparent on Leo''s face.


    "What kind of skill is it?" Semantha asked in excitement.


    "Its a Yellow Rank Skill called charged¡­" Leo was even more excited than her. He had totally forgotten that this wasn''t his body at all.


    Semantha and Kyle were slightly disappointed on hearing that. Since Glorians were one of the Strongest of the Major races. They had clearly expected a higher rank skill. But that was all there is to it. At least he got a skill, not to mention with his body and all, they didn''t even knew what was going to happen ahead.


    Suddenly, Leo felt his aura fluctuate for a second and the next instant, he felt a distinct connection with the earring on his left ear and there was a throbbing sensationing out of it.


    He immediately retracted his aura and the feeling disappeared.


    ''What''s going on? Am I imagining things?''


    He tried it a few times and confirmed that it wasn''t his imagination but there was actually something wrong here. He asked the two if they had experienced something like that but they didn''t.


    "It might be due to your Glorian body. We don''t know about their biology in detail after all." Kyle said after thinking a bit.


    Leo nodded, but he definitely didn''t think it was that simple. But still he didn''t have time to solve the mystery when they didn''t even know where to begin with. Not to mention, he had something much more important to do¡­


    "I am going to meet father anyway¡­" Leo said as he prepared to leave.


    "Here, take this¡­" Kyle suddenly threw his smart link at him.


    "Isn''t this expensive¡­'''' Leo asked looking at him. He had indeed taken small advantages of Kyle being rich. But this was just too much.


    "Don''t worry, I am lending it to you. You don''t have your phone, after all, how are we suppose to contact each other in trouble.." Kyle replied with a smile.


    Leo nodded and decided to borrow it. He then waved his hand at them and left the ce going towards the nearest Light Speed Circle.


    Light Speed Circle, well it was a bit exaggerated. It was capable of traveling through the speed of light but that would probably cost a Billionaire all his fortune. Still, this thing could allow you to travel all around the earth in just around a few Hours.


    Even now, Semantha''s apartment was city away from Leo''s city. But it just took a few minutes for them to arrive here.


    It really made life convenient.


    ¡­.


    City Outskirts...


    "I am finally back¡­" Leo mumbled as a smile appeared on his face.


    He had reached his locality.


    It was a rundown area where the poor lived. The authorities didn''t pay much attention to the people''s living conditions here. It was a verymon. This was how human society had turned out to be; nothing could be done without power and status.


    Suddenly Leo noticed an old man in his 70s walking down the streets. He was wearing weathered down clothes and had a bag full of trash on his back. His hair had turned white from the passage of time, and there were a lot of wrinkles on his face. A heavy stench emanated from his whole being. It was quite evident that he had taken a dip in a dumpster.


    "Morning Grandpa Ron!" Leo greeted the old man with a smile. "I see you are early to work today."


    "Uh¡­do I know you young man?" Grandpa Ron asked looking at Leo in confusion.


    Leo seemed to have forgotten that he wasn''t his usual self. People obviously wouldn''t recognize him like that.


    "I-I am Leo''s friend¡­He used to talk about you a lot.." Leo almost broke out in cold sweat but still managed to get out of the situation.


    "I see¡­'''' Grandpa Ron''s face suddenly turned sad and he sighed, "What a nice kid he was¡­Its a pity that old people like us to get to live for so long while the young ones has to leave¡­"


    Leo wanted to say that he was alive but he held himself back.


    "Don''t be sad grandpa, I am sure he will not feel good if he saw you like this¡­" Leo said with light smile as he looked at the old man.


    He had grown all around these people and was really close to them.


    After all, he was the youngest shopkeeper in the area. People had dotted him since he was young and had taught him different things about business and stuff.


    Even though he was capable now, it was only due all the people''s support he had received in his early days.


    "He sure would," Grandpa Ron replied before looking at Leo with a gentle look in his eyes, "You kind of remind me of him for some reason."


    Leo was taken back for a second, clearly haven''t seen thating.


    "Anyway, Its time for me to get going. Take care, my child.."


    Leo looked at the old man''s silhouette with aplicated expression. He wondered where his life was going now.


    Will he have to live like this forever?


    He shook his head and began to walk. He saw quite a few familiar faces but this time he didn''t call out to any of them and continued to move forward. As he was nearing his house, a scream suddenly entered Leo''s ears.


    "Fire! Fire! Fire!"


    "The Recycle Courtyard is on fire!"


    ''Recycle Courtyard? Sounds familiar¡­'' Leo thought before his face turned dark.. "It''s my shop."

 Chapter 15 - 14: Truth And Lies, Another Disaster

    When Leo heard that his shop was on fire, he immediately bolted towards the location of his shop. That was his years of hard work. How could he let it burn like that? Wouldn''t he be back on the streets if that all went to ashes?


    In a few minutes, he could see smoke rising in the distance. It was indeed the area where his shop was.


    Suddenly, Leo''s eyes turned grim as a terrifying thought appeared in his mind, "Father! He is not in the shop, right?"


    Leo immediately opened the interface of his smart link and dialed his father''s number.


    "Pick up! Pick up the phone, Father!!" Leo screamed as he ran through the streets and took the shortest way possible by breaking into a few private properties and trespassing them.


    "Tsk!" He clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction when no one picked it up and the automated voice began to ask him to leave a message behind.


    Leo suddenly closed his eyes and remembered that feeling from before and a Yellow colored energy gushed out of his body. As soon as it did, he felt the throbbing around his ear again. But he didn''t have any time to pay attention to it.


    He took a heavy step on the ground and suddenly shot forward. His speed drastically increased and his abilities had suddenly multiplied. This was Leo''s first time experiencing this sensation and it was really different than what he had thought.


    "I need to take the shortuct.." Leo felt the urge to get there as soon as possible. He was really having a bad feeling about it. ''Sorry, Uncle Arnold¡­''


    After apologizing inwardly, he jumped over the wall entered someone else''s garden.


    A middle aged man had been standing near his window feeling the morning breeze and sniffing the sweet smells of the flower in his garden when Leo passed by like a storm scaring the heck out of him. The beautiful flowers nted in the garden were mercilessly crushed under his feet.


    When the man finally noticed what had happened, he couldn''t help but scream in anger, "Stop there you damn brat!!!" But Leo had already vanished by then.


    In a minute, Leo had arrived at the alley where his shop was. He couldn''t help but turn a bit emotional at the sight of his shop. It was engulfed in mes and ck smoke continuously rose from it. The fire was raging like a storm and a crowd had gathered around. Some of the people were trying to get the fire out by bringing in buckets of water, but it clearly wasn''t helping much.


    There were no signs of people from the fire service arriving and there were no sounds of sirens as well. It could only mean that they hadn''t even entered the radius of a mile from them.


    Leo pushed aside the people in the crowd as he went further towards his shop.


    Suddenly, a familiardy in the crowd entered his eye. She was around her 40s and had a few wrinkles on her face. She was currently gazing towards the zing shop with a concerned look.


    Leo recognized her.


    She was Aunt Jessie from the opposite shop. She did business in second hand parts of Commercial Mechs and Robots.


    "Did you see my father, Aunt Jessie?" Leo asked with a concerned expression.


    "Who is your father, child? Do I know you?" Aunt Jessie asked in confusion as she looked at the unfamiliar kid in front of her.


    Leo really wanted to curse himself.


    "I mean¡­is there anyone inside there? I heard my father had gone into the shop." Leo asked pointing at his shop.


    "Except for the owner of the shop being trapped in there, we don''t know about anyone else." Aunt Jessie said with her her hands interlocked in nervousness. "The fire service will be here at any moment. Don''t worry, even if your father is trapped in there, I am sure he will be fine."


    Even though she didn''t recognize Leo, seeing his worried face ,she couldn''t help but feel bad for him and tried to console him.


    But hell, Leo wasn''t a kid. Sugar-coated words weren''t going to work on him. They weren''t even in the radius of a mile. They probably weren''t going to make it in time.


    Leo turned around and darted into the nearby store. It was a store where they sold clothes, curtains and mats. He picked one of the mats and backtracked, "I am taking this with me, will payter, Uncle Vin."


    Uncle Vin who had been standing out looking at the situation with a worried expression turned around on hearing the unfamiliar voice but Leo had already be thin air by then.


    Leo hurried back to his shop with the mat in his hands. A man suddenly appeared before him and tried to block his path when he noticed Leo dashing towards the burning shop.


    Leo recognized him. He was the nice uncle from the neighboring ss shop, "Stay away kid! It''s not safe here."


    His voice was loud enough to attract everyone''s attention, but Leo didn''t pay any heed to his words. He tilted his body and stopped his feet skidding through the gap between the man''s feet who was standing there with his hands and feet wide apart in an attempt to block Leo.


    The crowd looked at the scene with wide eyes as Leo passed the man and then draped the mat over his body before barging into the burning shop.


    Several gasps escaped from the crown in shock as Leo disappeared in the mes.


    "Stop there! Its dangerous!" Aunt Jessie shouted, but Leo had disappeared. She could only continue to stand there and stare at the shop in mes with a worried face.


    ¡­.


    "Bang!"


    Leo flew into the shop as he broke through the burning door and crashed onto the floor. A pain coursed through his hand as his elbow seemed to havended on the embers below. He could only grit his teeth as he climbed back onto his feet.


    He was honestly a bit surprised at his own body movement there. He knew that he had got a stronger body than the previous one. But he didn''t remember himself being so athletic.


    The shop was pretty simple inyout. The ground floorid bare and there wasn''t anything which could be hidden here. It was basically a giant hall.


    He turned his head trying to see if his father was around but didn''t manage to catch his image.


    He began to move and as the crackling noises of the wood which was zing from corner to corner entered his ears reminding him of the fact that it could fall at any given moment.


    The heat was close to the point of bing unbearable, but Leo ignored it and began moving towards the stairs. They used the lower level as his shop while the upstairs had a room that his father used sometimes to justze around randomly.


    "Bang!"


    As soon as Leo took a step forward, a burning nk broke off the roof and crashed down in front of him. One more step and he would have been buried underneath it.


    His face turned dark looking at it.


    The structure had started to crumble. It seemed that fire had done enough damage. He had to find his father and get out fast. He quickened his steps and climbed the stairs which gave out a creaking noise.


    But, Leo''s steps suddenly paused. His eyes widened and he immediately ducked before taking cover behind a corner.


    "Are you going to die in silence?"


    He could hear a light voiceing in from the room. It didn''t belong to his father. Someone else was in there. He raised his head and peeked through the corner as his hands and body continued to feel the heat of the mes, yet he continued to grit his teeth and endure the pain


    The door to the room was slightly open which gave Leo a chance to look in. He stretched his head further out and his eyes suddenly dted as the sight of his father entered his vision. His entire face was covered in blood with mes raging all around him. He had shut his eyes tight for some reason and seemed to be facing the other person in the room who was not visible to Leo.


    "I...don''t know....what you... are talking... about.." Leo''s father, Von, spoke with difficulty.


    Suddenly, a hand came forward and grabbed his throat. The person seemed to be wearing a ck color coat and there was a tattoo of a sword in chains on his wrist, "Do you want to die?" A voice sounded and it was different from the first one. There were more people in the room.


    Leo looked at the scene and felt his blood boiling. He wanted to rush in and tear the guy apart, but he kept his urges in check. He honestly didn''t know how he was able to keep himself calm in this situation. If it was the earlier him, he definitely would have done something.


    But now, as if he had changed somehow. He realized that it was not the time to be acting recklessly. Rushing in will only decrease the chances of getting his father to safety. He had to act calm.


    "Is there any other person in his family?" the first voice asked.


    "A child who seemed to have died in a space ident a month earlier." Another voice replied. They had done their research.


    "What have you received from all of this? Stop being stubborn. You know how much we value you. Just change your mind. A new world is awaiting you¡­.It''s time for you to end your sufferings. Its been 17 years of hide and seek¡­don''t you want to see how your wife is doing? Don''t you regret leaving her and your entire family behind." The first man spoke in a serene tone.


    Leo''s face changed and he froze.


    The word mother and family was really foreign to him. After all from what he knew, his father was raised in orphanage, so there shouldn''t have been a family to begin with. As for his mother, she had died after giving birth to him.


    Were all those lies then?


    Just what was the truth then?


    "You will regret if you refuse us.." The man''s tone began to sound threatening.


    "I haven''t regretted much. My life had indeed been full of misery, but it was of my own choice. The only thing which I regret was not giving my son enough love. I was too focused on raising him for this day so that even without me, he would be able to live. But, he is gone. I didn''t perform any duties of a father, nor did I give him the love he deserved." Von said with a self-deprecatingugh. He had done his son wrong.


    ''Father¡­.'' Leo muttered inwardly as tears filled his eyes. His nails dug into his palms as he clenched his fist in frustration and anger.


    At this moment, a siren began to be heard. The people from the fire service were here.


    "What do we do with him?" The man holding Leo''s father by his throat asked.


    "Let him burn to his death...if we kill him, it might raise suspicions. The old dogs of the Federation has got a strong nose after all." The first voice replied.


    "What about the thing which we are looking for?"


    "Do you think a dog like you have the qualification to be asking questions?" the first voice asked.


    "Apologies...I didn''t realise it.." the man replied with a quivering voice and immediately flung Von aside.


    His body crashed into the walls of the room. The tremor led a burning nk to fall off burying Von underneath.


    Leo gritted his teeth and when the voices had finally disappeared from the room, he barged in.


    He then scanned the entire room and found his father in one corner and immediately moved to help. He lifted the burning nk with his bare hands ignoring the pain as his skin burnt and then took the mat off his body and wrapped his father in it.


    "Crash!"


    As he was about to take him out, parts of the ceiling suddenly caved in blocking the exit of the room. Leo could only turn towards the window. It was the first floor. But he had no choice. He lifted his father on his shoulder and ran towards it, before diving out.


    As soon as they were out, the house copsed with a crashing noise as the burnt pir couldn''t withstand the weight anymore.

 Chapter 16 - 15: The Mysterious Earring

    City Hospital, Vista City.


    "Doctor!! Doctor!!" Leo''s scream filled the hallway. He had rushed his father to the hospital.


    Von was severely burnt and there were several injuries on his body as well, but he still had a pulse. The old man seemed to have heard Leo''s voice and suddenly moved his hand to grab his wrist.


    Leo suddenly realized that his father seemed to have gain consciousness, "Father!"


    "L-Leo is t-that you¡­" Von asked with difficulty. He had heard about it from Kyle but hadn''t believed it, but now, he knew it was his son Leo.


    Von''s voice was extremely low and his condition seemed to be worsening with each passing second.


    "Y-Yes, it is me, father. Don''t worry I won''t let anything happen to you," Leo spoke as he grasped his father''s hands. Tears had begun to fill his eyes. This was a scene that no son would be willing to watch.


    At this moment, a doctor on the duty rushed up to them. He gave the old man a look and his eyes turned grim, "We need to get him immediate treatment, please fill-up the medical procedure at the reception."


    The nurse came forward to push the stretcher but Von didn''t let go of Leo''s hands. He seemed to be saying something.


    Leo stooped his head low near Von''s mouth and he could finally make his words out, "T-Thank god....you are alive. I-I was not a good¡­ f-father. F-Forgive me¡­son...I hope you don''t resent me for hiding.. so many things from you¡­but I wish you will leave a life of your own¡­now that you have¡­a chance..."


    "I will¡­" Leo replied, vigorously nodding his head.


    The words seemed to havee out from thest bit of his consciousness that Von had held on to. As soon as hepleted his sentence, his hand fell from Leo''s grasp.


    The nurse pushed the stretcher taking his father into the emergency room. Leo stood there for a while watching as the red lights above the door lit up.


    There were quite a few people from his neighborhood who hade along with him as well and were staring at him. Leo had taken the identity of dead Leo''s friend. Even though they had seen him act as Leo in front of Von. It didn''t raise any suspicions.


    After all, if one thought about it logically, it would be very clear to them.


    Von had been depressed due to Leo''s death and now so close to death, he must have misunderstood the young guy as Leo and Leo''s friend couldn''t bear to deny it seeing his condition and pretended to be Leo.


    There was no way anyone would have thought that it was Leo just with a different body.


    ¡­.


    Reception Desk


    Leo got his burn''s patched up and then went to fill up the form and inquired about the basic medical charges.


    This was going to be another tension for him. He doubted his father''s medical insurance would be able to cover all of the expenses.


    He sat on the chair in the hallway as his gaze continuously drifted towards the red light above the emergency room. He kept tapping his fingers on his thighs, he was agitated. His father was his only family left, he didn''t want to lose him.


    The red light above the emergency room finally dimmed down and Leo sprang up onto his feet. As soon as the doctor came out of the room, Leo rushed up to him, "Doctor, my father¡­"


    The doctor looked at Leo and spoke with a serious look on his face, "His vitals are stable for now. But the next 24 hours are crucial. If he doesn''t wake up, I am afraid he would sleep into aa from the shock."


    Leo''s eyes widened as the first statement came out of the doctor''s mouth.


    "The burns on his body are severe as well, some parts have a fourth-degree burn. I am afraid that in light case, it would be nerve damage and in severe case, he might have to be amputated."


    "Doctor there is another emergency in ward 7." The nurse suddenly said as her Smart link shed and she looked at the message.


    The Doctor nodded before he looked at Leo once again and said," We have done the early cleaning for now. We need to wait and see if he develops any kind of infection and then proceed from thereon. We will let you know all the details when we are done with every test. " He then patted Leo on the shoulder before leaving.


    Leo stood there with his fists clenched and his eyes closed tight. After a minute, he opened his eyes which were red and seemed to be glistening. He then slowly walked towards the door and looked through the transparent ss. His father was lying on an operating capsule. Several screens were projected on the side which showed his vitals.


    ¡­.


    A minuteter¡­


    Leo took out his smart link and searched for Kyle''s number before dialing, "Beep¡­Beep¡­Click¡­hello."


    The phone rang for a while before a Kyle picked it up.


    "You really called me so soon. Don''t tell me you already got yourself in some trouble?" Kyle asked.


    "Impossible! My disguise can''t be seen through this easily¡­" Semantha''s voice came from the other end. It seemed Kyle was already on call with her from before.


    The two were waiting for Leo to reply but when he didn''t they knew something was up.


    "Is everything alright?" Semantha suddenly asked.


    "I need some help." Leo finally said.


    "¡­"


    "I need to sell mynd, ASAP. Can you do something about it?" Leo asked with a sigh.


    "What''s going on? Where are you?" Kyle asked as Leo heard the sound of door opening and closing.


    "I am at the City Hospital," Leo replied.


    "I aming," He said as the noise of tires screeching came through the other side before the call was hung up.


    ¡­.


    Within a few minutes, Kyle had arrived. Leo exined the situation to him. He didn''t talk about his father being attacked though. He skipped that part since he didn''t want them to get involved in it. His instincts told him that things were not simple and the fact that his father was hiding things was also one of his concerns.


    Ifing out of this matter somehow harmed his father then he really wouldn''t know how to react.


    "I will cover the bill, you don''t need to worry," Kyle pped onto Leo''s shoulders.


    "You don''t need to do it." Leo said with a grateful look on his face.


    This guy was always there for him and he had already done so much. Leo really wasn''t fine with having him do such a big favor. Besides, he no longer felt safe about returning back to his home. He really would move away and didn''t need thatnd. It was better to just sell it.


    Leo knew that the process of selling thend was going top be difficult as the Human Leo was dead and the remaining family that was his father was in a serious situation. But the Federation obviously had its provision to help people in all kind of situation. It was just that Leo in his current body had no rtion with the his own Family. People would obviously doubt his motive. Not to mention, he was currently on a run. It was definitely a bad idea to walk into the Lion''s den.


    So Kyle who was Leo''s friend and also a person with connections would definitely be able to help him.


    Before their discussion could go any further, a nurse came towards them, "Are you people rted to the patient in Room No. 45?"


    "Yes, I am his son¡­.friend....,I mean his son''s friend.." Leo corrected himself half the way when Kyle mmed his elbow into his side.


    "Doctor Win has called you to his cabin." The nurse informed the two with a weird look on her face


    Doctor Win was the one looking after his father''s treatment, so Leo obviously recognized him.


    He nodded to her and the nurse walked off entering one of the other rooms.


    ¡­


    Doctor Win''s Cabin


    Leo sat on the chair with Kale by his side. There was a desk in front of him with a few screens projecting in the air. There was a man behind the screen seating in a white coat with the spectacle on.


    The namete on the table read, Dr. Win McFord, MBBS, MD (Academy of Science and Medicine, Moon)


    "Is everything fine, Doctor?" Leo asked with a concerned look on his face.


    "Are you sure that it wasn''t a case of assault?" The doctor asked in a serious tone as he looked at Leo.


    Leo felt a bit shocked at this sudden question but maintained his expression before replying, "No, it wasn''t. Why do you ask, doctor?"


    Kyle looked at Leo feeling something odd about his reaction.


    "Well, his injuries felt a bit strange. Maybe, I am just imagining things." The doctor shook his head, but Leo was clear that he really had terrifying instincts.


    The doctor swiped the screen to his right. It was disying a human body and a few of its parts were marked red. "Do you see this, this is your father''s condition. The red parts are where he had suffered serious fourth-degree burns," He said as he pointed at the right arm, left leg, and parts of his back. "The nerves in the leg and the arm have suffered severe damage and it''s even showing signs of infections. I am afraid that we have to amputate him."


    Leo felt that a bomb had been dropped on him.


    "Isn''t there any way to save them? Isn''t it just neurological damage? It can be treated with Arora Healing technology." Kyle said with a serious voice.


    The doctor looked at him in surprise before shaking his head, "I don''t know where you heard that from, but the technology is still not widely implemented, it is in its developing phase. Besides, there is no way formon people to have ess to it. Not to mention that it is very expensive."


    "This is your father''s reports. You have three months of time, after that, I am afraid he would lose more than an arm and leg." The doctor handed over a file to Leo and the group exited the cabin.


    Leo went through the reports and found that there were still quite a few surgeries require to remove the dead skin and get his father back to normal which would cost him a lot. Obviously it was assuming that there wasn''t going to be any otherplication.


    Looking at the estimated expenditure, Leo could only depend on his shop and house to make enough money for his father''s treatment.


    ¡­


    The sun seeped beneath the horizon and the sky started to turn dark. Semantha had arrived a while ago as well and the two were still with Leo in the hospital.


    "Aren''t you guys going to go back home?" Leo abruptly asked seeing that they had no ns to leave.


    "I am going to stay for the night," Kaye said as he turned his head towards Semantha, "You should leave ande back tomorrow morning. I have got my practice in morning so I won''t be here at that time."


    Kyle was preparing to be a Mech Pilot. It was obvious that he had to be serious about it. He had even gotten admission into one of the prestigious Military Academies of the Federation and would be living for Mars soon . On the other hand, Semantha seemed to have a few scouts approaching her as well. If everything went well, she would leave soon as well and enter the Pro League to fulfill her dream of bing a professional gamer.


    "Fine then, I wille in the morning." Semantha nodded as she got up to leave. She looked at Leo and gave him a pat on his back, "Take care...don''t be a cry baby.."


    "It''s still better than being a barbarian.."


    "Y-You!" Semantha caught his head between her fist and began to give him one painful massage until Leo finally tapped out and gave up while retracting his earlier words.


    With a triumphed look on her face, Semantha left. And soon as she did, Leo''s smile retracted and he sat down while sighing.


    "It will be fine, don''t worry.." Kyle said as he looked at him.


    Leo nodded.


    ¡­


    12:00 Midnight¡­.


    It had began to pour heavily half the way through the evening and the rumbling of the thunder could be heard as shes of lightning illuminated the sky.


    Leo had a hard time falling asleep. He had gone through a lot in such a short amount of time. His peaceful life had suddenly disappeared and things had be chaotic.


    Since, he couldn''t fall asleep. He had been trying out his Yellow Rank Skill [Charge] to see how he could use it.


    ''Why does this thing keep throbbing?'' Leo frowned holding the right earring. The left one was totally calm and when he observed them closely in mirror, he realized that the two were actually different from each other.


    Leo suddenly thought of something and pushed his Arora energy towards his ear. The next instant, he felt as if a ck hole had suddenly opened up in his ear and all his energy suddenly began to get sucked into it.


    This gave Leo a fright and he immediately retracted his energy and looked around to see if anyone had awoken by the disturbance he caused.


    Luckily, he had stopped at the right time.


    He walked out of the hospital building in the rain before taking cover in a nearby waiting shed. There was no one around and even if he screamed the heavy noise of the rain and lightning would probably cover it up.


    Leo took in a deep breath, he was determined to get to the root of it. He had a feeling that this was somehow rted to the missing one month of his life which had changed everything. And whenever Leo thought about it, he had the feeling that he really was forgetting something very important and it made him to rush ahead and find what had happened as soon as possible.


    He sat there for minute calming himself before the letting out his pale yellow energy and moving it towards his ear. And like before the earring reacted and the throbbing suddenly intensified and he felt a sharp pain all over his body.


    Veins began to pop all over and Leo felt millions of ants crawling underneath his skin.


    The next instant, a cyan glow emerged under Leo''s veins as if there were millions of microscopic creatures moving through his body.


    "Ahhh!!!" Leo grabbed his head and a scream escaped his mouth as blood began to pour out of his openings. He felt as if his head was being split apart.


    Luckily, he had chosen a safe location already or he might have ended up awakening the whole hospital.


    It continued for a while before Leo finally felt it calming down and after a while his body finally rxed.


    When Leo opened his eyes again, a new world was awaiting him.

 Chapter 17 - 16: Artificial Intelligence Arthur

    "Pang!"


    Lightning crackled as the clouds pour down heavily on thend, filling the streets with water and the pitter-patter continuously rang in Leo''s ears.


    The roads were empty without a single person visible within miles of the area.


    A personid on the waiting shed near the City hospital. He had clutched his head and seemed to be in pain.


    "Aaahhh!!"


    Leo groaned for a few minutes when the pain started to calm down and his tensed face finally rxed and a minuteter, he slowly opened his eyes and was surprised, "Huh?"


    He rubbed his eyes, but it still didn''t help him. It seemed that the world in front of him had changed. Everything was covered in a slight azure gleam.


    "What is this?" Leo mumbled when he realized that the veins in his body were glowing with the same azure gleam. There were several tiny dots that seemed to be moving in them.


    [Establishing connection with the body¡­.]


    [Running an over all check¡­.]


    [All checks done¡­Status clear¡­ Beginning operations..]


    A strange voice began to sound in Leo''s making him extremely ufortable.


    "Whats going on?"


    [Greetings Inheritor, I am Arthur an Artificial Intelligence.]


    A voice rang in his head and Leo couldn''t help but frown. He had heard of A.I. sses and Helmets. But, A.I. chips being installed internally within a human body was still under development phase. Had he been caught and made a guinea pig? Is this why he was missing his memory? Did they lie about him missing for a month before finally being rescued?


    [You are wrong in your assumptions. You have been chosen as the Inheritor to the legacy of a Great Person and had your memories sealed in order top keep you from being distracted in your initial endeavors¡­]


    Those words immediately caught Leo''s attention. He finally had heard something about his missing memories.


    "What do you mean my memories has been sealed? And what inheritor and whose legacy? Is this all your fault that I lost my original body?" Leo immediately barraged Arthur with all his questions.


    [I have no answers your questions. I am not the same A.I. Arthur you met. I am the one who is in charge of assisting the Inheritor while the one you had met must have been the one responsible for selection of the Inheritor. So, this is our first meeting and its useless to ask me this questions.]


    Leo really had no idea what he was talking about as he had no memories of it, but he could get the gist of it.


    "At least you should know about this legacy and stuff? You don''t call me inheritor for no reason, right?"


    [You don''t have ess to any knowledge about the Legator as of yet.]


    Leo''s face changed colors and became extremely ugly. He was not only confused now but frustrated as well. Yet he understood one thing clearly, he wasn''t getting any of his answers here.


    "I don''t care, I want to know what had happened during those one month. Do something?!!"


    [You need to achieve Lv 11 for me to lift the seal on your memories..]


    Leo really wanted pull this thing out of his head and bash it with his bare hands. He only had a Yellow Rank Skill, Lv 10 was his limit.


    How was he supposed to reach Lv 11?!!


    This guy was deliberately messing with him. It didn''t have any ns to tell him anything from the very beginning.


    "How did you get in my head to begin with?" Leo asked with a sigh. It was not like he could do anything to it. What was he supposed to do? Cut open his head and pull the A.I. chip out? That would be a death wish¡­


    [I was installed in you body when you became the Inheritor. Its just that you have your memories sealed and can''t remember any of it.]


    "Why do you words sound a lot like human? It feels as if I ammunicating with another human instead of an A.I." He couldn''t help but ask.


    [This how we were designed. Our Creator was a great person and now I wish you to follow his footsteps as well¡­]


    "Oh..why do you say he was great? Did he achieve something big?'''' Leo tried to see if the thing would identally spill out some information. But A.I.s were A.I.s and not humans.


    [You don''t have ess to the information..]


    And he was back at square one.


    Leo didn''t know why but he felt as if this A.I. was deliberately hiding things from him. But the question was ''Why?''. It was not like he would run away after hearing its creator''s name.


    "If I am some kind of inheritor, shouldn''t you tell me what to do and what not to? And do I not get anything? I though your creator was a great person, he really is going to leave his inheritor empty handed?" Leo asked, he wished for something good after all this trouble. And no one could me him for that.


    [You already have receive three gifts due to the grace of our Creator...]


    "Oh..Why don''t I know about it?" Leo asked as his curiosity got piqued.


    [The First gift is the earing on your left ear..]


    Leo was surprised, wasn''t this a bit cheap.


    [Take it off and give it a proper look.]


    Leo tried to take the earring off and this time, it came off pretty easily. On a closer look, it looked like some kind of cheap.


    "What is this?'''' Leo asked in confusion.


    [Its a Bio-Chip..]


    "And what does that mean?"


    [Its one of the most famous toy cheaps, which can a have the data of a life form trapped in it. Mostly used in toy pet¡­ ]


    "Isn''t it basically useless? Do I look a three year old to you?" Leo retorted with an unhappy face before wearing the chip back on his ear. It at least looked good on him.


    [The Second thing should be avable on your Awakening Card..]


    Leo looked at the Awakening as he passed his aura through it.


    The next instant, his eyes almost popped when he saw there was another Yellow Rank skill beside [Charge] on it.


    [A.I. Mind]


    A Brain integrated with A.I.


    There wasn''t any other information on it. He didn''t know what else to make of it. One thing was for sure thought. The A.I. was integrated with his body now and was somehow recognized as a skill. As for what he could do with it, as soon as Leo tried to activate the skill, a bunch of information began to flow into his head.


    [Transmitting information regarding my current capabilities after integrating with host¡­.]


    Soon a list of things had appeared in Leo''s mind.


    [Scan]


    Can be used on on living as well as non living things to collect and process data. Amount of information provided will depend on current amount of data avable within my directory.


    [Enhance]


    Can boost user''s physical and mental capabilities for 5 minutes by removing the limiters on the body. Can only be used once within 24 hours.


    [Virtual Projection]


    Allows the user to create any virtual thing within his own mind with no difference to that of real world.


    [Update]


    Needs a Higher grade energy then the current one to update the current directories and improve A.I.''s capabilities.


    Leo was speechless for a second, it was honestly not that surprising for an A.I. but when a Human possessed all this, wasn''t each of this equivalent to a skill? It was true that none of them were majorbat type skill, but Leo was sure that one could utilize them in different fields to distinguish oneself from the rest.


    Besides, there was still this update thing. Didn''t that mean this thing could be further improved?


    But, a higher grade energy meant going from yellow to Cyan colored Arora energy.


    And that was next to impossible!


    How was he supposed to reach Lv 11 with Yellow Ranked Skill?


    [Transferring the main Inheritance..]


    It seemed that this thing was still not done yet.


    An old book suddenly appeared in Leo''s mind. Books were very rare in this digital age but still there were a few physical publishing houses. After all, there were people who liked collecting physical copies of books.


    But there was something strange about this book, no matter how you look, someone had deliberately messed up with its name and the author''s name below. Both of it had been hidden under a ck ink.


    "Don''t tell me you are deliberately hiding the names because I don''t have ess to that information as of yet?" Leo asked jokingly.


    [¡­]


    "You kidding me? Just who is this guy whose name can''t be taken?''''


    [Reach Lv 11 to update the current data directory and ess new information..]


    "If you really had to enter my brain, why didn''t you just enter with yourtest update?"


    This Lv 11 thing was starting to annoy him now. He now knew that his missing memories were this things fault. But even if he did, he was helpless to do anything.


    [Scanning the user¡­]


    Level 1 - Awake


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Charge], [A.I. Mind]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [-F]


    [Your body is weak to handle the advanced version of the mine. If the advanced version was forcefully installed, there were chances that your brain might not have been able to tolerate the pressure leading to its failure.]


    Leo''s face twitched on hearing that. It really seemed he had no way out of this. If he had to find out what was going on, then he would have to do the impossible.


    He sighed before curiously flipping the first page of the Inheritance Book and looked at the contents.


    Leo eye''s shined with a strange light on the sight of the contents and he continued to flip a few pages and curiosity really got the best of him, he had suddenly lost himself in it and before he knew an hour had already passed.


    "Your Creator is really amazing, I can''t believe there is a person who specializes in so many things."


    Reverence filled Leo''s eyes. Even though it had only been am hour and he had barely gone through this seemingly never ending book, he could tell that this person was a genius. He didn''t only had knowledge about A.I.''s , but it went around all technological aspects. Hell, he even saw several designs which represented Mechas and some machines which he had never seen before.


    Aside from that, there were strange theories rting to science which Leo couldn''t understand at all. But he knew one thing that this person had most likely tried to prove something, whether he had seeded or not wasn''t something Leo could understand at his current level.


    How could such a person be unknown?


    Leo tried to think hard and finally came up with a name.


    Alek Oxborn, The Father of the Interster Age for Humans.


    He was there at the core of the project which had kick started this new era. In the entire Sr System, there have never been a second genius like him. Even among the entire universe, he could probably be counted among the top 5 scientists of all time.


    This man had diverse knowledge in all fields and was a born prodigy. He never took any students in his life and one day he suddenly disappeared as if he never existed to begin with. There were a lot of conspiracies behind his disappearance but the truth never came out.


    Now looking at it, Leo was starting to doubt whether it was rted to him or not¡­.


    If it truly did, then Leo really wouldn''t know what to say. The things stated in here should be thousands of years old but looking at it, Leo could tell the man was way ahead of anyone else in his ear.


    Even though it was difficult for Leo to understand things written in here, he had managed to decipher a few.


    And it really was surprising, a few of this things had just came into existence and yet this person had already talked about them in his time.


    Just what kind of monster was this?


    Leo closed the book for now, he was wondering whether his conjecture was true or not. But he was at least 70% sure that it had to be true, it had to be that man.


    "Anyway, you said something about three gifts. What''s the third one?" Leo asked after realizing it had only been two.


    [Your life.]


    "Sorry?'''' Leo felt he had misheard something.


    [You would be dead now if not for the third gift.]


    "What do you mean by that?" He asked with a frown.


    [You don''t have ess to the information, reach Lv 11 to gain ess.]


    A vein popped up on Leo''s forehead and his face turned ugly. But he knew that arguing with it was not going to bring anything to him. It was just a waste of time.


    He asked a few more things to it and in the end didn''t gained much.


    It seemed he could only work hard to Level up.


    But Leo was more interested in Inheritance book, he finally had an opportunity to learn even though he didn''t get an admission into Academy. It was actually very hard to be a self taught in regards to a subject which require technical as well as practical knowledge.


    Not to mention, Leo practically had no one to learn from.


    And another important thing to note here was that, proper knowledge about Mechas were heavily censored on Inte. After all, there were chances that people might learn it and then use the half baked knowledge to cause troubles and disasters. As one needed to be a Professional Mech Engineer to handle this things. Especially the Arora Cores which were an important parts of Mechs. These cores could be disastrous if handled incorrectly.


    So, Leo only had basic knowledge about things until know and had more knowledge about parts of Mechs and their arrangement. As for how they were made and what were the necessary conditions for fine tunning, how to design a Mech from scratch, what was the rtion between different elements to be kept in mind, which ore reacted in what conditions, etc.. he had no idea about any of it. And this was just the beginning, there were tons of things like this that he had zero idea about.


    "What I am getting excited about? There are more important things that I need to deal with first." Leo shook his heading back to reality.


    He stayed on the bench as the cold showers brushed past his face due to the light winds.


    Now, that his mind was off the rest of things, Leo began to think about the event in the noon.


    Who were those people? What connections did his father have with them?


    And he had definitely heard them talking about his mother and his father''s family.


    Had his father lied to him this entire time? Why did he do so?


    It was as if just having this body problem and inheritance weren''t enough for Leo now that he had thising on his as well.


    When he had lost his body and was freaking out, he had feeling that he didn''t know who he was anymore and now he had a simr feeling.


    Leo suddenly got up and took in a deep breath before turning his head towards the street and then walking out of the shed in the heavy rain.

 Chapter 18 - 17: Struggle At Night

    "Crackle!"


    Lightning shed over Leo''s head as he continued to move with his body entirely drenched in water. His shop had been burnt but his house was still intact. He wanted to go and search, look out for something which could possibly give him some idea about his father.


    "Arthur, activate [Enhance].." Leo said as his feet began to move faster and faster. He wanted to see just how this thing worked.


    [Command noted..]


    [Activating Enhance..]


    A cyan glow suddenly began to emerge beneath Leo''s skin and suddenly, he felt his connection with his body growing stronger. It really was a weird feeling. His feet suddenly began to move even faster while his muscles began to contract and rx with a greater power. His senses seemed to have strengthened as well and he felt clear headed.


    His heartbeat on the other hand rose at a rapid rate as well, till the point where he could feel it even without touching his chest.


    ¡­.


    "Huff! Huff!''''


    "Its effect is really greater than I thought I initially thought it to be." Leo muttered under his breathe as he pushed his wet bangs behind. He couldn''t help but give himself another nce in the window pane of a rundown car parked near his house.


    "I really look good¡­" He couldn''t help but praise himself before walking towards the entrance of his house and nning to quietly sneaking in. After all, there shouldn''t be anyone in the house. If he alerted the neighbors then that would really be troublesome to deal with


    Leo walked up to his door and picked the nt pot beside before pulling the nt out off it and taking the spare key which he had hidden in there.


    "Click!"


    The door opened and as soon as Leo entered the ce, he knew someone had been in there. The ce had been flipped all over. Things were all lying around the ce as if someone had robbed the ce.


    Leo immediately went looking around the house and most of the valuables were gone. It definitely seemed like a robbery, but was it really one?


    After witnessing what had happened with his father earlier, he really doubted if it was so simple. Those guys were definitely not here just to kill his father because if they really were to, there wasn''t a need to for all the chatting. They were definitely looking something from him.


    What could it possibly be?


    "So, it was true that a pest managed to bypass my eyes?"


    Leo suddenly felt a chill rising up his spine and he immediately moved but he was a tad too slow. A red colored de formed of Arora energy slid through his left shoulder severing his entire limb and and blood sshed as Leo tumbled over and crashed onto the wooden floor.


    The pain almost made him scream his brains out.


    It really hurt like hell!


    But Leo gritted his teeth and even with sweat and blood pouring out of his body and didn''t release a single squeak. He was afraid, if his scream managed to get the neighbors here then he might be pulling them in the danger as well.


    [Critical Damage detected to left limb¡­]


    [Alert!]


    [Your body is losing is blood rapidly..]


    [Will die in 30 minutes if nothing is done..]


    Leo wasn''t even the right condition to pay attention to his voice. The pain was really killing him. But he still endured it and slowly turned his head while enduring the pain to have a look at the man''s face, ''Scan him Arthur..''


    [Scanning..]


    [The person is way above your Level to gain any knowledge about his power and skills. My Directorycks necessary support system to help in the scanning opponent.]


    [Knowledge on Physical Characteristics had been retrieved instead¡­]


    [Showing¡­]


    [Height: 188 cm]


    [Weight: 78 Kg]


    [Skin tone: 3 points below Neck and 8 points above Neck]


    [Deformities: Left shoulder is 4 cm lower than the right one, most likely due to injuries]


    [Skin tone has a huge change below and above the neck. Suspecting the person to have some kind of disguise on.]


    No wonder he was showing his face out in the open, while he had covered the tattoo on his arm this time.


    "Hmmn?" The person looked at Leo in surprise. He couldn''t believe that kid was enduring the pain without making the slightest of noise. But what annoyed him most was those eyes ring at him as if he only needed a chance to tear him apart.


    "What are you looking at?'''' The man kicked Leo and even though held it back, the force immediately broke two of his ribs. After all, the Red colored aura meant that the man was at least a Lv 31 Titled.


    People at that level could be Mech Pilot''s in Armies anywhere in Universe!


    "I was careless. To think that no one would dare to sneak up on us in the burning house and even rescue that guy. Do you know how much trouble your actions has caused me?" the man said with a menacing smile. It seemed he was really pissed.


    He slowly took a step forward as the red energy de once again extended from his palm.


    Leo slowly used his remaining hand to crawl backwards trying to make a futile struggle. There seemed too be a strong will inside him which was screaming at him not to give up. He didn''t know why but even at this moment, he could think clearly. There was fear no doubt about it but it hadn''t clouded his mind.


    "You wanna struggle? Good then, show me what you have got¡­" The man said with a amused look on his face as he waved his energy de towards Leo once again.


    "Swish!"


    "Swish!"


    "Swish!"


    None of the des struck any vital points but left cut all over Leo''s body as blood gushed out of them. Yet, he gritted his teeth with all his might only letting out a small squeak in pain.


    "You stubborn brat. You really are spoiling my mood here." The man didn''t seem to be liking Leo''s tough behavior at all. He looked at Leo and the next instant, he seemed to have noticed something, "What''s with the disguise? You are not a human?"


    The rain had melted away the make up on Leo''s face and now it had finallye under the guy''s notice.


    "Who are you? What rtion do you have with this family?" The man''s expression changed and the aura around him changed. He seemed to have deemed the situation to be more serious than he initially had thought it to be.


    "I was just passing by and helped," Leo said as he began to feel dizzy. He had lost too much blood.


    "You want me to believe that? Who sent you here? You better be honest or you won''t have a peaceful death.." The man said with a threatening smile as he looked at Leo and waved his energy de leaving a few more deeper cut on Leo''s body and this time they were more serious ones.


    Leo already knew that he had made the wrong decision bying too this ce in haste. His immature decision was going to lead to his demise today, ''Arthur analyze the situation, find me a chance to get out of here. I don''t care how low the possibility is..''


    [Analyzing..]


    "Your eyes really make me irritated? Do you think you can still survive?" The man said as he was about to attack, he stopped and smiled the next instant as if he had remembered something interesting.


    "Let me tell you something. The person you saved, will be dying soon. Someone has already gone their to finish the remaining work. So, you not only failed to rescue him but even managed to lose your life while at it. Isn''t that funny kid?" The manughed and stooped low before pulling Leo up by his hairs. "Now then, will you confess who sent you here or will you prefer some different kind of treatment."


    Leo''s expression had turned extremely ugly as soon as he had heard about someone going towards the hospital.


    The man shook his head andughed in joy seeing Leo''s expression, "Now this is what I was talking abou-"


    "Shnk!"


    Before he couldplete his sentence, Leo''s right hand moved and his energy burst forth through his fingers as it prated into the man''s left eye.


    "Aaahhh!!!"


    A terrifying screamed escaped through his mouth. One that could raise people''s hair and sent chills running through them.


    Even though he had said at the beginning about letting his guard down allowing Leo to rescue Von, he still had made the same mistake again.


    ''I love you Arthur!'' Leo praised the guy.


    Arthur was on the point when he informed Leo that the man''s muscle were in a rxed state, he had let his guard down. There was a 35% chances of a sessful sneak attack and it could further increase up to 50% if the man took his eyes off of Leo for a second and was distracted by something.


    And the guy turned out to be one of those who would close his eyes while having a goodugh.


    "Charge!"


    Leo activated his skill and electric current suddenly ran through his hand and entered the man''s eyes.


    Even if he was only Lv 1 Awake, there was no way that an attack like that was easy to bear for even for a Lv 31 Titled.


    When Leo finally exhausted his energy, the man finally fell t on his back and seemed to have been paralyzed by the current. But his energy was still coiling around him, if Leo dare to get near him, there was chances that he would definitely be sliced apart by the evil guy.


    It took all pf Leo''s will power for him to get back on his feet and get out of the ce as he tried to escape with a missing arm in the heavy rain. His entire being was close to copsing, but he clenched his teeth hard and tried to contact Kyle with his smart link.


    He had to warn him of the danger.


    But unfortunately, there was no response from the other side. This only made Leo worried.


    [You have lost too much blood. Your body will copse within next five minutes if nothing is done..]


    Arthur''s voice rang in his head, but Leo could do nothing about it. His mind was only focused on getting back to the hospital.


    He had only walked for a minute when Leo felt a chaotic energy approaching from behind. The man with a bleeding eye had finally caught up with him. Veins were popping out on his face and he looked as if he had gone crazy in rage.


    Leo tried to move away from his path but he wasn''t a match for his speed at all. The man was finally serious.


    Leo couldn''t even see his movements at all and before he knew it, a kick hadnded on his abdomen and sank into his body as if it was made of sand.


    "Whoosh!"


    Blood sshed out of Leo''s mouth as he went flying through the watery streets and crashed into the traffic pole with a nging noise beforeing to a stop.


    "You really have angered me now kid. It won''t stop here now. I will find all your family members and send them to apany you soon. Just wait up there and regret poking your nose in other people''s affair." The man didn''t seem to have any further n to talk. It seemed after letting his guard down twice, he had understood it well not to underestimate anyone.


    Leo saw the man walk towards him like a grim reaper before raising his hand and stabbing a energy de right towards his chest.


    Leo could only smile wryly, he hadn''t even figure out all the things and he was close to death again. But why was it that he didn''t feel that much fear. If it was earlier, he would have definitely freaked out having a nervous breakdown.


    And yet he was here looking straight towards the de which was about to prate his heart.


    The de which was about to take Leo''s life suddenly pause for a fraction of a second and the next instant the man''s expression changed and he immediately backed away as a green bolt of lighting came shooting down on him.


    "Bang!"


    The water on the street rose into the air as figure mmed into the ground with a long curved de in his hand. The Arora energy surrounding him was green in color signifying that he had definitely managed to reach at least Lv 21 bing Magnate.


    But that wasn''t what surprised Leo. It was just that his figure kind of resembled like¡­.


    The new guy suddenly turned his head to look at Leo, "Its been a while little brother, I hope you had run enough..."

 Chapter 19 - 18: I Guess I Have A Big Brother Now

    Leo looked at the guy in surprise. He had Silver hairs like him but his were dark unlike his white ones. The person looked to be a three to four years older than him and was not any worse than him in terms of looks.


    ''Could it be¡­''


    Leo suddenly started to have a bad feeling when the guy suddenly turned his head to look towards Leo, "Its been a while little brother, I hope you have ran enough now.."


    He knew it!


    This person was rted to this body''s owner.


    Hell, he even called him little brother!


    But Leo couldn''t understand, how did this guy managed to reach this ce so fast. He thought that it would have taken at least a week for him to reach here. Assuming that the Embassy had informed about Leo''s presence on earth the day he arrived here and the Captain was probablyte on informing Leo about it, it still had only been 3 days.


    Just what kind of sorcery was this?


    And how did he managed to locate him?


    Nheless, Leo was extremely grateful to this sorcery which had saved his life.


    ''I guess I have a Big Brother now.'' Leo really was speechless for some reason looking at the guy.


    The person smiled at Leo. He definitely was pleased to have found his brother. But the smile suddenly ceased when he saw his missing arm.


    "What happened to you arm?" He immediately rushed up to Leo and took out his storage capsule out without a moment''s hesitation.


    Leo saw him taking out a green vial from the capsule and the moment he poured it down on the severed area of his arm, even Leo couldn''t endured it anymore and screamed like a pig being ughtered.


    "What is this?!! Are you trying to kill me?" Leo asked looking at him in utter pain.


    "They are wound sealing bacteria. It would hurt for a few minutes. Just endure it.." The guy said with a grim look on his face before turning to look at the man in the distance, "Was it him, Aiden?"


    Leo finally managed to learn the body''s real name. It turned out to be Aiden.


    But that wasn''t of his main concern now.


    There was a hidden anger in his voice. It was like a volcano waiting to erupt at any moment.


    "Let''s get out of here. He is too strong," Leo didn''t care whether he was this body''s brother or not. But he wasn''t willing to let this person in danger who had just rescued him from his death.


    A fight between Lv 31 Titled and Lv 21 Magnate. This person was at a huge disadvantage here.


    Aiden''s brother looked at Leo with a strange expression. He obviously had found his behavior a bit odd but this wasn''t a time for a chat.


    "Just sit and watch," He said to Leo and then turned around to look at the evil guy as he kept the back of his curved de on his soldier.


    ''Arthur Scan him,'' Leo couldn''t help butmand in concern.


    [Name: Unknown]


    [Level: 29 Magnate]


    [Skill: Thunder Type]


    [Skill Rank: Unknown]


    Well, he was strong it seemed and was close to the next category. But the opponent in front of him was someone who had already entered the category of Titled.


    "You want to kill his family. Here I am," Aiden''s brother asked the person with a mocking smile. "But let me ask you one thing first. Do you even know myst name?"


    "¡­"


    The man definitely had no idea about it.


    "It''s Silver."


    The moment he heard those words, the man knew he had messed up. He immediately tried to leave to not further aggravate the situation but who would have thought that Aiden''s brother would suddenly moved. A green bolt of lightning covered his body and in a blink of an eye he had appeared behind the man swinging his de down.


    The man immediately turned around waved his hand forming another energy de to defend himself.


    "Znng!"


    The two''s energy shed before they separated from each other.


    "I didn''t ask you to leave. Do you think, you can leave this easily?"


    Leo really didn''t know why this brother here was inviting death, wasn''t that person living him quietly? Why stop and provoke him?


    "Both of us don''t want this situation to aggravate any further. Do you think you can survive, if I am hell bent on killing you?" The man asked in a threatening tone. He obviously knew that he had messed up but that didn''t mean he would let his head be sliced in an attempt to not further aggravate things.


    If push came to shove, he might as well kill both of these people to seal the things, even though a research might be set up leading to a huge troubles. It would be better than letting himself dying and there were still chances that they would be able to hide their movements with the two gone.


    "Why don''t you go ahead and give it a try? Let me see if you have what it takes to kill me?" Aiden''s brother smiled as he suddenly moved with a sh and immediately appeared in front of him. His curved de made a sharp arc in the air once again before slicing towards his opponent''s neck with a green gleam following behind its edge.


    The man''s expression changed and energy des spurted out of both his hands and immediately moved in to intercept the attack.


    As the two des shed, Aiden''s brother looked at the guy and smile, "Why don''t you bring out your skill? Are you afraid of being recognized?"


    The man''s expression changed, it was true. He wasn''t using his skill and only using his energy to fight because he was afraid of giving anyone any kind of lead to him.


    "Hmph! Even if I don''t use my skill, someone like you is no match for me," He snorted before applying even greater strength and overpowering Aiden''s brother.


    With a cruel smile on his face, he looked as the edge of his Arora de and moved it closer to to his opponent''s face nning to viciously cut his head apart.


    But suddenly, the man''s expression changed when he saw a golden light sh in his opponents eyes. This immediately terrified him and his movement''s slowed for a second.


    "Swish!"


    The man immediately reacted and moved his head to the side as an energy armor appeared on his body but it couldn''t stop the de and it immediately sliced of his right shoulder spurting out blood like a fountain.


    "Aaahhh!!!"


    The man screamed miserably before gritting his teeth and looking at the person in front whose left eye had turned golden and there were some strange attachments like a body suit appearing all over his left hand in which he held his de.


    Aiden''s brother looked at the man and pointed his de at him, "I will let you leave now. But if you think otherwise, then please be my guest.."


    Even if he was confident here, he wasn''t going to fight someone probably ten levels above. That not only included minor levels but a major one as well. It was dangerous and he even had Aiden around to protect.


    The man looked at the guy with red eyes filled with a desire to kill but he had finally recognized this person. He just wasn''t just any guy from Silver Family, but Aaron Silver.


    He really had rotten luck to have met these people here. Even though he wanted to kill this guy, he knew it was impossible to do in a short while. There was no way a guy like him was out here all alone. And he definitely want to wait and find out about it.


    If he ended up bumping into some High level Awakener, then that would be the end of him.


    In the end, he gritted his teeth and decided to take back his severed limb before nning to retreat.


    But suddenly a de sliced his severed limb into two.


    "Y-You!!" The man looked at Aaron in rage but he paid no attention to him and sliced of the arm in several pieces before finally kicking the blood thing away all over the ce.


    The man''s eye were bloodshot in rage. A bit more and he would probably spew out mes from them but he was a smart person and controlled himself in the end, before retreating. After all, an arm couldn''tpare to his life.


    ...


    Aaron finally breathed in relief as the man disappeared and he lowered his de before finally keeping it back in its sheath and at the same time, the body suits like attachment which had appeared on his left arm vanished.


    He then turned around to look at Aiden only to freeze on his spot. There were no traces of him around. He was gone and had disappeared once again.


    "That guy¡­" Aaron''s face finally changed colors for worse. He had been running around for two weeks tracking that guy down and now that he finally managed to catch him, he ran away again. "He is injured, he mustn''t have gone far away.."


    ¡­


    On the other side, Leo had already walked half the way towards the hospital. Even though he didn''t like leaving that person all alone when he rescued him, he was way too worried about Kyle and his father.


    He already had contacted the Local police force about seeing some suspicious figure around the hospital hoping to let them confront with that evil man''s ally.


    ¡­


    City Hospital, Vista City.


    A while ago¡­


    "Hmmn.." Kyle was suddenly woken up by the loud ttering noise of an elderly patient''s walking cane which seemed to a have tripod ferrule towards its end.


    Seeing that it was nothing worth paying attention to, he was about to go to sleep again when he finally noticed Leo missing in his ce.


    His initial thought was that he must have been to the washroom but even when a lot of time passed and he didn''t return, it began to worry him. In the end, Kyle got up to check. He looked around the washrooms, hallways, even the the room were Uncle Von, Leo''s father was being stationed and treated.


    But Leo couldn''t be found at any of those ces. He tried to contact him but there wasn''t any responses and it was still raining heavily outside.


    "Where did he go at this time?" Kyle muttered with a frown as he paced around the entrance of the hospital.


    Suddenly, his ears perked up, and he saw a figure waking towards the entrance but when the person got closer, it didn''t turn out to be Leo but an entirely different guy all together.


    Kyle sighed and turned around to go back inside. Standing around there wasn''t going to do anything and with Leo missing, he couldn''t just leave his father alone like that.


    As he entered the elevator and pressed on the button for 10th floor, Kyle suddenly saw the man who had entered the hospital just nowing towards the elevator as well.


    Being a gentleman, he stopped the doors from closing and allowed the man inside.


    "Thank you," The person said with a smile and as he turned to press the button but stopped realizing that it was already heading towards his designated floor.


    "You are going on the 10th floor as well?" Kyle asked as he looked at him. "There are only people in severe conditions up there.."


    "Yeah. I have one of my rtives admitted here. He is really not in a good shape. I just want to have a look at him before its toote.." The man nodded before replying with a sigh.


    "Ting!"


    The elevator finally reached the 10th floor and the two walked out with the man slightly ahead of Kyle.


    "Hmmn?" the man suddenly noticed that the rooms around were all full of elderly people. It didn''t seem that the people were in a severe condition here at all.


    When the man finally realized that Kyle seemed to have lied to him, it was toote.


    "Swish!"


    A Sharppressed de of wind sliced his back and blood immediately spurted out as he crashed into the floor ahead.


    "Bang!"


    Kyle didn''t wait any longer, he raised his palm and shot a st to wind towards the emergency rm and immediately woke up the entire hospital.


    The Patients and the staff immediately began to evacuate the ce and Kyle stood there as the people passed by his side. But he couldn''t just leave yet, Leo''s father was in the opposite room to him. He had to go through that person if he wanted to pass by him.


    The man who had been caught off guard by Kyle suddenly turned around while suppressing his injury as a green colored energy began to leak out of him. It immediately made Kyle serious and he let out his energy to defend as well but unlikest time, it wasn''t yellow but cyan in color.


    It seemed he had been hiding himself back earlier.


    He clearly had crossed Lv 10 to enter the ranks of Elites.


    "I am surprised not only you managed to identify me but even mount a sneak attack. You don''t seem like an ordinary kid," The man said as he stared at Kyle. "But, didn''t someone teach you not to poke your nose in other people''s business? Now you have to die to learn this lesson the hard way."


    Kyle looked at the man not daring to let him out of his sight even for a second.


    He had been surprised initially when he saw the man entered the hospital because even though it was raining outside, he wasn''t wet at all. It was possible to do so when one reached Lv 11 to became an Elite as one could then use the Arora energy to conjure a shield around them.


    Still it wasn''t enough to make him suspect the guy, it just felt a bit off for some reason. But when the guy entered the Elevator and turned to be going to the same floor, rms began to rang in Kyle''s head. He suddenly remembered the Doctor asking Leo if it was a case of assault and how Leo was so adamant on selling his property and wanting to leave the city with his father. He was really rushing and Kyle could see it.


    But he had thought it was all due to the trouble caused by his new body. Yet, if he thought carefully, Leo didn''t need to take his father along when he was in such a severe condition. It was better to let him stay here and it only would take a few minutes for him to arrive in the city to visit him using the Light Speed Circle.


    This immediately made Kyle suspect something was up¡­


    In the end, he ended up asking that question to the person and his answer was more than enough to confirm his doubt. The 10th floor was a ce were the elderly who had gone through their surgeries were stationed for rehabilitation.


    Since theycked a ce in the ICU wards, Leo''s father has been stationed here for now. And this person clearly had no idea about it.


    But there was one mistake that Kyle made, even though he was different from Leo in terms of the other kids due to being raised in an entirely different environment. He still went soft and didn''t deal killing blow. After all, he was assuming things here and wasn''t hundred percent sure. Not to mention, he hadn''t killed anyone up till this point.


    Actually, his family would allow him to experience that as well, but the time hadn''t arrived yet.


    It was nned that he would be put in a fight against one of the the death row mates before leaving for Academy.


    After all, if you wanted to be at the top and survive the ragingpetition at the Interster level, then it was necessary to have all kind of different experiences to improve oneself.


    But now it seemed that he wouldn''t need to wait for that day.


    Either he would do it today or won''t have another chance in this life...

 Chapter 20 - 19: Helplessness

    Kyle and the man faced of against each other as the people in the hallway emptied out, leaving the two behind.


    "Swish!"


    The man suddenly shook both his hands and several small flying knives appeared in in between his fingers and the next moment, he waved his hand and threw those at Kyle piercing towards all his vital points.


    Kyle immediately pushed his cyan energy and conjured a shield in front of him. This was an ability that only people who had be an Lv 11 Elite could perform. But, the man was clearly on a level higher then Kyle, his knives were d in red energy and the moment it pierced into his shield, it broke apart.


    "Shnk!"


    Kyle tried to use his skill and manipted the chaotic wind to deflect the knives away which had lost most of its momentum. But one of them still managed tond a hit on him piercing through the side of his abdomen.


    Blood immediately began to pour out of his body as he gritted his teeth from the pain of both being stabbed as well as receiving the bacsh from his energy shield being broken. It was all because Kyle had only recently advanced and was still not perfectly able to use his ability. And being forceful about anything was definitely a bad idea.


    But even after coughing blood out, he still didn''t go down and managed to retain his footing and fighting stance. It was a pity that he hadn''t brought his weapon along.


    It was going to be difficult for him to continue like this with all this disadvantages at the top of being weaker in terms of level.


    "I am still not done with you," The man said with a painful look on his face as he waved his hand backwards and all the knives including the one embedded in Kyle''s abdomen flew back towards him.


    "Telekinesis¡­" Kyle muttered looking at him as he put his hand over the stab on his abdomen to stop the blood from flowing out too quickly.


    "So, what if you know my skill? You are going to die anyways." The man said with a sneer as he once again threw his knives out.


    Kyle''s expression changed for a second before he finally seemed to have made a decision.


    Many people had simr skills but there were always some kind of difference between the skill of two people no matter how small they were. Kyle had seen people with simr skill like this and most of these people had one thing inmon, they weren''t able to use it on living beings.


    And now seeing that the man hadn''t use the skill on him, Kyle was sure that he was the same. So, this man could be considered to be a long range fighter as he controlled things to fight.


    In that case¡­


    Kyle suddenly rushed towards the man as he once again let out his energy shield covering only his vital parts. This was done to concentrate his energy on a few parts and build a stronger shield than before.


    When the knives came flying towards him, he tried his best to deflect them with his chaotic wind skill but it didn''t work perfectly. Two knives sank into his body while one of his protective shield still broke under its impact, but luckily even though the knife was aim at his vital, it didn''t sank too deep.


    He was hurt, but Kyle still managed to arrive in front of the man and threw out a punch with wind wrapped around his fist.


    The man snorted and pushed his palm out putting on a red energy shield in front.


    "Bang!"


    Kyle''s fistnded on the screen and it shook intensely but didn''t break.


    ''20 levels of difference can''t be ovee even if he is injured..'' He muttered inwardly when he suddenly felt a powerful impact to his stomach and was sent flying away by the man''s kick.


    "You think you can manage to fight a Higher level physically and that too without a physical skill in your arsenal?" The man said with augh as he slowly walked towards Kyle who was struggling to get back to his feet.


    He swiftly moved his fingers around and once again used his skill making the knives hover around Kyle with its tips pointed towards him. He just needed a single thought and all of the knives would stab into Kyle''s vitals ending his life.


    "Die!" The man suddenly yelled as he moved his hands to bring down the knives.


    Kyle''s face twitched as he saw the des rushing towards him and just when he thought he was done for.


    "You people really are going hard on kids these days¡­" A voice rang out.


    The de which was about to pierce Kyle''s forehead suddenly stopped a centimeter away from it and sweat trickle down his face as such a close encounter with death.


    Kyle suddenly raised his head to see what had happed and his eyes dted when he saw that a a new face had appeared right in the middle of the hallway out of nowhere.


    No one knew when this person had arrived but it was only now did they realized he was standing behind the man who was about to take Kyle''s life. His palm had held onto the guys wrist stopping him from plunging those des into Kyle''s body, even a fraction of secondter and Kyle would have been skewed.


    The man who had been attacking Kyle suddenly found as if he had beenid on ice and felt a chill all over his body as he slowly turned around to face the huge man who was standing behind him.


    This man seemed to a middle aged person and had a hairy beard and mustache. His figure resembled those of the Vikings Race. He was buffed up with huge and strong muscles which could be seen even through his clothes.


    "You shouldn''t be doing this, aren''t you people supposed to be the good one?" The Viking said with a smile as his other hand suddenly balled into a fist and smashed against his opponent''s jaw.


    "Bang!"


    The man''s eyes suddenly rolled upward and he was knocked out dead cold in a single strike.


    Kyle couldn''t help but stare in shock, he had failed to see any trace of energy being released by the Viking man. Just what monstrous level had he achieve to knock Lv 31 Titled by just depending on his brute strength.


    This was terrifying!


    After knocking out the bad guy, the Viking looked at Kyle and smiled, "Not bad young man, but its too soon for you to be going up against people two categories above you.."


    He then turned around to walk towards Von''s room as he left a sentence behind with a quirkyugh, "Give my greetings to Old man Karl, if he is still alive in his coffin."


    Kyle was once again shocked when his grandfather''s name was suddenly brought up like that. He now was really confused about the entire situation. Just who were these people and what had they got to do with Leo and his father?


    Suddenly, Kyle''s vision turned blurry and he felt the world spinning around him, ''Crap! I lost too much¡­ blood¡­''


    But he gritted his teeth and began to crawl towards Von''s room. He had to see with his own eyes what was that man going to do and check whether he had good intention''s or not.


    ¡­.


    On the other side, Leo had copsed after traveling half the way towards the hospital. The pain was no longer bearable for him and with the adrenaline rush dissipating, it was no longer possible for his body to continue to bear it any longer.


    "Ssh!"


    Suddenly, sshing noise sounded along with footsteps as a person closed in on the copsed Leo on the watery street.


    It was Aiden''s brother, Aaron.


    "Just where did he think he could run off to in his condition?" He shook his head and sighed before picking Leo up and carrying him on his shoulder.


    It was very easy for him to differentiate between the presence of a member of his own race and inparison to another. If not for that, he wouldn''t have reached Leo on time.


    It hadn''t been much of a time since his arrival on earth, but after knowing that Aiden had gone missing again, he really almost went crazy.


    He didn''t know why but Doctor Edwin who had apparently been treating Aiden''s injuries had asked him to go looking around this part of the city. Actually he was about to exin it but Aaron didn''t wait for him and immediately rushed towards the ce. And it indeed worked in is favor or else he would have been returning with his brother''s dead body.


    Doctor Edwin knew about Leo''s mental issue and did a bit of research on his mistaken identity before managing to find the dead Leo''s house. They had already sent people on look out but Leo had been hiding at Semantha''s house and even when he came out now, he was perfectly in disguise. So, they hadn''t managed to catch him until now.


    ¡­


    Two dayster¡­.


    Leo finally woke up and found himself under a familiar looking ceiling. His body still ached specially the part where his limb was severed from and he was covered in bandages all around.


    ''It really hurts..'' He groaned in pain and tried to get up. And when he finally managed to do it and raised his head, he froze.


    He was surrounded by familiar people who were staring at him.


    These people included Doctor Edwin and the Psychiatric who had been treating him, then there was Captain Alen and the guard he had been assigned to and finally his new body''s brother, Aaron.


    There gazes were really freaking him out!


    He was caught!


    "Aiden! You are fooling them, right? Who is Leo? You are my brother, don''t you remember me?" Aaron asked with a frown as he looked at Leo.


    After he had returned with Leo, Edwin had exined him in detail about Aiden''s situation. But, he just couldn''t believe it.


    His words immediately reminded Leo of something more important.


    ''Kyle and father! Sh*t! I need to find out if they are safe or not!''


    Leo immediately tried to get up and leave but there was no way it was going to happen with these people around. The guard immediately moved in to apprehend him.


    "Leave me! I really need to go!" He screamed as they trapped him inside his sleeping capsule and locked it from outside.


    "Why are you running away? Did anything happen back at home? Just tell me, we all are there for you." Aaron looked at Leo with a sorrowful and frustrated face. "Do you know how worried Mom and Dad are?"


    "Friend, I am extremely grateful for your help but I am not Aiden. I am not your brother," Leo replied withplicated look on his face. He didn''t have any idea to fool this person from the start. How could he dare to take another person''s identity and fool his loved ones while pretending to be him?


    Aaron looked at Leo in disbelief. He couldn''t believe his ears, he knew Aiden didn''t behave like this. He might have been a lot free spirited as a small kid but after growing up he really ad changed and be quiet. He had always been the ideal child to the point where you couldn''t find any w if you removed the fact he had didn''t have a potential as an Awakener.


    But now, the same guy was refusing to acknowledge his family.


    "And you people, how can you forcefully trap me here against my will. This no different then kidnapping. Do you know about Human rights? I will file a case against you," Leo red at all of them. He just wanted to go out now and meet Kyle and his father. He didn''t care about these people at all.


    "Human Rights are for Humans and you are not one," Captain Alen said looking at Leo with an amused look and it immediately sealed his mouth shut. Leo really couldn''t retort to that.


    "Then what about the rights of Foreign citizens?"


    "Are you admitting that you are Aiden, a Glorian?" Captain Alen asked with a smile as he crossed his arms with an interested look on his face. It seemed Leo had sessfully pissed him with his act of running away.


    ''This guy is deliberately messing with me!'' Leo really felt his veins popping out in anger.


    "I have no obligation to stay here! I am an adult and can make my own decisions. Get me out!"


    "I am sorry, but this is not how it works in Gloria and you still are not a citizen of our Sr System." The Captain replied with a smile before looking at Aaron. "What do you want to do? To be sure, we even conducted a DNA test. He is your brother. Do you want to take him back?"


    "He is just having problem with his memories. I am sure he would improve. If you take him back to a familiar environment," The Psychiatric said.


    "Yes, I will bring him back," Aaron nodded.


    No matter what problem Aiden had, his family wouldn''t just abandon. Gloria had best doctors. He was sure that they would heal Aiden in no time.


    "No!! You can''t do this to me!!" Leo freaked out.


    "You are just sick, Aiden. I am sure when you meet everyone, you will remember everything," Aaron said with a sigh as he looked at Leo banging on the ss pane of the sleeping capsule while screaming.


    "You don''t understand. I really don''t have any memories of you guys." Leo could only say that. He didn''t want to prove himself as Leo due to Kyle''s warning. But he was sure that no matter what, he wasn''t going to fool this body''s family. It wouldn''t sit right with him.


    Aaron looked at Leo with aplicated gaze.


    If he didn''t think wrong, then both the space ident and the attackst night were rted to the circumstances in Gloria. This had led to Aiden''s current state. He was sure dad would be enraged once he find out about Aiden''s condition.


    ¡­


    6 Hourster¡­


    Leo was let out of the sleeping capsule but was still trapped within the room. His brother Aaron was there with him as well and they would be leaving on the next ship to Gloria in three hours.


    Aaron had been sharing events of Aiden''s life with Leo hoping to get some reaction out of it. But Leo was not Aiden, it was all new to him.


    Still, at least Leo realized that Aaron wasn''t a bad guy. At least they had managed to form a good rtion.


    "Look Aaron, is ther-"


    "Bang!"


    A fist came raining down on Leo''s head as Aaron looked at him, "How many times do I need to tell you call me Brother?"


    Apparently, it was considered disrespectful to call older people by their names directly in Gloria.


    "Sir! Is there really no way out of this?" Leo really didn''t want to give him any fake hope.


    Aaron sighed looking at Leo, ''Well, even after losing memories, he still continues to be stubborn as hell."


    "I am taking you back. You already went through a space ident and then lost an arm. Do you not realize its dangerous to roam around without any protection." Aaron shot Leo down, crushing all his hope.


    ''I knew the space ident might have something to do with this body''s owner but I doubt the attackst night had anything to do with it.''


    Leo looked at him with a frustrated face and when another hour passed by, he knew he won''t be getting away in face of this guy.


    "Fine, I am willing to go with you. But I have a condition!"


    "You can go ahead, I will think about it. But don''t expect anything. I will drag you along even if I have to do it against your will," Aaron replied calmly as he closed the screen of his Smart link and crossed his arms, urging Leo to tell him what he wanted.


    "Let me go out for a brief while."

 Chapter 21 - 20: A Person Shrouded In Mystery

    "Let me go out for a brief while."


    "Denied!"


    Aaron immediately shot down his request without any hesitation.


    "Why? I promise, I will return! Please it won''t take long 30 minutes is enough!" Leo begged him, he would really be stressed out if he didn''t meet Kyle and his father before leaving today.


    "Its dangerous outside and you already are injured. Just take some rest, we have a long journey ahead," Aaron replied as he shook his head and once again brought out the screen from his smart link and began surfing around the Gctic Net.


    Leo looked at him and sighed, "At least give me my smart link."


    Even if it was from a distance, he really wanted to get in contact with Kyle.


    "It broke when you fell to the ground," Aaron''s words really stressed Leo and he became dejected.


    ''Nothing is going the way I want ever since my trip. Did I got cursed somewhere?'' Leo wondered as he sat down on the couch holding his head.


    A few minutes passed and he felt his tensions level rise until veins began to pop out on his face.


    Suddenly, he got up and began walking towards the locked door.


    "Where are you going?" Aaron asked in confusion.


    "I need to go out at any cost," Leo muttered as his aura shot out and he punched towards the door.


    "Bang!"


    "Idiot!" Aaron immediately rushed towards him and grabbed his wrist before Leo could throw a second punch.


    The skin on his first had broken after the first punch leaving behind a bloody imprint on the door.


    "Let go.." Leo tried to shake his hand out of his grasp but Aaron didn''t let go. He looked at Leo withplicated feelings and had never seen him behave like his. There was no more trace of the obedient guy he once knew. It was as if he was rebelling against his past self.


    ¡­.


    "You better not get get away from my side.." Aaron looked at Leo and warned him. H


    In the end, he had no choice but to consent to it.


    Leo literally had gone crazy. If he brought him back like that, only god knew what kind of storm he would cause back at home.


    Hence, it was better to get Leo toe along with his own choice. In that situation, even if he refused to acknowledge them as family, he would still behave like a normal person.


    "Why are we at a hospital?" Aaron asked looking at Leo when they finally arrived in front of hospital.


    "You said you won''t ask anything if I allowed you toe along," Leo said looking at him. If he had a choice, he really would have liked toe alone.


    Aaron''s face turned nasty as his brother''s refusal was something very knew to him, but in the end, he didn''t further ask anything.


    Leo went at the reception as Aaron stood in the distance looking at him and making sure not to lose the sight of him.


    When Leo returned, his face was really looking grave. He looked at Aaron before leading him to one of the upper floors.


    "You stand outside, I will call you inter.."


    Aaron didn''t say much but just looked at the guy and the girl inside the room before looking at the two powerful guards who were stationed outside.


    He really was starting to wonder what was going on.


    ¡­


    "Kyle! What happened?!" Leo couldn''t help but tense up seeing Kyle in that state. He seemed to be injured.


    "Its fine¡­nothing serious.." Kyle shook his head.


    "What do you mean nothing serious? He almost got himself killed.." Semantha red at him.


    "She is just exaggerating it," Kyle shook his head. "Anyways, I knew you woulde here so we stayed around.."


    "Where is my father?" Leo asked as he looked at the two of them. He had heard at the reception that the patient in his father''s room was missing.


    Both Kyle and Semantha''s expression changed and Leo couldn''t but be even more tensed.


    "Actually¡­" Kyle sighed before finally exining to him what happened.


    "So, the person who saved you took my father away?" Leo asked with a worried look on his face.


    Even though that person had saved Kyle, he couldn''t be sure that the Viking man wouldn''t do anything to his father.


    "Here¡­this was left in your father''s room," Kyle suddenly took out a ck colored cube which looked like an image recorder. "I haven''t seen what''s in there.."


    Leo took it from him in gave it a deep look before keeping it in his pocket.


    "One more thing, Leo. Your father...." Kyle paused a bit and hesitated, but in the end, he still continued, "He might not be a simple person. I will refrain you from look for him."


    "Why do you say that?" Leo asked with a frown.


    Kyle sighed with aplicated faced as he continued, "My father had asked me not to reveal about the existence of the Viking man to anyone and now it seemed that your father is also being investigated for having some kind of connection with him."


    Leo at this point of time had already realized that his father had hidden a lot of things from him. If not for that, he wouldn''t be in such a confused state right now.


    He would have never thought that one day his father would turn out be a person shrouded in mystery.


    Leo didn''t have any idea whether he would be seeing his father again or not. He really won''t be able to get free of his worries unless he met him once again.


    Life had really just in one strike left him with nothing¡­not even his own body.


    But at least his life was intact.


    "Anyway, I will be leaving soon¡­." Leo said with a helpless smile.


    Actually, he wasn''t leaving but more of being dragged away from here actually.


    Both Semantha and Kyle were surprised hearing Leo''s words. They after all didn''t understand this sudden decision and several question rose in their head like leaving to where, when and how?


    But it were all soon answered as Leo could easily guess their thoughts from the look on their faces.


    "See that guy?" He pointed his finger towards the ss pane.


    Semantha turned her head and could see a handsome guy standing outside through the ss pane.


    Aaron waves his hand at them with a smile when he realized that people were inside were looking at him and Leo had his fingers pointed in his direction.


    "Who is he?" Semantha asked and even Kyle looked at Leo for an answer.


    "This guy''s big brother," Leo helplessly said while pointing his finger at his own face.

 Chapter 22 - 21: An Admiring Son

    "Who is he?" Semantha asked and even Kyle looked at Leo for answers.


    "This guy''s big brother," Leo helplessly said while pointing his finger at his own face.


    Both Kyle and Semantha''s faces immediately changed colors and their eyes widened.


    "He is here to bring me back. And I have no way to convince him that I am not his brother. I mean even the DNA tests have matched. What am I supposed to do now?"


    "Maybe this is how it was supposed to be. If you still had your previous body, then it would have really caused you a lot of trouble. Those people might havee after you and even the federation would have taken you into custody for your father''s investigation," Semantha said with a strange smile. It seemed Leo had kind of lucked out from this misfortune.


    "We will be leaving soon anyways. It is better that you can go and start a new life somewhere else," Kyle smiled looking at Leo wishing best for him.


    He was leaving for his Higher Education to be Mech Pilot very soon and wouldn''t have time to spend like they earlier had.


    On the other hand, Semantha seemed to have made up her mind of epting the invitation of Revolving Gears, a Club, situated in An and would be leaving to join their MechField team.


    This would have left Leo alone here but it would be different now.


    "What do you mean new life? Its not going to be that easy," Leo shook his head. It wasn''t just making a new start but dealing with a whole bunch of new people who probably knew of him as Aiden. It was really going to be tough. Just thinking about it was enough to tire Leo out.


    The group continued to talk as they knew they won''t be seeing each other in person any time soon in future.


    Half an hourter...


    Leo gave Semantha a parting hug and shook Kyle''s hand, "Well then, take care."


    "I will inform you if anythinges up about your father," Kyle said as he looked at Leo.


    "Yeah, I am counting on you ." Leo nodded with a smile before once again looking at Semantha, "And you better be a star when we meet next time."


    "Leave it to me.." Semantha replied while thumping her chest.


    And then, he left.


    ¡­.


    "Who were those people?" Aaron asked as he looked at Leo.


    "You said you wouldn''t ask," Leo looked at the guy who was clearly on the way of going back on his promise.


    "Those two are friends that I made here. Before I met youst night, I was with that guy and when those people attacked, he was injured¡­ "


    "He apparently is my mistaken identity''s friend.." He further added making Aaron''s brow to arch up in surpise.


    "So you recognize him?" Aaron couldn''t help but ask.


    "No," Leo shook his head.


    "Then doesn''t that mean that confirm that your memories are fake?" Aaron smiled as if he had found evidence.


    "I don''t know about that, but I know I am not Aiden. I don''t have any memories about you or my life as Aiden," Leo insisted on denying it.


    Aaron could only sigh at this.


    Leo didn''t want to lie it was just that he didn''t want this guy to look into this matter too deeply. After all, if it was proved that he had really changed bodies then he would be done for.


    ¡­.


    Space Station, Rise City.


    Leo looked at the surroundings while standing on the board of the ship. They still had a few minutes left before theunch. He wanted to capture as much view as he could of this before leaving.


    He still found it hard to believed that things had changed so quickly. Besides, there was so many questions that he still had left unanswered.


    What happened during that one month?


    Where was his body?


    Where was the real Aiden?


    Why did he became an Inheritor?


    Whose legacy was he carrying on his shoulders?


    Who was his father?


    Who were those people who had attacked him?


    Who was his mother?


    He could still probably go on and have much left unanswered.


    "What are you doing? Come inside, its about theunch time," Aaron''s voice awoke Leo from his state of deep introspections about his life in recent times.


    "Coming¡­" He sighed before turning around and walking towards his cabin.


    And soon, the spaceship left the space station before exiting Earth''s atmosphere.


    ¡­


    Leo sighed once again looking at the Blue getting farther and farther away from them.


    "Look, I know you are all confused because of your memories. But don''t misbehave with anyone or else you will cry after you get back your memories," Aaron warned him.


    He could see that Leo''s illness was more severe than he thought it to be and he looked extremely dejected on leaving earth. He just hope that Leo wouldn''t do anything that he would have to regretter on.


    "Don''t worry. I am not that kind of guy. I don''t like trouble as well. But, I don''t think I can just ept myself as Aiden and act like its all normal," Leo shook his head in denial.


    "The DNA test matched. What else do you want? You are just confused by the shock from the Space ident. I am sure that you will regain your memories pretty soon." Aaron patted Leo''s shoulder while lecturing him with utmost confidence.


    If it was before, Leo really might have doubted himself that he was actually Aiden. But now that he met Arthur, he knew that he was not Aiden but Leo. As for how this body change had urred, he had no idea about it. But it was indeed shocking.


    "I forgot to ask but you said that ourst name was Silver, wasn''t it?" Leo suddenly asked in curiosity. After all, who wouldn''t think of a certain someone after hearing Silver.


    "Yes!" Aaron nodded.


    "Are we by chance rted to Edgar Silver? I am a huge fan of his," Leo finally looked a bit excited after exiting from his depressed state. This was probably the only thing he was looking forward to in Gloria. He didn''t need much, just a nce from far away was enough.


    Edgar Silver, a man hailed as the Thunder Hero. He possessed a Golden Ranked skill and was rumored to be a Lv 81 Emperor. His Mech named Thunder Lord was said to be the strongest of the thunder type mechs out there. It was capable of moving at a terrifying speed and had cut through the enemy ranks in the war which had ended 30 years ago.


    The alloy with which the Mech was crafted was rumored to have Arora stone smelted in it, giving it a super conductivity with Arora energy. Only god knew how many times it was capable of amplifying the pilot''s Awakened skill.


    ''It would be great if I could have a look at the strongest thunder type Mech as well..'' Leo couldn''t help but grin while fantasizing about it. It was only a minuteter did he realize that Aaron was staring at him in a weird manner.


    "Did I say something wrong?" Leo asked looking at him in confusion.


    "No...nothing....I just never thought I would hear something like that from you," Aaron shook his head with augh.


    "Why I can''t admire him?" Leo couldn''t help but frown at his word.


    Aaron smiled at Leo, seemed that Aiden losing his memories was interesting after all. He was really looking after to see everyone''s expression when they saw this changed guy.


    "Speak if you have something to say, don''t just keep smiling like that," Leo looked at him a bit annoyed.


    Seeing that he was still staring at him a bit upset, Aiden finally said, "There is nothing wrong with a son admiring his father."

 Chapter 23 - 22: Bionic Battle Arm

    "Father?" Leo looked at Aaron as his expression suddenly changed, "You don''t mean¡­"


    Aaron nodded while barely being able to hold hisughter back.


    Leo froze to his spot. He really didn''t know how to react. This had gone way beyond his eptable scope. He was happy that he would be meeting one of idols but what about his idol being his father?


    You gotta be kidding him!!


    These two were entirely different thing!


    Being the son of such a person definitely smelled a trouble to Leo, no wonder Aiden had people after his life.


    ''Why did this guy had to the son of such a big shot? Will I have a peaceful life¡­'' He really felt drained just thinking about it. Leo didn''t know how he would be able to survive in his new life.


    Aaron who was trouble all along suddenly began to find Leo''s reaction to be interesting as he told him about their family. It was really a different experience seeing him react like that and acting in a way he would have never thought him to.


    ¡­


    Two days passed¡­.


    Leo and Aaron were still on the spaceship and far from reaching their destination.


    There was another thing which Leo had suddenly noticed. He didn''t know when it happened, but now he had several guards around him.


    He didn''t even know when these people had boarded the ship but by the time he realized it, they were already around him everywhere quietly following him around.


    Even when he tried to Scan them with Arthur''s help, nothing came to his hand except their physical traits.


    Right now, he had been very bored, staying in his cabin the whole day. Aaron wasn''t there was as well and gone to hit the gym on the ship while Leo refused his invitation as he wasn''t a training or muscle freak.


    This behavior had yet again dumbfounded Aaron. Because to him Leo forgetting his memory was still eptable to some extent but him forgetting to train and not only that but even going as far as to refuse it.


    Aaron truly didn''t know just how many people''s jaw would hit floor if the matter came out in public.


    Leo had no idea or at least he seemed to have forgotten that Aiden was an extremely hardworking freak of nature.


    "Is this guy really a training freak?" Leo muttered before taking out his Awakener card. He had asked Aaron a lot of things and it included a few things about being Awakener and this card as well. "Let''s see my stats.."


    [Name: Unregistered Card]


    [Lv 1: Awake]


    [Yellow Rank Skill: Charge]


    [Race: Glorian]


    [Stats]


    Strength: 6


    Agility: 9


    Stamina: 7


    Most people when awakened had their states measured around 0 to 10 points in all there stats at the beginning and looking at the points distribution, Leo could tell that Aiden was better than the most people for sure, it was only that his skill rank was lower, otherwise he would really be able to achieve greatness.


    But to Leo, even having a low rank skill was a bliss. Because to the previous him, having a skill would meant bing an awakener.


    Leo didn''t care if he was a strong awakener or not. As long as he had that title, it was enough for him honestly.


    After all, in the past if Leo had that title, then he would have gotten epted into an Academy and wouldn''t have gotten in this body change mess at all.


    But obviously this was not the present now...


    In the end, he shook his head, thinking about what never happened wasn''t going to help him anyway. And instead it was better to concentrate on the present.


    ''ording to Aaron, there are two ways to increase my Level. The first one is to train the usage of my skill and increased its affinity with Arora Energy and as long as my skill develops and levels up, my stats would do the same with the increase in quality of my Arora energy. The second way, is a slower one and it doesn''t give you a guarantee to level up. It is to train your body and increase your stats to strengthen the body and in in turn it would improve your body''s connection with Arora Energy.''


    People obviously work both way as that would lead to a faster growth and it was specially advantageous for those people who hadbat type skills.


    But the second method was very limited. It basically just help in a faster level up and you couldn''t give up on training your skill as that was the foundation of your breakthrough.


    ''''Do I have to train as well?'''' Leo muttered before letting out a sigh.


    Until now he had thought that only people withbat type skill and with the aim to be Soldiers or Mech Pilots trained physically.


    And even if he did awaken abat skill which was most unlikely to happen, he didn''t have ns of joining army. So, there was never a need for Leo to focus on physical training that intensely. But now, didn''t he need to reach Lv 11?


    Just thinking about it was enough to give Leo a headache.


    ''Hey Arthur, didn''t your creator designed something to help me strengthen my body? Like in a few minutes or something?''


    [Searching¡­.]


    [Page-143]


    [Bionic Battle Arm]


    The pages of the inheritance book suddenly opened up in Leo''s mind and those words appeared with a blueprint below.


    [This Bionic Battle Arm could be used to rece your severed arm. It can pair up with your charge skill and act without any need of batteries. It will even allow you to be in a constant state of skill usage and would improve your skill control.]


    Leo eyes gleamed with a strange light. He was interested in this thing.


    After all, Bionic Arms could be stronger then average human arms but when it came to physique of an Awakener, it weren''t of any use.


    These thing weren''t your actual body part and couldn''t release your skill even if you were an Awakener. Not to mention, it couldn''t grow stronger with the rest of your body as well.


    But this thing here apparently was a battle arm and could even allow Leo to use his skill.


    And it really piqued Leo''s curiosity as person because he had never heard of a product like this in the market.


    After all, aside from human''s own body only a Mecha''s body was able to release a skill due to the Arora reactors in them.


    And an Arora reactor small enough to fir in a bionic arm was unheard of. This was still not the end, as there was still a need for protective screen which would keep the user safe from the radiation of the core and keep the heat locked in.


    This had been deemed impossible with current technology.


    But now this thing here, was somehow iming to do the same...


    How could it not interest Leo?


    But unfortunately the jargons in these things blue prints were really killing him.. He would have to start from the first page properly, only then could he possibly understand everything.

 Chapter 24 - 23: Reaching Gloria

    Leo looked at the [Bionic Battle Arm] for a good while before closing the book and asking Arthur, ''I get it, this could increase my arm strength in short time and also allow me to train my skill. But I was asking about something like in terms of physical training which kind of....don''t need me to do the real hard work,'' Leo forced a smile on his face as he shamelessly asked about it.


    [Stop beingzy. You need to live up to our Legator''s name.]


    It immediately shut Leo''s mouth up and smile on his face dissapeared.


    He really was speechless and couldn''t help but doubt whether this thing was an A.I. Its emotionless voice indeed sounded like one but you couldn''t say that it was an A.I. from the selections of its words.


    [Searching for Physical strengthening method¡­] Arthur still searched for something that could help Leo train physically.


    And he was indeed a bit surprised when another two pages opened up.


    [Pg- 357]


    [Niverian Kicking Arts]


    It was something like Kick boxing and Muay Thai at its initial stages but the intensity and strength depicted in it was on another level. Another one thing to be noted here was that there wasn''t any involvement of punches in this sports at all.


    And it wasn''t just due to a rule but some kind of belief which was very evident from the quote below which read, ''Schr''s don''t punch others.''


    It seemed that Kicking was fine though.


    Anyway, Leo tried to look for its Volume 2 since he was curious about what was further ahead within it, but the second volume wasn''t avable within Arthur''s directory.


    He then closed it and turned towards the new page in his mind and once agian found himselfcking in words.


    [Pg- 217]


    [Full Workout Machine]


    It really was nothing but a gym machine but one could do all the workouts with it.


    ''Is this really going to help?'' He couldn''t help but ask in doubt.


    [Don''t underestimate our Great creator, there is not a single thing in this Inheritance which isn''t valuable..] Arthur''s voice was same as usual, but maybe because it was a part of his body now that Leo could feel the pride in its voice.


    ¡­


    ''Its time..'' Leo suddenly realized it was time for something special and immediately got out of his cabin before moving towards the lower deck of the spaceship.


    The ce had a garage and the Security Mechs were stationed there. Leo had just came to have a look here on the first day but who would have thought the guy who was doing the maintenance of the Mech was nice enough to allow Leo to have a look as he worked.


    Maybe it was this new body''s identity that got the man to behave in such a manner. After all this was a Glorian passenger ship which traveled between Sr System and Gloria.


    "Do you want to sit inside?" The person suddenly asked looking at Leo.


    "Can I?" Leo obviously wasn''t expecting this and immediately became excited.


    "Of course, everything here belongs to you after all," The man smiled lookin at Leo.


    "Huh?" Leo looked at him in confusion, "What do you mean?"


    "You don''t know? This Transport Company belongs to the Silver Corps," The maintenance guy said with an odd look on his face, he didn''t expected the owners son to have no idea about it.


    "Uh-yeah.." Leo nodded, ''Shoot! I knew this body''s family was rich but just thinking that I could own a Spaceship seems ridiculous to me. I don''t think I will be getting use to this new life anytime soon.''


    He sighed inwardly before throwing those concerns outside the bag.


    There was a Mech waiting for him to enter its cockpit after all!


    This Mech was the 2nd Generation of Avalon''s Space Type Mechs. It''s body was bigger then most of the Mechs in the second generation and was a bit wider at its upper section. But it was still very capable when it came it to space maneuvers and was the award winning model of its time.


    Leo slowly climbed up thedder and the moment he entered the cockpit through its back, he really felt blessed. He would probably never forget that vision of seeing the world from inside of a Mech.


    ''I can die now,'' He muttered blissful smile.


    Even if he couldn''t be a Mech pilot due to his potential, he still was able to at least sit inside one.


    He looked at the control system and saw the head gear along with the parts of the controlling suits which would be active and connect the pilot with the Mech. The floor below was made with an conductor which could be used to transfer energy to the Arora core at the Mech''s heart and power it up.


    Leo really couldn''t control his excitement and began to vite the Mech''s interior as he ran his hands all over with a red face.


    ...


    "Isn''t he taking too long? Did he fall asleep?" The maintenance guy was still waiting for Leo toe out and it had already been thirty minutes since Leo entered.


    But how would he knew that this was Leo and not Aiden. He was having his sweet time checking every inch of the beauty and would still be taking a while before finallying out.


    And when Leo really dide out, he was shocked and repeatedly apologized to the man after realizing that he had been there for two whole hours.


    ....


    The next few days passed by peacefully...


    And soon, a week had passed..


    Leo and Aaron left Earth and had already traveled a great distance passing through a few gxies and entering the Glory Way Gxy where Gloria was situated.


    And they were about to reach their. This had once again cause Leo to be tensed and he was having a headache thinking about the events ahead.


    "How did you reached earth so fast when it took us a week to reach here?" He suddenly asked looking at Aaron. He had been meaning to ask it for a while.


    "I was already out and was a gxy or two away from Earth when I received information about you. It wasn''t a big deal to hope onto different System''s Military Spaceships to reach Earth in a short amount of time once I threw father''s name out," Aaron said with augh.


    "We are about to enter Gloria''s Gravitational Field in five minutes. The Passengers are requested to put on their seat belts and prepare fornding."


    "We are finally home.." Aaron smiled looking at Leo but Leo really couldn''t smile at all. His tough days were probably going to start from here.


    Now only god could help him¡­.

 Chapter 25 - 24: A Different Nation

    Air Nest, Capital City, Glorian Empire.


    ''What the hell is this ce?'' Leo was really shocked when he had observed the ce through the ss pane of his cabin as theynded at the Space Station.


    He really didn''t have words to describe this ce.


    The ce had a lot of vegetation around and Leo had even managed to catch the sight of the evolved fauna species out open in the forest roaming around.


    Wasn''t that dangerous? Did these people lived like early humans?


    On Earth, they either put these evolved species in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. After all, even the cuter one of these guys could chomp of the dinosaurs.


    When Leo asked Aaron about it, he justughed it out. It seemed Glorian''s really cared for natural bnce in the environment so they had left most of the natural species untouched. And yes there were asional problems with these dangerous animals running around but they had their Wildlife rangers to deal with it.


    Aaron suddenly realized that Leo wascking much more knowledge than he initially thought him to have. He was basically no different than a foreigner visiting the ce for the first time. Hence, he decided to give a quick intro about Gloria as they waited to get off the Spaceship.


    Leo was baffled after listening Aaron talk about Gloria. He knew some of the stuff but most of it was new to him and yet he somehow felt all of it to be familiar as if he had this kind of conversation before. But no matter what he did, he couldn''t recall it all.


    The Alien geography and politics of Gloria was really different then the one that Leo had seen on earth. Gloria wasn''t a Democracy but a Monarchy and it seemed that every thing that came under the Glory Way Gxy was the part of its Empire.


    He had heard that the Gloria''s Emperor, Regan G. Lynchfield, was a good friend of Edgar Silver and was a fellowrade in the raid team 30 years ago. He was the Long ranger of the team and was named the Ranged Hero due to his specialization in long ranged weapons.


    His Mech was definitely a beauty and it honestly didn''t look like one made for a male pilot.


    The Mech was named Artemis and was renowned for having the best sniping support system built in.


    "Let''s go," Aaron suddenly said when it was time to get off for them and slowly led the way while Leo nervously followed behind him.


    ¡­


    ''Huh?'' Leo was surprised to see that no one from his family was here. He had expected a drama on this Space Station to begin with. Why was it so quiet now?


    "Its not that they don''t want toe, its just that theming out would be a disaster for you," Aaron said seeing Leao''s expression and then pointed towards the people in the distance. "Those paparazzis there are ready to capture any drama. There are already rumors going around that you ran away. If anyonees here then that would be kinda confirming it. And you will be out in the paper again being turned into a joke by some scheming guy."


    "I have just stepped in this ce and people are already scheming against me? What did I do?" Leo was really speechless.


    "This is what it means when you are the part of Aristocracy. Since they can''t do anything to father due his strength and fame, they would find other ways to attack him." Aaron shook his head and sighed.


    Well, it seemed that this was something which came with wealth, fame and power. It wasn''t so umon back on Earth as well but Leo had never got a taste of it.


    "But still, they got me in this bandages and a missing arm. Are you sure it won''t affect anything?" He couldn''t help but ask while pointing at his missing arm and Aaron''s face flinched.


    "Yeah, the ident can''t be hidden for sure," He said with a nod before sighing, "And I still haven''t informed anyone about it."


    Aaron really didn''t know how to say it to them. This guy just didn''t ran away but even managed to lose his memories and left arm at the top of it.


    Aaron really felt an headache thinking about what was going to happen when they would return, "I bet Mom would havee running here if she knew about your condition.."


    "Most moms are creature like that after all and I am sure your Mom is the same.." Leo replied with a smile while inwardly thinking if his mom was the same or not? Did she even knew he was alive?


    "What do you mean my mom? She is yours too," Aaron said with a frown pulling Leo back from his thoughts.


    "I said I am not Aiden," Leo denied it.


    Aaron opened his mouth to retort but knew it was futile.


    The two soon arrived out to the streets and Leo was once again surprised to see strange animals out there with people riding on them.


    Just what in hell was wrong with this ce?


    There were no cars and bikes on the street too.


    "Don''t look so surprised. In Gloria when children reached 18, they are given a pet by their parents. Its a tradition to allow one to understand what it meant to taken someone''s responsibility." Aaron said as he noticed the surprised look on Leo''s face.


    ''Right!" Leo remembered seeing some weird survey results on Gctic Net showing that Gloria was the nation with most pets around in one family.


    "And you won''t find any vehicle on the streets. The streets are here used for short distances travel and also for riding on your animalpanion." Aaron further said with a smile.


    "What kind of rule is this? What will people do if they are in a hurry?"


    "If you really are in hurry then take it to the sky," Aaron said pointing above when something zoomed past a few hundreds of metes above them at an terrifying speed.


    Leo looked above and his eyes widened. He had only heard about it but it was his first time seeing flying cars. Back on Earth he had heard that a few nations were sessful in making it and Earth was among them too but it was too expensive to be of actual use as most people wouldn''t be able to afford it.


    And for a few people it really was going to be a huge expenditure to create an entire system from scratch just to manage these flying vehicles and all rted things with them like, Air traffic, Pathways, idents, insurance, rules and many more.


    Besides, they already had cars running on the street and then there were Light Speed Circle for fast long distance transport and hence the project was called off due tock of feasibility. But now here¡­


    "This ce is really different." Leo was really feeling ufortable, he might have been enjoying it if he was a tourist but he clearly wasn''t one.


    "We are not humans. If you want to rte us to human then you are in wrong. Even though we look the same, we have different history and have followed different developmental path. Still, after such a long time, I guess the differences are shrinking with Universalization and Free trade at its peak." Aaron''s words were indeed true. Each race had affected one another and this had led to exchange of new technologies and knowledge from one another. "But, you still need to remember to differentiate between two races because what you think is normal for one might not be the same for other."


    Leo understood what he meant. Each species had different style of living and history. What is a certain given to one, can be unreasonable to other. So Leo had to be careful or he would be treated as a mad man or rebel.


    "Come on, our ride is here," Aaron said as he walked towards one of stationed semi sphere shaped like vehicle with a t bottom. That thing was levitating an inch above the ground.


    As the two got inside, Leo was surprised to see that it had the control system with A.I. support. And obviously it was indeed strictly for support as there was still a steering for driver to handle.


    "Do we head back straight at home Master Aaron?" The driver asked looking at the two. His eyes seemed to have stopped when he saw Leo''s missing arm and then looked at Aaron.


    "Just take us home," Aaron replied with a sigh and his expression said it all to the driver.


    On the way, Leo kept his head out and observed the ce to the best of his ability.


    It seemed it exactly wasn''t like Earth in terms of infrastructure, but the air was fresher here and there were no huge sky scrapers around. Instead the luxurious business houses and public offices seemed to conduct their work on those mansions and castle like structure ording to Aiden. But it reminded Leo''s earth''s history books, as structure like those didn''t exist anymore on earth.


    But apparently, it was the norm here as these people were used to such type of houses.


    But Leo didn''t know if these old relics were the same from inside as well as they had been shown in his books.


    "We are here, Master Aaron.."


    And it seemed that they had finally arrive back home.

 Chapter 26 - 25: Family Drama

    "What''s wrong?" Aaron asked looking at Leo who had yet to get out of the vehicle.


    "Do I really have no other choice?" Leo asked looking at him with a troubled face.


    Aaron sighed again, "Bro! This is our family! Juste with me, I am sure you will remember everything fast and it won''t be ufortable anymore."


    He grabbed Leo remaining arm before dragging him along as the two went toward the main door of the huge mansion after exiting the garage which had dozens of vehicle parked in it.


    ''These people really are rich,'' Leo muttered inwardly as he observed the ce around. There were a number of servants who kept keep greeting him as ''Master Aiden'' as the two made their way through the ce.


    The two finally reached the door and as soon as they took a step in, Leo who was still observing the ce heard hurried steps approaching them.


    And the next instant, he saw a beautiful woman who seemed to be around in her 20s walking down the stairs and with tears flowing down her eyes. When she got closer to Leo, she embraced him with all her might without saying a single word to him.


    Leo was immediately dumbfounded and raised his hands up high in the air and turned towards Aaron with an expression that said ''What the hell!''. He was really ufortable after suddenly being hugged by an unknowndy.


    Aaron red at him with a menacing look on his face before turning towards thedy as his expression turned gentle, "Mom, calm down. He is fine now."


    ''Mom? Not Sister?'' Leo looked at thedy once again. She shared a stark resemnce to Aiden with Silver white hairs and blue eyes. But didn''t she looked a bit too young? Hell, he even mistook her for his sister.


    "Where did you go, Aiden? Did we made some mistake to upset you? Did you know how worried everyone was?" She said with a sobbing voice while touch his cheeks gently with her palm.


    Leo really didn''t know how to react, why the hell was he suddenly feeling guilty looking at the cryingdy when he didn''t even do anything?


    "Hmmn?" Thedy suddenly felt something was off with Leo''s body and the next instant she realized that he was missing an arm.


    "W-What happened to you?" She ran her hands all over Leo''s body making him even more ufortable, but knowing that she had assumed him to be his son, Leo didn''t pull back. He could see the genuine concern on her face after all.


    Aaron knew it wasing, it wasn''t like they could just hide the fact. In the end, he sighed and finally let it out, "He was attacked."


    Her eyes dted and she suddenly turned to look towards Aaron.


    "Who?" She asked as a chill suddenly shed past in her eyes making Leo feel that someone hadid him down on a block of ice. He then slowly started to realize that no one in this family was normal.


    "I didn''t get any information on him. He hid himself well." Aaron shook his head with a grim look on his face.


    Thedy calmed herself down seeing that there was no lead on the case and hence turned her attention back towards Leo with a gentle look on her face before pulling him inside, "Come in first, I have made all your favorite dishes today."


    Aaron wanted to stop and let her know about Leo''s mental situation but she had already pulled him inside by now. He knew he had to inform her upfront about it, because if Leo just said that she wasn''t his mom to her face, he could imagine her heart breaking into pieces.


    As he rushed after them, a loud voice suddenly stopped everyone dead in their tracks, "You dare toe in here without even a slightest bit of guilt on your face!!!"


    Leo raised his head to see one of his idols standing near the railing on the first floor. His eyes immediately were filled with reverence looking at the man but the same couldn''t be said for him. He was literally shaking in anger.


    It was then that Leo realized that the man wasn''t looking at him as his fan but as his son.


    "Whoosh!"


    Edgar jumped off the first floor and his body slowly descended to the groundnding right in front of Leo.


    He was really tall and had that aura around which made people hard to breathe. It seemed he had just rushed here from his work and was still in his Military attire with a big overcoat hanging on his back which seemed to read ''Marshal''. He even had a scabbard tied to his waist and it definitely menacing to Leo for some reason.


    "Do you not have anything to say, Aiden?" He asked with a frown when he saw Leo staring at him with a weird look in his eye and it only pissed him more. To him it seemed that his son had failed to realize his mistake, "Do you not feel shame returning with that face? Why did youe back when you don''t even seem to have an ounce of regret?"


    Leo turned his head to look at Aaron with a face, ''Bro? I can leave?''


    Aaron groaned inwardly, it was obvious that his father was just trying to scold him and make him realize his mistake, ''Did he really lose his ability to lose his ability to think as a Glorian?''


    Obviously Leo knew about it as a human. But this was Gloria and he didn''t knew if Glorian''s behave in this way too and was just confirming it.


    It was also Leo''s first time getting scolded like this as his father never scolded him, it was actually the opposite in his case and he was the one always scolding his father for messing around instead of doing some actual work.


    "Apologize to him." His mother quietly whispered from the side.


    "I heard that, Viona." Edgar red at the pair of mother and son before speaking out, "He will not be staying in this house until he realizes his mistake. This time he lost his arm, do you want him to continue like this until he loses his life? He needs to understand what is wrong and what is right!"


    He seemed to have meant not inside the house but Leo took it otherwise and once again looked at Aaron but the guy didn''t reply.


    "Do you really need to be so hard on him?" Viona frowned and pulled Leo behind her while ring at her husband. "Isn''t this why he left? You punish him the moment he returns instead of asking why he left like that."


    Sparks suddenly began to fly around between the couple when Leo suddenly raised his hand and spoke in, "Excuse me, but if you don''t want me, I am more than happy to leave."


    "¡­"


    The ce suddenly turned quiet for a second.


    ''Sh*t!'' Aaron cursed inside and immediately rushed in to support his fainting mother and stop his raging father who was about to unsheathe his sword.


    ¡­.


    A few minutester¡­


    The family sat on their dinning table with Leo being the center of the attention. There concerned gazes were really a bit too much for Leo to handle, he wasn''t crazy or mentally ill. But they weren''t believing him at all.


    Both Edgar and Viona had gone silent and worry covered their faces. It really was hurting to see their child not even recognizing them as their parents and addressing them as Sir and Madam.


    Leo wasn''t liking this too and sighed looking at their sad faces.


    Was faking it and pretending to be their son the right thing for him to do?


    He didn''t know. But he somehow couldn''t bring himself to do that.


    "Aiden, do you really don''t recognize me?" Viona asked as she looked at Leo with glistening eyes.


    How could Leo say yes when she made a face like that? In the end, he was left with his mouth opening and closing but nothing actually came out of it.


    "He must be tired, honey. Let him go and have some rest." Edgar looking at Leo''s helpless face stepped in to help. He didn''t know much about mental health but he realized that forcing him to ept things was not a solution and might even do worse than any better.


    A servant came and led Leo towards his room and the family reunion ended on a sad note.


    As soon as Leo was gone, both Edgar and Viona''s face changed and they looked at Aaron, "Go in detail about all the event that had transpired."


    Aaron nodded having already taken out the details regarding the incident.


    ¡­


    "The guy lives pretty simply for a rich person," Leo muttered as he looked around the room.


    He could say that the guy wasn''t interested much in spending money for sure. There were some gym equipment around in the room and aside from that, there were posters of Mech around as well. It seemed the two shared some interest at least.


    Aside from that there were the basic stuff which everyone had. A projection screen inside the wall and then there was a sound system, it seemed Aiden liked music another hobby which matched with Leo.


    He then saw a rack filled with training gears. There was even a long shiny spear which was kept hooked on the wall and Leo could tell that it was one of the most expensive item around.


    Don''t underestimate his eyes, he had been appraising items for a long time now.


    After looking around for a while, Leo settled down.


    He then unpacked his stuff and sat on thefy bed before taking out a cube which had apparently been left behind by his father. Kyle had said to him that his father had been taken by a Viking man and before he left, he had ce the cube on the bed.


    Luckily, Kyle had managed to get his hands on it and then pass it onto Leo.

 Chapter 27 - 26: A Mischievous Little Sister

    Leo looked at the cube and tried to activate it. But even though it looked like an image recorder, it didn''t seem to be a normal one.


    "Arthur, scan it for me," Hemanded after failing to get anything out of it.


    [Scanning¡­]


    [Complete....showing results.]


    [Data Cube]


    [A cube that has data stored within it and can be only opened after passing through the restrictions]


    [Restrictions: A ck Arora Energy Signature is required along with a password.]


    [Note: Two wrong entries of password will erase all the information inside the cube.]


    Leo''s eyes contracted when he heard that. A ck Arora Energy signature would ce him at least at Lv 61, that was something he could never imagine himself to be at.


    ''Just what is going on? Why would father leave this thing behind? And the ridiculous level requirement, just what kind of life had his father led before he was born?'' Leo''s eyes shed with aplicated look in them. He really didn''t know what to do.


    Here he was having difficulty even reaching Lv 11. How was he supposed to reach Lv 61?


    There was one thing he could do though. If he could ask Aiden''s father or mother to help then it could definitely work out as he knew the password probably. After all, his father had only one password for all his stuff and Leo was aware of it and that was most likely why Von had left the password on this thing.


    But Leo felt that his father had left those restriction as a warning to him that he shouldn''t look for him or get involved if he couldn''t even reach that level.


    In the end, he sighed and kept it back within his bag before getting up to get fresh.


    ¡­


    "I will never get used to this feeling of luxury," Leo shook his head as he walked out of the bathroom in his bathrobe and got dressed up in something which suited his taste. After all, looking at the clothes, he really couldn''t say he like Aiden''s sense of fashion.


    "Master Aiden, its time for lunch," The servant''s voice came from the door and he replied a few secondster remembering that he was Aiden now and not Leo.


    "Coming!"


    "I am even losing my name after my body," Leo shook his head and sighed as he got out of the room.


    ....


    "So you really are back, loser.." A sweet sounding voice entered his hears the moment he stepped out of his room.


    Leo turned around to look at the person who had came out from the room adjacent to his.


    It was a girl with long silky ck hairs and deep blue eyes. She indeed was a beauty and wore a ck colored off the shoulder dress which went up to her knees and above that she had blue shrug on. She was stylish unlike Aiden for sure. But Leo didn''t seem pleased with the way she was looking at him.


    "Who are you?" He asked looking at her with a calm face. He had heard about Aiden having a little sister named Amelia but she didn''t seem little to him at all.


    "So, you indeed lost your memories along with your arm?" She asked in surprise before circling around him in curiosity.


    "Does it hurt?" She asked while poking her finger at the ce where his arm had been severed.


    ''Of course it for!'' Leo really was speechless. He had his arm cut off and you were asking if it hurt or not? It hurts when you get a small cut and here he was standing with an arm missing.


    "Are you my sister?" Leo asked since she didn''t seem interested in telling it herself.


    "No, I am not," She shook her head.


    "Amy!"


    The girl''s body shook when Viona''s angry voice entered her ears.


    Leo turned his head to look at the woman who was walking towards them with anger written all over her face. It was obvious that this girl had lied to him.


    "Didn''t I say behave properly with your brother? He is sick now, do you know your behavior can worsen his condition?" Viona berated her with a furious face and Amelia''s face dimmed down a lot.


    "I was just joking with him, Mom!" Amelia suddenly eximed while warping her arms around Leo''s hand, making him ufortable.


    Why weren''t this people realizing it?


    He had no memory of them. They were strangers to him and you don''t like having close contact with strangers.


    "Right, brother? We were just joking around weren''t we?" She looked at him with eyes saying ''You better not screw up here''.


    "Do you think, I didn''t see anything Amelia? Just let you Dad return, I wi-"


    "It''s fine. It was just a joke and I don''t mind it," Leo intervened and calmly removed his hand from her grasp. In truth, he was more than happy with her attitude if she really didn''t consider him as her brother.


    He then calmly walked down the stairs towards the dinning table while the two were left standing there as they stared at his back.


    "What do you think you were doing, Amy?" Viona asked as she looked at her when Leo was finally gone.


    "Umn¡­" She really had no words to say here.


    "Look, I am warning you again. Don''t y anymore pranks like this on your brother. You saw his attitude. We want him to feel us like a family not as strangers." Vionna said with a stern gaze before asking, "Do you have understand?"


    "Yes.." Amelia nodded with a slight pout on her face.


    "Good! One week from now, we will send him back to the Academy. I want you to help him familiarize with everything and introduce him back to his friends."


    Amelia''s eyes widened and she immediately refused, "No way!! That''s embarrassing!!"


    "Why do I have to tag along with that loser?!!" She was almost on the verge of crying and let her mouth slip identally.


    "What did you say?!!" Viona red at her and Amelia immediately shut her mouth up.


    "I said I will do it. He is my lovely brother after all," Amelia replied as her face blossomed with a sweet smile but at the back, a drop of sweat slid down her nape. She knew how scary her mom could be when she was angry, especially when someone call Aiden by names like that. She had even personally suffer her wrath and missed meals after letting her tongue slip.


    ¡­


    Downstairs¡­


    Leo, Amelia, Aaron along with Viona sat down on the dinning table. Edgar was missing, apparently he hade here after hearing that Leo''s spaceship had arrived and now he was gone back. And if Leo was not wrong, he was gone because of him and Leo would soon be having a meeting with the best Psychiatric and Neurological doctor in Gloria.


    On the dinning table, Viona and Aaron tried to bring up topics about the past to talk while Leo and Amelia quietly sat down focusing on their meal.


    Leo was specially having a hard time with the food. The food wasn''t bad, but it didn''t suit his taste. I mean everyone had a liking and disliking. It was specially even more so now that he was in such an ufortable situation. But he just couldn''t say that to the kinddy when she had apparently done a lot of work to prepare it with her own two hands.


    "You really don''t remember anything or are you just lying?"


    A light voice entered Leo''s ear and he nced at Amelia beside him.


    "Why? You doubt me?" He couldn''t help but ask with a helpless smile on his face. He wasn''t just missing his memories as her brother but his entire being from within.


    "Hmmn? Do you know, Becky cried a lot after you went missing? She even ended up confessing that she is in love with you," Amelia said with a smirk on her face but Leo''s expressionless face couldn''t help but make her frown.


    Let''s be honest, she had lied to him. Becky would never cry. It was just that she thought Aiden had enough of his life and was now lying to get away with what he wanted to.


    But now that she looked at his reactionless face, she knew that he wasn''t lying. After all, there was no way he would be able to remain so nonchnt about it.


    "Who is she?" Leo suddenly asked dumbfounding her.


    He obviously had no idea who this person was and he didn''t haven any intention to get a girl who was in love with the real owner of the body.


    "I don''t have a girlfriend, right?" He further asked because if it turned out to be that way, he really wouldn''t know how to deal with it.


    Amelia stared at Leo and felt her ears buzzing, she had only a two line conversation with Leo earlier and now that she was finally talking to him, she couldn''t help but feel, ''Who is this guy?''

 Chapter 28 - 27: Learning To Throw A Kick

    "You really don''t remember, Becky?" Amelia asked with an amused look on her face.


    "What kind of idiotic question is that, if I don''t even recognize you guys how in hell am I going to recognize someone else. Not to mention, I don''t think I will ever consider myself as Aiden even if I know it in my mind," Leo shook his head, this denial would be an every day job for him now.


    Aaron and Viona looked at the two whispering and their faces turned strange. Aiden was a hardworking and disciplined kid but Amelia was the exact opposite of him and two were always at each other''s throat trying to force their ideals upon each other.


    There wasn''t a day when the two didn''t argue and fought. But now looking at the two quietly sitting and chatting like a normal siblings really made them feel weird.


    "So, have you just forgotten us or have you also forgotten your dumb ways of life as well?" She asked looking at Leo in curiosity.


    "Forgotten," Leo replied casually, he didn''t have anything to do with Aiden.


    He didn''t know why but he felt that little sister of his would be the easiest one to talk with as the rest were just trying to be extra considerate and make him remember things which he actually had never experienced.


    "Really? You aren''t going to train the whole day now?" She asked with a smile. It seems she was the only one enjoying this situation.


    Leo shook his head again, he didn''t have any aim of those types. He just wanted to be a Mech Designer and not a Mech pilot. "Do I look like a Barbarian to you? I have no interest in violence."


    "Cough!"


    "Cough!"


    When she heard those words she choked on her food. She felt as if lightning had struck her. No it was even worse than that. The probably of getting struck by lighting was still a thousand times higher than that of Aiden saying those words.


    "Here," Leo passed his ss of water to her.


    "Thanks," Amelia gulped it down and spoke after finally calming down.


    As Leo was about to turn towards the food again, he saw Viona and Aaron staring at them as if they had seen a ghost.


    "Mom, did I hear Amelia say thanks to Aiden?" Aaron asked as he pinched himself. This was really unbelievable for him.


    "Yeah, they seem more like a family then they did before," Viona nodded not knowing whether she should be happy about it or not.


    Leo ignored the two and ate his lunch before going back to his room.


    ¡­.


    Later that night..


    Leo searched his room to see if he could find anything rted to Aiden which could probably help him in knowing anything about him. Like a diary or something, but it didn''t seem that Aiden kept one. He indeed found a few photo albums and documents though which gave him a bit of information about the guy. But not much though.


    He then tried to look at Leo''s smart link ount but he didn''t have any idea about the User ID and password. In the end, he sent an E-mail to their manufactures to get him his ount with all the data intact. The reply soon came and it seemed that they would get back to him after confirming his identity as the owner of the ount.


    ''What do you think I should do Arthur? The body''s family seems so sad and kept looking at me with those expectant eyes. But I don''t wanna give them any false hope,'' Leo muttered inwardly as he had nobody else to talk to.


    [Well, that''s a tough situation. But the best alternative for you is to unlock your memories and find out the truth first. Only then can you make the right choice.]


    He knew it too. It seemed this was the only way.


    Leo took in a deep breath and got up from the bed while looking at the punching bag hanging from the ceiling. He had refrained himself doing any training because his body had still been hurting a lot but now he could give it a try not to mention the Niverian Kicking Arts that he studied only had kicks luckily or else with his missing hand, he would really be at a loss of what to do.


    In the end, he approached the punching bag and once again turned the pages of the Inheritance book in his mind after opening it.


    He carefully looked at the postures, the energy flow around the leg and step by step learned the process of the one of the kicks. He had actually seen one of this in the older form of Martial Arts called Taekwondo before. This form of martial arts was still being practiced by a few people these days. But most people had eventually shifted to Military Style of Mixed Martial Art as the Schools taught basics of this style to the kids as a part of physical education. These Mixed Martial Arts were designed to fit the fighting styles of Mech Pilots actually.


    This rule was implemented 200 years ago when the war was at the peak.


    One can understand that it was just a method of training the future awakener who had the potential to be Mech Pilot and it could save a lot of time for them in bing proficient in the fighting style of a Mecha.


    It was obviously a great strategy during that time.


    But even when the war was over, the policy didn''t changed. Later, this affected other fighting sports a bit as parent''s probably wouldn''t send their child to learn another fighting style when they were already being taught. There were exceptions though, if the kid himself came out with the request then parents would probably give in. That was the reason that the fighting style was alive till today as it was being passed down by different people.


    ''OK, let''s do it..'' Leo muttered inwardly


    He ce a pressure down on his left foot and his yellow arora energy suddenly began to coil around it. The next second, he did a light frontal spin bringing in his right foot foot horizontally against the punching bag.


    "Slip!"


    Leo suddenly felt the world around him move as his left foot slipped due to his exaggerated movement and the next instant, he crashed into the floor with a thud while his right footnded on the punching bag lightly sending it moving back and forth like a pendulum.


    "Thud!"


    Leoid down on the ground looking at the punching bag dancing over his face


    ''Well, that didn''t went as nned..''


    [You are swinging your body too hard and forcing all your arora energy at once. Calm down a bit and try it with lesser force in the initial stage and refrain from using arora energy right now.]


    Arthur''s voice rang in his head and Leo once again got up and this time heeding his suggestion, he brought down the spinning force and didn''t use any energy.


    "Thud!"


    This time, his kicknded on the punching bag producing a light thud.


    ''Great! It worked!'' Leo cheered himself up.


    But his coach Arthur, soon dumped down a cold bucket of water on his head.


    [If we take the Average height of people of your Race, the kick would havended on the waist. While the kick you are performing should either be aimed at the side of the calf, thighs or the face.]


    [Your uracy sucks..]


    "This is my first time doing it seriously. I even cked during my P.E. sses in school through out the whole session.." Leo couldn''t help but sigh. His body was faster and stronger and he even had a nice control over it. But he never remember learning any kind of fighting style.


    [In that case start from the very basic and not with actual kicks]


    With that Arthur flipped a page or two back from the Inheritance book and showed Leo the very basics of training.


    [Niverian Kicking Arts]


    [Ch: 1 - How to maintain your bnce?]


    It said bnce was the most important thing in Kicking, if you can''t even maintain your bnce on a single feet then forget about it. This is not meant for you..


    There was even a quote, another belief for the practitioner which really made Leo speechless, ''A Kicker can lose his balls but not his bnce.''


    What the hell was wrong with the author of the book here?


    Anyway, there were four to five activities which were listed that could help one improve their bnce.


    The first two were something Leo had seen before.


    The first one was called the Horse stance and the other one was called the Tree Stance.


    But...


    What in hell were the other three?

 Chapter 29 - 28: The Art Of Kicking Is Not Easy

    "What is he doing in his room up there?" Viona asked while looking at the servant who was earlier sent to check on Leo after hearing some crashing noises.


    "Apparently, Master Aiden''s stuff fell on the floor," The servant replied with a forced smile. It was obvious that Leo was lying, how can he let his stuff fall so many times over in a couple minutes.


    But eventually the noises slowly ceased.


    ¡­


    Aiden''s room.


    Leo was currently in his bathroom standing there with the floor smeared with liquid soap all around. He didn''t know how many times he had crashed just in order toplete a hundred rounds of back and forth between the two opposite walls.


    This was the third method to strengthen your bnce.


    ''You sure this is helping me Arthur?'' He couldn''t help but ask doubtfully.


    [Don''t doubt my creator''s technique. We are just starting at Lv 0 of the Slippery Floor Method. At Lv 25 I will be making you hop around the ce on just one leg.]


    Leo froze at those words, ''You sure, I won''t end up with concussions?''


    Even with both his feet and walking at the pace of a snail, Leo had crashed dozen of times. And Arthur wanted him to hop around on one leg.


    He got to be be joking with him.


    Actually the floor shouldn''t have been this slippery with just liquid soap but Leo being smart had looked over the gctic to make a solution that would literally trip you with a hundred percent guarantee.


    And this was the result here.


    So, the thing below just didn''t have liquid soap but oil, cream and a few other stuff that he had found around.


    [Clean it up I will teach you the fourth method..]


    ¡­


    Method 4: Dancing with Death


    "Thud!"


    Leo crashed into the floor once again letting out a groan.


    As for what he was doing right now?


    Well, he had took out his spear from the shelf and kept one of its side on the bed while the other on the chair. His task was to stand on its thin pole and maintain his bnce.


    ''This is hard..''


    [At Lv 25 of this method you will be doing the same thing on the railing of your terrace.]


    Arthur was being more and more savage now.


    Leo''s face twitched at its words, if he fell from that height then he wasn''t sure what state he would end up into.


    ...


    Method 5: Mountain Through Seasons


    For this method, Leo had to use Arthur''s ability and activate [Virtual Projection]. After all, he had no control over the seasons. This method was the worse of all. He just had to repeat the four methods from before here but all while bearings the harsh changes in season with his naked body and enduring a mental torture.


    He really couldn''t understand just how did he managed to reach this point when he just wanted to throw a kick.


    Anyway, Leoid down on his bed while closing his eyes and as soon as he did, the [Virtual Projection] activated and the darkness around dissipated revealing a blue worlds with grid like lines running across the ne.


    [Customizing the Word¡­]


    [Location: Green]


    [Season: Summer]


    [Living Being: None]


    The blue world suddenly started to change as images began to appear in the boxes of the grids. Suddenly, sunlight fell in Leo''s eyes and he ced his hand over his eyes to protect it from the bright light.


    And when he finally move away and removed it to give a proper look around, the world had already formed.


    Leo was really surprised as he looked around.


    He suddenly fond himself in a wilderness and could see a lot of things around, there was forest behind with different kind of beautiful nt species and then there was a huge water fall on the opposite side of the cliff from where he was standing.


    Leo decided to look around in excitement but it didn''tsted ling and he soon found the heat to be unbearable.


    [Its time for you to start..]


    As soon as Arthur said those words, the ground below Leo rose up into the sky and he was obviously shocked at he sudden change. But the worse had yet toe.


    With the rise in height, Leo felt the heat grow even stronger and he was sure that he was going to end up with terrible sunburns when his clothes suddenly disappeared.


    [Let''s practice the first two stance today¡­]


    Leo knew that he really had underestimate the art of throwing kicks, a hellish training regime would be in front of him if he wanted to level up to be an Elite.


    And the day passed with Leo being tortured by Arthur.


    ¡­


    The next day arrived¡­


    Leo got up hearing the ringing of his rm. His body was sore all over. All the crashes from yesterday hade to haunt him early in the morning.


    He yawned while getting out of the nket and asked, ''Are there any increase in stats, Arthur?''


    [None, it takes time. You can''t rule the world in one day.]


    ''Why would I even want to rule the world?'' Leo retorted in his half sleep state as he put the toothbrush in his mouth and began brushing.


    After he was done with it, he got out of his room nning to take a walk in the garden or something. It was a habit of his to go on walk early in the morning back on earth. It also helped him to get in contact with the trash collectors who went out for work in the early morning.


    Leo would then use his skills to lure them into selling their trash to his shop.


    He suddenly smiled reminiscing about the time which was gone now.


    ¡­


    As Leo got out and walked around the mansion''s garden, he heard a voice from his left.


    "You are up early in the morning?"


    He turned his head around to look and surprised.


    Who would have thought he would have bumped into the body''s father in the garden?


    Looking at his body drenched in sweat and the sword marks all around, Lear could tell that he was here practicing.


    It seemed that even someone like him practiced like this. No wonder he managed to reach such a state and earned himself a title of the Hero.


    "Want to spar with me for a bit?" Edgar asked with a smile making the smile on Leo''s face to vanish.


    "I am fine, I think," Leo shook his head.


    He didn''t have a death wish.


    "You don''t want to train with me?" Edgar asked in surprise, he couldn''t imagine Aiden would say that to him some day.


    "No, I am an enforcer of non-violence. Please excuse me then." With that, Leo hurriedly ran away from the ce afraid that he would stop him.


    Edgar looked at Leo''s back and sighed. Back then he didn''t have time and now that he took time out for him, it was already toote.


    ¡­


    Leo breathed in relief after getting out of the ce.


    He admired the man, but he precisely knew how strong he was that he didn''t want to fight with him.


    Not to mention, Leo had found out yesterday that Aiden was supposed to be around Lv 4 or above. It was written in his admission documents that he was measure to be at Lv 4 during the time of his admission.


    But Leo was only at Lv 1 for some reason.


    This was a bit odd and if he sparred with Edgar, he was sure that the man would have assumed Leo''s strength to be around Lv 4 or higher. That could have spelled a disaster for him and led to an injury possibly. So, he had refused him.


    Leo took a short tour around the ce and then returned to his room before he was called down for his break fast.


    "I have arranged a meeting with Dr. Malfoy today. He is the leading medical profession in the field of Psychiatry and Neurology. I heard he is an expert in handling cases like yours," Edgard said as he looked at Leo.


    Leo nodded but sighed inwardly, he had seen thising long ago.

 Chapter 30 - 29: Resolve To Build A New Bond

    "Can Ie as well?" Amelia asked as curiosity flickered through her bright eyes. She really seemed interested or may be she just thought that it would be fun to watch.


    "No! You have your Academy, Amy. You are not going with your brother," Viona immediately shot her down and poured a bucket of cold water on her excitement.


    Leo looked at the family and they indeed seemed to be a lively one. After being around for a day in the house, he had managed to catch a few more things.


    Aaron was actually three years older than Aiden and was in thest year of the Glory Academy''s, Mech Knight Program.


    On the other hand, Leo was in the second year of Military Grade Program which trained Captain''s for Gloria''s Military Squads. And after thepletion on this course, any student who had the potential to be a Mech Knight, that is, at least having a Red rank skill were allowed to go through the two years of Mech Knight Training Program under the Academy before they would be officially deployed as Mech Pilots or Mech Knights as they were called in Gloria.


    As for Amelia, she seemed to be a year younger than Leo and was in the first year of Military Grade Program as well. But it seemed that she didn''t had any ns on joining the Military and was just doing it because she was forced to. That was the reason, she was a bit rebellious and hated Aiden who was a training freak and an obedient child, a person totally opposite to her in character.


    Edgar was known to everyone and he was actually very caring towards his family. On the other hand, Viona was a good mother. She was the reincarnations of those good mothers which Leo had seen in dramas back on Earth.


    "You are done, Aiden?" Viona asked as she looked at him. It was time for him to go and get a few more tests done. It looked like he wasn''t going to find freedom from medics anytime soon.


    ¡­


    Vionna and Edgar both apanied Leo as they left the ce. It was obvious they were caring parents and loved Aiden a lot.


    But that confused Leo even more.


    Why did Aiden ran away then?


    Initially he had thought that something must have happened at his home, but it didn''t seem to be the case. Now, he was starting to wonder if someone had bullied him in the Academy or something. But, then with a father like that, he really didn''t need to be afraid of anyone actually.


    A whileter, the driver finally spoke, "We are here, Sir."


    And it seemed that they had reached the location.


    ¡­


    Mental Care Hospital, Liem City.


    It seemed that the ce was owned by Dr. Malfoy, a renowned Psychiatrist as well a Neurologist who was known all over the universe for his work in this field.


    But Leo had never heard of him and why would he? He didn''t have anything to do with mental illness and he wasn''t a fan of doctors and illnesses to research on.


    The person was kind and caring through his words and was seemingly in his 50s or 60s. Leo didn''t try to y smart in front of him and just denied that he had no memory of his past life and only remember himself as Leo as a human.


    "Then do you still believe that you are a human?" He asked looking at Leo.


    "I don''t know anymore, I am confused. But, I can''t imagine myself as Aiden for sure," Leo replied with aplicated look. He really wasn''t happy with this body exchange at all.


    Just where was the real Aiden?


    "I hear you suffered some head injuries during an ident?" Dr. Malfoy asked as he went through Leo''s previous medical reports which had been send over to him and were being projected on his screen.


    "Hmmn?" The man suddenly frowned as he went over the images of Leo''s brain.


    ''He is not going to find you in there, right?'' Leo couldn''t help but ask Arthur in a tensed state when he saw the Doctor''s frown turning deeper.


    [No, he can''t find me.] Arthur''s confidence indeed managed to reassure Max about it.


    "Nancy,pare the images to a regr brain," Dr. Malfoy suddenly spoke and the system as if recognizing his voice replied.


    "Noted,paring¡­"


    ''A.I.s are really everywhere,'' Leo couldn''t help but mutter with a smile.


    Hell, he even had one in his brain.


    As for whether it was something to be happy about or not was a different matter all together.


    Soon, theparison that the Doctor had asked for was prepared by the A.I. named Nancy and it shocked the Doctor. It turned out Leo''s brain had indeed suffered some kind of heavy damage. The doctor couldn''t believe that Leo had managed to live like this.


    When Edgar and Viona heard about it, their expression changed as well. Doctor Malfoy told them that he hadn''t seen any case like that of Leo''s and it was probably better to just let him recover naturally and not put him in any kind of medications or therapy for now. It was clear from the old man''s condition that he was a bit freaked out after looking at Leo''s condition.


    A minuteter, Leo was asked to leave and only the Doctor Malfoy and his parents remained inside¡­


    "Is natural recovery the only option for him?" Edgar couldn''t help but ask with a troubled look while Viona was already on the verge of tears after hearing that Leo was lucky to be living.


    "Sire, have a look at this." Dr. Malfoy sighed as he dragged the projection screen floating towards his side before splitting it into two and putting it in front of Edgar and Viona.


    "The one on the left is an average figure of a brain and the one to the right is Aiden''s brain."


    As soon as he said those, both Edgar and Viona raised there heads to look at it and their eyes slowly stretched wide. Even ay man without any medical skill could tell the two were not the exact same.


    The Doctor forced a helpless smile on his face and he swiped the screens to the side and spoke in a serious tone, "This is something I have never seen. And I know how much you love your son, so I will be honest with you....."


    "If I follow my profession, then I should be studying your son and probably gather as much information as I can about his state after persuading you as his case is one never seen before. But mental health is very different and it will always be a mystery."


    "Since, you two have done a lot for out nation, I won''t hide anything for you for the respect that I have for you," He further said before continuing with a pause, "I can''t guarantee that there might not be any negative impact on him. He appears very confused and stressed right now. Not to mention, his belief of him not being Aiden is too strong. This is not the right condition for his treatment. And especially after seeing his head injury, I don''t think its a good idea to be doing this against his will."


    Dr. Malfoy suddenly paused before looking at the two in front once again, "If I am not wrong, he wasn''t here at his own will¡­"


    The two people''s face immediately changed. They hadn''t even asked him actually and why would they? They only wanted to get him back to good health. What was wrong with it?


    "There is nothing wrong with you being forceful about his good, but that should not sh with his identity crisis." He immediately exined realizing their thoughts as he tapped his fingers on the table.


    Edgar and Viona exchanged nces, they hadn''t expected for their son''s condition to be so serious. What would they do if he never remembers them?


    "I suggest you to start from the very beginning. Think that you have adopted a son. Built a trust and a rtionship with him again. It will be a good thing if he eventually recovers his memory but that doesn''t mean that you can''t build new ones with him until that time. Just make him feel like he is your son, a family and things will be fine again." Dr. Malfoy said with a smile before further continuing, "After all, you know he is your son and even if he can''t remember it and is confused now, he will eventually realize it in theory at least. If you shower him with your love and care, I am sure he will ept you two as parents even in his current state."


    "And if one day, you can persuade him toe here out of his own will and go through a treatment, I will be more than happy to help you out."


    The Doctor indeed was a good guy and gave his best advice to them.


    Viona suddenly looked at Edgar after wiping her tears and nodded.. She was going to do it and make her son once again acknowledge her as his mother.

 Chapter 31 - 30: Leo Vs Arthur

    Two more days passed¡­


    Leo spend most of his time in his room and asionally had to go out for medical check ups for his arm. The Doctor had said that it would still take time for the wound topletely heal before they could possible ce prosthetic arm in its ce.


    Aside from that, there was nothing else, he had spend most of the time on the inheritance book. It was really interesting and immediately hooked Leo up once he put his heart into it.


    He had also spend his time on the Inte learning about the culture of Gloria and a bit about its past as well.


    And yeah if you are wondering about his training, he had a few more bruises on his body after continuously crashing while trying toplete the absurd routine that Arthur had set up for him.


    The devious A.I. had now even added basic kicking maneuvers for Leo in them along with simple exercises to further increase his stamina and strength.


    Even now¡­


    "Bang!"


    [Missed!]


    Leo''s roundhouse kicknded on the punching bag but missed his mark andnded a few centimeters above the targeted area. At least he could kick like a good amateur now and not falling the moment he raised his leg.


    ''Tsk!''


    Leo frowned looking at the spot where he had kicked. Whenever he tried to hit with all his might, he would miss no matter what and this was just a simple round house kick to the side of one''s body.


    It was nice that his body was in a good shape and he could stretch himself easily and his legs indeed managed to lift up above to a good height as well.


    And hence, after three days of work, Leo had indeed seen a bit to improve in his stats.


    [Stats]


    Strength: [4]¡ª 5


    Agility: 7


    Stamina: [5] ¡ª 6


    Yes, it was truly a ''bit'' of improvement. He was sure that if he managed to get his stats above 10 then, he would be able to level up. This really was a slow process and people said that low ranked skilled user leveled up pretty fast.


    Just who in hell was this guy who said that? Leo really wanted to kick him in the balls.


    "Bang!"


    Leo suddenly kicked the punching bag again and this time, itnded right on the spot.


    [Hit!] Arthur confirmed as well.


    "I wonder how it will feel to kick a real living person," He muttered inwardly when Arthur suddenly came out with his suggestion.


    [You can practice on a live target by using Virtual Projection..]


    Leo realized it as well. That ability really allowed freedom to do anything actually, ''Do it, let me see how it will be.''


    He then went on andid down on the couch while closing his eyes and immersing himself in world made of blue grids once again.


    [Three Scanned Data has been found¡­]


    [1. Inheritor]


    [2. Unidentified Man]


    [3. Aaron Silver]


    Leo indeed remember having scanned three times until now.


    [You also have an option to generate a random sparring partner from the data in my directory.]


    "Generate that unidentified man, I really want to kick his teeth out."


    Theat guy had almost killed Leo and his father, there was no way that he would let this chance of getting some of his anger out.


    [Generating..]


    [I would suggest you to put him in stationary mode for this spar¡­]


    "Do it then.." Leo said with a nod and the next moment, a familiar figure formed of strange entirely of blue light appeared in front of him. It indeed looked like the man and was partially transparent.


    [Sparring partner generationplete¡­]


    Leo looked at the guy and suddenly raised his right leg up and struck at his abdomen. A frontal kick was something everyone knew to throw and itnded square at the ce where Leo had intended to.


    The ce where he had struck immediately changed colors and became slightly green.


    "What''s with the change in color? Is it showing damage or something?" He couldn''t help but ask in curiosity.


    [Yes, red colors means a fatal injury while green indicates a feeling of light impact¡­]


    Leo''s face changed, his kick was only capable of doing that much?


    [The opponent is estimated to be at least a Lv 31, with a Comprehensive Body Assessment of [E]. Your attacks won''t work for him in anyway.]


    Leo seemed to havee to that realization as well.


    "Can''t you match its capability to that of mine?" He suddenly asked after thinking a bit.


    [I can indeed do that. But are you sure about it? Will you be satisfied beating him this way? Shouldn''t you be training hard to surpass him instead of weakening him?]


    That indeed made a lot of sense. If he kept the man as a target to defeat then it would really be a good aim for him. Not to mention, if he beat him like this. He might get satisfied but there would be no meaning in it and he would only lose his drive for revenge on the man one day.


    In the end, he still threw a few more kicks at him in frustration as the evil guy deserved it before dispersing it and generating his own character to face off against.


    "Let me see, just how strong I am," Leo said with a smile as he looked at the figure in front before suddenly going in with a round house kick.


    "Bang!"


    The Translucent figure just stood there without any movement as the kicknded on his side sending it tumbling to the ground. The region around its hand and a portion of his side immediately changed colors turning into a light shade of orange.


    [A Pain inducing strike..]


    It seemed, he would be able to hit people at his own level pretty hard.


    "I am not bad at my level, I guess," Leo smiled, a bit excited. He was clearly proud of himself honestly. And why would he not be? He had never taken martial arts and fighting seriously and now in three days, he could throw kicks which could make people scream in pain.


    [You are getting ahead of yourself. The real reason behind that pain isn''t your technique but the brute strengthing from you body as an Awake. And don''t forget that you are fighting some at Lv 1. What do you think would be the result if he was a level or two above?]


    Arthur''s words immediately sshed cold water on Leo''s excitement. He really couldn''t reply to that.


    [Let me show you how to throw a proper kick.] Arthur said and the next moment, the blue translucent figure of Leo seemed to havee to life.


    "Is it you? You can do that?" He couldn''t help but ask in shock.


    The figure smile as he spoke with Arthur''s voice, [Of course, I can.]


    [Are you ready?]


    "Yeah," Leo nodded after recovering from the initial surprise. He was a bit excited for some reason.


    [Then make the move. I will show you how destructive a kick from a Lv 1 can be, if used correctly.]


    Leo was actually a bit confident in his ability and took a step forward and did a calf kick trying to catch Arthur off guard. He had been throwing roundhouse kicks until a while ago after all


    But the figure just raised his leg avoiding the kick with ease.


    "Whoosh!"


    A Side kick immediately came gunning toward Leo''s face and stopped a centimeter away from his face as the breeze generated from it shook Leo''s bangs.


    [Careful, keep your eyes on your opponent. Don''t think you job is done after throwing a kick.] Arthur reminded as he backed away.


    Leo gulped inwardly.


    That was terrifying...


    If that hit him, Leo was sure that he would have ended up with a severe concussion.


    After having his confidence shattered in a single move, Leo took a step back and once again concentrated as a drop of sweat slid down his forehead.


    [Come..] Arthur said as the figure raised his hand and beckoned Leo to make a move.


    Leo didn''t rush in this time but slowly approached Arthur with his hand raised up in guard. Even if punches were not there in this fighting style, they still allowed arms to guard oneself.


    He had actually tried to incorporate punching maneuvers in between but was immediately stopped by Arthur. It seemed that there was some logical reason behind not using fists in the fight. Not to mention, Leo really wascking in this department especially after losing one of his hand.


    "Whoosh!"


    As Leo shortened the distance between him and Arthur and was finally a distance of two hands away, he made a move and rushed in trying to use the momentum behind his run to deliver a powerful kick.


    But Arthur calmly waited there and at the aim moment, the figure ducked avoiding the kick.


    rms immediately went up in Leo''s head and he knew he was in danger. So, as soon as hisnded he tried to turn around raise up his guard but he was toote or you could say he clearly hadn''t expected that move.


    He suddenly felt a push at the back of his right knee and was easily forced down on it as if he was a child trying to resist an adult.


    [Game over..]


    He heard Arthur''s voice and turned his head to see him standing behind with on one of his leg raised high up into the air. It was the posture of an axe kick that Leo had seen earlier.


    The next instant, the figure brought down the leg and its heel came crashing down on Leo''s head.


    "Bang!"


    Leo felt his head burst apart with pain and his eyes suddenly rolled over as his vision turned ck.

 Chapter 32 - 31: A Taste Of Home

    "Where am I?" Leo muttered feeling the thump in his head and then realized that he was still on the couch lying down. He suddenly remembered what had happened and immediately ran his hand over his head to check if he was fine or not and luckily his head was alright.


    [It was just a virtual projection. Both the pain and injury you suffered were virtual and not real.] Arthur''s voice rang in his mind.


    "You are dangerous. How did you do that?" Leo couldn''t help but ask remembering how easily Arthur had dealt with him.


    [That wasn''t anything. It is just that you haven''t developed any fighting sense as of yet. You still need a lot of training to properly use the capability of your body.]


    "Really?" Leo found it hard to believe that he was just too weak.


    Well, he wasn''t wrong to believe himself to be strong if hepared himself to his previous self or other simr people but now he was different and being a student of the Military Grade Program, he was sure to be facing students who were well versed inbat and if he went up against them with his lousy techniques then you can imagine how that would result in.


    Leo had only learned to throw two kicks properly at a stationary target and he though that he had gotten stronger. People wouldugh at him if they heard it. He was just starting.


    ¡­


    A week passed¡­


    It had been seven days since Leo''s arrival to Gloria. He still wouldn''t say he was adjusted to life and everything but he was trying to get used to it.


    The family''s attitude towards him had changed for some reason.


    Earlier Leo always felt that they were desperate for him to remember his past but recently he felt it lowering down and it really reduced his stress. Otherwise, he really didn''t know how long he could have handled those gazes which were begging him to remember them.


    Viona had the greatest changed out of all of them. She stopped bringing the past up time and time again like she used to do in the initial two days. Instead she seemed to be more interested in her current son and was always looking to spend time with him and learn about the new him.


    Edgar on the other hand began to apany Leo on his morning walk as he was not in a position to take off from his work and tag along with Leo during any other time of the day.


    This gave Leo a chance to finally walk out of the mansion gates with Edgar and for the first time, walk onto the streets of Gloria. It really was a different experience. There were no traffic and loud honking of vehicles. The roads belonged to the people and their pet beasts.


    The people in his locality were all those belonging to his Edgar''s Silver Corps and hence were all friendly to Leo even allowing him to pat their beasts.


    "Its time we get one for you as well," Edgar said as he looked at Leo.


    Like any other day, the two were out on a morning walk today as well.


    Edgar didn''t bring his pet, the Thunder Panther, out as it wasn''t with him at their home. From what he heard, the Arora beast had evolved to Lv 70s and it definitely wasn''t possible to let it out on the streets as it would scare people and other beasts.


    Yes, the evolved species even including the beast''s and nts on the had ability to form with affinity with Arora energy and level up. But most of these things were docile and the aggressive ones were ughtered and learned to fear the Humanoid races after there poption dwindled.


    Not to mention, these creatures didn''t treat Humanoid races as food and hated the sight of cities whichcked the natural connection with unlike the wilderness and hence there weren''t much skirmishes between the two and they lived in peace.


    "A pet for me?" Leo asked in surprise. Back on earth he wouldn''t even have thought of owning a Arora beast and but here, everyone of them owned one and they were out roaming around on the street.


    It felt as if someone had just flipped the world around for him.


    "Yes, get yourself to familiarized around and then we will get you your Beast Pet as well," Edgar said with a smile before continuing, "Until then decide if you want an egg or a little one and what kind of beast should it be?"


    Leo nodded as the two continued to walk before they bumped into someone who Edgar was with familiar with and he turned around to chat with the man while Leo stood by his side and greeted the man as Edgar introduced him.


    It had been a daily routine now. Most of these people were familiar with Aiden but Leo obviously didn''t know them. So, Edgar would use this opportunity to reintroduce Leo to them.


    For an ordinary person, it might have been tough to remember people''s faces but for Leo who had Arthur with him, he needed only a single scan and he would still recognize that man in his next life as long as he had Arthur with him.


    ¡­


    When Edgar and Leo returned back to their home, everyone was awoke.


    Amelia was thest one to wake up as usual like a princess while Aaron hit the gym early in the morning to work his body out. It seemed he had some obsession with gravity rooms.


    Leo went to his room to get fresh and prepared himself for a tiring day as today was the day he was returning back to the Academy.


    He literally had no idea about anything and it was killing him inside. On the top of it, Viona had asked Amelia to help Leo out and this really tensed him even more. She didn''t seem dependable at all.


    When Leo got down the stairs after getting ready, he was greeted at the sight of some familiar delicacies.


    Viona stood there with a smile on her face as she looked at the surprise on Leo''s face. She had began to take cooking sses online to make Leo human cuisine since the day he said that the human food tasted better then the one here. And today, she had finally done it.


    "How is it?" She asked as she brought him to his chair. "You said you like this kind of dishes better, so I tried to make them for you."


    Leo was speechless at her actions.


    Just because he said that he liked human food, she went out of her way to learn how to make it. He didn''t know what to say to her but it indeed left a tingling in his heart. He had never seen his mom but he was sure that she would be like her and would have done something simr for him if she was here by his side.


    "Why don''t you tell me how it tastes?"


    No one else had arrived at the dinning table yet but looking at her face, he couldn''t refuse at all when she really had gone out of her way to cook this delicious food for him.


    In the end, he took the spoon and dig into it. And when he took the first bite of it, he really felt overwhelmed and stopped a moment before closing his eyes. He couldn''t believe just the taste of the familiar food was making him emotional.


    "Is it not good?"


    When Leo heard Viona''s voice, he shook his head and spoke with a light smile, "It tastes like home..."

 Chapter 33 - 32: The Problematic Siblings

    "It tastes like home¡­"


    Viona couldn''t help but almost tear up after hearing Leo.


    Just saying that he felt like home was enough for her to cry in joy. After all, it was the first time that he had said about feeling like home here.


    "Umn¡­you don''t need to cry," Leo really didn''t know how to react. He didn''t like it when she began to cry. He hadn''t seen it happening in thest couples of day and was rxed but not again. This was really bad for his health as he couldn''t help but think that it was somehow his fault.


    "I-I am not crying¡­" Viona shook her head and wiped her face and held back those tears. She then smiled at Leo before cing her palm over his head gently.


    "Uh! Whats with this drama right in the morning?" Amelia''s voice sounded into their ears as the girl came down.


    She was giving them a weird look and then slowly took her seat beside Leo.


    "Wow! What is this dish? It smells nice!" Her eyes flickered and her hand immediately went for the bowl which had been served to Leo.


    "Smack!"


    But before she could grab it, her mom''s hand smacked her hands away.


    "Ouch!"


    Amelia looked at Viona with a wronged look only to be berated, "Is this your manners? Stealing food from other''s te? Take out your own portion."


    "Waah! He is my brother what''s wrong with it? Besides, you are being partial! I am sure you would have taken the food with your own two hands for him, but I don''t see tes being even turned over me yet.." Amelia said as she rolled her eyes while looking at the up turned tes on the table.


    "You little girl! You know your brother is missing a hand and you still ask me why I am helping him! It seems you need a beating." Viona was ready to teach her some manners but Leo decided to butt in. He didn''t want any trouble because of him.


    "Its fine, I am sure she didn''t do it intentionally. As for the bowl, she can have it. I am not that helpless. I still have got an arm," He said with a smile and pushed the bowl towards Amelia before proceeding to take out his own.


    Viona kept ring at Amelia the entire time while Amelia kept her head low. A bit due to the guilt and the rest because of the fear of her mother. She had actually forgotten that Leo was missing an arm.


    When Aaron and Edgar arrived, they nced at Leo wondering what was going on but he just shook his head iming it was nothing serious.


    "Look after your brother in the Academy, Amy. You know he doesn''t remember anything, right?" Edgar looked at her and said with a smile.


    Amelia was about to retort when she felt her mother''s sharp piecing re and swallowed down the words which were about to leaver her mouth beforeing up with a new ones which were said in an extremely dim voice which only Leo, who was sitting beside her could hear, "I will try my best¡­.but we are in different years¡­so¡­"


    "Do you not have a voice? You were really loud earlier while trea-"


    "I will do it! I will take care of him!" Amelia immediately spoke, afraid of Viona telling about the earling incident to her father.


    "Good!" Viona nodded with a smile.


    ¡­


    Soon, Leo, Amelia and Aaron left the ce.


    "Well then, I will see you guyster," Aaron said with a smile as he let out a whistle and soon noises of hurried and chaotic steps apanied with a panting entered there ears.


    The next instant, a four legged figure jumped over their head andnded right beside Aaron. It was his Arora Beast, Sphinx. It was a rare bread of Thunder Wolves and was extremely hard to tame. It definitely was a shock to see it act so obediently in front of Aaron.


    Aaron then got onto it and waved his hands at the two behind before rushing out of the mansion gates.


    "I wish I had one as well," Amelia said with longing eyes before sighing and walking towards the flying car with Leo tagging behind her.


    As the two sat inside it and the driver took off the vehicle into the air, Amelia shifted her gaze at Leo and then let out a deep sigh.


    "What are we going to do now?" She suddenly said with a trouble look before turning towards Leo.


    "What do you mean?" He asked in confusion.


    "You really want me to lead you by your hands? That''s embarrassing! I don''t want to do it!" She held her head and rolled on the seat.


    "I don''t remember anything, can''t you just help me at once," Leo asked with a helpless look. He really didn''t want to end up in trouble on the very first day.


    "Why do you have to be like this? You had so much pride earlier! We even pretend to be like strangers, treating each other like air at Academy! Why don''t you remember anything!" Amelia started to lose it. She seemed to have enjoy the new change in her brother these few days but she was missing the old him now.


    "Wait! Our rtionship is that bad?" Leo was suddenly taken back. He didn''t know that she was actually treating him better because of his condition and also because of the change in his behavior. And then there was the main reason, her mother''s threatening gazes. If not for that, it would have been a war everyday at home.


    "I-I.." Amelia suddenly found herselfcking in words. She didn''t even remember why it had all started. But she just knew that she and Aiden didn''t get along well and the two never interacted in the Academy. Not to mention, they were pr opposite of each other. "Anyway! I will show you the way to your ss. That''s my limit, you better note finding me again. Because, I definitely won''t see you and especially not with that ck hair and strange hairstyle. Just what were you thinking coloring your hair and growing bangs?!"


    "This is natural to me. And I don''t think anything is wrong with coloring my hair and changing my hairstyle," Leo retorted with a helpless smile. He actually thought he looked weird in those silver white hairs.


    Anyway, he didn''t have any ns of changing the color anytime soon. Not to mention, even their parents hadn''t told him to do so.


    "Just do what you want but don''t you dare rattle about this to mom. After all, I am already being nice here." She said with threatening look.


    ''What the hell is wrong with her and Aiden?'' Leo really didn''t know what to say.


    Do siblings behave like this?


    He really didn''t know since he never had one.


    There was a silence between them until the driver slowed down the vehicle and finally broke the ice


    "We are here."

 Chapter 34 - 33: Finding His Way

    "We are here.."


    When the driver alerted them about their arrival, Leo couldn''t help but look out through the window and his eyes slowly widened in surprise.


    The campus was huge!


    And there was a huge spaceship stationed towards the right end of the Academy and Leo could seep people rushing in and out of it.


    To the left side of the campus was huge Colosseum and he could see dozens of statues of Mechs lined around and if he wasn''t wrong those belonged the Mech of Heroes from 30 years ago.


    "Whoosh!"


    Suddenly a a shadow covered their vehicle and the light inside dimmed. The next second, a creature whooshed past above them through the sky heading straight towards the back of the Campus.


    When Leo''s eyesnded on it, he couldn''t help but suck in a cold breath. Even Amelia''s eyes seemed to have widened for a second there.


    It was a Basilisk!


    "That''s a surprise, I had heard that the Dean had a Basilisk as an Arora Beast, but this is my first time seeing it as well," Amelia said with as surprised look and immediately took out her Smart link to capture some images. "They say if you are lucky enough, you would be able to see it during your stay in the Academy.."


    And with a smile, she went on her social handle to post the picture with the caption, ''Seeing the Basilisk in the first four months of my Academy.''


    It was clear that she believed in the legend.


    ''Well, I saw it on the first day. I hope I will be lucky as well,'' Leo shook his head andughed inwardly.


    The flying car slowly descended towards the parking area and it was finally time to leave.


    "Don''t stick to me," Amelia suddenly said as she got out of the car before Leo.


    "What do you mean? When did ever stick to you?" He asked in confusion before following behind her and getting out as well.


    Leo didn''t remember sticking to her or doing any such thing within these past few days.


    So, what was this about?


    "I mean maintain a distance of few meters from me. People shouldn''t think we are other together even if we are brother and sister," She said with a serious face and then walked ahead a few meters before turning around saying, "Maintain this distance at all times."


    Leo was really speechless.


    Just what was wrong with these pair of siblings?


    "How the hell are you going to introduce me yo my friends like this?" He asked from behind but Amelia justughed at him as she shook her head.


    "Friends? You have one?"


    Leo''s face immediately changed and he frowned the next second, just who in hell didn''t have a friend?


    "You have been lying the entire time that you have friends when they are just your ssmates. I bet no one even knows a thing about you that one as a friend should do," She further said with augh.


    ''What the hell was wrong with Aiden? Just what could be going through the guy''s head? He was a loner on top of being an idiot as well? After all, why would one leave such a loving and wealthy family to go out and die there if he was not an idiot?''


    In the end, Leo sighed and told himself that it was probably better this way. At least people won''t have any expectation from him and he might even be able to get acquainted with people more easily since they didn''t know the previous Aiden to begin with.


    As he walked along streets of the Academy, Leo saw a lot of other students arriving on their beast while a few without one were arriving like them in their flying cars.


    When he entered the campus building, he felt people staring at him in an odd manner and it really made him ufortable. It was probably due to the rumors that Aaron had previously told him about. It seemed people had already heard about him running away and now that he was returning with one arm missing, it was obvious that questions were rising in their mind.


    That was indeed true but Leo didn''t seem to realize that his new look with ck hairs were attracting people''s attention towards him more than anything else.


    ''I should hide it for now,'' Leo thought as he adjusted his jacket on his shoulder and his arm in them.


    At this moment, Amelia ahead stopped and turned around before pointing towards the screen on the wall which was showing theyout of the whole campus.


    ''This girl¡­'' Leo sighed.


    It seemed she wasn''t even going to lead him up to his ss properly.


    With her job done, Amelia immediately hurried away as if she was afraid of even being spotted at a distance away from Leo. It was funny actually. He even started to wonder how the two were living under the same roof if they had so much problem with each other.


    Leo walked up to screen and then stared at theyout of the campus trying to locate his ss.


    "How may I help you?"


    An automated voice suddenly sounded through the screen and Leo realized that there was a program built in it to help peopled around.


    "I need to go to the Year 2B of the MTP ss (Military Training Program), I mean the Captain Course," He said and even threw an alternative name for better exnation.


    The screen showed that it was processing the information and the next second, it showed him where to go.


    ''Its hard to remember like this,'' Leo frowned when he saw the line below which asked if he had smart link.


    He immediately tapped onto it. Even though he hadn''t got Aiden''s ount back as of yet, he still was logged into a guest ount.


    "Scan the code for direction tracking."


    The programs voice entered Leo''s ear and a code appeared on the screen. When Leo scanned it with his smart link, he managed to get theyout on his smart link and it was even showing him each turns and how many number of steps to take.


    It definitely made the job easier.


    As Leo walked through the campus, he was really surprised. The ce didn''t only have Glorian''s studying but members of many other different races as well. But after thinking for a bit, Leo found that it made sense. Gloria was a powerhouse. It was obvious that many students woulde here for its advance knowledge and training system. Then there were exchange students and also immigrants who had settled in Gloria.


    So, it wasn''t that exaggerated to see member of another race around.


    ''I hope, I find a human fellow...''

 Chapter 35 - 34: Ignorant

    Glory Academy, Capital City.


    Year 2B of MTP ss.


    The ss was half filled with students and the early birds had gathered around in small groups discussing things with each other.


    A beautiful girl with purple hairs and simr colored eyes sat on the first row with her head down on her desk. She had a tightly fit training suit on her which went down to her thighs. She seemed pretty depressed about something and continuously sighed at short intervals.


    "What''s wrong Becky?" The girl beside her asked while looking at her. This girl appeared in a simr uniform but had a golden blond hairs with deep red eyes and when she smiled, her canines could be seen slightly protruding out of her mouth.


    It was pretty obvious that she was a Vampire.


    "Nothing, Serina¡­Its just that I haven''t heard from Aiden in a while and now the rumors going around is worrying me," Becky said as she sighed again.


    "Well, I heard he is back in one piece," Serina replied and Becky''s immediately lit up on hearing her and she immediately turned towards her.


    "Are you sure about it? Why haven''t I heard about it?" She asked in surprise and utter joy.


    "Well, they must have tried to suppress the news for some reason," Serina shrugged as she didn''t have any idea about it.


    "Then the rumors must have been false right?" Becky asked looking at her.


    "I don''t know, I am not sure about it," Serina shook her head.


    "I think the rumors are true though." A voice came from behind and the two turned around to see a guy who had a human figure but with the body of a bull.


    It was a person from the Minotaur race.


    "What do you mean by that Tor?" Becky asked him.


    "Mam, I don''t know if you have any idea about it or not. But that person is crazy and every body knows it as well. He can go to extreme lengths and we have seen him do it before. In that case, won''t running away from home be a simple matter to him?" Tor asked with a smile.


    "I can''t help but agree with him, Aiden indeed is crazy." The littler person beside Tor who was the size of human''s hand was Tor''s best friend Zelfiem, a member of the Pixy race


    "Zel is right, Mam. I think everyone in our ss would agree with it," Tor further said with a nod and shook his giant head with horns.


    "I think we should ask Sun if we want to know about Aiden, he is the only one who is able to keep up with Aiden''s attitude," Zel calmly said as he pped his wing and took off above to look for Sun but didn''t manage to find him. "It seems he is absent today."


    "Who else does he talk to if leave Sun aside?" Tor asked Serina and both her and Zel''s faces turned towards Becky.


    "I-I¡­umn¡­ we are just rivals. I don''t even have his number. I doubt if we are even friends or not," Becky said with a forced smile on her face.


    When they heard that, they really felt it was the most ridiculous thing they had ever heard.


    The two of them paired up together for the most of the P.E sses as the they were the only two people who had opted for spear as a choice of weapon in their section. So, it was obvious that they had a lot of interactions.


    And for a second even if we forget about this matter, just who in hell would dare to deny her friendship? People die to just catch a nce at her!


    "What are you talking about?" Serina looked at her with dumbfounded face. "You two were always a team, even during childhood, no matter which game we yed you were always running after him and now you are saying that you don''t even know if he is your friend or not?"


    "We are not kids anymore. Everyone has changed," Becky shook her head.


    "You are an idiot. Its obvious he considers you a friend if he tags with you every time he practice," Serina tried to get through her head.


    "Isn''t it just because he is a training freak and Miss Reba here is the strongest Spear user in our year?" Zel asked pouring a cold water on Becky''s hopes of friendship.


    Serina gave a re to Zel and the little guy immediately turned quite realizing he must have said something wrong.


    "It''s not like that, Becky. I am sure he doesn''t think like that." Serina tried to console her.


    "But why do I feel Zel is right?" Becky asked with a dejected look on her face.


    "Do one thing, the next time he arrives. Just stand in front of him. If he considers you a friend, he will stop and greet you for sure." Zel suggested as everyone greeted their friend in their own way after meeting them.


    "Everyone does that to me, it doesn''t matter whether they are a friend or not. After all, you know who I am don''t you?" Becky said with a sigh.


    "You will automatically realize if the greeting is from a friend or not, just try and we are here to judge as well," Zel said in a confident tone.


    "Wait! Isn''t that Aiden?" Tor suddenly asked with a frown as he looked towards the door. There was a guy who looked like Aiden but he seemed a bit different then usual and his hairs seemed to have changed color for some reason.


    ¡­


    "Finally found it!" Leo muttered in joy as he reached the ssroom. And as soon as he took a step in, most of the eyes in the ssroom turned towards him and the ce turned silent.


    ''Its kind of terriying..'' He muttered inwardly feeling all those stares that were being directed at him. He tried to look around and see if anyone was inviting him or waving at him. But it seems Amelia was right, he didn''t have a single friend as he didn''t find any such person.


    He slowly walked into the room under the gazes of the people and just avoided looking at them. He didn''t know where he usually sat but in the current situation, he wanted observe and scan everyone in the ss in order to remember their faces and name. So sitting in the corner seat at the back was the best option for him.


    Leo quietly walked towards the back avoiding people''s gaze.


    ...


    "Do it.." Zel lightly muttered after recovering from the surprise of Leo''s new look and turned to Becky. The girl nodded before slipping out of the seats and standing a bit towards the side of the desk, trying to be in Leo''s way.


    There was no way that he was going to miss her this way.


    But people''s eyes turned wide when the guy actually leaned towards the side and just went past her as if she was air.


    Everyone was shocked by this, but for most of the people, it was due to another reason.


    Aiden having such disregard for her presence was literally sphemy towards Gloria''s traditions.


    After all, she was not just any girl, but the Princess of Gloria, Reba G.. Lynchfield.

 Chapter 36 - 35: Out Of The Class

    Leo calmly moved towards the seat at the back but for some reason, people in the ssroom gasped and a few immediately send threatening gazes towards him.


    [A few hostile gazes had been detected. Scanning for their locations¡­] Arthur''s voice sounded in his mind and then it roughly gave him the directions where this hostile gazes wereing from.


    When Leo turned his head to look towards the one of these people, he found him to be another Glorian and he look extremely displeased with Leo for some reason. And when he took a look at another guy, he found him to be a Glorian as well.


    ''What the hell? Did I offended them somehow?'' He didn''t know what he had done. In the end, he just ignored them and went towards the back to take a seat.


    But a person who was a fellow Glorian suddenly stood up and came out of his seat to block Leo''s path, "Don''t you think you forgot something Aiden?"


    Leo looked at the guy who about the same height as him but a little buffed up, ''He doesn''t seem like a friend.''


    That was very obvious from his expression.


    "Did I forget something?" Leo asked with a forced smile on his face. This was his first day, so he had no idea what this guy was talking about.


    The person''s expression changed and the frown on his face deepened a bit, "I am not in the mood of joke.''''


    ''Bro! I am not joking!'' Leo really wanted to tell him that.


    "Even if the Academy asks us to treat each others as equal, don''t you feel ashamed as a part of Gloria''s Aristocratic society? If we don''t follow the rules and treat people with proper etiquette, then how will the rest ofmon people do?"


    Leo looked at the guy not having the least idea what he was talking about. He was clearly going nk in his head.


    "Its fine, why are you guys making a mess about such a small thing?" A sweet voice sounded from behind and Leo saw the beautiful girl with purple hairs standing there while looking at the guy in front of Leo with a face that said, ''Its fine.''


    "But Miss h-"


    "Its fine Elvin. I am sure he had something going on his head and didn''t notice," Becky''s words finally made the guy name Elvin to close his mouth. In the end, he just gave Leo a look before returning back to his seat.


    "Umn..thank you," Leo said to the girl, still a bit confused about the whole situation.


    "Uh..yeah.." Becky looked at Leo in a daze. She clearly felt something was off about him. He seemed to be behaving as if he was not used to the environment or something.


    As Leo turned around to leave, Becky unconsciously grabbed the tip of his jacket trying to stop him. She wanted to know if everything was alright with him.


    But because she didn''t say it out loud, Leo had no idea about it and hence he moved ahead which led to the jacket falling off of his shoulder and the sight next shocked everyone.


    Becky''s eyes widened as well when she saw that Aiden was a missing an arm. The ss immediately went silent. No one dared to let a word out.


    Even though most people weren''t a fan of Aiden, they had to admit that the guy really was hardworking. They couldn''t deny that after all and even respected that aspect of him.


    He just had a low rank skill but didn''t give up instead picked up the path of the spear and refined his skill trying to be a Master Wielder of the weapon. But now that he had lost an arm....wouldn''t it all go to waste? Ecsb if got a proshetic arm, it couldn''t bepared to real one and he would probably severely affect his ability.


    And that mean his years of hard work was gone.


    Just how tragic was this guy''s life going to be?


    "Umn¡­do you want anything from me?" Leo looked at Becky and then at his jacket which was still hanging from her hand.


    "I-I¡­" Becky was clearly not prepared for this, she didn''t know what to say and how to react. Losing a hand was big deal for people and it could severely affect their future specially when you had ns of joining the military.


    "I got into a bit of an ident," Leo forced a smile on his face when he realized she was staring at his missing arm. He then went onto take back his jacket and then gave her a slight nod before turning around and leaving to take his seat.


    Becky stood there looking at his leaving back. She wanted to console him and say something but she was never good at talking to begin with.


    At this moment, a man looking in his 60s entered the ssroom. He had scar down the side of his cheek and the corner of his eyes were showing his wrinkles.


    He was Professor Benard Vellsing. A retired veteran who had served in Gloria''s Forces for well over 40 years before taking retirement and deciding to raise the younger generation for the Nation. He was actually kinder then the other Professors but that was onlyparatively. After all, most of the teachers here were all retired military personnel and you couldn''t expect them to treat you nicely.


    As the Professor entered the room, the students returned to their seats in a hurry. There were still quite a few empty seats in the ssroom and Leo wondered why so many people were missing.


    "Excuse me, do you know why so many people are missing?" Leo asked the sheepdy from the Minotaur race who was sitting right in front of him.


    "Uh..the students who had opted for Military Experience are out on a tour right now." The Sheep girl said a bit surprised, it seemed she hadn''t expected Leo to talk to her at all.


    "Ok, thanks.." Leo nodded with a smile and it left the girl blushing. He was a handsome guy after all.


    ¡­


    "I told you he is acting weird," Becky said as she looked at Serina. The two were quietly observing Leo on the backseat interacting with the girl.


    "Yeah, he seems a bit weird. He never is the one to initiate conversation and there is no way he would ever seat at the back seat." Serina nodded in confusion as well.


    "Is he really the same guy?" Zel asked as his little figure floated on the desk.


    "I will know if I get a taste of him," Serina said while licking her lips.


    "You have tasted her blood?" Becky asked in surprise.


    "Yeah, I think I bit him once when we were kids," Serina replied after thinking a bit.


    "Miss this is not your abode. If you have some important discussion going on, then you are more than wee to leave the ce." The strict voice of the Professor sounded in the ssroom immediately making the group go stiff.


    "I won''t remind you a second time," The Professor said before turning and switching back the projection screen and beginning to continue the lesson from where he had left it in hisst ss.


    ¡­


    ''I don''t get a thing,'' Leo really wanted to cry. He didn''t understand what was going on in the ss. Not to mention, it really sounded dangerous. Why the hell was the professor always talking about the past deaths and percentage of fatality on every other topic?


    This was really scaring him now.


    He sighed before looking around and started to wonder why no one had sat by his side. And he was also disappointed as he didn''t find a single human in this ss for now.


    Leo sighed again and really didn''t know what to do.


    "Who would give the answer to the question?" The professor suddenly asked and began to look around when his eyes finallynded on Leo. "Aiden, why don''t you tell me about it?"


    Leo didn''t responded. He still had problem realizing that people meant him when they called for Aiden.


    "Aiden."


    "¡­"


    The students all around turn to look at him only to see Leo with his palm on his chin as he stared at the screen on his desk.


    "Aiden!"


    The Professor shouted with a frown and this time it was loud enough to grab Leo''s attention and he realized that he was messing things up.


    "Y-Yes!" He hurriedly got up with a nervous look on his face.


    "It seems all the students have got something on their mind today. May be I should just dismiss the ss for today," The Professor said with an annoyed face. He clearly was a bit irritated


    "Anyway, this was your first time so I won''t hold it." The Professor let go of it and then pointed at the screen.


    It said something about the Civil War in Bruce and depicted a situation where the captain of a squad had a tough call to made. Leo was supposed to answer how he as a Soldier of Gloria should have reacted keeping the rules in his mind.


    How was he suppose to remember the rules of Gloria Military when he had been around for just fricking seven days on the?!


    "¡­"


    The student''s expression started to change when Leo failed to answer it. This really shocked everyone, even the professor. It was true that Aiden had a low ranked skill and because of it he ranked at the bottom of the ss mostly but when it came to theory papers, he was ranked in the top 3.


    As for the question in front, it wasn''t that tough and more than half of the students could answer it easily. But Leo wasn''t one of them.


    "Umn¡­I don''t know.." Leo replied as he forced a smile on his face while crying inwardly. He really was going to be in trouble on the first day!


    "Out of the ss, now!"

 Chapter 37 - 36: Not In Mood

    "Out of the ss! Now!"


    Everyone looked at Leo.


    There was definitely something odd about him. The Professor had exined the topic and someone like him definitely shouldn''t have a problem answering. Was it possible that he suddenly had a mood to y a prank?


    "There is something off about him," Serina said as she looked at him with a slight frown on her face.


    "Well, he is missing an arm due to some ident. He might have hurt his head as well," Zel said with augh.


    But when no oneughed and instead stared at him for being insensitive, he immediately turned quiet.


    "What''s wrong?" The Professor asked when he saw that Aiden wasn''t moving.


    "Umn¡­actually, I don''t remember anything. I-"


    "Then you should properly pay attention in the ss!" The Professor Benard interrupted him with a frown. He clearly hadn''t expected such behavior from Leo.


    ''Let me speak at least¡­'' Leo groaned inwardly.


    "It''s not my fault actually, I don-"


    "Enough!" Leo was once again interrupted by the Professor and this time his voice was louder and he look pissed.


    "Remember everyone! There are no excuses in our profession!" He said as he casted his gaze on the entire ss before focusing on Leo. "And there is no difference in treatment in my ss! If onemits a mistake, he is bound to be punished."


    "Get out of the ss! You will receive the recordings of the ss in your smart links. I don''t like people who stay in the ss but let their mind out." He further said before pointing towards the door.


    ''Really? They won''t even let me talk?'' Leo was really speechless and a bit frustrated as well.


    In the end, he had to leave.


    ¡­


    "Huff!"


    Leo sighed as he wandered around the campus after being kicked out of his ss.


    How could he answer something which he had no idea bout?


    This was clearly bullying. But the Professor wasn''t at as he didn''t know about Leo''s situation but he was definitely at fault for not allowing Leo to exin himself.


    "I should have told him about it," He shook his head before releasing another sigh. This was a bad decision on his side, he should have insisted there. After all, if things continued like this, he would be spending all his time outside the ssroom rather then inside.


    "Excuse me!" A voice entered Leo''s ear and he turned around to see a slime girl standing in front of him.


    "Uh¡­I am sorry.." The girl said after realizing it was Aiden and hurried away.


    Leo didn''t know what it was supposed to mean but he saw the pamphlet in her hand which said something about joining the Literature club.


    It was only then he realized that she must have been looking around to recruit people. It was already a few months into the beginning of the second year and her club stillcked members. It was obvious that people who were opting for Military Courses weren''t interested in Literature.


    Now that he thought about it, Aiden didn''t seem to be any club. The guy didn''t had time after all ad he trained every second that he could find. It was tough being a hardworking guy. You couldn''t even have some fun time.


    As Leo was about to go on his aimless path, a person suddenly blocked his path and stared at him before his face finally broke out in a smile, "You are Aiden, aren''t you?"


    "Yes," Leo said with a nod wondering who the guy was.


    "Man! I didn''t recognize you with that look!" He said in surprised before breaking out in augher, "But its good this way actually."


    Leo looked at the guy and he seemed to be a fellow Glorian as well.


    "Actually, I have beencking points this month. I need a few more to cross the person above me. Come help me out a bit," He said with a smile.


    "Points?" Leo asked while forcing a smile on his face. He really was confused having no idea about it at all.


    "Yeah? Why you don''t have anymore? Did someone beat me to it already?" The person asked before suddenlying up and pulling Leo''s wrist trying to unlock his smart link.


    This immediately made Leo frown. This was really rude thing to do. But he didn''tsh out at the guy and just quietly pulled his arm back.


    "I don''t think I have those?" He shook his head not wanting to get involved.


    "Come one, don''t be like this¡­you have been absent for a while this month you sure have got some saved, I really don''t have any points," He insisted while looking at Leo.


    ''Does he want to borrow something like money? Is he even a friend?'' Leo had no idea about it.


    "Look, I broke my smart link recently and I am currently logged in into a guest ount. So, I can''t help you at all." Leo shook his head while trying to leave.


    But the person justughed, "No worries, we can get your biometrics and it will recognize you."


    With that he beckoned Leo to follow him as he led the way.


    ''Was Aiden big hearted person? Distributing this whatever points for free?'' Leo sighed as he quietly followed the person behind because he didn''t want any stress and get into an argument with a fellow student on the first day.


    Soon they reached the indoor training station and Leo could see a lot of people around who were most likely here to train and exchange pointers with other fellow students.


    "We are here for points right?" He couldn''t help but ask looking at the guy who just nodded his head.


    "That''s the booth, lets go," The person said and began to walk taking huge strides with a big smile on his face.


    The two immediately attracted everyone''s attention and an undercurrent began to flow. A few people smiled with an amused look while others sighed.


    ''Something is odd,'' Leo frowned when Arthur informed him about the general people''s reaction in the room and after taking a couple of more steps, he stopped.


    The guy soon realized that Leo wasn''t following him and immediately turned around to ask with a frown, "What''s wrong?"


    "How do we exchanged points?" Leo asked looking at him.


    "What kind of question is that?" The person asked with a weird look on his face before replying, "Its obviously through a mock battle.."


    ''I knew something was off here,'' Leo muttered inwardly. He didn''t know the rules around and hade pretty close to getting his ass handed over on the very first day.


    ''Arthur scan him..''


    [Scanning¡­]


    And within a few seconds, the list of the guy''s stats were brought out in Leo''s head.


    [Showing results¡­]


    Name: Unknown


    Race: Glorian


    Level: 10 Awake


    Green Rank Skill: Hardening


    Comprehensive Assessment: [E-]


    ''Isn''t he Lv 10? Why is his Comprehensive Assessment [E-]?'' Leo asked in confusion. If he was not wrong, it should have been [F-]


    ording to Arthur, there were three styles of alphabet [F-], [F] and [F+] for the people between Lv 1 to 10. It was basically dividing people and this didn''t solely rted to levels but actual stats.


    So this person in front of him even though was only Lv 10 actually had the stats of Lv 11. This was a bit hard to believe.


    [There is nothing hard to believe in here. It is tougher for Higher Rank Skill users to level up. This person has trained to increase his stats up, but he hasn''t raised his skill level enough and failed to form a connection with Cyan Color Arora energy. Hence, he is still at Lv 10]


    ''Leave that thing, what''s my chances of winning here?'' He asked Arthur who replied in its emotionless voice, [0.1%]


    "You areing or not?" The person frowned seeing Leo standing there with a daze.


    "No, I am not in the mood to fight today. Let''s do it another day," Leo said with a smile but his words immediately turned the ce silent.


    People were shocked!


    History was made today, Aiden Silver had refused a fight for the first time since the beginning of the Academy.


    Aiden had actually never refuse an invitation to duel. People had seen this crazy guy fight with broken bones, fractured neck, busted head but never seen him refusing.


    But today... he refused¡­.


    Why?


    Because he wasn''t in the mood.


    If Aiden knew that Leo was destroying his hard earned image, his face would definitely have been a sight to see.

 Chapter 38 - 37: [Bullseye!]

    "Did I hear him wrong? He doesn''t want a fight?" Someone said in disbelief while looking at Leo.


    "I think I heard something wrong as well," Another guy chimed in as well.


    "Did he he hurt his head?"


    People really weren''t able to believe their eyes and ears. They had continuously witnessed this guy for more than a year and knew very well how he was.


    "You don''t want a mock battle?" The person opposite to Leo asked him with his brows raise up.


    "Yes, I will have to leave now," Leo said with a nod before immediately turning around to leave.


    "Wait!"


    But the guy overtook Leo and once again blocked his path.


    "You can''t refuse me! I fought with you a month earlier when you were looking for people to fight. You have to pay me back for the favor," He said in a righteous tone while looking at Leo.


    But as soon as those words left his mouth, the people around sneered at him in disdain.


    The Academy actually gave every student a 1000 points at the beginning of the month and this points can be taken from another person after engaging them in a mock battle. The minimum bet for the match had to be 100 points while there wasn''t an upper limit on it.


    At the end of each month, the students would then be evaluated on the basis of points with them and their rankings would be decided on the Combat Board.


    The top students on thesebat boards would be given preferential treatment when it came to the use of training grounds, gravitational rooms, Mech Simtions Devices, schrships, borrowing weapons and training manuals for longer durations, participation in actually military drills along with one of Gloria''s military unit and many other simr benefits like this.


    On the other hand, the students at the bottom not only had their resources reduced but also had their grades affected as this Combat Board was taken into consideration while adding up marks of a students. And then there were also chances for these people to not be recruited in a good post if they really did perform bad.


    And not participating in a mock battle was not possible at all as the Academy had made itpulsory for the students to have at least 20 mock battles under a semester.


    Even though the number here was 20, the average number of mock battles per students were way higher because the Academy focused on military style of teaching. Not to mention, people would look down on you if you just did bare minimum and that would end upbeling you as cowards and a title like that definitely didn''t suit a future soldier.


    So the students usually kept their numbers up to build up a good resume for them.


    And now in such an environment, you could easily imagine that lower rankers were a good source of points for everyone and among these people, Aiden was everyone''s favorite as unlike other lower level twerps, he wouldn''t hide and openly ept anyone''s challenge.


    So, it was always a race for people to get to him first at the beginning of every month. But for some reason he had been missing from the start of this month.


    But now that this guy saw Leo today, he couldn''t help it wanting the fish all for himself.


    "I said, I don''t feel like having a mock battle," Leo said with a frown when he saw the guy refused to leave his path and continued to block him.


    "Don''t tell me you of all people are suddenly getting a cold feet?" The guy snorted at Leo.


    "You are clearly stronger than me, don''t you feel ashamed challenging me? Go and fight someone of your own caliber," Leo frowned realizing that this guy was definitely not a friend and was up here to create some trouble.


    "Hahahaha!!" The person stared at Leo for a second before breaking out inughter. Even the people around had their face twisted in an odd manner.


    "Did you hear people? A person aiming to be a soldier asks his opponent if he is ashamed of fighting someone weaker then him?" The guy said while turning and around looking at the students nearby.


    "Really, so much for the son of the Thunder Hero," He further added before turning to look at Leo with a smirk on his face.


    Thisment immediately changed Leo''s expression. Let''s just say that if he didn''t like the guy earlier then now he was starting to hate him.


    A vein popped up on Leo''s face as the guy continued tough.


    Leo was not Aiden and Edgar wasn''t his father. But the man had been nice to him all along and treated him like his son, it definitely didn''t seat well with him hearing the guy address him like this.


    "You better not cross your line," Leo said warning the person. Everyone had a limit.


    "This is Academy my friend, if you have something to say, bring it inside the arena," The guy said with augh.


    Leo couldn''t believe this person had the guts to pull out Edgar''s name like this. Wasn''t he afraid of messing with him? At least Leo would definitely be if he was in his position.


    He saw the guy inviting him towards the fighting booth but he wasn''t a fool.


    "I don''t have time for this," Leo shook his head and tried to walk by his side.


    Even though he was angry, Leo knew that fighting with him meant getting beating up. That wasn''t a solution. He would see if he could find a Disciplinary Committee or any teacher he couldin to. After all, bringing someone''s parent up like this wasn''t right.


    If people were to know Leo''s current thought they would really not know how to react. This was military school not kindergarten. Leo would soon realize this truth as well, the ce wasn''t an Academy but a battlefield.


    "You want to run loser?" The guy saw Leo leaving and grabbed the jacket on his back before pulling it off.


    The next instant people''s eyes turned wide for obvious reasons.


    "Woah! What happened to you?!" He said with an amused face while looking at Leo. "What would you do now? The only weapon you know to use is two handed as well. Oh my god! What a unlucky guy!"


    Heughed at his best and then raised the jacket in front of him, "Were you using this to hide you weakness now?"


    "I bet your mom woul-"


    Before another word could leave his mouth, the jacket in front of him suddenly changed shape and it protrude outward in the shape of a shoe and the next thing the person knew was a tremendous impact on his nose and the shoe sank into his face before he was sent flying away crashing into the nearby pod.


    "Crash!"


    The entire ce was immediately turned silent as they looked at the the Leo whose body was tilting sideward with one feet on the ground and another raised up into the air as his yellow energy continued to ooze out of his leg.


    [Bullseye!]

 Chapter 39 - 38: Left In Confusion

    [Bullseye!]


    As soon as Leo heard Arthur''s voice, he realized what he had done in anger and his face immediately changed color.


    He looked around to see people staring at him with a shocked face while that guyid down in the distance with foot print on his face. His nose had sank into his face at an unnatural angle as blood oozed out of it.


    This really was unheard of, even if someone was caught off guard, being knocked out by a low level in a single move. This had to be a joke! Not to mention, no one had ever heard Aiden practicing martial arts involving kicks.


    After all, no matter how you looked, that was definitely not an ordinary kick,


    "Umn¡­I-I.." Leo didn''t know what to say to the guy. Should he help or not? He actually didn''t want to act violently. It was just that he snapped, you shouldn''t push people past their tolerance limit. Especially, when they were not at fault.


    Now, he was really nervous now.


    Was he going to get in trouble for this? What should he do now? Help him? Apologize? Or run away?


    Leo did a back and forth while looking at the guy and the exit.


    But in the end, he just hurriedly left the ce and ran away.


    ¡­


    ''What the hell is wrong with the people here? Why was he so rude? Did Aiden had some kind of enmity with him?'' Leo muttered inwardly after finally finding an empty bench to sit near the streets of the Academy as he watched the students around.


    [That was the perfect way of using the Side Kick, your use of energy and timing was perfect. And as you saw, if you can catch an opponent off guard it will still blow him away even if he is a level above you.]


    Leo sighed hearing Arthur, he just did that in anger. He really didn''t have much control over it. Now that he was thinking, if he hadn''t been lucky enough tond the kick, he was sure he would have ended up in a terrible stat.


    It seemed that the Basilisk in the morning had boosted his luck here.


    ''This is all your fault! You made me aggressive. I was never a student who fought. This was my first fighting in school,'' Leo sighed whileining to Arthur. ''What would I do if hee seeking revenge next time?''


    [You are not in an environment where you can be at ease. So stop whining about it.] Arthur was savage as always.


    ''Did you activate [Enhance]?'' Leo asked as looked at his own body. He could feel that his body''s capability had significantly strengthened.


    [Yes, I judged it necessary. If not for this, the person wouldn''t have fainted and probably would have came after you.]


    Leo felt a cold sweat running down his neck when heard Arthur say those words.


    ''Anyway, Scan me now. I want to see my assessment in this state.''


    [Scanning¡­]


    [Showing results¡­]


    Name: Leo Allison


    Race: Glorian


    Level: 1 Awake


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Charge], [A.I. Mind]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F]


    His Comprehensive Body Assessment had went up from [F-] to [F]. It probably mean that he had stats around that of Lv 5 or 6 Awake.


    In that state he could K.O. a guy at Lv 10 with just a single kick if caught off guard. It seemed that the Kicking technique was no joke.


    But wasn''t the kicking technique simr to a few other simr martial arts? Then why was it so strong?


    [It just isn''t the kick but the method of training as well as the right use of your Energy. This is what giving birth to the power behind the kicks.] Arthur exined.


    At this moment, two people went by Leo and he could clearly hear them talking about something which picked his interest.


    "I heard the people Seniors from the Mech Knight courses are going for a mock battle, let''s hurry up!" One of the guy said, he seemed to be a student from a different section as he had the same dress as Leo which belonged to the students of MTP sses.


    "Yeah, it isn''t every day that you get to see live Mechas in action," the person beside him replied with a hint of excitement.


    Leo didn''t have anything else to do. So, what could be better than watching some live Mechs in action to pass his time?


    ''It seems there is finally something to look forward to..''


    With that, he got up and followed after the two students and finally reached the Colosseum where the mock battle was apparently going to take ce.


    Leo could see more than a dozen of students around. They must not be having any sses around this time or were kicked out like him.


    Anyway, Leo took a seat and concentrated on the field ahead.


    On the either side of the field stood two huge metallic figures of the Mechs giving out a dim luster. The two giants seemed to be a little worn down from the all the fights that they had gone through.


    The two metallic giants belonged to the Guardian Knight Series and werebeled as GK 2.0 Model, Gloria''s standard Mechs for a Knight from the previous generation. If Leo was the right, then currently 3.0 Models were being used as the standard Mech to equip normal Mech Knights.


    The two Mechs were silver in color with a slight horn like protruding from the center of their helmets which looked like a knight''s visor from the ancient times. The two had side guards on their thighs which went down like skirts and could even be used a weapon while performing a spinning maneuver. Aside from this, it had another notable feature which was its design. Its upper body came down in a ''V'' shaped towards the waist and then simrly extended downward from there on in opposite manner.


    "Its Aaron.." Leo was surprised when he saw Aaron walking towards one of the Mechs. It seemed he was taking part in the mock battle. This really left him dumbfounded.


    If he remembered clearly then thest time he scanned Aaron, he was only at Lv 29, still a Magnate. How was it possible for him to pilot a Mech?


    This really left him grabbing his hairs in utter confusion. He really had no idea what was going around here.


    "What''s wrong?" A voice came from the side.


    Leo suddenly turned his head to the person next to his seat and saw a guy with round sses on his face and a whiteb coat over his student uniform. He seemed to be a senior from Aaron''s course but a year younger than him. Obviously, Leo had judging it from his uniform and not with some Esper like powers.


    ''Human?'' Leo clearly was surprised. In the excitement of seeing Mechas, he didn''t even realize that the human he had been searching for was sitting right by his side.


    "You look so confused?" The person further asked looking at Leo with a smile.


    "Umn¡­yeah, I was just wondering, why he can pilot a Mech when he isn''t even a Lv 31 Titled yet.." Leo asked in confusion.


    "Where in the world are you living? You don''t know about Senior Aaron? He is Golden Ranked Skill user.." The guy said with weird look on his face.


    Leo''s eyes immediately turned wide.


    Now that he remembered it, he indeed hadn''t asked anyone about their skills in the family. He only knew that Edgar had a Golden Ranked and was powerhouse.


    Considering that, it shouldn''t be a surprise that Aaron too had a Golden Ranked Skill. But the revtion still hit Leo hard, this things were just too foreign to him after all.


    ''Does Amelia have a Golden Ranked Skill as well? What about the Aiden''s mom?'' Leo couldn''t help but think about it.


    But wait a second..


    "Even if he have a Golden Ranked skill, what does it have to do with being a Mech Pilot at the level of a Magnate instead of a Titled?"


    The Question still remained.


    It seemed Leo wascking more knowledge then he thought himself to have about Mechs.

 Chapter 40 - 39: Battle Of Giants

    "Mech Pilot?" The person looked at Leo with an amused face. Here in Gloria people usually used the term Mech Knight so it was very umon for him to hear the word ''Mech Pilot'' which humans usually referred to.


    "I mean Mech Knight," Leo corrected himself while sighing inwardly.


    "Are you a newly admitted first year?" The person suddenly asked looking at Leo who was clearlycking some solid basic knowledge here.


    "A person with a White Rank Skill needs to be Lv 21 to pilot a Mech, while one with a Silver Rank Skill need to be on Lv 11. As for people with Golden Rank Skills, they don''t have any such limitation like other people. They can pilot a Mech from the very moment they awaken. These people are not called the Favored ones for no reason after all." He further said while exining it to Leo.


    Leo couldn''t believe his ears. He clearly had no idea about this. Wasn''t this ridiculous? This people were clearly gaining much more than others here. No wonder they had potential to reach such higher levels.


    "ng!"


    A metallic noise interrupted their conversation and the two turned their headed towards the field. The two people had finally boarded their knights and the two metallic giants began to move.


    These was the first time that Leo had seenbat type Mechs up close in action.


    Three Projections screens lit up above in the sky each showing a different statistics in them.


    The two to the side showed Mech and Pilot''s condition. The mock battles with Mechs were obviously done in a controlled environment and stopped before it could harm either of the two students.


    The main screen showed the points tally in between as well as the inside of two Pilot''s cabin showing their live maneuvering ability to the audience.


    At this moment, a person got up onto the referees tform and it lifted him up a few meters above the ground.


    "Select your weapons, you have 30 seconds to choose." He thenmanded the two person and the giant body of Mech''s suddenly turned towards the giant weapon rack towards the side of the stadium.


    Aaron didn''t hesitated and immediately pulled out a long de from the rack and then swung it around showing his excellent maneuvering ability of the Mecha before pointing his de towards his opponent.


    The people around cheered in support as the wind from the Mech''s movement brushed past their faces.


    It seemed that Aaron was quite famous among his juniors for some reason.


    The opponent on the other hand picked up ance in one hand a shield in another. It was a smart choice against Aaron''s aggressive style. If he could hold on until Aaron exhausted himself, the win was his.


    "Prepare yourself!" The instructor spoke and a countdown appeared on the projection above while a transparent barrier like dome appeared covering the battle field to protect the people in audience from any kind of harm from the shocks of the battle.


    "3¡­"


    "2.."


    "1.."


    A buzzer seemed to ring as soon as the the countdown hit zero and the two Mechs moved.


    Aaron was extremely fast on his feet. His Mech moved like lightning and the next second he was already half the way towards his opponent and his hands which were grabbing onto the hilt of the de suddenly moved.


    People could feel the trembling on the ground and even hear the loud tearing sound of the de gliding through the air.


    "ng!"


    Sparks emerged as the de and shield collided. Aaron took a step forward and overpowered his opponent who began to get pushed away and the screen above added that to a point on Aaron''s side. But it wasn''t ending yet, the opponent immediately send hisnce piercing towards Aaron who swiftly dodged it and was forced to retreat behind.


    When the exchange ended, the people around cheered in excitement and Leo seemed to have forgotten about his earlier worries and was enjoying the show without a care of anything else in the world.


    "re!"


    The opponent''s green colored energy erupted before turning into green colored mes. It was clear that this person wasn''t a Titled as well and had some kind of high ranked me control skill.


    The Mech with green mes rushed towards Aaron who released his energy as well and activated his skill letting out a green colored lightning which covered the entire Mech.


    "ng!"


    The two Mech''s shed and got engaged in a fierce struggle. Aaron was fast and attacked aggressively and in the eyes of onlookers he was almost dominating the match. But his opponent was definitely not simple, he stood there like mountain and with the shield continued take hits like a tank waiting for the right moment to strike.


    "The guy fighting against Senior Aaron is Belfred Lionel," The Human guy seeing Leo''s face once again decided to exin it to him.


    Leo had already done a bit of research and knew the names of important people at least.


    Lionel was a simr Aristocratic Family like Silver and the Right Marshal who was the head of the Lionel Family was in same position as Edgar as one of the three Highest Commanding Authorities in Gloria''s Military.


    But as for who this guy with a simr title was, Leo had a bit of difficulty in remembering that.


    "Aish! You don''t know a single thing! Were you living in caves until now?" He couldn''t help but ask Leo with a weird look on his face. "Your face seems a bit familiar but I am sure that I have never heard about a person with only one arm in the Academy."


    Leo didn''t know how to tell him who he was. If he told he was Aiden won''t that make it awkward since he didn''t even know about his own brother. Then in order to clear all the misunderstanding he would have to go all over the story.


    Too troublesome..


    "I am Leo," Leo threw out his real name as an alias.


    For now this was fine, after all, the matter couldn''t be hidden for long.


    "Leo? Never heard of that¡­" The person tried to remember but than shook his head after failing to remember him.


    "Anyway, I am Yuji Miwa." He introduced himself as well.


    "How do you write it? I mean which is your name?" Leo asked as he looked at him.


    Yuji on the other hand was taken back. This had indeed been a problem to him hence he started to spell his name first and then his surname. And there hasn''t been a single instance of people ask him about this. But for some reason, this guy in front of him seem to be a lot familiar with human culture.


    "Yuji is my name. But just call me Doc, everyone does that.." Yuji replied rifying it.


    Leo could clearly understand why people called him that. The dude was freaking roaming around in ab coat.


    "Crang!"


    A heavy metallic noise rang in the stadium as Aaron''s Mech managed to disarm his opponent''s shield leaving him with only ance covered in a green mes but it didn''te at an easy cost, Belfred''s spearnded on the shoulder of Aaron''s Mech leaving a heavy damage which almost made its arm to lose its movements.


    It was definitely a close call.


    But the battle had definitelye to its final stage..


    "Buzz!"


    People''s faces turned ugly when they heard the buzzer signalling the time up and they let out sighs and shouted for them to continue. But the instructors weren''t having it.


    And hence the match ended there and the results were dered as a tie as both contestants did almost equal damage to each other.

 Chapter 41 - 40: Amelia In Trouble

    The matches in the Colosseum continued and Leo clearly lost the track of his time in excitement. Mechs were always his weakness and it still haven''t changed.


    Not to mention, Yuji who preferred himself to be called Doc was a Mecha enthusiast as well and the two automatically hit it off.


    Even though almost everyone wanted to be a Mech Knight here, all this people still didn''t have the ability to call themselves a true Mecha enthusiast in front of Leo and Doc, the two were really crazy about it. And for them, just piloting a Mech wasn''t enough but knowing each and everything about it was.


    "Hell, yeah! That''s how you do it!" Doc cheered when both of the Mech on the field lost their weapon and it ended up turning into a fist fight.


    The fight continued for a while before the winner was dered and the mock battle session for today was finally over.


    The students in the audience seat finally began to leave and it was only then that Leo realize that he had lost the track of time. He immediately looked at his smart link and his face twitched.


    Two hours¡­


    He missed two sses!


    ''Sh*t!''


    Leo really wanted to cry, nothing was going his way today. He was really having it for worse honestly.


    "Well, then I will be going, Leo. See you around.." Doc rose up from his seat and waved his hand before leaving.


    ¡­.


    Leo got out of the Colosseum and went around searching for his next ss. There was break time now but he already had more than enough of a break and it was best if he stayed in the ss and made sure he didn''t miss the next one for any reason.


    But as soon as he reached the ce, he saw the guy whom he had kicked in the face earlier with a bunch of other people. He seemed to be standing in front of the ss waiting for someone. There was still the mark of shoe on his face and his face had really turned ugly. Leo could tell one thing for sure if he was caught then it would really be over for him.


    In the end, he quietly sneaked away.


    ''What kind of life is this? Ain''t I the son of Edgar Silver? People dare to insult as well as seek revenge on me?'' Leo really was speechless. If it was Earth, he was sure that none of the guys would have even dared to look him in the eye.


    Hell, he was supposed to be an Aristocrat!


    Anyway, one thing was for sure, he wasn''t going back to that ce to get beaten up. He would rather have Aaron deal with it. He tried to message him for help but then realized that he never ever asked for anyone''s contact information.


    "What are you doing around here?" A voice entered Leo''s ear and he turned around to see a middle aged man standing behind him. He had a scar on his face which ran down on his eye and made him looked kind of menacing. The man had light beard mustache with an olive skin tone while his ck untied hairs ran down the shoulders.


    He was wearing a strange samurai like gown that Leo had seen in movies back on earth and had an overcoat on his shoulder. The person was way taller then Leo almost rivaling Edgar in terms of height and Leo had to raise his head in order to look him in the face.


    "This area is off limits don''t you know it," The person frowned and Leo immediately realize that he had arrived at unknown ce while running away from that guy earlier.


    "Uh, I am sorry." He immediately apologized to the person and turned around to leave.


    "Where do you think you are going, I am not done yet!" The man didn''t seem on letting Leo go this easily and reached out to grab his shoulder.


    "Aaahh!!!" A scream escaped Leo''s mouth as the man''s palm grabbed at the severed section of his arm.


    Let''s be honest, the person''s grip was too strong for Leo''s wound and the pain send him down on his knees. It really hurt like hell and was a terrible thing to experience.


    The person was taken back in surprise initially but then he frowned and took Leo''s jacket off to see that the kid was missing his arm.


    "You kidding me?" He shook his head. A person with a missing arm in the Academy like this? This had to be a joke.


    How could a person like this be a soldier? This was literally limiting one''s potential.


    Not to mention, a severed arm could be connected if immediately brought into and treated. Just what kind of situation would have led his arm to be severed like this and even prevented him from reconnecting it.


    Seeing that Leo was showing no signs of getting up, the man grabbed his cor and picked him up before taking him along with him.


    ¡­.


    On the other side¡­


    Year 1D of MTP ss


    It was the break right time and the students were clearly gathering around in their own groups having fun.


    Amelia simrly was among her group of friends when one of the guy suddenly spoke, "Hey Amelia, isn''t this your loser brother?"


    Amelia frowned as the guy suddenly sent a projection screen out of his smart link and it showed the incident from before when Leo had kicked the guy in the face.


    "What happened to him? He is missing an arm?" One of the girl asked.


    "That still doesn''t surprise me, but the fact that he was running away from a fight really does¡­" Another one chimed in.


    "Did he hit his head? Why does he seem to be behaving like that?"


    "Wasn''t he weird to begin with? What are you surprised about?"


    "You are caring for that? Isn''t he in big trouble for kicking a guy outside the fighting arena."


    "I can''t believe Mr. Ideal would break the rules someday." The guy who had started the conversation shook his head andughed.


    "What ideal? He is just a loser." Another guy shook his head.


    "I am curious as to what happened to him though."


    "Why don''t you just ask Amellia?" The guy said with augh before turning his head towards her seat only to find her missing.


    "Where did she go?"


    ¡­.


    ''Oh my god! I am dead!'' Amelia screamed inwardly as she hurried towards Aiden''s ssroom.


    Now that he had caused some trouble, it was very likely to reach her mother''s ears. If her mother found out that she hadn''t done her job, Amelia would be done for.


    ''Why in hell did that idiot do that? I thought he was the enforcer of non-violence.'' She really didn''t know what was going through his head at all.


    As soon as she reached the ssroom, she looked around but didn''t manage to find Aiden anywhere. In the end, she looked around for someone familiar whom she would be able to ask something.


    ¡­


    "Isn''t that Amelia?" Serina said as she looking at Amelia waving her at them.


    "Yeah, its her." Becky nodded.


    The two of them had just returned to the ssroom as the break was about to end.


    "Let''s go, she might know where he had been missing since the first ss," Becky said with a slight glow in her eyes and the two walked out of their seat towards Amelia.


    Today was full of shock, Aiden was first kicked out of the ss, he then bunked the next sses and kicked some guy in the face. It seemed he was on a mission to change his image and rebelling against his past self.


    And this had clearly left a lot of people in confusion including Becky and Serina as well.


    When Becky reached the door, she smiled at Amelia and asked, "It''s been a while Amy, how are you?"


    "I am fine, Princess," Amelia replied with a smile before asking her and Serina the same.


    "Umn..I am looking for the lose- brother, have you seen Aiden around?" She finally asked them hiding the nervousness on her face.


    "We were about to ask you the same? He has been missing since he was kicked out of the first ss," Serina replied while Becky only stood there with a concerned face.


    Amelia''s eyes dted when she heard that Aiden had been kicked out of the ss. This had to be a joke, who would have thought she would hear this someday.


    But that wasn''t the problem now¡­


    "Why was he kicked out?" She asked Serina while sweating. She knew she was in trouble here.


    "He couldn''t answer the question." Serina awkwardly replied. It felt like snitching to her for some reason.


    "Isn''t that obvious? He lost his memory, how in hell is he supposed to answer questions when he don''t even remember anything? Isn''t the Instructor bullying him?" Amelia couldn''t help but frown after hearing that.


    "Lost his memory?" Both Serina and Becky simultaneously spoke in confusion.


    Amelia looked at the two and her eyes pupils erged, "Wait, don''t tell me he didn''t inform anyone about it?"

 Chapter 42 - 41: The Unreasonable Librarian

    Amelia looked at the two and immediately understood what was going on.


    This was really bad!


    She needed to find Leo and fix everything.


    "Will you exin what''s going on?" Serina asked with a frown.


    Amelia really wanted to cry right now. She knew she had iting once she went back home. She looked at two in front of her and exined the situation to them and once she did, their faces changed in shock.


    "If he returns please do inform me," Amelia said to Becky before leaving in an attempt to find him.


    "That was really unexpected." Serina shook her head, she never would have thought that Leo''s odd behavior was due to memory loss.


    "Does that mean, he doesn''t remember me as well?" Becky asked looking at her. She seemed worried about it.


    "If he doesn''t even remember his family, there is no way he would remember any of us." Serina shook her head with a helpless smile on her face.


    But when she saw that look on Becky''s face, she couldn''t help but console her a bit, "Don''t worry, even if he doesn''t remember you. You just need to make him remember. Not to mention now you even have a reason to interact with him. Just say you want to help him get his memories back. Besides, not everyone gets a chance to leave a good first impression on their crush for a second time you know."


    "Sshh! What are you doing? You know I am a princess, don''t you? What will I do if people hear you?" Becky immediately put her hand on Serina''s mouth to shut her up and then looked around to see if anyone had heard them or not.


    "Seriously?" Serina couldn''t help but look at her with an amused face. "Don''t you realize that you are too obvious? I bet more then half of the people in the Academy know that you have a crush on him. Isn''t that one of the reason that people dislike him even more?"


    "No way!" Becky was immediately taken back. She hadn''t realize it until now it seems or wasn''t willing to ept it probably.


    But it was obvious to people, it could be clearly seen from the way that Amelia had tried to test Leo using Becky''s name.


    Serina shook her head and turned around to enter the ss with Becky following behind her with a concerned and nervous face. She still wasn''t done talking and wanted to know why she said that.


    ¡­.


    On the other side¡­


    Leo was lying down in the medical ward after that scary looking man had carried him here while Leo was screaming in pain.


    "Is he fine?" The man asked looking at the nurse who seemed a bit intimidated by him.


    "Yes, Sir. There is nothing wrong with him. It was just his wounds acting up. It wasn''t anything major," She shook her head and walked out of the cabin leaving behind Leo and the scary looking man alone.


    "I should probably go now," Leo said a bit nervously as he tried to get up and leave.


    "Sit down, you not only intruded in my personal space but even made me carry you here. I am not done with you."


    Those words stopped Leo dead in his tracks and he forced a smile on his face before lying down on the bed and looking at the man.


    "Which area was it Sir?" He couldn''t help but ask.


    "Library¡­" The man replied it and it immediately made Leo speechless for two reason.


    In this days, where in hell would you find physical libraries? Did people really had so much of boredom to go out and search for things which could be found online?


    And let''s leave this for a second, how the hell did this man dared to call library his personal space. Didn''t it belong to the students?


    "How are you going to make it up for all the trouble you caused to me?" The man asked looking at Leo.


    ''What''s wrong with the teachers here? Shouldn''t you be helping a student in need? Not to mention wasn''t he the one who caused Leo all the pain in the first ce. How did Leo ended up being the one to have caused him trouble? Wasn''t this the other way around.


    Leo really wanted to let him know the facts correct. But he already had enough of a trouble today and definitely didn''t want another one, especially with a teacher.


    "I am sorry, I wouldn''t do it from next time. I didn''t realize when I got there actually." He tried to ask for forgiveness.


    "There is no forgiveness for a soldier¡­report from tomorrow on wards in the library. You will be cleaning the whole library after sses from tomorrow until I am not satisfied with it."


    "Huh?" Leo looked at the man with a dumbfounded face.


    The man was clearly being unreasonable!


    "What? You got a problem with it?" The person gave Leo a re and he immediately close his mouth which was about to open in protest.


    "Good! I will see you tomorrow after the sses. Don''t bete."


    And with that he got up and left the ce.


    Leo looked at his leaving back and sighed.


    A minute hadn''t even past since that unreasonable person left when another familiar figure entered the room.


    It was Aaron.


    "What happened? Is everything fine?" He asked with a frown. It seemed he had got the news of Leo being carried to the infirmary somehow and had rushed to meet him.


    "I am fine," Leo forced a smile on his face before exining the situation to him.


    "Tsk, bad luck. That man is the librarian, Jackle Redwood. He is a weirdo. Even though no one uses library, he still has the post of the librarian and is paid free money. And at top of that, he doesn''t even look after the library and catches student like you do the job for him," Aaron gave Leo a pitiful look with a helpless smile on his face.


    Leo sighed before once again looking at Aaron and asking for his help to deal with the guy who he had kicked in earlier in the morning.


    "Why did you had to go with him for a mock battle in that situation?" Aaron''s frown deepened on hearing Leo exin another troublesome situation. He really couldn''t believe he had gotten into trouble back to back on the first day.


    "How was I supposed to know what kind of point he was talking about?" Leo groaned helplessly.


    "Didn''t Amelia inform you everything needed for the Academy? I heard mom telling herst night to talk to you about everything in detail before going to sleep," Aaron said with a frown and this really made Leo not know how to react.


    Amelia didn''t say single word to him about it.


    ''That girl¡­''


    ''What do I even say to her?'' He just lightly shook his head. There was nothing he could do about this.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore. Just tell me you are helping me out of this¡­" Leo asked as he stared at Aaron for help.


    "This.." Aaron really seemed to have been pushed into a corner but in the end, he shook his head. "I can''t¡­"


    Those words shattered all of Leo''s hope. Was he supposed to go and get beaten now?


    "We are not in the same year. Unless he challenges me, its unfair and clearly bullying if I interfere in this matter. Even Academy wouldn''t like it. Not to mention I will be turned into a bully for it."


    "Can''t you just diffuse the situation? I mean to the point where there won''t be any fight." Leo inquired with pleading gaze.


    Aaron really was speechless. How much did this guy change? It was only today that he was feeling that this guy was an entirely different person from inside. Because Aiden never would do something like this. The guy would have probably fought to death just to not let anyone mock him. That was how Aiden was.


    "I don''t think it will be that easy. If they target you then that means they have got someone behind them. After all, not everyone has the guts to go against us." Aaron shook his head. "So, even if I interfere, its very less likely that the person would back down and instead he is more likely to try and drag me in."


    "There are even people who would try to go against Edgar Silve- I mean Father," Leo immediately corrected himself feeling Aaron''s re and saw his fingers balling into a fist.


    "Don''t tell me that girl didn''t even told you about this?" Aaron''s face turned ugly at this point of time.


    Leo didn''t know what was going on but soon he found out. It seemed that Viona had given Amelia the task to make Leo knowledgeable enough to not have any problem around. After all, she was the only one who had enough of free time to do so. Teach Leo everything back from the basics.


    Edgar had his work, Viona looked after the house and the business and Aaron was busy with his training and study. Only Amelia was free as she was still in her first year of MTP unlike Aaron and not to mention, she wasn''t like her two hardworking brothers and spent most of her time chatting with her friend or going out.


    "That girl¡­" Aaron''s face twitched in anger when he saw Leo''s face and realized that Amelia clearly had cked onto her promise.

 Chapter 43 - 42: Aidens Monologue

    "That girl¡­" Aaron''s face twitched in anger.


    "Leave her be. I am sure she had some stuff going on," Leo tried to calm Aaron down not wanting any family drama.


    In the end, Aaron exined the situation to Leo.


    The Lynchfield were Royal Family who ruled Gloria and then under them came the Aristocratic Families who had swore loyalty to the crown. These Families had their own role assigned by the Crown in Gloria and they could be divided into two major categories based on their tasks.


    Military and Bureaucracy.


    It turned out that Silver were an Aristocratic family with Military responsibility which showed that they were greatly trusted by the Royal Family. And aside from them, there were two other families who shared the same rank as Slivers. They were the Lionel and Lancaster Family.


    All three of these families actually didn''t have long history behind them and had only recently came in power. It was obvious that they had rece someone else to earn that position and you can probably understand how many people would be upset because of it.


    Then there were the Aristocratic Family with Bureaucratic power which helped the Crown in governance. Even though they didn''t have military control, one couldn''t underestimate their influence on the masses. There were too many of Aristocratic Families involved in this system but only a few of these had true power and were at the top.


    They were the Graylock, Moonridge and Starwalker Family. The three heads of the Families served as the Right Minister, Central Minister and Left Minister respectively. And held significant powers in their hand.


    The Military Families and the Bureaucratic Families actually didn''t see eye to eye for some reason. Each treated another as a threat to their own power. You could technically say that they were divided into two sides.


    So, it was very likely that the guy who Leo got into trouble with was deliberately set up by any of the youngster of these Bureaucratic families.


    "Leave that be and tell me what I can do get out of this mess," Leo asked Aaron with a heavy sigh. This was all just too much. He understood what Aaron exined but that wasn''t helping him here. He needed immediate solution.


    "Just refuse his invitation to fight. The most he can do isin about you for hitting him outside of the fighting ground but if he hits you as well, he will be dragged in the punishment too. I bet he doesn''t want that considering he told you that he needed a few more points to get above the next person in the ranking."


    Leo''s eyes finally lit up on hearing that. Finally there was a hope of his survival here.


    "Really? I can just do that?" Leo asked as a smile bloomed on his face. He really seemed happy about it.


    "Of course, you really don''t need to fight if you don''t want to. No one can force you after all," Aaron shook his head with a helpless smile on his face.


    He wanted to say that it was not a good idea as people will find a way to find a fault in them and will make fun of them for Leo being weak when Edgar was such a huge figure in the world. But seeing how Leo seemed very relieved, Aaron could only shut his mouth up. Even though it wasn''t something his family cared about, both Aaron and real Aiden cared about it heavily.


    "By the way I watched your fight earlier, you were really awesome," Leo gave him a thumbs up after remembering the mock battle earlier.


    Aaron smiled lightly but that smile suddenly turned into a frown when he realized that Leo should have been in his ssroom during that time. "You didn''t have your sses in the morning?"


    "Umn.." Leo forced a smile on his face as he told him how he was first kicked out of the ss and then lost the track of time and ended up missing further sses before ending up here.


    "You kidding me?" Aaron couldn''t believe his ears. This guy technically hadn''t fully attended a single ss from the morning.


    "Can I just go home for today?" Leo really was in no mood to stay in this ce anymore. Even though Aaron said that the guy who Leo kicked wouldn''t do anything, he was probably raging right now. It was better to let him calm down and not appear in front of him.


    Aaron looked at Leo and sighed, "Fine, go ahead. I will inform Professor Vellsing about your condition. You can expect this things to be easy from tomorrow onward."


    Leo really wanted to cry. This guy was the best really.


    ¡­


    Leo soon got out of the ce and waited for the driver whom Aiden had called earlier to pick him up.


    "Should we leave, Master Aiden?" The driver asked once Leo got inside and he immediately nodded.


    When Leo saw the Academy shrinking behind, he was finally at ease.


    ''I really want to go back to earth..'' He muttered inwardly and sighed.


    [How could you run away like this?] Arthur didn''t seem happy with Leo''s behavior.


    ''I am not running. Its called tactical retreat." Leo retorted in protest.


    At this moment, his smart link shed with a notification and Leo finally saw the message which informed him that his verification had been done and now he could retrieve his ount.


    This immediately send happiness coursing through his body. Finally something which could be of some help of him.


    After following a small procedure, he retrieved the ount. Leo then immediately began to search through Aiden''s data in hopes of finding something. But obviously, it wasn''t like he was going to find some daily monologue in it or was he¡­.


    Leo''s expression changed when he saw a folder which contained several video footage of Aiden talking to himself. This guy was really talking to himself about his daily life and there was literally footage for the past two year.


    This had to be a joke! Did this guy knew that a situation like this was going to happen and left all of this for Leo? Because from what he had heard until now, Aiden didn''t seem to be a guy who would write a diary or keep a daily monologue of his life like this?


    He could rte it to a cheerful girl like Amelia but definitely not Aiden.


    Anyway, it was a good thing for him though.


    ''Let''s watch the first one and see how this person really was..'' He muttered inwardly before putting in his ear buds and ying the footage.


    It immediately showed Aiden sitting on the railing of the terrace of their mansion. He really seemed tired for some reason and a gloomy aura hung around him.


    "I really can''t bear it anymore.." He finally spoked while grabbing his head in frustration. "I want this to end.."


    His words took Leo back in surprise and he could tell at a first nce that the guy was really stressed out and mentally unstable for some reason.

 Chapter 44 - 43: Aidens Story

    "I am Aiden Silver and this is my monologue¡­" Aiden said while looking in the camera. "This is a pointless recording as I don''t have any intention to show it to anyone. But this something I need, I don''t have anyone to share my troubles with and this is the only way for me to let it all out."


    "I am the son of Edgar Silver, the Thunder Hero. A person who is known through out the universe. My mother is Viona Silver, she was the part of the backup team which had participated in raid against the Demon King. Two huge figure for my parents and I do love them. There is no doubt about it. But this is what that had led me to my current state."


    "I feel like I will go crazy if I don''t talk to someone about it." He said with augh but it seemed to be filled with tiredness.


    "In my early days, I was inherently stronger then the rest of the kids and was much more capable than others in my field. Whether it came to studying, Martial arts or weapon mastery. No one could match me as a kid."


    "Being the son of two huge figures and showing such talent at an young age led people to have some heavy expectations from me. My elder brother once had those too and stood up on those expectations and this only increased the pressure on me. But I wasn''t like him, I didn''t inherited any of my parent''s ability. There should have been nothing wrong with it as people were born different no doubt about it. I was fine with it and so were my parents. But I was being naive."


    "The people who I didn''t owe anything to became disappoint in me. Isn''t this funny? I don''t even know you? What in hell do you expect from me?"


    "Initially, I thought that it shouldn''t have mattered but the truth was not that simple. I slowly started to realize that I was dragging my family''s name with me. It was as if I had be an ugly spot on my family''s picture. Even my sister awakened a Violet Rank Skill."


    "My parent''s don''t say anything to me. And honestly they don''t seem to care about it. But it was not the same for me, I began to feel it. The people who couldn''t even see my back surpassed me in not time and I was left somewhere far behind. People said all kind of things behind my back and I couldn''t keep myself from being affected by it."


    Just imagine getting beaten by a guy who was no match for you earlier. And this wasn''t even it. Even though he had always done things in sporting spirit, these people seemed to have held a grudge against him and mocked him while at it. But he soon understand it wasn''t due to that, these people just wanted to feel superior by kicking down the son of someone whom they could only look up to.


    And if Aiden refused or ran away, the mockery would turn towards his father. No son would like that. He really had been cornered. So, he made his resolve.


    "In the end, I decided to do my best. If Icked in something, I would make it up with other things. I decided to turn into an ideal figure that everyone would look up to and I did it. I didn''t want to give anyone any chance to say anything ill about me and my family. I wanted to be able to look into the eyes of my parent the same way that my brother did. But my efforts still were not enough. It couldn''t hide my shoring of having a low rank skill."


    Leo sighed hearing Aiden talk about it. The guy here was talking about he past, it meant that he should be around 11-12, the time when he awakened, when these events had started to take ce. As a mature person, Leo felt that Aiden had overreacted but when you think he was just a kid, it really made the situation different.


    This really changed the way he looked at Aiden and really felt sad for the guy. To think that the guy was capable of holding so much in at such an age and even manage to fool the whole world.


    Leo shook his head and then continued to watch the rest of the video.


    "I am going to lose myself at this rate. I think I have started to take it out on my sister. I can''t help it. That girl has something Ick and she still cks all day. I can''t understand why she had to awaken a high rank skill? While I-"


    Aiden suddenly stopped when he realize what he was about to say and sighed again looked below with a dejected face.


    The footage ended up there and Leo clicked on the next one and decided to watch many as he could before reaching home.


    18th Monologue¡­


    "I got beaten up once again and it hurts like hell¡­" Aiden said with groan as he showed the bruises hidden under his shirt, "But I have to act like it doesn''t otherwise people will call me a flower.."


    "It is very easy to get targeted when you are in a position like mine...not to mention Becky is making it too obvious and it had gotten me some more haters who want to join the queue of people who want to beat me up." He shook his head with a momentary smile.


    "The girl is kind and nice. She had been tagging behind me as long as I could remember. But we are no longer kids. After not seeing her for three years, she really has changed. But she doesn''t understand that we are no longer the same person we use to be. The difference between us is too great. I will just have to maintain my stance and make her give up. That will be best for both of us¡­"


    ''So, it was like this after all,'' Leo sighed thinking about the time when Amelia had brought up something like that on the dining table as well.


    26th Monologue¡­


    "Damn it!" The voice almost scared Leo and he saw Aiden with bandages all around.


    "That Graylock is really crossing the line, I really want to kill him and curse the hell out of that son of a b*tch, but I need to maintain my image. So, I can''t do that¡­"


    "F*ck!"


    "That b*stard keeps targeting me for no reason. I will definitely kill him one day!"


    He really seemed frustrated and that to the point where he had started to curse. People definitely wouldn''t believe it if he just told them about it.


    45th Monologue


    "I fought with Amelia again¡­"


    "Nothing is going well¡­"


    51st Monologue¡­


    "I really don''t know what to say to Becky.." Aiden sighed with a depressed look on his face.


    "That girl clearly has surpassed me in terms of strength but keeps hiding it in consideration to me. This is only making me feel even more miserable.."


    "I even heard Serina saying it to her that it was pointless for her to pair up with me at this point¡­"


    "Sigh! What am I doing?"


    72nd Monologue¡­


    "I am falling behind a lot inparison to my peers. I need to do something¡­" Aiden seemed to be looking stressed once again.


    115th Monologue¡­


    "It was the Emperor''s birthday¡­"


    "Can''t believe the f*cker whispered me to not have thoughts about his daughter¡­"


    Aiden shook his head in disbelief and also seemed a bit annoyed about it. He was already aware of his position and didn''t need to be reminded about it.


    Leo really didn''t know what to think about his event. Did this guy just cursed the Emperor?


    Leo quietly deleted the footage. He was afraid of getting hanged if the footage was ever leaked.


    This guy was really something else. He was even acquainted with the princess. And Leo found it was hrious of the Emperor to say that, it seemed he was also a father in the end after all.


    ''Was this guy a yboy?'' Leo muttered inwardly.


    Just how many girls was this guy involved with. First, Becky and now the Princess too¡­


    Leo just shook his head and as he was about to continue, a voice interrupted him.


    "We are here Master Aiden.." The driver said as he looked at Leo.


    Leo looked outside and it was indeed the mansion.


    "Yeah, thanks.." He nodded with a smile and got out of the car and before walking towards the mansion from the garage.


    When Leo finally went inside, there was no one else present beside the servants around. It seemed Viona was out and obviously unaware that Leo hade back early. It was better that she didn''t know about it otherwise he could clearly imagine her rushing back.


    Leo just went to his room and changed his clothes before falling on the couch and continuing to watch the monologue. Aiden''s situation clearly had caught his eyes.


    The situation was pretty apparent to Leo. Aiden was putting on a false self for the world to see and it was getting tough for him to continue doing it as time passed. He had became lonely while hiding himself and his family too seemed to be fooled by his act. It also started to became clear why he and Amelia and didn''t get along too.


    Throughout the first year of the Academy, Aiden seemed to have gone through a lot of ups and downs but the second year made it worse for him. Even a first year apparently beat him up and that really hit him hard.


    He had been left behind by all his ssmates and this pushed him into a corner. He had already neared his level cap and there was no possibility for him to breakthrough to the next color rank.


    If he left it like that, he would either graduate like that or be kicked out soon. Both weren''t something he wanted. His father was the Marshal in the Army. He had to get himself in a position that wouldn''t make him feel embarrassed. That was only possible if he broke through the next rank.


    But he only had a Yellow Rank skill¡­


    It was then that he had heard about Mutation of skills. It seemed like an urban myth but it sure got him curious. In the end, he got Sun, the only guy who stuck with him in the ss, and asked him for help. The two finally managed to dig up one such case and it was in one of the notorious Southerns.


    Even if it was false, Aiden was willing to give it a try. He had reached his limit and knew that he wouldn''t achieve anything while staying here.


    People would keepparing him to his father and it would never stop.


    It was actually quite funny to think that Aiden had picked up a spear to differentiate him from his father not wanting to bepare to be him but it still ended up the same.


    Anyway, the rest of the story was clear to Leo.


    He met Aiden on his way back from his trip and then got caught up in the ident.

 Chapter 45 - 44: The Crazy Lady

    "What a poor guy¡­" Leo shook his head. It was tough to see a person breaking down right in front of you. It was truly not a good feeling.


    Ever since he came to this ce, he was hearing that Aiden was like this and like that but behind all of that was just a guy who was going through so much. It was difficult to understand how he was able to manage it for so long without breaking apart.


    One thing was for sure though he didn''t leave this ce because he hated his family but because he loved them. He managed to hide it so well from them and not worry them about it was a feat in itself.


    But there was one thing which Leo couldn''t seem to digest in this story. Only Sun knew that Aiden was leaving. Even his parents didn''t seem to have any idea about the matter but for some reason, Aiden''s enemy had.


    Was this Sun really Aiden''s friend?


    Leo didn''t know but if you ask his opinion, he would definitely shake his head.


    This person was definitely suspicious. Just who would in their right mind try to get close to a guy who was hated by everyone unless they loved getting trouble.


    ''What do you think Arthur?'' Leo asked inwardly.


    [This person is definitely suspicious.]


    Arthur agreed with it as well.


    At this moment, a knock sounded on the door.


    "Knock!"


    "Knock!"


    "Come in.." Leo said and looked towards the door to see a servant walk in, "Master Aiden, there is a guest."


    "Huh?" Leo looked at the guy not knowing how to react. What the hell was he supposed to do then? He still needed some time to not think of himself as a guest in the house and now you were asking him to go and entertain other guests.


    Hell no!


    "Tell the person there is no one at home." He said with a sigh and waved his hand.


    "T-This¡­" The guy suddenly seemed very troubled by Leo''s remark.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked, looking at him.


    "I have already informed her about your presence in the house," The servant forced a smile on his face.


    Leo couldn''t help but roll his eyes at the guy and the person hurriedly apologized.


    In the end, Leo could only sigh and get up to see who the person was. He just hoped that it was just some randomdy who had some message for Edgar or Viona.


    ¡­


    As he came downstairs, Leo looked around but didn''t find anyone, "What the heck? Where did the person go?"


    "Waah!"


    A scream suddenly scared Leo and he tried to back away in a hurry but unfortunately, his body didn''t react properly and he stumbled. As he was about to fall to the ground, two delicate hands came and grabbed Leo stopping him from falling to the floor.


    Leo finally had the chance to look at the person who had held him in her arms.


    It was a beautiful youngdy. She seemed to be in her mid twenties and had ck hair which was tied up into a ponytail. She was wearing a white one piece dress which came down to her knees and made her look extremely stunning. She could definitelypete with the Miss Milky Way fromst year.


    Leo couldn''t help but gulp inwardly while looking at her.


    "What are you looking like that for? Did you find yourself falling in love with me again?" Thedy asked with a teasing smile and Leo''s expression changed as he hurriedly got back onto his feet before getting out of her gasp.


    "Do I know you?" He asked, looking at her. It was obvious that she was someone Aiden knew but he couldn''t just be rude to her and decided to take the normal course of action so that she would ask him why he was acting like that and then Leo could finally tell her that he had lost her memory.


    But who would have thought that the situation would turn totally different from what he had expected.


    "Babe, what do you mean by that? We haven''t seen each other only for a few months. Why are you treating me like a stranger?" She asked with a genuine look of concern in her eyes and this made Leo frown.


    He really had no idea what was going around here. He thought that Aiden had no girlfriend. Not to mention he didn''t talk about any such person in his daily monologue.


    In that case, where did this girle from?


    Did Aiden hide it or he just didn''t mention her because he only talked about his problems?


    Well, Aiden knew the truth while Leo could only specte it. In the end, he sighed. There was no way to know except for talking with thisdy and finding out about it.


    "I recently had an ident and have lost my memory. Can you please calm down and tell me who you are?" Leo asked her with a troubled face.


    "Babe! Why are you doing this to me? Did I do something wrong?" Thedy asked with a teary face as she took Leo''s hand into her own and the smooth sensation and the blissful feeling really made Leo curse himself inwardly for being a scumbag.


    This person was Aiden''s girlfriend and not his. All her concerns were directed towards him and not Leo himself and hence it was wrong for him to have any funny and weird thoughts in his head. And he also reminded himself that it would be wrong for him to take advantage of Aiden''s identity.


    "Umn.. I am not joking. I am being serious here." Leo forced a smile on his face as he tried to get his hands out of her grasp but it was no good. She wasn''t going to let go it seemed.


    "I am sorry, if I upset you. Is it about the kissst time? Is that it? I will redo it properly this time, just don''t tease me like this¡­" She almost began to cry at this point of time and this really left Leo speechless. He didn''t know how to deal with her.


    "I will redo the kiss! If that is what you want!" She suddenly added and Leo''s expression changed for worse and he hurriedly grabbed her face which was closing in on him.


    "Stop! It''s not about the kiss!" Leo almost began to sweat and his face turned a bit red seeing her face so close and what was even worse was that at that range he could clearly smell the sweet fragrance which wasing out of her.


    It was really going to be disastrous if it continued like that.


    "Do you not love me anymore? Why do you resist?" She asked with a heartbroken face as she slowly overpowered Leo and pushed him against the wall.


    It seemed Glorian''s knew the art of Kabedon as well.


    "Don''t do it! I will file a case of sexual assault on you!" Leo tried to threaten her but it onlyseemed to work in the reverse direction.


    "So you are angry after all!" She said with a sad look on her face which slowly turned into a determined one. "Don''t worry, I know the best way to make your anger go away."


    Leo couldn''t help but gulp inwardly on seeing that meaningful smile on her face.


    And when her finger slowly started to inch towards him, Leo knew that it was about to get worse.


    "Don''t do it!" He tried his best to stop her but couldn''t match her in strength at all. She was strong, hell he couldn''t even release his skill in front of her for some reason. He had no idea what was going on. "I seriously don''t remember anything!"


    "Don''t worry, I will make you remember everything.." Thedy said with a smile as she ran her finger across Leo''s face before bringing it down to his necks and then slowly pulling down the zip of his jacket as she slowly exposed his chest while moving her face closer.


    "Bang!"


    A heavy noise suddenly rang out and both Leo and the girl turned their heads to see Viona standing at the door which had shattered in pieces.


    And she had a menacing look on her face.


    "What do you think you are doing Vanessa?"

 Chapter 46 - 45: Vanessa Regallia

    "What do you think you are doing Vanessa?" Viona red at thedy, who had pinned Leo against the wall.


    Vanessa''s face twitched when she saw Viona standing at the door, ring at her. She involuntarily let go of Leo, masking her expression of shock with a gentle smile. She scratched her cheek cutely, as if to prove that she wasn''t caught red-handed.


    "Umn..we were just having fun," She said with a silly smile. But, Viona continued to re at her,pletely unaffected by her statement.


    "You think I am blind," Vion asked as her expression darkened. She had clearly witnessed everything.


    "Come one, Sis," Vanessa cried, "It was just a harmless prank."


    Leo, who heard all of that, couldn''t hide his expression of shock. Thisdy was Viona''s Sister? Hell, she really made a mess out of him. It was only a prank for her. But, it was not so for Leo. He really had a heart attack there for a second.


    "How dare you y a prank on him?! Is this the reason for your visit? Is this how you treat your nephew!" Viona berated her. She really seemed to have been angry.


    "What do you mean nephew?! We aren''t even real sisters." Vanessa rolled her eyes at Viona. "Don''t make me sound so old. I am only 5 years older than him. If I didn''t get fooled by your young appearance during early days, I would be calling you Aunty right now."


    "Ouch!" Vanessa let out a squeak as a piercing pain shot through her ears.


    "What did you say?" Vion asked Vanessa as she twisted her ears while ring at her.No one has seen when she had moved, but she had already arrived by Vanessa''s side by the time the two people realized it.


    "I am sorry, Sis. It''s my fault." Vanessa immediately began to beg for forgiveness. "Let go! It really hurts!"


    In the end, Viona harrumphed before finally letting her ear go. She then walked towards to see if he was alright or not. "Are you fine, Aiden?"


    "Yeah, I am good." Leo nodded. But it was very clear from his sweaty appearance, that he wasn''t at all.


    "Why are you asking him such questions? Do you really think I would harm him?" Vanessa said with an upset tone.


    "Shut up! And stay away from my son. You already have turned Amellia like that. I don''t want you to cause another disaster." Viona refuted her. And stood in front of Leo like a mother protecting her child from a predator.


    "Umn..who is she?" Leo interrupted the two.


    "She is your Aunty Vane," Viona said as she looked at Leo. She seemed to have deliberately spelled the word ''Aunty'' louder and it made Vanessa''s expression turn dark. She clearly wanted to refute it but didn''t dare to when saw the look in Viona''s eyes.


    The word instantly rang bells in Leo''s head. He had definitely heard about her once or twice. But they haven''t explicitly told him about her.


    "It was at her request that we hadn''t told you about her. She said it was very important that she meet you again for the first time as strangers. But, to think it was all for a prank." Viona''s expression turned sour once again.


    "Come on, just allow it for once!" Vanessa pouted. "It isn''t everyday that we see Mr. Robot so flustered."


    "What did you say?!" Viona snapped hearing Vanessa calling Leo by names. This was the one thing that she hated extremely.


    Leo looked at her and finally understood why Amelia was so different from her brother and parents. It was thisdy''s influence no doubt about it.


    In the end, things calmed down as Vanessa was forced to apologize.


    Viona had apparentlye back home after she was informed of Leo''s early arrival. It was a good thing that she dide back. If not, Leo probably would have truly lost it.


    The group of three got into the hall and sat down. Themotion had indeed tired everyone out.


    Leo used this opportunity and got to know about Vanessa. Her full name was Vanessa Regallia.


    It seemed that Vanessa was adopted by Viona. Her parents were a part of the raid team 30 years ago but had sadly passed away in the fight. In the end, Viona couldn''t bear to leave the little girl alone. So, Vanessa was adopted by her.


    And since little Vanessa didn''t know about Viona''s real age. She judged it on her appearance and began calling her sister. And that hasn''t changed till today.


    Since then, Vanessa has been a part of the family. But two years ago, she moved out with all her stuff after she got selected for the Mech Knight Program and recently, she had finally gotten a posting after graduating at the top of her batch.


    Leo couldn''t help but sigh. Her past was indeed a bit saddening. But, you couldn''t change something which had already happened. He just gave his heartfelt respect to her parents who had made the sacrifice for the universe.


    But, there was another thing which Leo sighed for.


    Everyone else around him was a soldier. A person chasing power. This was just too different from him.Not to mention, they had relevant skill ranks to back up their dreams.


    But what about him?


    He was going on an entirely different path; one which didn''t even suit him.


    ''I will have to talk with Aiden''s father about it,'' Leo muttered inwardly. It would be better if he took something which he had interest in. Not to mention, at this rate, he would end up destroying all of Aiden''s hard work.


    "What are you thinking so deeply about? Have you still not forgotten about it?" Vanessa''s voice sounded next to Leo''s ear. He immediately turned his head towards his side to find Vanessa''s face right in front of him.


    This made him a bit flustered and he pulled his face back.


    "Oh my so cute! Who would have thought that our little guy could behave like this." She really seemed to be enjoying Leo''s reactions.


    "Bang!" A fist fell above Vanessa''s head as Viona brought justice for Leo.


    "Stop teasing him!" She warned Vanessa before asking Leo to head back to his room and take rest. After all, Leo had said to her that his arm was acting up and hurting again. This was apparently the reason that he hade home early.


    As Leo was leaving, Vanessa''s voice sounded in his ears again, "I wille to see you and don''t worry. We are not rted by blood. So, it''s fine."


    Leo almost stumbled on the stairs after hearing that while Vanessa broke out into a sweetughter.


    "Vanessa!" Viona''s angry roar sounded throughout the mansion when she saw the girl was still not listening.


    Leo sighed, Vanessa was the worst kind of character to deal with in his current situation.. He really didn''t know what would happen if she continued to do this.

 Chapter 47 - 46: Re-Emergence Of The Sword In Chains

    [Wrong!]


    [Correct your posture!]


    "Yes, Sir!" Leo shouted as he slowly move his body while enduring the biting cold. His right leg was raised at an ny degree angle and he had been holding that position for ten long minutes now.


    He was currently training in some snow-capped mountains. It was literally freezing cold, but Coach Arthur was still following his no mercy policy.


    The ruthless A.I. had stripped him off of his clothes.


    "Achoo!" Leo sneezed and it immediately made him lose his bnce. And, he was forced to put his raise foot down.


    [Concentrate!]


    "How much longer do I need to bear with this? Isn''t it break time yet?" Leo shivered, feeling a chill seep into him as he became tired.


    [If you don''t learn to be patient, you will have to keep running away like you did earlier.]


    Arthur''s word immediately shut Leo up and he gritted his teeth while dedicating himself to the training.


    It seemed Arthur was really not happy with Leo''s cowardly behavior earlier at the Academy. It would rather have Leo return with a ck eye instead running away like that.


    Leo trained in different harsh climate and regions using the [Virtual Projection]. He also sparred with Arthur. The time was well spent; he learned a few more moves. The mastery of those moves were questionable though, but Leo had them down in his books for sure.


    [You have leveled up¡­] Arthur''s voice suddenly rang in his mind as Leo began to pack up. The next instant, he felt a strange sensation all over his body.


    "Whoosh!"


    His aura suddenly gushed out of his body and began to revolve around him. It was a very strange phenomenon and Leo had heard of this process of advancement.


    The yellow colored energy continued to revolved around Leo as its shade turned a bit darker. It then rushed backed into his body.


    Leo clearlt felt more strength and energy than before coursing through his entire body with the energy gushing in. He even felt that his connection seemed to have significantly gone up.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Leo was pleasantly surprised by this event. And, immediately took out his Awakeners Card to have a look at his state.


    [Stats]


    Strength: [7] ¡ª10


    Agility: [9] ¡ª 12


    Stamina: [8] ¡ª 11


    "Why is there such an explosive growth all of a sudden?" He couldn''t help, but ask in confusion.


    After a week of training, he barely had gained 2 points in each of his state. But now for some reason, he had gained more that in just a single day.


    [The fight today has obviously acted as a trigger to tap into your potential.] Arthur''s voice sounded in his mind.


    ''You can do it this way too?'' Leo asked in surprise. He clearly wasn''t expecting this.


    [Yes, this not only counts as training, but also allows you to use your energy. Did you forget, that improving your connection with your energy is a prerequisite for advancement? Not to mention, Niverian Kicking Art is no ordinary technique. It is something made by my creator.]


    The words indeed reminded Leo of the fact.


    "Does that mean, getting into fights will be helpful?" Leo couldn''t help, but ask with a frown.


    [Yes, today was the first time. So, you had such a fast gain. But even if your gain is not as fast as to today, it will definitely be faster than your average everyday training.]


    [After all, living beings grow only when faced with difficulties.]


    Leo nodded.


    It seemed he had to step up his game and get a heart of steel. Only then could he possibly hit Level 11.


    [Someone''s here.] Arthur suddenly alerted Leo and he immediately opened his eyes to see Vanessa staring at him.


    The door to the room was open. It seemed that she had entered the room without even knocking.


    Leo immediately grabbed the towel from the side and used it to cover himself. He had taken his shirt off earlier due to sweat.


    "Where you having nightmares? Why are you so sweaty?" Vanessa asked with a frown. She had never seen Aiden like that.


    "No, I am fine. And, please knock on the door beforeing in from next time," Leo said with a stern look. Somethings had to be made clear. If he gave into her, it was very clear that there would be no way out.


    "Why are you acting so distant?" Vanessa said with a smile as her hand slowly approached Leo. She was ready to tease him again.


    But Leo was adamant about making it clear to her this time. He grabbed her hand and stopped her, "I am not the guy you used to know. Please, don''t do things like this. Or I will have to look for Madam below."


    "Madam?" Vanessa asked in confusion. She was still unaware how serious Leo''s ''apparent'' memory loss was.


    "I mean mother," Leo corrected himself with a sigh and Vanessa''s eyes widened for a bit. She couldn''t believe her ears for a second.


    "Why are you here, Miss?'''' Leo ignored the change in her expression. He had gotten used to it over the couple of days.


    Now even Aiden''s family didn''t reacted like this. They were already adjusting to Aiden''s newfound personality and behavior.


    "Lunch is ready¡­'''' Vanessa still hadn''t wiped off the shock on her face when she told him about it.


    "I will be there," Leo said with a nod before showing her the way out.


    ¡­


    ''What''s going on here?'' Vanessa finally came back to her senses when the door was shut on her face.


    She had initially thought that Aiden would not recognise her and act cute and flustered due to his memory loss. But, when the truth would be out, he would return to his normal behavior.


    It was only now that she realized that Aiden just hadn''t lost his memory, but his entire personality. He seemed to be a totally different guy.


    Let''s be honest, she was expecting an empty bottle of cold drink, but how could she have know that even the brandbel on the bottle would be lost.


    This was Aiden''s current situation in her eyes.


    The guy had clearly lost his original personality.


    In the end, she hurriedly went downstairs and asked Viona what was going on. When the truth came out that Leo had actually refused to acknowledge them family; even wanted to leave, she was stunned.


    She could never even imagine Aiden doing something like that.


    "Are you fine?" Vanessa suddenly asked Viona with a concerned look in her eyes.


    "Yes, I am," Viona said with a smile before further continuing, "I have decided to built a new rtionship with him as a mother and a child."


    "Why don''t you do the same? He is getting along with Amelia now, maybe you will have a chance now as well." Viona further said with a smile.


    "Is it?" Vanessa asked with a pleasant surprise.


    The two had no idea just how much trouble Amelia had given to Leo.


    ¡­


    Leo came down for lunch after freshening up a bit.


    He was feeling happy and energetic after leveling up.


    Vanessa and Viona were waiting for him at the dining table.


    "Let me help out," Vanessa stopped Viona and got up to help Leo instead.


    Leo wanted to refuse. He was still capable even if he only had one hand, but people wouldn''t listen to him.


    "Hmmn?" Leo''s faced suddenly turned grim and he grabbed Vanessa''s hand, surprising her a bit.


    "What''s wrong? Did you really fal-" Vanessa''s teasing voice came to a halt when she felt a sharp re from Viona.


    But the two of them were indeed curious about Leo''s action.


    "Why do you have this?" Leo asked in a grim voice.


    He couldn''t take his eyes off of the familiar tattoo on her wrist which showed a sword in chains.


    It was the same one he had seen on that man''s hand.

 Chapter 48 - 47: Getting Caught

    "Why do you gave this?" Leo looked at Vanessa; his gaze turning utmost serious.


    "Does it look good?" Vanessa asked with a pleasant smile on her face.


    Viona seemed to give it a look too. But, it was clear from her expression that she was aware of it.


    [Calm down, getting angry here would do you no good.] Arthur''s voice rang in Leo''s mind.


    He had realized the fact as well, but it wasn''t easy.


    "Where did you get it from?" Leo finally asked her as he let go of her hand.


    "You forgot about this too." Vanessa shook her head with a smile. "I am the part of Divine Knights from Temple of Light."


    ''Temple of Light?'' A frown emerged on Leo''s face.


    The Temple of Light was after his father?


    Why?


    They were a huge religious organization. And, had yed a major role in the defeat of the Demon King.


    Just what could they possibly be seeking from his father?


    Just who was his father?


    He could question himself all he wanted, but there weren''t going to be any answers.


    In the end, he sighed internally and then looked at Vaneesa, "What does the Sword in Chains mean?"


    "It''s not exactly a Sword in chains," Vanessa replied with a smile as she took the seat beside Leo and showed it to him properly.


    It indeed turned out to be a bit different. The chains didn''t wrapped tightly around the sword like it didn''t in that man''s arm.


    Here, it was floating around the sword like an extension, a helping hand to tie down evils.


    ''Are they same or not?'' Leo became confused about it. ''Arthur, do you think the two are the same?''


    [Scanning¡­]


    [Matching¡­]


    [The tattoo on her arm shares a stark resemnce to the one on that man''s arm. Even the color of the ink and the size of the mark is exactly the same.]


    [There is more than 50% chances that both body art have the same origin.]


    "Enough of the tattoo, your food is getting cold." Viona remained the two.


    "Say aahhh," Vanessa took the spoon and scooped out a good portion before bringing ot towards Leo. She wanted to feed him.


    Her actions immediately pulled Leo out of his thoughts.


    "I am not that helpless," Leo shook his head and proceeded to eat on his own.


    "Are you blushing? Come on, we are aunt and nephew. This much is legal," Vanessa said with a teasing some which immediately earned her a re from Viona.


    "What? I didn''t say anything wrong!" Vanessa protested.


    "Don''t you see? He is ufortable. Stop sticking to him." Viona didn''t seem happy about it. "Besides, how do you think will you feel if a a stranger suddenly hugs you?"


    Viona had began to understand Leo''s feelings and see the world through his eyes. This had helped her to better understand him and his situation. It was only then that she slowly started to get closer to him as a motherly figure.


    Vanessa slightly got away from Leo, but her leaving words hit Leo on the spot, "Does that mean, you see me as a woman?''


    "Cough!" Leo immediately choked on his food.


    "Here," Vanessa passed a ss of water to him with a giggle. She was clearly enjoying it.


    Leo really wanted to cry, but held back his tests. He then took the ss of water while ring at her and gulped it down.


    "How about we go and have some fun? It''s been a long time after all. The previous you didn''t like to have fun, but what now?" Vanessa suddenly asked.


    "No! You have already turned Amelia into a rebel. She doesn''t use her time productively and has got herself in a badpany. It''s all because of your influence on her. So, you are not going to get Aiden. He won''t go anywhere with you." Viona immediately refused. "Just thinking about it makes me angry. I really have to teach that girl a proper lesson."


    "Come on, don''t be so harsh on her." Vanessa refuted her. She loved Amelia after all. The two really got along.


    "Thud!"


    A noise attracted everyone''s attention and they saw Amelia standing their with a dreadful face.


    The next instant, she took a couples of steps forward and then fell onto Viona''s feet.


    "I am sorry, mom. I won''t do it again. I promise."


    This left everyone surprised. After all, they didn''t understand what was going on.


    And, to understand this situation. You need to a go a few minutes back in time.


    ¡­.


    "What do I do?" Amelia muttered nervously as she looked at the door.She had just returned from the Academy.


    She had heard that Leo had left early from the driver. If that was the case, wouldn''t that mean she was dead? Viona would definitely chew her out after knowing the truth.


    Just thinking about being grounded with no Net was terrifying enough. Not to mention, she was sure that her mother wouldn''t stop just at that. Being a part of a family with Military background had its demerits too. You parents were strict. You had to be disciplined.


    Amelia walked back and forth around the door in hesitation. She was nning, what to say to save herself from the trouble.


    ''Would he say about it to mom? It doesn''t seem like¡­'' Amelia suddenly stopped and gave it a good thought. The new Aiden definitely wasn''t the type to snitch on anyone.


    May be..


    Amelia quietly walked into the room. And, as she entered the hall, she saw the people having lunch.


    It immediately made her breathe in relive. It didn''t seem like any storm was brewing.


    ''Hmmn?'' It was only now that she noticed Vanessa''s presence and a smile blossomed on her face.


    But as she was about to rush ahead, Viona''s angry voice entered her ears.


    "Just thinking about it makes me angry. I really have to teach that girl a lesson."


    "Come on, don''t be so harsh on her."


    ''He told them!!!!'' Amelia screamed inside as fear took over her. Her purse fell down on the floor with a thud.


    The noise immediately attracted everyone''s attention.


    She was really done for now. It would be her death today.


    She couldn''t help, but gulp looking at Viona''s face. She needed to do something quick.


    In the end, she just jumped staring at her feet. This was the most extreme form of apology in Gloria apparently, where you had to throw away your pride.


    ....


    And, now to current situation...


    "I am sorry mom! I should have told him about everything! It was all my fault that he got in trouble! I should have looked after him! I admit my mistake! Please give me another chance!" Amelia closed her eyes and held tightly onto Viona''s feet while screaming.


    But, she was dumbfounded when she heard Viona speak with a frown, "What are you talking about?"

 Chapter 49 - 48: Shooting Ones Own Foot

    "What are you talking about?" Viona looked at Amelia, and a frown emerged on her face. She had no idea what was going on. But, one thing was clear. If she was asking for forgiveness then she must have done something wrong.


    "Huh?" Amelia looked at her mother with confused eyes. She failed to understand what just happened. She was clearly expecting some harsh scolding.


    "What did you do? It must be something extreme if you fell on my feet." Viona''s face began to turn menacing. She had heard something along the line that ''I should have told him''.


    Amelia began to sweat. She seemed to have realized her mistake and looked towards Leo. She saw him giving signs to abort her mission. It was now clear to her that she had shot herself in the foot.


    "Why are you silent now?" Viona frowned when she saw Amelia going silent all of a sudden.


    "Hahaha!! April Fool Mom!" Amelia suddenly burst intoughter.


    "It''s June," Viona said with a straight face.


    "I love you mom," Amelia said with a smile and leapt up in Viona''s arm. She cuddled with her acting like a spoiled child.


    "You are not going to fool me with this," Viona said with a smile. She had already gotten used to the girl''s tactics by now. But, she didn''t push her away. It was clear that she loved it as well.


    Vanessa smiled looking at the mother and daughter. She also nced at Leo for a second. She had clearly caught the sight of him sending signals to Amelia. She was wondering what was going around. And, to be honest it was quite unbelievable. She had never seen those two do anything, but fight since they had entered their teenage years.


    "Did anything happen in the Academy? Did she cause any trouble?" Viona asked as she looked at Leo.


    Amelia gave Leo a pleading look. If he said the truth, she would be done for.


    Leo sighed looking at her, and then shook his head.


    Amelia finally breathed in relief, but she was celebrating too early.


    "You two really are in sync in such a situation. I wonder what happened in the morning though." Aaron''s voice sounded around in the hall and the People turned their heads to see him enter the ce.


    Amelia''s face immediately turned pale. She could clearly see, he was pissed. Aaron was really scary when he was pissed. After all, it was very difficult for someone to piss him off. But, when someone did, you were bound to regret it.


    "Why are you two silent now?" Aaron red at both Leo and Amelia. He didn''t seem happy with Leo as well. "You two can coordinate perfectly here. But, what about earlier?"


    "What''s going on, Aiden?" Viona asked with a frown,


    "Will you say it out or do you want me to do it?" Aaron looked at Amelia and she instantly started to tear up.


    In the end, she admitted to her mistake and told what happened. With that, Leo''s first day at school and the events that took ce were also made known to her.


    It left Viona in shock.


    Amelia was still one thing. But to think that Aiden would someday get in trouble. This was really something new to her.


    Anyway, the results were pretty much within the expectations. Amelia was grounded with her smart link taken for the whole week. She would fulfill all her responsibilities that she had initially promised to do. If not, her punishment might even get extended.


    Amelia cried when it happened and immediately ran up to her room. Vanessa looked at her and slowly left the dining table going after her.


    Leo felt a little bad for her. But he couldn''t do anything about it.


    "Don''t hide such things, Aiden. Even if you think that you are doing it for her, it isn''t working that way." Aaron suddenly turned towards Leo. "She has be so irresponsible that she didn''t even realize how important it was for you to know about certain matters."


    "And, to top that she even has be shameless enough to ask for your help. Did she not even realize that it was you, whom she caused trouble for."


    Leo couldn''t retort to that. Viona too kept quiet allowing Aaron to handle the situation.


    "I will keep it in mind from next time," Leo replied with a forced smile on his face. It was clear that he was not finding the situation entertaining.


    ¡­


    Leo went back to his room. And, the first thing he did was, checking on the gctic about the mark on Vanessa''s wrist. It turned out to be true. It was rted to some squad from the Temple of light.


    Leo tried to search for the different version of the mark that he had seen on that man''s hand. But, he couldn''t find anything at all.


    "Beep!"


    A message suddenly popped up on Leo''s smart link. It was from some group of their batch in the Academy.


    He opened the message and a video feed popped out from within.


    "Aiden Silver! You coward! Don''t run and hide after nting a sneak attack on me. If you have the guts thene and do a 1v1 with me."


    Leo''s face twitched and the next moment, he realized it was the same guy whom he had kicked in the face.


    In the end, he just shook his head. He wasn''t ready to face him at his current level.


    "If I don''t see you around tomorrow, you better drop that Silver from your name." Thest words in the video hit Leo hard.


    He had seen Aiden''s monologue. It was very hard for him, but he had neverpromised with his family''s dignity.


    '' No, don''t be emotional. Going there will only get your ass kicked.'' Leo tried to remind himself.


    At this moment, the door suddenly flung open and Vanessa walked in while dragging Amelia with her.


    This took Leo by surprise, but luckily he wasn''t in any awkward condition.


    "How many times do I have to remind you to knock on the door?" Leo asked Vanessa with a frown.


    But she just ignored Leo and grabbed his wrist, "Let''s go. We are going to have some fun tonight."


    It seemed Leo''s opinion wasn''t even needed. He was dragged alongside Amelia as well.


    But before they could get out of the house, Viona''s voice sounded, "Where do you think you people are going?"

 Chapter 50 - 49: Visiting An Arcade

    "Where do you think you people are going?"


    Leo, Vanessa and Amelia turned to look at Viona above the stairs, who was looking down on the trio.


    "I thought I told her that she was grounded for the entire week, did you forget it so soon Amy?" She further said while looking at Amelia.


    "Ohe on, Sis. Don''t be so harsh on her. She was only doing her job and following her punishment," Vanessa spoke out for Amelia.


    "Oh..is it?" Viona gave her a look before continuing, "Would you mind exining it to me then, how this counts as following her punishment?"


    "Well, we are taking Aiden to familiarize him with the city. Isn''t that also a part of her job," Vanessa said before thumping her chest, "Don''t worry we have got this."


    "That is what wo


    Viona went silent for a bit and then looked at Leo, who just gave a nod. He clearly didn''t have a choice here. They had forcefully dragged him along without even asking him about it. Besides, it wasn''t like him to get someone scolded. Not to mention, he too wanted to have a look at the outside world.


    "Besides, I am helping out as well. So you can be at ease." Vanessa further added with a smile.


    "That is worrying me the most here.." Viona muttered with a sigh.


    "Sis! How can you say that! You hurt my feelings!" Vanessa protested while clenching her heart.


    Viona shook her head, and totally ignored the drama queen.


    In the end, she just gave them a nod before leaving them with a final warning, "If I find out that you lied to me this time...then..."


    She didn''t say any further, but just turned around and walked back into her room. There was no need for her to say another word. Not to mention, it didn''t look like Amelia would bemitting the same mistake again.


    "Yes! We got the permission! Let''s go!" Vanessa cheered in excitement. But, it was only her. Both Leo and Amelia sighed before following behind her.


    ¡­.


    "Where should we go?" Vanessa asked, looking at Amelia as they got into the flying car.


    "Let''s get him to see the important government building first, and then we shall go to the market area," Amelia said to her. She no longer had that cheerful look on her face after being berated to that extent. She even had her life, which was her smart link snatched away from her.


    "What''s wrong with you? This is not you, Amelia! Wake up!" Vanessa grabbed Amelia''s arm and shook her. But, it wasn''t going to help. She still looked down and sullen.


    Leo was really speechless. He was now sure that it was thisdy, who had turned Amelia like that.


    "Tsk! You guys are no fun! It seems I will have to take the lead. We are going to the Arcade!" Vanessa dered before stepping on the elerator and taking off into the sky.


    ¡­


    Gamer''s Field, Gloria.


    This was just a ce famous for people, who loved to game. Here you could find anything you wanted rted to gaming.


    In this era, gaming had really been bing a popr sport as more and more people were taking off to the virtual world to enjoy themselves. And, at the top of the gaming industry was the number one game, MechField.


    Mechs were something which symbolized power, something that had changed an era and saved humanity from extinction. It was very obvious that people had a desire of being able to pilot it once and bask in its glory.


    And, this game allowed one to do so.


    Not to mention, it was said that people who were pursuing to be a Mech Pilot could actually use it as a starting point. Many big figures had actually admitted to using it as a starting base which had further shot the game into fame.


    "It''s been a while since I have been here!" Vanessa looked very excited and even Amelia seemed to have recovered a bit of her vigor.


    She led them to a luxurious looking gaming center and without a doubt. She was here to y, "Show me how much you have improved sincest time, Amelia."


    Amelia was almost about to nod, but froze mid way and turned to look at Leo. It seemed she was seeking permission.


    Leo smiled before giving her a nod. For some reason, he just couldn''t get angry at her. It was as if she was her real sister. He really wanted to dote on her at times. But, she could definitely be annoying at times as well.


    It was the same in every sibling rtionship though. Leo just wasn''t aware of it.


    "Why don''t you join us as well?" Amelia suddenly asked as she grabbed Leo''s hand.


    "Yeah, I forgot he is different now." Vanessa suddenly seemed interested as well and turned to look at him.


    It seemed Aiden was not interested in games at all.


    "Well, I don''t mind." Leo said while looking at them, and their faces instantly blossomed into a smile.


    ¡­.


    Leo got into his pod and linked it with his smart link. And, it seemed that Aiden really didn''t like ying games. His XP bar was at 0.


    ''What was mine?'' Leo tried to remember his level and rank in the game, but failed to do so. After all, he usually yed invite matches with Semantha.


    ''Is she online?'' Leo typed her ID in the search box and sent her a friend request with a message saying , ''I am Leo.''


    And, as expected. It was instantly epted.


    She was online.


    [Took you long enough to reach me..] A message came from the other end.


    [What was I supposed to do? They didn''t let me out until now.] Leo replied as he sent her an invite to the match.


    With that, he proceeded to select his Mech and as a beginner, he only had the most basic, Dummy No.1 to pilot.


    He really was speechless and a bit nostalgic at the same time. This Mech was used to clear the tutorial and when one did that, he would have enough experience to level up and unlock the first standard Mech.


    But, right now, he didn''t have time for it. This left him with no choice, but to proceed with it.


    Soon a 4v4 battle ground was prepared and Leo found himself standing in a mountain terrain.


    There were three other Mechs around him and all of them were high end purchased ones, while he was piloting a scrap metal junk.


    It was really embarrassing.


    "You really are a noob?" Vanessa couldn''t help, butugh at him. This was really funny.


    Even Amelia was speechless for a bit.


    But, the third person in the Mech just walked up to Leo and gave him a tight hug.


    "Herees a troll.." Vanessa shook her head. The ytime had still not started and in such situations, people used to do some odd stuff like that.


    [Missed me?] Leo asked Semantha in the message.


    It wasn''t a troll, but her.


    [Yes, I really missed this Tutorial Mech. I should pilot it once in a while.] Her reply really left Leo speechless, but for some reason, he wasn''t surprised.


    At this moment, the buzzer sounded and the countdown began..


    "3.."


    [It''s been a while since we worked together.] Semantha let go of Leo and began to stretch out as if warming up.


    "2.."


    [Well, I will try my best. Just don''t expect me to match up with you.] Leo replied to her with a smile as he took out the baton on the waist of his Mech.


    "1.."


    [Follow my lead, I will show you people what a real mech pilot is....] Vanessa announced as she took out the shotgun off of her back and equipped it into her hands.


    "Go!!"

 Chapter 51 - 50: Gaming Nerds

    "Go!!"


    The battle began and Vanessa was the first one to rush ahead. She really seemed to be the energetic one as always.


    [You know how to y, right?] Amelia looked at Leo with a doubtful look on her face.


    Aiden never yed games to begin with, and only used the Mech simtion in the Academy. The difference between the Mech simtion and MechField was that one was designed for actual Mech training and the other was just for fun.


    Mech Simtor allowed one to feel the real pressure one which a pilot had to face in the cockpit. It was said that it could replicate up to 65% of the environmental condition in a Mech.


    In the end, the game wasn''t the same as the Simtor was. Not to mention, Aiden had even lost his memory. So, Amelia really doubted if he even knew how to y the game.


    [Don''t worry, I will teach this noob.] Semantha said in the group chat.


    Amelia looked at the Semantha, who was currently in a custom made Mech. This instantly allowed her to have a favorable impression of her skills. After all, there were only two types of people with custom Mechs, the pro gamers and the filthy rich.


    [It''s fine, you can go ahead on attack as well. I can teach my brother while defending the base.] Amelia refused her, it seemed she was feeling guilty over what had happened. And, hence wanted to stick to Leo and help him out.


    [Fine, I will go and capture the enemy''s base.] Semantha shrugged, she was a bit surprised though. After all, Leo hadn''t told her that she was her sister.


    They had chosen a Death Match as a format. In this format, you either had to capture the enemy''s base or destroy all the Mech''s on the enemy''s side.


    [Does she have a brotherplex?] Semantha said to Leo in a private channel as her Mech moved and she disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    Leo was really speechless looking at her message. If this was her brother''splex, he was terrified to see her hate him.


    "Bang!"


    Gunshots suddenly began to sound in the distance. It seemed that Vanessa had engaged herself in some action.


    Amelia looked at Leo and hurriedly exined to him the basic controls which he already was aware of.


    [Are you even listening to me?]


    [Hello!]


    [Yes! I am!] Leo almost freaked out for a second. Since, she was exining to her things that he already knew, he had gone AFK for a while to check if Kyle was online.


    [Are you dozing off in there? Why wer-] Before Amelia couldplete her sentence, Leo suddenly pulled her Mech by it''s arm and pulled out one of the short swords from the sheath on its back.


    Amelia was still in surprise when Leo''s Tutorial Mech suddenly swung it''s arm and threw the short sword flying through the air without even turning to look behind him.


    "Whoosh!"


    The short word sank into the Vegetation and the next instant, a ng entered their ears which was soon followed by the notification of a kill on their chat.


    [Careful, there is another oneing!] Leo warned her. He then dashed towards the ce where he had thrown the sword earlier. He only had a baton with him, and it couldn''t possibly even survive a single sh from a sword. So, he had to get that weapon back.


    [Damn! You Smurf! How dare you troll us like this!] An angry voice apanied with heavy clunking noise rang as a huge Mech shot out of the forest gunning straight for Leo''s tutorial Mech.


    It was carrying a giant hammer as a weapon and Leo instantly recognized the Mech. It was the War Hammer 7000, a Mech, which once held the title of the heavy hitter. Even thoughter generation Mech had beaten it, Leo knew that the Tutorial Mech would turn into junk in a single hit from it.


    The War Hammer swung the hammer, raising it above its head before bringing it down on Leo''s Tutorial Mech.


    "Bang!" The ground shook as the rocky terrain exploded, sending dust flying all around.


    But, as the dust settled. His opponent found nothing, but a broken arm lying in the crater below.


    The guy instantly realized his mistake, but it was all toote.


    "ng!" The person suddenly felt his arm right arm be heavy. It was the arm which he was holding the hammer in. He looked towards what was wrong with it and his face twitched.


    He had no idea how Leo had managed to sneak up from behind andtch onto his arm with both his leg and remaining arm.


    He tried to swing it around, but soon found it being pinned to the ground.


    The ground shook as the War Hammer furiously struggled and dragged Leo''s mech around. But, there was no way for it to lift Leo''s mech up without letting go off the hammer.


    [Amelia!] Leo screamed to her for help. This immediately broke her out of the daze.


    [Help!]


    Hearing Leo''s voice in the chat, she immediately sprang into action. She pulled out the remaining short sword from her back and then her Mech moved. She was extremely fast, Leo couldn''t even catch sight of her properly.


    The next thing that he knew was a bade piercing through the opponent''s cockpit and a notification of a kill popping up in the chat.


    [What were you doing?] He asked, looking at her. He thought they were here to y the game and not just stand and enjoy.


    [I..I..] Amelia didn''t know what to say, she had been shocked by Leo''s performance honestly. She was expecting him to y like a noob. But, he clearly didn''t do it.


    Honestly, even she didn''t have the confidence to react like that.


    She couldn''t understand just how he did that. She had tried the Mech Simtor in the Academy too, and it was way different from the game. There was no way that a person shifting from the Mech Simtor could do something like this on a game, that too on the very first attempt.


    After all, even if we change the things about environmental pressure, the two had an entirely different mechanism of control. It could definitely help you familiarize with real mech, but not be a master of it.


    [Winner!]


    A notification suddenly popped up on their feeds and the next instant, they were transferred into the lobby.


    [Oh my god! You were so fast! Are you Pro?!] Vanessa''s excited voice entered Leo''s ears. It seemed she had witnessed Semantha in action.


    [No way! You were even faster than me! Do you have any thoughts on joining apetition together?]


    And the opposite was true as well.


    Hell, Semantha was even inviting her to y along. It seemed Vanessa definitely had some skills to speak off in the game if she could have impressed Semantha.


    [Huh?] Vanessa''s eyes suddenly widened when she saw that the MVP frame wasn''t shining either on her profile or Semantha''s. It was instead shining on Leo''s profile, she just couldn''t believe her eyes seeing the Tutorial Mech basking in that glory.


    [How is this possible?]


    Obviously it was possible.


    Leo had a kill and assist. More contribution than anyone else. And, since it was a deathmatch, the rest didn''t have any more chance to shine. Hence, he was the overall winner here.


    [Let''s y another game! This time its a battle royal! And, I won''t let anyone snatch the MVP from me!] Semantha couldn''t tolerant Leo beating her. The same was true for Vanessa.


    In the end, he could only sigh, as the second round began.


    It seemed gaming was everything that he would be doing today.

 Chapter 52 - 51: No Way To Back Out

    "This is the Emperor''s pce," Amelia said, pointing at therge mansion from a distance.


    Leo was a bit surprised.


    The ce was really huge. It was almost the same size as the Academy. He couldn''t help, but wonder what the Emperor and his family did in such a ce all alone.


    This was really ridiculous in his opinion.


    The two continued their tour, visiting different ces. Amelia told Leo about the importance of the ces, and exined a bit of history behind them.


    This made Leo see her in a different light. The girl wasn''t a fool it seemed. She was extremely smart. And, even if she was kicked out of the house someday, she could probably make it off as a tour guide.


    Vanessa was currently missing in the group.


    The two had tried to make her leave, but she and Semantha had totally lost themselves in the game.


    Amelia didn''t want to spend the entire day there. She didn''t want any more trouble on her side. It seemed she was really scared of Viona. Hence, she just got out of the ce with Leo.


    The two had been roaming around since then.


    The streets around the city were very free, as all the traffic was up in the sky. It was a pretty different experience for Leo. And, it definitely was refreshing.


    "This is the biggest gym in the city." Amelia pointed to therge dome shaped building, which had a signboard saying ''Level Up!''. "You had a membership too. If you don''t want to use it anymore, then you better cancel it."


    "It''s fine, I mighte out here sometime," Leo just shook his head. Even though he had [Virtual Projection], it was fine to do some real work out someday. And, he wanted to try the gravity room too.


    "Hahaha!!! Can''t believe I would find you here!" A voice filled withughter, and malicious intent suddenly rang out in the surrounding.


    Leo immediately turned his head with a frown, and his fear had indeede true.


    It was that guy, whom he had kicked in the Academy.


    "You coward! I can''t believe it. Not only did you sneakily attack me, but even ran away after it." The person''s voice was loud, and he quickly grabbed the attention of people around.


    "Let''s go," Leo knew that staying here would only lead to more trouble. Hence, he immediately grabbed Amelia''s hand and tried to get out of the ce.


    "Run! You coward! This is all that you can possibly do!" The person shouted from behind and let out a mockingughter. "It seems this is what you have been taught! I wonder if such people could be left in charge of the security of our people."


    Amelia immediately stopped on hearing that remark, and it in turn stopped Leo. After all, he was grabbing her hand.


    "You really gonna let that person mock us like that?" She asked with a frown. Even though she wasn''t a fan of previous Aiden, today she felt that he was way better. At least, he didn''t allow people to mock him or his family.


    Leo wanted to say that he couldn''t do anything. But when he saw that utmost serious look in her eyes, he couldn''t bring himself to tell her that. She seemed to be looking for her dependable brother, but Aiden wasn''t here.


    People around already seemed to have recognized Leo and Amelia. He was sure that there would be videos of the event leaking online very soon.


    ''Do I still have the miniscule chance of winning, Arthur?'' Leo asked inwardly.


    [You will have no chance of winning in your current state. He is prepared this time around.] Arthur replied.


    "Run, if you don''t want to fight. Why do you keep standing there?" The person mocked Leo as he stood there without a word. "Or you can apany me inside, and we settle this right now." He pointed towards the gym behind.


    "It seems that the Graylocks have really forgotten to put a leash on their pets." A voice sounded through the crowd. And, people immediately parted ways to allow a figure to emerge from within.


    The person had baby pink hair, and seemed to stand just as tall as Leo. He was a bit on the slim side, but Leo could tell that under his loose T-Shirt was a firmly built body. He seemed to be shaking in some kind of rhythm while listening to music through the air pods in his ears.


    He was carrying a white towel over his shoulder. And, it was clear from the sweat on his face, that he had juste out of the gym after hearing themotion outside.


    "Ronnie!" Amelia smiled seeing the person. It seemed she knew him very well.


    Ronnie smiled looking at her, and then turned his gaze towards Leo. "You have changed a lot."


    There was definitely a bit of mockery and unhappiness in his tone. Ronnie had just returned from the field trip only to find out what happened with Aiden.


    It seemed that the rumors were true, Aiden had changed now. Even though he was weak, he was worthy of respect earlier. But now, Ronnie wasn''t sure anymore.


    Leo could feel those eyes which contained a bit of mockery in them. But, there was nothing he could do about it.


    He wasn''t a Glorian, he never lived in a Monarchical Aristocratic society. So, he couldn''t rte much to their way of thinking. It was true that what was happening was infuriating. But, a normal human would go to the police and file aint if it was out in public orin to the teacher if it was in school.


    But, these people just straight on challenged one another to a fight. This was the pr opposite of humans. At least, this didn''t happen in Leo''s locality. Any kind of feud was settled there through a peaceful method. Hence, he was not used to this. Even if people said something he would try to keep his calm in most situations. This was something that humans looked favorably upon, but not here apparently.


    And, to be honest, Leo too wouldn''t have backed down from a fight if the difference wasn''t this huge. After all, he didn''t like the guy insulting Aiden''s family. Furthermore, he could level up faster using this method.


    He wanted to be strong.


    But, one learns to crawl first before walking.


    Yet these people were just expecting him to participate in the Olympics here!


    There was a difference of almost 10 levels between them! This was foolishness! He wasn''t being cowardly, but just smart. One shouldn''t fight a losing battle, unless there was no choice.


    And, it wasn''t like he wasn''t trying to get strong. Just how many days had it been since he arrived here. He really had been doing his best.


    "This is between me and him, Ronnie. So, stay out of it." The person initially seemed to have been terrified by Ronnie''s presence. But, he still gathered up his courage to speak once again.


    "Who the hell are you? And, where is the person holding your leash? Ask him toe out and talk," Ronnied smiled as he looked behind the guy, trying to see if there was anyone behind him.


    "Y-You!" The person gritted his teeth in anger. But, he still didn''t dare to do anything.


    In the end, he just turned towards Leo and red at him, "Are you going to hide behind these people? Do you dare to ept my challenge or not?!"


    Amelia couldn''t take it any longer. She couldn''t believe her brother, who once didn''t even blink his eyes to ept challenges, was hesitating now. This too when the guy just went ahead insulted her family.


    Until now, she had never been in this situation as her two brothers had always defended the family''s honor. After all, she was beautiful, and had a lot of pursuers. Only an idiot would try to go against her.


    "It seems the Silvers have lost their shine.." The person further mocked.


    "I will ept your challenge!" Amelia finally couldn''t hold it back any longer, and jumped in the conversation. And, as she was about to take a step ahead, Leo grabbed her hand.


    Amelia turned her head only to see him shake his head with a sigh. He then pulled her back, and took a step forward. Finally, standing in front of the guy.


    ''Go easy on me..'' Leo muttered inwardly.. He just hoped that he would be able to walk back on his two feet.

 Chapter 53 - 52: An Inevitable Fight

    "Stay back," Leo muttered to Amelia as he took a step ahead.


    He had just scanned the girl, and she turned out to be at Lv 6 Awake. Stronger than Leo, but still weaker than the guy in front.


    If that was the case, he might as well be the one to get his ass kicked. After all, he didn''t think he could just stand there, and see her get beaten up.


    "Are you finally up to it?" The person smiled as he looked at Leo. It was very clear that he couldn''t wait to beat the hell out of him.


    Leo began to circte his energy using the Niverian Kicking Arts. He was warming up, and was determined tond a hit or two at least before getting his ass handed over.


    But, before the two could head inside to settle the matter, Ronnie intervened, "Are you really going to be a coward, and fight someone with an injury?"


    His words were loud, and he mockery on his face was pretty evident as he walked up to Leo and pulled his jacket off of his back, revealing his missing arm.


    The person immediately frowned at Ronnie''s action. But, he didn''t dare to be too harsh in his rebuttal, "This is between us. We will decide what we will do with it. You don''t have any right to interfere in between us."


    "What a piece of Hypocrite, you really have no shame. But, what would you expect from a Graylock''s dog¡­" Ronnie said with a smile, and it left the guy gnashing his teeth in anger.


    "Yeah! You challenged my brother knowing of his injury. And, when he refused, you called him a coward. Do you even have a bit of shame in you?" Amelia berated the guy as well. She had already started to hate him.


    "Yeah! Let him heal first!"


    "You hypocrite!"


    "Graylock Dog!"


    "He is just a bully!"


    The people around, most of whom included the students of the Academy, began to rain down curses on him. It seemed that the guy was not popr.


    "Fine! You can take your time! But, at the end of this month, I won''t listen to any of these! You better not run away, Silver!" The guy roared in anger seeing that the people had turned against him.


    In the end, he gave Leo a re. And, turned to look at Ronnie with a frown. It was as if he was noting down the incident. After that, he finally left.


    ''Well, I am safe for now,'' Leo was finally relieved. But, not entirely. He had time until the end of the month it seemed.


    With the end of themotion, the crowd finally dispersed.


    "Thank you, for helping out." Amelia turned towards Ronnie with a smile. It was one which she had never shown to Leo, even when he had helped her a lot of time. The treatment sure was different for some reason.


    "It was easy," Ronnie winked at her, and gave a cheesy smile. He then turned to look at Leo, and a silence ensued between them for some reason.


    "He is Ronnie Lancaster, your ssmate. His father is one of the three Marshals alongside our father. We are family friends." Amelia immediately whispered to Leo, and gave him an introduction on the guy.


    "Do you know Serina? He is twins with her, but unlike her, he is a more on the Glorian side." She further added.


    Serina and Ronnied were mixed breed. Their father was a Glorian while mother had Vampire origins. But, there were only one in a million instances where you would see a mutation in the child, and they would go on to be equally affected by both the parents. Hence, most of the time, it was that a child was heavily affected by one parent''s genes. And, shared a heavy resemnce to only one of them.


    This was the case with both Serina and Ronnie here.


    "Umn...are you two done?" Ronnie asked as he looked at the two still whispering.


    "Should I introduce myself once again?" He smile, and extended his hand, "I am Ronnie Lancaster."


    Leo shook his hand, and nodded, "Thank you for your help."


    ''Arthur, scan him..'' Leo was a bit curious, he felt that the guy should definitely not be simple if he had such deterrence on that person, who was targeting him.


    [Scanning¡­]


    And within a few seconds, the list of the guy''s stats were brought out in Leo''s head.


    [Showing results¡­]


    Name: Ronnie Lancaster


    Race: Glorian


    Level: 18 Elite


    Skill: ???


    Comprehensive Assessment: [E+]


    Leo''s face twitched a bit.


    This person was freaking strong.


    [Skills three color rank above needs to be seen in action, only then could it be urately determined when [Scan] is used on people of Higher Level.] Arthur''s voice rang out in Leo''s head.


    Even though Arthur couldn''t determine his skill, one thing was made clear by him. This person skill had to be at Red rank or maybe even higher.


    "Don''t mention it," Ronnie shook his head andughed. "Well, I will see you in the Academy. I am a bit busy now." He pointed towards the gym behind him.


    With that he waved his hand to the two and turned around to leave.


    But, he suddenly stopped mid way, and turned his head to look at Leo, "The rest of the guys have all returned from the field trip, Graylock as well. He won''t let go of this opportunity when you are in this condition."


    He then continued to walk ahead.


    The warning from Ronnie''s side was very clear, and it made Leo frown. He understood that this was just the beginning. There were bigger people, who would be gunning for him just because he had a Silver in his name.


    It seemed being rich and gaining authority had their downsides as well.


    As Ronnie left, Amelia turned towards Leo, "You should have beaten that guy up! That guy is only Lv 10 in the ranking boards. I have seen it. And, even if he is a bit stronger, you have your spear skills.."


    But, she instantly regretted saying that, she had once again forgotten that Leo was missing a hand now. There was no way for him to use a spear in his current condition.


    And, even if we let that go, Aiden was nearing Lv 10, not Leo. For some reason, Leo seemed to have a reset button hit on his new body. He was only a Lv 2 now.


    If he was anywhere near Lv 10, he could have just knocked that guy out in a single kick.


    "I...am..sorry.." Amelia apologized, in a light voice. Her face had turned once again extremely depressed, and her eyes were glistening.


    "It''s fine," Leo shook his head, and turned around to walk away from the ce with Amelia following beside.


    ''You heard that Arthur, I am willing to do anything to not lose. Can you make it happen?'' He asked inwardly.


    [Well, it depends on your will. If you don''t have fainting episodes, I can give you at least a 50% chance.]


    ''You stinky guy, give me a bit more..'' Leo retorted with a sigh, and then open the inheritance book in his mind before finallying back to one of the pages that he had visited the most in the past few days.


    [Bionic Battle Arm]

 Chapter 54 - 53: I Want To Quit

    "Where is she?" Leo sighed, looking at Amelia.


    "Vanessa said she will be here in 20 minutes," Amelia replied while forcing a smile on her face.


    And, yeah. These people didn''t call her Aunty. It was the same reason because of which Vanessa had started to call Viona sister.


    Since Vanessa was just a few years older than them, these guys had called her sister from early on. This was really messed up in rtion. They were calling a person sister, who called their mother sister.


    "20 minutes? Really?" Leo looked at her, and Amelia could only give him a helpless look. It wasn''t like she could control Vanessa''s actions.


    Leo didn''t know what to say. Vanessa had been repeating the same thing for the past hour. There was no way it was taking that much time for her to get here.


    "5 more minutes, and we are leaving if she doesn''t arrive." There had to be a limit, an hour was really too long.


    Time trickled, and on the four minute mark, a car descended from above on one of thending circles nearby.


    "Where were you?" Amelia asked with a groan.


    "I am really sorry." Vanessa held her ears with an apologetic smile before taking out two storage capsules.


    "What are these for?" Amelia asked in confusion.


    Even Leo was a bit confused, the thing had a seal on it. Meaning, it had something inside. ''Did she steal it from someone?''


    "Well, you were too young to remember." Vanessa shook her head with a smile, and then turned her head to look at Leo. But, realization struck her. The guy had lost his memory. There was no way he was remembering anything.


    "This is the reward I got from an antique, it''s called a w Machine Game. Those things have gone out of production, but the Arcade had one." Vanessa said with an excited look on her face.


    "Don''t tell me this is the reason why you were an hourte?" Amelia asked with disbelief on her face.


    Vanessa''s face immediately broke out in a cold sweat on hearing that. "N-No..it was not...I just¡­"


    "Let''s just go back home." Leo shook his head, and got into the car. He had enough today. There was no need to hear her terrible lie, and make it worse.


    Not to mention, he had to make ns on what to do ahead. His priority was training obviously, but he was hoping to somehow get that Bionic Battle Arm done before the end of the month.


    "Why does he look a bit irritated? Did something happen?" Vanessa asked, looking at Amelia.


    "Well, I will tell youter. Let''s get back first." Amelia whispered to her. She knew that it was best not discussed here. After all, both Vanessa and Amelia were made of the same material. If they ended up saying something to demotivate him, it would be terrible.


    After all, even though Amelia didn''t like Aiden''s nature earlier, she was kind of responsible for the fight this time so she could at least as do as much to not discourage him.


    ....


    On returning, Leo immediately returned to his room.


    He locked the door, and sat on his study desk and began to study the blueprint of the Bionic Battle Arm.


    Over the past week, he had made considerable progress. The good thing about the Inheritance book was that it had everything covered that Leo needed to know. It even included practical demonstrations in the form of video images.


    Leo was surprised when he first came across the video footage. He was expecting to see something which would allow him to have an idea about the person to whom this legacy belongs.


    But, too bad.


    It was Arthur


    And, the demonstration were in the same form as when he had fought the damn A.I. in the [Virtual Projection.]


    Time passed by¡­


    Leo had his dinner in the room itself, and this left his family in confusion. But, he just gave the reason that he wasn''t feeling well.


    "I have a rough idea about it. I can even begin to build the smaller units....but.." There was a problem here. He had no idea where to get the things he needed. If it was back on Earth, he really would have a lot of connections.


    He even had a personal working space there. It was true that he hadn''t built something which could revolutionize society. But, it was all due to hisck of knowledge on things. You could still call him a small creator though. After all, he had made a few useless things.


    But, the small creator, who finally had an opportunity to create something, didn''t have his personal workshop here.


    ''Any idea, Arthur?'' He couldn''t help, but ask the only thing he had to depend on.


    [Why not ask the family?]


    ''Should I?'' Leo, for some reason was notfortable with this idea. He actually had been worrying about this matter. He wanted to get out of the MTP after all. He had no interest in bing a soldier.


    But, he had heard that Amelia had been forced into MTP as well, this had left him with some doubts about this situation.


    ''Let''s talk with Aaron first,'' Leo muttered to himself. He didn''t want to do anything which would hurt anyone. It was better if he discussed it with Aaron first, and then bring it up to either Viona or Edgar.


    [I want to talk.] He messaged Aaron, and a reply soon came back.


    [Sure,e into my room.]


    ¡­


    "Knock!"


    "Knock!"


    "Come in.." Aaron said with a smile as he opened the door, and invited Leo in.


    Leo looked around the room, and saw it was pretty clean. Aaron''s room shared a bit of simrity to Aiden, The only difference was that he was a bit lighter on himself. One could tell that Aaron had a few hobbies, and stuff after gazing around in the room.


    He had a game console around the corner of the room. And, then there was a poster of something which Leo had no idea about.


    But, it definitely showed that he was more free inparison to Aiden inside his own home. At least he was not suppressing himself like Aiden did.


    "So, what do you want to talk about? Is it the fight at the end of the month?" Aaron asked with a smile.


    It seemed that news travelled pretty fast around. This really left Leo speechless.


    "Well, not about that. I have decided to deal with that on my own. I would take the beating or beat the guy up." He shook his head, while taking a seat on the couch.


    "Well, that''s the spirit!" Aaron was really happy to see him like that. It seemed that the previous Aiden was still hidden there. He knew that the guy would make aeback.


    But, Aaron''s smile vanished with Leo''s next words.


    "Well, the thing I wanted to talk about is... actually¡­.I want to quit the Military Training Program..."

 Chapter 55 - 54: A Game Changing Moment

    "Well, the thing I wanted to talk about is... actually¡­.I want to quit the Military Training Program.."


    Aaron''s eyes were wide, he seemed to have frozen to his spot. And, it took a good while for him to understand what Leo had just said to him.


    "You are kidding me, right? This has to be a joke. Please tell me it is."


    The reaction was not something Leo had expected. The terrified look on Aaron''s face was more than enough to tell Leo that this was something which would shake the entire house.


    He was definitely not seeing something that Aaron was seeing, and now he wondered what it was.


    "Why? Is there something wrong with it? I don''t think I like the idea of being a soldier," Leo said as he forced a smile on his face.


    Aaron went silent on hearing that. He kept his hands over his face, andid down on his bed.


    "..."


    Leo really didn''t know what was going on, but it soon would be all clear to him.


    "It isn''t possible." Aaron finally got back up, and shook his head.


    "Why?" Leo couldn''t help, but ask. "Even Amelia seemed to have been forced into this, is there some reason behind it?"


    Aaron sighed, looking at Leo.


    "Well, it''s not your fault that you don''t understand it anymore." Aaron shook his head, with a depressed smile on his face.


    There was never a need to exin things to Aiden earlier. He was always prepared before you even looked at him. But, unfortunately Leo was not him.


    "You know we are a Military Family, don''t you?" Aaron asked as he looked at Leo, and he nodded in reply.


    "Even though I hate to say it, people in our position can die at any time," He said with a helpless smile, and Leo kind of understood it as well. Edgar was a soldier after all, even as a Marshal, he had to take the lead when the situation called for. And, even if we left that there were tons of people scheming behind them.


    Let''s take his example, he was just a student, basically a nobody. Yet, people were still after him. He could only imagine it being a hundred times worse for Edgar.


    "Since, it is very easy for idents to ur, what do you think will happen if anything happens to father?" Aaron asked with a serious face. Even though he didn''t like talking about it, he knew that Leo needed to understand this thing very clearly.


    Seeing that Leo didn''t know how to reply to him, Aaron continued, "In that situation, I will have to take up after him once I am capable enough to do so."


    "And, if I am gone, you will follow.." The words spoken in a calm manner were indeed chilling. But, the guy was just spitting out straight facts.


    "How can I-"


    "I know.." Aaron interrupted him, and took over to answer his doubts.


    "Whom do you think the Emperor wants to lead his army?" He asked, looking at Leo.


    "Someone Strong, and capable?" Leo replied feeling it was all too obvious.


    But, Aaron shook his head, "The Emperor doesn''t necessarily want an extremely strong person to lead his army. The first thing he will look for is trust and loyalty."


    "And, currently we, the Silvers, have it."


    "So, in this situation. If father has to back out from his post, I can take over even if I am not as strong as him. After all, we have our people, who will support me until I am capable enough to lead. And, the same could be said for you. Your individual ability is just for name, after all wars are not a one man show."


    "But, in all of this, there is one thing which is extremely necessary fpr us even as an individual. And, that is a military background.."


    Realization finally struck Leo.


    If he was just a bum with no military knowledge or background, even the crown would have no way to support him. After all, this would just show their tant favoritism towards one family.


    "This is the reason that we are forced to pursue this Military Training. Because, if needed to be, we can step up one day to take that position. Even if it''s just in name. After all, if we end up losing our position as a Military Family, it would be disastrous to us."


    "How low do you think the previous Military Families have fallen now? It''s really not something one would be willing to see."


    "Not to mention, the current three Military Families are really hated by the Bureaucratic Families. You can expect them to not let us go that easily, if we ever were to fall low."


    Leo really had no idea that there was so much behind such a simple thing. It seemed that the world of rich and powerful was way different than he ever imagined it to be.


    "It will be better if you don''t talk about it mom or dad. They already feel bad for forcing Amelia into this, if you too act like that..." Aaron looked at Leo, and spoke with a heavy expression on his face. But, it was really hard for him to continued his words. He too didn''t like the idea of stopping his siblings from pursuing what they wanted.


    "I understand." Leo nodded his head in understanding, seeing that Aaron was struggling with his words.


    "And, don''t tell Amelia about it.." Aaron further said with a sigh, and Leo gave a nod as he got up to leave.


    It was all clear now.


    No wonder the girl was unhappy with it. But, being able to live in ignorance was a bliss in itself. After all, if she knew about the reason for her forceful admission in the Military Training Program, Leo doubted that she would still beining like that.


    ''I guess Aiden really cared for her as well, even if there were asional episodes of jealousy and anger.''


    Leo walked back into his room, and fell t on his bed. It seemed that he wouldn''t be changing his course.


    Only the future would tell what awaited him in this path. But, he wasn''t discouraged. He had the inheritance book, and he would continue doing what he liked.


    For now, he needed to concentrate on the uing fight.


    "Where do I find a workshop, asking Viona might create another problem. She likes to worry too much after all.." Leo sighed just thinking about it. After hearing Aaron, he knew it was better not to talk with Viona about it.


    "Hmmn?" Suddenly, his hand felt something on the bed, and he picked the object up only to find the storage capsule which Viona had won from the w machine.


    "I wonder what''s inside it."


    Leo unsealed the item in curiosity, and opened the storage capsule.


    "Pop!"


    A kitten popped out of the storage capsule, and it honestly scared Leo a bit. If not for the fact that it came out of a storage capsule, Leo would really have believed it to be real. He would surely have been filing thepany for animal abuse.


    "Well, it''s kind of cute," Leo muttered with an amused face as he looked at it.


    He at this moment had no idea that the game was about to change.

 Chapter 56 - 55: Returnee

    "This really looks real." Leo was speechless for a second, as he touched the thing. He couldn''t help, but wonder how it was made to have such a realistic feeling to it.


    ''Arthur, scan it.'' He muttered inwardly.


    [Scanning...]


    [Showing results..]


    [A Programmable Toy Cat with realistic looking features. It''s internal frame is made of Titanium, while its outer body is made of nt based fiber which resembles, Ithix. It is used in manufacturing prosthetics.]


    ''Ithix?'' Leo had no idea what it was.


    But one thing was for sure, this thing was a treasure.


    ''This should be really expensive,'' Leo''s eyes knew how to appraise things. This cat had to be extremely expensive.


    Leo looked into the storage capsule in order to find more details about the thing, and as expected. There were two things inside it. One was the manual for how to use it, and the other was some kind of congrattory card.


    [Congrattions!]


    [You have won the biggest Legendary Grade Award. The one and only of its kind. This is the famous piece of artwork by Sir Vincent Gregory from An.]


    Leo''s face twitched when he heard that name. Vincent Gregory was a world renowned craftsman. Unfortunately he passed away 10 years ago.


    ''You are telling me, this was made by him?'' Leo immediately opened up the inte, and searched about it a bit.


    And, the thing he found really opened his mouth wide in shock.


    This cat was apparently Vincent''sst artwork before he died in an ident. It was made for a special event by thepany called Liam Corporations. They were from An as well.


    This thing at the time of its making apparently cost them 500 million An Dors which was equivalent to almost a billion in Federation Bills of the Sr System.


    And now, the price had really inted, considering that it had be Vincent''sst piece of artwork. What was even more shocking was that it was never released to the public to see, people didn''t even know how the thing looked. And, yet there was someone willing to pay so much just because it had Vincent''s name attached to it.


    ''Can I buy myself a workce, if I sell this?'' Leo thought inwardly. This wasn''t a bad idea actually. He would have money to carry out his own works in secret without anyone knowing about it. After all, this was just the beginning and he was sure that he would be needing even more funds if he actually wanted to make something.


    "Let''s see the manual first," He was honestly a bit curious. At this point it shouldn''t be a surprise to anyone. He loved such things after all.


    "I see.." Leo put the manual down, and looked at the little white kitten with brown patches on the fur.


    "It should be around here¡­." He put his hand under its belly, and after a bit of struggle finally managed to get to the lock.


    "Click!"


    With a clicking sound, the lower covering to the kitten came off along with its skin and fur revealing the mechanism hidden inside.


    The charging socket, along with the programmable chip were all finallyid bare in front of Leo''s eyes.


    Leo took his time and scanned the entire thing. He was trying to understand it to the best of his capability in hopes of making something like this one day.


    As he was about to pop the lower cover back into the kitten, his hands suddenly paused as he remembered something.


    "Isn''t this Bio-Chip like a programmable card as well?" Leo touched his left earring, and took it off. He had an idea, and was willing to give it a try.


    ''Will it work Arthur?'' He asked inwardly, a little excited about it.


    [It will] Arthur seemed pretty confident about it.


    Leo took out the readymade chip which ording to the manual only had a ''meow'' programmed into it. He then inserted the Bio-chip into the kitten, and covered up its lower end again.


    "Now how do I switch it on?" Leo muttered. And, as he was about to look for the switch, Arthur''s voice rang in his head.


    [The Bio-Chip belongs to you, and can be only controlled by you. You just need tomand it internally like you do with me. You can assume that both of us were made the same way.]


    That indeed came as a surprise to Leo. He had been treating the Bio-chip as a toy all along, who would have thought that it was made using the same process as Arthur. It was definitely a treasure which couldn''t be defined into mary value.


    ''Well then, switch on, I guess.'' Leo just said it in the most random manner.


    [Activating Bio-Chip..]


    [Detecting the Body...]


    [Confirm the name of the Bio-Pet..]


    ''Umn..'' Leo definitely wasn''t prepared for that.


    "Nyanden.." Even though it was a bit abrupt, Leo felt proud about his naming sense. The ''Nyan'' in the name symbolized the cat while the ''den'' was used in memory of Aiden.


    [Bio-Cat Nyanden registered in the Database...]


    The little kitten''s body twitched a little, and the next instant Leo could see the signs of breathing through the movement around its chest. It was really another level of craftsmanship to be able to replicate something like that. The detail that Vincent had put in it was really worth the praise.


    When the little Kitten''s eyes were fully opened, Leo couldn''t help but smile. It was extremely adorable. Especially it''s big blue eyes.


    "Meow!" Leo lifted the little thing up with his hand, and tried to foolishlymunicate with it in catnguage. After all, this was human nature, we all have done it at some point in our life.


    The little kitten stared at Leo, and it''s brows seemed to contort for some reason as it finally opened its mouth.


    But, a meow didn''t follow up as Leo had expected.


    "Gross! Nya!" A voice sounded in Leo''s ear, shocking the hell out of him. He even dropped the little thing from his hand onto the bed, as he had clearly been taken back by this unexpected situation.


    The kitten clearly had a frown on its face as it scanned its surroundings, and then looked at Leo, "What''s going on-nya?"


    "Why is everything so big? And, who the hell are you-nya?"


    "F*ck! Why the hell am I saying nya-nya?!!"


    The little thing really started to freak out for some reason, and it got worse very soon.


    "And, what happened to my hands-nya?" The Kitten was really shocked when he saw its own hands. It immediately jumped off the bed, and went right towards the mirror.


    "N-No..this has to be a joke. This isn''t me, right-nya?" The kitten asked, as it turned its head towards Leo with a very human-like expression. At least, it seemed that way to Leo for some reason.


    Leo opened his mouth, but really felt speechless at the event. He could ept talking to a cat for the just fun, but literally talking to it was another thing. In the end, he just gave a nod with a forceful smile.


    "Goddamnit-nya!!"


    "What in hell happened to me!!!! Nya!!!!"


    Leo was really speechless seeing the little thing go mad as it tried to grab it''s hair. But, unfortunately, it''s paws weren''t allowing it.


    ''Does this pet A.I. talk, Arthur?'' Leo couldn''t help, but ask. He was really a bit creeped out honestly.


    [...]


    ''Why the hell are you not saying anything? Don''t tell me you don''t have any idea about it?'' Leo asked with a frown.


    [Well, I don''t know what kind of life form was trapped within it. But, it reads as a cat at least...but this is definitely a different kind of cat...]


    "Wait!!!!! Nya!!!" The Kitten which seemed to have lost its soul once again sprang up back onto its feet. It''s eyes were pasted at Leo for some reason as it closed in on him, and jumped up onto the bed.


    ''It''s not going to bite right¡­'' Leo forced a smile on his face as he looked at the little guy.


    "Why the f*ck do you have my body-nya?!!"

 Chapter 57 - 56: A Partner In The Same Boat

    "Why do you have my body-nya?" The little kitten stared at Leo, with shock in its big watery eyes.


    It would have been pretty cute if people saw a little tiny creature staring at them like that, but that was not true for Leo here. He was dumbfounded by its words.


    "What are you talking about?" He asked, looking at it with a frown.


    "I am asking you why do you have my body? And, why the hell am I a kitten now-nya?" The little thing asked while staring at its own paw in disbelief.


    "You mean this body is yours?" Leo asked nervously while pointing his finger towards his body.


    "Yes! It''s mine. I am Aiden Silver-nya!" The Little kitten screamed in anger, and the fact that it was aware of that name really left Leo nk. He had no idea what to do.


    He had been praying all along to meet Aiden, but definitely not like this.


    Was this really Aiden?


    Why and how the hell did he got into a Bio-chip, and to think he had been so close all this while to him. He was literally hanging on his ear the entire time. Thank god, Leo hadn''t thrown the thing away and decided to test it today. If he really had thrown it away on the first day thinking of it as a toy or useless thing, that would have certainly been a disaster.


    "You really are Aiden, right?" Leo asked him once more.


    "Yes, I am. But, who are you, and why do you have my body-nya?" The little guy asked with a frown on it''s cute face.


    "I have no idea about it as well," Leo said with a sigh. "Do you remember anything after the evacuation shuttle shot off into space from the exploding spaceship?"


    "Yeah, right! The ident-nya!" The little Kitten finally seemed to have remembered it, but the next instant it clutched it''s head with its paw and began to roll around the bed while groaning in pain.


    "Ahhhh!! My head hurts-nya!" It was the same thing that happened with Leo, and a minute into the episode, Aiden fainted.


    "Does it even feel pain? Isn''t it just a robot?" Leo muttered in confusion.


    [Well, it seems that the Chip has been programmed to give real life feelings including pain as well.]


    "How in hell did a living human being end up into a chip?" Leo asked Arthur with a frown as he picked the little guy up and ced it own the pillow.


    [Well, it''s hard to say. After all, I was not the one to have conducted your selection process.]


    And, there was no concrete answer as usual.


    ...


    A few minutes passed¡­


    "Am I still alive-nya?" The little guy muttered as it finally opened it''s mouth.


    "You are finally up?" Leo looked at him with a bit of expectation. He was hoping that he knew something about what had happened during the ident, and the time they were missing.


    "Do you remember anything about the incident?" Leo further asked once again.


    "No.." The little guy shook his head, "My head hurts if I try to think about the incident-nya."


    "It''s the same.." Leo sighed as he shook his head, "I can''t remember anything about the incident as well."


    "Wait! You are the guy who saved me back then-nya?" The little guy finally seemed to havee to the realization.


    "Yeah," Leo nodded with a little smile on his face. "I am Leo Allison."


    "Thanks for your help-nya," Aiden said, and then raised his paw.


    Leo was speechless, but still shook it.


    "Hmmn?" The little guy''s eyes suddenly seemed to widen, and it pounced onto Leo the next instant for a better look, "Bro! Where is my hand?!"


    Leo''s face turned a bit dark, and he forced a smile on his face. "I got into a bit of trouble."


    "A bit?" The little guy stared at Leo with those big blue eyes, which were full of disbelief.


    The stare battlested for a minute, before Aiden sighed and fell t on the bed.


    "What has happened to my life?" He seemed depressed.


    Leo took a ce beside him, and sighed as well and spoked with a bit of empathy, "Wee to my world..:


    "One more thing, how the hell did you get into my home?" The little guy turned his head to look at Leo.


    Even though the situation looked funny, it was extremely serious. If Leo had done something wrong while using Aiden''s identity, then a battle between a cat and a man was bound to ur today.


    But, thankfully Leo was never of the mind to take Aiden''s identity over.


    "I was dragged here by Aaron," Leo said with a sigh, and began to exin the situation to Aiden.


    Aiden, the little Kitten sat there in silence. No one knew what was going through his head.


    "This is messed up-nya," Aiden finally shook his head, and sighed. "Some guy is definitely out there having theugh of his life while watching us.."


    "You are still lucky if you ask me.." Leo looked at Aiden with a helpless look on his face.


    "Me, lucky?" Aiden really didn''t know what to reply to. It seemed like Leo was making fun of him.


    "You at least have your body in sight, I don''t even know where my body is.." Leo said with a sigh.


    "At least you are in a humanoid body? Look at me! I am a cat, who can''t help but end every sentence with a nya-nya." Aiden looked extremely depressed about it.


    "You actually are not a cat," Leo muttered with a weird look on his face. Maybe he was indeed in a better situation here.


    "What do you mean?" Aiden frowned.


    "Even though you like a real cat, you are just a kind of robot with an A.I. chip inside." Leo forced a smile on his face, while mming the truth on Aiden''s face.


    "A.I.?" The little kitten looked at Leo in confusion. It seemed that it didn''t have the slightest idea of its own existence. "Don''t joke with me, I can feel everything like a living being."


    "Those are built in the program it seems," Leo said with a sigh.


    "N-No! I don''t believe you-nya!" Aiden refused to believe it. It was equivalent to telling him that he wasn''t alive anymore. He might just be a program that could go corrupt or be deleted at one''s wish.


    "Come here.." Leo grabbed Aiden, and brought him closer.


    "What are you doing-nya?!"


    "Let me go-nya!!" The little kitten began to struggle, but it looked pretty helpless in front of Leo.


    "Not there-nya!!"


    "Mmn..mnn..Nya~"


    "Click!" Leo finally managed to pop the lower panel of the little guy, revealing the inner parts.


    Aiden''s big eyes seemed to lose their light when the truth came out. He even began to question his existence, just like Leo did once.


    "It will be fine," Leo patted the little guy, clearly understanding his feelings.

 Chapter 58 - 57: Back To Academy

    "No! This is a lie!" Nyanded grabbed its head with its paw as he stared at the . He had received the greatest shock of his life.


    Leo had just told him about everything that had happened in the Academy, and also about the battle at the end of the month. And most importantly, the fact that he had watched all his monologues.


    "You destroyed my years of hard work that I had put into creating my image-nya!" Nyandenid down on the bed, extremely depressed. "And, not only that, you even saw my real face-nya!"


    Nyanden was now officially the kitten''s name. After all, it would be strange if he called it Aiden in front of people. They would think he had a screw loose. After all, who gives a pet their own name.


    "What the hell was I supposed to do? I didn''t know things well enough. Besides, I am not you." Leo shook his head as his body moved, and he threw his leg out.


    "Bang!"


    He was practicing his kicks on the sand bag, while Nyanden sat on the bed looking at him.


    "I know! But, it still hurts-nya" Nyanded sighed, before directing his gaze towards Leo.


    "That certainly is a different way of using energy-nya," Nyanden said with an interested look on his face.


    [That''s my creator''s work, it isn''t something you will see everyday.] Arthur was as proud as always.


    "Why don''t you tell us his name then-nya?" Nyanded asked with a frown.


    Yes, the little thing could hear Arthur too. After all, there was a connection between them because of which Leo couldmand Nyanden verbally.


    [You need to reach Lv 11 in order to unlock your memories.]


    "This is annoying-nya.."


    "Told you," Leo shook his head with a smile.


    "Then we can only get you to Lv 11 as fast as we can, that''s the only way to have some idea about our situation-nya," Nyanden said with a frown, but Leo''s eyes turned a bit dim.


    "Even you couldn''t cross Lv 10 with a Yellow Rank skill, it''s not going to be easy to do so," Leo replied with a sigh.


    "Well, that''s true. But, we have to find some way. After all, you aren''t nning to stay like this for the rest of our life, right-nya?"


    "That certainly will be horrifying." Leo felt a chill rising up his spine at the mere thought of it.


    "If getting in fights helps you to level up, then I don''t care about my image. Just be a delinquent-nya." The little guy seemed to no longer care about anything, but wanted to retrieve his body.


    "I will need that Bionic Battle Arm, if I want to have a shot at winning the match. Don''t you have some kind of hidden stash of money to help me buy things, and rent a workshop?" Leo asked him with a bit of expectation.


    "You already know what kind of person I was. I don''t ask for excess money from my parents. Hence, I have no savings-nya."


    As Leo was about to lose hope, Nyanded further added, "But..I think I know a ce where you can get your job done free of cost."


    "Where?" Leo asked in excitement.


    Nyanded smiled.


    ....


    Leo hid Nyanden in his room for now. It would be odd if a cat suddenly appeared out of nowhere after all.


    He nned to introduce the little guy tomorrow after returning from the Academy. His n was simple, he would just say that he picked it up from some corner.


    Aiden was actually a bit nervous here. He wanted to see everyone in his family, but he knew that there were chances that he might not be kept in the house. People usually took Arora Beast as a pet, and one definitely was enough.


    If Leo took him up as well, there were chances that he might have to handle two in the future. This was definitely something to worry about.


    "Just show your cuteness! It will work," Leo tried to encourage him, "Here take this, and prepare a bit.."


    He took off his smart link, and yed a video of cute cat moments before handing it to the dumbfounded kitten.


    "You serious-nya?"


    "You better learn a trick or two to perform tomorrow," Leo said with augh as he went to bed.


    It was prettyte already.


    ¡­.


    The next day arrived¡­.


    "Come inside of it," Leo said as he opened the storage capsule which the kitten hade from.


    "No way! I will suffocate to death-nya!" The little thing immediately backed away in fear.


    "Just get in, you are not alive to begin with. You are just a toy." Leo was in a hurry, and unknowingly hurt Aiden''s feelings.


    "Y-You-nya!"


    "I mean this body here is just that of a robot. You are definitely alive out there somewhere. So, now hurry up and get in." Leo hurriedly corrected himself.


    "How will wemunicate like this-nya?" Nyanden asked as it took a step in the storage capsule.


    [You don''t need to worry about that, I am here. You can just think whatever you want to, and I will transfer it to him and vice versa. I can even help you two share each other''s vision.]


    Both Leo and Nyanden''s eyes widened a bit in surprise.


    "Well that certainly is helpful-nya." Nyanded said while wiggling its tail.


    "It sure is." Even Leo had to agree to it.


    ¡­.


    Leo and Amelia finally reached the Academy. And unlike before, Leo really had been trained by Aiden and Amelia on stuff about the Academy. It made him a bit morefortable roaming around.


    "You sure don''t need my help?" Amelia asked as she looked at Leo.


    "Yeah, I am fine." Leo nodded at her. This was really pr opposite from the previous day. But, Leo could still see that she was always checking around from the corner of her eyes. She really didn''t want to be seen with him around.


    [This girl will never change-nya?] Aiden sighed inwardly. He really didn''t know what to do with her, [Maybe it was my fault all along.]


    It seemed that the disaster had changed Aiden''s behavior and perspective a lot even if he didn''t remember the things. Or maybe the current situation had made him give up on everything else, and just focus on recovery of his body allowing him to realize a few things.


    As Amelia went away towards her ss, Leo was finally free. He still had an hour today before the sses.


    But, he wasn''t going to wait. There was something important to be done.


    "Let''s go," Leo muttered lightly.


    [Roger-nya!]

 Chapter 59 - 58: Visiting The Mech Club

    "Are you sure this is the right way?" Leo asked casually as he walked down the hallway.


    [Yes, it is-nya.] Aiden replied.


    They were currently headed towards one of the clubs which ording to Aiden might be able to be of some help to Leo.


    Glory Academy was one of the biggest institutes in the whole Universe. It wouldn''t be a joke to say that it didn''tck anything when it came to raising the younger generations. Obviously there were stronger and weaker points here too.


    Like, the Academy ranked pretty high in the Mech Knight Training Program throughout the Universe. And, was known for it as well. But, it wasn''t the same for every other course.


    For example, the Mecha Engineering Department was particrly not doing so well, the situation was the same for the Science and Mathematics Department as well. And, it was strictly to be noted that this was inparison to the other Academies around differents and gxies.


    It was no surprise though, the Glory Academy was always known for its brute force and not its big brains. It had given birth to a lot of legendary fighters after all.


    Since the Academy was so big, there wasn''t any doubt that a workshop should exist within the Academy for use by students of rted departments. Upsettingly though, MTP students had nothing to do with it.


    But, there was one another way to get to that ce.


    It was through clubs.


    Apparently, there was no restriction on anyone in joining any club which meant that Leo could join a Mecha Club as well. That would automatically qualify him to use the workshops in the Academy.


    Aiden obviously wasn''t happy with it, but he didn''t have a choice here. Not to mention, Leo was very happy with the idea. Now that the two were in such a situation, he had to think about Leo as well


    Soon, Leo arrived in front of the club, and it was way bigger than he thought. ording to Aiden, it was bigger than most of the Clubs on the campus.


    Leo curiously looked around, and could clearly see a couple of new Mechs as well as a dozen of old ones on which the students were working.


    He could see that there were student''s from the senior years guiding the lower years. This immediately gave Leo a bit of hope. Maybe, even while being in the MTP course, he could still indulge himself in his love in the Academy.


    [Go to that desk, there should be a Secretary of the Club around-nya.]


    Leo nodded, and went towards the desk nearby.


    A guy sat there on the desk. He had dark brown scales all over his body with a light green shine at some ces. He even had a tailing out of his back which was full of scales on them as well.


    His pointed jaw, and sharp teeth really made Leo''s neck go cold. That was definitely menacing to him.


    The person was obviously a Lizardmen.


    "How can I help you?" He asked while looking at Leo. The next instant his face twitched a bit. He seemed to have recognized him. Well, Leo was going viral recently, and was previously famous for his character. So, it wasn''t much of a surprise if people recognized him.


    "What do I need to do in order to join the club?" Leo asked him with a smile, and it definitely made the fellow''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "Sorry, can you say that again?" The guy asked forcing a smile on his face. He clearly couldn''t believe his ears.


    "I want to join the club," Leo helplessly said again.


    "O-Ok.." He finally nodded while sweating. "Give me a second."


    The person then looked up in the database using the system at his desk, and then shook his head, "I am sorry, but we are not recruiting anymore."


    The smile on Leo''s face immediately ceased.


    Now that he thought about it, he was obviously toote to join any club. After all, it was half the way into the year.


    "Come on, don''t be like this. I am sure one extra member wouldn''t be a problem for you guys." Leo said with a pleading face.


    [You''re breaking my character-nya!]


    [How dare you plead someone for help-nya!]


    Leo ignored him. After all, he was the one who would be getting bashed at the end of the month if he lost.


    "I am sorry, I can''t help. We are already full of members so it most likely isn''t possible. You may try it next year."


    "You can even leave your contact to me, I will inform you if anyone quits and a position opens up." The Lizard men spoked with a polite tone.


    This finally gave Leo a feeling that he was someone important, whom people didn''t dare to offend easily. After all, the previous day had been hell. People were literally not caring about his status.


    "Can''t I talk to someone with a higher position in the club? I think it isn''t fair that you people aren''t even giving me a chance, and just sending me back like that." Leo''s brows arched up, and he was honestly a bit upset here. He didn''t want to wait for half a year to join the club.


    Aiden had already spent a year and a half in the Academy. If he waited for another half a year, he would barely have a year to learn new things.


    "T-This.." The guy definitely felt troubled. He didn''t want to offend the person in front of him, but there were other people whom he didn''t want to irritate as well.


    "Well-Well, this certainly is a rare guest we have here." A voice sounded in the vicinity.


    [Oh my god! Not this jerk-nya!] Aiden immediately cursed on hearing that voice.


    Leo didn''t even need to learn the details, he knew that trouble had juste knocking at the door. He sighed inwardly, and then slowly turned around to see the person.


    It was a guy who looked a bit younger than Leo. He had purple colored short hair which was trimmed a bit more around the sides. There was an arrogant smirk on his face as he looked at Leo. This person was even wearing the Uniform of students from a year below. He was clearly a junior.


    [Be careful, nothing good wille with him-nya.]


    ''Who is he?'' Leo asked with a frown.


    [He is Cebrick G. Lynchfield, the Emperor''s youngest son. The b*stard seems to have a thing for making me suffer.]


    Leo really didn''t know what to say.. Just how many people did this guy pissed? And, what about the Emperor''s children? First the Princess and now the Prince, why the hell were they all after Aiden.

 Chapter 60 - 59: Invitation

    "It seems you really have lost your mind as the rumors said." Cebrick looked at Leo with interest. This was thest ce Cebrick was expecting to run into him.


    Cebrick was the Youngest son of the Emperor, and the most loved one as well. The guy wasn''t as talented as Reba or any of his other siblings in terms of his skills and physical prowess. But like Leo he was another machine geek.


    At least he was interested in it, and was talented inparison to others of his age And, this made him a bit prideful which was very apparent to Leo.


    As for why this guy always looked for trouble with him, it was hard to say. But, it seemed he wasn''t a fan of Aiden''s character at all.


    "What''s going on?" Cebrick looked at the Lizardman, on the information desk with raised brows. He could see that the guy looked a bit nervous for some reason.


    "He wants to join the club. But, we have already stopped the recruitment for any new members for the club," The Lizardman immediately replied. He didn''t want to deal with this matter, and was more than happy to pass the helm to Cebrick.


    Cebrick''s eye dted on hearing his words, and he immediately shifted his gaze towards Leo in disbelief.


    "You are joking, right?" He asked, still in shock.


    "I don''t think there is any restriction on anyone joining any club." Leo looked at him with a calm face.


    "Pfft!" Cebrick broke out intoughter.


    "Are you really the same guy?" He further asked with an amused look on his face.


    "Just because you can join any club, doesn''t mean that you would just do that. Go and look for something more barbaric to suit your taste. This ce isn''t for the likes of you." He smiled while dusting off Leo''s jacket, and straightening it a bit.


    But, the next instant, a frown appeared on his face when he remembered that this guy had lost his arm.


    It really was true, it seemed. After all, he clearly felt that there was nothing below the jacket towards his arm. He knew that Aiden just like his sister was another spear user. Missing an arm was equivalent to losing his carrier.


    "Don''t tell me, you want to shift here because you lost your arm?" Cebrick frowned as he thought about it.


    He shook his head, and took a step ahead to leave while speaking a serious tone, "Are you trying to be funny here? This ce isn''t for such half hearted people."


    [This guy has no respect for his seniors-nya!] Aiden was fuming anger here as Cebrick walked past them.


    "Don''t you think you it''s not right to judge someone even without testing them?"


    Leo''s words halted Cebrick in his ce. And, he turned around to look at Leo with a smile on his face, "What can a Barbarian from a MTP course know about Mechs, you guys aren''t even Mech Knight Trainees."


    Most of the people around couldn''t help but agree with him.


    "And, what if you are wrong?" Leo smiled at him. If it was anything else, he might not be so confident. But, it was just a club test. There was no way for it to be that difficult. After all, the newbie first years also gave the same test to get in the same club.


    And, he was confident that he had more knowledge than some noob.


    "Fine then, I will allow you to take the test. Prove me that you are right." Cebrick looked at Leo with a calm look on his face.


    "What if I win? Do you have the power to get me in the club? Does a mere first year, has the ability to do that?" Leo wasn''t here to prove anything, but to join the club.


    Cebrick''s mouth was immediately shut tight. He definitely couldn''t retort to that. People treated him with respect like some important person because he was the son of the Emperor. Aside from that there was nothing much special about him at this age, he was just a mere first year in the Academy. What power could he possibly have?


    [Don''t go too far, he has royal blood after all-nya.] Aiden even though wasn''t happy with the guy; had to control himself as well every time. After all, there was no way they could go overboard on someone with a royal blood.


    ''I know, I am not crazy like you,'' Leo retorted inwardly. He was the least violent guy in the entire universe. Even now, none could sense any kind, of aggression or dominance from his voice.


    "If you can''t answer me then I will take it as a no," Leo calmly turned around in front of everyone to leave.


    Cebrick''s face had turned extremely grim. He clearly felt insulted here. He had to do something or he wouldn''t be able to calm down.


    "If you really think you are that good, then why don''t youe and face me off in the Mecha Prix at An! If you score more than me, I will dly quit, and give out my position to you," He screamed at Leo, but Leo didn''t stop.


    He needed a working space right now. He had no idea when the Competition was going to take ce. Not to mention, he only thought himself to be better than a noob. He definitely didn''t seem to have much of upper hand on a guy, who was studying professionally Mechs for almost half a year .


    People''s faces turned a bit weird seeing the prince going made in rage while Leopletely ignoring him. This definitely didn''t seem to be best rtionship one would want have with any member of the royal family.


    ¡­


    ''What do we do now? Our only hope has gone down the drain as well,'' Leo sighed inwardly.


    [There is no choice, I guess. I allow you to sell my spear to collect the funds-nya.] Aiden replied; he sounded a bit upset.


    ''Are you sure about it?'' Leo asked in surprise. He knew that thing was an expensive gift from Edgar and Viona to Aiden on his Awakening day. That definitely had something more than material nature attached to it.


    "Hmmn?" Leo suddenly felt a tug from behind, and turned around to see a girl grabbing the corner of his jacket.


    She had ck hairs with a two little cat like ears protruding out of her head. And, surprisingly there was a tail poking from her back, but it seemed to belonged to a fox rather than a cat. This left Leo a bit confused.


    He reallycked the ability to differentiate between the Demi-Human with furry ears.


    The girl had dark ck hairs which went down to her shoulders. Her bangs on the other had were really long. It almost covered half of her face while. He literally couldn''t see her face properly.


    Another odd thing about her was that, she was wearing a long sweaters too big for her size over her uniform.


    The girl seemed to be really nervous which was very clear from the way she had clenched the long sleeve of her sweater in her palm.


    "Do you need anything from me?" Leo asked, looking at her.


    "Umn...W-Will.."


    "Will you join my club?"

 Chapter 61 - 60: A Weird Club

    "Will you join my club?"


    Leo looked at the girl in surprise. That really seemed to havee out of nowhere. It didn''t seem like the best way to persuade people to join your club.


    Still, Leo waited for her to speak further, but the girl kept quiet for some reason.


    "What kind of club is it?" In the end, he asked with a helpless smile on his face. It seemed that the girl was a bit too slow.


    "Ahh!" She released a squeak, finallying to the realization.


    "Umn..I-I saw you in the M-Mecha Club. If they don''t have ce, you cane ..to.. us. We arecking members," Her voice was barely audible. And, she seemed to be a nervous as well.


    "Is your club rted to Mech''s as well?" Leo asked her. If it really was, he wouldn''t mind joining.


    The girl nodded her head.


    "Is there a workshop in there?" Leo further asked, and she nodded again. "Well, shall we go and have look at it once then?"


    [We had another Mech Club-nya?] Aiden muttered in confusion. It seemed even he wasn''t aware about it.


    "I-I will l-lead you then," The girl said, as she grabbed Leo''s hand and then pulled it him along with her.


    This left Leo speechless, but he for some reason didn''t pull his hand back. After all, the innocence that he felt from her was just like that of a child. One just couldn''t help it.


    ¡­.


    "Is this really the club?" Leo asked as his face twitched a bit. This ce was nothing, but the old campus building ording to Aiden.


    [This ce is so old that even ghost''s don''t live here anymore-nya.] Aiden frowned.


    "Yes, our club is right around here." The girl nodded, and walked ahead of Leo as her tail swirled from side to side. She didn''t seem much nervous here as she had been on the main campus.


    [I remember! This is the Club''s Graveyard-nya!] Aiden suddenly spoke in surprise.


    ''Club''s graveyard?''


    Leo had no idea about it.


    [Yes! This girl! When she said that they werecking members, she meant that they didn''t even have enough to qualify as a proper club-nya!]


    Leo''s eyes immediately dted.


    [The people here belong to those clubs which have been shut down due tock of members, or just doesn''t have a club of their choice to begin with-nya.]


    [They don''t even have the right to call themselves a club actually. They are just a small circle, without any kind of support from the Academy-nya.]


    [Besides, most of the people here are just a bunch of weirdos! Leave! Don''t get involved with them-nya!]


    "We are here," The girl turned around to look at Leo, as she swiped her I.D. card, and opened the door.


    Leo looked at the entrance, and even with Aiden''s warning, he just decided to go in. There was nothing to lose in just having a look at the so called ''club''.


    ¡­


    As soon as Leo and the girl entered the room, a voice sounded in the room.


    "You are back, Runeko?"


    Leo turned his head, and the next moment his eyes dted at the sight of the guy in front of him.


    This person was huge! Like really huge!


    Leo even after being 5''11 barely reached up to chest. He definitely stood somewhere around between 9 to 10 feet.


    Leo was not sure which race he belonged to, he was not that big to be called giants but big enough to not qualify as a human for sure.


    The guy was bald with shiny head. He had a dark skin tone, and was quite buffed up. The rippling muscles on his body really made him look like a body builder. Leo even felt that his body would burst out any second. After all, his muscles had really bulged out to an inhumane level which Leo had never seen.


    But, this wasn''t what was most ridiculous about him.


    This weirdo was actually wearing a posing trunks!!!


    "Umn..I brought a member..along," Runeko said with a little nod; her voice being low as usual.


    "Oh!" The person''s eyes immediately lit up as he shifted his gaze at Leo as if he was some delicious desert being served. It really sent chills all around Leo''s body.


    "Oh my gosh! Wear some clothes you idiot!" Another voice sounded in the room, and the next instant a strong stenhe wafted everyone''s nose as ady with a fluid like body walked in from the adjacent room. She was wearing some kind of protective mask, and goggles on her face, and carrying a test tube which was giving out purple fumes. It really looked dangerous to be honest.


    "What is all thismotion for," Another voice sounded in the room, but the person didn''t seem visible to Leo at all.


    Suddenly, there was change in the wall. And, in front of Leo''s dumbfounded gaze, a cloths slid down revealing a guy in shinobi''s attire standing there.


    It was a camouge.


    "Why is there so much noise? Will you guys let me sleep in peace?" Leo turned his head to see a person getting up behind the sofa while rubbing his eyes. He had pillow in his hands and had his sleeping pajamas on.


    "Godamnit! Will I find any peace in this ce!" A voice came from above.


    Leo was already numb from shock; he raised his head to see a spiky ball fall from the ceiling. And, before it crashed onto the floor, the ball opened turning into a Hedgehog which was a little smaller than Nyanden probably. The little guy made a perfectnding on the floor and then raised its head. The Hedgehog actually had a bandana on his forehead with nunchucks tied to his waist.


    ''Where in hell did Ie to?'' Leo was starting to regret it now. He probably should have listened to Aiden earlier.


    The Hedgehog looked at the big guy, and frowned, "What''s going on, Biggie?"


    "Runeko brought a member. We can finally file for funds for our activities!" Biggie said in excitement, and tightened his muscles while striking a pose.


    "What!" The Hedgehog immediately became excited, "Hell yeah! I can finally participate in the Universe Budo Stage this year!"


    It wasn''t only him but everyone else. All of them were happy and excited. And, their shiny eyes looked towards Leo as if he was their savior.


    [I thought you were here to look around! Tell them about it! Don''t get dragged into their flow-nya!]


    [You can tell at a nce, this bunch of weirdos in a single club doesn''t make sense at all-nya!]


    "I see you guys are all lively today," A familiar voice sounded from behind, and Leo turned around to look behind.


    And, it was indeed someone he knew. That whiteb coat, and face wasn''t something he would forget anytime so soon.


    "Doc?"


    "Hmmn?" Yuji looked at the unfamiliar face before finally recognizing him and a smile immediately leaked out on his face, "Leo?"

 Chapter 62 - 61: A Weird Club(2)

    "Doc?" Leo didn''t expect to see the guy here as well.


    "What are you doing here?" Yuji asked Leo in surprise.


    "He is the new member that Runeko brought to join the club!" Biggie said in excitement, as his muscles shook with his huge body.


    Yuji''s eyes widened for a short instant before he smiled, looking at Leo, "I knew our meeting wasn''t a coincidence! Wee to the Club my friend!"


    Before Leo could say anything, the guy had already given him a hug.


    "No, I hav-" Leo tried to tell him that he was only here to have a look, but unfortunately, he was interrupted by Doc.


    "You don''t know how big of a help you have been to us! Ever since the senior year graduated, our clubs got shut down due tock of members. And, this year we failed to recruit the required number of people."


    "Hence, we came together, but we stillcked a member. But, with you on the board, everything is solved." Yuji almost had tears in his eyes as he told Leo about their struggles.


    [Idiot! What are you doing?! It''s not the time to be emotional-nya! Don''t get dragged into this mess!] Aiden saw that Leo was losing his firmness here. The guy was here to find a workshop. And if they didn''t have one, he was supposed to leave.


    "Hey kiddo, what are you interested in? If it''s martial arts, you can follow me from today!" The little hedgehog said with a smile as it thumped its chest.


    "What Martial Arts! You guys are nothing in front of my toxins!" The slimydy said with a smile before looking at Leo, "You think that too, right?"


    "I am sure he is here to find his Ninja Way," The Shinobi guy intervened, looking at Leo with expectation in his eyes.


    "You aren''t even a real Shinobi-yannn!" The guy in his pajamas yawned, before cing the pillow on the shop and lying down.


    "How about you join me to build your body and flex some muscles?" Biggies asked with a smile, as he did a front double bicep pose.


    "Stop putting pressure on him! He will do what he likes, aren''t we all doing the same?" Doc berated everyone.


    "Umn...He was looking to join...the Mecha Club when I ...scouted him¡­" Runeko finally spoke after keeping her silence all along. "And¡­"


    "And, what?" The Hedgehog asked with a frown seeing that she had entered her nervous mode once again.


    "He...said...he will take a look before joining¡­" She said in a low voice, and the excitement on everyone''s face immediately began to fade.


    "This girl¡­" A little vein popped up on the Hedgehog''s forehead as it looked at the girl, and the next instant it immediately pounced towards her with a Bruce Lee like shout.


    "Wakow!"


    But, the hedgehog suddenly froze in mid air with one of its legs still stretching out.


    "Calm down, Spike." The Shinobi guy said with his hands raised in half the way into air.


    "Goddamnit! Let me go, nk! I will show this girl the might of my one step Kick!"


    "Calm down fes! We still have got this, did you forget who is in charge of the Mecha rted stuff here?" Yuji said with a smile as his nose grew five inches in length.


    "Tsk, we are doomed for sure." The Slimy girl shook her head.


    "Does he even know anything?" The sleepy guy muttered in a low voice with his eyes closed.


    "You guys should be consider his presence a bit, even if it''s truth, at least say it behind his back.." Biggie said with a frown.


    Yuji''s face twitched, "You guys¡­"


    "You peasants think you can understand my awesomeness! I am really good, Ok! It''s just that you guys don''t understand any of my inventions!" He further retorted in anger.


    "Look at this guy boast, he isn''t even from Mecha Department, peh!" The hedgehog spat in disdain. He was really looking down on the guy.


    "Didn''t he got kicked out from the Mecha Club as well?" The Shinobi asked in confusion.


    "Good! Very Good! Just wait and watch!" Yuji red at them, "Once we have enough members, I will go and win the Mecha Grand Prix this year!"


    There was no way that anyone was believing him.


    "Come with me, Leo. I will show you what you are here for." Yuji turned around, and walked inside the facility, "And, you too Runeko."


    Leo and Runeko just followed him, as the rest left to their work.


    ¡­


    "I am sorry for themotion outside," Yuji shook his head with a sigh. "And Runeko, just don''t leave people with half the information."


    "I got a bit nervous seeing everyone happy. And, didn''t know how to say it..." The girl replied timidly.


    "Start building your confidence, or the students will eat you up in the MTP course if you keep behaving like that." Yuji shook his head with a sigh.


    Leo was a bit surprised to think someone like her was in the MTP course as well. He definitely couldn''t tell it at all.


    "Umnn.." Runeko lightly nodded.


    As they continued to walk down the hall way, Doc exined some stuff to Leo.


    It seems that the Academy had allowed them to use the old stuff from this building, which was the only reason that they were still able to exist as a circle. And, even if the things here were outdated, this things still were better than nothing.


    But, there was a catch as well. Only people who actually worked like an active club members in this circle were allowed to use this ce. If not, just any person could walk in the ce, and use everything while not doing the handwork that clubs put to their activities. It definitely wasn''t fair that way. Hence, only they and a few other small circles existed in the old building.


    All of the guys that Leo had met previously were a part of their club. And, just like seen earlier, they all had different things that they pursued. The Circle was one of kind in the entire Academy. People even called them weirdoes for more than obvious reason, and Leo could totally understand it.


    "Well, we are here." Yuji smiled as he opened the door to the room which was his area of control in the old building.


    Leo entered the room, and it was messy at first nce. Things were lying all around. Blueprints and sketches loosely hung on walls and working boards. Everything around looked pretty old, and it gave Leo a feeling that he had returned to the past.


    "We don''t havetest 3D Module maker here, and the one that you see in the corner is broken."


    "This is the working desk, and it''s all mechanical with a little technological aspect to it. It''s not like the newer ones used in the Mecha club where you could just set the configurations ording to your wish, and let it do the manual work."


    "For Programming, well¡­..we currently don''t have anything.." Yuji forced a smile on his face.


    "Which era do this ce belong to?" Leo couldn''t help but ask with a weird look on his face. The things being used here were definitely very old. It was outdated.


    "I don''t know exactly for sure, but if I make a wild guess¡­.." Yuji paused as he looked at Leo, "..maybe....before the Mechs were invented¡­"

 Chapter 63 - 62: Joining The Club

    "..maybe...before the Mechs were invented¡­"


    Leo looked at Yuji, and his face clearly showed the disbelief on it.


    "At least we have it, all for 24/7, free of cost." Yuji waved his hands, and he was indeed correct here. If it was the Mech Club, you would be lucky to get an hour a day with so many members in it.


    But, this ce sure was different.


    [Let''s go, this ce is useless-nya.] Aiden calmly said, but Leo didn''t move.


    He stood there contemting it.


    ''Arthur, can we handle the 3D modeling using the [Virtual Projection]?'' He asked inwardly.


    [Everything can be achieved using [Virtual Projection] as long as I have required data.]


    ''Great!'' Leo smiled inwardly in excitement.


    To be honest, he would just need to use the ce for building real things as well as getting the hang of real things. And, this ce had all the physical tools to do the job. Though they were outdated, and would make one break a ton of sweat.


    But, the opportunity to have a 24/7 usage was definitely mouthwatering to Leo. As for breaking sweat, Leo was used to it. He was already engaged in some hardworking job back on earth after all.


    [Don''t do it! My image would hit rock-bottom if you join this bunch of weirdoes-nya!] Aiden protested even though he had initially allowed it. After all, this was just too much.


    ''I don''t have a choice! Besides, do you want us to get back our real bodies or not?'' Leo retorted. In the end, Aiden could only swallow the bitter pill as he agreed to the matter.


    "So, what are your thoughts about joining?" Yuji asked with a smile, and there was obviously a bit of expectation in his eyes. "You can take more time if you need.."


    "No, it''s fine. I have made my decision," Leo shook his head.


    Both Runeko and Yuji turned a bit tense. The moment of truth was here, and they were really hoping it would be in their favor.


    "I am joining..." Leo said with a smile looking at the two''s faces which were full of expectation.


    "Hell yeah!!!!!"


    Before the three could speak another word, shouts erupted and the people from before all rushed into the room.


    Biggie picked Leo up, and the next thing he knew being tossed into the air just for joining a club.


    It sure wasn''t the kind of wee he was expecting.


    "I can finally be the Best Martial Artist!!" The little Hedgehog screamed in joy.


    "I can finally showcase the path of Ninja at a bigger stage." The Shinobi guy was no less excited. But, it couldn''t be seen on his face at all. He still had the same calm expression from before.


    The celebration continued for a few minutes, before Yuji finally got Leo down.


    And, then the introduction session began.


    The first was thedy with the mask and goggles on. She slowly took it off, and revealed a beautiful face. Her hair was light blue in color, and went down to her nape. She was wearing the MTP course dress below her protective coat. And, from the badge on her chest, Leo could tell that she was in thest year. A year above Leo.


    "I am Nora Water, and as you can see. I am a Slime, who loves toxins," The girl said with a smile, as she raised her hand and dissolved it into a sticky liquid like substance. "But, you can just call me Nuru like everyone else does."


    The next was the Shinobi guy.


    "I don''t have a name, just call me nk."


    "Stop that bullsh*t!" The little Hedgehog who was standing on the guy''s shoulder pped the back of his head with a frown, and then spoke in his stead, "He is Harry Ruse, a Glorian who is just obsessed with Shinobis. He is in the Second Year of MTP."


    The Hedgehog then went on to introduce himself, "I am Little Pine, an Animal spirit."


    "Pff!"


    A few people couldn''t help themselves when the name came out. Animal Spirit where like that, they could be said to be the newest addition to the Interster era. These bunch were actually nothing but the previous Fauna of a who hasn''t evolved into Arora Beast, and had evolved into an intelligent creature with the same body.


    And, one thing about Animal Spirit stood aside. Their naming sense was quite unique.


    To other races, it seemed that these guys just didn''t put any effort in naming their offspring.


    "Who in hell dared tough?! Come in front!" The little guy immediately red all around, but couldn''t find the person.


    "Hmp!" He snorted before turning towards Leo again, "You can just call me, Spike."


    Leo started to feel a bit weird. Why in hell did all of them have nicknames?


    "I am Paul Bourne, a second year MTP student from Andromeda-yaann¡­." The Sleepy guy said with a big yawn, and that was it. His head slowly fell below, and one could see a snot bubble emerging from his nose.


    "This Sleepy Head.." People shook their head, and the next person stepped up.


    "I am Nylo Bigson, a Titan, you can call me Biggie. And, I am in Second Year of MTP as well," The Big guy said with a smile.


    Leo was surprised when he heard that. He didn''t expect him to be a titan. After all, even though he was huge. His figure was not so big for a titan. He would be considered to be the size of 6 or 7 years old among Titans. Though he doubted that even Titan''s had such buffed up children.


    ''A lot of students are from MTP here..'' Leo muttered inwardly after realizing it.


    [Most of them are foreigners. They obviously won''te to Gloria just to study something which this Academy doesn''t specialize in-nya.] Aiden said the obvious, and Leo understood it too.


    "You have already met her, she is the Secretary of our Club, Runeko Cathylian, a Demi-Human. She is in the first year of the MTP course." Yuji smiled, pointing his hand towards Runeko and she just did a little nod.


    "And, I am the President, Yuji Miwa aka Doc!" Yuji said with a smile pointing his thumb towards his chest. "I am in the Second Year of the Mech Knight Program, the senior most person in the club."


    Leo nodded, and then introduced himself with a smile, "I am Aiden Silver, nice to meet you all."


    This time, he didn''t forget his ''real'' name with Aiden reminding him.


    As soon as his name came out, quite a few people''s eyes turned wide.


    They had obviously recognized the name. Not to mention, the name was very familiar and was heard at regr intervals all around the Academy.


    "Didn''t you say, your name was Leo?" Yuji asked with a frown.


    "Umn..." Leo began to sweat, this hade way sooner than he had expected.

 Chapter 64 - 63: Leo

    "Didn''t you say your name was Aiden?" Yuji asked with a frown. He clearly remembered that the guy had introduced himself like Leo in the Colosseum. Yet, he was now saying that name was something else.


    "Ahh..Actually...umn¡­Leo is my nickname.."


    "..."


    Yuji stared at him. That was definitely suspicious, just who in their right mind would introduce themselves with their nickname instead of the real name.


    Did it make sense?


    "You are that ''Aiden Silver''?" Biggie asked with surprise stered all over his face. "Are you the son of the Thunder Hero, Edgar Silver?"


    The Big guy was in Leo''s year as well. It was obvious if he recognized him. And, his words immediately reminded other people about him as well.


    Everyone''s eyes constricted on hearing that name, and they turned their gazes at Leo. It was not everyday that one would see a guy like him, entering a low level club like theirs. I mean there were certainly weirdoes around, but they hadn''t heard about any of Edgar''s sons being one.


    "Wait! You are Aaron''s brother?" Yuji looked at Leo with a dumbfounded face.


    It was finally here.


    Leo forced a smile on his face. This is what he was worried about. He had pretended not to know Aaron that day in front of this guy. He even went ahead to ask him a few things which only a stranger would ask, and here he was the brother of the very same guy.


    [What''s wrong-nya?] Aiden asked from the storage capsule, feeling Leo''s helplessness.


    ''...'' Leo didn''t know what to say. He had been foolish to think that there was no problem doing that. He had forgotten that there was the Universe was round theory.


    And today he was forced to think that maybe there was some truth in it.


    [He messed up...] Arthur intervened, breaking the ice between them.


    [Messed up-nya?]


    Leo ignored the two talking, and concentrated on the situation at hand.


    "That day¡­umn...I.."


    "I heard some rumor that Senior Aaron''s brother had been in an ident and lost his memory. Is this the reason you were asking me those things?" Yuji was curious about the situation. And, to be honest Leo''s behavior pretty much confirmed the rumors.


    [You really are an idiot-nya]


    [True, indeed.] Arthur gave his approval.


    [What is there to worry about when you have a legitimate reason to be asking such questions-nya?]


    Leo''s face twitched when he realized it as well. He really was being foolish here.


    "Yeah, that is the truth." He nodded looking at Yuji with an uneasy smile on his face.


    "Yeah, I saw an Article about it too. It was released this morning." Nora opened her smart link, and flicked a projection screen out in front of everyone. It clearly reported about Leo''s current situation.


    "What do we do about the nickname ceremony?" Spike looked at everyone as the previous topic came to a close.


    Leo finally got to know that there was actually a nickname ceremony in the club. It was obviously Yuji''s idea. Since he himself likes to be called Doc, he had implemented it on everyone as well.


    But, people obviously avoided something embarrassing as Doc. There were a few who were just named by others because they were either toozy or too nervous to find a nickname.


    Like the Sleepy Head and Fluffy Ears. Though the names weren''t much popr.


    The rest more or less had a choice of their own, though the rest would reject the name if they felt it was too perfect.


    "I say we name him Nurse, a perfect fit for being my assistant!" Doc looked excited, and Leo immediately broke out in sweat on hearing that.


    "How about Little Rookie?" Spike looked at everyone, but they just gave him a contemptuous gaze. They couldn''t believe this guy dared to call someone else a little rookie.


    "What?"


    "..."


    "What?!!"


    "Will you guys stop looking at me like that?!!"


    ¡­


    "How about we just leave it to my original nickname Leo?


    Leo finally had enough of the weird names. So, when the situation returned to a bit of calm, he finally decided to intervene. Not to mention, Aiden had been shouting the whole time that he wouldn''t ept any funny nicknames.


    "Isn''t that boring?" Yuji asked as he looked at everyone else.


    "Umn...how about we...let him keep it¡­" Runeko, who had been silently watching all along, finally spoke a bit nervously, taking Leo''s side. "H-He is helping us be a club after all¡­:"


    "Even if he isn''t even bing a club member, I think we should just allow it for the fact that he made Runeko speak in a decision making matter for the first time," Nora smiled with a surprise look on her face before hugging Runeko, and patting her fluffy ears.


    "Senior Nuru...:not there..."


    The people around stared at the two and gulped inwardly, while feeling a bit jealous.


    Biggie and Spike seemed to be gentlemen, or maybe being a member of a race which was a bit different than an average Humanoid race had made their preference a bit different.


    And, even as the rest were busy enjoying the sight. The two came up to Leo to talk.


    "Give me your contact, I will add you to our group. You can get ess to everything you need from there including everyone''s contact." Biggie smiled, and Leo honestly was a bit intimidated by a lot of things on his body. After all it was his first time seeing a titan up close, not to mention the guy was still in his posing trunks.


    Spike on the other hand jumped off of Biggies palm and climbed onto Leo''s shoulder.


    "I see that you are missing a shoulder, did something happened?" The little guy obviously felt it.


    "Yeah, I had an ident.." Leo just gave him a helpless smile.


    "Do you want to regrow it?" Spike looked at Leo, and his words obviously had caught Leo''s attention.


    "Is it possible?" He asked in curiosity and a bit of expectation as well.


    "Yeah, there is a legend in my vige. That at the peak of Martial Arts lies immortality, you can be anyone you want. If you follow the path of Martial Arts by my side, you can be a phoenix and soar into the nine heavens. And after going through Nirvana, you will be a new man. Growing back an arm would be no big deal then."


    Leo was left speechless. There were several questions that he had about this scam, but the one he really wanted to ask was why in hell did Hedgehogs have the legend of bing a Phoenix?


    Did that make sense?


    "How about it? Do you want to take me as your master?"


    "Umn..I will think about it."


    There was no way Leo was going to do this. He already had a Savage Coach Arthur and a Little Kitty as an Advisor. He didn''t think he could handle anyone else.


    "Well, tell me when you make up your mind.." Spike smiled, while demonstrating a few moves on Leo''s shoulder with ''Waakaooo!'' shouts.


    "Yeah, sure..." Leo nodded.

 Chapter 65 - 64: A Princess As A Helper

    [Hurry up-nya!]


    ''Do you want me to run, now?!'' Leo grumbled as he hurried towards his ss. He was held back in the club for quite a while. It was almost ss time, he didn''t want to bete. Especially, considering that he had been kicked out of the ss yesterday.


    Within a few minutes, he had reached the ssroom, and bumped into the Professor right at the door.


    "Umn..good morning Professor," He forced a smile looking at the intimidating man.


    "Good Morning.." Professor Benard said as he turned his head to look at the student. And, when he finally realized who it was, he gave Leo a good look before speaking, "Come with me."


    Leo didn''t know what this was about, but he just followed him into the ssroom.


    As soon as the two of them entered the ssroom, the ce turned quiet and the people began to return to their original seats.


    "I have an important announcement to make," Professor Benard scanned the ssroom before continuing in solemn tone, "I am sure that most of you have already heard, but I will still make an announcement to make sure that there are no idents."


    "Your ssmate, Aiden, had recently been through an ident which had left him with some serious injuries. And, he has even lost his memories of the past. So, until his memories, or he gets used to the situation around, I would like you all to be cooperative with him."


    Leo felt a bit awkward standing in front of everyone with the Professor pointing his hand towards him.


    "So, is there anyone who would like to volunteer to help him out?" Professor further asked, but there was no response from the students. Not a single person had raised his or her hand.


    ''Just what kind of life you were living? Isn''t this pathetic?'' Leo sighed inwardly.


    [Leave me alone. It''s not like I sent them away, it was just that they couldn''t keep up with me. Our personalities didn''t match-nya.]


    ''How in hell will your personality match with anyone around your age if you are this rigid. Not to mention, you didn''t have time in your schedule to spend with friends. So, how in hell were you going to make friends?'' Leo retorted.


    [I would have made time if I had friends-nya.]


    ''Idiot, you didn''t make time, that''s the reason you failed to make friends.'' Leo shook his head, there was no way that Aiden didn''t get it. It was just that he didn''t want to admit himself to be a lonely guy.


    Suddenly, a hand was raised. And, it immediately drew everyone''s attention. Even Leo looked at the person in surprise.


    It was Reba.


    ''It''s that girl..''


    [That girl? What do you mean? Did you interact with her-nya] Aiden immediately began questioning him in an aggressive manner.


    ''Bro, calm down, I didn''t do anything to her. She was just kind of nice to me the other day.'' Leo exined to him what had happened that day.


    [It''s your fault for not showing her the basic courtesy-nya!]


    ''I am not some kind of gentleman. What the hell are you expecting from me?'' Leo shook his head inwardly.


    Even though this guy had said in his monologue that he didn''t have anything with Becky, Leo was surely doubtful about it now.


    [Idiot! Even if you are not a gentleman, you need to show her courtesy! She is the Princess, the Emperor''s daughter, Reba G. Lynchfield!]


    ''Huh?'' Leo was suddenly dumbfounded as he turned his head to look at the girl, who was smiling at him.


    ''Don''t tell me that Becky and Reba are the same person?''


    [Of course, they are! What in hell you had been thinking until now-nya?]


    ''What the heck? Are you the protagonist of some novel? What in hell is up with the love story between swan and a frog?''


    [I really wanna punch you, right now. But, why does this feel so right-nya?!]


    Aiden sighed inwardly.


    [I know that fact, ok! So, I am being realistic here. I don''t think that she is a bad person or anything, and at the top of that I have known her for a long time as well. She would have been a perfect person to be in a rtionship with for me-nya.]


    [But, I don''t have any ns of entering into any rtionship. Secondly, it''s just unrealistic between us-nya.]


    ''I see why Amelia calls you a robot.'' Leo finally seemed to have realized that this guy was always thinking in a different manner. He wasn''t acting on the spot; on his emotions. Instead, it was based on logical reasoning with future consequences in mind.


    [Call me, whatever you want. But, this is the life I had lived until now-nya.]


    ''You can try to change.''


    [Maybe, I will eventually drop it at one of the two moments. That is, either I broke the cursed barrier of Lv 10 and mutated my skill. Or, when I am ready to ept death. That might be the time I will feel free the most.]


    ''That''s day,'' Leo said with a gloomy feeling. ''Do you know what they call people like you who talk about their own death?


    [What-nya?]


    ''A Suicidal b*stard..''


    But, the moment he said it, both Leo and Aiden frowned. For some reason, they had a feeling of deja vu. It was as if something simr had happened before.


    "I will help!''


    "No, I will do it!''


    "Let me do it!"


    The stream of voices brought Leo back from his thoughts only to see a lot of students suddenly raising their hands.


    As soon as these people saw that Reba had raised her hand, their hands involuntarily stood up too. Each one wanted to volunteer to help Leo. now


    These people didn''t want her to get near the guy due to some obvious reasons.


    "Are you willing to help?" The Professor ignored these people and just asked Reba, who was the first person to offer help. There was no change in his tone or expression while talking to her. There was not a single hint of favoritism on his end.


    Reba looked at Leo with a bit of concern, and then nodded, "Yes, I can help."


    Leo could hear Aiden sighing inwardly.


    But, he was more of troubled by the res he was receiving.


    It was now obvious that being a princess, she had many knights in shining armors, who would probably be mad at Leo for making her take care of him. And, the jealous one would be even more of a trouble for him.


    It would be better if he avoided taking her help. But, was he going to get an option here?


    "Aiden if you have any trouble, feel free to ask her for any help you need." Professor Benard ignored the pleas from the rest of the guys in the ss, and gave Leo''s responsibility to Reba.


    This led to several voices of displeasure from the students. But, the moment, the Professor gave them a re, the entire ss turned quiet.


    [Don''t do anything funny-nya.] Aiden warned Leo or maybe just reminded him.


    ''What do I look to you?'' Leo was really speechless at this guy as he walked down the Professor''s podium and looked at Reba in her seat. He then forced a smile on his face before greeting her with Aiden''s direction.


    He ced his right palm on his left shoulder, and did a slight bow before greeting her, "Good Morning Princess, I would like to apologize for troubling you in advance."


    The smile on Reba''s face dimmed down a bit seeing Leo act like that.


    Her friends could clearly see her getting depressed over it. After all, they had been making a bet on it the day before.


    "He has forgotten things, Becky. I am sure that someone had just taught him about it. Don''t take it the other way. If it was before, you guys would definitely be friends now." Serina encouraged her from beside, and quietly whispered it to her. The other two behind quietly cheered her on as well.


    Becky finally seemed to have gained some courage with their support, and nodded at them. She turned her head towards Leo with the same resolve.


    "You don''t need to call me Princess. We are friends after all."


    Her words immediately turned the entire ce quiet. Even Serina, and two behind her wanted to p their heads. This girl.....

 Chapter 66 - 65: A Princess Who Cant Read The Air

    "You don''t need to call me Princess. We are friends after all."


    The moment Reba said those words, Leo immediately felt the hostile gazes being directed at him increase. This made him sweat a bit. But, he still remained calm and forced a smile on his face before thanking her.


    He then moved towards the seats, and began to look for an empty ce.


    Reba looked at Leo, and was nning to offer him a seat beside herself when Serina stopped her.


    "How much more trouble do you want to cause him?" Serina sighed, looking at the clueless girl who had no idea about the consequences of her actions.


    ¡­


    Leo took the same seat that he had taken yesterday, and finally felt a bit relieved with people no longer staring at him with a murderous look on their faces.


    [You should have sat in front. I am not the kind of student to sit behind-nya.]


    ''But, I am not you'' Leo shook his head. There was no way he was sitting in front allowing these people to re at his back. That would definitely make him ufortable.


    "We meet again."


    A voice entered Leo''s ear, and he turned his head to the side only to see a guy sitting beside him.


    "Sh*t!" He immediately jumped a little back in shock. And his seat slid back causing a screeching noise to sound across the entire ssroom.


    "Krreeee!!!"


    Everyone''s gaze immediately shifted towards Leo, and he could only try his best to maintain a normal expression on his face.


    The Professor didn''t say anything thinking that it was just idental, and he returned to teaching.


    Leo let out a sigh of relief, and turned his face to look at the guy beside him. There was a deep frown on his face. He was obviously taken by surprise. After all, he didn''t remember seeing any guy beside him when he took a seat.


    Where in hell did he pop out from?


    "I saw you here in the same seat yesterday as well. It''s quite funny that I didn''t recognize you at a nce, even when you sat so close to me." The guy shook his head with a smile.


    Leo concentrated a bit on him to see if he knew the guy, and to be honest he didn''t.


    This person was a centimeter or two shorter than. He had a little paleplexion with short ash brown hair. There was a strange bandana with a little metal te on it''s front, hanging on his neck .


    "Do I know you?" Leo asked with a frown when even Aiden failed to recognize the guy.


    "I am Harry Ruse."


    Leo''s eyes dted a bit, as an image of a guy in a shinobi''s uniform ovepped the guy in front of him.


    ''It''s him!''


    The names were no coincidence, it was definitely the Shinobi guy from the club.


    "Just tell me if you are from the club." Leo looked at him speechlessly. "I couldn''t even identify you without that Shinobi outfit on."


    "Sshh!" Harry gestured to Leo to be quiet.


    Leo immediately shut his mouth, and nced at Professor Benard from the corner of his eyes. But, he was busy teaching, and his entire attention was on the projection screen.


    "Don''t talk about it. A shinobi''s identity must not be revealed."


    When those words entered Leo''s ears, he turned his head to look at the guy in disbelief. Was this the reason that he had asked him to keep quiet?


    It seemed that he had underestimated the seriousness of his gimmick.


    "Is it only you? Or is there anyone else from the ss together with us?" Leo looked him with raised brows, not willing to dwell on shinobi stuff.


    "No, we are the only ones here." Harry shook his head with a smile. His personality right now was very different from earlier when he was doing his ninja cosy. Leo almost had a hard time believing it was the same guy.


    "Biggie and Paul are in the same section like us. Others are all different. After all, only four of us in second year." He further added, while looking ahead at Professor. It seemed he was trying to pay attention to the ss as well/


    [Will you concentrate on your ss-nya?]


    ''I don''t get a thing, ok.'' Leo retorted. He had to learn the basics first to understand a thing. He literally didn''t understand half of the words that the Professor used.


    ''Record everything, Arthur. I will look at it when I have some understanding of this thing.''


    ¡­


    When the ss was finally over, Leo and Harry got up to leave for the next one.


    "Who the hell is that guy? I have never seen him before."


    "It''s the ghost of our section..:


    "Why is that weirdo with Aiden?"


    "Who cares? They suit each other.."


    Well, it looked like that Harry had some reputation in the ss as well.


    [So, he was the ghost of our section-nya?]


    [People said there was always an extra in our ss that no one knew about. And,ter people started to call it a ghost. I can''t believe it was this guy all along-nya.] Aiden seemed to have finally realized it as well.


    As the two walked out of the ssroom, they bumped into someone familiar.


    Reba was standing outside the ssroom alongside Serina. She seemed to be waiting for someone.


    Harry immediately stopped and greeted her in a proper manner. He was also a Glorian after all. And, had to follow the tradition. He then looked at Leo wanting to leave, but Leo grabbed his shoulder and smiled at him.


    Where the heck did he think he was going all alone?


    "Is there anything you need from me, Princess?" Leo looked at her with an amicable smile on his face.


    "Umn, are you free after the Academy hours?" Reba looked at him a bit nervously.


    Serina stood there looking at Leo with a pitiful gaze as the people around him red at him. There was a heavy stench of jealousy in the air, and Serina and Leo could clearly smell it except for the princess, who seemed to anosmia in this kind of situation.


    [What''s wrong with her? When did she turn into someone like this-nya?] Aiden had no idea that Reba''s friends had put the idea of ''starting all new and better with Aiden'' n in her head.


    Harry looked at Leo.


    He had heard rumors about the Princess having a crush. And, had always felt that it was ridiculous.


    But now, he was not sure anymore.

 Chapter 67 - 66: A Coincidence Or A Game Of Fate?

    "I am actually a bit busy after the Academy, I have the duty to clean the library." Leo forced a smile on his face as he politely declined her citing the job as a reason.


    It was the first time he felt that there was something good with getting the punishment.


    "I see.." Reba gave him a little depressing smile, but she was quick to jump back.


    "Should we walk to the next ss together then?"


    It seemed she wasn''t the type to give up.


    "We have a different ss than him, Becky." Serina interrupted the two with a smile.


    "Oh.." Reba turned a bit red in embarrassment.


    And, in the end she helplessly left with Serina.


    ¡­


    "What in hell are you doing?" Serina asked with a sigh as she looked at Reba.


    "What do you mean?" Reba blinked her eyes in confusion as she nodded to the fellow student who greeted her.


    "You are making it too obvious." Serina shook her head with a helpless smile on her face.


    She knew Reba well. The girl actually wasn''t an idiot; her I.Q. was pretty high. But somehow when it came to E.Q., especially love affairs, she became an idiot.


    But, it was understandable a bit. She was a Princess, and had never been in a rtionship before.


    It was true that she had a lot of pursuers, but just how many of them actually dared toe out and confess it to her.


    And, even if someone did, you already knew what her answer would be.


    "Really? Am I that obvious? But, I only asked him if he was free?'''' Reba appeared to be really confused about it.


    "Do you ask other guys the same thing?" Serina stared at her.


    "No."


    Reba shook her head. She obviously didn''t.


    "So, don''t you think it''s odd that you only asked Leo for it?"


    Reba''s brows scrunched a bit as she fell into a deep thought.


    "But, we know each other. And, you said that we could be considered friends." Reba looked at Serina, "Is it really odd for friends to ask each other out?"


    "I mean, don''t do that every other day¡­" She further added.


    Serina''s lips twitched a bit.


    Well, it was her fault it seemed, she shouldn''t have said that they were friends.


    "Ok, fine. I was lying when I said that the two of you appeared to be friends." Serina gave her an apologetic smile. Those two were indeed supposed to be friends from the logic, but their behavior didn''t suggest them to be one honestly.


    They actually had all the checkpoints for friendship, though.


    They were ssmates, yed together as children, their family had good rtions with each other, two had simr hobbies, and they even always paired up in thebat sses because of the simr weapons choices.


    To be honest, this had already passed the checkpoints for friendship reaching the next level. It was a mystery what was going on the two people''s heads to be behaving in the way they did.


    "Y-You! You lied to me!" Reba looked at Serina in disbelief. She was actually convinced on the idea that the she and Leo could be considered friends after hearing her logic. Hell, she even thought that she was the weird one for thinking they were not.


    But, now she said that it was lie!


    Reba really felt that she had been backstabbed.


    "I mean, you guys should technically be friends. But, how could anyone think of you as friends when you two never behaved like one." Serina helplessly looked at her. She actually understood the situation a bit, but she didn''t want to burst the Princess''s bubble.


    The girl was a bit low on E.Q. so she didn''t understand a few things. But, Aiden was smart. And, with this girl making things so obvious, there was no way that he didn''t understand her intentions.


    Yet, he was still keeping his distance.


    She could tell that Aiden was well aware of his position. And, he had no intention of doing anything about it. She didn''t know if it was low self esteem, or just him wishing to keep his family outside of any troublesome situation.


    After all, if the Emperor turned out to be unhappy with it, it would sour the rtionship between Silvers and the Royalty.


    "Then does that mean, he probably is already aware that I...?" Reba froze for an instance as realization struck her.


    "Well, calm down, he has forgotten his memory. There is a chance that he doesn''t doesn''t remember it anymore. But¡­" Serina paused.


    "But, what?" Reba asked as she gulped, and looked at Serina with a nervous expression on her face. The silence was really killing her, and she wanted it to end as fast as possible.


    "Didn''t you look at his face? I think he wants to maintain a distance from you.." Serina dropped the bomb on her.


    "Why?"


    "What did I do?"


    Reba''s eyes turned wide in horror. She couldn''t help but be worried if she had done anything wrong.


    "Just think about it, he doesn''t remember anything. It definitely must be ufortable. And, from what Amelia had told us, it seems his case is pretty serious."


    "Do you really think he is fine interacting with a Princess in such a situation?"


    Serina looked at her with raised brows.


    "What should I do then?" Reba asked in confusion as her brows furrowed in tension. She didn''t know what to do and how to approach Aiden in such a situation.


    "How about you giving him some time? If you allow him to settle down a bit, I think he wouldn''t be so ufortable with you." Serina suggested honestly, and she was really hoping for something good here. After all, the Aiden before definitely ignored Reba''s feelings, but maybe it would be different this time around.


    Well, the truth was from that.


    ¡­


    Southern Domain, Blood Nest.


    This ce was the capital of Evil, and housed some of the worst criminal and Terrorist organizations to ever exist in the Universe. And, it had once served as the Capital of the most evil man in the history, the Demon King.


    Even though that man was no more, the ce still continued to exist and even the Interster Races Alliance hadn''t managed to gain control over it.


    Currently, a man sat on a wheel chair around the balcony of a high end looking Hotels. He was looking a at a projection screen on his Smart link. It disyed Aiden, or you could say the current Leo in it.


    There was aplex look in the man''s eyes. There was some pain, some love, some care, and some shock. It seemed he didn''t know how to make out of the situation. Whether he should be happy or sad about it?


    "Silver.."


    "Is this just coincidence or a game of fate?"

 Chapter 68 - 67: An Odd Storage Room

    "I am here, Mr. Redwood," Leo knocked on the door of the library. His sses were over and now it was time to get to work.


    Harry was by his side as well. He was a nice fellow. And when Leo told him about his cleaning duty, he was more than happy to offer help. After all, Shinobi''s loved cleaning work and took it as a part of their training.


    This really made Leo happy. It seemed that his terrible luck from before had vanished into the air.


    The day from then had been quite peaceful as well, and he didn''t end up in much trouble even though it had started with a lot of bumps. Even Rea for some reason seemed to have given up on him. She just gave him a smile, but didn''t stay to engage in a conversation.


    That certainly allowed him to breathe in relief.


    [I can''t believe you got caught by the librarian-nya.] Aiden was speechless here. He had not done a single thing for which people could criticize him while Leo had broken his record of one and a half years in a single day.


    ''What could I do? He was just a jerk..'' Leo shook his head as he waited for the person to open the door.


    But, even after waiting for a few minutes and calling him a few more times, the door remained shut.


    ''''Is he not here?'''' Harry looked at Leo with raised brows.


    "He said that I coulde at any time, is he dozing off or something?" Leo put his I.D. card on the scanner, and it was epted to his surprise.


    As the two entered the ce, a voice recording rang. It definitely belonged to the scary looking Librarian.


    "I have entered your I.D. information in the lock. You can use your I.D ande in any time to clean the ce. And, I will bete, so you can go ahead and begin."


    The voice paused, and when Leo thought that it was finally over, it sounded once again, "You better do a good job before I return or else¡­"


    The recording ended there with the threat.


    Leo sighed as Harryughed, and the duo further walked into the ce.


    "This ce is pretty big.." Harry looked around in surprise. Like every other student, he too hadn''t visited the Library mainly due to the nasty librarian. After all, even if everything had gone digital these days, they could still use it as a good ce to hang out. Especially for Harry as Shinobi''s loved silence.


    Leo looked around the ce as well. It was indeed pretty big, and one would probably need adder to go and pick up the books at the shelves above. It would probably take a whole month just to clean the goddamn ce.


    "Should we get started?"


    Leo turned around hearing Harry only to see him fully geared up for his endeavor. And what made him speechless was that the guy was nning to clean the entire ce with just a piece of cloth and a bucket of water.


    "Yeah, we should start I guess." He didn''t ask for details about how he was going to do it, and just moved on to search for where the floor cleaners were kept. Those robots could do most of the cleaning on the floor while Leo still had to look for the corners.


    As for cleaning the books, there was no choice. They had to do it manually.


    "Where in hell did he keep the cleaning equipment?" Leo let out a sigh in frustration as he roamed around the library.


    And, atst, he came across a door with a sign saying storage room. It was hidden at one of the corners, and was right behind a shelf too. There was only enough space for two people to walk together with a shelf and a wall on either side.


    "Finally.." A smile immediately emerged on Leo''s face.


    But, this time around, Leo''s I.D. card didn''t work. And, that smile on his face faded away with an alert of rejection.


    "Do you want a cloth too?"


    Leo jumped up in fright on hearing the voice from below.


    But, when he turned around to see what it was, it just turned out to be Harry.


    He was on all his four with a wet cloth in his hands pressed against the floor. Leo could see a trail of shine behind which made it evident that he had been pushing it all around.


    "I have an extra pair, do you need it?"


    It seemed that he had the entire stock of his ninja gear in his storage devices.


    "It will take a lot of time with this." Leo shook his head as he pondered about the situation.


    "Should we leave? It''s his fault for not being present here." Leo didn''t think it was right to just let Harry continue while he waited for the man to return.


    "Are you sure? I heard that the librarian is an unreasonable guy. He has dragged students from their sses mercilessly for not following his instructions previously. And, I heard from someone that it was not even their fault." Harry looked at Leo as he forced a smile on his face. It wasn''t that he wanted to scare him, but he was just stating the fact.


    "Is it?" Leo asked with a helpless smile, he definitely didn''t want this to happen to him. Would he now have to wait until the guy arrived?


    "Do you want me to open the door?" Harry said as he tilted his head to look at the door behind.


    "It''s locked."


    "There are no locked doors for a Shinobi, there are only the ones which haven''t been opened yet." Harry smiled as he got up.


    What do you mean?" Leo asked him in confusion. This was a locked door, a digitally locked one.


    "Just watch."


    Harry gave him a confident look as he went towards the scanner, and flicked a screen out from his smart link.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea, Harry." Leo looked at him a bit nervously, and tried to stop him. But, Harry seemed to have entered an entirely different state, and nothing could shake his resolve anymore.


    "Just wait there, I got this done."


    Leo was speechless, and this only made him even more nervous, ''No, you don''t need to get it done. It''s totally fine."


    "How can a Shinobi allow a door to block his path? This will be a disgrace for me!"


    [What the hell is this guy going on about? This is a digital lock. Since when did the Shinobis begin to crack stuff like this-nya?] Aiden asked with augh.


    "It''s done." Harry smiled as he turned to look at Leo, and the next instant the door unlocked with a beeping noise.


    Leo''s eyes immediately dted.


    It was useless now.


    The guy had done it.


    "Let''s go, and find the thing that you want." Harry looked at Leo, but saw him standing there with a frown on his face.


    "Don''t worry, it''s not a bad idea. I mean he shouldn''t have a problem giving you ess to the storage room if he allowed you to have the ess to library." Harry tried to reason, and it sounded correct as well. "Or, do you really want to wait the entire day for the guy to return?"


    "Well¡­" Leo stood there contemting on what to do. The door was unlocked, there was no going back on it. They had already done something which shouldn''t be done.


    [You won''t have much time to train if you don''t get this done in an hour from now.] Coach Arthur''s voice sounded in Leo''s mind. The A.I. had made a daily training schedule for increasing Leo''s chances at victory, and Leo definitely didn''t want to miss it.


    "Let''s go." In the end, he just decided to get over it.


    They weren''t here to steal, and who in their right mind would want to rob a library unless they had some antiques.


    Leo walked into the room, and as soon as he did, a strange eerily feeling took over him.

 Chapter 69 - 68: An Evil Eye

    "What''s wrong?" Harry asked as he looked at Leo, who had just paused for some reason. There was a frown on his face and it seemed to have twisted a bit in disgust.


    "N-No nothing.." Leo shook his head. He himself didn''t know what this weird feeling was all about. He just felt it for some reason.


    [What kind of ce is this? I just feel disgusted being here-nya.] Aiden''s words made Leo not know how to react. It was either a coincidence or the two of them actually had a much better chemistry than he initially thought.


    "Where are the switches to the light?" Harry muttered as he began to look for the switches. It seemed that the room didn''t have automated lighting or needed some kind ofmand they didn''t know. In the end, there were only left to switch it manually.


    "Found it!"


    "Click!"


    The entire ce was immediately lit up. And, the two of them could see everything covered in white pieces of cloth.


    "Are we in the right ce?" Harry looked at Leo feeling a bit odd.


    "Don''t you guys keep things like cleaning devices in the store room?" Leo asked with a frown. He used to do it back on earth. He had no idea about other people.


    "Well, I just use a piece of cloth so I have no idea." Harry forced a smile on his face as he pointed a the bucked behind and shrugged.


    "Anyway, let''s see if there is anything in the cupboards." Leo shook his head and took a step ahead going towards the cabs. But, the moment he opened it, his eyes twitched.


    This thing was full of strangeb equipment. And, some even looked a bit menacing. It was as if it was use to operate on people.


    "What is this thing?" Harry''s voice entered Leo''s ear, and he turned around to see him lifting the white piece of cloth on the table.


    Leo walked up to him, and when he saw what was on the table, a frown immediately appeared on his face.


    The table actually was full of strange jars. And, these jars were filled with some kind of yellowish liquid. But this wasn''t what made them feel cold and creeped out. It was the content of the jar. There was something strange floating in the jar. And, they couldn''t make it out what it actually was. But, it looked disgusting.


    ''Can you scan it, Arthur?''


    [Scanning...]


    [Organic Matter Detected..]


    [No further information is avable...]


    Leo''s frown deepened a bit further on hearing that.


    [I don''t know what it is, but it definitely looks creepy-nya.] Aiden seemed disgusted, and it was no less than Leo.


    "Check these out!" Harry said as he tapped on Leo''s shoulder, and he turned around to see that the guy had already uncovered the rest of the stuff.


    There were a few more simr jars around, and aside from that, there was a patient bed and some medical instruments around.


    "Was this some kind of hospital?" Leo muttered with a frown.


    "I have never heard about it." Harry shook his head as he looked at the jars closely. He seemed to be really curious about it.


    [I have never heard about anything like that as well. But at the peak of war, this ce had been used for all kinds of stuff, so I am not sure-nya] Aiden said, a bit unsure about it.


    "Do you think that the Librarian is some kind of psychopath butchering people here?" Harry asked with a smile as he picked up a jar in his hand. "Look at this thing. It even looks like an eye."


    Leo''s face immediately turned pale. To be honest, this was his second thought as well. The librarian was very weird after all. Not to mention, he looked like serial killer too.


    "That was a joke¡­.." Harry''s smile faded and he began to sweat when he saw Leo getting nervous. It was only now that he realized that his joke had some possibility of being the truth actually.


    "I think we should leave." Leo suggested, and Harry immediately nodded. "Let me just keep this thing."


    He immediately went to keep the jar at the ce where he had picked it up from.


    But, as he was about to keep it, he suddenly noticed a wriggle in the eye-like object floating in the jar. And, the next instant the eye opened up revealing a ghastly pupil which stared right into Harry''s eyes.


    "Holy Sh*t!" A terrified shout came from his mouth, and the jar immediately fell out of his hands, and shattered onto the ground.


    "Shatter!


    Leo immediately turned around on hearing the noise, and saw Harry on the ground.


    "T-This thing moved!!" Harry looked at Leo with wide eyes as he pointed at the broken jar. He was clearly shaken and terrified.


    Leo was about to walk towards him when his face suddenly turned grim. He noticed that the strange eye-like object on the floor covered in fluid was wriggling strangely. And, it immediately made him feel an immense sense of danger for some reason.


    It was as if something within him was screaming, that the thing was dangerous. It was something which should be eradicated from existence. But, he controlled those strange emotion, and just screamed to warn the Harry, who was closer to that thing.


    "Harry!!"


    Leo''s shout immediately made Harry aware of the danger, and he noticed a strange thing flying straight towards his face from the corner of his eyes. There was no time to move.


    A cyan color energy shot out of Harry''s body, as he swiped his fingers towards the iing object.


    "Swish!"


    With a whistling noise, the eye was immediately sliced into three pieces.


    Harry finally felt relieved.


    But he was celebrating too early. His eyes immediately widened when he noticed that the three sliced pieces immediately joined back together as if they had never been sliced, and continued to fly towards him.


    "Keep that thing away from you!!!"


    Hearing Leo''s shout, Harry just raised his hand and caught the damn thing in an attempt to keep it away from his face or other body part.


    "Aaahhh!!!"


    A shrill screamed escaped his mouth as felt a piercing pain through his entire arm. It felt like someone was drilling into his bones.


    Leo immediately rushed up to him for help, and grabbed the thing trying to pull the the eye it out if his palm.


    [Zap it-nya!] Aiden shouted.


    Leo frowned and raised his face to look at Harry, "This is going to hurt, but hold onto it!"


    As soon as he was done speaking, a yellow colored energy shout of his body and turning into thin threads of current.


    "Crackle!"

 Chapter 70 - 69: An Evil Eye(2)

    "Crackle!"


    Yellow threads of current apanied with sparks covered Leo''s hand, and the next instant he grabbed Harry''s hand and shocked the hell out of him.


    "Aaahhh!!!" Harry screamed in agony. But didn''t set up any defenses and just gritted his teeth heeding Leo''s advice.


    [Put it all out! He won''t die! So do it harder-nya!!] Aiden screamed in concern.


    Leo no longer dared to hold back after that. And, with another sizzling noise emerging from all around his body, he went all out.


    But, he definitely didn''t see the next thinging.


    Harry''s hand suddenly moved, and with a terrifying might he flung Leo around like a toy with just a single hand. And, send him crashing towards the cab.


    "Crash!"


    Leo groaned in pain as he broke through the door of the cab and fell to the ground. And, it didn''t stop there, all the equipment came crashing down on him with the door broken.


    "I can''t control it!" Harry screamed as he tried to hold his hand, but he seemed to be losing the fight. His hand swung all around pulling his body along with him.


    Harry began to smash the jars all around, and this immediately made Leo frown. One of those things was already causing so much trouble for them just how much the rest of things do.


    "Don''t mess with me!!!" Harry screamed in anger as he snapped, and the next instant whistling noises sounded all around, his whole body froze in a single ce. But, there were still some visible signs of struggle going on.


    Leo still couldn''t understand what this strange ability Harry had, but maybe it could be somehow used to get out of the situation if used properly. ''Arthur scan him..''


    [Scanning...]


    [Showing results...]


    Name: Harry Ruse


    Level: 12 Elite


    Red Rank Skill: Steel Strings


    Comprehensive Strength Assessment: [E-]


    ''Strings?'' Leo frowned and tried to concentrate. And, sure enough. He could see the tiny little strings in the air all around.


    "Harry!" Leo screamed as he got up, and stretched his only hand out reaching to the steel strings.


    Harry looked at Leo and nodded.


    "Crackle!"


    "Uh~" Harry groaned as he tried to hold his scream this time. His hand began to struggle even more vigorously when the shock began to run across through his body.


    "It''s not enough! Increase it!" Harry screamed at Leo. He could feel that it was working, but it was nowhere enough to get rid of this thing.


    Leo couldn''t help, but frown. He was already doing his best. He wasn''t holding back at all.


    [Use the external source-nya!]


    ''External source?'' Leo asked in confusion.


    [The Switch board-nya!]


    ''Bro! That''s the live current! You''re trying to kill us!''


    [No you won''t, just control it! [Charge] is a skill which allows you to do it with ease! Just don''t go and overload yourself!]


    "Hurry up!" Harry''s painful voice made Leo''s face even grimmer. He turned around and saw that Harry''s hand had begun to bleed due all the struggle with the strings.


    There was no time to think.


    Leo turned his head to the switch board, and with a deep breath just kicked straight into it.


    "Bang!"


    "Sizzle!"


    Sparks shot all around, and the lights in the room immediately exploded into smithereens.


    The entire Academy''s power system felt that disturbance. Lights and projection screens began to flicker all around and a few devices even just started to smoke. It left people wondering what was going on.


    On the other side, Leoid down on the ground with some burns on his body. He didn''t have perfect control over it after all. That was certainly a dangerous maneuver.


    "Am I alive?" He muttered, opening his eyes.


    [You are indeed alive.] Arthur confirmed.


    [Just get up and check on that guy-nya!]


    Leo woke up on Aidne''s voice and immediately turned around before getting up onto his knees. He then turned his head around to see that the whole ce was in utter ruins, and Harry lying on the ground with his hairs pointing upwards. His face had even turned a bit ck at ces due to the shock.


    "Harry!" Leo uttered with difficulty as he crawled up to him. He checked his breathing, and luckily it was stable. There were minor cuts on his bodies from all the ss jars he had shattered. Aside from that there was a severe looking wound on his palm.


    As for that strange looking eye, Leo couldn''t see it around.


    Suddenly, he felt a chill rising up his spine. He slowly turned his head around. The sight next made his eyes widen in horror.


    The eye drenched in blood was floating right in the air. The next moment, it was as if it had passed some kind of signal, all the other heinous looking parts of that thing lying on the floor alongside the shattered jars, began to move. And, a secondter, they flew towards the floating eye at an extremely fast speed.


    The horror only began now, the thing suddenly turned into a dark blob of matter which continued to throb in a disgusting manner.


    Looking at that thing, Leo felt very strange. The urge to eradicate this thing seemed to be emerging somewhere in the depth of his soul. It was as if there was some kind of intense hatred inside of him towards the thing in front.


    Suddenly, an arm emerged from the weird blob of ck matter and an eye opened in it too. It didn''t resemble anything that Leo had ever seen. It seemed to be trying to materialize its body, but was failing repeatedly due to missing body parts or something.


    "Rarrr!!!!!" The thing released an inhuman roar in anger after continuously failing.


    It then suddenly turned its eyes towards Leo and Harry, who was still unconscious. As if it had found the solution to it''s problem, the thing began to move towards them.


    Leo immediately broke out in cold sweat. He could barely move himself much less run away, and save Harry at the same time as well.


    He immediately took out the storage device, and let Aiden out.


    "Pull the guy away to safety!" He said as tried to get up.


    [Idiot! Let me help you first-nya!] Aiden grumbled in anger.


    "Just do it! Hurry up!" Leo screamed as he finally got up, and looked at him with aplicated face. He just couldn''t run away after bringing that guy into this.


    A blurry scene seemed to sh before Aiden''s eyes as he looked at Leo. He felt something like this had happened before. And, at that moment, he didn''t know why, but he felt hat Leo wasn''t going to change his mind.


    In the end, he grabbed Harry''s cors by his teeth and hoped that his body was strong enough to do the job. And, to be honest it was. After all, the cat was not some random street side product, but an artwork of Vincent Gregory, a world renowned craftsman.


    As Aiden dragged the unconscious guy out, Leo stood there feeling the sweat dripping down his forehead.


    ''Arthur, what do we do?''


    [Shouldn''t you have asked me before prioritizing someone else''s life above yours?] The A.I.. didn''t seem happy at all.

 Chapter 71 - 70: Will

    [Shouldn''t you have asked me before prioritising someone else''s life above yours?]


    ''I am sorry, okay! I couldn''t just let anything happen to that guy when I brought him in,'' Leo helplessly replied.


    [There isn''t anything you can do, but either try to fight and hold out until help arrives or run away.]


    Leo turned his head and saw Aiden dragging Harry. He hadn''t gotten much far away. If he ran away now, it is very likely that the thing would catch up to them.


    "Raarrr!!!!" The creature let out a roar as it swiped its finger towards Leo.


    Leo gritted his teeth as hemanded, ''Activate [Enhance]!''


    The next moment his body suddenly seemed to start bursting with more power and energy. The heaviness in his leg, which was unbearable, seemed to disappear to a great extent.


    Leo didn''t dare to stand at the ce anymore and immediately moved aside.


    "Bang!"


    The creature''s finger pounded the floor and it instantly broke apart as cracks spread all around the room.


    "Rarrr!!!"


    Leo frowned as that thing roared once again before charging towards him.


    There was no option now.


    The Aurora energy in his body immediately began to circte around his body, and he immediately struck with a side kick.


    "Bang!"


    The attacknded on the blob of dark matter, but all it did was leave a slight depression on it and further enraged it.


    Leo''s face turned even darker, and this time he performed a roundhouse kick while using his skill [Charge] at the same time.


    The attack as usual left a small depression on its body, but Leo wasn''t done. He immediately released all the electrical charge that he had gathered with his energy.


    "Crackle!"


    The creature''s body wriggled strangely. It clearly seemed to have felt the pain, unfortunately, it was not enough.


    The creature''s hand suddenly caught hold of Leo''s foot, and Leo knew that he was done at the moment.


    He suddenly felt his world upside down as the thing lifted him up into the air and mmed him hard onto the floor.


    "Boom!"


    Saliva sshed out of Leo''s mouth as he felt an intense pain course through his body. It felt like he had been hit by a truck. But, it wasn''t the end, the creature pulled out Leo once again before flinging him to the side.


    "Bang!"


    His body crashed into the wall, and slid down to the ground.


    [Get up, or you will die!] Arthur''s voice continued to ring in Leo''s head, and it prevented him from passing out.


    He could still see that thinging towards him with his blurry eyes as he tried to get up using the wall behind him as a support.


    His body was shaking, and he really was close to losing his senses. But, he still raised his head to look at the strange creature.


    The creature''s eyes suddenly seemed to turn menacing. It looked angry and upset at Leo''s stubbornness. And, the next instant, a terrifying aura surged out from the creature as it let out another roar.


    And, this time it was loud, enough to reverberate across the entire Academy.


    ¡­.


    Dean''s Office.


    Two people were currently sitting across the table.


    The Old man with white beard, wearing a white gown like a robe was the Dean of the Academy, Valen D. Longinus.


    The man sitting in front of him was someone familiar, it was the librarian, Jackle Redwood.


    "Why are you so acting like this, Jack? It''s been years since that incident, do you really need to be this stubborn?" Valen asked him with a helpless look on his face.


    "You have been repeating the same thing for more than a decade, Professor. How about giving up now?" Jack asked him with a smile.


    "Raarr!!!"


    The sound immediately made Jackugh. "It seems someone has left their Pet roaming around all alone. I guess they are learning from you."


    Valen was about to scold him, when a strange fluctuation hit them. And, the two''s faces immediately turned grave.


    Valen suddenly waved his hand, and a simr aura burst forth from his body suppressing the previous one in its entirety. And, it didn''t stop there. He spread it out throughout the whole campus bringing everyone into its protection.


    Only god knew what would have happened if the person releasing that aura had tried to do something to the students.


    A tragedy would have definitely struck, but luckily that thing currently was only focused on one person.


    Jack got up from his seat, and turned around as he muttered in a grim tone, "Will.."


    It wasing from the direction of the Library.


    And, this immediately made Jack''s face turn ugly. He perfectly knew there was a student there.


    ...


    That strange aura hit Leo and he felt his knees sinking into the ground. He almost felt like puking out blood. His eyes slowly began to roll over. He was about to lose consciousness.


    He tried extremely hard to hold onto it. But, it was just too much. The pressure he felt was truly great, he felt as if he was just a tiny ant going against a mountain.


    A secondter, his body went limp, and it slowly tilted forward and began to fall.


    "Thud!"


    But, out of nowhere, Leo''s feet suddenly moved and he pushed it onto the ground stopping himself from crashing down. Yet, if one looked carefully, they would find that his eyes had turned white. He clearly had lost consciousness.


    "Whoosh!"


    Leo''s clothes and hair began to flutter as a strange aura began to leak out of him. It was simr to that of the creature, but more terrifying. It was as if something hidden deep down within him had awakened.


    And, there seemed to be an extreme loath within that aura towards the strange creature.


    The Creature immediately began to cower in the face of that aura and turned around to flee. It seemed to have recognised the owner of the aura.


    But, unfortunately it was toote.


    The strange aura leaking out from Leo exploded outwards, and came crashing down on the creature.. And, its body immediately exploded to smithereens the next instant.

 Chapter 72 - 71: Deans Anger

    "What in hell is going on?" Jack rushed towards the library with a grim look on his face.


    There were still a lot of students all around the Academy. Some still had sses while a few were staying for their club activities. And, they werepletely oblivious to the danger surrounding them.


    Jack''s heart turned heavy on the mere thought of it and he increased his pace.


    As soon as he got outside the door of the library, his expression changed as another terrifying aura came crashing down on him.


    And, this time. It was totally unrestrained. The Will seemed to be domineering; enough to even make him have the urge to bow.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that the Dean had enveloped the whole Academy with his own Will, the entire student body would have had their faces pressing down against the floor.


    ''''Who in hell thinks they can suppress me?!'''' Jack muttered with a devious smile, and his own Will surged out countering the previous one.


    "Boom!


    The two Wills shed, and cracks immediately spread apart all around Jack. And, with a snort, he pushed the Will trying to suppress him and entered the library.


    ''Be safe kid,'' He muttered inwardly and turned around trying to find where the disturbance was taking ce.


    Suddenly, he noticed something from the corner of his eyes. And, the next instant, his face turned extremely ugly as he noticed what the thing actually was.


    It was a tiny cat dragging the body of a student.


    ¡­


    ''Why in hell is no oneing?!! And, why in hell is there a monster in the library-nya?!!'' Aiden grumbled inwardly as he continued to pull Harry.


    ''Hmmmn?'' Suddenly, he noticed a figureing towards them and he immediately became excited.


    "Hurry!! Hurry-nya!!"


    "A student is trapped inside!! And, fighting a monster!! Help him! Fast-nya!!''''


    ¡­


    "Meow!"


    "Meow!"


    "Meow!"


    Jack looked at the tiny cat jumping all around as if it was trying to tell him something.


    But, there was no way for him to understand what it was trying to say. Still, he could get the gist of the situation.


    He stooped down on his knees and put his finger on Harry''s forehead before sending his Arora energy through his body to check on him.


    When he confirmed that there was nothing wrong with him, he breathed in relief. But the relief onlysted for a second, when he finally noticed that the person wasn''t Leo.


    Suddenly, he felt a tug on his leg.


    He looked below and saw that the tiny cat was trying to pull him somewhere.


    ''Come with me!! Can''t you understand me-nya?!!'' Aiden screamed, but in Jack''s ears, it was only a ''meow'' of a cat.


    Jack immediately got up and picked the cat. He then began to make the way towards the only ce where it all could have happened.


    The Library was his domain after all. He had to know everything about it.


    Once he got inside the storeroom, his eyes widened in surprise. He was shocked by the sight in front of him.


    The storeroom was utterly destroyed. It seemed as if a spatial storm had hit the ce. There were cracks all over the walls and floors. The cabs and equipment in the room were broken apart.


    And, only one person was left standing in the middle of all the chaos.


    "Leo! You alright-nya?!" Aiden screamed in concern. But, Leo didn''t respond to him, further aggravating his distress.


    Jack slowly walked up to Leo as his feet further crusher the smaller pieces of ss into dust.


    "Are you alright, kid?" He asked as he put his hand over Leo''s shoulder. And, the next second, Leo''s body immediately went limp.


    It was as if he was only able to maintain his own weight, and even something as light as a leaf was enough to make him copse.


    Jack''s eyes turned grim, and he hurriedly caught Leo as he fell towards the ground.


    "This kid¡­" Jack looked at Leo in surprise. He could see that the kid had already lost consciousness.


    "Arthur! Is he alright-nya?!'''' Aiden screamed from Jack''s hand.


    [Physically, there isn''t a need to worry.]


    ''''Physically? What about the mental aspect-nya?''''


    [...]


    ''''Speak out! You damn A.I.?!" Aiden screamed in anger.


    [You need to Level up to gai-]


    "Shut up! I will kill you-nya!"


    Jack picked Leo up on his shoulder and walked out of the ce after having a good look around.


    ''There is nothing but residues left...don''t tell me¡­'' Jack looked at Leo with a frown.


    "Meow!! Meow!"


    A vein suddenly popped up on his face as he looked at the tiny cat in his hand which was going crazy for some reason, swinging its tiny ws all around the air.


    ¡­


    Infirmary, Academy.


    Leo and Harry were brought into the infirmary.


    The information regarding the incident was sealed. No one was informed about it. More like it wasn''t a matter which could be brought out to the public.


    "Will you tell me, what that thing was doing there, Jack?" The Dean, Valen, asked in a calm tone. But, people who were familiar with him would prefer him to shout and scream at them rather than talk in this manner.


    "That.." Jack didn''t have words to speak. It was entirely his fault.


    "Didn''t I ask you to clear all the remains of those things when you took over the library years ago?" The Dean further added as he finally turned his head to look at Jack.


    "I trusted you with it, Jack! What would you have done if the kids lost their lives?!" The Dean''s anger finally erupted, and his voice reverberated across the entire ce.


    "I will take responsibility for this," Jack didn''t have anything to say. He had never thought that any student would be capable of bypassing the security lock, and enter the room.


    "Prepare your stuff, the moment this matteres to light. You will be fired. Or more like used as a scapegoat to divert the attention away from the Zest''s rampage."


    "Even I can''t help you this time¡­" He further added in a heavy voice.


    The Dean then turned around to leave. But as soon as he reached the door, he paused, ''''It''s time you give up on it. This is doing nothing, but wasting your talent."


    He gave Jack a helpless look, "We still have a lot to talk, but let the kids wake up first."


    With that, he left.


    Jack stood there with aplicated look on his face. But then, he shook his head.


    He wasn''t going to give up.


    Never¡­.

 Chapter 73 - 72: The Scary Librarian

    "Where am I?" Leo muttered, feeling a strange feeling all over his body. It was as if something heavy was weighing down on him. He couldn''t even move an inch of his body.


    "You don''t have much time. The Will that was supposed to help you ascend to the throne has been used. The path ahead will be further difficult¡­"


    A mysterious and profound voice suddenly sounded in Leo''s ears. It definitely belonged to a man. But, he couldn''t tell anything else about it.


    "Who is this? Who is talking?'''' Leo tried to open his eyes, but it wasn''t working. He couldn''t even lift his eyelids.


    ''Grow up fast as the time is running out my sessor¡­.''


    The voice began to fade away as the heavy sensation around Leo''s body began to disappear along with it too.


    "Wait! Are you the man behind the legacy?!!'''' Leo screamed, but it was no use. The voice was no longer returning.


    ¡­


    Dean''s Office.


    Valen sat on his chair and seemed to be in deep thought. After all, something very strange happened today.


    "I clearly felt two Will''s today. One belonged to the Zest. And, the other was¡­"


    There were only two people in that room. It should have been obvious whom that Will belonged to.


    "How can a kid of such an age, have a terrifying Will like that?"


    "Not to mention, he is a Yellow Rank Skill holder¡­"


    The Dean frowned.


    A Will was a concept that was way above the level of the students in the Academy. It was to the point that it wasn''t even discussed.


    Why?


    Well, because most of the teachers weren''t even capable of teaching about it.


    "This year, I wonder what is going to happen¡­." Valen shook his head.


    It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to im this year as the Golden year for all the Major Academies around the Universe.


    There have been more High-Rank Skill users than ever. And, now even this¡­


    People like Leo who had such strong Wills that they didn''t even need to reach the required level and age to manifest it were very rare.


    People like them appear only once between 50 to 100 years. Yet, this year Leo was actually the third person on that list.


    Only God knew what was going on.


    ...


    Jack sat on a stool between the bed of Leo and Harry.


    His thoughts were lingering on the same track as Dean.


    ''To think he killed that undying creature with one hit. Even if it had been kept locked for decades, that thing still used to be extremely strong. How is this Kid''s Will so strong?''


    At this moment, Leo finally opened his eyes and once again saw the familiar ceiling of the Infirmary above.


    "You are awake?" Jack looked at him, a bit relieved.


    Leo suddenly had a sense of deja vu. It felt like this had happened once before.


    "Where is Harry?" He asked while trying to get up.


    "He is fine, right beside you," Jack replied as he helped Leo to sit down.


    Leo turned his head and saw Harry on the bed beside him. He was still sleeping as the doctor had given him sedatives before operating on his arm. It was really in bad condition after that thing drilled a hole into it.


    But, an arm injury is not much of a problem these days with cutting-edge technology. Even Leo could have his arm fixed if could have gotten the treatment in time.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t happen.


    At this moment, Harry too opened his eyes. Actually, he was awake to begin with, and just didn''t want to talk with Jack. Hence, he was pretending to be asleep.


    "My arm hurts.." He let out a painful grunt.


    "I am sorry for dragging you into it," Leo sighed, feeling guilty about it.


    "It''s fine it was not your fault. I shouldn''t have unlocked the door." Harry shook his head. He felt a bit guilty for unlocking the door even with Leo''s continuous refusal.


    Not to mention, he was the one who had broken the jar letting that thing out.


    "But, why was that thing there?" Harry asked with a frown.


    "I want to know it as well," Leo said, looking at Jack with those sharp piercing eyes of his.


    "It''s my fault, I kept it there for my personal interest." Jack stood up and apologized to them, "I put your lives in danger, and I am extremely regretful for it."


    "Is that it?" Leo asked him in anger. "We literally died back there!"


    "It''s fine, " Harry said as he waves his hand, "I gave up my life the very day I chose the path of shinobi.''''


    Jack and Leo looked at him.


    Just what in hell was this guy going about?


    ''''Are you crazy?! We ought toin about him and get him fired." Leo tried to convince Harry. But, he seemed to be fine with it.


    "People like him shouldn''t exist, I can''t believe there is such an irresponsible teacher in this Universe.'''' This was pretty harshing from Leo as he usually didn''t talk in this manner.


    Jack''s face twitched a bit, he had been thinking of taking the responsibility and leaving quietly. But not anymore.


    "F*ck...I am really not good at this pretending game¡­"


    His attitude suddenly made a 360-degree change. And, it left Leo and Harry in shock.


    "What in hell are you guys whining for? During our era, every day was tougher than this! Do you know what it is to be born during the war?"


    "This is nothingpared to what students had to go to previously. Peh! You guys make me feel disgusted, Golden age my ass. You''re just nothing but a bunch of pampered kids."


    Leo and Harry stared at him. This was the first time they had heard a teacher curse.


    "You are getting fired, aren''t you?" Leo asked, looking at him.


    It was pretty obvious since the guy had let all of his frustration out.


    Jack''s face twitched a bit. He was initially being kind, then he decided to let his frustration out before leaving as he was indeed feeling guilty. But now this kid had pissed him off and he had changed his n. He wasn''t leaving anymore.


    To hell with guilt!!


    "Kiddo, threats are looming all over, and you guys training to be a soldier dare toin about being in danger? Is this a joke?!"


    "If yes, then just leave, this profession isn''t for you!''''


    It immediately left Leo and Harry in silence.


    "And, it was my fault to begin with. I admit it. But you guys aren''t clean as well." Jack looked at the two of them with a smirk on his face, "Breaking through Academy''s security locks, can get you expelled in the worst-case scenario."


    Leo''s face twitched as he turned to look at Harry. He didn''t have any ns to break any locks so he didn''t need to check the rules, but this guy should have known about it if he was an expert at it.


    Harry forced a smile on his face. He actually had thought that the two would just get the things in and out. The door would be locked again, and he would erase any signs of hacking.


    Who would have thought that they would be meeting that thing inside?


    "I am going to be fired, but I will make sure to take you two out with me." Jack let out augh before further continuing, "Or, we can discuss this thing further..."

 Chapter 74 - 73: Blackmailing

    "Or, we can discuss this thing further.."


    Jack smiled at them. He definitely was up to no good here.


    Leo turned his head towards Harry. He had no idea how much truth was there in this man''s words.


    Was there really a possibility of them getting expelled?


    Harry was not sure as well. He knew they could get in some serious trouble, if they mess with the security system.


    "It''s better to be safe than sorry, kiddos.." Jack said with a superior grin on his face. It made one have the urge to punch his face.


    "I still don''t believe you. But let''s just hear what you have to say." Leo looked at him and shook his head.


    "All I want is to seal this matter up. Let''s just say nothing happened. You guys were injured because one of the shelves of the library copsed on you guys."


    "Let''s save each other from any kind of trouble." Jack looked at them with a sincere smile.


    Harry and Leo exchanged a nce.


    "But, it was so big of amotion. Are you sure you can hide it?" Leo was doubtful about his ability.


    "Of course, who do you think I am? If I can hide that thing in there for so long then I can hide this incident as well."


    "That creature.." Harry''s face immediately change on the mention of it.


    "What was it?" He further asked with a frown. He didn''t think he would be forgetting that disgusting-looking thing anytime soon.


    "It was a Zest."


    "Zest?" Both Leo and Harry appeared confused. They had never heard of anything like that.


    "Have you guys heard of Reapers?" Jack asked with raised brows.


    That was a funny question.


    Who in hell hasn''t heard of those?


    They were Extradimensional Creatures. They didn''t originate in this Universe. At least that was the theory. After all, their origin could never be traced.


    Both Leo and Harry nodded looking at Jack.


    "Well, Zest is not different. Personally, I think they are even worse," Jack said with a smile.


    Leo and Harry sat there looking at the guy. Their brain seemed to have stopped functioning for a second there. And, the next instant, their faces turned pale.


    "You d-don''t mean.." Leo looked at him as sweat formed on his forehead.


    Didn''t this mean that the Universe was going to be chaotic again?


    Was war about to ur again?


    The two of them were really in horror.


    "A-Are we in danger once again like 30 years ago?'''' Harry asked, looking at him nervously.


    "Well, we are not totally worry free. But, it''s not that bad where you kids need to worry about." Jack shook his head with augh.


    "Why did you have that thing in that room? Didn''t you realize how dangerous it could be? That thing doesn''t even get hurt easily." Leo frowned.


    "Well, I have my reason for doing what I did. And, it was not like I was expecting students to break the security system. Hell, I even make sure that the students are scared of me and don''t dare toe to the library."


    "It went well for more than a decade and then you two had toe¡­" Jack looked at the two with a menacing smile on his face.


    Leo and Harry didn''t know what to say. Should they praise his intelligence, or be scared of his craziness?


    "And, yeah. Those things are tough to kill, and to be honest almost impossible without the use of Will."


    "Where did you learn to use it?" Jack asked Leo with a curious look on his face.


    ''Will?''


    This was the second time he had heard this. And, the first time wasn''t long ago. He had heard it in his dream as well.


    "What is a Will?" Leo couldn''t help, but ask him.


    "Hmmn?" Jack looked at him in surprise.


    ''Did that b*stard not even teach his son about it? Wait! Don''t tell me, this kid just awakened his Will right now?''


    Jack''s eyes immediately dted.


    What if the kid didn''t awaken in time?


    He could clearly feel the sweat on his back. He was sure that b*stard would have gone mad.


    ''Well, he did awaken. I guess that b*stard owes me one for awakening his kid''s true potential.'' Jack decided to take things positively and gave a pat on his own back.


    But s¡­


    A Yellow Ranker with a Will¡­


    What a waste¡­


    Jack shook his head with a helpless smile on his face, "It''s useless for you to know about such things now. You should be first trying to break your major level barrier. If you can''t even break that then just forget about this thing. It will only distract you."


    Leo could only sigh inwardly. This again¡­


    "But, are you fine telling us about this? Shouldn''t this information be ssified? I mean I haven''t heard it before.." Leo looked at him with a weird look on his face.


    "True, I shouldn''t be saying these things to you. After all, it will lead to all sorts of trouble if people find out."


    Leo and Harry''s faces immediately turned grim.


    Why the hell was this guy saying it to them then?!


    "Well, I guess it''s more than enough¡­" Jack suddenly raised his hand, and looked at his smart link.


    It showed a projection of an audio recording running on it.


    "Well, now I have the evidence that you guys know the truth." Jack smiled happily. "You two can''t deny that you don''t know the truth now."


    This further worsened the two''s expressions.


    "I really don''t wanna get fired. But, I am not forcing you guys. I will just be honest and take my punshiment. And, " He suddenly paused before continuing, "let all the truth out."


    ''This guy¡­.''


    Both Leo and Harry couldn''t believe this guy.


    This was ckmailing!


    He was threatening to cause trouble for them, if they didn''t work with him.


    This guy dared to call himself a teacher!


    At this moment, the door of the room suddenly opened up, and the Dean entered the room followed by another unfamiliar face.


    Jack immediately gave Leo and Harry a meaningful nce. It was clearly written on his face, ''You two should know what is better for you¡­''

 Chapter 75 - 74: This Has To Be A Joke

    Two people entered the Infirmary, and both were someone that Leo was meeting for the first time. And, if he wasn''t wrong, one of the men in that grey gown like robe was the Dean of the Academy.


    As for the other person, he seemed a bit familiar yet unfamiliar. Leo was sure that he didn''t know him. But, had seen his picture somewhere when he was researching about Gloria.


    ''Where did I see him?'' He muttered inwardly in confusion while looking at the man.


    The man seemed to feel Leo''s gaze and just returned it with a smile.


    This man was standing there in a casual sweat pants and sweat shirts. It was as if he owned the ce. His hair had a slight dark blue shade to it with a little purple mixed within. At first nce, he really made people feel a bit weird, but his smile soon made them neglect it all.


    "Are you two fine?" The Dean asked, looking at Leo and Harry.


    Leo was about to reply with a nod, when Harry suddenly stood up from his seat. And, even though he was in pain, he still crossed his arm and gave a slight bow to the man beside the Dean. "Greetings, my Majesty."


    Leo''s eyes immediately widened and he shifted his gaze back at the man, and realized why the man seemed to be someone he had seen in a picture before. He was actually the Emperor of Gloria, Regan G. Lynchfield. One of the Heroes to have participated in the raid 30 years ago.


    "You don''t need to do this, you are injured. Just focus on recovering," Regan shook his head, and asked Harry to sit back.


    Leo too was about to get up and greet him, but Regan just waved his hand asking to stop it. In the end, he just sat there feeling a bit awkward.


    "How about you learn something from the Young ones'' Jack?" The Dean red at the man who didn''t seem to care in the least about the Emperor''s presence at all.


    Seeing that the Dean was ring at him, Jack finally moved. He looked at Regan and snorted, "Have a good day my Majesty."


    Leave the proper etiquette aside, the guy wasn''t even trying to sound normal. There a was tant disregard in his tone. But, Regan just gave him a nod, and didn''t pursue the matter.


    This really surprised Leo, and left him a bit confused. He couldn''t understand what was going on. But, there definitely seemed to be something going on behind the scenes for sure.


    The Dean looked at them and shook his head. He was wondering just when this thing was going to end between these people.


    In the end, he just turned his head to look at Leo and Harry, "Can you tell me what had happened back there?''''


    Leo and Harry exchanged a nce.


    Well, it was time.


    Leo still was a bit suspicious about Jack''s ims. But, his words that they were living toofortably and should be prepared to face threat anytime seemed to have left a mark on him.


    And, being honest, he knew that he would definitely have a growth due to this encounter which would help in the uing fight.


    So, he looked at Harry for advice, and Harry hadn''t cared for it in the first ce, much less now.


    So, the two just ended up lying. They said that the creature seemed toe out from vents into the storage room.


    This way, there was no proof that Jack was housing that thing.


    The Dean couldn''t help but frown on listening to them. His eyes slowly turned toward Jack, but he stood there with an innocent face.


    Jack looked at the two and nodded. He was impressed. The two actually did a good job. But, he still had to face the Dean. The man definitely wouldn''t let him off easily. But with the two kids not speaking out, he was sure to save his job.


    It was another matter that the Dean would make his life hell afterwards.


    But it was better than being fired.


    "Do you guys know what it was?" Regan asked as his eyes slowly darted towards Jack.


    "N-No¡­" Harry shook his head a bit nervously. He was talking to the Emperor after all. It was another thing that the Regan didn''t look like one.


    "Well, it''s fine then. We will inform your parents about it. It was actually one of our staff member''s rare Pet Beast which had been infected," The Dean calmly said as he prepared to leave.


    "I will stay here to talk with the students, Professor." Regan looked at the Dean and smiled.


    "Well then, I am out of here." Jack immediately raised his hands upon hearing Regan and left the ce.


    The Dean looked at him and sighed. He then gave Regan a nod before leaving the infirmary as well.


    With two gone, Leo and Harry were left all alone with Regan. That definitely was nerve-wracking.


    The two couldn''t help but became a bit nervous. They didn''t know what the Emperor wanted to talk with them.


    Regan looked at Harry and smiled as a strange aura surged out of him and Harry''s head immediately fell on the pillow behind.


    Leo''s eyes constricted.


    ''Will!''


    It was the same power that they had been discussing earlier.


    "You don''t need to look so worried. I just put him to sleep." Regan calmly said as he walked up to Leo''s bed and took a seat beside.


    ''Aiden! What is going on?! He won''t kill me, right?!'' Leo screamed internally, but there was no reply. It was only then that he realized of Aiden''s absence.


    The little kitty was missing!


    "I heard that you lost your memory?" Regan asked Leo with a curious look on his face.


    Leo nodded his head awkwardly.


    He didn''t know the proper way to act in front of the Emperor.


    "You don''t remember anything?" Regan seemed to be taken back in surprise even though he probably knew about it from beforehand.


    "I don''t remember a single thing before the ident." Leo just let it out, it wasn''t hidden from anyone at this point.


    A smile immediately appeared on Regan''s face as if he was very happy to know that.


    "Uhnn¡­" Upon noticing Leo staring at him, he immediately wiped that grin off of his face and cleared his throat.


    "Anyway, I was just passing by and thought of dropping down to check on you. After all, it''s been a while since west met." Regan pped Leo''s back and his face twitched in pain.


    He was hurt and not lying in the infirmary for no reason!!


    "I heard that Reba met you."


    Leo immediately froze.


    ''Don''t tell me..''


    "Take care of Reba for me. You don''t remember but you two were like brothers and sisters. So remember to call her sister if you see her and protect her as a brother.''''


    "And, if you have forgotten your crush then let me remind you. It''s that Vampire girl, what was her name again¡­...Serina Lancaster." Regan smiled at Leo as he put his hand over his shoulders as if they were best buddies.


    Leo''s eyes immediately dted.


    This had to be a joke!


    Leo was speechless at the ability of this man to lie and fool others. He realized that this guy was just using this opportunity to get Aiden away from his daughter.


    He was trying to take advantage of a person who had lost his memories!!


    This man...


    Leo was reallycking words to describe him.


    And, what''s with him being so casual?


    Was this guy really an Emperor?

 Chapter 76 - 75: Gone Wrong

    Leo sat there with a forced smile on his face. He was trying his best to maintain that expression.


    He really wanted to grab Regan''s cor and scream at him if he was truly the Emperor or not.


    "Well, I guess I should leave now. Take care of your health, and remember what I said." Regan stood up with a smile, and then further continued, "As for this incident, I will ask the Dean to properlypensate you. After all, the problem was on the Academy''s side as well. They were unable to properly react to the situation."


    With that he waved his hand at Leo like the neighbourhood Uncle and then walked out of the door.


    A short whileter, Harry woke up holding his head. He didn''t remember what happened and why he had fainted earlier.


    Leo just told him it must be due to exhaustion, and asked him to rest.


    ...


    A whileter¡­


    Leo''s face twitched as he put a smile on his face while looking at Aaron.


    "Are you cursed or something?" Aaron asked with a sigh.


    He felt that this guy was getting a bit too much trouble ever since he ran away from home.


    "I didn''t do anything this time. I am the victim," Leo said with a helpless look on his face.


    He had actually called for Aaron instead of anyone else. After all, Aaron was still in the Academy as his sses were endingter than Leo.


    "So, are you fine or not?" Aaron scanned Leo looking for any injuries.


    "No, I am fine," Leo shook his head. After getting treatment, he didn''t feel much pain. A night''s rest would probably be to do the work for him.


    "Shall we go then?" Aaron asked, looking at Leo.


    "Is anyoneing for you, Harry?" Leo turned to look at Harry.


    "Umm..I will get by.." Harry replied with a smile. It didn''t seem that he had anyoneing.


    "Can we leave him on our way?" Leo looked at Aaron and he just gave a nod.


    Harry couldn''t refuse in the end, and just thanked them in the end.


    And, the group left the ce.


    As Leo was getting into the car, he paused for a second. He felt like he was forgetting something very important here.


    "What''s wrong?" Harry looked at Leo, but he just shook his head and got into the car.


    ¡­.


    A bitter¡­


    "Are you sure this is the ce? We can leave you right in front of your house.'''' Aaron looked around. This ce was near the main gates of the Housing Society Area. One would probably still need to walk a bit to reach their home.


    Leo looked at Harry as well. He could see that the guy wasn''t feeling too good for some reason.


    Either he was ufortable bringing them to his home due some reason like a Shinobi can''t let people know about his base or something.


    Or, it just might be due to the pain from his injuries.


    "I can walk from here. It''s fine," Harry shook his head and waved at them before leaving.


    But, the moment the car left the ce, his steps paused and he turned his head to look at it disappearing into the distance.


    ¡­


    Back at home, Leo went through a checking and questioning session from Viona while Vanessa assisted her.


    This was really tiring.


    The next few days passed in peace.


    Leo had to go to the Hospital for a final check on his severed hand and after that the process of building a custom made mechanical arm began.


    This allowed Leo to take some time off the Academy as all his appointments were in the beginning Hours of the Academy.


    But, it couldn''t have been any better for him.


    He had heard that the students who had left for the Field Trip had returned. And, some of them were major bullies. Especially that Graylock guy.


    Hence, there was even more of a need to improve his strength.


    After thest fight, Leo has gone above two levels right then and there. And, it seemed that the effects were much more than that as he had leveled up once again in the next two days.


    This made him go all the way up to Lv 5 Awake. That certainly was a huge growth for him and pushed his Comprehensive Body Assessment from [F-] to [F].


    And, the thing which excited him the most was the Branch Skill he had gained.


    [Burst]


    [Sends out an explosion of current that the Awakener has charged himself with.]


    Branch Skills were actually nothing but, just a different manner of using your main skill.


    Naturally, Branch Skills appeared every ten levels on their own. But, there were chances of it appearing early too. The same happened in Leo''s case.


    There was another thing to be noted that a Branch Skill couldn''t surpass the rank of the original skill, but could be at a lower level than the Original one.


    "Burst!"


    "Crackle!''''


    Lightning busted out of Leo''s feet and it began to run rampant all around. It was pretty hard to control.


    He was trying to merge this skill with flow of Arora energy using his Kicking Arts. And, it turned out to be extremely difficult to achieve.


    [Not like this! Concentrate!] Arthur really wasn''t cutting ck here.


    A frown emerged on Leo''s face as sweat dripped down his chin.


    The next instant, the lighting around his feet was immediately pulled in and he shot his leg out, going for a sidekick.


    "Bang!"


    His leg sank deep into the kicking bag. The power behind it was definitely much more than the kick he had been throwing a few days back.


    "Crackle!''''


    But the kick this time was different as lightning busted out of his feet.


    ''Shoot!'' Leo''s eyes turned grim when he lost control over the rampaging energy.


    ¡­


    "Is Aiden ready?" Viona asked the maid, it was almost time for them to leave for the hospital.


    "Boom!"


    An explosion sounded from upstairs and smoke shot out from Leo''s room.


    Viona''s eyes immediately widened as she rushed upstairs with the servant behind.


    "Aiden!" She opened the door with a worried look when the smoke rushed onto her face.


    "Cough!"


    "Cough!"


    She waved her hand around before looking inside the room. And, her eyes constricted when she saw the sight of the room. It was littered with sand all around which had obviouslye from the sandbag. That thing had been torn apart into pieces.


    A few of the stuff had even caught fire and Leo was lying there in the chaotic room with his body half covered in sand.

 Chapter 77 - 76: Temple Of Light

    A few days ago...


    Light Sky, Northern Universe


    A tower stood tall on this. It''s peak couldn''t be seen from the ground as it went piercing into the sky like adder to heavens. The ce was famous and known across the universe.


    The Divine tower had been a symbol of Peace for a long time.


    This ce was the headquarters of the Temple of Light. One of thergest and most influential religious body across the entire Universe.


    On the topmost floor of the tower, a ce which was close to the outside world, sat an elderly looking man on a Golden Throne. There were several knights around him standing still in silence.


    This man was the Divine Priest of the Temple, Pope Clement Evaristus.


    His eyes were shut tight, and behind him stood a giant statue of what looked like an angel with it''s hand sped together and face turned upwards. But there was an odd thing about the statue, there two cracks on this angel statue.


    Suddenly, the Pope''s brows quivered as a Will came crashing down on the ce and the next instant, a light cracking noise was heard as another crack simr to the previous two appeared on the Statue.


    "ng!"


    "ng!"


    "ng!"


    ..


    One by one, all the knights standing around fell to the ground and within a second, there was only one conscious person left in the room.


    The Pope''s eyes slowly opened up as they peered through the space into the distance, "So, he found a sessor too. It''s the third one this year, these people never get tired of it, do they.."


    He shook his head with a smile on his face before closing them again.


    ¡­.


    Current Situation, Gloria.


    "I think we can proceed to the next step here," The Doctor smiled looking at Leo''s severed arm. It looked pretty good now. And, Leo no longer felt much pain from it, though there were asional ufortable feelings arising from it. "There is really no problem here. You are worrying for no reason mam."


    A smile immediately appeared on Viona'' s face on hearing that. And, she hugged Leo in joy with glistening eyes.


    Leo on the other hand could only helplessly look at her. It was his fault to begin with. He had lost control of his Arora energy and almost destroyed his room. And, when Viona rushed up to see what was going on, he had to go ahead with a foolish reasoning. Yes, he said that he lost control over his energy while practicing due to a sharp pain from his severed arm.


    This really got her worried and she immediately brought him for another check up in concern.


    "Well, now that you are here, why don''t you go ahead and look at the outer designs for the Prosthetic arm?" The Doctor asked with a smile as he looked at Leo. They had already taken care of all the measurements.


    Now, Leo needed to choose the type and outer look. With that, they could go ahead to build the Prosthetic arm,


    As Viona continued to talk with the Doctor, Leo swiped the projection screen sideways looking at the designs. It was then that one of the designs caught his eyes, it looked quite simr to the Bionic Battle Arm in terms of look.


    This immediately made him a bit excited.


    The Bionic Battle Arm was different from normal Prosthetic Arm so he was a bit worried of attracting unnecessary attention. But, with these he could be a bit at ease. There was no way for people to find anything odd with his prosthetic arm unless they opened it up.


    After all, the major difference with the Bionic battle Arm was that it could actually work ording to the user''s level, but it was not possible in a normal one. Normal Prosthetic arms had their level fixed at manufacture. Hence, Leo was not getting caught, at least not in a short time.


    "I want this one." Leo showed the thing to the Doctor and he just gave it a nod.


    "Can I witness the manufacturing process?" He further asked in expectation. If he could see the process and record it, that would definitely help him a lot.


    He had actually been practicing the making of the Bionic Battle Arm using the [Virtual Projection], but a real life experience was still something else.


    "Sure," The Doctor agreed without any hesitation. This was actually a verymon request among patients. And, it even helped the Hospital in building a good reputation by having transparency in their manufacturing process.


    ''Arthur, be sure to record it.''


    With that, Leo and Viona were taken to the manufacturing Lab.


    ''Ugh! My eyes!'' Leo felt it to be too bright. There were so many things that he could have only wished for in his dreams.


    ''Is this a Full Body Scanner? And thetest version too. Damn! I heard it could give out data down to micro levels!''


    His eyes immediately began to dart all around the ce, when one of the staff members called out to him to not touch anything.


    "I am sorry," Leo apologized to him and then went ahead to the ce where he was given a seat to watch the entire process.


    With that the Doctor and Viona left for a while. It seemed that Viona was still worried about something and wanted to discuss the Doctor about it. After all, this Hospital belonged to one of her close friends So, any medical worries could be resolved for them here without a sweat.


    ''Arthur, remember to record it.'' Leo reminded him.


    [I am on it.]


    ¡­


    Silver Mansion, Gloria.


    On the other side, a little four legged figure appeared on the gates of the Silver Mansion. It was really in a bad condition and looked pretty dirty. Only God knew what had gone to end up in that horrible situation.


    Yes, it is the little kitten whom Leo had forgotten about, Nyanden.


    The little fellow had been taken away by Jack and locked up in a cage where Jackter forgot about him.


    Aiden had spend a day or two there. But, when there were no signs of Leoing to get him. He decided to make a n of breakthrough.


    Since then, it has been a struggle of life and death.


    "I am finally here-nya!!"


    He screamed in tears of joy before falling t on his back.


    He didn''t have an ounce of energy left in him.


    As he was looking towards the sky, a figure suddenly entered his vision.


    "It''s a cat.." The figure spoke in excitement.


    And, it sure was a familiar person.


    Amelia stooped down to poke the little kitten wondering if it was dead or something. After all, it looked like it was close to death.


    "Let me help you," She said with a smile before picking him up.


    "No, let me go!!" Aiden screamed, having a bad feeling about it.


    "Meow! Meow!"


    "Don''t worry, we will get you back to good health.." She obviously didn''t understand him.

 Chapter 78 - 77: Mission

    "How is it?" The Doctor asked Leo as the prosthetic was installed into his body.


    "It hurts a bit," Leo replied with a frown as sweat slid down his forehead. It was hurting like hell if he was honest about it.


    The mechanical arm was ck in color with a shiny texture to it. It weighed almost the same as Leo''s other arm. It looked a bit cool at least in Leo''s eyes. He was a machine freak after all.


    "You will need some rehabilitation and time to get used to it," The Doctor said with a calm look as he noted down a few things. "I will leave you for now. You bettere next week to let me see your progress. And, we will discuss any problems that may arise in course of these few days then."


    With that Viona gave the Doctor a nod and the two of them left the ce.


    ¡­.


    "You guys are back?" Vanessa smiled seeing that Leo and Vionna had returned. She was usuallyzing around in the house. Leo really didn''t know if she actually had any real job or not.


    "Wow! That looks cool! I want one too!"


    Her words really made Leo speechless.


    "Bang!"


    Viona''s fist immediatelynded on her head. "Do you think it''s a joke?"


    Vanessa looked at her feeling wronged, but didn''t dare toin after seeing that menacing re on her face.


    "Where is Amelia?" Viona suddenly asked, looking around. She couldn''t seem to find her. She must have returned from the Academy by now.


    "She caught something on her way, and is busy ying with it. You know how she can be with cute things." Vanessa shook her head. She was feeling pity for the little kitten.


    "I am going to my room." Leo decided to take his leave. He was nning to go and watch that recorded footage and deeply analyze it using Arthur''s help.


    He then walked upstairs, and as he was about to enter his room, a voice entered his ears.


    "Stop it! Stop it-nya!!"


    "Someone help me-nya!!"


    It immediately stopped Leo dead in his tracks. He couldn''t help but gulp as he finally released the thing that he had been forgetting these past few days.


    He immediately backtracked his steps and came in front of Amelia''s room. He hesitated a bit, but finally knocked on the door.


    A few secondster, Amelia came up and opened the door.


    "Hmmn? Do you need something?" She looked at Leo wondering what he was here for.


    "I got my arm." Leo showed his prosthetic arm to her as he tried to look over her shoulder.


    And, surely he saw the little guy on the sofa dressed in a frock which was most likely taken off from the nearby teddy bear. She really had turned him all girly.


    "Leo! You are finally here! Help-nya!" Aiden immediately came to life seeing Leo standing at the door.


    ''I will draw her attention, you try to get away.'' Leo immediately passed the message onto him mentally using the Arthur''s help.


    "It''s good that you got it. Does it hurt?" Amelia asked as she touched the arm.


    "Ahh!!" Leo let out a groan as he immediately went down on his knees. It really scared Amelia there. And, she panicked.


    "What''s wrong?! Are you fine?!" She looked at Leo with a nervous expression on her face. She really was scared and almost about to scream for mom when Leo stopped her.


    "Don''t call for mom. This pain is normal." He caught her wrist and shook her head. "Besides, she might scold you for touching it."


    Amelia''s expression immediately changed on hearing that. She really didn''t know how to feel when he cared about her like this while she was trying to live up to their past rivalry. It certainly was gettingplicated.


    It seemed as if she was the bad one here. She was still holding onto their past grudges and feud while her brother didn''t even remember it. But, that was the reason it was hard for her to change.


    Unlike her brother, she still remembered everything. Hence, it wasn''t easy to let go.


    "I am fine now. I will go and rest in my room." Leo got up, but staggered.


    "Careful!" Amelia immediately supported him and gave him a shoulder as he was about to fall. She then helped him up to his room.


    "Thanks.." Leo smiled at her as she let him down on the bed.


    "It''s fine," Amelia shook her head, and closed the door before leaving


    A secondter, Leo immediately got up as that painful expression on his face vanished out in thin air.


    ''Did you make it?''


    [Yes-nya!]


    [Hurry up and open the door before she realizes it-nya!]


    Leo immediately went up and opened the door and the next instant a flurry little creature dashed into the room at the speed of the light.


    "Are you alright?" Leo asked as he closed the door and turned around.


    "Alright, my ass! I thought I was going to die-nya!" Aiden screamed in anger. Thest few days had really been tough for him. From little kids to birds to parking lots to pet beasts. Each hurdle was tougher than the other.


    He really was close to having a nervous breakdown here.


    "Why didn''t youe to get me?!!" Aiden red at Leo.


    "That...actually.." Leo forced a smile on his face. He couldn''t possibly say he forgot about him.


    "Tsk..anyway, I have a bad news." Aiden shook his head and looked at Leo with a frown on that cute little face.


    "What''s wrong?" Leo asked him in confusion.


    "I overheard the Teachers. They are nning to set up a special ss for the students with lower grades overall-nya." Aiden looked at Leo with a grim face.


    "So?" Leo asked him in confusion. His theory grades were really high so it shouldn''t be a problem.


    "Well, a few good students are also to be ced in this ss to act like a leading figure. And, I heard my name in the list as well. Professor Benard rmended me since I have forgotten the basics with the loss in memory. So, he thought it might be a good way for me to get back at things." Aiden sighed as he fell t on the bed.


    Troubles didn''t seem to be stopping for them anytime soon.


    ¡­.


    "Common Sis! Don''t be like that!" Vanessa pouted at Viona as she tried to snatch the remote away from her.


    It was then that her smart link shed with a notification and her expression changed.


    "Go, it seems you have your boyfriend missing you," Viona teased her.


    "Hmph! I wille back in a second. And, I don''t have a boyfriend!!" She red at her before shooting off towards her room.


    ...


    As soon as she shut the door to her room, the expression on Vanessa''s facepletely changed and she flicked the screen out of her smart link letting it float in front of her.


    A man dressed in a White gown stood there on the screen. His face was covered in a veil and he seemed to be giving out a holy feeling.


    "Your next orders are here. A trace of the Demon King''s Will has been felt in Gloria. You are to discover and report any information rted to it."


    Vanessa''s eyes constricted and the next instant a cold chilling light shed within them.


    "May the Goddess of Light bless your soul and lead you to sess." The man on the screen chanted in a soothing tone and Vanessa went down on one of her knees.


    "You have ced a heavy responsibility on me, and I wow not to fail you, Lord Bishop.." Vanessa looked at the person with calm and determined eyes.

 Chapter 79 - 78: Time To Get To Real Workboard

    [No! You are doing it wrong! Read the Instructions carefully. That''s the wrong arrangement of the circuit!]


    A frown immediately appeared on Leo''s face as he once again opened up the pages of the Inheritance book to check it up.


    He was currently logged into the [Virtual Projection] and was using it to work on a dummy version of the Bionic Battle Arm, and it wasn''ting together well.


    [Don''t you understand the theory behind the flow of energy? What''s with this junk that you made?] Arhtur wasn''t holding back at all. He was as merciless as usual.


    "Why don''t you just tell me what to do? You know how to do this!" Leo cried in frustration. This A.I. was actually aware of the process. He could literally guide Leo with each and every step and could help him get it done.


    To be honest, Leo didn''t even want that much. He just hoped that this guy woulde out to help when he found it difficult to do things. But nope, it didn''t. The A.I. was adamant on making Leo do everything on his own. It would barely drop a hint or two when Leo spent hours and still failed to figure something out.


    [That won''t do. I don''t wanna limit your potential. You need to be capable enough to figure things out on your own. If not, you won''t be able to surpass my Creator. You will be limited, and that is something he didn''t wish for.]


    Leo could only sigh as he once again dived into the theory portion, trying to gain a better understanding of the principle being used here.


    Time passed¡­


    It had been a few hours and Leo was still sitting there with a frown on his face. He was very close to catching onto something.


    [It''s time for your training.] Arthur''s voice rang out in his mind and a vein popped up on Leo''s face. No one likes to be distrurbed in crucial moments like this. Leo surely would have beaten the crap out of this A.I. if he wasn''t hiding inside his head.


    [You want to beat the crap out of me?] Arthur asked in an emotionless voice.


    "Stop reading my mind!" Leo grumbled with a dark expression.


    [Well, if you want to beat me up. I can give you a chance.]


    The next instant, the world around changed as blue grid lines appeared behind the disappearing scenery. Soon, Leo was left standing all alone in the world of blue lines.


    A secondter, a transparent figure resembling his own appeared in front of him.


    [Shall we start? You can beat me now.]


    Leo felt sweat forming on his forehead. He was starting to regret giving this guy control of his schedule. Arthur had told him that he would have a fifty percent chance of victory if he followed its routine, and Leo just gave a nod making him in-charge.


    What was he supposed to do?


    He had a fight against that-


    ''Wait! What was his name?''


    It was only now that Leo realized that he didn''t even know the person''s name. People would really be speechless if they found out about it.


    [You better pay attention to your opponent.]


    Artur''s voice suddenly rang in Leo''s head. And he snapped out of his thought only to see a feet an inch away from his face.


    "Bang!"


    That was the beginning of the torture...


    ¡­.


    Name: [Leo Allison]


    Lv 5: [Awake]


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Charge], [A.I. Mind]


    Branch Skill: [Burst], [Scan], [Enhance], [Virtual Projection],[Update]


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F]


    [Stats]


    Strength: [51] --- 52


    Agility: [52] --- 53


    Stamina: 50


    "It certainly is starting to look a bit better." Leo smiled as he wiped the sweat off his forehead with the towel in his hands. It seemed that his workout was paying off.


    He had juste out of the [Virtual Projection] and his wounds had miraculously disappeared. This was really something Leo would cry in happiness for. If not for it, he would have to go through hell 24/7.


    "You still got a long way-nya." Aiden shook his head. Most of the increase in Leo''s stat hade with a face off against that Zest in the library. He still actually had to properly adapt to that increase. Even now, he wasn''t able to make 100 percent use of the stats that he currently had.


    "It''s time to set off," Leo muttered as he went to get changed. Today was actually a holiday, but Leo had ns. He was going to visit the club, and try out the thing he had been studying in the [Virtual Projection].


    Within a few minutes, Leo was all ready to leave.


    "Come inside of it." Leo took out Nyanden''s storage capsule and ced it in front of him.


    "No way-nya!" Aiden immediately refused and smacked it with it''s paw. He really was starting to behave like a cat.


    "Amelia has been searching for you all this time. If you get caught no one will be saving you." Leo looked at him with a helpless smile on his face.


    The little cat''s face immediately turned dark and he reluctantly went inside of it.


    Leo smiled as he picked the storage capsule and kept it into his pocket.


    ¡­


    "Mom! It has to be somewhere around.."


    "I am trying dear...:"


    As soon as Leo got out of the ce, he heard Amelia and Viona''s voices from downstairs. The Cat hunt for Aiden was reaching its peak it seemed.


    "Have you seen it anywhere?"


    One he got downstairs, Amelia came to him with a worried look on her face.


    "Umm, I haven''t.." Leo forced a smile on his face as he bypassed her and left the ce.


    ¡­..


    On arriving at Academy, Leo didn''t waste any of his time and headed straight for the Club.


    Within a minute, he arrived at the ce and as he swiped his I.D. card to enter the ce, he heard some noises from inside.


    ''Hmmn?''


    He immediately pulled the door, and the next moment his eyes constricted.

 Chapter 80 - 79: Truth Cant Be Hidden Forever

    Leo''s pupils constricted the moment he opened the door to the club. He had been expecting himself to be alone today, but there was someone else in the room as well it seemed.


    "Wakaoo!"


    "Hiyaaa!!"


    "Wachaoo!!!!"


    Well, those tiny little battle roars were certainly familiar to Leo.


    Spike was standing right in the middle of the hall throwing punches and kicks at the little teddy bear in front of him. It really left Leo a bit speechless.


    "Hmmn?" He seemed to have finally taken notice of Leo and turned around to wave at Leo with a smile on his face.


    "What are you doing here? Isn''t it a holiday today?" Leo asked as he walked up to the little guy, and he immediately grabbed onto Leo''s pants before climbing up to his shoulder. He sure didn''t like talking with his head raised.


    "There is no holiday for a Martial Artist," Spike said with a prideful look on his face.


    Leo just shook his head with a smile.


    "What about you?" Spike asked curiously.


    "Well, I was getting bored. So, I thought of trying something which I had been working on theoretically," Leo replied with a smile.


    "The machine stuff?" Spike asked.


    "Yeah," Leo nodded with a littleugh.


    "By the way, we made it as a club. We just need to wait to get a ce allotted now." Spike looked at Leo with a joyful look on his face.


    Leo had already heard about it in the chat group.


    They had actually got approval as a club.


    Then there was another piece of good news. The Academy had decided topensate Leo and Harry for the incident a few days earlier. Both Leo and Harry had decided over the call that they were going to be asking for funding for the club.


    And, hence the request was made.


    As a result, their Club had actually had enough funds to rank among top 10 funded clubs among the whole Academy.


    The news certainly had drawn attention towards them, but not in much of a good way. They were a group of weirdos so there still weren''t many who were willing to join them. And, a few who dared toe were all scared away by Biggie.


    In the end, the incident resulted only in making a few other clubs jealous of them.


    "What course are you in, Spike?" Leo suddenly asked, he didn''t remember hearing him speak about his course back then.


    "I am in the Literature Department," Spike replied with a smile.


    Leo immediately froze, and a secondter turned his head to look at the little guy on his shoulder.


    He certainly wasn''t expecting that from him.


    "Why does everyone give me that look? Can''t I be a schr?" Spikeined, and it left Leo speechless.


    "I am the first from my to venture out. My parents have high hopes for me. They want me to achieve something in my life and represent our race. For that, I must be able tomunicate properly." Spike looked at Leo with a serious face.


    "I understand, but weren''t you interested in Martial arts?" Leo asked him with a helpless smile on his face. He couldn''t be med for it.


    "Yes, that certainly is true. But, I would be skinned alive if I talk about it at home. My parents are orthodox type. They don''t understand the greatness of Martial arts and only see it as something for the boorish people. For them, education is everything." Spike sighed.


    Leo really didn''t know how to feel. He never had expected to have a conversation like this with a Hedgehog before. It was certainly an unimaginable thing for the previous him.


    The two were about to move into the Workroom when an announcement rang.


    "Aiden Silver is hereby ordered to report to the Dean''s Office at this instant." The news immediately put a frown on Leo''s face. He didn''t know why he was being called.


    "Hmmn? Did you do something, Leo?" Spike asked in surprise.


    "It might be rted to that incident a few days before," Leo said with a smile.


    "Well, let''s go then. I am having my break time anyways," Spike was all in for it.


    "But, I was the only one called. You sure you wannae with me?" Leo asked, looking at him.


    "Don''t worry. I have my ways." Spike smiled with a confident look on his face as he jumped into pocket on Leo''s vest and disappeared into it.


    "Don''t worry, I have retracted my needles. It won''t hurt." Spike pushed his thumb out from the pocket.


    Leo smiled, and then just walked out of the ce continuing to walk towards the Dean''s office wondering what it was all about.


    ¡­


    Dean''s Office


    "Come and have a seat," Valen said as he looked at Leo standing in front of him.


    Leo nodded, and took a seat.


    "..."


    A silence ensued in the room as Valen stared at Leo.


    Leo forced a smile on his face not knowing what this was all about. It was certainly awkward.


    "Is there any problem, Sir?" Leo finally couldn''t hold back and ask him. The stare was really killing him to be honest.


    "I think there is." Valen looked at Leo with a calm gaze as if he was trying to pierce into his soul.


    Leo''s brows twitched on hearing that reply.


    "Be truthful, how much did Jack tell you about that Extra Dimensional creature called Zest?" Valen tapped the sstop of his table while staring at Leo with that piercing gaze.


    Leo immediately began to feel the sweat on his face, and even his back had begun to get drenched.


    He knew they were done for.


    "D-Dean I-"


    "Don''t lie, it won''t end well. You need to speak the truth. There is a lot going on, and I need to know the truth," Valen said with a serious look on his face. He was well aware of Jack''s personality. The moment Leo and Harry had covered up for Jack and protected him, he knew something was wrong there.


    A student would be a student, Jack had learned everything he had from Valen. There was no way he could have outsmarted him. Valen only needed a few minutes to figure out all the possible routes that Jack could have gone through to pull Leo and Harry on his side.


    Yesterday, he called Harry to his office and managed to get the truth out of him.


    So, it was useless for Leo to lie.

 Chapter 81 - 80: Its Not Over Yet

    "I see," The Dean muttered with a frown as Leo told him about everything that had happened. And, he sure didn''t seem happy about it.


    "Since you are already aware about the identity of Zests. I would like to inform you regarding something very important."


    Leo could feel the heaviness in Dean''s voice. There was definitely something serious.


    "You two came across a One Eyed Zest, right?"


    Leo nodded. He remembered that creature had only one eye. There was no way he was going to forget that thing this soon.


    "ording to the data we have, it was actually two of them in those jars."


    Leo''s eyes dted upon hearing those words. If there were two of them then where was the other one? They had only faced one of the two. In that case, the other one¡­


    "..."


    The silence was all Leo needed to understand what was going on here. He couldn''t help but break in sweat at the mere thought of it.


    "I am informing you about this because there is a chance that thing mighte after you. After all, you were the one to kill itspanion. So, even though we are currently searching for it, I would like it if you stay alerted. There is no harm in that."


    Leo gulped as he nodded .


    "S-Shouldn''t the Academy be shut down, Sir? Isn''t it dangerous for students to be around?" Leo asked, looking at him, a bit nervously. There were Amelia and Aaron in the Academy as well. He certainly wouldn''t want anything happening to them.


    The Dean looked at Leo and then sighed, "You don''t need to worry about that. Just do your work. We will make sure nothing goes wrong."


    It seemed he himself was reluctant to do this, but he didn''t have a choice here.


    "You can leave now.." The Dean waved his hand.


    As soon as those words were said, Leo didn''t dare to stay any longer and just got up to leave.


    [This certainly is going to be troublesome-nya.] Aiden''s voice rang in Leo''s mind.


    ''Well, we can''t do anything about it. I don''t even know if it''s right to speak about this matter to anyone.'' Leo sighed. He felt that he should be warning other people about this, but he was asked not to do so.


    [But, someone has already eavesdropped on the conversation-nya.]


    At this moment, Leo felt some movement in his pocket, and soon a little head popped out from it.


    It was Spike.


    Leo looked at the little guy and his face twitched a bit. He had clearly forgotten about him.


    "What was that all about?" Spike asked as he looked at Leo with a frown on his face.


    "That¡­" Leo forced a smile on his face. He wasn''t supposed to be talking about it.


    "I definitely heard something about Extradimensional creature called Zest. I thought they were called Reapers¡­" He stared at Leo with his tiny little eyes. He was a Beast Spirit and had strong sense. He wasn''t making any mistake in hearing and perceiving things. Even though he didn''t like to boast, he was actually at the top of his ss.


    In short, he was smart.


    "I shouldn''t have heard about it, right?" Spike asked Leo with a smile. He could see that the guy was having a tough time with the topic. Hence, he just decided to avoid it, "Fine, I won''t meddle.."


    He just waved his hand, signaling that there was no need to go on about it anymore. But, Leo''s hesitation onlysted for a few seconds. Since the guy had already heard about it, there was no need to hide it anymore. To be honest, he felt that it was better to warn him about it. After all, he was already half aware about it, and would probably deduce the rest soon.


    And, so he told him all about it.


    ...


    "Is a war going to start again?" Spike asked with sparkling eyes.


    Leo stared at the little guy. He didn''t understand why he was bing so excited about it.


    Was something wrong with his head?


    "Damn it! I can''t wait for it!" Spike threw a few punches and kicks in excitement, "A battlefield is one of the three things that a Martial Artist needs!"


    "Three? What are the other two then?" Leo asked, a bit curious about it.


    "A will and Hard Work! Only then can you achieve the Martial Peak!" Spike said with a proud look on his face as his little chest extended a few millimeters in length.


    "..."


    Leo really was left speechless for a second. He didn''t know if this was a coincidence or someone was just messing with him. Why were the people around him all so extreme?


    In the end, he could only shake his head as the two returned to the Working room.


    ¡­.


    [You sure you wanna do it-nya?] Aiden asked with a worried tone.


    ''Yeah, I will do it.''


    Leo was willing to take the risk. He was going to open his newly fitted Prosthetic arm. He had to. If not, it would spell trouble during theter years.


    The Prosthetic arm for normal people and awakeners who were engaged inbat type jobs were very different as such jobs demanded high strength needs. Hence, this Prosthetic was something which was different from normal ones. It was divided into two ends. The holder was locked onto Leo''s shoulder and the other part was the actual arm attached to it.


    If Leo got used to this new prosthetic arm, he would have trouble equipping a newer one. After all, Awakened usually enhanced their bodies and grew at a rapid pace. These changes led to part of the prosthetic arm which was attached to the body to almost be a part of the body itself.


    This process was called Unification and was poprized during the war when a lot of soldiers had ended up mutted in battles. This method was then used to create Cyborgs and allowed the soldiers to once again stand up for their nations.


    But as mentioned earlier, the only downside of these things was that their capabilities were set at the time of manufacture.


    Leo was not willing to limit himself when he had the opportunity to make a Prosthetic arm which this world had never seen.


    The only problem standing in his way was the fact that he couldn''t used any anesthetic, meaning, it was going to hurt like hell.

 Chapter 82 - 81: Determination And Grit

    [You sure about it? Think once again, it will make you remember your mother''s face-nya?] Aiden reminded Leo once again about it.


    "Well, I will be happy if do so, I don''t remember seeing my mother''s face after all." Leoughed at it, but it immediately made Aiden to shut up


    "Fine, here I go!" Leo gritted his teeth, and clenched the screws on his shoulder with a wrench and spun it in the reverse direction.


    "Crap!"


    "ng!"


    The wrench immediately dropped down from Leo''s hand as he began to feel an immense amount of pain coursing through his body. It really felt like hell. It was as if someone was once again trying to tear his arms apart.


    Sweat immediately began to pour down from Leo''s face and he really wanted to scream at the top of his lungs.


    [You have suffered an injury to your arm. A previously closed wound had opened up.] Arthur alerted Leo.


    "I know.." Leo muttered with a painful look on his face. This thing was installed under medical supervision and here he was trying to pull it off with a wrench. He sure was asking for it.


    [Told you, it would be painful-nya.] Aiden said with a concerned tone.


    Leo picked up the wrench with his shaking hand, and still went for the screws on his shoulder. He then gritted his teeth with veins popping out on his face. He was going to do it. There were a lot of things on line here. He forced himself to remember every important thing.


    The secrets about their memory loss¡­


    His real body..


    His father¡­


    His unknown mother¡­


    If his potential was limited, he wouldn''t be ever finding about any of those things. He had to break through his shackle. And, if he couldn''t even endure this bit of pain, there was no way in hell that he was ever going to break through the next color barrier.


    His shoulder continued to bleed but Leo endured it, he didn''t let much of a squeak out and continued to pull the bloody screws out one by one.


    There wasplete silence in the room. Even Aiden didn''t dare to say anything. He continued to observe Leo in silence. He could feel his will and for some reason he felt it to be very familiar. He didn''t know why but as if he knew this stubborn guy would pull it off.


    "ng!"


    The holder on Leo''s shoulder fell off the ground with a heavy ng, and Leo immediately fell to the ground with sweat pouring down his head. His hairs were all drenched as if he had taken a bath, and he was panting vigorously.


    [Are you alright-nya?] Aiden asked in a worried tone.


    "*pant*...Y-Yeah..*pant*.." Leo nodded as he tried to maintain his calm. He was starting to feel a bit dizzy actually.


    "Creak!"


    At this moment, the door to the working room suddenly opened up and the hairs on Leo''s body rose. He had locked the door of the room so that Spike, who was practicing in the hall, couldn''t enter.


    As for the keys to the working room, there was only one person beside Leo who used this ce.


    And, it was¡­


    "Surprise!!"


    Leo slowly raised his head and it was sure was him.


    Yuji Miwa aka Doc.


    ¡­


    Yuji had just entered the ce. He was not known as Doc for no reason. Actually, Doc was only half his nickname. His real nickname was Mad Doc.


    He was a maniac who was always busy with his research in the working room, and like Spike didn''t even spare holidays.


    Today, he was a bitte. But, that didn''t stop him froming to the club.


    And, he met Spike in the hall who told him that Leo was here. This had actually made him a bit excited. After all, he didn''t have anyone with him until now. So, he tried his best to be as sneaky as possible utilizing the skills that he had learned from Harry to surprise Leo.


    And, it was indeed a surprise not only for Leo, but for him as well.


    When he saw the state that Leo was in, his eyes immediately went wide in horror.


    "Leo!!!" He screamed in shock before rushing up to him. "How did this happen?"


    "I-It''s nothing, I am fine, Doc." Leo tried to calm him down, but it sure wasn''t working considering that he was barely able to stand himself.


    "Come here!" Yuji assisted Leo to the nearby desk, and helped him to sit before looking at the wound on his shoulder.


    "How in hell did it open up?" He asked with a frown, and the next instant, his eyes fell on the blood screws and wrench on the ground. That sure told him more than enough to know about the situation here.


    "Are you crazy?!!" He immediately red at Leo in anger. This was madness. Doing something like this without anesthetic and medical supervision was the same as going through hell.


    Those things were f*cking screwed into one''s bones. How could it not be painful?!


    He really felt embarrassed to call himself Mad Doc in front of this guy.


    "Just what were you thinking? Have you lost something here!!" He smacked Leo''s head in anger.


    Even in pain, Leo couldn''t help, but smile looking at him.


    Leo had been brought here forcefully, but it sure didn''t feel bad if he had people like this around him.


    "What are you grinning like an idiot for?!!" The grin on Leo''s face only pissed Yuji even more, and he roared in anger.


    "Spike!! Bring first aid!!" He shouted looking towards the door, and the voice was surely loud enough to reach the hallway.


    In a minute, Spike arrived carrying that huge mountain-like first aid kit on his tiny head.


    "What in hell happened to him?" He looked at Leo in surprise. He sure didn''t remember leaving the guy in this state.


    "We will know soon." Yuji red at Leo before treating him up.


    They were military students so it wasn''t a surprise if they had knowledge of treating superficial wounds.


    "You better pay a visit to the hospital to make sure there isn''t any internal wound," Yuji said in a serious voice as he looked at Leo, and rolled the bandages around his severed shoulder.


    But, Leo didn''t need to do so.


    [Scanplete..]


    [No, internal injury has been found.]


    ''Thanks Arthur.'' Leo sighed in relief, inwardly. If it wasn''t for Arthur''s supervision, he would surely have ended up hurting himself badly in this process.


    But still, he managed to seed.


    His goal wasn''t far away now.

 Chapter 83 - 82: Attacked

    "What were you trying to do?" Yuji looked at Leo with a serious look on his face. Now that they had dealt with some initial trouble, it was time for some serious discussions.


    "That.." Leo forced a smile on his face. "I-I was just trying to see how this thing was made."


    Spike, who was standing on Doc''s head, looked at Leo with dted eyes. Like in hell he was going to believe that bullsh*t of a reason. There were many other ways to find out how that thing was made, especially considering Leo was not some random guy on the street.


    "I see¡­"


    ''Huh?'' Spike grabbed Yuji''s bang and lifted it up to look at his face. This guy had to be kidding, did he really believed in that bullsh*t?


    "There are better ways to learn about things. I can understand the curiosity of trying to learn about machines. But," Yuji paused as he kept his palm on Leo''s shoulder and looked him in the eye, "..it shouldn''te at the cost of your own health."


    Leo nodded with a forced smile on his face.


    Spike looked at the scene and just shook his head with a sigh He wasn''t buying it. But, he wasn''t hundred percent sure as well. After all, there were chances of Doc doing such a thing, and if Leo was as crazy as Doc, it totally made sense that he did it too.


    There was nothing he could do about it. These people were just crazy about machines. He just couldn''t understand how someone could be so obsessed with something. Humanoid creatures sure were different.


    ¡­.


    Soon it was time to leave¡­


    Leo spent the day with Doc, who taught him how to use all the instruments around. He also used this chance to clear some of his doubts that he was facing. And to his surprise, Doc was quite knowledgeable in this department.


    Even though he belonged to the Mech Knight Training Programme instead of the Mecha Department, his knowledge didn''t seem to be any less than to the students of Mecha Department. At least that was what Aiden told him about the guy.


    The day was well spent, Leo even got some actual real life practice.


    "Doc, I was nning to build something. Can I use the funds to procure some materials?" Leo asked him as they were leaving the ce.


    "Yeah, Sure. You and Harry got us this. You can use it however you want. No one will object," Yuji said with a smile.


    "Great!" Leo finally started to get excited. This really was going to be his first big project.


    "Are you working on something?" Yuji suddenly asked Leo.


    "Yeah, kind off." Leo nodded.


    "But, how are you going to do it with just one hand? You will need an assistant like today." Spike looked at Leo with raised brows. He had taken the holder off of his shoulder. There was no ce for him to lock his prosthetic arm, how was he supposed to use it then?


    Leo knew about it too, but he just had to get through it somehow. If he wanted to rece his arm, he had to pull it out first. His n was to rece the inner mechanism here. So, he needed the prosthetic arm on the table which meant that he could only work with one of his arms.


    "Well, I can help be an assistant." Yuji looked at Leo with a smile .


    [Can you really trust him with it-nya?] Aiden suddenly asked. The Bionic Battle Arm was something not that simple after all.


    ''Well, it shouldn''t be a problem. I don''t think he is that type of a person. Besides, it isn''t so simple. I bet he wouldn''t even understand anything just from seeing.'' Leo was confident about it. He needed a lot of hard work and coaching from Arthur before he could start his work.


    There was no way that Doc could just understand anything just from watching once. Not to mention, that thing didn''t have something which would attract someone''s attention. It was only in long term that it''s ability to be able to grow with user will attract attention.


    "Are you guys free?" Spike suddenly asked the two as they were about to arrive on the streets of the campus.


    "Yeah, I kind of am." Yuji nodded, "Why do you ask?"


    "Well, it''s been a while since I used the Battle Arena." Spike rubbed his head with a silly smile on his face. Since he was part of the Literature Department, it was tough for him to get ess to the Battle Arena. Not to mention, until recently, he wasn''t even the part of the club which could help him in this.


    "You guys have your I.D. right? Help me get into one. I even have the right now since I belong to a club."


    He was right.


    Their club specializes in everything so he could definitely use the facility now.


    "Well, third years are having their sses. So, you can''te to our department''s Arena." Yuji said with a helpless smile on his face.


    "You are free?" Spike turned to look at Leo with those puppy-like eyes.


    Leo wanted to refuse, but he couldn''t, "I..guess I am¡­"


    "Yes!" Spike clenched his fist in excitement.


    "Well, you guys go ahead. I will catch up in a bit. I have to meet with one of the seniors. It will take a few minutes at most." Yuji parted ways with the two and went the other way.


    On the other side, Leo and Spike headed towards the Arena.


    It was a ce where Leo had once gone before or more urately, taken before.


    It was where he kicked that guy and ended up getting into the challenge of having a fight at the end of the month.


    ¡­


    As the two of them entered the ce, Leo was surprised to find there was someone here from beforehand.


    It was a girl.


    She had long tinum blond hairs with a fair skin toplement it. There was an otherworldly aura surrounding her and at once you could tell that she wasn''t someone of amon origin. She was dressed in abat suit and stood there with her arms folded and eyes closed.


    As Leo walked into the ce, her eyes quivered before opening, "So, it was you.."


    ''Huh?'' Leo was suddenly taken back by her words, he couldn''t help but turn his head around trying to see if there was anyone else around.


    "Are yo-" He was about to ask her if it was him that she was talking to. But, the moment he turned his head, his eyes widened. And, he immediately raised his arms in guard.


    "Bang!"

 Chapter 84 - 83: A Heartbreak

    [Careful-nya!] Aiden immediately warned Leo, and he didn''t waste a second tucking his arm inside.


    "Bang!"


    A fistnded on Leo''s guard and force immediately sent him tumbling behind. There was no way he could have withstand that blow by remaining on his feet. It was just too strong. Hence, he did a few rolls trying to reduce the impact on his body.


    "Wait!" Leo immediately shouted as got onto his feet, and the girl stopped with a frown on her face.


    "You have crossed your line! You are not getting away this time!" The girl really seemed to be in anger as she red at him.


    "I think you have caught the wrong guy here, miss. I don''t even know you." Leo tried to exin the situation to her.


    The frown on the girl''s face deepened and she seemed to finally recognize the face in front of her.


    But, she still seemed to be a bit suspicious, "What are you doing here on a holiday then?"


    "I was here due to some personal work. Besides, you are in no different position than me." Leo looked at her with a frown on her face. No one would like getting attacked for no reason.


    "I am sorry," The girl apologized with a sigh, understanding her mistake. "Some guy had been stalking me for a while, and he finally called me out for a confession. So, I kind of.."


    "I understand," Leo decided to let the incident go. He felt like it would be wrong to me her. Not to mention, he wasn''t seriously hurt.


    "I am Christina Wolfez," She introduced herself with an apologetic smile. She had heard that this guy didn''t remember anyone. And, it seemed to be very true from his behavior. Hence she decided to to introduce herself .


    Leo gave her a nod before introducing himself as well.


    ''Wolfez? Sounds a bit familiar¡­'' He seemed to have heard that name somewhere before.


    ''It''s the Empress''s maiden name. She is the Princess''s cousin-nya.'' Aiden informed him.


    ''I see, no wonder it felt familiar..''


    "You can carry on waiting, I will do my stuff.."


    Leo was about to turn around when he suddenly noticed that Spike was missing in his pocket. He immediately looked around and saw the guy in the distance standing near one of the pods.


    He sure had run away pretty fast.


    Christina turned her head to follow Leo''s gaze and her eyes constricted when she saw the hedgehog, "I-Is that your pet beast?" She asked as her face turned a bit pale.


    A vein immediately popped up on the little guy''s face. Even though he was standing a distance away, he could still hear everything very clearly.


    "What in hell did you say?!!!" He roared in anger and with his strong feet immediately took a leap and shot towards the girl with a flying kick.


    "Aaahhh!!" Even though the girl seemed pretty strong, she didn''t seem to be good at dealing with animals. She immediately turned around and bumped into Leo''s chest and just clung to him.


    Leo really was left speechless for a second. Just what was she scared about? How could a little creature like that possibly hurt her.


    "Calm down, Spike," Leo slightly twisted his body and positioned his back towards the little guy flying towards him.


    "Bang!"


    But, when the kicknded on him, Leo really felt as if he had been struck by a car. His body immediately went flying towards one corner with Christina still in his arms as the two struck the reinforced wall with loud crashing noise.


    "Crap!" Spike finally seemed to havee to some realization, and as he was about to move in to help the two. He heard footsteps approaching.


    The little guy seemed to know his crime, and immediately hid himself.


    At this moment, a person walked into the room.


    He was wearing the uniform of a first year, and had dark brown hair. There was an air of innocence surrounding him, and he was quite well known among his peers. After all, he was Kalen, the youngest son of the Graylock.


    "Where are you Christina?"


    Well, it seems he was the stalker here.


    He looked around with a frown. It seemed that the girl wasn''t around here. Suddenly, his eyes seemed to catch something in the corner and he immediately turned his head.


    The next instant, his eyes widened at the sight in front of him.


    Leo was sitting on the ground with his back against the wall while Christina was lying with her face in between his thighs.


    "Damn, it hurts.." Leo groaned in pain.


    The scene surely looked like something else in people''s eyes.


    "Huh?" Christina seemed to have finally broken out of trance as well. And, she immediately pushed herself away rubbing her face which had turned a bit red.


    "Good! So, this is your answer!!" Kalen looked at her with clenched fist and fire spewing out of his eyes. It was one thing to be rejected and rejected like this. What was she trying to prove by bringing her boyfriend along and doing that in front of him?


    "Wait! You are that guy?!" Christina turned around to look at Kalen in shock. She hadn''t expected someone like him to be stalking her.


    "Is he the stalker?" Leo muttered as he looked at the guy. He didn''t know this person was.


    "Stalker?" Kalen''s face turned ugly as he looked at the Leo, "Hmmn?"


    "Aiden?" His eyes immediately turned wide when he recognized him as well.


    "You two people, what are you trying to prove to me here!" He looked at the two while grinding his teeth in anger.


    "No, you are misunderstanding!" Christina immediately got up and tried to exin it to him.


    "Shut up! It''s one thing to reject, but you really didn''t have to insult me like this¡­" Kalen began to shake as his eyes turned watery. He then turned his head to look at Leo, "And you, I will deal with you."


    "Just wait, you two. I won''t forget this!"


    With that, he stormed out of the ce with tears pouring out of his eyes.


    ''What was that all about?'' Leo muttered inwardly, a bit dumbfounded.


    [He is Kalen, the youngest son of the Graylock. Unlike his jerk of a family, he actually is different..]


    ''Yeah, I can definitely see that¡­'' Leo muttered, feeling speechless about it.

 Chapter 85 - 84: The Bionic Battle Arm

    "I think he misunderstood us," Chrisitina looked at Leo with a pale face.


    "Yeah," Leo could at least see that much. But, for some reason, he was not shocked. Maybe he was starting to get used to his poor luck. And, that wasn''t a good thing at all.


    [Talk about annoying things-nya.] Aiden sighed inwardly.


    "I think you should go and exin it to him," Leo said to Christina and she seemed to finallye to a realization that it was indeed one of the possible ways to deal with the situation.


    She didn''t waste a second more in the room, and immediately went after the fellow.


    Leo on the other hand, turned around his head to find the culprit behind this situation.


    "Where are you?" He asked, looking around with a frown on his face.


    "Umn.." Spike finally walked out from his hiding with a forced smile on his face. "I didn''t mean that¡­I am sorry¡­"


    Leo stared at him for a few seconds before finally sighing, "Don''t lose your calm like this. Aren''t you here to represent your race? Think before you act, Because that is the standard you are setting for your kind."


    Spike''s face immediately turned serious, and he gave Leo a nod.


    "Well, then use one of the Pods." Leo turned around to walk towards one of the pods himself.


    "Why don''t you fight in a mock battle with me? We can go for an actual physical battle instead of a virtual one in pods?" Spike looked at Leo in excitement.


    "Not today, I am still not used to fighting with one arm." Leo gave him an apologetic smile with a sweat on his forehead.


    He didn''t have a death wish.


    After receiving that kick, he had curiously scanned the little guy and the results were shocking.


    Name: [Little Pine]


    Lv 18: [Elite]


    Skill: [???]


    Race: [Beast Spirit]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [E+]


    [Stats]


    Strength: 188


    Agility: 175


    Stamina: 162


    This little guy was a monster.


    It was Level 18!!!


    This guy was at the top of the game!!


    Even though only one of his three stat had crossed 180, it was all required to achieve Lv 18. As long as one of the three stat increases ording to the corresponding points requirement, your Level will increase as long as it is within your potential.


    Even though Leo''s stats were more bnced than him, he was a nobodypared to this little monster. The difference in the amount of states between them was massive, not to mention, he was a colored rank above him.


    "I see," Spike nodded, "Well, we will fight somedayter then."


    With that Leo was able to dodge the bullet for now.


    ¡­


    Later in the evening, Leo quietly sneaked into the mansion avoiding Viona''s gaze. It would be a bit troublesome if she found out that he had taken the holder off of his shoulder.


    "Aiden!!"


    A voice immediately sounded in Leo''s ears as he opened the door to his room, and it immediately gave him chills.


    He turned his head to the side, and sure enough, it was Vanessa.


    "Wher-"


    "m!"


    Vanessa hadn''t spoken out the first word when Leo rushed into the room and mmed the door on her face.


    "I am busy, please don''t disturb me. And, I will be having dinner in my room as well. Please inform downstairs." His voice came from the door.


    Vanessa stood there not knowing what this was all about.


    ¡­


    The days next were all spent like that in secrecy. Leo felt like he had be some kind of agent. He would go to the Academy early in the morning before anyone woke up, and sneak in the home during the hours when Viona wasn''t around.


    He obviously wasn''t attending his sses but was busy working on his Battle Arm. He wanted to finish it as soon as possible.


    "The materials are here.." Yuji burst into the room with a wide smile on his face when his eyes widened in surprise at the sight in front of him, and he came up to Leo on the drawing board.


    "So, this is what we are about to make?" He asked him with a curious look on his face, and Leo nodded as he pointed at the design on the board.


    He wasn''t worried about the design getting stolen because he had left the necessary things out of the design which he was going to work on.


    "Shall we get started then?" Leo looked at Yuji and he nodded.


    Hence, began the days of manualbor¡­


    ¡­.


    Next day..


    "Is this fine?" Yuji brought the processed metal te to Leo.


    "Make it a bit smaller...." Leo said with a frown and then went on to correct his design. Even he wasn''t going to get it perfect on the very first attempt.


    ¡­.


    "Damn! The de broke off! That scared the crap out of me!" Yuji cursed with sweat dripping down his face as the de of the cutting machine broke off. They surely were using a bit too old of a machinery.


    "Are you sure you want this tough metal to be used in this thing? Don''t you need flexibility?" Yuji turned around to ask Leo, who was busy working on the Shoulder cap with Spike helping him out.


    The little guy was feeling bad for what had happened and hence hade out to help and lessen his guilt.


    "It will work, trust me.." Leo smiled at Yuji, this metal was the best suited for him.


    ¡­


    Next day..


    "Are you kidding me? This is going to go inside your body?" Spike asked with wide eyes as he stood in front of the screws which were to be used in holding the thing in the right ce.


    The screws were actually bigger than him.


    "How much more is left on your side, Doc?" Leo asked as he looked at the guy sweating bucket while working with welder as sparks flew all around the ce.


    "It should take a bit more. You should start working on the arm. I will be done by the time youplete it," He replied without even turning around.


    Leo had noticed that he turned into a different guy all together while working. His passion was really no less than his own.


    ¡­


    Leo followed his schedules as days passed, and quickly it was about to be a week since he started to act like a secret agent.


    "I wonder what he is up to," Viona frowned as she looked upstairs.


    "Don''t you see him around? Is there anything going around?" She turned her head towards Vanessa to ask.


    "Umn..yeah, I think it''s just the pressure of uing exams. You don''t need to worry. He will be fine," Vanessa replied with a smile.


    ¡­.


    The next day¡­


    "Are you sure about it?" Yuji asked with a frown as he looked at Leo.


    "Just do it," Leo replied with a serious gaze.


    "This is something that should be done under medical supervision. This is not right, besides I can tell this thing that you have built is something different from the pre-existing models of Awakener Prosthetics in the market."


    "Is this....your own creation?" Yuji further asked with a frown.


    Leo looked at him a bit surprised.


    Yuji seemed to have figured it out with the help of the vast knowledge he had. But, it didn''t seem that he could understand the greatness of this thing.


    The main metal that Leo had used to build the holder wasn''t something very expensive, but its use in this case was the most important one.


    It was Thunder Metal.


    As the name suggested, it had super conductivity with electricity. And, for Leo it was the most suitable thing to make the Battle Arm.


    The holder would be fitted into Leo''s shoulder on a supporting rod which would go into Leo''s bone through a hole and it would be held in ce with the help of screws.


    With time the body would naturally heal, leading the imnts to be tightly ced inside the body. This was the reason that Leo had to act quickly, and pull out the previous holder and it was also the reason why changing the prosthetic was no easy job.


    And, this was strictly in contrast to the biology of Awakeners and not a normal living being as the Awakeners healed at an incredibly fast pace and the same was for the growth of their body.


    "It''s more of a reason to not put this inside your body if it''s your own creation. We don''t even know if it will work properly or not." Yuji''s frown deepened.


    But, Leo just smiled looking at the shining ck shoulder te and attachments beside it. He wasn''t a least bit worried about it.


    Why?


    Because he had the result''s in front of him.


    [Scan Complete...]


    [Bionic Battle Arm - Complete Set]


    [Arm Holder- 1]


    [Shoulder Cap - 1]


    [Supporting Rod - 1]


    [Positioning Screws -7]


    [Connecting Screw- 21]


    [Battle Arm - 1]

 Chapter 86 - 85: Success!

    "It''s time to test it." Leo took off his shirt, and was all ready to install the Battle Arm as he looked at Yuji with a smile.


    "I ain''t doing this¡­" Yuji immediately shook his head and raised his hands. He wasn''t going to do this. This was just too brutal. He wasn''t willing to do it when this guy had the option to go and do it under proper supervision.


    "I will do it myself then." Leo looked at him with a serious gaze. It was definitely going to be more troublesome for him to install it with only one of his hands.


    "You really are stubborn, aren''t you?" Yuji sighed, looking at Leo.


    "Don''t me meter, it will hurt like hell¡­" He warned him in the end before beginning to prepare for it.


    "Don''t worry, I have experienced the pain once." Leo assured him that it would be fine.


    "It will be different than yesterday.."


    "I am prepared." He wasn''t going to back down today.


    ¡­.


    A few minutester...


    "Aaaahhh!!!!"


    "Shut his mouth, Spike!" Yuji yelled as he restrained Leo, who was almost going mad from the pain.


    Spike immediately pounced onto Leo''s face and grabbed both of his lips, shutting them together tightly.


    "I told you, it would hurt a dozen times more than yesterday when you removed it." Yuji looked at Leo with a frown on his face as he wiped the blooding out from Leo''s shoulder, and proceeded to fix the Prosthetic Arm.


    "Hurry up! People will think that we are abusing him if they hear his screams," Spike said with a weird look on his face.


    Leo on the other hand was totally cut off from the world. He couldn''t feel anything but pain. It was really worse than death. He knew it was a bad idea yesterday when he had taken the damn thing out, but he had never thought that it would be bad to this extent.


    "He is bleeding too much.." Yuji frowned, and then flicked open the screen of his Smart link before dialing someone''s number.


    A secondter, a screen popped up and a figure came into sight.


    It was Nora Water. Another fellow, member of the club who was obsessed with poisons.


    "What are you guys doing in there? I can hear screams in myb as well."


    "Juste into the working room fast. We need your help, Nuru," Yuji said with a serious look on his face and Nora''s brows immediately scrunched a bit as she nodded.


    A few secondster, Nora walked into the room and her eyes immediately widened in surprise when she finally realized what was the cause of all those screams.


    "Gosh! Are you people crazy?!" She asked in disbelief as she came up to Leo and immediately pulled her gloves out. The next second, her energy began to flow into her hands as it glowed with a strange light.


    Leo immediately found a sense of relief as Nora''s power began to work on his wounds. He had no idea what her skill was, but it was definitely rted to something with healing properties.


    "Will someone exin to me what''s going on? Have you people gone crazy?" Nora looked around to stare at the people around.


    In the end, Spike took the opportunity and jumped on Leo''s head to face Nora and exined the entire situation to him.


    Nora looked at Leo in disbelief.


    "I don''t know what to say to you people, you guys really are being ridiculous." She looked at them, dumbfounded.


    ¡­.


    An hourter¡­


    "Thanks¡­" Leo forced a smile on his face as he looked at Nora treating his wound.


    "I didn''t think you were the crazy kind as well." Nora looked at him with a weird look on her face.


    "I didn''t have any idea about it either." Leo smiled. The situation really could force people to do things they couldn''t even imagine themselves doing.


    "Well, I didn''t think that you would have Healing abilities as well." Leo looked at her, a bit surprised.


    "Healing abilities, me?" Nora looked at him in confusion.


    "Didn''t use some kind of healing ability on me?" Leo asked her in surprise.


    "No, that was a numbing poison. Something like Anesthetic. It isn''t perfect though, you might have loose motions so be prepared." Nora gave him a sweet smile, but Leo could only look at her with wide eyes.


    T-That was a poison?!


    "Then, why are you so good with this?" Leo looked at his own body. And, he was sure that the way she had treated him and analyzed his wound toe to the same urate conclusion as Arthur was definitely a sign of an expert. She definitely seem to have some medical knowledge in his opinion.


    "..."


    Nora suddenly went silent at Leo''s question and then lightly shook her head asplex expression shed through her eyes, "It''s a long story, my uncle was a Doctor¡­"


    [Does having a Doctor as an Uncle make you an expert in medicine? She is one strange person-nya.] Aiden really was speechless.


    Leo felt it to be a bit strange as well. But, what is not possible in this world? If he could somehow end up in another person''s body, then it was very possible for her words to be true as well. Hell, it would sound more convincing than his situation for sure.


    ''Anyway, I finally have achieved it¡­'' Leo looked at his shiny ck left arm, and couldn''t help but feel a bit excited at it.


    "Don''t lift anything heavy with it for a few days. After that, slowly start the rehabilitation process." Nora looked at him and instructed him about what to do and what not to.


    Leo gave her a nod.


    "It''s gettingte, let''s leave. The Academy hours are long over as well." Yuji looked at the time, and it was indeedte.


    ¡­


    "Heal soon, I am interested in seeing what was so special about it for you to go to such lengths." Yuji looked at the ck arm, before saying his farewell and parting ways with him.


    When everyone left, Leo finally looked at his arm. Even though it hurt, he couldn''t hold himself back.


    His Arora energy began to flow all through his body, and when it came near his shoulder, it paused for a second as Leo concentrated. And, the next instant his energy seemed to react with the Thunder Metal and his Skill immediately activated on it''s own as his Battle arm began to glow in strange yellow-radium light.


    "Sess!"


    A smile immediately formed on Leo''s face and he finally clenched his metallic fist feeling the tremendous amount of power flowing through it.

 Chapter 87 - 86: Vanessas Determination

    [Stats]


    Strength: [54]--64


    Agility: [53]--49


    Stamina: [52]--48


    Leo looked at his stats as he sat in his room trying to get used to the mobility of his new arm. Even though Nora had asked him to keep it calm for a few days, Doctor Arthur had given him a green light with some light exercises.


    "Your other two stats had fallen, but your strength has increased drastically-nya." Aiden looked at Leo with calm eyes as it licked it''s paw. His behavior was starting to resemble more and more closer to that of a cat.


    "Well, it''s a fair trade. And, if I activate my skill, I can tell you I didn''t suffer a loss." Leo smiled as he activated his skill charge and his Battle arm began to give out a faint yellowish light.


    As soon as Leo did that, his strength stat began to increase.


    65¡­66...67...68...69¡­.


    [No intense activities for now..] Arthur''s voice rang out in Leo''s head, and he stopped the build up of energy and let it disperse with helpless smile.


    "That certainly seems like a fair trade to me-nya," Aiden said in shock as he looked at Leo. "Why don''t you cut your other hand as well?"


    Leo looked at the little guy for a few seconds.


    "Why don''t I pull one of your hands out first and help you know how it actually feels? Not to mention, your hand is detachable. I am sure it won''t be a problem." Leo raised his hand and wriggled them like a creep as he looked Nyanden.


    He sure was interested in opening every part of that creature. Last time, he had only opened up the back panel as he was nning to sell it. But, it was different now that Aiden had taken it.


    "Nyaa!!"


    Aiden immediately barred his little teeth at Leo as his fur stood in alert and it immediately went on his toes while backing away.


    "Touch me, and I will kill you-nya!" He red at Leo.


    This body was his only medium of life now, he didn''t want anything to happen to it. At least, not until he found a way to retrieve his body.


    "Fine, I am not touching. So, calm down.." Leo pulled his hands back as the little guy started to throw punches at him.


    ¡­


    Later, Leo went down for dinner. Finally showing his face in what seemed to be ages.


    "How are your sses going?" Vanessa asked him with a smile.


    "Good," Leo calmly replied to her. But, he hadn''t even attended a single ss sincest week.


    He sure had learned how to lie well.


    "Is father not joining us today as well?" Aaron suddenly asked Viona and she could only shake her head with a helpless smile on her face.


    "He will bete today as well."


    Edgar had beente frequently the past few days.


    "I am done," Amelia suddenly got up from her seat and began to leave in a hurry.


    "What''s with the thing left on your te, Amy?" Viona asked with a frown.


    "I am full, Mom."


    That was the only reply that came from upstairs before the sound of her door closing came down.


    "Has she got a boyfriend? Why is she always in a hurry?" Vanessa asked with a smile. It was only supposed to be a joke, but both Aaron and Viona''s eyes widened. They didn''t seem to have taken the joke well.


    "Aaron¡­" Viona looked at him and the guy just nodded.


    No one knew what the silent telepathic conversations had urred between the mother and son. But, it sure wasn''t something good for Amelia.


    "Wanna go out and y some games?" Vanessa looked at Leo with a smile on her face.


    "I am busy."


    Leo didn''t have time. Not to mention, thisdy was the Master at making him ufortable.


    "Sis, when did this jerk turn so brutal?! He is breaking my heart! He keeps refusing my advances!" Vanessa went crying to Viona at Leo''s refusal only to beughed at.


    "Serves you right! Who would want a daughter inw like you? You better correct your behavior or no one will marry you." Viona teased her with a smug face.


    "No!" Vanessa shook her head in shock before turning towards Aaron, "What about you Aaron? Do you think I am not good as well?"


    "You are the best, Sis." Aaron gave her a thumbs up. "But, unfortunately I have a girlfriend."


    Leo raised his head to look at Aaron in surprise. He certainly wasn''t expecting him to have a girlfriend.


    [Having the ability to get a good girl is also a capability when ites to Aristocrats like us-nya.] Aiden said with a calm tone.


    ''You sure did fail in that endeavor..'' Leo smiled internally.


    [Hmph! I was not at the right age. The mission was on my charts. I had nned to get one after graduating. So, don''t look down on me-nya.]


    ''Well, that was the only option. Who would want to be with you when you got beaten all the time?''


    [You picking a fight with me-nya?]


    ''Sorry, I was wrong. You actually had a potential candidate whom you turned a blind eye to...or maybe two..'' Leo paused before shifting his gaze at Vanessa.


    [Well, Sis wasn''t like this with me. I mean she used to joke. But, I think your personality has what got her interest piqued. That''s the reason that she has been enjoying teasing you this much-nya.]


    ''I don''t think so. As long as it''s a person who has known you well from before, they would continue to see me for what you were. And, not what I am.'' Leo shook his head lightly.


    This was the reason that he was morefortable around the club members than his own ss. Those guys were seeing the current him, while others still had the impression of the real Aiden etched into their mind.


    "Well, I am done as well." Leo got up from his seat as he was done with dinner.


    "No, don''t leave me." Vanessa clung onto Leo''s hand, and a vein immediately popped up on his forehead. This certainly had been getting on his nerves. There was a limit to everything.


    Leo grabbed her face and pulled his hand out of her grasp, clearly a bit pissed. He then proceeded to leave while Vanessa''s scream still continued to ring in his ears.


    "If you leave me, I will follow behind you to the end of the Univer-"


    "Aahh! Sis! How many times have I told you not to smack my head?!"


    "I am eating, ok! Don''t hit me!"

 Chapter 88 - 87: Pet Beast

    A new morning arrived, and Leo was feeling quite refreshed. He felt that it was a new start for him today. He was no longer the same guy. His pain in his arm had gone down a lot. He was recovering way faster than he thought.


    Leo did a small exercise session involving his arm movement and gripping strength. He then proceeded to break out some sweat while practicing his kicking arts.


    Life really does change people. If someone would have told him that he would be following this kind of morning routine two month back, he wouldn''t have believed it.


    "You are here?" Leo looked at Edgar in surprise. He remembered that he hadn''t returned home even though Leo had sleptte. He had actually once again lost himself in the magic of Inheritance Book tillte night.


    "Yep, shall we go out then?" Edgar asked him with a smile and Leo just gave a nod.


    The two then proceeded to move out of the mansion and as usual walk around.


    "I see, you got your arm installed. How does it feel?" Edgar asked him.


    "It feels fine," Leo nodded as he moved his arm around a bit to show him.


    "Good then," Edgar nodded.


    "Are you free today?" He suddenly asked, looking at Leo.


    "Yeah," Leo nodded wondering what it was about.


    "Remember, getting you a Pet beast? Now that you have got your arm installed and have even begun to adapt here. I think it''s time we get a pet beast for you," Edgar replied with a smile.


    [Damn! You are going to get my pet beast-nya!] Aiden screamed in pain. It seemed he really was eager to have a petpanion.


    ''Don''t worry, you can be friends with it.'' Leo smiled inwardly, but it only irked him more.


    [No! Wait! If we get a pet beast, what about me-nya?] Aiden suddenly asked in realization. He was sure that his mom would object to having two pets.


    ''How about giving you to Amelia?''


    [Shut up! I will kill you-nya!]


    ''How about I say that you are an A.I programmed toy?''


    [No! I wanted to be treated alive-nya!]


    ''You really are asking for too much.'' Leo helplessly shook his head.


    [Introduce me as your pet beast-nya!]


    ''People already make fun of you. You sure you want to have thest bit of your dignity crushed by having a little powerless cat as a beast? And what will you do if someone challenges me or we are forced into a Beast Battle?''


    [...]


    ''You will be torn to pieces. So, think carefully.''


    [Isn''t there some way in the Inheritance book to make me strong-nya?]


    ''There certainly is. But, I can''t understand those things yet. And, from what I see in the first volume. You will have to lose this little body, and turn into some giant unfeeling metal bot to increase your strength.'' Leo had obviously done his research.


    The current volume of the Inheritance book couldn''t produce an advanced product like this cat which could allow Aiden to literally feel alive as an animal.


    ''You can decide.''


    ''If you want me to introduce you as a pet beast, then I surely will. This is your life that I am currently living and it shouldn''t belong to me in the first ce.''


    Aiden sighed.


    [Don''t keep saying stuff like this. We are in this together-nya]


    [Anyway, you are right. Besides, I can''t be thinking about myself. A pet beast will surely be helpful for you.] Aiden didn''t want to be selfish. There would surely be troubles up ahead on the road and a pet beast would definitely help Leo in the future.


    ¡­


    After returning, Leo got ready and after breakfast, it was time to leave.


    "You are not going early today?" Amelia asked Leo as the two got into the car.


    These few days, Leo had been going to the Academy ahead of her. And, she hadn''t seen him much as he camete as well.


    "No," Leo shook his head as he looked at her with a light smile on his face, "Were you enjoying my absence?"


    "Sure, I did." Amelia raised her head with a cocky and mischievous smile on her face.


    "You guys ready?"


    A frown immediately appeared on Leo''s face on hearing that voice. He couldn''t help but turn his head to look at the driver''s seat and saw Vanessa sitting there.


    "Why are you here?" He asked her in confusion.


    Amelia turned her head to look at Leo with a weird gaze wondering what was wrong with him.


    "Didn''t I tell you I will follow you to the end of the Universe?" Vanessa smiled charmingly and gave him a wink.


    Leo''s face twitched.


    "I am kidding! Don''t get angry. I actually have a new job. So, I will drop you guys at the Academy before going there. Right, Amy?" Vanessa looked at Amelia.


    Amelia looked at her with a weird expression and then just nodded, "Yeah, let''s go. I don''t wanna bete."


    Leo felt that something was off, but he just couldn''t catch it.


    ¡­


    After reaching the Academy, Leo and Amelia went on their ways.


    Amelia was as usual quick to separate.


    And, as Leo was about to enter the gates, he heard Vanessa''s scream from behind.


    "Do your best, Aiden!!!"


    "Sis, loves you!!!!"


    Leo immediately froze to his spot, and the next instant a vein popped up on his face, ''Thisdy¡­''


    He clenched his fist in anger. But, seeing people staring at him, he didn''t linger and just walked in with hurried steps hoping not to see her face for the entire day.


    Leo''s first destination was the club room. There was still time for his ss, and he was asked to return and show his progress with the arm.


    ¡­


    Harry was right at the door when Leo arrived.


    "Did you hear about it?" He asked Leo with a sigh.


    "About what?" Leo questioned him in return.


    "They changed the sections." Harry said with a troubled look on his face. "They have basically piled up all the bottom rugs and troublesome students of their sses into a single one now."


    "And, the new logistics teacher who joined a week ago is going to be our ss teacher."


    Leo remembered Aiden talking about it as well.


    "You are also in there?" Leo asked him in surprise.


    "Not only me, but you too." Harry looked at Leo with a helpless smile.


    "Us too.."


    Another pair of voices rang from behind.


    It seemed things were going to get a bit noisy.

 Chapter 89 - 88: Chaos

    "Us too.."


    Leo turned around on hearing the voices from behind and saw another two of the club members. The giant who was showing him a foolish grin was Biggie. As for the guy who had a sleeping mask on.


    ''What was his name again?'' Leo was about to go a bit into his brain to find out about it. But, there was already someone who had made that ce his home, so there was no need for so much trouble.


    [He is Paul Bourne.] Arthur informed.


    "We will be together!" Biggie said with a grin on his face and then went onto strike a pose in happiness like he always does.


    "Hmmnn!"


    His muscles immediately bulged up and the uniform which was barely holding onto body finally gave up.


    "Rip!"


    A sharp noise rang across the hallway and the uniform was ripped apart as Biggie''s tan muscles popped out and all the people standing there in the hallway were dumbfounded. Hell, some even had illusions of giant words falling behind the guy which screamed out ''Manly!!!''


    "Get him inside before the Disciplinary Committee catches us!" A voice came from inside and everyone turned their heads to see Spike standing inside the Club. It seemed he was early.


    As soon as Spike''s words rang into their ears, the people around came to the realization. And, seeing how quick Harry and Spike were to react, it was obvious that it was not their first time.


    Paul on the other hand was going at his pace as usual. And, just kept his hand on Biggie''s back as he slowly walked inside with the group.


    ¡­


    Once inside, they calmed down.


    "How many times do I have to tell you not to do that in the hallway?!" Spike red at the guy, and Biggie could only give him an apologetic smile.


    It really was funny seeing a tiny guy shouting at a giant. It really wasn''t something that you got to see everyday.


    "What now? Is he going to go around in his posing trunks and attend the sses?" Leo asked before turning his face towards Harry.


    The next instant, his eyes widened, "When did you change?"


    He really was surprised to see him in his Ninja cosy. He was right by his side, and Leo didn''t even realize when he managed to change.


    This was just ridiculous.


    "A Ninja has to be prepare for every situation." Harry looked at Leo with those emotionless eyes of his. It seemed he was back into his character.


    Leo turned his head back to the matter at hand not wanting to go on a ninja way, and his face twitched once again.


    Biggie had taken out a suitcase from his storage device, and Leo could see there were several pairs of uniforms in it.


    These guys really were prepared for anything¡­


    "You guys are all looking pretty energetic, is something special going on?"


    Yuji''s voice rang out in the room as he walked in with Nora by his side.


    "We are grouped together now. So, we are in the same ss." Biggie smiled happily as he dropped his pants trying to pose once again.


    "Smack!" But, Spike flew with an upper kick to his chin and knocked some sense into him, "Just put your clothes on!"


    Biggie finally calmed down as he rubbed his aching jaw.


    "Hmph! Idiots! They are actually grouping the losers together. What is there to be so happy about?" Spike looked at him as if he was an idiot.


    And, those words indeed made a few people''s to scrunch.


    Truth here was a bit bitter to swallow. But, one couldn''t deny it.


    "Anyway, let''s have a look here¡­" Yuji turned towards Leo, more specifically his ck arm with loving eyes. It honestly was a bit creepy, but it wasn''t like Leo couldn''t understand him.


    [You people are really creepy-nya]


    Well, Aiden certainly didn''t understand their thought process.


    The group all were aware that these machines freaks had made something here. So, they were all a bit curious to see how it had ended up.


    Leo just performed a few movements and punches to satisfy their curiosity until it was time for their ss.


    ¡­


    Leo walked along with the group towards the ss.


    For some reason, he felt people were staring at him a bit too much. He attracted attention, it was a fact. But, the amount today definitely was at a different level. He surely didn''t remember getting into trouble these days.


    Was it because of the people he was along with?


    "They are staring at you," Harry looked at Leo with a smile.


    "You think so too?" Leo asked, looking at him. The guy seemed to havee back to reality with his Ninja cosy off.


    "Well, your secret is out after all."


    "Secret?" Leo frowned. Hell, even he wasn''t aware of all the secrets about his current identity.


    ''What is it now?'' He couldn''t help but ask the little guy inwardly.


    [I have no idea-nya.] Aiden replied in confusion as well.


    "They say you were caught red handed with your girl?" Harry gave him a meaningful smile.


    Leo''s eyes immediately constricted.


    "Sigh!"


    "Even if she is not the Princess, you certainly aimed high.." Harry seemed to be reflecting on his own life at this own moment. Finding a partner for yourself was another important part of their culture as a Glorian. And, here he was all alone.


    Well, he had only himself to me for that. He was alwaysying low because of his Ninja act, and hence had gotten sidelined.


    "What in hell are you talking about?" Leo asked him with a frown, and soon he had a shback from a few days ago. ''Don''t tell me¡­''


    Suddenly, the guys around halted their steps.


    "We will catch up with youter." Harry looked at Leo with a forced smile on his face, and then signaled the other guys to leave.


    Leo had no idea what was going on until he saw the person standing in front of him.


    It was Reba.


    Harry and Paul, who were Glorian, greeted her in the usual manner while Biggie just gave her a warm nod of respect. And, the group then hurried away.


    "Good morning, Princess.." Leo crossed one of his arms while sweating inwardly. He didn''t know why she was here, but it didn''t seem it was going to lead to anything good.


    "If you will excuse me then. I have a ss to attend." Leo politely tried to take his leave, but the moment he crossed her, he felt a grip on his wrist.


    When he turned around to look, his eyes widened.


    Rebecaa held onto his hand while looking at him with a serious look in her eyes.


    "ng!"


    A student who seemed to be heading towards the training room dropped his weapons with his mouth wide open in shock. There were a few more who were looking at the scene with eyes wide open.


    The Princess had held a guy''s hand!!


    There was going to be chaos¡­.

 Chapter 90 - 89: Rejection

    "I need to talk to you." Reba looked at Leo with dead serious eyes. It didn''t seem like Leo would be getting away with any kind of excuse.


    "Gulp!"


    Leo began to break out in sweat feeling the res from all around. He was having a bad feeling about it. He felt that if he refused her, then something might happen in public ces which would not go down well for him.


    In the end, he just gave her a little nod.


    Reba proceeded to drag Leo along with her all through out the hallway. It didn''t seem she was nning to let go of his hand. This immediately made Leo''s face pale. And as expected, the moment they passed through, the students couldn''t help but give them a surprised look.


    [What is she thinking-nya!!] Aiden on the other hand was going mad as well. He knew that what she was doing was going toe back and bite her one day. She was after all the Princess of the Nation.


    After a minute of walk through the campus, Reba pulled Leo all the way towards the Library before letting go of his hand.


    "m!"


    As the door of the library closed behind Reba, an irritate voice rang throughout the ce.


    "Who in hell is trespassing my private property? Did you forget the spelling of death?"


    Jack raised his head up from his desk with to look towards the entrance, and his eyes constricted when he saw the two people.


    "Can I use this ce for a bit?" Reba looked at Jack with a serious look on her face.


    Jack on the other hand was definitely surprised. He knew that the little girl was not the kind to use connections to get benefits especially in ces like this. He couldn''t help but look at Leo with an amused face.


    He understood at a nce what was going around here.


    After all, he had heard about it as well. Being a noble certainly was difficult, luckily for him, he was an outcast.


    "Sure, keep it short thought. Otherwise, people will question my integrity." Jack gave her a nod with a smile on his face.


    Leo''s face twitched on hearing his words.


    Integrity?


    This man¡­


    Library was the ce for the students to use in the first ce! How the hell was it his personal property?! What kind of a bullsh*t integrity did he even have left with him?!!


    Reba and Leo walked further into the library, and found a quiet ce where Jack couldn''t see them.


    "What is this about?" Leo finally asked her as he looked at the time. He still had a bit before the ss began.


    His actions were a clear indication towards Reba that he didn''t want to talk about anything. But Reba still gritted her teeth a bit, and finally asked, "Is it true?"


    "True what?" Leo looked at her in confusion.


    "About you and...Christina.." Reba lowered her head while clenching her fist. She didn''t seem good at all. Her hands were quivering a bit. But, she was definitely prepared for the worst.


    ''Christina? Who the hell is she?'' Leo frowned. He had no idea about this person.


    [Idiot! It''s that girl from before, Christina Wolfez-nya.] Aiden reminded him with a frown.


    ''Oh..this again..''


    As Leo was about to clear the misunderstanding, Aiden interrupted him, [Wait-nya!]


    ''What?''


    [Ask her why she wants to know about it-nya?]


    ''You really wanna be like that?'' Leo couldn''t help but ask him.


    [Just do as I say. Today, it has to be over for sure-nya.] Aiden''s voice was filled with determination. He wasn''t willing to allow this to go on anymore.


    "Why do you want to know? It''s my personal matter." Leo forced a smile on his face as he looked at her.


    Reba immediately raised her head to look at him. She felt something gripping her heart tightly.


    "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave.."


    Seeing that she wasn''t speaking anymore, Leo decided to take his leave. He wasn''t willing to be the middleman in these two people''s tragic love story.


    "Wait!"


    Leo stopped hearing Reba''s voice.


    "I heard my Father talking to my Uncle about your and Christina''s being a good match. They should be meeting your parents soon."


    Leo''s eyes immediately went wide.


    What the hell was this all about!!!


    Would somebody exin to him how it came to be like this?!!


    "It''s important for me to know whether it''s true or not? It might be myst chance." She raised her head to look at Leo with glistening eyes.


    ''Those eyes are not looking at me. It''s time for you to answer..'' Leo muttered inwardly with a serious tone. He could seriously feel Reba''s determination here.


    Leo waited for Aiden to speak, and then repeated after him.


    "Last chance for what?" Leo asked her while sighing inwardly. He could see where this was going. It seemed he would be ying the bad guy today.


    Reba grinded her teeth.


    It was tough.


    "You can''t even speak. How are you going to face the world? You are the Princess, not some random person." Leo looked at her with a serious gaze, and Reba''s face twisted a bit.


    She stood there holding back her tears before finally managing to speak out, "I-I don''t know when it happened. But, before I knew it. It was always you whom I was thinking about...you have be an important part of my life..."


    "I.."


    "I love you.."


    There was a silence between them as soon as those words came out of Reba''s mouth. She seemed to be expecting her reply, and it sure came but not in the form that she was imagining.


    "Do you understand what you are trying to say? Do you realize what lies beyond those words?"


    "Do you not understand the difference between us?"


    "I am ready to face everything!" Reba looked at Leo with a determined face as she bit her lips. She didn''t know why but all of a sudden, she felt that she was talking with the Aiden that she had known since childhood. This was the person she wanted to be with. She knew there were difficulties but she was willing to face them.


    "You can''t even hold your tears back and yet you dare to speak like that?" Leoughed at her with a mocking face.


    "You might be stronger than me in terms of strength but not in mentality."


    "Be aware of your position and identity."


    "It''s not possible between us."


    "Choose someone who can be deserving for you, and will treat you well."


    "We aren''t meant to be together."


    Leo looked at Reba with pity, and then turned around nning to leave.

 Chapter 91 - 90: A Personal Vendetta?

    Leo looked at Reba with pity before turning around to leave.


    Reba had her head down, and Leo couldn''t see her expression at all. But, it wasn''t hard to imagine what she was feeling at all.


    "Y-You still haven''t answered my question though...You still haven''t told me whether you like me or not.."


    Leo stopped once again, and stood there in silence. It was because Aiden wasn''t replying. He seemed to have gone silent as well.


    ''Do you need some help?''


    [Shut up! I am not weak-nya.]


    Aiden then proceeded to speak his final words through Leo''s mouth, "No, I don''t like you. I have always like Christina."


    ''Huh?'' Leo suddenly froze when he realized what he just said. ''Bro! Don''t get other people in this! This is not your life alone now!!''


    [Shut up and do as I say-nya.]


    [This is my life to begin with-nya!]


    ''Didn''t you say that we were in this together earlier? And, that you shouldn''t be selfish?'' Leo retorted in anger.


    "Drip!"


    The sound attracted Leo''s attention, and he immediately froze. He couldn''t help but gulp as he turned his head towards Reba and sure enough.


    A drop of tear had slid down her eyes. And, it was audible with a pin drop silence around.


    "Huh?" Reba rubbed her face in surprise, and then shifted her gaze to Leo. There was nothing but pity in his eyes. It was a gaze she was unfamiliar with.


    "I am leaving.." She knew that she couldn''t hold it back any longer, and immediately walked out of the ce with hurried steps.


    Leo looked down at the floor and could clearly see the trail of drops of tears.


    "You really didn''t need to do this¡­" He couldn''t help but mutter with a sigh. But, Aiden didn''t reply.


    These were some things that Leo would not be able to understand in the short run. He was not born a Glorian after all.


    Leo slowly proceeded on his way out as well. And, he couldn''t help but give Jack a nce in the process. But, he was just sitting there quietly busy in his own world.


    But as Leo took a step out of the library, Jack''s voice rang in his ears, "Young one''s shouldn''t think too much kid.."


    Leo immediately stopped and as he was about to turn around to look, the door behind had already closed. He looked at it for a moment, but then decided not to go in as he was alreadyte for the ss.


    ''What should we do now?'' Leo asked with a frown, ''You went ahead and made me say stuff like that...but what about this matchmaking thing?''


    [...]


    ''Answer me! Don''t go silent like that!'' Leo retorted in anger.


    [We will see it when timees-nya.]


    ''You kidding me?''


    [No, but the Emperor sure is. I can''t believe that b*stard went ahead and tried to match me with another girl. That b*stard was feeling insecure about his daughter falling too deeply for me-nya] Aiden was grinding his little canines in anger. It was a bit infuriating, but it wasn''t like he couldn''t understand the man''s worries. But, still he was a jerk for doing what he did.


    ''Is that guy really the Emperor? Doesn''t he have anything better to do?'' Leo couldn''t help but feel speechless at his actions.


    ¡­


    ''Phew!''


    ''Safe!''


    Leo breathed in relief when he saw that the teacher hadn''t arrived. The person seemed to be runningte, it surely wasn''t a good conduct of a teacher. But, Leo couldn''t wish for anything better.


    As soon as Leo entered the ss, he was taken back a bit by the bustling around.


    "What the hell are you doing, bro?!"


    "Did you watch the show yesterday night?"


    "Damn! Meevi looked really sexy in the concert!"


    "You wanna fight, b*tch?!"


    Well, it was a bit too rowdy.


    The ss sure was different to the previous one that Leo was attending. It was now that he understood what it meant when Spike said that they had grouped together all the garbage around.


    "Here!"


    Leo could clearly see a giant guy shaking his hand from the back in excitement. There was no way that Leo could miss Biggie.


    In the end, he just proceeded towards the back. But, a few of the students hade out of their seats forming groups around tables and it blocked the passage to the back.


    "Excuse me.." Leo tapped the guy''s shoulder who was blocking his path.


    "Huh?" The guy turned around, looking at Leo. He was a head taller than him. And, a bit buffed up as well.


    "Umn, can you move aside, I need to pass." Leo politely asked.


    "What if I don''t?"


    And...the guy was unreasonable.


    [Why do I see thating-nya?]


    ''Does he have a screw loose?'' Leo looked at the guy in surprise. He couldn''t understand what was wrong with him. Did he ask for too much?


    [This is normal tactics for point hunting-nya.] Aiden, the professional, point loser spoke up.


    [He is just trying to irritate you to fight it out with him. He is after your points-nya]


    Well, Leo sure had a lot of points left this month. And, he had been missing sses so people couldn''t find him as well. So, it was no wonder if people picked a fight with him for no reason as well. After all, unlike before, Leo wasn''t epting challenges.


    ''Scan him Arthur..'' Leomanded.


    [Scanning...]


    Name: [???]


    Lv 8: [Awake]


    Cyan Rank Skill: [Strengthening]


    Race: [Barbarian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F]


    [Stats]


    Strength:81


    Agility: 55


    Stamina: 61


    [You can defeat him-nya]


    The guy''s states were very uneven. And, it was clearly reflected through his Body Assessment.


    "What in hell are you looking at kiddo?"


    "Thud!"


    The guy suddenly pushed Leo back and his eyes widened a bit. Leo sure didn''t like this. He was after all a civilized guy.


    "Wooh!!"


    "Woah!"


    The people around immediately broke in cheers like a group of hoodlums.


    "What? Are you afraid of something?" The guy further asked with a smirk on his face. Suddenly, he felt a shadow lurking over him, and frowned before turning around when his eyes immediately constricted. And, he couldn''t help but gulp looking at the towering figure with rippling muscles standing in front of him.


    "Do you have a problem with my friend?" Biggie asked as he stared at the guy.


    "Umn.." The Barbarian guy turned his head to look at Leo and then at Biggie. He then slowly lowered his head with sweat dripping down his forehead and just shook his head.


    Leo was really surprised.


    Was it this simple?


    [That guy sure has his use-nya.] Aidenughed inwardly. He was well aware of these low dwelling creatures. They just fed on the weak and avoided the strong. It was their feature.


    Leo gave that guy a look, and then passed on to follow after Biggie.


    People around couldn''t help but boo a bit before losing their interest as well.


    "You sure had a bad start of the day¡­" Harry smiled at Leo while shaking his head.


    "Don''t worry, leave everything to the Biggie to deal with. Then there would be no one disturbing our sleep in the ss.."


    "Yawnnnnn!!!"


    The three of them looked at Paul almost at the brink of falling asleep. His head literally was about to fall onto the desk.


    "Didn''t he mean study in the ss instead of sleep?" Harry asked while staring at the sleepy guy.


    "I sure hope he did¡­" Leo replied in a simr tone.


    At this moment, the door to the ssroom opened once again. And, this time. It was indeed the teacher.


    Thedy teacher in the white dress walked up to the podium with a smile on her face.


    "Good morning, Students!''''


    Leo suddenly frowned, feeling the voice to be a bit familiar, and he turned his head to look at the podium. The next moment, his eyes widened in surprise.


    It was a familiar face.


    "Well then Students. I will be your Homeroom Instructor, Vanessa Regallia."


    Vanessa smiled as she scanned the ssroom before her eyes finallynded on Leo. And, her lips further curled up as she stared at him with a smug look on her face.


    [What the hell-nya?] Aiden surely was shocked as well. [Even if it''s logistics, she surely got a job without much experience. Did she bribe her way in-nya?]


    ''Who knows?'' Leo sighed; his face was sour. . And, would remain the same for the entire day. That is if nothing else happened.


    He looked at Vanessa and shook his head. He had felt something was odd in the morning and now he understood what it was.


    The ss continued and Aiden admitted that she wasn''t a bad teacher. But, she surely wascking support from the ss. Half of the guys were just staring at her mesmerized by her beauty, while another quarter were just busy with their own stuff. While the remainder had dozed off.


    Leo suddenly began to lose interest as he didn''t understood half the thing, and his head began to turn around.


    "You..." Vanessa''s voice suddenly rang around, and he turned to look at her.


    "Yes you.." Vanessa suddenly pointed at Leo. And, he forced a smile on his face before getting up.


    "Where is your attention at? Exin to me what I was talking about...in detail?" Vanessa asked him and Leo''s face twitched a bit.


    He was still paying attention to the ss inparison to the people that were dozing off around.


    Did thisdy have some personal vendetta against him?


    ''What in hell did you do to her?'' He couldn''t help but ask Aiden internally.


    [Let me remember it-nya..] Even Aiden was now feeling that he must have done something wrong for her to be targeting him like this.

 Chapter 92 - 91: A Chaotic Class

    "Is there anything wrong?" Vanessa looked at Leo as he kept his silence. There was no answering from him.


    Leo could feel a few gloating gazes being directed at him, it was certainly entertaining for a few people.


    Leo couldn''t help, but nudged his fellow mates around for answers. But, they just kept staring at their screen like pieces of unfeeling rocks. They didn''t respond to him at all as if Leo wasn''t even there.


    It was only then that Leo realized that these people were not here for being ss toppers. They were a kind of garbage as well.


    ''Does he not even know something this easy?'' Vanessa was a bit surprised. It was true that she had deliberately selected him, but she had thought that he would be able to answer something this easy. ''It seemed his memory loss was way worse than I thought.''


    Leo looked at the projection screen with a frown on his face.


    The topic which was being taught was the very basic one regarding the Transportations. She had asked him what kind of transportation vehicle should be preferred or what should be kept in mind while designing a custom vehicle while venturing into the terrains like that of Nerona.


    For the starters, Leo had no idea about what kind of terrain Nerona had. But, seeing the look on everyone''s faces, he understood that it was something which was very obvious to everyone.


    Secondly, without knowing the first one, there was no way he was able to answer the first question. Not to mention, he had no idea about the name of a single military vehicle or their characteristics.


    [Let me help-nya.] Aiden couldn''t keep watching any longer.


    ''Wait! You can help me! Why the hell were you quiet all along then?!'' It was only now that Leo realized it. Hell, he could just leave everything to this guy. There was no need for him to take it so seriously.


    Vanessa sighed inwardly as she looked around the ss. She had ns to p the ss awake using Aiden as an example. After all, he was the one with the highest grade in theory if she looked at the results. But, her n surely had backfired.


    "Nerona is with a fast rotation and revolution time. This makes climate conditions a bit extreme. Venturing into it''s terrain can be a difficult task, and very challenging for the troops. An All Road wed Rover will be a optimal choice for like Nerona."


    Vanessa turned her head to look at Leo. She still didn''t have the time to process what he had said. But, that sure was the right answer. She knew by that tone itself. She was kind of familiar with that way of speaking. It was as if she was hearing the previous version of the guy.


    "Is it good enough, Instructor?" Leo asked with a smile on his face. The people around who were expecting something nice were definitely left a bit disappointed.


    [Look at you, are you really feeling that great after cheating-nya?] Aiden couldn''t help but sneer at him.


    ''You were screaming earlier that it was your life, so it is only right that you answer the questions..'' Leo retorted without the slightest of guilt.


    "Uhmn...That surely is one of the correct choices.." Vanessa cleared her throat and came back to her surroundings.


    She then looked at the ss, and spoke, "You guys might think that theory is not much needed as long as you are good at fighting. But, let me correct you guys. Without proper knowledge of your surroundings on a battlefield, you will die in no time."


    "Never underestimate the power of knowledge, sometimes fist can''t be the deciding factor in a battle alone."


    "We don''t need someone so young to teach us about life and death.." A student snorted from the back seat.


    "I bet you haven''t even stepped onto a battlefield yet.." Another one spoke.


    "Didn''t she just bribe her way in?"


    ''This brats..'' Vanessa''s face twitched a bit. She had thought they would treat her like a goddess teacher the way they usually did in dramas. But, this was definitely not the part of what she had been imagining in her head.


    "It seems I still haven''t introduced myself well," She said with a smile before lifting her hand, showing her wrist to the ss which had the tattoo of a sword surrounded by chains on it.


    And as expected, the entire ss immediately went silent while Leo just shook his head looking at Vanessa showing off.


    "It''s the mark of the Temple of Light!"


    "She is a Divine Knight!"


    The entire ss immediately almost had their eyes popping out. It wasn''t just because she was one of a Divine Knight, but also because of the fact that someone so young had joined the Divine Knight. It was very rare, almost unheard of.


    "I am Vanessa Regalia, a Divine Knight from Temple of Knight. After serving around Southerns for almost two years, I was assigned to the Academy Temporarily due to my injuries."


    "Regalia? You mean like the One of the Heroes? Are you rted to them?" One of the students suddenly asked with sparkling eyes. It was only now that they had paid attention to her that she revealed her identity as a Divine Knight.


    Vanessa just smiled, but didn''tment. It probably wasn''t going to take more than long for people to find out about it though.


    "You there, don''t hide your face now¡­" Vanessa pointed at the guy behind, who had spoken earlier, "I have done much more on a battlefield then you people who are still wet behind the ears. So, if you wanna throw away the Loser tags, you people better listen to what I say.."


    "Who are you calling losers?!!"


    It was another uproar, but Vanessa just smiled at the ss before continuing.


    The ss was very chaotic.


    A group admired the beauty of the instructor, another was just there trying to do their best, one was a bunch of thugs creating chaos and there was another which just didn''t care about anything.


    This was the current structure of the ss.


    Vanessa steered her lesson in the chaotic ss somehow before going on her way. She knew that it wasn''t possible to get them to listen to her in a single day.


    ¡­.


    Leo attended the next two sses as well, and the scary instructors intimidated the ss to be silent. But, the majority still seemed to be living outside the ss while being physically inside.


    When the ss ended, it was finally time for thest ss of the day.


    "It seems that the grouping ofbat sses have been changed unlike before." Harry muttered looking at it in his smart link.


    "We are in a separate stadium." Biggie put his huge head over Harry''s shoulder to look at the screen.


    "Yeah, it''s different." Harry nodded.


    "Well, see you guys in the club then.." Biggie and Paul parted ways with them as Biggies put the asleep Paul on his shoulder and walked off towards their next ss. The two were together while Leo and Harry were together.


    "That guy really can sleep, can''t he?" Leo was really speechless.


    ¡­.


    The two began to head towards the next ss when Harry sighed, "I hatebat sses¡­"


    It was time for some painful practical sses.


    "Why? You are stronger than me?" Leo looked at him in surprise.


    "I really am not sure about that. I was useless that day in the library. Not to mention, I even opened my mouth in front of the Dean." Harry stood there as a gloomy aura enveloped him, Leo could even see him slowly freezing in ice as a cold wind blew.


    "Snap out of it...no one could have done anything about it in that situation." Leo shook the guy a bit and consoled him.


    "Besides, it will be easy for you in the practical sses. You are already at Cyan Rank.." he further added with a smile.


    Harry''s eyes immediately widened and he immediately shook Leo''s hand off before separating from him.


    Leo was definitely taken back by his actions and that re for a second, "What''s wrong?"


    Harry looked at himself, and then suddenly realized what he was doing. "Uh!"


    "I am sorry¡­" He forced an apologetic smile on his face as he calmed down. "I just overreacted, but how did you know I was a Cyan rank?"


    "Well, I saw it in the fight." Leo replied with a weird look on his face.


    "I see¡­" Harry nodded, "Can you keep it a secret?"


    "You have been hiding your strength?" Leo asked him in surprise.


    "Kind of.."


    "Why? Have you got people after you?" Leo asked, jokingly.


    "How could that be?" Harryughed at it, but his face clearly turned a bit pale there.


    ¡­


    As Leo and Harry entered the indoor stadium where the next ss was taking ce, a pin drop silence immediately enveloped the ce.


    Leo immediately felt a murderous re and when he turned his head to look at the source, he found Serina staring at him with those red eyes of her. And, she looked extremely pissed. Beside her was Reba standing with a calm look on her face with her spear in her hands. She was cleaning her weapons without caring for anything else.


    ''So, they were in thisbine sses too. Talk about rotten luck..'' Leo and Harry quietly went towards their lockers and kept away their stuff before picking up a standard weapons from the counter.


    Leo could feel a lot of gazes on him as usual. The rumors about him and Christina had spread, and then there was the Princess dragging him around in the morning. Worst of all, some had caught her crying after that. Even though there was no proof of it, rumors didn''t need one.


    At this moment, another figure entered the ce and the atmosphere once again changed.


    It was Christina.

 Chapter 93 - 92: A Fight

    [Talk about coincidence-nya¡­] Aiden muttered with a sigh and Leo couldn''t help but agree with him. He looked at Christina walking into the stadium and then proceeding to pick her training weapon.


    This wasn''t going to end well.


    People were already making gossip and now the two of them were here together, it would be a mess.


    ''Let''s just ignore, people will understand that the rumors are false that way..'' Leo decided on it.


    [What about Princess-nya?]


    ''She shouldn''t be a fool. I am sure she would think that we are trying to hide it.'' Leo convinced himself and Aiden. There was no way he was going to do anything stupid for this guy.


    After Christina, there was a steady stream of people walking in. It seemed there were more than two sections here.


    ''Hmmn..he is here as well..''


    Christina on the other side seemed to have noticed Leo as well. But, her gaze onlysted at him for a second. She had already gotten used to ignoring the rumors as it had already been a week.


    She wanted to once again apologize to Leo about the incident before, but there was no way she was going to do it here in front of everyone. It would be adding fuel to the mes.


    Christina ignored Leo and proceeded towards Reba with a smile on her face. They were cousins after all. It would be odd if they didn''t know each other.


    Reba didn''t seem to be holding anything against Christina as well.


    Their group seemed to be clearly having a happy chat. Seeing this, Leo finally sighed in relief. It seemed there wasn''t anything to worry about.


    The people around slowly seemed to have lost their interest as well and went on to focus on their own stuff.


    As Leo was standing there talking with Harry, he suddenly felt a chill rising up his spine.


    [That b*stard is here-nya.] Aiden muttered in a grave tone. [Graylock¡­]


    Leo turned his head to nce at the entrance and sure enough. A group of students entered the ce being led by a guy who was a few inches taller than Leo. He had straight brown hair tied into a ponytail with slightly tan skin. He had a lean physique withpact muscles that could be seen over his uniform.


    He was the second son of the Graylock family, Duke Graylock.


    Behind him was a group, most likely his circle of friends. And among them was a face that both Leo and Aiden were not forgetting. The guy with green hair and pupils.


    He was Sun Ellington.


    The only person who was aware of Aiden leaving Gloria back then. And, Leo was suspecting him to be the culprit who had possibly leaked the information to Aiden''s enemies.


    "It''s been a while, were you hiding from me?" Duke didn''t put anyone in his eyes but came straight towards Leo. It seemed he had noticed him from the very moment that he entered the ce.


    [Let me handle this-nya.] Aiden immediately decided to hold Leo''s reins and make him his puppet once again.


    "What do you want now, Duke? Was the Expedition not fun enough? You want to give it a go?" Leo looked at the guy with calm eyes, but he was breaking in sweat internally.


    ''Why in hell are you challenging him?!!''


    [Shut up and follow me! Maintain that calm look, and make it a bit cold on the next line-nya.] Aidenmanded.


    "You still never change! I heard that you lost your memory. But it seems there is some gap in my knowledge." The guy smiled with a curious look on his face. He really was surprised when he heard about the incident involving Aiden. He thought that the creep was finally done for, who would have thought that he was still kicking.


    "Why don''t you try and see it?" Leo looked at him with a cold look in his eyes.


    "Did you forget the number of times I have beaten you? You are no longer my match. But, I sure can arrange someone for you." Duke smiled before turning around and looking at Reba, "Princess are you still making him your training partner? If yes, would you mind lending him to me for a bit?"


    [This guy is still nasty as ever-nya.] Aiden''s words were filled with killing intent. He really wanted to kill this guy.


    ''Is he really that bad?'' Leo on the other hand was a bit confused. He could see that this Duke was a jerk, but he didn''t seem as bad as Aiden made him out to be. But again, remembering Aiden''s monologue, Leo retracted his thoughts. Maybe he had yet to see the guy''s worst side.


    Everyone looked towards Reba, and she gave Leo a nce.


    "There is no such thing as a designated partner. It''s his wish if he wants to ept your challenge."


    ''Damn! Do I have to fight now! You got me in trouble!'' Leomented in pain.


    [Did you forget your aim?] Arthur''s voice rang in his head, and he immediately shut his mouth up.


    [Tell him, Arthur-nya!] Aiden supported. [You even have that arm of yours now. It''s time to return to my old ways. Don''t tell me you forgot our resolution-nya?]


    ''I didn''t..'' Leo replied in a heavy tone.


    [Good then-nya.]


    ''Why do I feel like you just didn''t wanted to step back in front of these guy?'' Leo asked with a monotonous tone.


    [It''s not like that-nya]


    It was a lie, he had just remembered about their resolution and threw it in there.


    "Who here wants to fight the legend of our Academy? Remember, he still has tons of points?" Duke asked with his arms folded and there were immediately a lot of people raising their hands up.


    "Hmmn¡­you were Lv 5 before leaving right? I won''t go hard on you then¡­" He selected the person with the second lowest level in the ss after Leo.


    The guy was two heads shorter than Leo with green skin and a crooked face. He held a short dagger in his hand and was looking all prepared.


    It was a Goblin named Pako, a Lvl 6 Awake.


    "Hahaha!! I got the jackpot!" The guy seemed to be celebrating his victory already.


    "Tsk..Pako got lucky.."


    "Damn Pako! He won''t best this time in the rankings I guess.."


    People grumbled inint but no one went against the decision. It seemed Duke had built some reputation among the students. It was not a surprise though, he had performed considerably well in thest Academy Youth League.


    ''Why does he think you were Lv 5?'' Leo asked in confusion. He clearly remembers that Aiden had once told him that he used to be Lv 10.


    [I was hiding my strength-nya.]


    [It was so that they would hold back in the fight and I wouldn''t die. It was necessary then, but not anymore. It''s time for you to show them my worth.]


    "What''s going on here?"


    The Instructor finally arrived, he was another old bald retired military guy with a scary looking face.


    He was Ethan Raraski.


    The man was only two ranks below a Marshal in his Prime days in the military. One could imagine just what it would have been like.


    The students immediately quietened down and stood straight. It seemed that man had established his terror among the students.


    "It''s nothing Instructor, we were just preparing for a bout with points on the line." Pako, the goblin, spoke with a grin on his face as he pointed at Aiden.


    "Is it?" The Instructor looked at Leo with a frown. He had been asked by Professor Benard to go easy on him as ording to his family, Aiden had just been allowed a Prosthetic arm.


    Leo nodded, looking at the instructor.


    ''Well, if the person in question isn''t afraid. There is no reason for me to be.'' Ethanughed inwardly, "Fine then, I will preside over and be the referee."


    "As for other students, the people who want to train can proceed ahead and form a pair. And, for those who want to watch, you are free to do so. Observation is another important aspect of battle."


    With that they were given 5 minutes of preparation time.


    "Are you sure about it?" Harry suddenly asked Leo.


    "I couldn''t have avoided it forever." Leo shook his head. It was a military school. Just how long could he have stayed away from fighting not to mention, a breakthrough wasn''ting without putting in any effort.


    ¡­


    Soon, the time arrived and for some reason there were students from other ssesing in to watch the fight as well.


    The news surely traveled fast.


    [You really managed to gather more attention in the short time that I was absent-nya.]


    Leo had no idea about it. But, it was surely his action that had made people interested about him. And, people were also curious to see how he would do after the ident. Whether his skills would be affected or not. Not to mention, they had seen him using a kick for the first time and it was a terrifying move.


    So, people were genuinely interested to see how this was about to go down.


    ¡­


    "Who do you think will win?"


    Serina turned her head behind to see the Zelf and Tor behind her.


    These two were the odd pixie and Minotaur duo of their ss.


    "He has always lost, I don''t have high hopes honestly¡­" Serina shook her head before giving a nce to Reba. But, the girl just sat there staring at the field.


    "Didn''t he knocked out a Lv 10 guy with a kick before?" Christina suddenly asks. She remembered seeing a video before.


    Serina looked at the girl and frowned a bit. She already had heard a few things from Reba.


    It seemed Reba had approached her as well for truth and Christina had obviously denied it saying that it was a misunderstanding. But, then Reba heard her father and Serina''s father talking about matching Christina and Aiden who were keeping their rtionship secret.


    This made her suspect that Christina had lied. In the end, she approached Leo for answers and then the thing that happened was obvious.


    So for Christina, she was neither aware about her father and Emperor''s n nor was she aware about Aiden dering her as the love of his life.


    It was totally normal if she thought that everything was fine.

 Chapter 94 - 93: Not The Weakest Anymore

    "Who do you think will win?" Christina asked Reba with a smile and Serina''s face twitched a bit. That definitely wasn''t the right thing to ask her. She had just been rejected after all.


    Serina looked at Reba with aplicated look on her face. She was wondering whose side she would take. If it was a regr day, there would be no doubt that she would be cheering for Aiden.


    "It''s tough to say¡­" Reba muttered in a low voice and didn''t say anything further.


    "I don''t think so.." A voice sounded and a figure took a seat beside them.


    It was Duke.


    "Why are you always after him?" Serina asked him with a frown. These people here were all part of the same circle, and had known each other since a young age. So, it was not like they were unfamiliar with each other.


    "He epted the challenge. He could have always refused it. So, don''t say that I am the one after him. He is the one seeking his demise." Duke shook his head with a smile as he looked at the ground where the battle was about to begin.


    "You say stuff like that, but your actions sure are different." Serina snorted. This guy was really annoying.


    "How about I tell you guys why he is so obsessed with him?" A voice sounded from behind. And, people turned around to see a guy smiling at them. He was almost showing his teeth.


    Duke''s face instantly turned grim when he saw the pink hair clown.


    "What are you doing here, Ronnie?" Serina frowned as she looked at her brother. The two of them were siblings.


    "Nothing, I just heard there was something fun going on." He smiled before taking the seat behind them.


    He then turned his head to look at Duke, and spoke, "You haven''t change, do I tell-"


    "Mind your own business, Ronnie." Duke looked at him with a grim look in his eyes, "If not, we can settle this with a fight anytime¡­"


    "Scary~" Ronnie smiled, not at all affected by that threat.


    "It''s starting.." Christina muttered, and it attracted everyone''s attention.


    ¡­


    [Keep your calm. He is only a level above you. You can beat him easily. Just concentrate and use what you have been practicing until now-nya.]


    ''I know..'' Leo calmed himself and took a deep breath in before walking ahead.


    His opponent, Pako, came forward as well. There was a wide grin on his face, and he really seemed to be happy.


    "Get ready¡­" The Instructor spoke looking at the two, and a projection screen appeared above the field showing the two people participating in the bout.


    There was also a countdown on it which would signify the start of the battle.


    "Draw your weapon out. Don''t tell meter, that I didn''t give you a chance." The little looked at Leo as his lips curled up into a smile. Leo clearly was being looked down upon.


    But he shook his head. He hadn''t learned to use any weapon at all. There was no way he would be able to use one even if he picked it. That would just make things harder for him.


    "I am fine."


    Leo''s response took people by surprise, and they really became curious. Aiden earlier was known for his skills with a Spear. It was the main weapon in his arsenal, something he was very good at.


    Yet, he had refused to pick it up. These made people curious as to what he was going to do without any weapons.


    "What about you?" Leo asked the goblin. He could see that he had strapped his dagger to his waist. It was not in his hand.


    "I don''t think I need one.."


    Well, he sure was one cocky guy.


    ''Scan him Arthur..''


    Name: [Pako]


    Lv 6: [Awake]


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Furry Dash]


    Race: [Goblin]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F]


    [Stats]


    Strength: 47


    Agility: 64


    Stamina: 57


    ''Well, he isn''t much stronger than me..'' Leo muttered to himself. This guy could be said to be agile on his feet.


    [Seeing how he is treating you as a weak ything, I know he woulde straight at you. So, be prepared-nya.] Aiden warned Leo and he noted it down. Aiden after all was a veteran who had gone over thousand battles.


    The Arora energy in Leo''s body began to move, and he prepared himself to react.


    "Buzz!"


    A buzzer rang across the stadium as the countdown above hit zero.


    "Whoosh!"


    Pako immediately rushed in without a single bit of hesitation. He was really quick on his feet but thanks to Aiden, Leo was prepared. The yellow colored aura enveloped his feet as he pushed his left foot against the ground and turned his body before throwing his right foot out, performing a spinning back kick.


    Pako definitely didn''t think that Leo could react to his speed. He was overconfident and hadn''t prepared for a counter at all.


    "Bang!"


    Pako being short in height turned out to be a misfortune for him. The kick which should have normallynded at the abdomen or chest, sank into his face.


    "Crack!"


    Leo could hear something crack, and his eyes immediately widened. He surely hadn''t nned for something like this.


    "Whoosh!"


    The poor guy went flying through the stadium before crashing into the outer wall on the opposite side. His body slowly slid down the wall and copsed onto the ground unconscious. The guy''s mouth was bloody with several broken teeth, and possibly a fractured skull.


    "...."


    There was a pin drop silence around the stadium which was finally broken by the Instructor.


    "Match Over.."


    "Aiden Wins!''


    The voice immediately brought people back to their senses. But, they still were in shock.


    "He seems to have leveled up.."


    "Did you see that kick?"


    " I think he has been practicing it in secret.."


    "How is that possible? It would take one all they had to practice one''s weapons techniques to master''s level. How could he practice some kind of Kicking technique to such a level as well. He only has a Yellow grade skill to begin with how can he have so much energy to divide his attention.."


    People began to gossip while Duke stared at Leo, there seemed to be some kind of light in his eyes. And, his lips were curling up into a devious grin.


    Ronnie looked at Duke and smiled, "It seemed he is not the weakest anymore."


    ¡­


    ''Wasn''t he strong?'' Leo asked in confusion. He honestly was a bit speechless. That guy was weak as hell. Hell, his skill was rted to agility but he was no ware fast enough.


    [Well¡­that¡­nya..] Aiden was reallycking words to describe the situation as well. He had no idea what had just happened.


    [The Niverian Kicking Art is the creation of my creator. Don''t treat it in the same league as other people''s technique. It''s obvious that you can decimate people a bit stronger than you by using this technique.] Arthur finally came to exin the situation to them.


    [That certainly is nice to hear. So, how strong is he-nya?] Aiden couldn''t help but ask in curiosity.


    [It will be better if you find it on your own.] Arthur wasn''t going to provide an answer for everything.


    "Beep!"


    Leo looked at his smart link and saw that his points had gone up by a 1000. It was definitely from that goblin guy. He could see that he was now ranked 6451st rank. There were a total of 7000 students in MTP.


    He currently had 2000 points and needed a few more to cross the person above him.


    ''Who is at the top?'' Leo looked at it in curiosity, and his face twitched.


    Rank No. 1: Reba G. Lynchfield - 1.4 Million Points.


    Well, that surely was over the charts.


    ''Is she really that strong?'' Leo couldn''t help but ask, a bit doubtful.


    [How am I supposed to know? It''s not like I couldst in front of her even if she uses half of her power, much less full-nya.] Aiden grumbled.


    "Hmmn?" Leo suddenly felt a disgusting feeling taking over him. He was familiar with this feeling, it hadn''t been long since the library incident after all.


    It was a Zest.


    He was sure about it. He immediately turned his head around to look, but he couldn''t find anything as that feeling vanished. He was sure that it had appeared, he wasn''t hallucinating.


    ''How could it be present here?'' A frown appeared on his face. ''Don''t tell me¡­''


    Leo began to have a bad feeling about it. He clearly remembered that thing had drilled a hole into Harry''s palm and was able to manage to gain partial control of his body. If that was the case, then there was no saying that it couldn''t gain full control over a student and roam around the campus like any other guy.


    "p!!"


    Leo turned his head to when he heard the pping noise, and a frown appeared on his face when he saw it was Duke.


    "It seems you have improved¡­" He smiled at Leo.


    [Be careful-nya!!] Aiden immediately warned as this wasn''t something new to him. He knew this b*stard was crazy.


    The next second, Duke disappeared from his spot.


    "Zmmn!"


    Leo''s battle arm immediately lit up with a pale yellow light as the arora energy began to flow into it. This immediately made his strength stats to soar.


    "Whoosh!"


    Duke appeared in front of Leo, and threw a fist out. Leo wasn''t nning to hold back and retaliated with all his might.


    "Bang!"

 Chapter 95 - 94: Ignorance

    "Bang!"


    A thunderous noise rang out as Leo and Duke''s fists crashed into each other. The incident took people by surprise. No one had expected that Duke would make a move.


    The impact shook the two and they were forcefully separated from each other.


    "Whoosh!''


    Leo''s feet skidded down the ground as he was pushed back all the way towards the external reinforced walls and crashed into it.


    "ng!"


    It was painful, and his steps faltered as he went down onto one of his knees. But, it was still better than his ache in his shoulder.


    Leo was feeling a sharp tearing pain in his shoulder. It almost made him scream, but held it in. It seemed that Nora was not joking when she asked him not to use the Battle arm at full capacity and take it lying down.


    On the other side, Duke had his eyes wide open as he looked at his feet. There was actually a slight trail of feet being pushed behind. He was actually forced back.


    This was basically impossible for someone like Aiden. He shouldn''t be strong enough to do something like that.


    It was true that Duke had held back in that attack but it was still enough to rival the strength of a Lv 10 awake. And, there was no way that Aiden had crossed Lv 10 or achieved it. That would just be absurd.


    ''What''s going on?'' Duke frowned before staring at Leo. He knew that something was up with these guy. Was he trying to hide his strength? But, he was still weak, just what could he even achieve even if his true strength only amounted to this much.


    ''Just when will you learn to give up...'' Duke looked at Leo as his face turned unsightly. He had always hated this thing about Aiden from childhood.


    Most people around weren''t aware of what just had happened. All they saw was Leo being sent flying away with a single punch. So, they didn''t think there was anything odd with it.


    Duke walked up to Leo who was still down on his knees as people looked at the two in surprise.


    "Are you hiding your strength?" He muttered in a low voice which was audible only to him and Leo.


    "Does it look like that?" Leo raised his head and showed him his face which was covered in sweat.


    A frown immediately appeared on Duke''s face, and his expression turned ugly, "Why do you have to struggle so much? Why do you insist on being here this weak?"


    He suddenly raised his leg and kicked forward.


    "Bang!"


    Leo looked at the leg beside his head hitting the wall behind, and then turned to look at the guy.


    "You are unsightly¡­.so scram while I am still being nice¡­"


    Leo''s face turned ugly and a vein popped up on his forehead. This guy sure was behaving like he owned the ce.


    "It''s fine if you guys want to give it a go. But, don''t break the rules here. " Instructor Ethan''s voice rang and the two turned their heads to see him looking towards them.


    "I am sorry, Instructor. I am willing to face any punishment that he wants." Duke responded calmly as he looked at Leo with a smirk on his face.


    There were rules everywhere and so was the case in the Academy here. But, the rules were usuallyx here as the authorities were trying to create apetitive environment around the campus.


    One could see this by the situation right at hand. Duke attacking like that without any prior agreement of a fight between them was considered a vition of rules. But, this was just in name. The authority would note forward to punish him for such action until the other person in questionined.


    And, in most cases, people didn''tin.


    It was amon saying that these rules were only for people of the other Department and not for the one in Military Programs.


    After all, these people were being nurtured to take important positions in the Military. Even the weakest among them would be getting the rank of the captain.


    There was no such thing asining on the battlefield. This was how they were being taught. You had to face all kinds of situations. So, if one tried to hide themselves behind these rules and regtions to protect themselves, they would be looked down upon.


    A weak soldier was still a fine, but spineless one was not.


    But, Leo obviously didn''t understand this.


    "Do you want to take any action, Aiden?" The Instructor shifted his gaze from Duke to Aiden. Normally, points were deducted as punishment if someone were to be break rules, but now that Duke had passed the chance to Aiden to choose. It would depend on him.


    [This b*stard¡­nya..] Aiden grinded his teeth in anger. His pride as Noble and son of a hero, wouldn''t allow him, how could he get back at him using an easy way like this. This would be an embarrassment for him.


    And, it was obvious that Duke knew of it as well and hence threw that condition out.


    "Sure, if you are really regretting it, I would fulfill your wish." Leo spoked in anger, ignoring Aiden''s values. It was clear that he had snapped like the time when he had first kicked the nameless guy.


    People shouldn''t mess with quiet and nice guys. These were the people who were the worst when angered.


    [What are you doing-nya?]


    [We can''t do this! We are Aristocrats, a military family! We have our pride-nya!]


    ''To hell with your pride!!''


    Leo wasn''t listening in anger.


    Duke on the other hand frowned, seeing him reacting in a totally different way from before. But, the people in the stadium just let out a wry smile. They had already seen how Aiden had changed over the past weeks.


    He was no more than a thug now who didn''t care about stuff like pride and their cultural norms. In more fitting words, he didn''t remember them.


    It was weird but people had slowly started to ept it and treat him like a newbie and member of another race in their head. This was not in a discriminatory way but just not be offended by his actions as he clearly wasn''t aware of what he was doing himself.


    "This is fun, I heard he had forgotten everything but to think it was that bad¡­" Ronnieughed looking at the scene on the field. When he rted the current raging Aiden to the previous calm, collected and cold perfectionist guy, there was a contrast difference. Hell, it didn''t even seem that the two were the same person.


    Serina just shook her head while Reba looked at the scene with a frown on her face. She couldn''t understand what was going on. Earlier she had felt that Aiden was the same guy, but now it felt that he was someone else again.


    "He really doesn''t follow the norms.." Christina looked at Leo with interest. She seemed a bit fascinated with him.


    "People have been a bit patient with him if you ask me. But, now that he has messed with Duke. I bet it will begin to happen¡­" Serina sighed.


    One shouldn''t go against the flow, because there was a chance of getting crushed.


    Leo had done the same now.


    Only God knew how many students and Instructors were going to be offend after this incident.


    ¡­


    "You really have fallen so low?" Duke sneered at Leo. He knew that the guy had fallen long ago, but at least he still could sense some pride within him. But, this action of his had sure changed his perspective.


    ''Does this guy have some kind of problem with his head?'' Leo asked internally. ''He is the one who sneak attacked me and he dares to say that to my face!''


    [You are a human! You obviously won''t understand our line of thought-nya!]


    [Just don''t do something to harm him. It would make me look pathetic! People will think that I need to use such methods to get back at him-nya!]


    Leo frowned after Aiden put it in that way. And, the break in his thought process helped him to calm down a bit.


    He then turned to look at the Professor and asked, "I don''t want to see his face for the next three days. Is it possible?"


    "Sure.." The Instructor casually nodded, and pulled a paper bag from somewhere and with holes in it for eyes and mouth. "Will this do?"


    When the people around saw it, there faces twitched.


    Leo looked at the paper bag and nodded. But, the moment he did so, he felt an intense surge of hostility from Duke, and he was honestly taken back. He went easy on the guy and yet he was still ring at him as if he had murdered his father.


    The Instructor slowly put the paper bag on Duke''s face as the guy clenched his fist in anger and his body shook.


    The entire ce went silent, and Leo could see that people''s faces had turned ugly.


    ''Something feels off..'' He muttered inwardly.


    [...]


    Even Aiden seemed to have gone silent.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    [What''s wrong my ass-nya!!] Aiden suddenly shouted inmentation.


    [That thing is put on traitors in the Military before execution-nya!]


    Leo''s eyes immediately widened and he finally realized what was going on.


    Ignorance could be bliss for somebody and curse for another.. The saying really seemed true today.

 Chapter 96 - 95: Beginning Of Troubles

    "That really was hrious¡­" Spike let out augh while holding his stomach. He was literally dying from it. "You should have seen that cocky guy clenching his fist while walking down the hallway¡­"


    Leo sat there with a dark face as others more or less were smiling or had a weird look on their faces.


    "I didn''t think you were so savage.." Nora looked at Leo, she was a bit surprised honestly.


    "I told you I didn''t know that the paper bag had such a meaning behind it." Leo retorted with a sigh. He had been getting disdainful gazes all around ever since the matter had spread around.


    Why were things never going his way?


    "Where is Runeko by the way?" Nora suddenly asked, looking around. "I haven''t seen her these past couple of days."


    The rest of the guys didn''t seem to have any idea as well. After all, Runeko was the only first year in the club. So, there was no one who shared any sses with her here.


    "Well, I asked her in the message. It seems she isn''t feeling well." Yuji''s voice rang out in the room as he walked through the door with a heavy look on his face.


    He then turned his head towards Leo, and frowned, "You really caused a mess, didn''t you?"


    News sure travelled fast.


    Leo could only force a smile on his face. There was nothing he could do about it. Besides, why was he being treated as viin when it was that guy who sneaked an attack on him. He was clearly the victim here.


    This was injustice!


    "The senior years are not happy with you." Yuji had a serious look on his face, and his words made everyone''s faces to change. They sure didn''t look good, and the people around couldn''t help but give Leo a look.


    The Senior years were not someone you would want to mess with.


    "Justy low and don''t create any more trouble." Yuji shook his head, and then took a seat. He didn''t think that those guys would do anything if Leo kept quiet. After all, he was someone with a significant background.


    "Check this out!" Spike''s surprised voice suddenly rang out, and everyone looked towards him. The little guy flicked a screen from the smart link on Paul''s hand while the guy was deep in sleep, and a projection screen appeared in front of everyone.


    It was a thread on the Academy''s forum.


    It seemed that someone had opened a betting booth for the fight between Leo and the nameless guy. The thread seemed to have only been made an hour ago, but there were already more than 5 million Federation Bills in favor of Leo losing.


    It was very obvious that the event today had made Leo a public enemy and people were hoping for his loss. Not to mention, he was weaker than his opponent to begin with.


    Leo looked at the thread and it was only now that he managed to find his opponent''s name.


    Morpheous Brown.


    The guy was the son of some minor noble in one of the far ends of Gloria''s territory and his talent had managed to bring him here.


    The guy was at Level 10 and Leo''s level had be unknown with his recent improvement. The people were specting it to be somewhere in between Lv 6 to Lv7 and that still would guarantee Morpheus an easy win.


    All the club members looked very interested in betting. But, no one said anything about it in Leo''s presence. It was pretty obvious whom they would be betting for in his absence.


    "Anyway, there is an important announcement." Yuji suddenly cleared his throat as he looked at the people around.


    "What is it?" Spike asked the question everyone had in their mind.


    "The club name. Now that we have officially be a club, an official name is required." Yuji looked at them with a serious face.


    "Shouldn''t ''Martial Arts and others'' suit our theme?" Spike asked, as if it was very obvious to him.


    Everyone''s brows twitched listening to the little guy. He sure knew to say the darndest things with a straight face.


    "If that''s how it rolls, then it could be Poison Club and others.." Nora chimed in.


    "It could be Body Building Club and Others¡­" Biggie suggested with a smile.


    "It Could be Ninja Club and Others¡­"Harry''s voice suddenly sounded in the room. No one could see where the guy was though. He had once again disappeared after getting into his character.


    "I knew this was going to happen, so I already named the club.." Yuji suddenly folded his arms with a cocky smile on his face.


    "You!!"


    Everyone was definitely taken back by him.


    They just hoped that this guy hadn''t been selfish in naming, not to mention, his naming sense sucked.


    Just look at the guy''s invention in the past and you would know how terrible he was.


    One only had to look at the name of the project he was currently working on.


    Hole Smasher Destroyer Back up Mecha Arm v2.3 Project


    No one could find any sense into it except for the guy himself.


    "Gulp!"


    People nervously awaited his response and the guy finally said, "The Research Club!"


    "..."


    A silence prevailed in the room.


    "That''s it? Nothing smashing or destroying?" Spike asked in surprise.


    "Yeah, where''s the cringe that will make us quit the club?" Nora asked in shock as well.


    The smile on Yuji''s face immediately faded away.


    He thought it was very obvious to name it the research club, he was a Mad Doc after all.


    Research was the motive of his life!


    "Still it''s better than anything else.." Leo shook his head with a smile. "All of us are researching what we like after all. So, it fits perfectly if you ask me.."


    "Researching Martial Arts¡­" Spike muttered and his eyes began to sparkle the next moment. "I like it! It has a schrly touch to it!"


    "It''s not bad I guess.." Nora nodded as well.


    "Agreed.." Harry''s voice sounded all across the room.


    Biggie didn''t have a problem with anything, Paul was asleep and Runeko was absent. Hence, the matter of the name was finally settled in a peaceful manner.


    Soon, the guys just separated, getting busy with their personal stuff that they had joined the club for. Leo also joined Yuji on his project as an assistant as the guy had helped him a lot in building the Battle arm. Not to mention, it was a great source of learning as well.


    ¡­


    "See you guyster.." Leo left the ce earlier than usual. He remembered that Edgar had asked him to tag along to get his Pet Beast. It wasn''t easy for Edgar to take some time off his work after all.


    As Leo was about to get to the parking lot, he heard Aiden''s voice.


    [Careful, someone is following you-nya]


    Leo''s expression immediately changed. He had just heard from Yuji that people weren''t happy with him. This immediately made him connect the two situations and he immediately mobilized his Arora energy.


    "Whoosh!"


    He turned his body around and was almost about to throw a kick when he heard the voice.


    "It''s me!" It immediately made Leo stop, and his feet just stopped an inch away from her face.


    It was Christina.


    "Why are you sneaking up on me like that?" Leo pulled his leg back down. He really wouldn''t know what to do, if he hadn''t stopped in time.


    "I had no choice. The rumors are already spreading like that. If people saw us together, it would just be adding fuel to the fire." Christina forced a smile on her face.


    Leo nodded. It made sense honestly.


    "So, what is this about?" Leo asked, looking at her. He didn''t think that they were good friends who would pay each other a visit for no reason. They were mere acquaintances at best.


    "I want to apologize for what happened that day. And, you also got dragged into this mess because of me." She gave him an apologetic smile.


    "It''s fine." Leo shook his head. He didn''t think it was her fault. Spike was also the one to me for it. But, he sure had gotten away without any repercussions.


    Christina was here just to apologize. And once she was done with it, she parted ways with Leo.


    ¡­


    Leo walked to the usual spot and the driver was there to pick him up.


    Once he entered the car, and made himselffortable, Leo realized that the driver had not taken off.


    "Is there any problem?" He asked the driver, and the old man turned his head towards Leo and informed. "Master has ordered for another guest to be picked up today."


    Leo was taken back.


    Why was he not aware of it?


    "Knock!"


    A Knock sounded on the window and a familiar voice rang out.


    "Excuse me, are you here to pick me up?"


    The Driver turned his head, and lowered down the windows before giving her a gentle nod.


    "Yes, Miss. Please have a seat."


    The girl nodded, but when she opened the door her eyes widened and so did Leo''s.


    It was Christina.

 Chapter 97 - 96: Sacrifice

    Leo and Christina looked at each other for a brief moment with wide eyes. It was clear that either of them were not expecting to see each other once again so soon.


    "What is going on?" Leo looked at Christina with a little frown before turning his head towards the Driver.


    "It''s the Old Master''s order¡­" The driver spoke. He obviously had no further idea about the incident so it was probably useless asking the poor fellow about it.


    Leo could only look at Christina for answers but the girl herself looked confused. She was in no better position than Leo.


    "I was just asked by my father to get the car that had been taken to pick me up." She exined the situation to Leo while still looking a bit confused about it.


    "Get inside first.." Leo moved a little to the side first and then asked Christina inside. It was after all not good to just let her stand there. Besides it seemed they would be travelling together.


    What else could they possibly do in this situation?


    The door of the car closed and the driver finally took off while the two passengers still had no idea what was about toe.


    "So, your father didn''t tell you anything else?" Leo suddenly asked, looking at Christina.


    "He said it was a surprise and just asked me to board the car. He only sent me the number of the car." She forced a smile on her face as she flicked a screen from her smart link and it indeed had a number which belonged to this car.


    "You have no idea about it as well?" It was Christina''s turn to ask the question.


    Leo obviously was about to shake his head saying that he totally had no idea about it as well, but a memory seemed toe out of nowhere and sh in front of his very eyes. It was something that happened today, it was very fresh within his mind after all.


    He suddenly remembered Reba talking about something which was rted to the Emperor trying to match him and Christina.


    ''Don''t tell me..'' Leo began to have a bad feeling about it. That surely was a possibility, but wasn''t this a bit too exaggerated. Besides, it was still too early to decide, who knows it might be something else in the end.


    Not to mention, he just couldn''t say that to her. It seemed that Christina had no idea about any such news as well. He would only trouble her if he did say it, and in case it turned out to be a false rm, he might embarrass himself.


    "I don''t think I have any idea about it as well.." In the end, he just forced a smile on his face, and shook his head.


    "I see¡­" Christina nodded, and the little frown still remained on her face. She was wondering why her father would be doing something like this.


    ¡­


    A whileter¡­.


    The Car finallynded in the parking area of the Silver Mansion.


    Leo got out of the car and so did Christina.


    One of the servants was already present there to receive them this time.


    "Wee, Second Master and Miss.."


    It was now confirmed that he was expecting Christina as well. There was no doubt that she was at the right ce.


    Christina and Leo exchanged nces, and their faces didn''t look good. Leo seemed to have some idea, and it seemed Christina had begun to realize something as well.


    When the two of them finally arrived inside the Mansion, Leo''s face twitched as he looked at the people present inside.


    Aiden''s parents obviously were there, and sitting against them were another pair of couples which looked to be Christina''s parents. Leo could tell as Christina shared some resemnce with them.


    And then, there was the guy stuffing snacks into his mouth while sitting to the side of the two groups on the sofa all alone.


    His face was familiar to Leo, and he sure wasn''t forgetting him anytime soon.


    He was the Emperor of Gloria, Ragen G. Lynchfield.


    [Just look at this b*stard! From which angel does he look like an Emperor! I really wanna smash this b*stard''s face-nya!] Aiden was immediately pissed at the mere sight of the man. Leo could even hear his teeth grinding in anger.


    "Aiden!" Viona''s voice sounded in the hall, and it broke Leo out of his daze as well. It seemed he was finally noticed.


    The other people turned their heads to look at Leo and Christina as well.


    "Come here , Christina." The man sitting opposite to Edgar smiled as he beckoned Christina. This man had slight blond hair, and blue eyes. There was definitely a strong presence around him.


    He definitely was one of the highest ranking people in Gloria both in terms of power and authority. He was the Current Queen''s Younger Brother. He also had a close rtionship with the Emperor and was one of his advisors.


    But, it seemed that the Emperor was advising him on some matters now. And, it definitely didn''t seem like something good for Leo.


    "You havee young man!" Regan looked at Leo with a smile, and beckoned him to his side.


    Leo forced a smile on his face while Edgar gestured to him to go forward. He sure didn''t know the truth.


    [Tsk! My father can''t see this evil man''s scheme with loyalty blinding his eyes-nya! Aiden grumbled inwardly.


    Leo could bet that no one would have expected Aiden to be actually capable of cursing the Emperor of Gloria. It sure would have been a sight to watch if it actually came to light though.


    "Mom¡­Dad¡­ what is going on?" Christina on the other side looked at her father in confusion, and then turned her head to look at Aiden''s parents.


    "You thought that you could hide it from us forever?" Christina''s mom asked with a meaningful smile, her father seemed to have a simr expression on his face. It was at this moment that Christina''s face turned dark.


    She realized that she was doomed. She understood that it had to do with the matter that happened a month ago at her house.


    "You too..it is not something that you should hide from your parents. The earlier ites to light, the better it is¡­" Ragen smiled at Leo, and Leo could definitely hear some unspoken words which went ''..the better it is for me you prick!''...


    Obviously, he had no idea if it was just an illusion or the mystery of the world.


    But, one thing was for sure now.


    His fears hade true!


    He was doomed now!


    ''I have to deny this! It was all a misunderstanding!'' Leo was immediately in panic. But, he still maintained a neutral face outside.


    [No wait! You can''t do this! If you do, Reba would definitely find out that I was lying! It would make the situation worse-nya.]


    Leo couldn''t retort to that at all. It was just like a movie script when it came to Aiden''s love life. So, if they followed the plot to continue and Leo actually cleared the misunderstanding here, he could definitely see Reba returning after igniting her passion once again with a determination to make Aiden forget about their different position.


    That was something he would love to see. But, the story was definitely different when he was ying the main character''s role and the real main character watched from the sidelines.


    That was just messed up and a whole lot annoying. He definitely wouldn''t want that. But, did that mean he was supposed to sacrifice himself for that? No matter which path he chose now, it would be a doom for him.


    He now had to choose which was less painful in the long run.


    ''But, even if I agree here and lie. Do you think that Christina will follow up?'' Leo asked with a frown.


    [That..nya..]


    Well, that sure was asking for the impossible. You had to be a bit realistic here.


    "You two have been dating without our knowledge? It sure saddens me to see this. Why didn''t you inform us? We have been family friends, we definitely would have supported you." Christina''s mom said with a sad face as she looked at the two of them.


    "Sigh! Kids these days! They don''t listen to their parents at all. But, I think you should respect their choices." Ragen intervened as he picked up another piece of snack from the bowl.


    "Is it true, Aiden? Do you like her?" Viona turned her head to look at Leo, and asked her with a smile


    He could definitely see the excited gleam in her eyes. She was desperately waiting for him to give a nod to it.


    [Say yes-nya]


    [It is still fine if its one sided love-nya!]


    Leo''s face twitched. This guy was sure willing to send Leo through a path of fire as long as it could get him to his goals.


    Everyone looked at him, and Leo felt sweat sliding down his forehead.


    It was time for an answer.

 Chapter 98 - 97: Unexpected Turn Of Events

    Leo stood there surrounded by everyone''s gazes. His back was drenched in sweat. He was caught up in a situation with only two solutions and both led him to his doom in one form or the other.


    [You really are taking you time-nya..] Aiden was worried as well. If Leo didn''t do as he asked him to, then that would truly lead to another trouble for him.


    [Arthur! You are the best A.I., right? Tell him the right choice here-nya] Aiden asked the guy who shouldn''t be biased towards anyone.


    [Considering the current situation, it is better to follow Aiden''s advice.] Arthur followed up with an answer.


    [Yes-nya!] Aiden celebrated, but his smile soon vanished when he heard the reasoning behind.


    [The Emperor doesn''t seem to be in favor of your rtionship with his daughter. It will make him your enemy which is not a logical choice with your strength. While here, he is being supportive which is a very good sign for you. Secondly, if you tell the truth and end up being pursued by the Princess, it would be disastrous for Aiden. The Princess is beautiful and attractive ording to the signals in your body. So, it is very likely that you might fall for her and ept it in the end. In that situation, someone will have to watch things that he wouldn''t wish for..]


    "..."


    [...]


    Both Leo and Aiden went silent.


    This guy sure went dark at it.


    [What is this about finding her attractive-nya?] Aiden muttered in a suspicious tone.


    ''That''s just a fact¡­'' Leo sighed, but he understood the situation.


    He looked at the people around, and suddenly said, "Yes, I like her."


    Christina who was standing beside Leo immediately had her eyes widened in shock. She definitely hadn''t seen thating. She was actually thinking about how to handle the situation and save herself, but who would have thought that it would go like this.


    A smile immediately came up on everyone''s faces.


    Only the Emperor seemed to frown for a bit there. But, his expression changed and soon matched with everyone else.


    "What about you Christina?" Viona looked at the beautiful girl with a smile on her face. It was already very clear from her expression that she had already epted her.


    It was really bing difficult for Christina to face all those expectant gazes which were asking her to say yes as well.


    She couldn''t help but nce at Leo for a bit.


    There was no way this guy was telling the truth. She hadn''t had much interaction with him except for the time when everyone was small. So, it didn''t make sense for him to like her. Hell, he even seemed very normal to her when they met in the Academy. And, he would just treat her as an acquaintance.


    Lovers was definitely not their rtion.


    It might even be a bit too much to call them friends. They weren''t even at that stage.


    ''What do I do?'' Christina was contemting internally. If she told the truth, she would be getting into big trouble with her parents because of what happened a month ago.


    But, lying would get her to stick to this guy whom she barely knew at a personal level.


    "Is there anything wrong?" Viona looked at her with a concerned face. She was afraid that her son''s love was going to be one sided somehow.


    "No..it is.." Christina forced a smile on her face as she once again nced at Leo. But, the guy just had his eyes turned in the other direction. He was fully prepared to be insulted today.


    "..I like him as well.."


    But, the unexpected happened.


    Leo''s eyes immediately widened and he turned his head to look at Christina whose lips were twitching as she smiled at him.


    ''Sh*t! What now?!'' Leo screamed inwardly. He did it to get away from one girl only to be caught by another. He really wasn''t prepared for this sh*t.


    [...]


    Even Aiden was caught off guard. He really had no idea about it. Just when in hell did he be so famous. Wasn''t he looked down all the time by the people around?


    Hell, even gold diggers weren''t approaching him¡­just what in hell happened today¡­wasn''t the princess, only the crazy girl around him.


    He took a minute to gather his thoughts and think it through.


    [Calm down, something is wrong. I don''t think I have ever felt something like that from her-nya.]


    Leo stopped panicking for once and gave a thought about the two times when he had met her. And, it definitely started to make sense.


    The first time he had met her, she attacked him thinking that he was the stalker who had asked her out to confess his feelings. If that was the case, she should have not been so angry if she liked him.


    ''You are right, she has definitely lied.'' Leo frowned internally.


    [But, why-nya?]


    ''Who knows, maybe she is in a simr situation like us?''


    [Really-nya?]


    Leo suddenly realized that their situation was one of a kind. Were there any other people in this world who had their body switched like this? Probably not..


    ''I mean like your love problem..'' Leo corrected himself.


    [I don''t love her. I am just being logical. So, don''t twist your words-nya.]


    ''I wonder who is actually twisting them-nya.'' Leo retorted while mimicking the guy.


    [Yo-] Aiden was about to rage when a voice rang out.


    "Why don''t we make it official then?" Ragen suddenly spoke.


    His words made both Christina and Leo''s faces change in horror.


    "No!" The two simultaneously spoke.


    Even Leo understood the meaning official much less Christina. Making it official was the same as marriage if they exaggerated it a bit. Once it was official, there would be no turning back.


    There were even some cases where a girl would be considered a widow when the guy died before the marriage if they had made it official. Leo didn''t know if this practice still was followed or not. But, he sure wasn''t interested in taking the risk or finding out about it.


    The people around looked at the two in surprise, seeing a strong reaction of objection from them.


    "Why?" Christina''s father suddenly asked as he looked at his daughter.


    "Dad¡­we haven''t told anyone about it because¡­.we didn''t want this to happen¡­" Christina muttered while sweating.


    "Yes¡­" Leo chimed in as well and continued, "We still want to¡­live like this¡­and not burden each other by making it official¡­"


    "Yes¡­.we made a promise¡­" Christina nodded before looking at Leo with a forced smile.


    "Sure we did.." Leo''s lips twitched as he returned that smile.


    "We would like to achieve something in life¡­before starting this officially¡­right?" Christina asked Leo, and he nodded his head in return.


    There families just exchanged looks with each other. Even though it was not like this in their generation, the times sure had changed. The people today had different thought processes.


    "Well, I don''t think there is a need to hurry then¡­" Edgar was cool with it. And, the rest of the two families didn''t mind it as well. It was after all their decision.


    Obviously, this was only peaceful because they were happy with the selection that their children had made. If not, things might have been different.


    "You guys can go upstairs and talk. There is nothing fun with adults to talk about." Ragenughed.


    [This b*stard, one day. I would kill him for sure-nya.]


    Viona seemed to agree with that as well, and asked Leo to show Christina the house. It had been a long time since she visited. Thest visit was years ago, when she was a little girl.


    Leo led Christina upstairs, and two entered his room.


    The moment Leo closed the door, he found her staring at him with a serious look in her eyes.


    "What was that all about?" She finally asked Leo with a frown.


    "I can ask the same." Leo sighed as he came around and took a seat on the couch. He then asked her to take a seat as well.


    The two of them looked at each other before Leo finally broke the silence. He was the one who started it by lying first, so he felt it was his responsibility to go first.


    "I had no choice. There is someone whom I have to ignore. I kind of used the rumours between us for that. And, now I can''t deny it or else she might find out about it." He sighed.


    "Are you talking about Reba?" Christina asked in surprise. She had heard about Princess having a crush on Aiden, and then she was even asking her if the two really had a thing going or not. So, it was not that easy for her to guess.


    "I will leave that to your imagination." Leo calmly replied. He couldn''t admit it to it with Aiden releasing threatening purrs. He was sure the little guy would bite him if he admitted it.


    Leo then looked at her and waited for her to speak.


    Christina had aplicated look on her face and she finally spoke after a bit of hesitation, "Actually, I have a boyfriend."


    Leo''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "My Mother had been trying to match me with different guys or asking me to go on blind dates. And, a month ago, my tongue slipped and I revealed about it to my mom in anger."


    "What''s the problem in it then? They looked very supportive even for you dating a useless person like me." Leo asked in surprise, and Aiden''s little face twitched inside the storage capsule.


    "Well, it''s different here. You are not only a noble but also the son of Sir Edgar." Christina shook her head. "But, my boyfriend is actually amoner.."


    ''Does that really matter?'' Leo asked inwardly.


    [A lot. People would call her crazy if you release this information in public-nya.] Aiden definitely was shocked. Her situation could be said to be not much different from what it was between him and Reba.


    "But, I still don''t understand why you are lying about us here?" Leo asked her, still a bit confused about it. Wasn''t this just going to make things more difficult for her?

 Chapter 99 - 98: Yet To End

    "But, I still don''t understand why you are lying about us here?" Leo asked Christina with a confused look on his face.


    Christina sighed as she looked at Leo with aplicated look on her face before finally speaking up, "I am sure that my mother has reached the limit, she is a very curious person. If I said that it wasn''t you, she would have definitely gone ahead and found my boyfriend herself. And when that happened, it wouldn''t go well."


    "I am not that worried that they would end our rtionship as we were aware of our positions before we even began seeing each other, but what worries me the most is that they might end his career." Christina''s face withered into a sad one.


    "Actually, I even asked him to break up with me after I slipped my tongue and revealed his existence to my mom." She let out a self deprecating smile on her face. "We had a fight, and from then we are not in contact.."


    "I am not even sure whether we are still in a rtionship or not.." She shook her head and sighed once again. "I was foolish to have believed that it would work in the past.."


    [See, even she understands it-nya..] Aiden muttered in a calm tone. But, Leo still felt all of this was ridiculous.


    "So, you are trying to protect him like this?" Leo asked her. Her situation seemed simr to Aiden. But, the two of them were on the different end of the stick for sure.


    "That might be right¡­" Christina nodded. "Aren''t you doing the same kind of thing?"


    "You know that it wouldn''t work between you and Becky. She is a Princess and you are the Marshal''s son. There still might have been a little hope if you had talent. But, you don''t even have that.."


    [This girl sure is starting to act all familiar-nya..] Aiden''s face twitched listening to the truth.


    "I thought that things would be over, if you just denied it. But, now that you have said yes, have you thought about what to do ahead?" Leo asked her with a serious look on his face.


    "Yeah, just let''s pretend for a while andter say that it didn''t work between us. It''s not official after all." Christina casually replied with a smile.


    ''That works?'' Leo asked Aiden in surprise. This was pretty simple inparison to other things that he had been listening to.


    [Yeah, it does-nya.] Aiden confirmed Christina''s statement.


    "Well, that''s fine with me." Leo nodded, "But, what about your boyfriend? The rumors are already floating around, what if he finds out about it?"


    "To be honest, this might be the best for him." Christina smiled, it seemed she had something in her head.


    "If he will give up after this, then it was all he had to himself. It might be better for us to not have gone any further with such a half assed resolve."


    "But, if he insists on still being the one for me, then I will give him an opportunity and tell him that as long as he can prove himself and make a name for himself in the future, I will go against my parents and dump you for him."


    "After all, I am sure as long as he has something to back himself up, my parents would reluctantly allow it."


    Leo''s face twitched a bit.


    This girl sure was not as innocent as she looked.


    "But, there is only one problem here." She suddenly frowned.


    "What is it?" Leo asked her with a confused look on his face.


    "This will sure make things awkward between me and Becky." Christina had an odd look on her face, and Leo sure understood what it meant.


    "There is nothing wrong here. It''s not like she can interfere with other people''s choices, and I am sure she is not that kind of person to hold grudges for something like this." Leo muttered after hearing the same from Aiden.


    "But, she actually approached and asked me about the rumors a few days before and I denied it." Christina forced a smile on her, and it indeed put a slight frown on Leo''s face. But, he soon shook his head.


    "There is nothing wrong with trying to keep your things personal. If you really feel odd, just say that I was the one to have asked you to keep quiet about it." Leo just casuallyid out a good n for her to avoid an awkward situation.


    "Well, that surely will work. She is kind after all." Christina nodded.


    "Bang!"


    At this moment, the door was suddenly flung open.


    Leo and Christina turned their heads and saw Vanessa standing there.


    There was a look of disappointment on her face when she saw the two of them, "Boring, don''t couples usually do lewd things alone in a room? I had my hopes up in vain."


    Both Leo and Christina''s face twitched.


    "You really broke my heart, Aiden! You could have said that you had such a cute girlfriend. Why did you have to y with my heart like this?" She came while staggering and stumbled before dropping down at Christina''s feet.


    "Little Chris...this guy has yed with my heart, be careful with him.." She looked at Christina with teary eyes.


    Christina''s face twitched once again while Leo''s face turned dark. She sure was one hell of a person.


    "You never change Sis.." Christina just smiled at her. She was obviously acquainted with her as well and seemed to be aware about her antics.


    "You used to get all flustered earlier when you were little and acted so cute. You sure have matured now." She smiled before looking at Leo and then back at her. She then moved her mouth closer to Christina''s ear and muttered in a low voice, "Did he help you mature?"


    It took a second for Christina to realize what she meant, and when she did, her face immediately turned red like a tomato and smoke began toe out of her ears. There had to be a limit to jokes like this.


    What was thisdy?


    A pervert..


    "This is what I was talking about.." Vanessaughed looking at Christina''s reaction.


    "Grip!"


    Suddenly, Vanessa felt a grip on her head and turned her head to see Viona ring at her with red bloodthirsty eyes.


    "N-No..it''s not like that Sis..I was just here to greet her.."


    "You areing with me.." Viona dragged Vanessa out of the room as she struggled to escape.


    "You guys have fun. I will make sure she doesn''t disturb you guys again." Viona smiled at Leo and Christina before quietly closing the door.


    Leo finally sighed in relief seeing the trouble gone.


    "She sure hasn''t changed," Christina said while grinding her teeth, her face was still hot and a bit red.


    "Well, she won''t being here now.." Leo Replied with a forced smile on his face. It seemed it wasn''t only him who had hard time with the psychody.


    The two stayed in the room for a while talking about stuff rted to their fake act and Academy until evening.


    It seemed they were leaving after dinner.


    ....


    "I didn''t think he would be able to get himself such a cute girl." Amelia muttered while looking at Christina. She really was in shock today when her brother''s girlfriend popped out of nowhere.


    "Thank you, but you are way prettier than me.." Christina replied to her with a smile, and everyone else automatically had a smile on their face seeing her actions.


    [What is wrong with her-nya?]


    ''She sure is raising gs here. I bet your family is impressed and their expectations for the future are reaching sky high. When the time of break upes, I bet I will be taking all the me.'' Leo sighed inwardly, but he couldn''t do anything about it. This seemed like Christina''s inner personality.


    "Take care.." Vanessa smiled and hugged Christina before whispering into her ear, "If you need any knowledge on how to do it, just contact me. I will teach you."


    She then let go of her, but Christina for some reason kept her low while a satisfied expression appeared on Vanessa''s face seeing the poor little girl''s reactions. She really enjoyed teasing people.


    When the group finally left, every gaze turned towards Leo and then came a barrage of questions raining down at him.


    "Since when has it been going on?"


    "Didn''t you lose your memory? How did you guys get back together?" This was one of the questions that everyone was quite interested in.


    "How did you got such a cute girl while still being a loser?" Amelia immediately felt several res being directed at her as she once again let her tongue go out of control. She really needed much practice.


    "You have done me proud.." Edgar was the happiest of all. To be able to get a partner was one of the tasks that they had to do as part of their tradition. The ones who had to depend on their parents for arranging it were often looked down upon.


    So, he was obviously happy for Aiden.


    Leo felt sweat sliding down his face as he looked at all these people staring right at him.. It seemed his troublesome day had yet to end.

 Chapter 100 - 99: Murder

    "That was tiring.." Leo fell on his bed in exhaustion. He was really tired with everything that had happened today.


    [You still have your evening practice pending..] Arthur''s voice rang in Leo''s mind, and he realized that the horror had yet to truly end.


    ''Can''t I take a break?'' Leo asked with a pitiful look on his face.


    "No breaks for you-nya." Aiden replied before Arthur as he sat there on the sofa wrestling with a teddy bear which was stolen from Amelia''s room.


    "What are you trying to do?" Leo couldn''t help, but ask him in confusion.


    "I feel pretty useless in this body. So, I am trying to see if I can create some way ofbat.." Aiden muttered calmly as he concentrated on his opponent, the stationery teddy.


    ''Can we reduce the routine today?'' Leo asked Arthur as ast request. If he started his routine now, he wouldn''t be getting much sleep.


    [No..] Coach Arthur was as strict as usual. Leo had previously agreed to his request of him taking control of the training schedule, so there was no running away now.


    Before Leo knew, he was already dragged in through the [Virtual Projection] and found himself stranded right in the middle of a dessert.


    There were two suns on this, and both were shining with all their might, and Leo almost felt his skin searing in the heat.


    A drop of sweat slid down his chin. And, the moment it touched the ground, it evaporated into thin air.


    [Today''s training is endurance and stamina rted. Start running.. ]


    Leo could only sigh as he took a step forward.


    ¡­


    The next day..


    "Yawnn!!" Leo woke up in the morning as usual, he had barely slept. But, it wasn''t as bad as he thought. It seemed levelling up was showing its effect.


    In the garden, he met with Edgar practicing his sword as usual. He sure didn''t miss a single day.


    "Yesterday sure didn''t go as nned.." Edgar smiled at him helplessly. They had nned to visit a pet shop, but with the Emperor and Christina''s parents'' sudden arrival, it sure had all gone down the wrong way.


    "I don''t have time this week," Edgar gave him an apologetic smile as they got out of the mansion to take a walk around.


    "But, I have talked to one of my friends who owns a beast shop in the city. Aaron had found his from the same ce. Just go and pay him a visit when you have time.." He further added with a smile.


    Leo gave him a nod.


    He then followed his usual routine around until it was time to leave for the Academy once again.


    "Where is Vanessa?" Leo asked in surprise when he didn''t see her around. She was a teacher in the Academy, so she should have been a regr to the Academy for sure.


    "Don''t you know Instructors have to arrive earlier than all the other students?" Amelia asked in surprise, and it only made Leo frown.


    "What about yesterday?" Leo asked in confusion. She sure had travelled with them yesterday.


    "Initially I thought that she had gottente yesterday, but I think she just wanted to prank you." Amelia shook her head with a smile, and Leo''s face twitched.


    He could only sigh inwardly. But, he decided to not get angry at her. She had been a jerk in all but she didn''t let out the fact that he hadn''t been attending his sses to the family.


    That sure had helped him to avoid unnecessary trouble. So, he had to give that to her.


    "How are your preparations going? There is only three days until your fight.." Amelia asked him in curiosity. "You won''t embarrass me, right?"


    "I will try my best.." Leo calmly replied.


    ¡­


    The Car finallynded on one of the parking spots, and the two of them quietly got out.


    Amelia walked ahead of Leo as usual, maintaining a proper distance from him. There was no change in this aspect.


    "Hmmn?" Leo brows tightened a bit when he noticed a small crowd of students ahead at the main gates.


    Amelia stopped near the same ce, and Leo soon caught up to her.


    "What''s going on?" He asked her.


    Amelia turned to look at him with a little pale face, "They are saying a student was found dead inside.."


    Leo''s eyes immediately widened and he turned his head towards the gates.


    At this moment, Professor Benard appeared at the gates of the Academy, and the crowd of students finally turned silent.


    "The unfortunate incident that had urred today is still being investigated. The Academy will continue to function as usual today. But, we would like the students to remain vignt." He announced while looking at the students and soon a simr message was sent onto every student''s smart link.


    "Are you not going to take responsibility for our protections? What do you mean to remain vignt?"


    "Yeah! He is right!"


    Simr voice erupted among the students.


    "It seems you don''t get the picture.." The Professor looked at the students and shook his head with a smile. "Did you guys forget the waiver you signed while taking admissions?"


    Everyone immediately froze remembering that. There certainly was waver like which made the students aware of the danger in the course. There were after all a lot of chances of mishaps when you were in this field.


    But, that certainly was different with this situation, wasn''t it?


    Everyone had the same thought, but the man in front of them surely proved them wrong.


    "All the other departments except for yours had been closed."


    That sure made people''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "That''s unfair!"


    "You are discriminating us!"


    People screamed in a simr manner.


    But, the Professor just shook his head, "Don''t you guys know how much better you are treated than the other courses? We spend our major funds on raising you people. So, why don''t I hear youin about it then?"


    His words immediately shut everyone''s mouth.


    "I won''t ask you to attend the sses. It isn''t mandatory."


    People knew that it wasn''t the problem here. Everything here affected one''s career. And, they were sure that this would happen in this case as well. It might even be taken as a major criteria in judging them, no one knew what could happen.


    "Besides, I assure you that we are working on it and have increased security several dozen times. There should be no problem as long as you handle this situation calmly."


    A lot of people still didn''t seem very impressed.


    "One more thing, the one who could help the Academy in solving this case will be rewarded as well. Only if you do it before us though.." The Professor smiled, and a few student''s eyes immediately lit up.


    The Academy gates were then allowed to be open.


    It was now the student''s decision whether they wanted to go inside or not.


    Leo suddenly noticed a person move from the corner of his eyes, and aplicated look immediately appeared on his face.


    It was Reba.


    People immediately made way for the Princess, and she was the first one to walk in with Serina closely following behind her.


    With her taking the lead, it was very obvious what was about toe next. A lot of people immediately followed after her.


    Still, there were a few who turned around to leave.


    Amelia seemed to be hesitant about it, but in the end, she took a step forward after making up her mind.


    "Grip!"


    Suddenly, she felt a grip on her hand and saw Aiden hold her wrist.


    "I told you not to act familiar with-"


    "Return back home.." Leo replied with a serious gaze.


    Amelia obviously wanted to retort saying that she wasn''t scared, but when she saw that grim look in Leo''s eyes and the stance which was not going to take no for an answer, she reluctantly gave in.


    "Hmph!" She stomped her feet on the ground before turning around and leaving.


    Leo couldn''t help but sigh seeing her behave like that. But, he wasn''t willing to take a chance.


    He then turned his head towards the person standing near the gates smiling at him.


    It was this man that had made him fear the worse for this incident and led him to send Amelia back.


    It was Jack, the Librarian.


    Leo slowly walked towards the man.


    "Is it that thing?" He asked him with a serious look on his face. If it really was Zest, that would be serious trouble.


    "Should we go into the library?" Jack asked with a smile, but Leo sure wasn''t feeling happy at all. "This doesn''t seem like the right ce to talk.."


    "You sure don''t seem affected by it. It should be your fault to begin with.." Leo muttered as he followed behind him.


    "We don''t talk like that in our field. If you are weak, then you are the one at fault. Besides, you and your friend were the one to release that thing. So, don''t put the me on me."


    "If I am right, you were in there to look for the cleaning devices. Did those jars look like one to you? If not, why touch them?" Jack asked with a snort, and Leo surely felt his tongue tied.. There was no way you could beat this shameless person with his words.

 Chapter 101 - 100: A Serious Situation

    "Hmph! What''s with him?! When did he start caring about me so much?!" Amelia grumbled as she made her way back towards the parking lot.


    "Amelia?"


    The voice attracted her attention, and she raised her head to see a group of students walking right towards her being led by a guy. These people were her group of friends.


    "Did you forget something? The Academy gates are towards the opposite ends.." Jason, the person in lead smiled as he pointed towards the other side.


    This guy was Jason Young, the son of one of the Chiefs in the Army under Edgar. He was talented among the uing generation, and had people expecting a lot from him.


    "Did you guys see the message? It seems someone is dead.." A girl in the group smiled as she showed the messaged to everyone.


    She was Tristy Florence, the daughter of one of the Major Aristocrats in the Finance ministry. Her family was also know for harboring strong Awakeners.


    "Isn''t it interesting? Things had been boring all these while.." Jasonughed before looking Amelia, "Don''t you think so too?"


    Amelia looked at him, and begun to hesitate. She was supposed to be leaving the Academy, but if she did that now, what would her friends think?


    Her reputation would definitely take a hit.


    She might even be excluded from the group.


    Amelia had actually worked a lot to found a ce for herself and fit in the ss. After all, she never had nned to take the military course and after being suddenly forced into it, she really didn''t knew what to do.


    In the end, she did what everyone else did. Followed the norm, and acted in a way that made people look up to her. This was how she got till here.


    It really was not easy.


    "What''s wrong?" Jason asked her as his brows tightened a bit. She sure was silent for some reason.


    "Umn..yeah.. It will be interesting I think.." Amelia nodded.


    "Let''s go then¡­" Tristy grabbed onto Amelia''s arm and dragged her along.


    "By the way, have you guys seen that cat girl?" A fat guy suddenly among the group suddenly asked with a smile on his face.


    "Haven''t seen her for two days. Guess you messed a bit too much with her.." Jason said with augh as he shook his head.


    Amelia''s face immediately turned a bitplicated, but Tristy just tugged at her , asking her not to pay attention to them.


    As Amelia went towards the gate once again, she was freaking out a bit inside, ''What will I do if he finds out?''


    She grinded her teeth before finallying to a decision, ''Let it be, they should have thought about dangers before forcing me into this.''


    ¡­


    On the other side, Leo walked into the library with Jack and found Harry waiting there as well.


    Jack looked at the two of them as he took his seat on the reception desk.


    "Well, now that you two are here, I will finally inform you about something.."


    "I don''t think I will like to hear it.." Harry looked at him with aplicated look on his face. Last time he told them about Zergs and almost got them in trouble. Luckily, the Dean didn''t seem to be a bad guy. He hadn''t done anything to them except for asking them to not talk about it.


    "You don''t need to worry. This time it''s something for your benefit.." Jack looked at the two and smiled.


    Leo and Harry exchanged a nce. If you ask them if this guy was trustworthy, they sure would tell you no.


    "As you guys expected, the incident this time is indeed rted to the Zerg which escaped."


    The atmosphere immediately became tense with those words. Both Leo and Harry had a serious look on their faces. They knew how terrifying that thing was. It was something which wouldn''t die. It was immortal. Even after being cut and stored into jars, it continued to live on.


    Only God knew how Leo was able to kill one of them.


    "You should be aware of how strong that thing is.." Jack''s expression changed as he finally came to the main topic.


    "Most of the Instructors in the Academy aren''t even aware about who the culprit is and what we are chasing after."


    "They most likely think it is a student or some kind of Beast which had gone out of control of its owner."


    "The same should be the thoughts of most of the students around right now. But, the truth is somethin you two know. It isn''t possible for them to handle this thing. That''s why I want you two be alert. You know the real appearance and ability of that thing."


    "If you see it, don''t engage and try to stop others from doing it as well. Inform me first and foremost.."


    "And.."


    It seemed there was still more to it.


    "What is it?" Leo frowned seeing that Jack''s face had turned ugly. He was having a bad feeling about it. Everything that he had told them was already bad enough, could there be anything worse?


    "The trace of battle that we found around the student''s bodies, shows it was a fight between two humanoid creatures.."


    "Then why do you think it''s a Zerg?" Leo asked in confusion. Wasn''t it possible that it was not a Zerg but some other student.


    "The dead body was deprived of energy as if it had been sucked dry of it. People like us don''t do that. But, a Zerg who had been weakened after decades of imprisonment sure would.."


    "If it was a Zerg, why were there traces of battle between two humanoid races?" Harry asked with a frown.


    "..."


    Suddenly, realization hit both Leo and Harry and it became clear to them what was going around.


    "You don''t mean.." Leo''s eyes widened, and Harry gulped as well with sweat sliding down the duo''s face.


    "That thing has most likely gained control of another student. There isn''t one victim, but two.." Jack calmly stated the fact.


    "Is the person being controlled dead?" Harry asked with aplicated look on his face.


    "That is uncertain. We can''t tell anything until we catch that thing.." Jack looked at the time and then raised his head to look at the two of them again.


    "Anyway, it''s time for you two to leave. I have got some work to do." He waved his hand, asking them to leave.


    ¡­


    "I can''t believe that guy is still so casual about it when he is the one to have caused all of this.." Leo muttered with a frown on his face.


    [This is how things work here-nya.]


    [It''s not your every day happy go show here. Besides, he isn''t wrong. You guys did break the jars and feed that thing-nya] Aiden replied with a sigh.


    "If only I hadn''t touched that jar.." Harry muttered with a depressed look on his face. He was feeling guilty about it. To him, it was as if he was the cause of all this incident.


    "Don''t be like that. If you want to find a reason to me yourself, I can do the same. I shouldn''t have taken you and it wouldn''t have ever happened. Also, the Librarian shouldn''t have been a jerk for punishing me when I did nothing wrong. So, in the end, it is still his fault."


    "So, don''t worry.." Leo cheered him up.


    ¡­


    "It was true in the end.." Reba let out a deprecating smile on her face as she looked at Serina.


    Yesterday, she had heard from her father how well things went at Silver''s house. The two of them were very happy with their rtionship, and so was the family. He even went as far as to say that it was a match made in heaven.


    "That girl, I can''t believe she could lie with such a straight face.." Serina muttered with a frown on her face.


    "Don''t say anything to her. She actually called me yesterday and exin everything to me. Apparently, Aiden wanted them to keep their rtionship a secret. That was the reason that she was lying to us and denying it." Reba said with amiable smile on her face.


    "You really are too kind, girl." Serina pulled her cheeks with a sigh.


    "Stop doing that! I am the Princess." Reba hurriedly pulled herself away and turned her head to see if anybody was looking at her.


    And, yes, almost 70 percent of the guys had their eyes on her. But, as soon as they saw her looking towards them, they immediately turned their head away.


    "Since when did you begin to be so conscious about your identity as a Princess?" Serina asked in surprise.


    "Well, someone reminded me about it yesterday." Reba replied with a smile, but there was a sadness within it.


    Serina immediately seemed to sense what was this about, and refrained herself from asking any further.


    There was nothing that she could do about this.


    Reba had to deal with her position and make her resolve about what kind of Princess she wanted to be.

 Chapter 102 - 101: A Boss

    Leo and Harry arrived in the ss and a lot of students were missing. Almost 90 percent of the ss was absent. And, that was very low considering to the fact that most of the other sses had almost 50 to 70 percent of attendance, and the top sses actually had almost everyone present.


    "Where is Paul?" Harry asked as he looked at Biggie. Paul couldn''t be found anywhere as well.


    "Her returned," Biggies said with a helpless smile. "He says if he is given an option between sses and free time to sleep, he would definitely chose theter. So, he did it.."


    Leo''s face twitched.


    [That guy sure doesn''t care about anything but sleeping-nya.] Aiden was really speechless.


    "It''s good for him I guess. He would have been the most vulnerable person in the entire Academy since he sleeps anywhere.." Harry shook his head.


    Leo definitely couldn''t deny that.


    "Tsk..a bunch of p*ssies, look at all of these empty seats.." A person suddenly spoke as he walked into the room.


    This guy has long spiky hairs going down below his neck. There were a few cuts on his face, and his fists were wrapped in bandages. It was obvious from one look that this was the guy who got into a lot of fights.


    He was the self dered top dog of the ss. Every ss had such personalities, and this was the guy for their ss.


    His name was Billy Trevor. He was a Demi-Human, more specifically, a Werewolf.


    He was one of the few Cyan Colored energy users in the ss, and was definitely stronger than the most.


    It was said that he was reaching around Lv 16 or something.


    It was almost same at the Levels of the other top dogs. But, there was major difference between this people. For example, a Lv 16 Cyan Rank Skill user, would definitely be defeated by people of the same rank but with a higher Color Skill.


    You got the picture, right?


    The top sses had people with ck, White, Silver rank skills, etc. There was no way that they would be match for them.


    Billie seemed to be in a bit of a bad mood as he looked at the remaining students. He then went up to the Instructor''s podium, and addressed the ss, "This is pathetic¡­I am not sure about what you guys feel. But, I don''t like how this is going."


    "I don''t deserve to be in this ss filled with losers." His words sure got on everyone''s nerves. But, no one dared to refute him.


    "Isn''t he here because he is a loser as well?" Biggie asked with a smile. He really didn''t seem to be reading the situation here.


    "Ssh!!" Harry immediately shut his mouth, and slightly turned his head to look at Billy with a pale face. Luckily, he didn''t seem to have heard them.


    "Do you have a death wish?" He asked the big guy.


    "Is he that strong?" Leo asked in surprise. He had scanned Biggie as well, and this guy was around Lv 12, his skill unknown meaning it was at least red or above.


    "Don''t you guys know, he has the potential to be in the top ss. But, his bad behavior andck of background has got him down here." Harry informed the two.


    "Besides, the day the list came out for out section, he challenged everyone for the position of the top dog, and beat the sh*t out of them. So, don''t mess with him."


    [He is right, even I have heard of this guy. It seemed he had challenged that b*stard Graylock once. But, there were no results as the fight wasn''t official and the Disciplinary Committee stopped them. So, it didn''te to any conclusive end-nya.]


    ''He is definitely strong then..'' Leo''s curiosity was piqued. He definitely wanted to see how strong this guy was.


    ''Arthur, Scan him.''


    [Scanning...]


    Name: [Billy Trevor]


    Lv 17: [Elite]


    Green Rank Skill: [Blood Moon]


    Race: [Demi-Human]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [E+]


    [Stats]


    Strength: 155


    Agility: 179


    Stamina: 142


    ''His stats are pretty uneven. His agility has pushed him to the rank of Level 17, but if averaged, he should be around Lv 15.''


    [True. Besides, he has a green rank skill. That definitely is limiting his potential-nya.] Aiden said with a sigh. His situation was kind of simr to him in a way, but not as bad.


    Suddenly, Billy turned his head towards Leo and his eyes met with him.


    It lingered at him for a few seconds before going in another direction.


    "I can''t change my ss to a better one . Hence, I have decided to make it into a better one. From now on, I am the Boss. You will all listen to me and follow me. Those with problems cane and meet me."


    "So, let me hear, is there anyone with a problem here?" He asked in a loud voice while ring at everyone.


    No one seemed to have the guts to even meet his eyes, much less open their mouths and objects.


    "Good, follow me and I will not treat you as an enemy. I won''t aim for your points. That''s a promise." He looked at everyone with a serious look on his face, "We will make those other sses, and the Instructors who put us in here with the tag of losers, eat their own words."


    "So are you with me!!" He asked, looking at the people around.


    "Yes!!!" Harry screamed at the top of his voice.


    And....


    He was the only one to open his mouth.


    Others still seemed hesitant about all of this.


    "Uh.." Harry''s mouth suddenly closed and he looked at the ss who were staring at him. That certainly was awkward.


    "Good! That is what I need for everyone.." Billy looked towards Harry with a smile on his face. "What''s your name?"


    "Harry¡­Harry Ruse.." Harry replied with a forced smile on his face as sweat began to appear on his forehead.


    "I need people like you. From now on, you will be my right hand man. You will help me rebuild this ss.."


    Harry''s face immediately turned pale. He just wanted to stay at one corner of the ss and blend into the wall. He was supposed to be a ninja, remaining in the shadows and not in the light.


    This was not his Ninja way!


    ''This is not possible! I have to refuse!''


    "Where is your answer?!"


    "Yes, Sir! I will follow you!" Harry immediately shouted and gave a salute as if this guy was his superior in the Army.


    Leo looked at the guy, and definitely could see him cry internally.


    "Congrattions, Right hand man." Leo poked him.


    Harry immediately red at him. This was what one called rubbing salt on one''s wound. This wasn''t something friends were supposed to do!! This was treason!! An act punishable by Seppuku!


    Leo smiled looking at the fellow grinding his teeth at him.


    Harry suddenly released a smirk as an idea popped up in his head. He then turned his head towards Billy and immediately spoke up, "I already have a suggestion for improvement of the ss, Boss!"


    "Oh?"


    "What is it?"


    Billy looked at him with interest, definitely not expecting him to give out something so quickly. He only had nned to let his idea out, and then n it all a bitter before starting to work on improving the ss.


    "I think we all know about this person here.." He suddenly pointed towards Aiden. "He is an excellent person when ites to study, and not only that, he is also a person known for his grit and courage all through the Academy. I think it will be a very good option if we pick him to be one of the leaders and if possible.... to be your left hand. He can serve as a good example for the amount of hard work and determination one need to have.."


    Leo''s face immediately sank.


    He definitely hadn''t expected this guy to bite him back, and drag him down. This was definitely not what friends should do!


    "Well, I certainly can''t deny that.." Billy looked at Leo with a serious look on his face. He was definitely waiting for an answer.


    [This is the reason I didn''t make friend-nya.] Aiden seemed a bit proud of himself.


    "Don''t refuse. I am too afraid to be with that psycho alone.." Harry lightly muttered with a smile on his face.


    Leo, who was thinking of refusing with by making his skin thick, suddenly stopped. He was in a dilemma. He was still feeling guilty for putting Harry through the Library incident, but didn''t want to get into this. In the end, the guilt finally took over.


    He forced a smile on his face and just nodded.


    "If everyone is helping, I would like to help too!" A voice sounded from their side.


    Both Leo and Harry wanted to p their forehead when Biggie volunteered for service. This guy was really too simple. He just wanted to be involved with everyone like a child who was seeking attention.


    It seemed that another new chapter was going to begin for Leo with so many previous chapters yet to close.

 Chapter 103 - 102: Hatred

    Dean''s Office, Academy.


    The Dean calmly sat on his chair looking at thedy in front of him. She was one of the students who had graduated from this very Academy. But, it was a pity that she ended up..


    Dean Valen shook his head with a sigh as thedy''s voice rang in the room.


    "You are endangering the student''s life by letting the sses go on.."


    Thisdy was none other than Vanessa.


    "Miss Regalia, I don''t want you to teach me my ways of running the Academy. This is not your Temple of Light.." Valen looked at her with a calm gaze, and Vanessa''s expression changed.


    She understood what was going on here. Valen was not happy with how the Temple of Light had interfered and used its influence to help Vanessa secure a temporary ce in the Academy.


    Valen even had a faint idea why the Temple had sent her here. It definitely had something to do with the library incident.


    Hence, he had paid special attention and erased all kinds of evidence rting to it. There was no way that she was going to find anything about it.


    What was even more amusing was that the student involved in the incident was someone very close to her.


    It was Aiden, and his friend, Harry as well.


    She was definitely not going to suspect a person who was practically by her side all day long. He even had deliberately made sure that the two were put together in her ss. The closer they were to her, the lesser she would suspect them.


    "You really don''t know what''s going on, Dean?" Vanessa asked him with a serious gaze, but the man in front just shook his head calmly.


    "We are still investigating. It''s most likely some work of a student. But, if you think of it as otherwise, then I am all ears." He raised his head to look at her. There was no sign of him faking his words.


    ''He definitely is a tough nut to crack¡­'' Vanessa muttered inwardly. She had been informed by the Bishop to keep an eye on the Dean and be wary of him. This man had never been the type to cooperate. And, no one knew whose side he was on.


    "What if another student dies due to your carelessness?" She further asked him with a frown, refusing to back down. She was stubborn as hell.


    "This is how I run this ce. No one has questioned me in years. If you or any other student have a problem with my way of doing things, you can leave the Academy. No one is going to stop you."


    Vanessa clenched her fist as her face twitched in anger.


    "I guess there is nothing I can do to convince you then. But, if I find anyone responsible for the incident or trying to manipte things behind the scenes, I won''t spare him.." She looked at the Dean, her words were definitely a threat.


    "It''s the same here¡­" Valen looked at her and smiled, "You have been one of our bright students. So, I won''t take your words as otherwise. But.." The Dean suddenly paused and his smile vanished as his expression changed into a serious one, "If the Temple wants to mess with my students for their own agenda¡­then I won''t be polite anymore.."


    "You don''t need to worry that, the Temple protects everyone.." Vanessa replied with a calm look on her face.


    "You are too young.." Valen shook his head with augh. He clearly didn''t seem to agree with her.


    Vanessa looked at him once more, and then went ahead on her way.


    It wasn''t like she didn''t understand Dean''s thoughts. There was a darker side to everything, but she still believed in the Temple. If not for it, the Universe wouldn''t have been as peaceful as it is now.


    She would have been dead as well.


    Nor would her parents be avenged. There was a need for the Temple, and a need to make it even stronger. So, cases like her and a lot others could be prevented in the future. That was the reason that she had joined the Temple of Light, and dedicated herself to their cause.


    It was a tough decision on her part to leave the Silvers and Gloria to be a part of a different entity but she had made her decision long ago. She had always beenmitted to it, and hence when the time came, she went with it.


    It was true that people looked down on her, and talked bad about her for leaving her own nation who nurtured her. It was bound to happen as she was one of the greatest talents that Gloria had ever seen. And, to think that such a person was taken by the Temple. It definitely had to hurt.


    Some people had even expected her to be the first Female Marshal in Gloria''s Military and make history. But, those dreams and expectations had surelye shattering down when she had left.


    Vanessa walked down the hallway heading towards her ss as she sighed, and closed her eyes.


    She was actually afraid of something happening to the students, and her worry multiplied when thinking of the fact that Aiden, Amelia and Aaron were all in the Academy as well. She had already lost her family once, and she didn''t want to go through it once again.


    Even now when she closed her eyes, she could remember the voice of her little brother ringing in her ears before the tragedy struck on the Regalia''s. The which was under her father''s Lordship.


    It was one of the first''s to be attacked in Gloria''s territory.


    Before help could arrive atrge, there was nothing much left to protect. She had almost lost everything. Her Younger brother died when their house copsed in the attack, she had seen him getting crushed right in front of her eyes.


    The reason why she always poked fun at Leo was rted to his current behavior. It kind of resembled a lot like her brother. It was a pity that this guy just didn''t seem interested in socializing. Hence, she tried everything she could do to attract his attention.


    Back then, it was already devastating enough for her, but it only got worse when she heard that her parents had passed away as well.


    There was no one left for her anymore. She was totally heartbroken, with nothing but hatred for that man who was behind all of this.


    The Demon King¡­


    His mere name would make her go crazy.


    She swore in her heart to kill everyone rted to that man. You can call it revenge, justice, or craziness. She didn''t mind. She knew one thing for sure, nothing good woulde when that man''s name was mentioned.


    Even through the course of all these years, his name had popped up quite a few times, and each time, it had caused a disaster.


    It had gotten worse to the point that people had made his name a taboo. It wasn''t allowed to be said.


    And now, there were traces of that man''s will detected around Gloria. How could she ignore that?


    It was probably one of the worst news that she had heard in her entire life ever since the war.


    There were only a few reasons for a person''s will to appear.


    First and the obvious it was that person himself. It was impossible since the source said that the man was dead for sure.


    Secondly, some kind of device that could store his will. This possibility couldn''t be denied as the Demon King was known for his weird other dimension technology.


    Thest, was passing down one''s will. In simple words, a sessor.


    She hoped that it was the second possibility. Because if it was any one of the other two, the Universe would once again plunge into chaos.


    ''No matter what it is, I will definitely deal with it. If it is a device, I will destroy it. If it is his sessor, I will kill him..'' A cold look appeared in Vanessa''s eyes. She sure wasn''t going to show mercy even if it was a two year old.


    The hatred in her eyes was evident.


    ¡­


    "Achoo!" Leo rubbed his nose.


    "Someone is thinking about you it seems." Harry smiled at Leo.


    [Well, you have offended so many people. I bet it''s one of them-nya.] Aiden replied with augh, [But, don''t worry we will deal with them one at a time-nya.]


    "Woah! Look! Someone has bet heavily on you!" Harry was surprised as he looked at the betting pool for the uing fight for Leo.


    Leo looked over his shoulder and there was indeed one person who had bet heavily on him.


    "He ising towards us.." Harry suddenly noticed Billy walking down the podium anding towards them.


    "What are you afraid of now? You are his right hand man, did you forget it?" Leo looked at the guy who was sweating nervously.


    Billy finally came up to them, and turned his head towards Leo, "I heard you were going to have a fight."


    Well, with the betting pool open, the story sure had spread through the entire Academy.

 Chapter 104 - 103: Aiden In Rage

    "I heard you were going to have a fight?"


    Leo looked at Billy and gave him a nod.


    "Well, meet me after school hours. I will lend you a hand and be your sparring partner," He said with a smile.


    Both Leo and Harry''s face twitched a bit. That sure hade out of nowhere.


    "You are going to be a leading figure in the ss. We can''t have you losing to the peeps from other sses. Besides, I have bet on you heavily. And, I don''t like taking losses." His lips curled up into a smile, but it definitely looked like a Demonic grin to Harry.


    They finally knew the person who had dared to bet on Leo.


    It was him.


    At this moment, Vanessa entered the ss.


    The students slowly returned to their seats.


    Vanessa scanned the ssroom and felt a bit relieved. It was good that many students were absent. She didn''t want them toe and put themselves in danger.


    ''He is here..'' Her eyes fell on Leo and she sighed inwardly.


    "You guys have most definitely heard about what had happened in the Academy. But, I would still like to remind you guys about a few things. The Academy currently is not safe. So, refrain from moving alone. Move in groups of two to three. Stay alert all the time."


    "And, don''t try to be a hero. If something happens, call for help."


    Vanessa had a serious look on her face as she conveyed her message to the students around.


    After that, she began her sses as usual. The few students quietly listened to them and like that the period passed. It was the same for the next two periods. The Instructors came, and shared their pieces of advice to them on how to react and keep themselves safe in case something went wrong.


    "I feel like it''s more of a practical ss about how to deal with an enemy than our normal subjects." Harry muttered as the group got out and headed towards the Club. It was breaktime, and the club was their usual ce to chill.


    "You guys are here?" Spike was in the hallway of the club when they entered the old building. It seemed that he was heading towards the club as well.


    "Aren''t your sses cancelled?" Leo asked in surprise. He sure had heard that these guys had their sses cancelled. After all, only Military Department students had their sses being continued.


    And, this guy was going to be a Schr in Literature for everyone''s knowledge.


    "Yeah, my sses are cancelled. But, I live in a dorm. It''s way scarier for me to stay there. The security isn''t even tight at the Dorms inparison to this ce." Spike replied with a sigh.


    "Aren''t the Dorms at one end of the campus? What are you afraid of?" Harry asked with a smile.


    "So, what? It''s still on the campus. Even though it''s a bit far, the killer can surelye there if he wants to." Spike retorted with a frown.


    "Still, I bet the guy wouldn''t even see you. You just need to buy a shoe, and hide inside it if things go wrong. I bet no one has enough time to flip a shoes and see if someone is hiding in there." Harry said with augh. But, Leo was honestly impressed with the idea.


    "You racist jerk!! You dare to discriminate!! I will kill you!!" The little guy didn''t seem to take the joke well. And, he immediately went towards Harry with a flying kick.


    This time, Leo step aside instead of intervening. He had already once experienced the terror of Martial Arts.


    "Calm down, I was just joking.." Harry immediately backed off as he swiped his hand, and Spike froze in mid air.


    Even though it was hard to notice it with naked eye, Leo knew there were tiny metal strings in the air holding the little guy.


    "You are discriminating against me!! I want justice!! Besides, you can''t deny me my freedom of movement!! Let me go!!"


    "I don''t think it works that way.." Harry sighed looking at the little guy. He just didn''t wanna get hit.


    A littleter, Spike finally calmed down.


    "Let me go, I won''t do anything.." He said with a serious look on his face.


    Harry stared at the little fellow, and finally let go of him.


    Spike fell from the air, and as soon as his feet touched the ground, he reacted in a lightning fast manner.


    "One Step kick! Hayaa!!"


    One couldn''t even see his movement clearly. It was as if he was close to touching the ground, and the next moment, he was already in front of Harry''s face.


    But, his figure suddenly seemed to crash into an invisible, and before anyone knew, he was once again stuck in mid air hanging upside down while struggling to get out of there.


    "This guy will never change.." Harry shook his head with a sigh. He then grabbed the invisible, and just carried the protesting Spike in it as they walked all the way toward their club.


    "It''s good to see that everyone is here." Yuji''s voice rang in their ears as soon as they entered the room.


    "He is here as well?" Leo asked in surprise as he looked at the guy in the corner who was inside a sleeping bag with a sleeping mask on as well.


    It was Paul.


    "He said going back home would be tiresome and would waste his sleeping time.." Yuji forced a smile on his face.


    "So, is he not nning to return home at all then?" Spike asked with a snort as hended on the ground.


    As for Harry, he seemed to have disappeared in the shadows once again.


    "I heard everyone is here.." Nora''s voice sounded in the hall as she walked into the room from her own experiment room wearing that gas mask.


    "Close that door first! You will kill all of us!" Yuji urged her.


    "Oops!" Nora immediately closed the door with a silly smile on her face as everyone broke out in cold sweat.


    "Hmmn?" Nora''s brows scrunched when she looked around, "Where is Runeko?"


    She heard that everyone was here. But, a person sure was missing.


    Yuji frowned as well.


    That girl hadn''te straight for a few days now. This had never urred before. And, her replies were bing very vague as well.


    "Is she in some kind of trouble?" Biggie asked, speaking the question that everyone had in mind.


    "I think we should check on her.." Nora suggested as she looked at everyone. She was starting to get a bit worried honestly. It was obvious to everyone how bad the environment could be in the Military Department and on top of that Runeko had a meek personality.


    It wasn''t wrong for them to think that something must have happened to her.


    "The person who is free should go to her Dorm and check. While someone else can go ask around her ss and find if something had happened with her recently." Yuji looked at everyone.


    "I am free! I will check the dorm with this guy.." Spike leapt into the air and after doing a double flip, hended onto Paul''s head waking the sleepy guy up.


    "Well, that''s good. Now who will check in the ss.." He looked around, and suddenly everyone''s gaze turned towards Leo.


    "Huh? What are you guys looking at me for?" He asked with a dark face. Let''s be honest, going to the ss of the junior year wasn''t a pleasant experience. Rumors were too easy to spread, like you were bullying them, or dating a younger girl etc.. and it would be even worse if a kid younger than you disrespected you.


    "You have your sister in the same ss. It will be a piece of cake for you," Yuji said with a smile and others nodded as well.


    "And there is nothing odd about you going to look for your sister. Besides, I am sure she should be aware about the situation of her ssmate."


    "She hasn''t actuallye to the Academy today. I asked her to leave due to the incident in the morning." Leo forced a smile on his face. "Still, I can give her a call."


    "That''s weird. I think I saw her somewhere." Nora replied with an odd look on her face.


    A frown immediately appeared on Leo''s face.


    [That girl¡­nya..] Aiden''s grim voice rang in Leo''s mind. He was pissed, definitely pissed.


    ''Calm down, she just said she thinks. She might have seen something wrong, we never know.'' Leo tried to calm the guy who seemed to be ready to maw her own sister.


    [Nope, I know that girl. This is just like her-nya.] Aiden replied in a grim tone.


    But, Leo for some reason didn''t feel that Amelia was like this. He thought she was just a good girl, a bit rebellious. It was true that she could be troublesome sometimes, but she didn''t seem to be the type to not understand the situation around.


    [Let''s go and see-nya.]

 Chapter 105 - 104: A Group Of Bullies

    "Why am Iing together?" Harry looked at Leo as the two walked through the hallway.


    "Because it''s dangerous to be alone," Leo replied calmly.


    They were currently headed to the ssroom of the first years. It was to meet with Amelia, if she was there. Leo just hoped that she wasn''t, otherwise, Aiden would surely go crazy in anger because of the rebellious girl.


    "It really feels strange.." Harry suddenly mumbled while looking around.


    It was unusually quiet today, and even the surroundings looked quite empty. Most of the students seemed to be staying in their sses as well.


    "Well, it was kind of expected.." Leo replied with a shake of his head. People weren''t fools after all. Someone who killed under the Academy''s strict watch was definitely not easy to deal with. The students who realized this would definitely be acting with caution.


    "I heard that Duke is absent by the way.." Harry muttered with a meaningful smile. It was obvious what he was trying to get at.


    What Leo did to that guy the previous day seemed to have affected him. It seemed he thought it was better not toe to the Academy thening like that.


    [That certainly makes me happy. But, that guy is a vengeful person, he wouldn''t let go of that easily-nya.] Aiden sighed.


    "To be honest, I though it was him that had murdered someone after losing himself in rage until I met the librarian." Harry shook his head withughter.


    "That certainly isn''t funny." Leo looked at him with a frown. That didn''t sound funny to him at all. After all, that would mean that he was kind of responsible for making a murderer. Leo certainly wouldn''t be able tough at that.


    "We are here."


    The two finally reached the sses.


    Leo was about to go ahead when Aiden stopped him.


    [Let Harry go first, if that girl even catches the slightest glimpse of you, she will hide-nya.]


    Aiden really seemed to be aware about all of Amelia''s bad habits.


    In the end, he did as asked and pushed Harry in.


    ¡­


    "Wasn''t it fun that day?"


    "Yeah, sure it was.."


    Amelia was sitting in the middle row at one side of the ss, chatting with her friends.


    "Hey, I was pushed down one rank by some guy.." The fat guy in the group suddenly said with a frown when he saw that his ranking had fallen down.


    "Just get the pointster, Gother." Jason looked at the guy.


    "Tsk..it hurts seeing my ranking fall. Let me just grab some points real quick.." Gother got up, and then began to turn his head around. "Tsk...there is not a single nice fellow here¡­that girl is absent as well."


    "Hmmn.." His eyes sparkled as he seemed to have finally chosen a target. He then simply walked up to the person and pped his head from behind.


    "Who the-'''' The person was obviously enraged, but as soon as he turned around, his mouth immediately shut tight.


    "What the hell were you going to do hairy b*stard?!" Gother looked at the guy who seemed to be a Minotaur with the boy of a dog.


    "..."


    "Why are you not barking now?" He further asked while looking at him.


    "Tsk..just shake your tail and transfer some points to me if you aren''t going to do anything."


    The person''s eyes immediately turned red, and he clenched his fist. But, looking at the group of the fat guy''s friends who were all the bullies of the ss, he could onlyy low.


    He just came from a humble background, and didn''t have any significant backingpared to these people.


    "This guy will never change." Jasonughed looking at the scene from his seat.


    "Does he have some kind of fetish? He only targets people with animal-like traits." Another guy said with augh.


    Tristy on the other hand just calmly looked at the situation.


    "Do you have enough points Amelia? Or should we collect some today?" Jason asked as he looked at Amelia.


    "Uh..I think I have more than enough from the start of the month.." She shook her head with aplicated look on her face.


    "Why don''t you just say you don''t like it?" Tristy muttered as she looked at Amelia. She could see that Amelia wasn''t the kind to like this kind of stuff. But, for some reason, she always ended up going along with their flow.


    "Hey, don''t teach her wrong things, Tristy." Jason suddenly intervened as he looked at the two.


    "Besides, do you really think what we are doing is wrong? If it really is wrong, the Instructors would have stopped us long ago."


    "Not to mention, people should be prepared for everything when they enter this line of work."


    "And, if you ask me, this is nothing but a good strategy. Don''t you think so too, Amelia?" He asked, looking at her.


    The girl forced a smile on her face, and her answer just remained vague.


    She was very different from the gangster that she was back at home with Leo.


    At this moment, a person entered the ssroom.


    It was Harry.


    His face kind of looked a bit nasty as he had been pushed into the ss to find a person and bring her out if possible.


    "Who is this guy? Looks like a second year.." Jason calmly muttered as he looked at the person.


    Suddenly, the person turned his head towards them and Amelia felt their gazes met.


    ''Do I know him?'' Amelia muttered inwardly, seeing the person smile, and walk towards them.


    "I recognize him." A smile suddenly appeared on Jason''s face. "It''s the cat girl''s clubmate."


    The other people''s expressions changed into an amused one.


    They had surely heard of the girl being some kind of dubious club.


    "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Harry awkwardly asked Amelia while feeling the gazes of the whole ss on him.


    "Me?" Amelia was taken back. She sure hadn''t seen thating.


    "What do you need her for?" Jason asked as he looked at Harry.


    "Nothing much, I just need to ask her something." Harry replied to him.


    "Do it here."


    A frown immediately appeared on Harry''s face.


    This guy was sure annoying.


    "I am talking to her. Can you please let her answer for herself?" Harry was calm. After all, he was with the girl''s brother. It was not like he was hitting on her.


    "It''s fine, I don''t mind." Amelia stood up not wanting to make an issue out of this. It would be bad if something bad happened and reached her brother''s ear.


    "How can you just go with him? Don''t you know it''s dangerous? What if he is the murderer roaming around?" Jason looked at Harry with a frown on his face.


    Harry''s face twitched. He sure wasn''t here for this.


    "What''s going on?" Gother walked up from behind as he was done with his job ahead.


    "He is the cat girl''s clubmate," A guy from the back seat said with augh.


    A frown immediately appeared on Harry''s face when he heard that while Gother immediately got excited on hearing that, "Why isn''t that girling these days?"


    "She isn''t even picking my calls. Did something happen to her? Tell us, we all are worried." He asked with a big smile on his face.


    It definitely didn''t resemble the face of a concerned friend.


    "Liar! Isn''t it because of you that she is noting anymore.." A guy said with augh, and others also couldn''t help themselves with it.


    "Bullsh*t! She is my best friend, don''t you see how I pet her like my own cat." Gother retorted in anger.


    "That''s sexual harrasment.." Another one from the back shouted.


    "It is mutual!" Gother red at the group in the back who were his friends as well. He then looked at Harry with a smile, "Don''t listen to them. They are just kidding. Us two are good friends and we enjoy each other''spany."


    Harry stood there in silence, he then looked at Amelia standing there quietly. He was disappointed. Leo''s sister, Edgar''s daughter¡­he didn''t even feel like wasting his precious words on her.


    As for the fat guy..


    He slowly turned his head, and took a step closer to him.


    "Be careful, the Academy is dangerous these days. And, I feel like you are going to be the next victim."


    Gother looked at Harry with a frown on his face. That sure wasn''t something pleasing to his ears.


    He was about to say something. But, Harry didn''t seem to have any more patience left. He immediately began to walk away afraid that he might do something that he shouldn''t.


    Amelia followed Harry''s figure with aplicated look on her face, and her figure froze when she noticed a person standing by the door.


    It was her brother, Aiden.


    "Let''s go, we have a general idea on what''s going on.." Harry muttered with a dark look on his face.


    Leo turned around as well and left without giving Amelia another nce.

 Chapter 106 - 105: Right And Wrong

    "So, did you guys find anything?" Yuji asked as he looked at the two groups of people who had been sent on their respective missions.


    "Should we talk while leaving?" Nora suggested as she looked at everyone. They were actually meeting again after two hours. There had been two sses in between and hence the Academy hours were now over.


    And, ording to the instructions, clubs weren''t allowed to conduct activity after school hours in the current situation.


    The group proceeded to leave the ce as Spike who was standing on top of Paul''s head finally spoked, "We went to her Dorms. But, she didn''te out saying that she had the flu."


    Well, that certainly was a poor excuse.


    "She didn''t say that to me on the phone yesterday." Yuji frowned.


    "She is obviously lying." Harry shook his head. His expression looked a bit nasty as he described his experience in Runeko''s ss.


    Nora''s expression immediately turned ugly and a chill shed past her eyes.


    "Should I beat them all up?" Biggie asked in anger as he clenched his fist. There was really no barrier between this guy''s face and heart. He was always honest with his thoughts.


    "Don''t do something like that. It will cause unnecessary trouble." Yuji shook his head.


    "Then do you want us to sit back without doing anything?" Nora asked with a frown.


    "If we do anything to them, it will just be made into a case of bullying. We will have to approach this situation differently." Yuji replied with a frown. He could feel that this bunch of people would definitely end up causing trouble if he didn''t teach them about things properly.


    "We should first get Runeko out of her Dorm. We can deal with the nasty bunch sooner orter. But, I think it will be better if we can at least make her confident enough to face her fear. I don''t like how she is hiding herself like this." Leo muttered with a calm look on his face.


    Everyone looked at Leo with an odd look on their faces. From Harry''s words, it was obvious that even Leo''s sister was in this picture. They wondered what was going through his mind.


    [Why didn''t you go in there-nya?!!]


    [We should have taught that girl a lesson then and there-nya?!!]


    [She really disappointed me! I can''t believe she has turned into a bully-nya!]


    [Once we get home, do as I say-nya.]


    ''Calm down.'' Leo muttered with a sigh inwardly. This guy had really been going hyper since the thing they had witnessed in the ss.


    [You think I can calm down after that-nya?]


    ''Just let me handle this situation. I have a feeling that you will make it worse than it already is.''


    [Bro, she is my sister-nya.]


    ''I know, but I can guarantee that I have a better rtionship with her than you do.'' Leo muttered inwardly.


    His response was calm and Aiden definitely couldn''t find a single word to retort it. If they began to talk about their rtionship with Amelia, then Leo definitely had an advantage. He didn''t remember having any fights with her. On the other hand, Aiden couldn''t remember anything but fight with her little sister.


    The group soon parted their ways.


    Leo went in and calmly sat in the car, and after a good while, Amelia finally appeared.


    She looked at the door of the car in hesitation. She had actually nned to take a lift from Tristy to avoid Leo, but he already had seen her in the ss. Running away wasn''t going to work.


    Furthermore, she was afraid. He had seen something which she didn''t want him to see. It was not what she wanted to do. But¡­


    Amelia didn''t know how to exin the situation to him.


    It was true that she was with them and they were her friends. But, she didn''t like and supported what they did. She didn''t have control over them. They just pulled her over. It was not like she was at fault for whatever happened.


    Amelia stood near the car, contemting when the driver noticed her and called out to her.


    "Miss, pleasee inside. We will bete otherwise."


    "Uh..yeah.." Amelia forced a smile on her face, and quietly pulled the door open and went inside.


    She still didn''t dare to look towards her brother.


    But, even after a while, he didn''t say anything to her. This really made Amelia frown.


    ''Why isn''t he saying anything?''


    She felt something was wrong, and turned her head to look at him.


    Leo just calmly sat there busy on his smart link. It didn''t seem that he had anything he needed to tell anyone.


    This somehow left Amelia with aplex feeling.


    "Hmmn?" Leo suddenly turned his head towards Amelia feeling her gaze and she immediately became nervous.


    "Is something wrong?" He asked, looking at her.


    "Umn.." Amelia shook her head with an odd look on her face.


    With that Leo just ignored her and concentrated on what he was doing.


    ¡­.


    On returning home, Amelia finally couldn''t hold herself, "Don''t you have anything to say to me?"


    Leo stopped and turned her head to look at Amelia, "About what?"


    "You came into the ss.." Amelia muttered in a low voice while clenching her fist.


    "Oh, I see. Well, I will let mom talk to you. I think you would listen to her. It''s after all, dangerous to be in the Academy with a murderer roaming around."


    "No, I am not talking about that," Amelia replied with a frustrated look on her face.


    "What is it then?" He asked with a confused look on his face.


    "That.." Amelia found herselfcking in words. She didn''t know what to say.


    Was she supposed to ask why he didn''t scold her for doing wrong?


    "I.." The more she thought about it, the moreplicated she felt. Her brain was telling her that she hadn''t done anything wrong, but her heart wasn''t following.


    "What? Did you do something wrong?" Leo asked with an amused face.


    Amelia''s face changed when she heard that, "N-No..I..I.."


    She didn''t know what to say, and her eyes began to tear. In the end, she just dashed into the house leaving Leo behind.


    [You sure this is gonna work-nya?]


    ''I don''t know. But, it''s worth trying. We have to make her realize what''s wrong and what''s right. It''s one thing if she doesn''t raised her voice against the wrong, but it definitely bes a serious problem when she can''t even differentiate between right and wrong. One needs to have a stand on it even if its just an opinion within themselves.'' Leo muttered inwardly.


    He was only suspicious of it until now, but this conversation had made him sure about Amelia''s situation.


    She wasn''t a girl who would do wrong. It was just that she was forcing herself in believing something to be right which actually wasn''t.


    It was kind of the same problem Aiden had. He was trying to make him into something which he wasn''t. It seemed the problem ran within the family.


    ¡­


    "Did something happen?" Viona asked as she looked at Leo. She had just now seen Amelia running straight into her room.


    Leo looked at her, and decided to tell her everything that happened. She was their mother, and had every right to know about their situation.


    A heavy frown immediately appeared on Viona''s face.


    "This girl.." She definitely was not happy. Neither did she had ever expected her to be in such badpany.


    "Why don''t you let me handle the situation?" Leo asked as he looked at her.


    Viona looked at Leo, and saw that serious look in his eyes. She couldn''t help but contemte a bit about it. It was after all something very serious, and she definitely felt a need to personally step in and correct her daughter who was going down the wrong way.


    "Are you sure you can help her?" Viona asked. She was not sure considering their past. They used to fight each other every time after all.


    "Yes, I can." Leo nodded. "But, you might have to help me a bit."


    "What do I need to do?" Viona asked with a smile.


    ¡­.


    A bitter..


    Lunch was served, and Amelia finally came back from her room.


    Aaron was out, apparently having lunch with his girlfriend. The fact was very new to Leo and it was only now did he understood why he didn''t find the guy during most lunch times.


    Amelia quietly sat down on her chair and as she was about to pick up her spoon, when Viona spoke, "I heard from your brother what happened today."


    Amelia turned her head to look at Leo.


    ''Did he tell her everything?'' She immediately became nervous.


    "You should have listened to your brother. It can be dangerous at the Academy." Viona looked at her with a serious face. "It will be better if you stay at home until the case is resolved."


    Amelia was still waiting for something further, but for some reason, nothing came up.


    "Did you tell her what happened in the ss as well?" Amelia asked as she looked towards Leo with aplicated look on her face.


    "Yes, I did." Leo replied with a nod.


    This only made Amelia even more frustrated.


    Why was no one scolding her for it then?

 Chapter 107 - 106: A Little Devil

    [You have levelled up..] Arthur''s voice rang in Leo''s mind.


    "Finally.." Leo clenched his fist as he looked at his stats.


    Name: [Leo Allison]


    Lv 7: [Awake]


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Charge] , [A.I. Mind] ]


    Branch Skill: [Burst], [Scan], [Enhance], [Virtual Projection] , [Update]


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F]


    [Stats]


    Strength: [64] --- 77


    Agility: [49] --- 58


    Stamina: [48]-- 61


    "That''s not bad-nya." Aiden muttered as he stopped his practice and turned around to look at Leo.


    "This thing has contributed the most to it." Leo raised his ck arm. To be honest, this thing had sent his strength stats shooting through the roof. If not, he might not have levelled up this quickly.


    "It''s good honestly, you will be able to umte more stats than normal people this way when you hit level 10-nya." Aiden replied. "And, if you are able to break through to the next colour barrier in that umted state, you will have denser and stronger energy then other people at your level."


    "True.." Leo nodded as well.


    "Do you think I can take that guy on now?" He looked at Aiden with a curious look on his face.


    "Well, if he is at Lv 10, then it will be a piece of cake for you as long as you activate [Enhancement]. He would be nothing but a sitting duck for you." Aiden shook his little head. "You don''t realize but you are not the weakest person anymore. A bit more, and you will surprise me at my prime."


    Aiden sighed looking a bit depressed. He had spent so much time getting to his peak. Yet this fellow was just running through levels as if it was nothing.


    "Why are you getting depressed? Isn''t it better if I level up faster? We can find out what happened to us and then solve all of this." Leo patted the little guy''s head.


    "Nya!!" Aiden immediately swiped it''s little paw and smacked Leo''s hands away before retreating in fear. "Don''t pat or rub me-nya!!"


    "My bad.." Leo apologized.


    This guy was a cat after all. His instincts would somehow take over and he would totally forget everything if someone rubbed his belly. But, when Aiden woulde back to his senses, it certainly would be too much for him to ept that fact as a human.


    "Hmmn?" A message suddenly popped up on Leo''s smart link.


    "Who is it-nya?" Aiden asked, seeing the frown on Leo''s face.


    Leo looked at Aiden and sighed. "It''s Christina."


    "Why is she contacting you? Don''t tell me you really are hitting on her-nya."


    "She already has a boyfriend." Leo calmly replied as he went towards cupboard to grab a pair of clothes.


    "Then what is it-nya?" Aiden further asked as he raised his head and looked at Leo.


    "It''s her mom. She is asking her to go out and have fun with me. Since she had been training all time," Leo replied with a tired look on his face.


    "Hmmn¡­ well it''s better to act now. If your lies are caught, then it might lead to trouble-nya."


    "Your lie?" Leo looked at the little guy in disbelief. Wasn''t this the person who forced him to lie? And, now he had the balls to say if it had nothing to do with him?


    "Don''t pay attention to tiny details. Just go out and have fun-nya." Aiden calmly waved his paws asking him to leave.


    "You are noting?"


    "What would I do between couples-nya?" Aiden shook his little head.


    "Should I pull that chip out of you?" Leo asked with a re.


    "I am joking. Don''t take it seriously. I just wanna perfect the Kitty Martial Arts that I have been working on. So, I don''t have time-nya." The little guy shook his head.


    "Why don''t you call her here? It would be less troublesome." He further suggested looking at Leo.


    "That won''t do. I don''t want the family to form any kind of attachment to her. It would be troublesometer on." Leo shook his head. He wanted to avoid troubles. After all, this was just an act which had toe to an end sooner orter.


    "Well, that certainly is true-nya."


    Leo soon got prepared and went out to meet her.


    ¡­....


    Lover''s Drinks, Capital.


    "Is this the ce?" Leo looked at the signboard at the cafe as his face twitched a bit.


    This was clearly a cafe for couples.


    ''Why would she want to meet at a ce like this?'' He muttered inwardly with a frown before walking inside the ce.


    He waited for a couple minutes, but there was no sign of Christina anywhere.


    That was odd.


    She had called him here, and had not arrived for some reason.


    "Hey Mister.."


    Leo felt a tug on his clothes.


    He turned his head around, and saw a little girl standing there looking at him. She seemed to be around 8 to 10 years old.


    "Yes?" He asked her with a pleasant smile on his face.


    "Are you Aiden Silver?" She asked, looking at him, and this certainly took Leo by surprise. He didn''t think he was that famous.


    "Yes..that''s me.." He nodded with an odd look on his face.


    As soon as the girl heard that, she walked up to the front and then took a seat opposite to Leo.


    "Umn¡­" Leo looked at her with an amused look on his face.


    "I am ir Wolfez. Nice to meet you." She introduced herself.


    ''Wolfez?'' Leo''s brows scrunched a bit. Now that he looked at her, she indeed resembled Christina a bit.


    "Are you Christina''s sister?" Leo asked her with a forced smile on his face. Unfortunately, he hadn''t taken his time to learn about Christina''s family. Hence, he had no idea if she had a sister or not.


    "Yes, I am. Did she not mention about me?" ir asked as she looked at Leo in surprise.


    ''Wait a second..'' Leo suddenly realized that this was not the important topic here. This was a couple cafe. And, he was here with an 8 year old. No wonder, people were giving him weird looks.


    "That''s not important here. Where is your sister? You are not alone here right?" Leo asked her with a frown on his face.


    "I am indeed alone." The girl suddenly crossed her knees, andid back on the chair as she looked at Leo.


    ''What''s with this girl?'' Leo for some reason felt that she wasn''t a child at all.


    After all, she wasn''t behaving like one.


    "Let me contact your sister." He looked at his smart link, and sent her a message.


    [Your sister is here. Where are you?]


    A reply immediately came.


    [I am in front of you]


    Leo raised his head, and his face twitched when he saw ire replying to him through her smart link.


    "Why do you have your sister''s smart link?" Leo asked with a sunken face.


    "That''s not the point here." The little girl shook his head.


    "Then what is it?" Leo asked with a sigh. Was this really a little girl? What was going on?


    "The point is. I know you two are pretending to be dating."


    Leo''s eyes immediately widened when he heard that, but he immediately brought himself in control.


    "I don''t know why you think so. But, there must be some misunderstanding here." Leo calmly replied to her.


    "You think I am a kid?"


    ''Yes you are..'' Leo really wanted to say that, but for some reason, he couldn''t.


    "I-"


    "Yeah¡­I know you won''t admit to it." The little girl cut him off. "To be honest, I don''t care that you guys are faking it."


    Leo''s face twitched.


    He couldn''t understand what his girl wanted.


    "I mean you are only a third rated guy with a little to no future. But, still you have you have a sessful father. So, I don''t mind if you guys date or not."


    Leo''s face began to turn dark.


    "But, there is one thing that I have a problem with. My Sister''s current boyfriend." She said while clenching her fist, "That guy is a total jerk. He is just trying to use my sister to get my family''s support and make a name for himself."


    "I don''t want my sister to fall into that guy''s trap. But, the problem is she is hiding it from everyone. And, honestly, love has gotten to her head."


    "What is the use of saying all this to me?" Leo asked her with a calm look on his face. She already knew everything, there was no meaning in denying it


    "Well, I want your help."


    "I don''t think I can help you in any way." Leo shook his head.


    "You certainly can. All you need to do is follow my n." The little girl smiled.


    ''This girl is not simple..''


    "I don''t think this is my ce to interfere. You will have to find some other way." Leo shook his head and got up to leave.


    "Take a step away from the table and I will scream ''pervert''."


    Those words immediately stopped him dead in his tracks, and his face turned dark.


    When he turned his face to look at the little girl, he saw a sweet smile on her face.


    But, she looked like a little devil to him.

 Chapter 108 - 107: No Choice

    Leo stood there looking at the little girl with a grim look on his face. He couldn''t believe that he was being ckmailed by an 8 year old. This had to be a joke.


    Wasn''t an 8 year old supposed to be all cute?


    What was with this little devil?


    "I will count to three before screaming," The little girl muttered in a low voice before beginning to count, "One.."


    Leo immediately got back to his seat. He sure didn''t want to bebelled as a pedophile.


    "You shouldn''t ckmail your elders, little girl. It''s very rude." Leo tried to nicely talk to her, but she wasn''t having it.


    "Cut the crap, tell me if you are going to help me or not?" ir looked at him with a calm but serious expression on her face.


    "How can I help you? This is not within my power. To be honest, I can''t even call myself your sister''s friends. We are just strangers. I don''t think it''s right for me to interfere." Leo was almost about to cry. He really felt helpless here.


    "I never asked you about those things. You just need to do what I ask you to do." The little girl was sure not paying attention to his emotions here.


    ''This girl¡­'' Leo muttered inwardly.


    "If you don''t help me, you can leave.." ir said calmly, and Leo was definitely taken back until he heard the rest of the sentence, "..only if you have the guts to do so.."


    She sure wasn''t going to let him go.


    He sighed heavily, cursing his luck. He wondered what he did for this all to be happening to him.


    "What do you need me to do?" He finally asked her with a dejected face.


    "Good, I want you to do either of the two things."


    "First, you make my sister literally fall in love with you."


    Leo''s eyes immediately widened.


    What was wrong with this girl?


    "Are you crazy? I don''t even love your sister." Max looked at the girl in disbelief.


    "I don''t care if you leave her with a broken heartter. May be that would put some sense in her dumb head and she would learn to judge people," The little girl casually replied as if they weren''t even talking about her sister at all.


    "Can we please move onto the next option?" He immediately asked her with a drop of sweat sliding down his cheek.


    "Sure, to be honest I am not too big of a fan of this idea as well. I mean my sister deserves better."


    Leo''s face twitched. This girl sure had a nasty mouth.


    "The second thing is¡­.you need to get my sister to break up with her boyfriend."


    "Don''t ask for the impossible. I don''t even know who her boyfriend is." Max shook his head nervously.


    He really didn''t want to get involved in this mess.


    "Then find him," The little girl further added as she crossed her arms, "You are the perfect person for this job. Do whatever you do, I don''t care. You can make that guy jealous, use lies, create misunderstandings¡­use any method you want, but break the two apart¡­"


    Max gulped inwardly.


    He couldn''t believe his ears.


    This was an 8 year old speaking.


    If she grew up, then what would she be like? Leo definitely didn''t want to imagine that.


    "So, what''s your decision?" She asked him with raised brows.


    "Are you leaving me any choice?" Leo sighed.


    "Of course you can refuse, if you have the guts." ir smiled sweetly.


    "You aren''t someone of your age. I bet there is an old craftydy inside you." Leo looked at her with aplicated look on his face.


    "I don''t know. But, I have been like this since I was born. I just feel that people around me are too stupid." ire just shrugged.


    "You are too smart for your age.." Leo shook his head.


    At this moment, a waiter walked towards them, "Sir, would you like to ce your order?"


    "Um¡­bring me a coffee.." Leo calmly replied.


    "Umn..what is that..?" The waiter asked in confusion.


    ''Don''t tell me they don''t drink coffee here?'' Leo frowned and then looked at the menu.


    "Latte please," He replied with a forced smile, ''These guys know whattte is but not coffee?''


    It sure was weird.


    "What about you little girl?" The waiter asked ir with a smile.


    "Brother will order for me!" ir released a sweet smile and held Leo''s hand acting all spoiled.


    "You really have a cute sister, Sir," The person replied, and Leo''s face twitched.


    "Yeah.." He nodded, "Just bring her a cup of hot milk."


    "Sure.." With that the waiter walked away.


    As soon as he was gone, ir immediately let go of Leo, and sat back again.


    "You are mocking me?" She asked with a frown.


    "When did I?" Leo had an odd look on his face.


    "Why did you order milk for me then? I wanted a ck coffee or lemon tea.."


    Leo''s face twitched again, "You understand what coffee is?"


    "Obviously, it is just how people refer to in Eastern Gxies." She replied with a calm look on her face.


    A few minutester, their order was brought. And, as soon as the waiter went away, ir took Leo''s order and passed him her hot milk.


    Leo looked at her and sighed.


    She was a mature kid.


    That was the right thing to describe her.


    ¡­.


    "Do you have anyone to drop you back home?" Leo asked as he looked at her.


    "No," ir replied as she reached out and grabbed Leo''s hand.


    "What are you doing?" He asked her.


    "I am a kid. People around my age have to act like this," She calmly replied.


    "Do you fool your family as well?" Leo asked her curiously.


    "Yeah, it will spoil your mood if the kids don''t act like kids. I mean my mother will be depressed if she finds out I am too mature for my age."


    "Whye out now?"


    "I needed a pawn to protect my sister. And, then I heard about you. With you, I don''t need to bring my true face in front of them."


    "I see. Anyway, let me drop you home," Leo still didn''t feel well leaving a little girl all alone like this.


    "No, it''s been a while since I havee out. I will take a look around and then go back. You don''t need to worry about me," ir replied with a smile.


    Leo frowned, but before he could say another word, his smart link shed as a call came in.


    "Give me a second.."


    He saw the call was from Harry and took a step to the side, "Yeah?"


    "We have a problem!" Harry''s nervous voice rang through the other end.


    "What happened?" Leo asked with a frown.


    "I just received a message from Billy. We totally forgot about meeting him after school! Wasn''t he going to help you be your sparring partner?!! He has already been at the gym for more than half an hour!"


    "I am already getting ready to leave, youe out quick as well!" Harry hung up after that.


    ''Crap! I forgot about that!'' Leo felt a headache thinking about it.


    The incident with Runeko and then this with Christina had made him forget about the meeting with Billy.


    He really didn''t know much about the guy. Hence, it was better not to get in any mess with him. After all, he was strong.


    And, he was getting closer to Lv 10. Getting to spar with someone at Lv 17 was definitely a very good opportunity for him.


    "I will have to leave." Leo turned around and said to ir. She was standing right next to him.


    "I will send the driver to drop you home," He further added, and nned to go to the gym alone.


    "No need, I will go along with you." ir came forwards and grabbed Leo''s hand once again.


    "Do you even know where I am going?" Leo asked her while shaking his head.


    "Yes, I heard you over the call." She nodded, "It''s perfect as I am bored and I could even check out your capabilities. I need to see whether you can handle my sister''s boyfriend or not."


    Leo could only sigh.


    He tried to reason with her, but it failed and in the end, she tagged along with him.


    "This should be the ce," Leo muttered to himself as he looked at the old rundown gym. He couldn''t see many people around, but this was the address that Billy had sent.


    "You are here."


    Leo turned his head, and saw Harry walking towards them.


    "You are on foot?" Leo asked in surprise. He remembered this guy clearly lived quite a bit far away from the ce.


    And, he sure hadn''t seen a public vehicle around. You had to walk a lot before you could find one.


    "Yes, I actually got down at the wrong ce," Harry replied with a forced smile on his face.


    "By the way, who is that little girl?" He immediately changed the topic on seeing ir by Leo''s side.


    "I am ir Wolfez, I am here with my brother-inw to watch him fight," She replied with a sweet smile beforetching onto Leo''s arm.


    Harry''s eyes immediately widened while Leo''s face turned dark.

 Chapter 109 - 108: Sparring

    "B-Brother inw?" Harry turned his head away from the little to girl to Leo. His eyes were wide and shock was written all over his face.


    Leo''s face on the other hand had turned ugly. This girl had deliberately said it out aloud. He just knew it. She was smart after all. Not to mention, she knew they were hiding it from others.


    "Don''t pay mind to her words. She just likes running her mouth." Leoughed, as he put his palm of ir''s head, and shook her a bit.


    Harry didn''t seem entirely convinced. He still gave Leo a look. This girl clearly had mentioned herself as a Wolfez and then said him her brother-inw. And, the rumors at the Academy were oddly about Leo and Christina dating.


    What a coincidence¡­


    Wasn''t it?


    Or..


    May be it was not¡­


    "You guys are here?"


    A voice came from the front and it grabbed everyone''s attention.


    They looked ahead and saw a person walking over to them. He was wearing track below and didn''t have his clothes above. Hs body was covered in grey color fur at ces, and skin was showing at most of his part.


    He was obviously Billy, the Werewolf.


    "You guys sure took your time.." He looked at the two of them. Clearly, a bit annoyed at the two arrivingte.


    "Who is she?" Billy asked in surprised when he noticed ir.


    "I am ir Wolfez, I am here with my broth-"


    Before ir could speak any further, Leo grabbed her mouth and stopped her.


    "She like my sister. Her parents weren''t at home so they asked me to look after her for a while." Leo forced a smile on his face.


    "Well, she sure can watch from the sidelines." Billy didn''t seem to mind at all.


    ¡­.


    "Is this a gym?" Harry asked as he looked around.


    There were indeed equipment around. But all of it were worn down, and looked outdated. Besides, the ce too didn''t seemed up to the mark inparison to the standard of today''s gyms.


    "It used to be a gym. My family had the business. But, it''s been closed for a few years now," Billy calmly replied as he walked unto the ring in the center.


    "You are a Citizen of Gloria?" Harry asked with wide eyes. He always thought that this guy was from some other ce.


    "Of course, I am!" Billyughed at it.


    "Our family moved here during the War times," He further added.


    "Do you stay here as well?" Leo asked with a frown when he noticed a few a rack which were full of clothes in one corner.


    "Yeah, this is the only ce I have." Billy nodded.


    "What about your family?" Leo didn''t think this ce could amodate so many people. I mean this wasn''t the ce where one was supposed to live after all.


    "Dead.." Billy''s word froze everyone for a second, "My parents were in the army as well. They passed away a few years ago. It was all due to their injuries they suffered during their service. They said it was their badge of honor from the war."


    "I am sorry.." Leo looked at him an apologetic face.


    "It''s fine.."


    Harry on the other hand was taken back too.


    "Get read¡­ I will give you a few minutes to warm up." Billy stated as he looked at Leo, and then continued his own training.


    "Didn''t he say that his family fled here during the war times? Why did they join the army then?" Harry looked at Leo in confusion.


    The question was valid. If they wanted to escape, they shouldn''t have put their lives in danger aftering back here. They could have just joined their own country''s military.


    "Well, there might some reason¡­" Leo replied casually as he began his warm up.


    "The war had gone over 300 hundred years. So, may be it was his grandparents who had moved here."


    "Or, maybe his parents moved here because they wanted to protect him and not themselves."


    When Harry heard the second reason, his eyes slowly turnedplex and he clenched his fist.


    "Is everything alright?" Leo asked him, seeing his face change.


    "Yeah," Harry nodded as his face regained his shine, and he loosened his fist.


    ¡­


    A few minutester..


    Leo stood in the ring with Billy.


    "Show me how much strength you have first.." Billy asked as he stood there and raised his palm.


    He wasn''t underestimating Leo. It was just that he believed in his own strength. And, Leo for sure hadn''t crossed Lv 10. that was a fact.


    Leo didn''t put any of his tricks in here, and just punched with full force.


    "Bang!"


    Billy took the hit, and his hand was pushed back a bit.


    He looked at his palm which was left with a tingling sensations and then nodded at Leo.


    "Not bad, that was a nice hit. It was strong for sure. But, I don''t think you are utilizing the powers in your hands nicely."


    "Have you not even learned the basic Fist techniques?" He further asked with a frown. He was sure that the power would have multiplied a few times if Leo knew how to use his fist properly.


    That hit probably won''t do much damaged to even a Lv 6 Awake.


    "Well, I was a weapon user earlier. But, now I have a different specialty." Leo shook his head helplessly as he slowly raised one of knees into the air.


    "I see.." Billy smiled as he tugged both his hands in and crossed them. "Strike then.."


    Leo''s expression changed, "Are you sure?"


    "Yes, I am." Billy nodded.


    Leo took a strong step forward and with a turn, his body moved like a whirlwind as his energy gushed out of different points on his leg. He then threw his leg out and with a thunderous sound, it crashed right into Billy''s guard.


    "Bang!"


    Billy immediately felt a strong force, and a slight ache on his arms as his feet were pushed behind a bit.


    He raised his head and looked at Leo in shock. He couldn''t believe that a someone below Lv 10 had been able to move him when he wasn''t holding back at all.


    This was definitely surprising.


    "You are strong.." He let out a big smile on his face.


    "Am I?" Leo asked in return. He was not happy with the fact that he couldn''t even make him take a step back.


    "You definitely are. I could tell that only someone at Level 9 or 10 can throw such a powerful attack." Billy gave him his honest opinion. "But, only kicking won''t allow you to win a fight. You need to learn how to avoid and dodge as well."


    "Let''s see how you perform.." Billy smashed his fist into his palm with a wide grin on his face. "I will restrict myself to Lv 10. Let''s see if you could match me or no."


    Leo immediately concentrated on Billy. He didn''t dare to take it jokingly.


    "Whoosh!"


    Billy immediately move. He was extremely fast on his feet, and before Leo knew, he was right in front of him.


    A fist struck, and Leo immediately raised both of his arms to guard him.


    "Bang!"


    But, the impact sent him tumbling back with both of his hands aching.


    "Are you sure you are using power equivalent to that of a Lv 10?" Leo couldn''t help, but ask him with a frown as he got back up.


    Billy couldn''t help, butugh after hearing that.


    "Even at Lv 10, I am one with a Higher rank skill here. So, isn''t it obvious that I am stronger than your average Lv 10 Awake?"


    That certainly made sense.


    Not to mention Leo was a Yellow rank skill holder.


    "To be honest, you are already betraying the ranking system like this." Billy shook his head looking at Leo. His power was clearly surpassing people at the same Level.


    That was the reason he decimated the Goblin who was only a single level above him with a kick.


    At his stage, he could probably fight people with skill color two to three level higher than him.


    In simple worlds, Leo could match someone at the same level as him even if the person had green or red rank skill.


    But, if someone with Golden rank skill came to him, he would probably be destroyed even if the person was a level lower.


    ''Does it work like this?'' Leo frowned. No one ever told him about this. All this while, he thought that he had been growing stronger. But, it actually turned out like this.


    No wonder they said that leveling up a higher rank skill was more difficult. It was because those skills were stronger than lower color skills at the same level.


    It was now easy to understand why people at lower level were leveling up faster.


    It was no wonder that Aaron could fight that killer who cut his arm even with a gap of ten levels between them.


    Suddenly, it all started to make sense.


    "Where are you looking at?"


    A voice suddenly entered Leo''s ear, and he immediately tilted his head dodging the iing attack.


    "Don''t lose you concentration like this during the fight. It would be the end of you.." Billy muttered with a smile as his knee suddenly smashed into Leo''s abdomen.


    Leo groaned in pain as he staggered backward to one corner of the ring.


    "What''s with this weak performance?" ir asked in a low voice. She was standing on that side as well.


    Leo''s face twitched a bit.


    He couldn''t let a little girl look down on him.


    Beside, he himself was not nning to lose when this guy was holding back himself to Lv 10 as well.


    It was time get serious.

 Chapter 110 - 109: The Might Of An Upper Rank

    If you are reading this now, please return in 30 minutes. The chapter is under editing.


    Leo looked at Billy, who was standing there with a smile on his face. He had already taken a fighting stance. And, there was a ferocious aura surrounding him. It was obvious that he wasn''t someone you could deal that easily with. And, this was even when he was suppressing himself.


    Leo slowly began to circte his Arora energy, and strength slowly started to umte in his legs. He was confident that he could cover the distance between them in a single step. After all, unlike an open battlefield, this was a small fighting ring.


    "Whoosh!"


    Leo finally moved and he was fast.


    Billy''s pupil constricted and he immediately pulled his arms in and raised his guard. He nned to take Leo''s hit, and then counter him at close range as he believed that he was stronger than Leo, both in terms of strength and defense even at this level.


    But suddenly, his eyes widened when Leo''s posture began to change. He thought that Leo was nning for a running kick, but he halted his steps a short distance away from him. His body changed postures and in that short interval of time, a roundhouse kick came crashing onto his sides.


    Billy immediately lowered his arms a bit to defend, but something unexpected happened. The kick suddenly changed its course and it rose further upward before smashing onto the back of his palm and crashing into his head.


    "Bang!"


    A thunderous noise rang out and everyone''s eyes widened.


    That certainly seemed dangerous.


    Billy tried to maintain his steps, but his leg moved and he ended up taking a couple of steps towards his side.


    Leo''s face instantly turned grim when he saw that. He was sure that the hit was strong. If it was a Yellow ranker at Lv 10, that person sure would have been either on the ground on retreating in pain.


    ''What''s with this unfair world?! Gosh! People with upper rank skill are monsters..'' Leo cursed inwardly, and once again rushed ahead. His body suddenly turned midway as he performed a back kick.


    He was trying perform abo move.


    As long as he could connect his move with kneed to his face, Leo was sure that this guy wouldn''t be able to remain so calm.


    "Bang!"


    "Hmmn.." Leo''s eyes widened, when Billy suddenly caught his feet. He tried to shake himself but couldn''t pull his feet out of his grasp at all.


    "What are you going to do in this situation?" Billy asked with a calm look, "This will be your weakness if you fight people at a level above."


    Billy then moved his leg and slide it across the floor in a an arc. He kick Leo''s other foot, making him lose his ground.


    "Thud!"


    Leo immediately copsed onto the ground.


    "Don''t tell me you are just a sitting duck if someone manages to grab hold of your legs?" Billy asked with a frown.


    "Crackle!"


    A jolt of energy suddenly passed through Billy''s body shocking him up, and his grip immediately weakened.


    Leo used this opportunity and performed a backward roll while pulling his leg out of his grasp.


    "You want to y like that?" Billy asked with a menacing smile. He shook his arm which was still numb from the shock while looking at Leo.


    Suddenly, his eyes turned red, and his energy began to go berserk.


    This immediately terrified everyone thinking that this guy had lost control in anger. But, it wasn''t like that. Billy''s fur began to grow at a rapid rate, and his human form began to resemble more and more like a wolf.


    In the end, his back slightly arched below and his canines grew a few times their original size.


    He clearly had an upper body that resembled more like that of a wolf now.


    "Grr.." He growled looking at Leo with those bloodthirsty eyes while saliva leaked through his mouth.


    "Is this still Level 10?" Leo muttered in a low voice as sweat began to slide down his forehead. He thought that he could have easily defeated this guy at Lv 10 as long as he activated [Enhance]. But, now it doesn''t seem possible. He wasn''t even sure if that really was enough for him to draw this fight.


    But, the next instant, Billy retracted his Skill and went back to his normal form. All the battle intent and bloodthirsty aura leaking from him disappeared as well.


    "Let''s not get this serious." He looked at Leo with a smile, "You have a match the day after tomorrow. It will be bad if you get injured. Not to mention, we have a little girl here. I am nor sure if it will be good for her. If she has nightmares because of this, I really wouldn''t know what to do."


    Leo appreciated his first reason. As for ir having nightmares, he didn''t know whether tough at it or not. He would be just happy enough if this girl didn''t give other nightmares.


    "Tsk.."


    Harry turned his head towards the side after hearing someone clicking their tongue in dissatisfaction. But, there was only ir there looking at the fight excitedly.


    ''Did I imagine things?''


    As soon as he turned his head away, ir gave him a look.


    ''This guy has got strong senses..'' She had actually clicked her tongue. She was disappointed that Billy had ended the fight with a ridiculous reason like that. Hell, she wanted to see some blood at least.


    This was no fun at all.


    From the fight, Billy had judged enough of Leo.


    He then went on to guide Leo.


    He certainly was better than Aiden in terms of techniques and insights as he was at a greater level. On the other hand, Aiden had a rich knowledge when it came to weapons, and awakeners in general.


    And, then there was the almighty coach Arthur.


    You just couldn''tpete with this guy when it came to the things he had stored in his database. If it was there, then he was probably best at exining that thing.


    ¡­


    Wolfez Mansion, Glory City, Capital.


    "Where is she?! Find her!! How can you people be so careless?!!!" The Lady of the house was going crazy recently. Her youngest daughter had suddenly gone missing, and she had no idea where she was.


    There had been so many servants in the house, dozens of guards and yet she still disappeared in thin air.


    This was just ridiculous.


    "Did you find anything in her room, Christina?" She asked looking at Christina walking down the stairs.


    "No, she has even left her smart link in her room." Christina shook her head with a worried look on her face.


    "Don''t you have any of her friend''s numbers? Call them.."


    Christina gave her a nod, and as she looked at her wrist, her body turned stiff.


    She suddenly remembered something.


    "That girl¡­" She looked at her mom and said, "I remember she asked for my Smart link saying that she broke and she wanted to call her friend."


    "But, you saw it in her room, right?" Her mother asked with a frown.


    "Yes, it wasn''t broken." Christina gave her a nod. She then immediately ran up to her room, and took an older version of smart link which she no longer used. After entering her credentials, she could see what had been done with her ount.


    Her mother followed behind her too.


    A minuteter..


    Both of them had shocked written all over their faces once they had gone through her recent activities.


    They couldn''t believe just what the girl had done.


    ir actually wanted to go to the Silver House the previous day as well. But, since nothing was confirmed, her parents refused saying that if it was true, then she would have a chance to visit anytime she wanted with her sister.


    And, when it turned true. Her sister refused to let her go there.


    "That girl¡­" Thedy sighed, feeling a pain in her head. She really had troublesome daughters.


    "I will go and bring her back." Christina immediately took her basic stuff, and then went out of the mansion.


    She called Leo for his and ir''s whereabouts, but for some reason, no one picked up.


    ¡­


    ir had Leo''s smart link in her hand as she looked at the iing call and just turned the volume down.


    ''She must have found out..''


    "What are you doing?" Leo asked her as he came out of the ring covered in sweat.


    "Nothing, it was just my sister." She shook her head.


    "Is sheing to pick you up?" Leo asked, looking at her.


    "No, you are going to drop me back." ir folded her arms, "I didn''t pick her phone by the way."


    Leo''s face twitched and a frown appeared on his face.


    "Why are you troubling her?"


    "Well, I need to give them enough headaches so they would just voluntarily ask me to visit you next time instead of stopping me. And, that would help us in our cooperation," ir calmly replied.


    "Corporations? Don''t you mean ckmailing?" Leo asked with a snort.


    "How can a weak little girl like me ckmail anyone?" She asked with a sweet smile, and Leo could only sigh in despair.

 Chapter 111 - 110: A New Family Member

    Wolfez Mansion, Glory City, Capital.


    "I am very sorry for the trouble she has caused you." ir''s mother apologised to Leo with a helpless smile on her face.


    "It''s fine, I don''t mind," Leo lied with a straight face. To be honest, he really wanted to ask her whether she could lock this girl in the house or not. It would be a relief if she could, he really didn''t want to see her again after all.


    "Mom! What do you mean?! I didn''t cause any trouble!" ir protested as she puffed her cheeks in anger. It was extremely cute, but not to Leo.


    "Shut up! And, apologise." Thedy red at her, and then made her lower her head in apology.


    "It''s fine, you don''t need to do this." Leo shook his head, "Anyways, it''s gettingte. I should take my leave."


    "Why are you leaving so early? Stay for the dinner, and Christina will be here soona."


    "Another time, Mam.." Leo politely declined her.


    Thedy just smiled at Leo, and allowed him to leave. She didn''t force him as this little girl had already troubled him enough. Not to mention, Christina and Leo were keeping their rtionship a secret, and this certainly would not be good for that.


    ¡­


    Leo returned back home. And as he was about to enter the ce, he suddenly heard Amelia shouting.


    "Mom!! It''s going towards the door!!"


    "Hurry up!!"


    The next second, Leo saw a white shadow darting towards him at full speed.


    It turned out to be Aiden.


    As soon as he saw Leo standing at the door, his eyes lit up, and he immediately hid behind his legs.


    "Thank god you are here!! Help me-nya!!" Aiden shouted while panting heavily. He looked extremely nervous.


    A while ago, he was practicing his Kitty Martial Arts in the room. When someone seem to have passed by the door. This had obviously attracted his attention, and when his eyes fell on the little horizontal gap between the door and floor, he seemed to have been hynotized.


    Before he knew it, he was putting his paw out through it.


    And, at the same time Amelia came out of her room.


    That was how the situation came to this.


    "Ah! You caught it!!" Amelia asked with an excited look on her face as she ran towards Leo with Viona following behind you.


    "What are you doing to the little guy?" Leo immediately held Amelia back. He obviously couldn''t allow her to take him.


    It seemed this was the time he made things clear about the little guy.


    "This is a cat that ran away from me.." Amelia looked at Leo with a frown.


    "I think you have made some mistake. This is the cat that I brought home today," Leo replied with a calm look.


    His words surprised both Amelia and Viona. They couldn''t think of him bringing a cat home.


    "How can that be possible? I am sure it''s mine." Amelia still wasn''t willing to give up, "Besides, since when did you like cats?"


    "Guess you don''t know me well.." Leo calmly replied. And, no one could retort to it. In his current changed form, people really had much to know about him.


    "I n to keep it with me." Leo looked towards Viona. He knew that she was the one who would be making the call in the end.


    "You already are about to take a pet beast," Viona said with a not so agreeable look on her face. It was obvious that she wasn''t in support of this idea, "I had only agreed to provide a temporary ce for it and not a permanent one."


    "Mom! Please! I want to keep it! Can''t we just let it stay! it''s only a little thing, it won''t cause much trouble!" Amelia begged her with a pitiful look on her face.


    "Yeah, he is a well behaved cat." Leo nodded, "You can try tomand him. I am sure he will do as asked. He has been trained very well."


    Aiden who was standing below immediately raised his head to look at Leo with a dumbfounded look on his face. He sure hadn''t heard about this.


    "Oh?" Viona was definitely surprised. She didn''t think that a young kitten like it could do much.


    "Umn..what''s his name?" She suddenly asked.


    "Nyanden.." Leo replied with a smile.


    [To hell with that name! I never agreed to it-nya!!]


    "Nyanden, sit.."


    Aiden''s face immediately turned dark. But, this was about his survival. Not to mention, it was all on the line. He might be kicked out of the house if he failed to do it.


    His body began to shake as he slightly lowered his butt.


    Humiliation!!


    This was utter humiliation!!


    "Pup!"


    His butt finallynded on the ground with a soft noise.


    "Wow!! It did it!!" Amelia was the most excited one.


    "It''s nothing, you can try something else as well," Leo replied as he rubbed his nose. It was as if he was the one to have trained the little guy.


    [I am going to kill you-nya!!]


    ''Bro, I am doing this for you! You have to win their hearts if you want them to let you stay,'' Leo replied inwardly.


    [This is my house!! I don''t need anyone''s permission to stay-nya!!] He roared in anger.


    ''Why don''t you try it then?'' Leo asked with augh.


    Aiden grinded his little canines in anger. But, there was nothing he could do. He knew he was helpless here.


    In the end, he spent the entire day impressing people and followingmands.


    He didn''t even know if he was a cat or a dog at this point.


    Who in hell yed fetch with a cat?!!


    Well, Amelia sure did.


    ¡­


    During the dinner, a new member was finally added to the family.


    As long as Viona agreed to it, nobody else seemed to have any problem with it.


    "Mom! I want to be the one to look after it. I am sure my brother doesn''t have enough time," Amelia said with an enthusiastic look on her face, and it immediately sent chills down Aiden''s spine.


    He was sitting below with a bowl full of cat food in front of him.


    "No," Leo immediately denied.


    "But¡­" Amelia was about to retort, but Viona too wasn''t willing to hand the poor guy to her as well. Hence, she intervened, "You can''t even take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of others?"


    She knew that thing couldn''t keep up with someone like Amelia.


    She feared that Amelia might do something to Nyanden, and end up killing it. After all, it was just amon cat and not an Arora beast.


    Just the fact that Amelia kicked in her sleep was already life threatening to that little thing. If by chance, it climbed onto her bed at night, then¡­


    Viona sure didn''t want to imagine it.


    And, then Amelia was a bit too energetic as well.


    That was the reason, that she had been researching different beasts from early on which could match Amelia''s energy.


    "Besides, you are always busy with your friends on your phones and keep going out with them. So, when will you have time to look after it." Viona furthermented.


    As soon as the topic of her friends was brought up, color suddenly seemed to be drained of Amelia''s face. She remembered the incident from the morning. And, it immediately quietened her down.


    "Hmmn?" Aaron, who had been just listening to them with a smile, suddenly noticed that Amelia had gone quiet, "What''s wrong?"


    "Uh..nothing.." Amelia shook her with a smile, but it was very apparent that it wasn''t.


    She was the first one to finish and go back to her room.


    "Is something wrong with her?" Aaron asked as he looked at Viona.


    But, Viona just shook her head. "She must be regretting something wrong that she has did."


    Aaron looked at her but didn''t ask anything further. From her reply, he could deduce that something was up. But, since she was already involved and knew about it, he was sure that there was no need for him to get involved in this.


    They talked for a while over dinner before everyone went on their way towards their room, it was gettingte after all.


    And, it seemed that Edgar wasn''t returning home. The same was for Vanessa as well. It seemed that she had some work to do.


    ¡­


    "Kill me! Just kill me-nya!"


    Leo sighed as he turned his head to look at the weeping cat. It seemed that the humiliation had broken him from inside.


    "Calm down! It was nothing.." Leo looked at him and then sighed.


    The rate at which this guy was screaming, Leo was afraid that people would think of him as an animal abuser. And, even before that, he was afraid that this guy would wake others up.


    In the end, he got up from his seat and then grabbed a woolen ball from the drawer. He had been keeping stuff like this recently.


    He looked at the weeping guy in the distance, and then threw the ball towards him.


    As soon as the woolen passed in front of Aiden''s eyes, his ears stood up. The instincts of a cat immediately took over him. And, the next instant, he was chasing after it like there was not tomorrow.


    ''Well, that would keep him busy for a few hours..'' Leo muttered inwardly, ''Maybe I should consider buyingser light as well.''

 Chapter 112 - 111: Realization

    "I am leaving.." Leo got up from the dining table, ready to leave for the Academy.


    Amelia was still eating her share when Leo got up. So, she hurriedly got up as well after stuffing the remaining food into her mouth.


    Even though she was asked to stay back, she was oddly insisting on going to the Academy today.


    After a round of back and forth with Viona, Amelia finally gained permission. She was only allowed to attend the first ss though. Not anymore than that.


    [Don''t tell me thatme trick of yours worked-nya?] Aiden asked in surprise.


    ''Well, seeing those dark bags under her eyes, I bet she had been up tillte contemting about it. I just hope that she has made the right decision. If not, we will have to steer and guide her until she does,'' Leo muttered inwardly as he walked along with Amelia towards their car.


    ¡­.


    A few minutester..


    The carnded in the parking grounds of the Academy at the usual spot.


    Amelia and Leo got out of the car. And, as soon as they took a couple of steps, they bumped into Amelia''s friends.


    Talk about coincidence.


    There were only two of them though.


    Jason and Tristy.


    The ugly fatso, Gother, was nowhere to be seen.


    "You are here, Amelia?" Jason asked with a smile. And then looked at Leo for a second. But, he just treated him as air not even greeting him in a most basic manner even though he was his senior.


    "You are early today.." Tristy smiled at her and then nodded at Leo in a pleasing manner. She then grabbed Amelia''s hand before pulling her along.


    Leo gave Amelia a nce and then sighed seeing her being dragged into their flow. He could have seen that expression of change on her face, but as soon as she saw these guys, he saw it disappearing.


    ''Well, it would slowly happen. I am sure she has begun to realize it,'' He muttered inwardly, and then slowly began to walk behind them.


    "Did you hear? Gother tripped on stairs yesterday and went tumbling down three floors," Tristy said with augh, "But, his skin is thick, so he made it out alive."


    "I can''t understand how he could have tripped like that. Not to mention, he should at least be able to get back onto his feet. To think that he went tumbling down three floors.." Jason shook his head, "It''s hard to believe."


    It was true.


    They were Awakeners.


    Since when did they trip on a t ground, and then with an awakener''s physical capability, the fatty should have been able to get back on his feet as well.


    This truly was bizarre.


    Leo couldn''t understand it at all.


    Soon, they reached the Academy gate.


    There were more students than yesterday for sure. It seemed their fear had been toned down a bit by the calm yesterday.


    Leo looked at Amelia going towards her ss and then proceeded to move towards the club. There was still time left for his club after all.


    ¡­


    "Umn..I am not going to ss." Amelia suddenly stopped as they reached the ss.


    "What do you mean?" Tristy asked in confusion.


    "Do you wanna skip the Academy and go out?" Jason asked with a smile, "I really have a few good ce in my min-"


    "No," Amelia replied while clenching her fist, and then forced a smile on her face, "I have actually something else to take care of. See you guyster."


    With that, she turned around and walked away.


    A frown immediately appeared on Jason''s face. Amelia had never rejected her like this. He sure didn''t feel good at all.


    "What''s with that face?" Tristy asked with a mocking smile, "Do you think you are some kind of king that she would obey your every word?"


    "Just because she is good to you, doesn''t mean you can take it for granted. You are nothing inparison to her. Your father is just one of dozens of chiefs. But, her father is one of the three Marshal." Tristy pped him hard with the facts, and Jason''s face immediately turned ugly.


    "So, you better rein in your thoughts, or it will end up bringing in a disaster for yourself," She further added with a snort.


    "I am the most talented in this generation." Jason red at her.


    "You are still no match for her brother."


    "Her brother?" Jason shook his head, "I will soon catch up with the eldest one. As for the one younger than her, just wait, I will crush him within this year."


    "You don''t know your limits." Tristy shook her head, "Is this what they called ''a frog in a well'' in the ancient times?"


    She then turned around with augh, and then went into the ss.


    "This girl.." Jason red at her back, but didn''t dare to say anything to her. He wasn''t in a position to mess with her. Neither was he stronger than her.


    ¡­.


    Leo entered the Club room and saw a few people were already in there.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked, seeing that they had a frown on their faces.


    "It''s Runeko," Nora said, and then showed Leo the messages that Runeko had sent her.


    [Help]


    [Sorry, it went by mistake.]


    Then again a simr message came.


    [Helsp..]


    The word didn''t make sense. It seemed she was trying to type help, but someone had pushed her or something simr had happened, and a typo was made.


    Nora had sent her a message asking her what it meant, and if she was alright or not. But, there was no reply from her. The messages weren''t even seen.


    "I came early, and went to check on her with Doc. But, she didn''t open the door to let us in." Nora sighed with a worried look on her face. "But, we still got to see her face when she peeked through the opening of her door.


    "I wonder what''s going on." She sighed.


    "Let me go and try once." Leo decided to give it a try himself. Amelia was part of the group of bullies as well. As for whether she had done something to her, Leo didn''t know. Even so, he felt responsible for it as her brother.


    "I wille too." Spike immediately jumped onto Leo''s shoulder. He was always free with his sses cancelled. So, he was ready for anything at a moment''s notice.


    ¡­


    "Is this the ce?" Amelia muttered as she looked at the building. She was actually near the dorms.


    And, she was here to meet with Runeko and apologize for everything that had happened.


    She had contemted it for the entire night. And, that guilt seemed to be eating her. She realized that she was feeling so much worse due to the fact neither Aiden nor Viona had scolded her for her deeds.


    She felt that way because she knew she was wrong. In that case, it was obvious that she had to make it right. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be able to have peace of mind.


    But, she was still nowhere near the ce where she could confront her ssmates about it. She still needed a lot for that. Hence, she decided to do what she could for now.


    And, that obviously was to apologize.


    That should make that girl feel better as well. And, the next thing would be, trying her best to befriend her.


    Amelia looked at her palm, it was shaking.


    She was feeling nervous.


    ''Calm down.. I can do this.'' She clenched her fist, and then went up to the person at the desk and asked her about Runeko''s room number.


    "114"


    "Thank you.." Amelia smiled, and then proceeded towards the room.


    ¡­.


    A few minutester, Amelia was finally standing in front of the door.


    She hesitated a bit before gritting her teeth and giving it a knock.


    "Knock!"


    "Are you there, Runeko?" She asked with a nervous look on her face.


    "Who is it?" A voice came from the door.


    "I-I.." Amelia didn''t know how to take her own name. Still she clenched her fist, and spoke, "I am your ssmate, Amelia."


    "You haven''t beening to sstely. Is it because of what happened in the ss?"


    "GO AWAY!!" Runeko shouted, and it made Amelia realize that bullying was the reason.


    "I am sorry for everything. Please, give me a chance. I want to properly apologize and make it up to you."


    "NO!! PLEASE!! GO AWAY!!"


    Amelia''s bit her lips and her eyes started to water. She didn''t realize that they had hurt her so much. She had no idea how they were going to make up for it. For the first time, she had truly felt the victim''s pain for real.


    After all, this time she hadn''t averted her eyes away from them like she did in the past pretending as if he had not seen anything, and it had nothing to do with her.


    As she was about to turn away, and leave, a creaking noise entered her ear.


    She turned her head and saw that the door had suddenly opened.


    "Runeko?" Amelia muttered as she looked at the door. But, there was no one there, and the room for some reason was very dark. The girl hadn''t even turned on the lights yet.


    "Runeko.." She called once again.


    Amelia frowned when no one responded, and she took a step in.

 Chapter 113 - 112: Runekos Situation

    "Runeko.." Amelia stepped into the room with a frown on her face. The room was all dark. There was only a dim light in the room due to the sun shining outside.


    ''Why are the lights not on?'' Amelia thought inwardly as she tried to make things around. She clearly had heard Runeko''s voice earlier yet no one wasing forward now. Something was definitely odd here.


    "Hmmn?" Ameli suddenly turned around feeling something behind her, but she couldn''t find anything. ''Am I imagining things?''


    In the end, she shook her head, and then called out to Runeko once again, "Where are you, Runeko?"


    She then turned around and tried to find the switches. She knew that the structure of the Dorm rooms were all the same. So, she had an idea where the stitches were.


    ''It should be somewhere around here?''


    Unbeknownst to her, a shadow was creeping up on her.


    It was quietly sneaking on her and it''s body was wriggling in a strange manner. It didn''t seem anything like a humanoid creature.


    As that thing came above Amelia and was about to swoop down, it''s advance suddenly stopped and it retreated the next instant.


    "Found it." Amelia smiled, and switched on the lights.


    At this moment. Two voices sounded from outside.


    "The doors open!"


    "Let''s go and take a look."


    Amelia''s face changed when she heard that familiar voice and the next instant, she saw a familiar face at the door.


    It was her brother, Aiden.


    ¡­


    Leo walked inside the rooms seeing that the door was open.


    But, he froze when saw Amelia standing right beside the door. He was definitely not expecting to see her here.


    "What are you doing here?" He asked her with a surprised look on his face.


    "Umn¡­I.." Amelia opened her mouth, but no words wereing out of her mouth. She didn''t know what to say.


    "She is here to look for me." A voice sounded in the room, and everyone turned their heads to see Runekoing out of one of the rooms.


    Leo observed Runeko a bit, and saw that nothing seemed odd with her. She was wearing an oversized sweater as usual and had a slightly reddish face. That might be due to the fact that she had been sick these past few days.


    "She is my ssmate actually. Since, I had been missing sses, she came out to check on me." Runeko smiled at Amelia and then gave her a friendly look.


    This left everyone a bit surprised.


    Leo couldn''t help but give Amelia a look.


    He didn''t think that she would be able to solve her issues with Runeko this quickly.


    Amelia on the other hand was just looking at Runeko with wide eyes. She couldn''t believe it. This girl had called her a ssmate even after her friends did such horrible things to her. There was every opportunity for Runeko to me her in front of Leo, and yet she didn''t do it.


    It could be said that she had protected him. This had indeed managed to win Amelia''s heart.


    "We were here to check on you as well." Spike jumped down from Leo''s shoulder, andnded down on the floor as he looked at Runeko.


    "I am fine, I still have a bit of fever though. And, the doctor asked me to rest and note in contact with people as it ismunicable." She forced a smile on her face.


    "Is it?" Spike asked in surprise.


    And, Runeko nodded.


    "I heard about the messages. Is something wrong?" Leo asked her with a concerned look on his face.


    "No, I actually typed incorrectly. And, my smart link broke a few minutester. So, I wasn''t able to reply or get in contact with her." She gave him a helpless smile before showing him her smart link.


    It indeed had a dark screen with a crack running through it.


    "What''s with this smell?" Leo suddenly frowned, feeling an awful smelling from a different room.


    Runeko''s face immediately turned a bit pale, but she immediately switched it back to normal before speaking, "Ah! I have been sick these past few days. So, I haven''t been able to take the trash out."


    "Do you need some help?" Leo looked at her with a smile. He was willing to help her.


    "No, I will do it." Runeko shook her head.


    "But, you are sick," Spike said with a frown


    "You don''t need to look at a girl''s trash can." Runeko lowered her head with an embarrassed face.


    That immediately made things a bit awkward.


    Leo and Spike could only shut their mouths after that.


    "Anyway, now that we have seen that you are fine, we will take our leave. Just call us if you need any help." Spike thumped his chest with his little fist.


    As they turned around to leave, Leo looked at Amelia and asked, "Aren''t you going to leave? She needs to rest and you have your ss as well."


    Amelia looked at Runeko once, and then spoke, "I will see youter then."


    With that, she quietly walked out of the room with Leo.


    As soon as Leo and others were out of the ce, Runeko sighed in relief.


    Yet, the relief didn''tst long.


    Her face suddenly twisted in pain, and she fell onto her knees.


    Her left hand suddenly began to wriggle in a strange manner as a greyish matter began to leak out of it. It soon took over her entire arm morphing it into something foreign and inhuman.


    "Blop!"


    An eye suddenly popped up among the grey matter staring down at Runeko.


    It also formed a mouth on its own, and let out a few words, "Kill¡­people¡­more.."


    Runeko''s face twisted in pain, but she held her screams back.


    She didn''t want anyone toe here.


    She was afraid that this thing would kill them.


    After all, it had already happened¡­more than once..


    It all started a few days ago.


    ¡­.


    The day of the Library incident¡­


    "Sniff.." Runeko wiped off her tears. Her eyes were slightly red. She was actually returning to the Dorms.


    As for why she was crying, well the students of the ss were bullying her. They called her names, and even made fun of her.


    Worse of all, she couldn''t do anything to them.


    Her mother had actually worked hard to raise her and provided basic education to her. When she awakened, she was immediately scouted by a person at the Awakener''s Office. She didn''t know who the man was. But, he helped her to get a schrship and get into this Academy.


    This was a once in a lifetime chance for her to change her and her mother''s life. So, she jumped onto it even though she wasn''t good atbat and stuff.


    She was still diligent though, and wanted to give it her all. But, it didn''t go that way. Not to mention, she had never been out of her. She had no idea about how discrimination worked here.


    She was just a country bumpkin, andcked confidence. This got her pushed further towards the back and she wasbelled as a dark and gloomy girl.


    And, people like that were often the target of the bullies.


    It was getting worse and worse with each day. But, she didn''t do anything. She knew that they were sons and daughters of some important people. It might cause her trouble if sheined and that would destroy her chance of a better life.


    But, she obviously didn''t want to continued that way. Hence, she joined the club to improvemunication skill. And, even that was not voluntary, she was actually grabbed by Nora and just couldn''t refuse.


    Even so, things didn''t seem to change much. Her bullies had even begun to target her for joining the club and call her clubmates weirdo.


    "What did I even do to them?" She muttered along the way as she was passing through the hallway which was right behind the library.


    This ce was a back exit, and also a shortcut to the Dorm. Not many people used this ce.


    Suddenly, she didn''t know what happened but a strong aura came crashing down on her. And, she instantly lost consciousness.


    She woke up after an unknown time.


    "Look at this, a cat girl.."


    "Wow! She looks as hot as F*ck!"


    "Look at this guy getting all hard at her."


    She immediately opened her eyes, and so a few second year students stood in front of her.


    "She is awake.." One of the guys smiled at her.


    "What are you doing here little girl? Where you trying to bait people?" Another asked with a lecherous smile.


    "I-I fainted here," Runeko replied nervously as she hurriedly got up and prepared to leave.


    "What is there to leave so early? Just wait for a second.." A person blocked her path.


    "Stop messing with her." One of the guys said with a frown. It was fine to mess around a bit, but if they crossed the line, it would suree crashing down on them. After all, they were not some son of Aristocrat.


    "Fine," The guy grumbled. But, before leaving, he stooped towards Runeko, and smiled, "Call me if you need me anytime.."


    Runeko immediately took a step back with teary eyes.


    The guyughed, and turned around.


    "Hmmn?" Suddenly he felt a tug at his sleeve. "You sure are asking for it now.."


    He immediately turned back with a wide smile, as he looked at his sleeve.


    But the scene next dumbfounded everyone.


    A strange greyish matter had taken all over Runeko''s hand and which was holding onto that guy''s sleeves.


    "Ssh!"


    Runeko didn''t even know what had happened when she felt a warm red liquid wash over her face.


    That was how it all began...

 Chapter 114 - 113: A Bit Troublesome

    Runeko stood there looking down at the guy lying beneath her. Her eyes were wide in horror and she couldn''t believe what just had happened.


    "Aahhhh!!!" She screamed, and tears began to fall out of her eyes. This was the first time that she had killed someone.


    "This crazy b*tch!!" The other guys finally realized what had happened. They couldn''t believe their friend was actually killed.


    Runeko desperately wanted to get out of the ce, but she could no longer control herself. Her body suddenly moved, and she attacked the other remaining guys.


    "Kill her!!"


    These people obviously didn''t consider the girl to be their match. They had outnumbered her and were even a year above. There was no way they would have lost. As for their friend, they just deemed it to be the consequence of a surprise attack.


    After all, no one would expect that someone would dare to deliver a killing blow like this in the Academy.


    It all started well for them, but half way, they realized that their attacks weren''t working. That greyish matter was blocking their attacks, and the damage it received were all being healed.


    "What in hell is that thing?!!" One of the guys cursed with sweat sliding down his chin. These guys were finally beginning to realize the danger they were in.


    "We need to alert the staff," One of the guys said with a serious look on his face, and the others nodded.


    "We will buy you time, hurry up and leave."


    The person looked at his friends and nodded before running off.


    But, that soon turned out to be a bad decision for them.


    The greyish matter suddenly burst forth of Runeko''s arm and absorbed the corpse nearby.


    "What is this?!!" The students were obviously frightened. They had never seen any ability like this.


    "It''sing! Be prepa-"


    "Shnk!"


    Before the guy couldplete his sentence, a hole appeared in his stomach. His eyes were wide as blood rushed out of his mouth. His body slowly fell onto the floor as he looked at his friend in horror, "R..un.."


    ¡­


    "I''m almost there.." The person who had run away to inform the staff was almost about to reach the main hallway. Only a bit more, and..


    "Thud!"


    Suddenly, something mmed onto his back, and he crashed onto the floor.


    When he turned his head to look at what appeared to be some kind of ball, his eyes widened.


    It was a head, and it belonged to one of his friends.


    "Tap!"


    "Tap!"


    He slowly turned his head in fear on hearing the footsteps. His face was full of sweat as he looked at the grim reaper who had arrived in front of him. He knew it was over.


    "I am sorry.." Runeko closed her eyes with tears brimming out of them. Her body flinched as the noise of meat being sliced entered her ears, and she felt a warm liquid ssh all over her.


    After that, her strange arm absorbed that guy and all the traces of the blood were gone.


    ...


    She was obviously scared of all of this and tried to shut herself in her room.


    After trying a lot, she finally was able to suppress that thing using her energy but that wasn''t a permanent thing. The moment she ran out of energy, it would take control over once again.


    She didn''t know whom to approach for help.


    The next few days passed quietly. That thing seemed to be digesting its previous food, and hence didn''t act.


    Runeko, on the other hand, stopped going to the sses. And, tried to find out what was happening to her. She visited the Old city library. But, there was no information on her condition.


    On the other hand, she was afraid to see a doctor. She had no idea what would happen to her. After all, she had killed people.


    It was only a matter of time before something bad happened again, and it did happen two days before. Her arm once again began to react, and this time it was too strong for her to suppress. It dragged her along, and took over her body. Even though it attempted to kill a lone student, it didn''t seed.


    It was another thing that the guy sumbed to his injuryter on.


    That was how the Academy became aware of the murder.


    She was sure that they were aware of a few students missing as well. But, it was nothing big. Students usually went out at times on their own to experience different things when they got stuck on a certain level.


    And, even though a notice was usually required in such cases, most just didn''t care.


    ¡­.


    "What am I going to do?" Runeko sat down there crying as her arm turned normal.


    She was really afraid earlier when Amelia came at her door.


    She had actually tried her best to suppress the arm. But, it didn''t work. She could only scream in a desperate attempt to send her back.


    If Amelia walked into the room alone, she sure would have been dead.


    Thankfully, Leo and Spike came at the right time. And, that thing stopped itself. It was like an intelligent creature which could judge how to react in different situations.


    ¡­.


    "Did you feel something odd about her?" Spike suddenly asked as he looked at Leo. The two of them had just parted ways with Amelia.


    "Well, she opened the door too easily if you ask me.." Leo replied with a helpless smile. From what he had heard until now, she wasn''t opening the door to anyone at all cost.


    "Yeah that''s correct." Spike nodded with a frown on his little face, "You hadn''t gone with us yesterday. She actually screamed at us on the top of her lungs. That was very unlike her. I clearly felt that something was wrong. But, she is behaving so differently today. It is as if everything is normal."


    "Maybe she was having a bad day.." Leo couldn''t think of anything else. It was entirely possible or maybe she was feeling a bit good as Amelia went to see her. It could be anything, it wasn''t possible to find out until they talked it out with her.


    As they were walking towards the Club, Leo bumped into a familiar guy.


    Talk about coincidences.


    He sure was bumping into a lot of people unexpectedly today.


    It was his opponent for tomorrow.


    Morpheous Brown.


    This time, Leo remembered his name.


    "You are stilling to the Academy?" Morpheous asked Leo with a surprised look on his face, "Don''t you know it''s dangerous these days?"


    He had a mocking smile on his face as he continued, "You can use this reason to avoid the fight tomorrow. You can actually make it out easily without suffering. And, if you ce a bet on me in the fight, you might even earn some cash."


    The two guys behind him shook their heads with augh.


    "I heard that you almost had your teeth knocked offst time? Are you sure that you can be this cocky?" A voice sounded around, and Morpherous''s face turned ugly. He immediately turned his head around in rage.


    It was clear that he was about to explode, but as soon as he saw the person''s face, he held himself back.


    It was Ronnied Lancaster.


    Ronnied walked up to them, and turned his face towards Leo, "You did a good job with Duke, I bet that guy is biting his handkerchief with a teary eye right now."


    He sure was enjoying it.


    He then nced at Morpheus before turning back to Leo, "Do you best tomorrow. I have bet a lot of money on you."


    Leo had gained another supporter it seems.


    "Hmph! Then you will be losing your money it seems." Morpherous intervened with a snort.


    "Oh? It seems you are pretty confident?" Ronnie asked with a smile.


    "How could a mere Yellow Rank Awake beat me.." The guy sneered at Leo as a cyan colored aura took over him.


    And, that immediately made Leo''s face turn serious.


    This guy had broken through Lv 10


    The easy fight was no longer as easy it seemed. This was going to be bad.


    Ronnie''s eyes on the other side lit up.


    Things sure were better this way in his eyes.


    "You better note tomorrow if you don''t wanna die. Your parents aren''t going to protect you here," Morpheous said with a smirk on his face before walking off with his two friends.


    "Work hard, I am looking forward to it." Ronnied tapped onLeo''s shoulder with the back of his palm, and then went ahead as well.


    "How confident are you in winning?" Spike asked Leo as the two walked towards the Club.


    "Earlier I would have won with ease." Leo replied with a calm face, and his response surprised Spike a bit. He liked this confident response.


    "What about now?" Spike further asked.


    "Well, seeing how cock that guy is, I am sure I have a good chance at winning as long as I y it cool."


    Spike was surely dumbfounded for a second before breaking out intoughter. This guy sure was interesting. He really liked it.


    "I guess, I will take my money that I have bet on that jerk out and ce it on you," The little guy said with a smile, and Leo''s face twitched on hearing that.. It seemed that people didn''t have much confidence in him.

 Chapter 115 - 114: A Clue

    A meeting was currently being held in the Academy. All the Instructors had gathered here with the Dean heading the meeting. The topic of discussion was obviously the murder incident.


    "Sir, we can''t keep the sses close like this. This is hurting our reputation, and people are losing their confidence in us." One of the Instructor''s raised this point, and everyone''s face turned a bit ugly.


    An Academy who couldn''t even protect their students was about to raise people to protect the Nation? If that wasn''t a joke, no one one knew what was..


    They were turning into a joke by other Academies.


    "How could you say that?!" A familiar voice retorted, and it belonged to Vanessa. "The murderer hasn''t been caught as of yet. And, just because we want to protect our reputation, you ask us to risk our students'' lives."


    This was indeed a valid argument.


    "Miss Vanessa is correct. If we allow the sses to be held at full capacity, things might be worse. At that time, we would lose much more than just some confidence or reputation,." Professor Benard spoked up in Vanessa''s favor.


    And, he was correct. If a mass murder urred at the Academy, then it would smear Gloria''s name and that wouldn''t be the end. The Academy might start to die with students turning away towards other Academies.


    "I haven''t called you people here to discuss whether to conduct sses or not." Dean Valen''s strong and robust voice rang out in the room. And, it instantly shut everyone''s mouth.


    "This is the recorded footage of the attack which happened two days ago.." A projection screen popped in the air, right in the middle of the round table, and everyone could see it clearly from their perspectives.


    This thing definitely came as a surprise as it hadn''t been mentioned until now.


    "What''s wrong with this footage.." One of the Instructors asked with a frown. And, everyone''s smile vanished as well.


    The footage actually showed the attacker with his back on. And, that person seemed to be wearing a loose hoodie. The face wasn''t visible at all. Another thing was that, there wasn''t a single of scene of the murderer attacking. That part of the footage seemed to have been cut out from the video.


    "Why is it missing?" Vanessa asked as she turned her head towards the Dean


    "It seems that the student has the ability to affect devices," The Dean said with a calm voice. He had to actually removed the parts of the recording. The news about Zests had to be prevented from leaking out after all. "Whenever he used his ability to attack, the recording was cut off."


    People couldn''t do anything if it was a case like that. After all, it wouldn''t be the first time if someone was born with an ability like this.


    "Still, I think you people can gather some hints from this." The Dean added as he scanned everyone. They could make a few obvious things from the footage. Firstly, the person was a female. She was clearly wearing a skirt. And, her legs were a lot visible.


    Her skin was fair. And, then there was a tail.


    That should help them to further shrink their area of search.


    Soon, these points were listed up by everyone.


    "How many Demin-Humans are there in the Academy?" The Dean suddenly asked, but no one had the exact numbers. But, an estimation could definitely be made into more than a thousand for sure.


    "I want a list of all of them, and their back history as well. Divide yourself in four teams, and take this task as first priority. I want the culprit to be caught by tomorrow at max. If not, be ready for the consequences." He suddenly turned his head towards the corner.


    There were two people sitting there. One was the Head of Security in the Academy. He sure was responsible for this and was under a lot of pressure. People too obviously thought that it was directed to him, but beside him was the librarian of the Academy.


    Jack was calmly sitting there, but he knew that the warning was towards him. He would definitely be kicked out if he didn''t do as the Dean Instructed.


    "Should we let this information out, and ask the students to be careful?" One of the Instructors suddenly asked, breaking the ice.


    "No, that would create fears and prejudice towards Demi-Humans. I don''t want that." The Dean shook his head. He definitely didn''t want that to happen. After all, Glorian looked down on Denim-Humans to begin with and discriminated against them.


    To him, it was due to differences in culture. Glorian''s had the tradition of keeping a petpanion. And, this might be the reason that they inherently thought of Demi-Humans as inferior creatures as it showed that they were a variation resulting from evolution from Animals.


    But, this people sure didn''t realize that every intelligent creature''s evolution could be traced back to some insignificant dumb animal or microorganism.


    "If there is nothing else to ask, we shall end it here." The Dean looked around, but no one said anything.


    With that, the meeting came to an end.


    ¡­.


    Academy''s Dorm.


    "Stop it!!'' Runeko struggled to control her arm as that greyish matter began to leak out once again. She had begun to lose more control over her body. Normally, she could have forcibly taken control of her entire body, but it was not possible anymore.


    "Eat¡­that..strong¡­girl.." The Zest spoke in an eerily manner.


    Even though normal people might not be able to understand, Runeko sure did. It might be due to the fact that it had taken her as its host.


    It wanted to consume Amelia. It was because she was a High Rank Skill user. One that could provide it with purer energy. Something that could help it in recovering its strength.


    The moment Runeko thought about it, her face changed. She didn''t want to kill anyone. But, if she refused, she would be killed instead.


    ''They bullied me¡­they..'' She muttered inwardly. It was as if she was trying to convince herself that it was alright. But suddenly, the scene from before shed before her eyes.


    Amelia hade to apologize to her. There was a genuine look on her face. It was the same person who would always turn her head away and pretend nothing was wrong.


    Yet she had changed today.


    Something which Runeko always dreamed of doing herself.


    She hated the fact that she couldn''t do the same.


    In the end, she slowly gritted her teeth and shouted, "No!! I won''t do it!"


    The moment she said it, the greyish matter burst forth and slowly began to spread over her body. She tried to resist, but there was nothing much she could do except for slowing it down by a bit.


    It was slowly taking over her. At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before she waspletely in its control.


    ''No..I can''t let this continue. If itpletely takes over me, I will end up killing more people. If that is what is going to happen, I might as well..'' Runeko gritted her teeth as she finally made a decision.


    She slowly got up onto her feet, and took a step towards the door. She was going to expose herself. If this could stop her from taking life, then so be it.


    "Whoosh!"


    But, the Zest didn''t seem to have ns to let her do as she wished. Her hand suddenly moved, and she punched herself right into the face. That was very unexpected, after all, no one would be normally prepared to guard themselves against a punch from their very own hand.


    "Bang!"


    ''No...'' Runeko suddenly felt her vision blur, and she copsed onto the floor.


    ¡­


    Leo had returned back to the club with Spike, and the rest of the members had arrived by now as well.


    "How did it go?" Nora asked with a worried look on her face.


    Leo smiled at her, and then told her everything that happened.


    "Really?" Yuji asked in surprise. He too thought that it was a bit of a sudden change on Runeko''s side.


    "Well, it''s a relief. I don''t care what changed her mood. But, as long as it is better, that is what I wish and care for her." Nora smiled. She really acted like a big sister.


    Suddenly, a message came onto Leo''s smart link. As soon as he opened it, his face turned serious. He couldn''t help, but slowly turned his head towards Harry and saw him staring at his smart link with a dark face as well.


    It seemed he had received that message as well.


    The message was from Jack. He had informed them of what had happened in the meeting. Basically, he had provided them data on the culprit and asked them if they had any ideas. And, even if they didn''t, they could stay on the lookout and notify him if they came across a suspicious figure.


    Max once again looked at the image that was sent to him by jack.. And, a frown slowly crept up on his face.

 Chapter 116 - 115: Strange Situation

    "Well, it''s time for the sses. See you guyster." Yuji looked at the time, and realized that he was gettingte.


    "Crap! We arete as well." Harry suddenly realized as well. And, since most of them were in the same section, they werete as well.


    The group immediately rushed out of the club, only Biggie took a moment to pick Paul who was sleeping in the corner before rushing after the rest of the guys.


    There wasn''t any significance event following the day.


    The murderer still wasn''t caught, and the students seemed to have be a bit braver inparison to the previous day.


    Leo and Harry both had gotten the picture of the culprit from behind, and went around trying to see if they could find anyone. It was actually difficult to pinpoint the person as she was wearing loose clothes. That meant it was hard to make out her shape.


    As Academy hours came to an end, Harry suddenly spoke with a bit of hesitation, "Did you find anything wrong with Runeko?"


    Leo turned his head to look at him. He could tell from the look on his face what was going through his head. And, to be honest, he couldn''t me him. At this moment, everyone was under suspicion.


    "I am not sure." Leo shook his head, "I mean she was odd¡­but not in a manner where I would suspect her to be the murderer.."


    He tried hard to think about it, but then shook his head. There was no basis on which he could hold her as a suspicious figure.


    "Well, I will try to see if I can find anything," Harry said with a sigh as they walked out of the gates.


    ¡­


    Leo parted ways with Harry, but didn''t return home. He instead headed for the gym. Billy had told him that he was free to visit any time he wanted. And, after finding out that Morpehous had advanced to Lv 11, he felt a bit of need to try harder.


    Hence, he spent a few hours with Billy. The two sparred, and this time, he asked the guy to raise his power level to match with Morpehous. Leo still didn''t go all out. But, fought in his normal condition and got decimated pretty much.


    But, it wasn''t surprising. Billy was far more skilled than Morpheous and the same was true when it came to hard work. Not to mention, he was suppressing his level. So, it was very obvious that he had full control of his energy and body at that level.


    It was a good experience for Leo, and even though it hadn''t been much longer since hisst breakthrough, his stats increased once again, and he inched closer to Lv 8.


    ¡­


    When he returned home, it was already a bitte. Sun was going down, and it was turning a bit dark.


    Aaron was not around, and seemed to be out. Same was for Amelia, she seemed to be out with her friends.


    Vanessa hasn''t been home for two days. Leo could only think of the murder incident as one of the cause. All the Instructors were given the task to figure out the culprit. He knew about it all because of Jack.


    "You are back?"


    Leo turned his head to look at Viona who was sitting in the hall, and gave her a nod.


    "I see you are working hard for your fight tomorrow. But, your health matters the most to me. So, don''t push yourself too hard."


    Her words surprised Leo a bit.


    It seemed she was aware of things going around.


    In that case¡­


    Leo bitterly smiled inside. If she was aware of the stuff going in the Academy, she must be keeping an eye on him. In that case, it was very possible that she might have known that he was missing sses to spend time in the Club.


    Even so she didn''t say anything..


    Leo didn''t know how he should take it. But, it seemed that she trusted in her son''s judgement.


    "I will keep that in mind." He nodded at her, and then proceeded to go into his room.


    After getting inside the room, the first thing he did as usual was letting Aiden out of the storage capsule.


    "She will never change-nya." The little guy sighed, and shook his head. There was aplex emotion on his little face.


    He was happy, but sad as well. Happy that she cared about him, but sad that he couldn''t do much for her. Sad that he wasn''t excellent.


    "Stop putting yourself down like that. Everyone isn''t born the same. And, we have different specialties. So, there is no use in depreciating yourself like this." Leo shook his head.


    "Besides, I am sure you would have broken through your limits and proved everyone wrong. After all, you were so determined and even backed it up with your hard work. Only if that damn space ident didn''t happen.."


    At this point, both Leo and Aiden''s faces changed. That thing had indeed changed both of their lives. Just thinking about it made them sigh in frustration. It was all already bad enough, and on top of that, they didn''t even know what happened to them. This was just ridiculous.


    Well, the only fortunate thing was the inheritance. Both of them could agree on it. This too was only until they recovered their memories. Because after they remembered everything, it would be questionable whether they could still remain happy about it.


    ¡­


    In another partner of the city..


    Harry sat on hisputer with a frown. There was several screens floating in front of him showing different Surveince footages.


    He had hacked into the Academy''s database once again.


    "There is nothing here¡­" He frowned when he didn''t'' manage to find any glimpse of that person with a hoodie.


    "How is it possible that not a single Surveince recorder or bots managed to capture her entering or leaving?"


    This really was a mystery.


    Every other thing in the Academy had the ability to record visuals. This was just pure madness for there to not be a single trace of her around.


    "Let me see¡­" He shifted his attention back onto his main screen and proceeded to go further into the database bypassing all the security of the Academy.


    You had to say this guy had guts. If he was caught in this process, he would be executed at this point for his crimes.


    Obviously, Harry had no idea about it.


    There was some information that was stored here which was highly ssified. But, to him it was just a database of an Academy. He didn''t think there was anything important in it. Not to mention, he was just looking for what he wanted and didn''t touch anything unnecessary.


    "Found it!"


    He smiled in sess at finding theyout of the Academy. This clearly describes the Academy''s structure in detail, and also told where the Surveince was and where it wasn''t.


    After studying it for a bit, a frown appeared on Harry''s face.


    He surely noticed that the hallway behind the Library didn''t have any surveince. This was actually a dead end path. If he was correct, they had nned to expand the dorms and had ns to do some construction there in theter years. Hence, it was left like that, so the dead end could be turned into another entrance for the students.


    Or, you could say a back entrance.


    He remembered going there once, saw a huge fencing around through the window.


    "Could the person havee from there?" He frowned,.


    You would have to break through the walls or cut break through the windows if you want to do that and then climb over the fencing.


    Was it possible that people aren''t alerted when some did that?


    Something was missing here..


    Or, maybe he was looking in the wrong direction.


    ¡­


    The night passed in peace, and the next day arrived..


    Leo woke up early as usual, and the first thing he did was look at his stats.


    Name: [Leo Allison]


    Lv 7: [Awake]


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Charge] , [A.I. Mind] ]


    Branch Skill: [Burst], [Scan], [Enhance], [Virtual Projection] , [Update]


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F]


    [Stats]


    Strength: 80


    Agility: 65


    Stamina: 69


    "One more point in strength and I would have hit Lv 8.." Leo groaned in misery.


    "Stop acting like that. And, be prepared. You can''t tarnish my name," Aiden grumbled as he looked at Leo.


    "Don''t worry, I will try my best. Not to mention, I have put some money on myself as well," He said with a smile.


    "How can you make me gamble?!! That''s destructive to my image-nya!!"


    "Don''t worry, I am sure at this point a bit more would be a drop in the ocean." Leoughed at it, but Aiden''s face sure turned dark, He was in no position tough honestly.


    He then went out to follow his usual routine before it finally was the time for his departure.

 Chapter 117 - 116: A Suspect

    "It''s unusually lively today.." Leo muttered as he looked around. There were a lot more students than yesterday.


    "What did you expect?" Billy asked as he shook his head, and his fluffy ears lowered down a bit, "You are more popr than you think, it''s another matter that it is in a negative manner."


    "You mean they are here to see me?" Leo asked in surprise. He definitely hadn''t expected that.


    He would admit that people paid attention to him, but wasn''t there a murderer roaming around? Were they really willing to take a risk just to watch him get bashed?


    This definitely was a foolish choice.


    "Where is Harry?" Billy suddenly asked when he noticed that Harry wasn''t at his usual ce. He always sat at one corner with Leo by his side.


    "Well, he said he had something to look for.." Leo vaguely replied. He couldn''t say that guy was out there to confirm some of his suspicion regarding the murderer.


    ..


    "Why am I here?" Spike asked as he looked below. He was standing on Harry''s head as the two looked around the hallway behind the library.


    "Because you were the only person free.." Harry calmly replied. He wasn''t that afraid to be here even though there was no surveince. It was because he had made sure that Jack was in the Library beforeing to search the ce.


    "Isn''t this a dead end? Where are you going?" Spike asked in confusion.


    "You know what? I heard a few people from the Dorms that they put a petition to build an exit around this ce so that they could shorten the distance from the dorms. Is it true?" He asked looking above.


    Spike lived in the Dorms as well.


    "Yeah, those stupid guys.." Spike shook his little head in disdain, "They have no idea how healthy it is to walk and get some physical activity in the morning. These people want to cut ck everywhere."


    "What the hell are you looking for anyway?" Spike asked in confusion when he saw Harry knocking on the walls around.


    ''Something has to be here..'' Harry looked around with a frown when his eyes fell on some old locker kept in the corner. Those kinds of things were no longer used since the storage devices were made a few decades ago.


    But, the Academy was still keeping the antiques.


    "Hmmn?" Harry suddenly seemed to have realized something, and when he walked ahead, he pulled the locker door.


    But, nothing was there.


    His expression immediately eased, and he shook his head.


    "Hey look here.." Spike''s voice suddenly entered his ears, and he saw the little guy had climbed above the locker and was looking behind it.


    Harry walked towards the side, and looked behind it as well when his eyes widened in surprise.


    "I knew it!"


    He immediately grabbed the locker, and moved it easily to the side.


    Behind it was a hole in the wall. One that could easily fit a person, if he stooped down a bit.


    "Let me see what''s behind it." Spike immediately jumped down, and went through it. Harry soon followed behind him as well.


    The two of them soon came out in the open. They could see bushes and trees all around. There was fencing surrounding the ce, and if one climbed over, they could easily walk ahead and reach the dorm within a few minutes.


    "I can''t believe there was a shortcut here! Look, someone had even made a cut through the fence." Spike pointed.


    Harry''s eyes immediately turned serious and he turned around. He was trying his luck. He was just wishing that he would find something that could lead him to the culprit.


    A secondter, his eyes caught something in the corner. It was a piece of clothing.


    ''It is the same color that the girl was wearing..'' Harry didn''t have any idea if it was just a coincidence. But, there was a chance that it was hers. When the Zest took over her arms, it was evident that her sleeves were ripped off.


    ''One thing is for sure, the person is definitely someone from the Dorm..''


    "What is that?" Spike came up to Harry and then looked at a piece of clothes.


    "It smells familiar for some reason."


    Harry frowned and gave it a sniff as well. But, he wasn''t an animal spirit. There was no way his sense of smell couldpare to Spike.


    "Can you remember it? Where have you smelled it before?" He immediately asked him.


    "It''s just a perfume. I could have smelled it anywhere." Spike gave him an odd look.


    Harry stood there and contemted on it, ''A smell that Spike is familiar with, the culprit can be a Dorm resident, and is female Demi-Human..''


    "Let''s go.." Harry''s face had turned dark. Even though he didn''t want to turn the des of suspicion towards a certain someone, it was ending up towards that direction.


    ¡­.


    "Who do you think will win?" Tristy looked at Amelia with an excited look on her face. They had taken a seat in the stands and were waiting for the time of the fight.


    They weren''t the only ones. The stadium was slowly starting to fill up even with the sses of other departments having been cancelled. It was evident that a lot of people were interested in this, and this was even more so when a lot of them had ced bets on the fights.


    Amelia looked at Tristy, and forced a smile on her face. She wanted to say her brother would win. But, when she saw all the looks of her friends around, those words didn''t leave her mouth. They actually made fun of Leo, and this wasn''t something unknown. To be honest, there were times when she joined them. It was obviously when she had a fight with her brother. This exchange might have been the reason that she slowly began to look down on her brother which she once admired.


    The fight today was somewhat due to Amelia''s actions, and hence she supported her brother. She knew that he was always working hard, and hence she wanted to shout out loud that he would win. But, she couldn''t do it in the end.


    This made her depressed and frustrated.


    At this moment, a message came up on her smart link.


    When she saw it, she was surprised as well as happy.


    It was a message from Runeko.


    She seemed to be calling her to the Dorms. They couldn''t talk yesterday, so she thought that it was a good time to do it now.


    ''But..'' Amelia suddenly hesitated while raising her head to look at the ground ahead. She wanted to stay and watch the match. She felt that she should be here to cheer Leo, and that was something very important.


    ''But..I might not get another chance to apologize. What if missing this opportunity creates some misunderstanding?'' She got a bit nervous.


    In the end, she came to a decision and stood up.


    "Where are you going?" Tristy asked her and the rest of the guys looked at her as well.


    "She might not be fine seeing her brother getting a ck eye." One of the guys joked, but the next instant everyoneughed.


    "I think she will be happy to see that, right?" Jason asked her with a smile. He knew that she hated the guy, and always fought with him. It wasn''t a surprise to anyone in the group.


    Amelia looked at Jason but didn''t reply to him. She then turned her head towards Tristy and spoked, "I am going to the washroom."


    Jason saw her leaving back, and frowned a bit. He felt a bit of hostility from her when he made fun of her brother. ''Did I imagine it?''


    He wasn''t sure. And, to be honest, it didn''t make sense. When did she ever care about that dumb elder brother of hers.


    ¡­


    "Well, the ss will end here.." Vanessa looked at the ss. There were barely any students around. Most of them were either absent or had gone to take a seat for themselves in the training stadium.


    She knew what was going around, and hence, turned her head to look at Leo, "I heard that you are participating in a bout. I appreciate your efforts. But, you are my student and I don''t want any serious harm toe to you. So, I would like you to keep your limits in mind."


    She was just reminding him to know when to give up. After all, it was no easy job fighting someone ranked above you. Especially, when the guy even had a higher color skill rank than you at the top of a higher level.


    Just like her, nobody believed that Leo could do anything.


    This fight was unfair to begin with. A wall that couldn''t be climbed.


    Honestly, she was already impressed with Leo''s courage. Only a fool or brave guy would ept this kind of challenge, and she for sure knew that Leo wasn''t a fool.


    "Let''s go..." Leo got up the moment Vanessa left and began to walk towards the indoor training stadium.

 Chapter 118 - 117: Duel

    "Will you tell me what we are doing here?" Spike asked with a frown as he looked at Harry. Everyone had gone to the indoor stadium to watch the fight. But, Harry hade back to the empty club room and taken ahold of theputer.


    Spike couldn''t understand what he was doing at all. To him it only seemed that he was moving his hands randomly in the air while tapings the buttons.


    Harry didn''t pay any attention to Spike and continued his search.


    ''I hope I am wrong..'' He muttered inwardly with a dark look on his face as he finally managed to hack into Runeko''s smart link.


    He for sure knew about one thing.


    Runeko actually had a very odd fashion habit. It was something verymon on her, but it was not true around here. Hence, Nora had once forcefully made her buy clothes of her choice.


    So, most of her clothes should be purchased around when she entered the Academy. Meaning that it was within this year.


    ''I am sorry, but I will invade your privacy for a bit.'' Harry apologized, and then went to look into her purchase details for the year.


    Soon, his face began to turn dark.


    ¡­


    On the other side¡­


    ''There really are a lot of people..'' Leo couldn''t help but feel a bit surprised. The stadium was half filled even with the ongoing murder incident. That sure was something to be surprised of.


    "All the best, I will be cheering for you." Billy smiled before giving Leo a pat on his back. He then went sideways to find himself a seat in the audience.


    Leo looked ahead, and then took a step after steeling his resolve. He was going to try his best. And, that was it.


    As soon as people noticed that Leo had arrived, they began to buzz in surprise.


    The crowd became excited.


    They had been a bit doubtful whether Leo would arrive or not. After all, they had seen this guy change a lot after he lost memory. Hence, he wascking trust. But, this didn''t seem to be the case here.


    "He is here." Ronnie who was sitting in the crowd muttered with a smile. But, his unnecessarymentary was met by rebuke his own sister, Serina.


    "We have eyes, you don''t need to describe it to us."


    Reba let out a helpless smile looking at the two. There was nothing she could do to stop this pair of siblings. This was how it always has been.


    Christina was present in the crowd as well. But, she was sitting in a different ce with people from her own ss.


    "What do you think? Will he win?" One of her friends asked her with a teasing smile. Even though the rumors had started to calm down, her friends still continued to tease her about it.


    "Of course he will win, he has the power of love behind him. A maiden''s pure heart is praying for his victory." Another person giggled beside her.


    Christina''s face began to turn dark, and she looked at the two before rebuking them, "Enough! How many times do I have to tell you not to talk nonsense?! The rumors are finally calming down after a long time, and yet you guys are still fooling around."


    A person sitting at the back seat looked at Christina and her friends with a frown on his face. He had heard what they were talking about, and he definitely wasn''t pleased after hearing that.


    He then suddenly turned his head towards a figure walking towards the center of the stadium. His eyes were clearly filled with hostility as he looked at him. He slowly clenched his fist in anger, "A mere Yellow ranker¡­even though I am more talented him.... is family background all that matters to them.."


    He gritted his teeth while looking at Leo, it seemed that he would eat the guy if possible.


    ¡­


    Leo obviously felt the hostile gaze, but there were just too many. There were more than a few dozen people who were not happy with him. And, probably wanted to beat him as well.


    "I thought you weren''t going toe." Morpheous looked at Leo, and snorted. He was very confident for his victory today, especially after he broke through the barrier to reach Lv 11 and be an Elite.


    At this moment, an Instructor came to supervise the match as the referee.


    In normal cases, it wouldn''t be so. After all, it was just an unofficial duel between two students.


    But, since there had been a lot of hype about it, the Academy was also aware of it. Not to mention, Vanessa had specifically asked for a supervisor to be appointed. She just wanted to make sure that the match was stopped at the right time before any serious harm was caused to any of the students.


    The Academy agreed to it.


    They obviously didn''t want anything serious happening to a Hero''s son.


    The Instructor checked both Leo and Morpheous to see if they had any kind of illegal weapon with them, and then he started the countdown for the fight.


    Immediately, a huge screen floated above the stadium. The middle of the screen disyed the timer, while the two sides disyed Leo and Morpheous.


    Everyone tightly held their breaths as the timer began to tick.


    Leo entered his stance, his Arora energy began to flow around his body. He was ready to react at any time.


    ''Arthur scan him..'' Hemanded, to once again confirm the guy''s stats,


    [Scanning¡­]


    And within a few seconds, the list of the guy''s stats were brought out in Leo''s head.


    [Showing results¡­]


    Name: [Morpheous Brown]


    Lv 11: [Elite]


    Green Rank Skill: [Hardening]


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [E]


    [Stats]


    Strength: 110


    Agility: 105


    Stamina: 101


    ''He is already improved after reaching Cyan rank..'' Leo frowned a bit. But, then shook his head. He wasn''t that behind him in terms of stats. To be honest, he would almost be able to double his stats if he activated [Enhance]. And, that would definitely be more than this guy. But, it still wasn''t going to make his Yellow color energy into a cyan one, meaning there would be qualitative difference and suppression between them.


    "3..2..1.."


    "Buzz!!"


    The buzzer rang and the match finallymenced.


    "Whoosh!"


    Morpheous didn''t wait for Leo to make a move. It seemed he still hadn''t gotten over his rage from the day when he was kicked in the face. His face sure had contorted in anger. He wanted to finish this in one move, and humiliated Leo in one move.


    He could see that the guy was a Yellow ranker, and looking at his energy, it didn''t seem he had reached the peak as of yet.


    ''I will end this here..'' He clenched his fist, and cyan color energy revolved around them before his skin began to turn into rock like substance.


    "Harden!"


    He immediately activated his skill.


    "Damn! He wants to end this in one move!" Someone screamed in the crowd, and people didn''t appreciate it. They were here to watch some fun, and not a fight which would end in one move.


    "Whoosh!"


    Morpheous''s fist headed towards Leo''s face, and everyone thought it was over.


    But, suddenly Leo moved.


    His movement was fast. Fast enough that Morpheous was caught off guard.


    "Bang!"


    People only hear a loud impact before they see a figure fly through the air, and crash onto the ground before rolling over.


    The entire stadium immediately became silent.


    ¡­


    "Sh*t!" Harry cursed as he looked at the information on the screen. His suspicions hade true. He could clearly see the list of clothing which was purchased from Runeko''s smart link. When he clicked on it one by one, one of them led to the exact same hoodie which that figure was wearing in the recording.


    There was no way that there were so many coincidences happening at the same time.


    "What happened?" Spike asked, seeing Harry freaking out like that.


    "It''s bad news. Go and inform Leo that it''s Runeko.."


    "What are you talking abo-"


    Harry didn''t wait for him to speak, and was already running towards the Dorm as he messaged Jack and even Leo about it.


    He didn''t share the details with Spike because he wanted less people to know about Runeko being the murderer. If the incident was known, it would surely affect her opinion in people''s minds.


    There might even be people looking for revenge against her.


    After all, who could understand that feeling better than him?


    The feeling of being wrongfully framed..


    Harry slowly clenched his fist, ''No, I won''t let something like that happen again..''


    ¡­


    Leo looked at the guy who had crashed a distance away with a frown on his face.


    He actually had activated [Enhance] and used that sudden burst in his strength to catch that guy off guard. But, it didn''t seem to work.


    "Is he down in one blow again?"


    As people were discussing about it, Morpheous slowly got up with a raging look on his face. He had actually hardened his face at the right moment and defend himself from that blow.


    But, the shoe imprint had once again been pasted on his face.


    "I will kill you today¡­" He roared in anger, as his body shook.. It seemed he wasn''t able to bear the humiliation.

 Chapter 119 - 118: I Wont Lose Again

    "I will kill you today!!!"


    "Whoosh!"


    Aurora energy bursts through his body as Morpheous roared in anger. The cyan colored energy immediately sent waves rolling around the entire stadium. And, the faces of most first years immediately turned pale.


    These people obviously couldn''tpare to the seniors. It was already considered an achievement if you reach Lv 10 by the end of the first year, and that was still in the realm of an Awake. So, there was no way that these people couldpare to an elite.


    Secondly, they were only half the way through the session. Even the best of the first years might have barely hit Lv 8 by this point.


    Leo looked at Morpheous with a serious look on his face. Even with [Enhance] activated, he could feel a pressure on his shoulders. His energy was clearly being pushed away by the cyan energy. There was suppression due to the difference in colors.


    ''I don''t have much time. If I don''t end this soon, I will lose for sure.''


    Leo knew that [Enhance] had a time limit, once it was over, he would be no different than a duck waiting to be ughtered.


    "Full Body Hardening.." Morpheous suddenly muttered, and his skin began to turn hard like brick. It was very obvious from the way that his skin suddenly turned from soft to tough and rough looking.


    "He already has gained control over his Branch skill¡­" Reba muttered with a little frown on her face. It was clear whose side she was on.


    Serena looked at her face, and sighed inwardly.


    People around were also surprised by Morpheous''s technique. They knew that it hadn''t been long since that guy broke through, but he had already gained control of the Branch skill. It showed that he had talent.


    ''This will be tough for him..'' Christina frowned as well. The chances of Leo''s victory were slim, and with this, it went further below.


    Morpheous let out a roar as if trying to intimidate Leo, and then suddenly rushed towards Leo. Each of his steps were heavy and dug a deep imprint on the ground. It seemed his ability was affecting his weight as well.


    If he rammed into Leo like that, then it surely wouldn''t end well.


    Leo immediately moved to the side. He was already quick on his feet, and in his current state, he really was matching the guy in front.


    "Whoosh!"


    Morpheous missed his charge by an inch, and Leo immediately took advantage of it. He immediately jumped in a spinning motion and stuck the heel of his foot at the back of the guy''s head.


    "Bang!"


    Morpheous was forced a couple of steps ahead due to the impact, but there was no serious damage done to him. Instead, he seemed to have been enraged even more. And, turned to re at Leo with murderous eyes.


    His Branch skill had indeed increased his strength, and defense. But, the downside was reduction in speed due to increase in weight. If not for that, Leo would have been on the ground right now.


    It indeed came as a surprise to Morpheous. He honestly hadn''t thought that Leo was fast enough to match him even at a lower level.


    "A mere¡­yellow ...ranker¡­" Morpheous gritted his teeth in anger.


    Various images shed through his mind, and he clenched his fist.


    It was true that he was of noble lineage. But, his father was just a minor noble. They were just a bit better than themoners living in the capital. His father was not the corrupt kind of Lord. Hence, they lived a simple life.


    But, his life changed when he came to the Academy in the capital.


    Nothing was the same as he had imagined. The ethics that had been ingrained into him by his father was nowhere to be seen. People suppressed and treated someone beneath them like pigs.


    He tried to follow his father''s teaching but it didn''t work. Instead, he was being left behind. This was the norm, those who didn''t follow it would be excluded and left behind in dust.


    There were people whom you shouldn''t offend. Because if you did, they would find loopholes in the system and abuse it to their advantage.


    The same happened with him. Every month, he would lose all his points. His Dorms would be thrashed. And, he would be beaten until blue and ck in training sessions. Worst of all, the Academy''s system to deal with these things was not good at all.


    It was as if they didn''t leave you a choice. The one who would opt toin would further be the receiver of scornful gazes and the cycle would continue.


    In the end, he failed to continued like that.


    He couldn''t continue on the path any longer.


    That was how he ended up in his current state.


    Yet, there was one guy who always got on his nerves.


    Even while he and every other person gave up and lost their spirit, that person continued to walk onto his path. His condition was very obvious to everyone. But, he didn''t give one.


    And, that person was a mere yellow ranker.


    The guy literally had no future and yet he suffered like that¡­


    To achieve what?


    No matter what he did, he wouldn''t be able to get to a level where he could change things and say that his effort paid off.


    It was annoying.


    Just his sight was annoying to Morpheous.


    He even fought him once, trying to crush his spirit.


    But, the opposite happened.


    The eyes of the person who had lost, struck fear in his heart and then this made him grit his teeth in anger.


    He begun to feel inferior.


    Because he had lost, lost in terms of will. And, he didn''t want to ept it.


    He had to crush that person, and make him give up only then could he put down that fire burning in his heart.


    ''I won''t lose again!!'' Morpheous screams internally. He didn''t want to lose..not for a second time.


    His body moved, and he rushed in towards Leo.


    ''Crap!'' Leo''s eyes immediately widened in surprise. The person in front of him suddenly seemed to have gotten faster than before.


    "Bang!"


    The hardened fist came crashing down on Leo.


    Knowing that he had no choice, but to take that on, he immediately lifted his battle arm in the form of guard, and took the blow.


    "ng!"


    A metallic noise rang around the hall as Leo felt a sharp pain shoot through his shoulder. That was the point where the arm was connected to.


    "Whoosh!"


    The attack sent Leo flying through the air just like he had sent Morpheous flying the first time.


    [Prepare yourself for the crash, and stop groaning in pain.] Coach Arthur''s voice ran in Leo''s mind and he immediately came back to his senses.


    He tugged his head in, and the moment hended on the ground, he rolled over and got back onto his feet.


    By this time, Morpheous was already chasing after Leo in a pursuit.


    [Don''t forget your ability. Make full use of it. He is only strong as a brick and not an actual one. He will still be electrocuted-nya.] Even though Coach Arthur wasn''t keen on giving Leo tips to battle out his opponent in a mock fight, Aiden sure was.


    Morpheous once again came in swinging his fist. By now, Leo knew that the guy was proficient in the Boxing Technique avable in the Academy''s directory. And, Morpheous didn''t seem to be keen on using weapons, or he wasn''t a weapon user.


    Leo immediately prepared to dodge the attack, but his eyes suddenly widened.


    Morpheous''s Branch skill suddenly seemed to lose effect.


    No, he had done it deliberately!!


    Even though Leo realized it, he wasn''t fast enough.


    "Bang!"


    The fist had lost a lot of power due to hardening wearing off, but it still struck like a sledge hammer.


    "Ssh!"


    Blood immediately rushed out of Leo''s mouth as he felt his innards in turmoil.


    He even felt his eyes go blurry for a moment as his body slowly went limp, and he fell onto Morpheous'' shoulder for support.


    But, he didn''t lose consciousness. He knew that it was all due to [Enhance]. If not, the game would have been over for now.


    Yet, he acted like he was out.


    "I said I won''t lose again¡­a mere yellow ranker won''t defeat me.." the guy slowly muttered. But, even though he won, he didn''t seem to feel happy at all. He could see Leo''s lip had curled up into a smile for some reason.


    "Crackle!"


    The Battle Arm lit up a bit as Leo activated his skill.


    A yellow jolt suddenly shed through the stadium, and the next instant, Morpheous felt a hammer striking him right in the chest and he was sent flying away.


    The scene immediately sent the stadium into a freezing silence.


    Leo staggered, as he tried to remain on his feet.


    ''Damn..this things full power is really insane..'' He couldn''t help but look at his arm in amaze. This still wasn''t the limit, he could definitely tell that if he put more energy into it, it would have been even stronger. But, he didn''t have that much energy, and he wasn''t sure if he would be able to finish this guy in one hit. Hence, he kept some in reserve.


    "Ssh!" Morpheous, looked at the blood that he puked out in disbelief. And, then raised his head to see Leo loosely standing there on his feet.


    ''Impossible! Why?! Why does he need to go this far?! How is he still improving?! He should have been a mere yellow ranker!!''


    ''This isn''t how it was supposed to be!''

 Chapter 120 - 119: End Of The Fight

    If you are reading this chapter now, please return within 30 minutes. The chapter is under editing..


    A silence engulfed the indoor stadium as the students stared at the ground with surprised looks on their faces. The sight in front of them was something very hard to believe, but they couldn''t deny it.


    "Am I seeing things right?" One of the students suddenly pinched himself. And, the pain that followed made him realize that yes he was.


    "How can he bring out so much power? He is a Yellow ranker, no matter how you look at him.."


    People couldn''t just believe it, and they had a reason too.


    "How is he doing that?" Serina had a confused look on her face as well.


    Reba was staring at the ground with a serious look on her face as well.


    "Well, who knows. It seems he is an irregr one. He might just that inborn in him.." Ronnie shrugged.


    But, it was a bit hard to ept it at this point.


    It was true that there were people who had some innate advantage from birth, they were sure that Leo didn''t have that. At least they strongly believed so.


    "Anyway, does it really matter? As long as it is interesting enough, I am fine with it." The guy further added with a smile on his face.


    People around shook their heads looking at the carefree guy.


    ¡­


    ''Damn..it hurts..'' Leo cursed feeling the ache through his body. He swore in his heart that if it wasn''t for the fact that he was forced into this situation, he would have never chosen a field full of violence.


    ''Why can''t this guy just stay down..'' Leomented as Morpheous slowly got back onto his feet.


    The guy wiped the blood on his lips, and his body slowly started to harden once again. It seemed he wasn''t going to let his guard down again.


    "Whoosh!" Morpheous once again charged while gritting his teeth. Blood once again began to slip through his mouth, but he didn''t stop.


    Leo''s face turned dark as he prepared himself. He was no longer as quick as before, but the same could be said for Morpheous.


    Morpheous seemed to have realized from his past mistakes, and didn''t ram into Leo like before. Instead, he carefully controlled his charge even at the cost of reducing his speed to better handle the situation.


    ''Crap..''


    Sweat dripped down Leo''s face as he dodged the consecutive swings from Morpheous. The winds from his fist zooming past his face was really frightening to him. He knew that another blow would probably end this fight at the spot.


    He couldn''t afford to take another hit.


    The situation wasn''t looking good for Morpheous as well. His face was pale, and his injuries were severe as well. He didn''t know how Leo had managed to gather that much strength in his fist, but it sure hurt like hell.


    He knew that it was his fault to begin with. He had let his guard down, not to mention, he had looked down on Leo. After all, just how much could a blow from a Yellow ranker hurt?


    Guess what?


    It was pretty bad.


    ''Chance..'' Leo''s eyes constricted as he finally found a gap in Morpheous''s move. The guy was constantly using his Branch skill, and from one look, Leo could tell that it was extremely taxing on him.


    After all, he had to constantly use his energy to maintain his skill.


    Secondly, he had recently advanced to the Elite stage. It was not odd if he had barely managed to get control over the skill. And, now he was using it so excessively. You can imagine his condition.


    He was pushing himself beyond his limit, and this inadvertently opened up a gap in his movement.


    "Bang!"


    Leo picked this opportunity, and with a sh his body moved, and he kicked right at the guy''s chin.


    His uracy sure had increased from before.


    Even in his hardened state, the chin was indeed a point you wanted to guard.


    Morpheous''s movements froze for a second as he was hit by a spell of dizziness.


    It was only for a second, but that changed the momentum from his favor to that of Leo''s.


    As Morpheous took a step back to stabilize himself, Leo immediately smashed his head with a roundhouse kick.


    This further send the guy staggering back.


    And, after that, the audience could only look at the fight with wide eyes.


    Leo didn''t hold back at all. With all his Arora energy coursing through his legs, he disyed his peak strength using the Niverian kicking arts.


    A flurry of kicks rained down on Morpheous, and each attack connected with the other into abo.


    Morpheous was totally caught onto Leo''s momentum, he tried to get out of it, but there was no pulling back. And, he could only defend himself.


    He tried to ram out with brute force, but the moment he tried to switch from defense to offence, a kick wouldending right onto his nose or chin.


    That was not a good situation for him.


    As time ticked, Leo got even more ferocious. He knew that his time limit was nearing.


    Morpheous gritted his teeth. He knew that Leo couldn''t continue like this. It was a battle of attrition now. The person who runs out of stamina would be the one to lose first.


    People held their breaths looking at the exciting fight. For a moment, they had forgotten that the fight was between an Awake and Elite. They began to treat two people at equal levels.


    ''I am gonna lose..'' Leo muttered inwardly. He realized that he was fighting way above his level. He couldn''t sustain his energy consumption for long.


    [Don''t you dare to lose! This will be our first serious victory! If you can''t even win here, we will never be able to break through our limit. Do you want that-nya?!!] Aiden roared.


    Leo gritted his teeth hearing that, and the Arora energy began to buzz in his body.


    ''Right....I can''t give up..I promised myself not to..'' Leo''s face turned serious. An Unknowingly, a will began to surge within his body. But, there was no one around who was at a level to sense it.


    Morpheous who was beginning to feel at ease with victory in sight, frowned. He suddenly felt the strength behind Leo''s attack increase.


    ''What''s going on?'' He looked at Leo with a face full of trepidation. ''Did this guy level up?''


    "Bang!"


    A strong kick suddenly broke Morpehous''s guard, and he looked at Leo whose face had that ferocious look on it. His eyes gleamed with a strange yellow-bluish light and the next instant, lightning sizzled through those eyes.


    Leo''s body rose into the air with a single leap, and he raised his right foot over his head.


    "[Burst]!"


    "Crackle!"


    A loud thunder p rang across the stadium. And, an intense charge of energy was released by Leo''s leg as it came crashing down on Morpheus.


    Morpheous looked at the blinding sh and immediately crossed his arms above to defend.


    "Bang!"


    Morpheous felt as if his feet immediately sank without any resistance. It was as if a meteor had crashed onto him. He knew ...it was over..


    "Boom!"


    The ground beneath cracked forming a spider-web like pattern, and Morpheous''s eyes immediately rolled backwards.


    As he felt himself losing consciousness, Leo''s voice entered his ear. "I won''t lose as well.."


    For a brief moment, he seemed to realize that there was a difference between the same words spoken by him and Leo.


    ¡­


    The lightning had blinded everyone for a second, and the thing that happened next was very quick.


    Hence, by the time people realized what had happened, the fight was over.


    Obviously, there were a few people who managed to see through it very well.


    "Holy crap! That guy has activated a Branch skill!!'''' Ronnie''s loud mouth shocked everyone in the stadium.


    It was a known fact that Branch skills only appeared every 10 levels and those who could activate it earlier were very talented.


    But, there had never been a case of a Yellow Ranker (A person with Yellow Rank skill) to have done this. After all, such people shouldn''t have the ability to go beyond Lvl 10, so there was no way for Leo to have a branch skill.


    No matter how people wrecked their brains, they just couldn''t understand what had happened. This was just unheard of.


    "Winner, Aiden Silver!"


    The projection screen up in the air dered results. But, there were only a few people who cheered for Leo. After all, most people didn''t like his current self.


    "Is the loser going to rise again?"


    "Don''t talk bullshit....he is a yellow ranker.."


    "But, he has a Branch skill.."


    The people around continued to whisper, and argue, but there was no way that any results woulde out of this argument.


    Leo and Morpheous both were taken to the infirmary since they had dueled it out in a real environment instead of a virtual one.


    "Should we go and meet him?" Ronnie asked with a smile, and Reba froze for an instant.


    "Why do we need to do that?" Serina frowned and then gave Reba a nce.


    "He helped me earn arge amount of money. We should thank him, that''s the proper etiquette, right Princess?"


    Reba forced a smile on her face.


    "Why should we go with you then? It''s your job not ours." Serina frowned.


    "I am not asking you. " He ignored her and turned her head towards Reba, "Are you a free princess? Won''t you apany me?" He asked her with a smile. He knew that she had a thing for Aiden, but he had no idea about the recent rejections.


    Reba looked at him, and then nodded. Nothing had changed because of the rejections. Even if they weren''t lovers, she would have still congratted him. And, so she would.


    Serina sighed at the situation.


    ¡­


    "Don''t move, let me treat you.." The Doctor berated Leo, and he could only force a smile on his face.


    There was Billy by his side in the infirmary. And, the rest of the guys had gone to wait at the Club to not make this ce crowded.


    At this moment, three figures entered the room.


    The person in the lead was Ronnie.


    "Cong-"


    He had barely spoken out when Spike appeared out of nowhere with a flying kick.


    "Get out of the way!"


    "Bang!"


    He immediately sent Ronnie flying before looking at Leo as he panted heavily. It seemed he had came running all the way.


    Everyone''s eyes immediately went wide at the unexpected situation.

 Chapter 121 - 120: A Violent Student

    "You sure you wanna do this?" Serina asked Reba with an odd look on her face. They were currently headed towards the Infirmary to check on Leo. Ronnie had taken the lead and was walking ahead with huge strides.


    "I am fine." Reba smiled at her. She knew Serina was concerned about her. It was all due to what had happened between her and Aiden.


    Soon, the group arrived near the infirmary.


    Ronnie entered the room without any care, but Reba''s body seemed to slow down a bit. It seemed her words weren''t entirely true, but she definitely had the will to make them into one.


    Hence, she entered the room with Serina on her side.


    They could see Leo being treated by the Doctor.


    A smile immediately leaked out on Ronnie''s face, and he opened his mouth, "Cong-"


    He hadn''t evenpleted his words when Serina and Reba felt a dangerous presence rushing from behind. They weren''t prepared for this sudden situation, but luckily, they didn''t seem to be blocking that figure''s path.


    "Bang!"


    "Get out of my way!!" A little roar rang throughout the room as a small ball zoomed past between Serina and Rba''s head, and crashed into the back of Ronnie''s head.


    Ronnie had no idea what had hit him, but he went flying through one end of the room towards the other before crashing into the wall.


    "Crash!"


    Everybody was immediately taken back by the scene, and stared at the little figure who was panting heavily on the floor.


    ''A hedgehog?'' Everyone had the same thought in their head.


    ¡­


    Leo looked at Spike with wide eyes, and then turned his head to look at Ronnie in the distance.


    ''Did this guy just kick someone flying through the room to block his path?'' His attention which should have been on the new guests waspletely taken away by this incident, and he was now left speechless.


    "What are you doing?" He asked the little guy with a frown.


    "I don''t know. Harry asked me to inform you of something. For some reason, my instincts told me to be as quick as I could be. So, I kind of lost my control.." Spike forced a smile on his little face.


    "What did he say?"


    Spike''s face immediately turned serious on hearing that, "He told me to inform you that it was Runeko.."


    Leo''s eyes widened as he abruptly stood up.


    He clearly understood what it meant.


    But, the people in the room were all left confused at the chaotic situation.


    ''Is he serious?'' Leo frowned, and immediately opened his smart link to contact Harry.


    But, the next moment, his face froze when he saw the message from the guy.


    <It''s Runeko..>


    <I hacked into her smart link and found some concrete hints..>


    <And, I saw herst messages with your sister. She seemed to have called her towards the Dorms¡­>


    "What is goi-" Spike had barelypleted his question when Leo dashed out of the room like a storm.


    Everyone turned their heads towards the door, but he was gone.


    Reba could only raise her hand trying to ask if everything was alright, but Leo didn''t even give her a nce.


    "Oh my...can anyone tell me what''s going on?" Ronnie''s voice rang in the room as he slowly got up while stretching his neck. He then smiled, "I smell some interesting drama.."


    Spike suddenly became everyone''s center of attention, but he wasn''t even aware of the truth himself.


    ¡­


    ''What to do now?'' Leo gritted his teeth as he ignored the pain shooting through his body, and dashed down the hallway.


    [Contact Aaron! He should be in Academy-nya!] Aiden suggested in a grim tone.


    ''That thing is immortal. If the Librarian was right, we need someone with a ''Will'' if we want to kill that thing,'' Leo replied with a nasty look on his face.


    If he asked Aaron, then it was very likely that even he might not be able to do much to it.


    ''Dean!'' Leo suddenly said internally, ''Harry had informed the librarian. But, I don''t want to take any chances. Let''s go and get the Dean to move himself.''


    Leo immediately changed his path, and headed towards the Dean''s office.


    When people saw him dashing around like crazy, they were left in confusion.


    He had just won a fight, and instead of recovering, he was pulling some bizarre stunt..


    Was this a victory dance?


    ¡­


    ''Where the hell is that man?!!'' Harry frowned as he waited outside the Dorm building while keeping his eye on it. He hadn''t gone inside, because he knew it was dangerous. He had suffered thest time as well, and clearly knew that he was probably going to get bashed if he tried to y the hero here.


    Besides, Shinobi worked through the shadows and not in light. So, this was not his style.


    But, a problem was cropping up. Jack was nowhere to be seen, and he hadn''t responded to the messages as well. This was stressing Harry up.


    Time was of utmost importance.


    He obviously had no idea that the Instructors were currently having another meeting for the same murder incident. And, with all their devices on silent, it wasn''t odd that Jack hadn''t seen the messages yet.


    "It will be bad if they are toote¡­" He muttered with a heavy frown, but then shook his head. He had not nned toe to light.


    After all, staying in the shadows was his life''s motto.


    But, suddenly a scene shed through his mind, a familiar voice reverberated in his mind. Some things just could never be forgotten.


    ''Hide yourself until you are confident enough to end it in one blow¡­.but the rules have to be broken when your heart doesn''t want to follow it. I have followed my heart, so even if this is the end, I don''t regret the way I lived. So, you decide things on your own too. I can only wish for your best..''


    It all ended there, and a frown appeared on Harry''s face as he looked at the Dorms once again.


    He slowly clenched his fist. His motto and his heart were contradicting each other. He had decided his way of living on that fateful day, and it hadn''t changed ever since¡­


    ''Tsk..'' He suddenly clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction and began to move.


    It was just a backup measure. He wasn''t going to do anything, until there was no other option left.


    ¡­


    "Where the hell is he?!" Leo frowned as he looked around, but the room was empty. There was no sight of the Dean around.


    "Hey! What are you doing in here, barging without permissions?!" The secretary rushed into the room with an angry look on his face.


    He was outside on his desk, and people usually would seek permission before going in. But, Leo just came in like the wind and barged into the room like it was his own.


    "Where is the Dean?" Leo asked him.


    "You! Answer me first! What''s your name?! Don''t think you can do what-"


    "Shatter!"


    The man suddenly froze when a flower vase went flying a few inches from his face, and shattered on the wall behind.


    "Where is the Dean?!!" Leo didn''t have time for this.


    The person gulped, and involuntarily took a step back.


    He was not an awakener. It was just that he was good at management, and hence was put on the job. It was a verymon thing. After all, Awakeners are usually not interested in such jobs.


    As Leo took a step towards him and grabbed his cor, the guy immediately opened his mouth, "M-Meeting Hall.."


    Leo stared at him for a few seconds, and then released him before rushing out towards the Meeting Hall.


    The Secretary saw Leo leave, and the next instant his face immediately changed. He opened his smart link, and immediately contacted the security, "There is an unruly student who just barged into the Dean''s office. He not only destroyed the Academy''s property, but even assaulted me!!"


    "Hurry up, and apprehend him!! He is dangerous!!"


    This person obviously didn''t recognize Leo because if he did, he would surely have framed his words in a better way.


    ¡­


    Disciplinary Committee


    "There has been less cases of violence in thest two days." A student with sses stood in front of a girl, as he reported on the situation.


    "Is there any lead regarding the murder incident?" The girl asked with a calm look on her face.


    She had gorgeous blue hair which ran down to her waist. Her sapphire eyes seemed to be filled with a calm like water, and there was a cold air surrounding her.


    She was a second year as well, and at the same time, the Head of the Disciplinary Committee.


    Doris Lionel


    Her father shared the same status as Edgar, being one of the three Marshals in the military. And, had the highest authority in the military.


    "Well, it''s a good thing that it has been calm these past days." She nodded, and then got up to prepare herself to go on a patrol. It was her usual routine during breaks.


    At this moment, a message came into her smart link.


    It was a report of a student barging into the Dean''s office and assaulting the secretary.

 Chapter 122 - 121: Chaos In Academy

    "I wonder what''s going on?" Ronnie muttered as he walked out of the Infirmary with Reba and Serina. Spike had no idea what was going around, and Leo had already disappeared from their sight. So, they couldn''t find out what it was all about.


    "Spread out! Restraint him!"


    "Such behavior can''t be tolerated!"


    Serina looked at the group from the Disciplinary Committee running around in high spirits. It had been quite these past few days, so it certainly had been a while since she saw these guys again.


    "I wonder which moron caused problem this time." Ronnie smiled with an amused look on his face. There was nothing good ining in contact with these people from the Disciplinarymittee.


    "These guys usually don''t move like this if it''s a fight.." Serina frowned.


    It was true.


    Small fights weremon, and unless a member of themittee chanced upon it. They wouldn''t interfere or at least until there was someone whoined about it.


    But to think they were moving like this, it had to be something big.


    "Is it rted to the murderer?" Reba suddenly asked with a frown.


    "Well, let''s find out.." Ronnie smiled, and grabbed one of the guys.


    "Wh-" The person turned his head in anger, a bit irritated as well.


    But, the moment he saw the trio before him, his face immediately turned pale.


    "What''s with themotion?" Ronnie asked.


    "A-A student broke into the Dean''s office.." the person replied nervously.


    Ronnie stood there as if in deep thought. He then turned his head to look towards Reba and Serina, "It''s something else. How about you guys go ahead? I have another ss.."


    "Who wanted yourpany to begin with?" Serina sneered at him before grabbing Reba''s hand, and walking away.


    As soon as they were gone, Ronnie turned his head back towards the guy, "Who is this person?"


    "I-I don''t know. They are still trying to identify him from the recordings.."


    "Show it to me.." Ronnie didn''t let him go, and the guy nodded.


    He then flicked a screen and showed him a picture from the footage.


    ''It''s him..'' Ronnie realized it was Leo at a nce. After all, he had just seen him. His suspicions turned out to be true. But, he couldn''t understand what was wrong with him.


    "Do you know what happened?" Ronnie looked at the person, and he just shook his head.


    In the end, the guy was finally allowed to go, and he didn''t even waste a second before disappearing.


    Ronnie stood there with a frown on his face. He couldn''t understand just what was going on. He knew that Leo wouldn''t just go crazy for no reason. There had to be something behind this. And, to be honest, he could only rte it to the little hedgehog.


    His words were definitely the trigger for all of this.


    ''Well, I should take a look. I don''t know what''s going on, but it definitely will be entertaining..'' He muttered inwardly before beginning to move as well.


    ¡­


    Spike returned to the club with a frown on his little face. He had no idea what was going on. But, it definitely didn''t feel right. Something was bad here.


    "Where is Harry?" Yuji asked with a smile, and everybody''s face turned towards him as well.


    "He ran off somewhere.." Spike replied with an odd look on his face.


    "Is something wrong?" Nora felt that he was behaving a bit oddly.


    "Kind of.." Spike looked at them and then exined the situation.


    "I don''t have a good feeling about it. I think we should go and check on Runeko.." Nora looked at Yuji with a worried look on her face. There had been a lot happening with Runeko, and now her name wasing up like this. She felt her heart clench as an ominous feeling took over her.


    "That is indeed odd¡­" Yuji sat there with a frown on his face.


    At this moment, two people walked into the room.


    Both of them had the uniform of the Security staff on.


    "Who is the Club president?" One of the men asked.


    "It''s me.." Yuji raised his hand.


    "We heard that you have a Demi-Human member.." the person asked as he looked around.


    "She is not here. She is sick and has taken leave," Yuji replied with an odd look on his face.


    The person frowned a bit, but then nodded.


    The Head of the Security Department was berated in thest meeting and was even warned. Hence, he had deployed all his people to go around, and meet the Demi-Human students and mark the suspicious one.


    "Is there any problem with her?" Nora asked when she saw the guys turn around to leave.


    "We have a missing person. So, we just wanted to ask if there was any connection between them or if she knew that person," The man replied with a calm look on his face.


    With that, the two of them left.


    ''They were a bit too alert..'' Spike looked at the two men with a frown on his little face. He could see that the two people always had one of their hands on their weapons. It was as if they were prepared for an attack.


    But, it might have been due to the fact that there was murderer roaming around in the campus.


    Or maybe..


    ¡­


    On the other side..


    Leo moved towards the meeting hall. He had no idea that he had beenbelled as a mischief and had the security and disciplinarymitteeing after him.


    "Stop there!"


    Leo was taken back when two students suddenly blocked his path with a hostile look on their faces.


    "Who are you?" Leo asked with a frown.


    "We are from the Disciplinary Committee. You areing with for damaging the Academy property and assault a staff member." The person gave Leo a disdainful look.


    It was one thing to fight with another student, but to beat the staff..


    Honestly, they didn''t interfere in matters between students. But, if any student took it out of that boundary to destroy stuff and target other irrelevant people, they would surely being. And, it actually happened a lot. When the weak were suppressed for too long, they would turn towards people weaker than them.


    Leo immediately frowned upon hearing that.


    "It''s not like that. You guys are misunderstanding." Leo knew that he didn''t have time to exin it all to them here. "Let me just meet the Dean. I am sure he will clear the confusion."


    The two looked at Leo with a doubtful look on their faces. There was no way that they were believing him.


    "Just let me pass, please.." Leo knew there was no way he would be able to force his way through in a situation like this. He was weak as hell, and injured on top of that. Not to mention, the students who were capable of joining the Disciplinarymittee were all above average.


    "You areing with us. You can exin it to us then. If you are not wrong then you don''t have anything to worry about," One of the guys said with a nod.


    "Crackle!"


    Lightning sizzled around Leo''s feet.


    "Carefull!" The person immediately jumped back while warning his fellow mate.


    The next moment, a blinding light shed through the hallway, and by the time two realized what was going on, Leo had vanished from the ce.


    "Damn it! He ran away!!" The person''s face immediately turned ugly.


    "Raise his threat level! There is no need formunication anymore! Ask People to apprehend him directly on sight.." The guy further grumbled while the person behind him passed the message through his smart link,


    ¡­.


    "They are not following me.." Leo sighed in relief when he didn''t see anyone behind him.


    [How in hell does that solve the situation-nya?!] Aiden''s grim voice rang in Leo''s mind, and his face turned ugly.


    Now that he had run backwards, he would have to make a circle and take a long route towards the meeting hall.


    And, in doing so, he would probably meet more people who were after him.


    This was definitely getting troublesome.


    ''There is still no reply from the Librarian..'' Leo frowned. If he could confirm that the Jack was moving in for help, he wouldn''t have to run. He would have instead calmly cleared the situation.


    [Time is running out. There is only one option left now-nya.] Aiden was worried. Amelia was his sister after all.


    Since it hade to him, they could only make a desperate effort.


    After all, no matter what, Leo was weak as hell. He wasn''t going to be able to make his way with so many people trying to block him.


    ¡­


    A few minutester..


    Leo arrived back at the ce where he had run away earlier from. There were two more turns from here, before he could reach the meeting hall. It was the shortest way through.


    Currently, there was one person guarding the path. It was the guy who had remained quiet during the earlier exchange.


    But, it still didn''t change anything.


    Leo scanned him, and it came as Lv 12 Elite.


    There was no hope.


    As he was contemting, a voice came from beside him.


    "Need some help?"


    "Sure, I do," Leo replied, with a bitter smile. The next second, his face froze.. He slowly turned his head, and saw Ronnie smiling at him.

 Chapter 123 - 122: Aidens Last Resort

    Leo looked at the guy standing in front of him with wide eyes. He hadn''t even realized when he had appeared behind him.


    "He seems to be an Elite.." Ronnie muttered as he tilted his head around the corner and saw the student guarding the hallway.


    "What are you doing?" Leo asked as he looked at the guy.


    "Helping you¡­" Ronnie smiled.


    "Do you even know what''s going on?" Leo further asked him with an odd look on his face.


    "Nope, but it seems interesting," Ronnie replied with a little excited look on his face. It didn''t matter whether Leo was right or wrong, but he sure would make things a bit entertaining in the Academy.


    Leo could clearly smell trouble from this guy.


    But, he didn''t have an option here.


    "Can you distract that guy?" Leo pointed towards that fellow, and Ronnie patted his chest, "Leave it to me.."


    The next moment, he moved ahead and walked out from the corner.


    "Hello my friend.." There was a sweet smile on his face as he approached the student guarding the hallway.


    "Students aren''t allowed here.." The person immediately frowned upon seeing Ronnie pop out of nowhere. This was a restricted area, and only Teachers were allowed here. Of course special situations allowed some students as well.


    "Is it? I actually got lost.." Ronnie scratched the back of his head with a silly smile on his face.


    The student from the Disciplinary Committee frowned even harder, but his expression eased a bit when he recognized who the guy was, "You can take that path back, I am sure you would get back just fine.."


    He pointed the way which headed straight behind him.


    "Can you take me there? I am bad with directions."


    "Use the GPS in your smart link," The guy replied with an odd look on his face. He felt this guy in front of him was an idiot.


    "It''s actually broken.." Ronnie gave him helpless smile.


    The person stood there contemting a bit on it. He was asked to stay here and guard. It might not be a good idea to leave. Not to mention, the Committee Head had asked her not to allow anyone to pass through the ce as the Instructors were having a very important meeting.


    "Hmmn?" The person suddenly looked at Ronnie as he felt a sweet scent wafting his nostrils. The next instant, he felt the scene in front of him changed. Wind brushed past his face as he stood in an open field. Little pink petals of flowers decorated the air as they flew around in the wind.


    The scene was breathtaking.


    ¡­.


    "What the hell is he doing?" Leo muttered under his breath as he looked at Ronnie standing in front of that student. The two initially seemed to be engaged in some conversation, but mid way, the guy suddenly froze to his spot.


    Suddenly, Ronnie turned towards Leo and beckoned him toe over.


    His actions immediately made Leo frown, but to his surprise, the guy in front just stood there with a nk look on his face. It was as if his soul had crossed over to another world.


    Leo slowly got out of the corner and breathed in relief when he saw that the guy didn''t seem to react to him at all.


    "What did you do to him?" He couldn''t help, but ask Ronnie in surprise.


    "Nothing much." Ronnie shook his head, "Aren''t you gettingte?"


    "Yeah.." Leo''s face turned dark, and he immediately took a step ahead, "I will properly thank you some other time.."


    "Nah, I already made a fortune thanks to you winning the bout earlier." Ronnie shook his head with a smile on his face.


    As Leo disappeared around the corner ahead, Ronnie looked at the guy and he snapped back from his daze.


    "What happened?" Ronnie asked him with an innocent look on his face.


    "Umn..nothing.." The guy looked at him, but then shook his head. ''I should rest some more. I have been cutting down on sleeping time to increase my training hours. I must have umted a lot of stress.''


    "It seems you are busy. I will go alone then." Ronnie was now done with his task. So, there was no need for him to waste time here.


    "Well, I can walk you to that corner." The guy suddenly spoke, and it surprised Ronnie a bit.


    "Are you sure you will be fine?" He asked the guy.


    "Well, our Committee Head just went towards the Meeting Hall to inform the Security Staff Leader about the situation. So, it should be fine if I walk you till there. She should be returning by the time I make it back. So, even if somebody passes, they would end up stumbling upon her."


    The moment Ronnie heard that, his eyes widened and he turned his head to look towards the path Leo went in, ''He was a good guy..a pity..''


    He shook his head with a sigh, but there was nothing he could do here.


    ¡­.


    ''Why is this hallway so long?'' Leo cursed inwardly, as he ran at his full speed.


    "Just as he was about to turn around the corner, a leg came aiming straight for his head."


    The ambush indeed surprised him. But, the fact that he himself was very proficient in Kicking Techniques, Leo immediately saw through the ws in the attack and immediately dodged the attack. He then took a small leap, and backed away before having a clear look at the person ahead.


    It was a girl with blue hair.


    She was the Head of the Disciplinary Committee, Doris Lionel.


    There was a cold look in her eyes.


    She was a beauty no less than Christina, but Leo didn''t have his eyes on her. His eyes only were on the door which had the words Meeting Hall above it.


    It was right at the end of this hallway.


    But, the girl obviously stood there blocking his path.


    ''Scan her, Arthur..''


    Within a second, her information was right in front of Leo.


    Name: [????]


    Lv 17: [Elite]


    Rank Skill: [???]


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [E+]


    Leo''s eyes immediately went wide on seeing her stats. That sure was something he wasn''t prepared for. He was really doomed.


    But the door was just right there.


    "I don''t mean any har-" Leo thought about talking this out with her. But to his surprise, he wasn''t even allowed to speak. The girl immediately moved to strike him.


    Leo immediately turned around, and dodged the attack.


    His face turned ugly when the girl''s attacks began to push him back, and he was brought all together on a different route.


    ''I can''t let this continue..'' Leo knew that he had to do something. Suddenly, his eyesnded on the thing above. It was a fire sensor. Once it detected smoke, shower heads would pop out from the ceiling and drenched the ce in water.


    He looked at the girl who hadn''t spoken a word, and was just trying to push him towards this certain direction. It seemed that she wanted to bring Leo away from the Meeting Hall, and then apprehend him. It was all because she didn''t want to cause amotion there and disturb the Instructor''s who were busy with something important.


    ''This guy seems familiar..'' She muttered inwardly, and the next instant her eyes went wide when she realized it was Aiden.


    Leo didn''t know why her movement slowed down for a bit, but he took advantage of this chance.


    Lightning sizzled around his body, and the next instant, smoke rms were triggered.


    "Shh!!"


    Water began to pour out of the shower heads above, and in a matter of seconds, both Leo and Doris were drenched from head to toe.


    "Crackle!"


    Leo let out all his remaining Arora energy in an attempt to take down the girl. And, lighting immediately went rampaging in the hallway. The water on the floor only added to it, and helped Leo.


    Doris''s face contorted in pain as her body shook, and she was brought down onto her knees. Her face had turned a bit dark and a burning smell came from her hair. A moment of carelessness had ended her up in such a state.


    ''Did it work?'' Leo looked at the girl, and his body went cold when he saw Doris raise her head with a murderous look in her eyes. She was pissed now.


    [You should have surrendered the moment you met her. Pissing her is the worst thing one can do in their life-nya.] Aiden''s voice rang in Leo''s mind.


    ''Y-You!! Why didn''t you say it earlier?!!''


    [I am not free here-nya!] Aiden retorted and that was thest thing Leo heard from him before he saw Doris''s raging figure appeared before him in a sh.


    ''Sh*t..''


    ¡­


    Aiden shook his little kitty head as he heard Leo curse which was soon followed by a painful scream.


    ''Now that he is down. I am the only one who can get the job done-nya.'' He muttered inwardly before beginning to walk ahead. There was a smart link wrapped around his neck as he sneakily moved ahead through the vents.


    "Finally-nya..." He muttered with a serious look on his cute little face and looked below through the opening in the vent to see the group of Instructors busy in discussion.

 Chapter 124 - 123: One Cat Two Owners

    "How long do you people n to take?!!" Dean Valen roared in anger as his gaze swept through all the Instructors in the room.


    The culprit was still not in their hands. And, they were supposed to be one of the best Academies in the Universe.


    The Leader of the Security Force sat there with his head hung low. He had nothing to say. All his people were already onto the matter. But, the culprit just couldn''t be identified so easily. How the hell were they supposed to find out the person with only a picture of her back visible to them?


    Obviously, they had already marked down a bunch of people with some simrity in figure, but there was nothing that seemed suspicious about them as of yet. Not to mention, they had to work within the rules and regtions. Meaning, they couldn''t go overboard in their investigations.


    All the Instructor''s could only keep their mouths shut in silence while the Dean scolded them.


    Jack was in the room as well. But, he didn''t dare to look the Dean in the eye. He could only curse his luck. He hadn''t slept since the day of the murder, but even all his patrolling had ended up with zero reward. There was no sight of the culprit.


    Either the person had run away from the ce, or he was hiding in silence.


    It was better if it was the first, if not, then they would have to live in horror of another incident happening anytime.


    "ng!"


    A metallic ng rang out of nowhere, and people were immediately shocked as the venttion grill came crashing down on the table along with a cute little cat.


    The scene suddenly left everyone dumbfounded.


    ''A cat?''


    They couldn''t help, but look at the little thing not knowing what to make out of the situation.


    ...


    ''Sh*t! That scared the crap out of me..'' Aiden cursed internally. He didn''t think the grill would plummet down the moment he step onto it.


    ''What now?'' He looked around, and saw everyone looking at him.


    ''Damn it, I had ns toe out of the venttions duct near the floor..'' He looked in the corner and there was clear a connection to venttion duct there as well. But, not he was here..


    ...


    There were two people here who recognized the cat at a single nce.


    First one was Jack, who knew the cat very well. The other one was Vanessa. Even though she hadn''t previously met the Nyanden, Amelia had indeed sent her pics of their new family member.


    "Where did this cate from?" One of the Instructors frowned.


    The Leader of Security Force looked at the Dean''s ugly face, and gulped. First there was a murderer roaming around, and now, there was cat. Even though it was a harmless little thing, it didn''t change the fact that his people couldn''t discover a thing which was roaming around the campus freely.


    What if it was not a harmless little cat, but some Arora beast?


    He could feel sweat rolling down his forehead.


    "I will take care of it.." He immediately decided to bring the situation under control. His Arora energy came out of his body turning into a red hand. And, it immediately went ahead to grab the little cat.


    It was clear that he was being lenient by only using a Titled''s ability to freely change the shape of his energy.


    Aiden''s eyes turned gravely when he saw that hand heading towards him. He knew that if he was caught by the guy, it would be all over. He had to get to the right person.


    He immediately turned towards Jack, their eyes met.


    It was then that he raised his head, and revealed a smart link tied around his neck.


    "Bang!"


    Two more Arora energy rushed out and shed with Security Leader''s energy. The sh sent waves of energy rolling around the room, and everything on the desks were sent flying away.


    The scene shocked every Instructor as they looked at Jack and Vanessa who had suddenly gotten up from their seats.


    "What are you two doing?" The Dean asked with a dark look on his face.


    "It''s my cat." Two voices simultaneously rang in the room, and everyone''s face turned odd.


    How could a single cat belong to two different people?


    Vanessa frowned as she looked at Jack. She couldn''t help but give Nyanden one more look, but no doubt about it, it was the same cat that she had seen in Amelia''s pic. She could only think that the girl had secretly brought the cat to the Academy, and then ended up losing sight of it.


    But, why was the Librarian iming the cat to be his?


    This left her in confusion.


    Even the Dean couldn''t help, but gave Jack a look. He knew this guy wasn''t a cat lover. Hell, he hated cute animals to be specific. He loved more bloodthirsty ones.


    There was a silence in the room, until Jack finally broke it, "Are you sure you aren''t mistaken?"


    He gave Vanessa a questioning look, and she didn''t know how to react. She was sure if she went with the picture. But, she hadn''t even met the thing in person, it was too early to assume it was the exact same cat. What if it was just a simr looking one?


    If only she could confirm it with Amelia..


    "Come here.." Jack suddenly gestured to the little cat.


    Aiden''s brows twitch. But, he controlled his anger. Even though it was humiliating, he didn''t have a choice now. Hence, he could only act like a nice little cat who had seen his owner.


    Once everybody saw the cat''s reaction, it became very obvious. They couldn''t help, but give Vanessa a look. Was this girl trying to steal someone''s cat because she found it cute?


    Vanessa''s face turned a bit red in embarrassment. She knew that she must have been too early to judge. She could only apologize, saying that she might have confused it with her own cat.


    Anyway, the situation calmed down, at least they thought so..


    "May I know why that cat is roaming around freely, Mr. Jack?" Dean''s voice rang in the room.


    He didn''t seem happy.


    It was a rule that no matter what kind of pet it was. Once in the Academy, it had to be kept in control. The smaller ones, not exceeding the size of a cat, could be brought along inside on the condition that the owner would always be by their side. The one bigger than those had to be stationed into the area designated by the Academy.


    "I couldn''t bring it to the meeting. It must have followed after me. It''s quite a smart one." Jack used the meeting as a shield to dodge the bullet.


    His hand sneakily removed the smart link on the cat''s neck. And, thankfully, it was unlocked.


    But as soon as the screen turned bright, his eyes turned grim looking at the text being disyed in it.


    It was actually Leo''s text log with him. It showed all the messages that he had sent him to exin about the situation.


    He couldn''t help, but give his smart link a nce, and there were indeed dozens of messages in it.


    ''Damn it!'' He cursed inwardly. He had to put the damn thing in silence because of the meeting. He didn''t think that such a thing would happen during this time. Talk about bad luck.


    He immediately stood up from his seat.


    His actions made the Instructor''s around frown.


    "What are you doing? The meeting isn''t over yet.." The Leader Of Security Force said with scrunched brows.


    But, Jack just gave the Dean a look. And, it was enough for Dean to understand its meaning.


    "You all can leave, there is nothing else to discuss here. I want the culprit by the end of the day." Dean Valen abruptly ended the meeting, and it left a few in confusion. But, they just didn''t pay it much attention. After all, there indeed was nothing much to talk about. It was better to work in the direction of finding the person.


    Vanessa felt a bit odd as she looked at Dean and Jack. Something really felt off.


    ¡­


    Soon everyone left, and Vanessa too got up to leave.


    But, her figure suddenly froze when she noticed a little guy quietly sneaking around in the corner heading towards the venttion duct.


    It was the cat.


    As for it''s owner Jack, the guy had left in such a hurry that he had once again left his pet all alone.


    ''I had heard that the librarian was odd even back as a student, but to think he would be brainless..'' She shook her head, moved towards the cat before catching it.


    ''Sh*t-nya!'' Aiden cried inwardly. He was really left speechless when Jack left him all alone. He was just thinking of quietly sneaking out and joining back with Leo when he was caught.


    "Where do you think you are going?" Vanessa smiled as she looked at the little guy.


    But, now that she looked at things very closely, it really was....this thing¡­


    She pulled out a picture from her smart link, and when shepared it with the cat, a frown emerged on her face.


    Wasn''t this a bit too simr?


    Something was definitely up here..


    ''I should go and see Amelia. It would be clear then..''


    Hence, with Nyanden in her hands, she began to walk towards the sses of the first years.

 Chapter 125 - 124: Amelia In Trouble

    Dorms, Glory Academy.


    A while earlier..


    Amelia had finally reached the dorms, and then walked up to Runeko''s room.


    Oddly, the door to her room was wide open.


    Amelia was a bit confused about it as well, but just walked in without paying much attention to it.


    "m!"


    Her body shook in shock as the door suddenly mmed shut, and a weird grey colored matter began to rise up from all around. The thing immediately covered the room in an instant and frightened Amelia.


    "W-What''s going on?" She tried to push her way through it, but failed.


    "Help!! Is anyone here!! Help!!" She tried to scream, but there was no response. It seemed her voice wasn''t leaving the room.


    "You.. are... finally... here..." A robust and deep voice echoed throughout the room as a face emerged from the grey matter.


    And, the face was a familiar one.


    "I-Is that you, Runeko?" Amelia asked with a shaky voice. The fear on her face was evident. She clearly had not expected to find herself in this situation.


    "Plop!"


    A third eye suddenly emerged in between Runeko''s brows. Her face looked horrifyingly pale. Her eyes were lifeless and she looked to be in a daze like state.


    The voiceing out of her mouth was extremely distorted, not sounding like her original timid voice at all.


    There was a terrifying chill in the air, and Amelia felt the hairs on her body rising in fear.


    "Whoosh!"


    The grey matter in the room suddenly surged, and rushed towards Amelia.


    "No!" Amelia screamed in fear, and her arora energy shot out of her body as she tried her best to defend herself.


    The pale yellow energy immediately turned into swords and sliced all the iing grey color substance.


    "Swish!"


    Even Amelia was taken back for a second by her own ability. She had been trying to produce six swords of energy, but had never been able to do so. But, right now, there were indeed six pale yellow swords hovering around her.


    "D-Don''te closer.." She warned while grabbing hold of one of the swords and pointing it towards Runeko. By now, she was aware that Runeko was not the same anymore. Something was extremely wrong with her, and she could totally see that.


    Even though Amelia couldn''t identify what the grey matter was, its actions indeed led her to believe that it was some kind of parasitic arora beast.


    ''Don''t tell me the murders in the Academy..'' Amelia''s face turned pale when the thought emerged in her mind.


    ''I need to get help..'' She immediately flicked the screen of her smart link trying to contact Vanessa. She was the one who was the closest one right now, and with enough ability to help her.


    "Whoosh!"


    But, out of nowhere, Amelia felt a grip on her foot, and the next instant she found herself flying through the air and crashing into the wall of the room.


    "Crash!"


    Her face twisted in pain as she fell down onto the floor. It wasn''t even a second when she felt something grasp onto her hand, and she was once again pulled up into the air before being mmed down onto the floor.


    Amelia''s lips immediately busted from the impact, and blood began to leak out of it.


    ''I need to buy a bit of time to contact for help..'' Amelia muttered inwardly with sweat and tears all over face.


    She summoned all her strength and courage before putting all of her energy into the swords around.


    "Swish!"


    The swords immediately became even more ferocious, and began to hack down left and right cutting apart all the grey matter around.


    ''Now''s my chance!'' Amelia immediately brought up her wrist, but her eyes suddenly widened when she noticed that the smart link on her arm was missing.


    ''Could it be..'' She slowly raised her head, and sure enough, a smart link was there in Runeko''s hand. And, she crushed it into pieces without any hesitation.


    "No!!!" Amelia cried in despair.


    ''It''s all over now..'' Her body shivered as she looked at Runeko. Her swords were continuously attacking, but there seemed to be no effect on that parasite-like creature at all. It was infinitely regenerating.


    The moment Amelia ran out of energy, it would be all over.


    A few minutester, her des broke into little pieces after losing energy and disappeared leaving Amelia all alone.


    Runeko''s body inched closer to Amelia as she reached out to her face.


    Amelia could see those sharp long nails heading towards her. Those things definitely didn''t belong to a normal humanoid creature. It could probably puncture holes through someone''s body.


    When the nails were only a few centimeters away from her face, it suddenly stopped.


    The next second, the grey matter suddenly flooded towards Amelia and pasted her up onto the ceiling. She waspletely restrained and even her mouth was shut by it.


    As for Runeko, her figure returned to normal and she slowly turned her head towards the door.


    ¡­


    A few minutes earlier¡­


    "We are here.." Spike looked at Biggie and pointed ahead. They were standing in front of the Dorms.


    "Let''s go, ahead!" Hemanded as if he was a general leading his army into battle.


    A minuteter, the two arrived near Runeko''s room.


    "Are you there, Runeko?" Spike asked through the door as Biggie gave a knock.


    There was no response from inside.


    "Is she not here?" Biggie asked in confusion. "Maybe she went to watch the match like everyone else.."


    "No, there is definitely someone inside.." Spike shook his head. He was sure there was at least a person inside. Even though he was not the best when it came to senses and instinct, he was still an animal spirit.


    "Runeko! I know you are in there! Open up.." He said, this time in an irritated tone.


    Since the things were a little off. He had to go speak in an harser manner. After all, Runeko was a bit timid. So, she would definitely speak thinking that she might make the other party upset otherwise.


    "Yes, I am here." A voice finally came through the other side.


    Spike felt a bit relieved, but the frown on his face still hadn''t disappeared. "Why didn''t you respond then?"


    "Umn..I was in the washroom.."


    "Can youe out for a bit, we need to talk?" He further asked.


    "I am not feeling well today. Can we do this sometime else.."


    Spike looked at Biggie and also show the surprise on his face. Until now they had thought that it might be a one day thing that Runeko''s behavior seemed odd. But, wasn''t it extending now?


    Besides, he clearly remembered that Runeko hadn''t behaved like this before when he and Leo came to meet her.


    "What do we do now?" Biggie asked her.


    "You stay here, and be on the line with me.." Spike looked at him, and then jumped down his head.


    He then quietly proceeded to push his body through the tiny gap between the floor and the door.


    The little guy was determined to find out if everything was fine or not.


    On the other side, Biggie stood outside with his smart link still on a call with Spike.


    ¡­.


    ''Why is it so dark?'' Spike frowned when he noticed that the whole room was pitch ck. For some reason, Runeko had turned off the lights.


    "Why is it so cold here?" He rubbed his body feeling a chill coursing through his body. Something definitely didn''t feel right.


    "Hmmn.." Spike suddenly collided into something onto the floor. A secondter, he realized that things were scattered all around the room as if a storm had hit the room.


    ''What''s going on? And, where is she..'' He frowned before taking a step ahead when his feet suddenly slipped on a warm liquid, and he almost fell onto the ground


    ''What the hell is this?'' Spike muttered with a frown not realizing that a shadow was creeping up on him.


    Amelia, who was pasted up onto the ceiling could clearly see it, and tried her best to alert him. But, all her struggles were in vain.


    He touched the liquid on the floor in disgust before smelling it through his nose. And, his figure immediately froze, ''Blood?''


    "Whoosh!"


    The shadow engulfed Spike, but he had already screamed by then.


    "Biggie!!"


    As soon as his scream rang, the door burst into pieces as a towering figure walked into the room.


    The room brightened up as light came in through the missing door.


    It immediately became clear to them that a fight had broken out here.


    There were traces of battle around.


    Biggie looked around, but there was no one around. The ce was empty.


    ''Where did he go? I clearly heard him scream a second ago..''


    "Whoosh!"


    A grey colored whipped suddenly emerged out of nowhere andtched onto Biggie''s foot.


    He looked at the thing and followed it all the way to see a figure emerge from a disgusting looking grey substance.


    It was Runeko.


    She had once again transformed back into that parasitic state.


    "What happened to you?" Biggie asked in surprise. He was still as clueless as ever it seemed.


    Ruenko obviously didn''t reply, and with a wave of her hand, pulled the whip just like she did with Amelia.


    But, the whip immediate tightened like a straight line, unable to even budge Biggie''s foot.


    "What are you doing?" He looked at her with a weird look on his face as if he didn''t even realized that it was an attack with an ill intention.

 Chapter 126 - 125: Biggie Vs Runeko

    "What are you doing?" Biggie looked at Runeko in confusion, "And, what happened to you?"


    Spike and Amelia, who were restrained above, couldn''t help but roll their eyes at him. Was this guy being serious? He still didn''t know what was going around?


    This had to be a joke!!


    "Whoosh!"


    Runeko suddenly moved, and the grey matter rose along with her heading straight towards Biggie.


    "W-Wait..what are you doing..you will get hurt.." Biggie tried to stop Runeko, but it was toote.


    "Boom!"


    The two crashed, and even though Biggie didn''t attack, he did defend himself.


    He had thought that Runeko would end up getting hurt, but to his surprise, he found himself flying across the room. His huge figure broke through the wall, and crashed on the floor outside.


    Themotion drew people''s attention, and when they saw the hole in the wall, and a terrifying figure like Biggie who had just gotten up, it immediately sent the students in panic.


    They hurriedly ran away from the ce, and most of them had probably thought of Biggie as the bad guy since Runeko had yet toe out of the room.


    "You are not Runeko.." Biggie finally seemed to get it in his own way. "Our Neko would never do something like this.."


    The moment he used her nickname to call her out, Runeko''s figure froze for a second and her face twitched.


    "Aahh!!" She suddenly clutched her head while ring at Biggie hatefully.


    "Thud!"


    Spike and Amelia who were pasted up onto the ceiling came crashing down as the grey matter restraining them loosened.


    "Run!!" Spike screamed as he grabbed onto Amelia. Even though she was in pain, Amelia dashed towards the door.


    But, the Zest quickly regained control over Runeko, and shot a whip out of its murky body.


    "Aahh!!'''' Amelia groaned as she felt a tearing pain on her back. Her body flew through the air and crashed onto the railing, losing consciousness.


    Another whip soon came towards them to get a hold of them.


    "No, you don''t.."


    Spike''s voice rang out as a cyan colored energy shot out of his body, forming a shield in front of him and Amelia.


    The whip shed with the shield, but was forced back.


    "What are you waiting for?!! She is not our Runeko!! Smash some sense into her!!" Spike roared at Biggie, and the guy immediately reacted.


    "Yaahhh!!!" Biggie let out a monstrous roar and bolted towards Runeko like a bulldozer nning to smash her into a pulp. Even Spike was taken back in horror,


    Wasn''t this guy going to kill her like that?


    He had indeed asked him to smash her, but it wasn''t in actual sense. He just wanted Biggie to beat her into a state where she couldn''t even move her arms.


    "Bang!"


    As Spike was worried, the sh urred.


    Biggie''s fist rammed into Runeko at full force, and Spike''s eyes widened as he saw a huge gaping hole open up in her body.


    ''Sh*t!! He killed her!!'' Spike cursed with wide eyes.


    But, he was too quick to judge.


    "Huh?" Biggie frowned as he looked at his hand, which had gone through Runeko''s abdomen. He noticed that her wounds were rapidly healing. And, before he could pull his hand out, it got stuck in there.


    He immediately put some extra force to pull his hand out, but Runeko took advantage of the situation. Her ws like hands dug into Biggie''s arms and blood immediately spurted out of them.


    Biggie on the other hand once again tore apart a hole in Runeko''s abdomen as the two parted.


    Both of them were now in a bloody state.


    "What in hell is she?" Spike immediately came towards Biggie. There was a heavy frown on his face as he looked at Runeko.


    He hadn''t seen anything like her until now. Just what was this..


    ''Hmmn?" Suddenly, a scene shed through Spike''s mind. He remembered the time when he had secretly hidden inside Leo''s pocket and gone into the Dean''s office. That time, he had heard them talking about some creature called Zest, and then there was some stuff they discussed about the creature which starkly was simr to the characteristics disyed by this creature here.


    "Don''t tell me.." A frown appeared on Spike''s face, ''Is this why Leo acted like that? And, Harry was in on it as well..''


    Biggie was ready for some action again. It seemed that the wound hadn''t even budged him a bit.


    But, Spike immediately stopped him, "Stop, don''t engage. Let''s stall for time. I am sure someone will arrive with this much of amotion.."


    "No, she has done something to our Runeko. She needs to tell us where she is.." Biggie refused, and this made Spike''s face ugly as well.


    He suddenly realized something. Could Runeko be saved in this situation?


    And, if the Instructors arrived, what would they do to her? Would they even try to save her or just kill her on the spot? He couldn''t answer and stand in silence as Biggie did what thought was right.


    The huge guy stepped up towards Runeko with a serious look on his face, "I will make you pay for hurting my friend."


    The muscles on his body suddenly bulged and his clothes were immediately torn apart revealing his muscles. Obviously, his posing trunks were still holding on.


    A cyan colored Arora energy began to revolve around his body as he slowly clenched his fist. Vein bulged on his arm, and the next instant, he took a heavy step ahead and punched.


    "Whoosh!"


    His fist moved with an explosive noise, and a column of wind followed behind it.


    "Bang!"


    Spike''s eyes widened as he saw Biggie open up an even bigger hole in the wall while sending Runeko flying through the Dorms.


    Her figure crashed and broke through multiple walls before crashing into the forest behind the Dorms.


    Biggie chased after her while Spike looked at Amelia with a frown. He couldn''t possibly leave her all alone like this. But, he had to go after Biggie and Amelia as well.


    "Hmmn?" He suddenly caught a figure from the corner of his eyes, it was a girl hiding in the corner of the hallway.


    "Hey you!"


    The girl''s shoulder jumped and she pretended not to have heard him.


    "Don''t pretend like you didn''t hear me.." Spike appeared in front of her, and the girl''s face immediately turned pale.


    She had seen this little guy and the giant man entering Runeko''s room before themotion began. She had hidden herself in fear, and hence hadn''t seen the fight. But, since they were strangers to her, she thought them to be the bad guys.


    After all, there was no way that Runeko could do anything to them. That poor girl, who knew what they had done to her¡­


    "I said look at me!!" Spike shouted in anger.


    "P-Please don''t kill me!! I will do as you say!!" The girl immediately begged him with her eyes tearing up.


    Spike gave her an odd look, but didn''t dwell on the topic. He didn''t have the time and interest to clear up her confusion, "That''s enough of crying, I want you to take that girl out and get her some treatment."


    He pointed towards Amelia and that girl hurriedly nodded.


    "Good! Don''t fail me or else.." Since she was so scared, he didn''t mind scaring her a bit more to get the job done.


    "I won''t!" the girl hurriedly replied with a pale face.


    With that, Spike rushed into the hole from which both Biggie and Runeko had passed.


    The girl didn''t linger at the ce any longer. She picked Amelia up, and hurriedly ran away from there.


    When the ce fell in silence, a figure appeared there.


    It was Harry.


    "These guys really caused amotion," He muttered with a frown on his face. He had no idea how they got here. If it was just a coincidence, then they sure had bad luck.


    He then looked towards the hole in the wall with a frown on his face, ''Why in hell is the Librarian not here..''


    There was worry on his face as he took a step ahead, and chased after them.


    As soon as he disappeared, two more figures appeared.


    It was Jack and beside him was Dean Valen.


    "Why did you stop me? We should kill that thing as quickly as possible.." Jack frowned while looking at Valen.


    They had already arrived here by the time Biggie was kicked out of the room.


    Jack was even about to move, and put an end to this farce by eliminating that thing. But, Valen had stopped him for some reason.


    "Didn''t you notice it? That girl is still alive.."


    "Impossible!" Jack denied, "How could she be alive when that thing had totally taken control over her. After all, it''s not a normal parasite like creature."


    "That girl reacted to her friend''s word, there is a chance that she is still hanging in there.."


    "Even if that is true, is there any way for us to save her? Unless she herself can force that thing out, there is no saving her.."


    "That''s why I am saying, let''s watch it for a while. Since, it it''s already in our sight, it can''t get away this time..."

 Chapter 127 - 126: Encourage

    "Where is she?" Vanessa frowned as she walked out of Amelia''s ss. She had asked around, but apparently, no one had seen her.


    "Instructor, are you looking for Vanessa?" Tristy''s voice sounded in Vanessa''s ear, and she turned around to see the girl standing there.


    "Instructor? That sounds pleasing to ears." Vanessa smiled at her.


    "Look at you, Sis. Your smile is as beautiful as ever," Tristy replied with a sly face.


    The two obviously knew each other.


    Even before she joined as an Instructor, Vanessa had seen Tristy a lot as she often apanied Amelia to their home.


    "Anyway, have you seen her around?" Vanessa asked.


    "Actually, I have been a bit worried as well. She had left before the match began saying that she wanted to go to the washroom. But, I haven''t seen her since then. I even went to check around, but there is no sight of her," Tristy said with a concerned look on her face.


    Vanessa frowned listening to her. If what she said was true, then it was indeed a bit worrying. After all, there was a murderer roaming around.


    At this moment, an announcement rang around in the Academy.


    "It is to inform all the Instructors and Students that the murderer has been finally identified. Our Instructors are currently dealing with the person. But, as a precautionary measure, all the Instructors are asked to help the student out of the Academy. Please make sure to not move towards the Dorm areas in the south."


    The announcement once again repeated itself.


    A lot of students who were nning to go and watch the chaos were disappointed when they heard that they had to evacuate and leave the ce.


    But, there was no use in crying.


    The announcement heightened Vanessa''s worries.


    "You leave with everyone, I will find Amelia. And, if you meet her, then ask her to contact me." Vanessa looked at Tristy and the girl nodded.


    ¡­


    "Are you really not going to uncuff me?" Leo asked as she looked at the girl behind him.


    He had a ck eye, and there were several bruises on his body. He was obviously beaten pretty badly.


    Behind her was Doris, her hairs were still standing upright after being shocked. Not to mention, they were even burned at ces.


    Currently, Doris was taking him to the Committee room so that his punishment could be decided. Leo had tried to exin the situation to her, but it didn''t work. She wasn''t listening to him.


    "Could you let me go? What if they end uping here, and I can''t defend myself due to this?" Leo showed her his hands.


    Doris frowned a bit.


    It was indeed troubling. But, she shook her head.


    "No worries, the Instructors are there. It will be solved quickly." She then pushed Leo asking him to move forward.


    ''Quick? Only if they are capable of using Will..'' Leo muttered inwardly. He hoped that it was Jack or the Dean who had got there.


    ¡­.


    "Don''t run around like crazy.." Spike finally caught up to Biggie.


    "I can''t find her.." Biggie looked at Spike with a frown on his face.


    "She might have run away, if not, she is most likely waiting for a chance to attack." Spike looked at him with a serious face.


    "Why in hell did they have to leave the forest here? As if Gloria doesn''t have enough already," Spike spoke with an irritated look on his face.


    The two slowly walked forward with careful steps.


    "Whoosh!"


    "Careful!" Spike suddenly warned, but Biggie wasn''t fast enough.


    A huge and thick branch of a tree came crashing down onto him, and he was immediately pinned onto the ground.


    "Are you alright?" Spike asked with a worried look as he tried to push the branch aside. But, it was too heavy for him. He hadn''t realized it but the trees being grown behind the Dorms were not ordinary trees. But, it was a type of wood which was used to build bendable weapons for Mechs.


    One could imagine it''s toughness even if it hadn''t gone through any process of refinement yet.


    Spike looked above, and a figure soonnded onto the ground, a little away from them.


    It was Runeko.


    ''This is bad..'' Spike''s face turned ugly. And, he immediately walked in front of Biggie, ready to fight.


    "You! I won''t go easy on you, even if you are a friend.." He then slowly raised his little hands into a stance.


    Runeko''s face twitched oddly, but the reaction soon disappeared and was reced by a nk look on her face.


    "Wakaoo!" Spike suddenly took a step, and flew towards Runeko like a bullet.


    But, his figure suddenly stopped in mid air, and was immediately pulled away.


    "H-Harry!" Spike was very familiar with this situation. It wasn''t his first time experiencing it after all.


    Harry''s figure had already appeared in front of Biggie, and he slowly let Spike down after pulling him back.


    "Don''t rush in that manner. If she engulfs you, it would be game over for you." He knew that thing had immortality.


    For someone of his size, it would need time topletely engulf him. Hence, Harry stood a chance to fight back and get out.


    But, if Spike was engulfed, it would be game over for him. No matter how much he would kick or punch, that thing would just keep pressing on him. And, with his little figure, he would be even more easy of a prey.


    "What''s going on here?" Spike looked at Harry.


    "It''s not the time for that..'''' Harry shook his head, "I will try to restrain her with my strings. You try to talk some sense into her. I can she her reacting to words."


    He knew that there was a chance. When that thing had tried to take over himst time, he had fought back. And, it seemed that Runeko was fighting as well.


    "Ok, I will give it a try.." Spike nodded.


    "Let''s go.." Harry suddenly raised his hands. And, several little strings immediately shot towards Runeko. Even though it wasn''t visible to naked eye, it indeed existed.


    Ruenko too seemed to be unprepared for it, and ended up getting caught.


    The string immediately coiled around her, forcing her body to tightly stick together.


    "Aaah!!!" She suddenly let out a scream while trying to break free from it. The grey matter which had always been revolving around her body was finally separated a little from her as the strings tightened around her.


    This revealed that Runeko''s body was still present inside that murky matter.


    ''She is strong..'' Harry felt his feet sliding away as Runeko tried to pull him. But, he desperately held on and his hand which was holding onto the strings began to bleed.


    "Runeko!" Spike shouted as he got closed to her with one of Harry''s string wrapped around his stomach. Harry was going to pull him back at the first sign of danger.


    "I know you are there! Fight that thing and kick its ass! Use the punches I taught you!" He yelled at her.


    "Idiot! Is that how you are supposed to emotionally encourage her!!" Harry cursed in anger. He almost felt blood rushing up to his head on hearing his encouragement.


    "What do I say then?" Spike turned his head to look at him.


    "Just say something which would help!!" Harry roared as he held onto his string. Nothing wasing to his head in this situation.


    Spike opened his mouth, but he had no idea what to do. He wasn''t that particrly close to her. Besides, the girl remained quiet so there wasn''t much interaction as well. The biggest thing was that she was a first year, and hence they didn''t have much time for interactions as of yet.


    So, they could be considered acquaintances. And, friends as well. But, not at the level where he could bring out the fighting spirit in her.


    ''Nora was the one closest to her¡­.only if..'' Spike''s eye suddenly lit up, and he looked at his Smart link belt and immediately called her while praying that she would pick up.


    ¡­


    "Let me through!" Nora shouted with a worried look on her face. But, the security had already formed a barricade and wasn''t allowing students to go into the dangerous zone where the fight was taking ce.


    "Nothing will happen to her. She might have already gotten out by now.." Yuji tried to convince her. But, it still didn''t help Nora who was worried as hell.


    They heard the announcement that the murderer was around the Dorms. Nora had immediatelye running on hearing that, worried about Runeko, but these guys wouldn''t allow her to pass.


    "Come with me. Everything will be fine.. " Yuji grabbed Nora''s hand and dragged her away.


    As soon as they got out of the Academy, and found themselves a spot like most of the students who were scattered around the outer area, a call came onto Nora''s smart link.


    She picked it up, and the next instant, Spike''s voice rang out.


    "Don''t have time!! Encourage this girl to fight her inner Demon!!"

 Chapter 128 - 127: Manifestation

    If you are reading this now, pleasee within 30 minutes the chapter is under editing.


    "Don''t have time!! Encourage this girl to fight her inner Demon!!"


    Nora was dumbfounded at the unexpected event.


    The screen on her smart link was clearly showing a girl which resembled Runeko, but she seemed to have undergone some transformation, and it made her look very creepy.


    She was letting out terrifying shrieks while being restrained under Harry''s strings.


    "W-What''s going on?" Nora asked with a nervous look on her face.


    "Talk to her. You are the one closest to her, she might listen to you." Yuji had understood the reason for which Spike contacted them.


    As for what was going on, it would be clear sooner orter.


    Nora looked at him, and nodded. She calmed herself a bit, and finally spoke, "Runeko! It''s me, Nora. Can you hear me?"


    ¡­


    On the other side..


    Spike looked at Runeko with a grim look on his face. He was hoping for something to happen.


    "Runeko! It''s me, Nora. Can you hear me?"


    As soon as Nora spoke, Runeko frowned and began to struggle even frantically.


    ''Crap!''


    Harry cursed as he was immediately pulled, losing against Runeko in strength. As his feet left the ground, and he was about to go flying, arge hand grabbed him,


    It was Biggie.


    Harry looked at him in surprise as Biggie pulled him back to the ground, and took over the strings from Harry and wrapped them around his hand. He wasn''t going to lose in strength easily.


    "How did you get out of there?" Harry looked towards the ce where Biggie was pinned by the huge branch and saw that it was moved to the side somehow.


    "I don''t know. It somehow moved on its own," Biggie replied in confusion.


    They had no idea that someone had interfered in the fight and helped them out.


    ¡­


    With Biggie onto the strings, the situation stabilized and Runeko was once again restrained. This allowed Spike to get even closer to her.


    "Runeko! I don''t know what''s happening. But, I know you won''t do anything wrong."


    "You can fight that thing. I know you are strong. You have been through a lot and yet you never gave up. A lone girl who came from a far away ce to build herself a future and take care of her mother. This is you, a person with a strong will. You can''t lose yourself like this.."


    "How can someone like you be weak?"


    "You are one of the strongest people I have ever met.."


    "She is right! Even though you were scared, you kept on trying. Only a strong person isn''t afraid of failures., Runeko." Yuji took the opportunity to speak out as well.


    "Didn''t you want to change yourself? You saw that girl, Leo''s sister. She has started to change and you as well. You are her starting point. Are you going to give up now?" Harry asked as he looked at her. He was talking about Amelia here. He had checked out Runeko''s smart link and hence knew what was going on because of the messages.


    This girl wanted to change herself. But, wants and reality were not the same. She had failed dozens of times. Her meek personality wasn''t easy to change. She didn''t have friends, and even the joining of the club wasn''t on her own efforts, instead, she was scouted by Nora.


    That too because she couldn''t open her mouth either in refusal or eptance. In the end, Nora just dragged her to the club, and made her sign the application.


    But, things had started to change for her.


    "True, you couldn''t even speak to a person earlier. But, Leo was scouted by you. Don''t you see it? The change has started to happen, are you going to give up here?" Spike asked as he looked at her.


    Runeko''s face twisted in pain, as she raised her head towards the sky, and let out a piercing shriek. A strange aura rose from her body and spread out in all directions.


    No one was prepared for that. In an instant, all the people around felt an impact on their bodies.


    Even Biggie for an instance, felt as if he had seen stars.


    "Whoosh!"


    They were all sent flying away and immediately fainted.


    Before anything worse could happen, a strange aura simr to one released by Runeko but even stronger, surged. It immediately enveloped the students forming a protective covering around them.


    "This is bad." Jack frowned as he looked at the Zest, "It''s using its will to suppress the girl."


    The Dean didn''t have a good look on his face as well. If it wasn''t for Will, there was a chance for Runeko to fight back. But, there was no way that a normal girl could resist a Will.


    "Ahh!!"


    "Hmmn?" Dean''s eyes suddenly widened when he noticed a golden glow surrounding Runeko''s body.


    The grey colored matter which was surrounding her began to get pushed aside. The third eye which had emerged in between Runeko''s brows began to shrink as well.


    The moment the third eye was pulled outside, the Dean raised his hand, and shouted at the same time, "Jack!"


    With that his Will rushed in like a tide, and so did jack.


    The Dean''s Will shed onto the Zest, and it let out a painful screech. It''s grip on Runeko loosened for a second, and before it could regain possession of her body, Jack was there.


    His one hand held onto Runeko, while his other hand d in his own will struck the Zest.


    "Bang!"


    The impact sent the disgusting creature flying away.


    Jack then looked at Runeko. She had fainted but that golden glow was still surrounding her body. There was a strange exoskeleton-like suit attachment which had appeared around her arm.


    ''You can''t be serious..'' He looked at her with wide eyes.


    "How in hell do I not know about this?" The Dean asked in anger as he looked at Runeko. Such a great seed was right under his nose, and yet he had no idea about it.


    "I want to know the same." Jack shook his head.


    "A Golden Rank Skill, and that too with manifestations." The Dean looked at her with a serious look on his face, "Don''t let this matter leak and get someone to check her background."


    If such a person had appeared out of nowhere, and didn''t have any significant background, only god knew how many people would go crazy to draw her towards them.


    It might even get her in trouble. Too much talent wasn''t necessarily a good thing.


    "No wonder, she could resist and fight back that creature''s Will.." Jack looked at her in amazement.


    "You take care of them. I will end this." The Dean suddenly disappeared leaving them behind. He was most likely going to chase that thing.


    ¡­


    "Where are you taking me? Shouldn''t we be evacuating?" Leo looked at the girl with a frown on his face.


    A vein popped up on Doris''s face. This guy had been annoying her.


    She couldn''t believe it was the same guy from the past who wouldn''t do anything against the rule. ''Did he hit his head too hard in the ident?''


    "Boom!"


    An explosion sounded. It was not very far away from them.


    A frown appeared on Leo''s face.


    "What are you doing? Run!" He immediately turned around and pushed Doris along as well.


    There was only onemotion going around in the Academy. It was rted to the murderer incident. Meaning that thing was heading towards them.


    Doris was taken back by Leo for a second, but she soon realized it as well. And, immediately uncuffed him. It would be bad if the cuffs prevented him from fleeing.


    She looked behind her with a frown on her face as the two continued to move. She couldn''t understand one thing.


    The announcement that the Instructors had surrounded the murderer near the Dorms had sounded long ago. Did that mean that the Instructor not only failed to kill the person but even allowed him to escape?


    How was that possible?


    The Instructors in the Academy were very strong.


    There was no way that a student could fight against them. In that case, was the murderer not a student but someone else?


    Even as she ran, several questions kept popping up in Doris''s head. But, there was no one to answer them.


    Leo looked behind with a frown.


    He just hoped that Runeko would be saved. He was already beaten to the point where running was a trouble for him, he most probably couldn''t be of any help here.


    ''Hmmn?'' Leo suddenly felt a will. It was a familiar feeling and he had already experienced it more than once.


    ''It doesn''t give me that disgusting feeling..''


    The Will most probably didn''t belong to a Zest.


    ''Someone is here..'' Leo immediately knew that someone was there to deal with that thing. Jack had told him that even in the Academy, the number of people who could use Will could be counted on one hand.


    ''I have to see what will happen to her..'' Leo slowed down his steps, and when Doris had moved ahead, he slowly turned around and backtracked his steps.


    ''Please be safe¡­'' Leo prayed inwardly. If something really happened to that girl, he would feel guilty for his whole life. After all, that Zest got out of that jar because of him, even though it wasn''t his fault directly, he was indeed involved.


    Leo couldn''t deny that.

 Chapter 129 - 128: Stumbling Upon A Secret

    "Boom!"


    An explosion sounded as Dean Valen''s body erupted with Arora energy. He didn''t use any kind of skill and just used his energy to bring out a terrifying strength.


    "You won''t be able to run today.." He calmly walked towards the grey lump of matter. That thing was wriggling around trying to escape desperately. But, only found itself cornered against a wall.


    When it tried to drill a hole through it, the Dean''s Will erupted and surrounded the Zest, forming a cage around it.


    This thing had already run all the way here when he was busy looking at Runeko. And, he surely didn''t want to let it go again. After all, there were chances of students being nearby as they had travelled quite a bit away from the Dorm, the initial ce of the incident.


    The murky matter which was trapped in the cage, made of Dean''s Will, struggle desperately, but it couldn''t break out of it. It was a strange sight to see. After all, Will wasn''t something a normal person could see.


    The Zest suddenly released a roar as it''s body mmed against the cage, but only in vain.


    "This is the end," Dean Valen snorted as he looked at it.


    The eye on the Zest suddenly opened and it looked towards the Dean with intense hatred.


    "This ¡­ain''t¡­over.." It said in a shaky voice.


    Even though it wasn''t able to speak initially, it''s possession of Runeko seemed to have given it some knowledge.


    Dean''s expression changed, and he clenched his fist. The moment he did that, the cage made of Will shrunk down and crushed that Zest to death and devoured its entire body.


    With that, this matter had finallye to a close.


    "Hmmn?" Dean suddenly turned his head, feeling someone drawing near to the ce.


    A few secondster, Leo arrived.


    "What are you doing here?" Dean Valen asked with a frown. The ce was dangerous, and the announcement had clearly asked the students to evacuate the Academy.


    "Where is Runeko?" Leo ignored his question, and asked his own. He was a bit too tense right now, and hence, he clearly forgot to care about the Dean''s status. If it was a normal situation, he definitely wouldn''t have behaved like this.


    But, the Dean didn''t scold him.


    He already knew that Leo was the one to have passed the information about the Zest to Jack. Not only were the kids involved in the release of Zest, but was also involved in their ending as well.


    He was actually angry at Jack for involving the kid in something dangerous like this. But, he couldn''t say anything when it was all thanks to them that they managed to find it before it killed another student.


    "She is fine," He said with a sigh.


    He then grabbed Leo and took him out of the ce along with him.


    A lot had happened this time, and it would surely be a headache for him.


    Now not only Leo and Harry were involved with the Zest but their whole Research Club was. It was going to get troublesome.


    This matter had to be kept a secret. If not, it could have devastating effects on the peace which was being portrayed by different nations to the people.


    Common people had no idea about these dangers.


    Demon King''s Era had barely ended 30 years ago. People were not yet ready to hear about another disaster.


    ¡­


    The news about the murderer being caught was made to the public. The identity was kept secret as the person was a minor, and it would be affecting his life.


    Most people felt it was absurd. After all, even though most of the Nations functioned like a Democracy, Gloria didn''t. They were always hard on Criminals.


    Hence, most of the people deemed that the criminal must have been someone of a significant background and rumors began to float.


    These rumors were what the Dean''s specifically wanted. It was in their best interest if people went to look for a Noble instead of an Extra Dimensional Creature like Zest.


    ¡­


    Two days passed¡­


    The incident was already in the past. But, its effects were far from over. It was still being heavily covered in the news with all kinds of titles. This was all rted to the fact that the person''s identity had been kept a secret even until now.


    Vanessa sat at the dining table for breakfast. Her eyes were on the pair of siblings sitting in front.


    As far as she knew, these two had been missing on that day when the event urred. She had practically gone around and searched the whole ce. Of course, she was not allowed to go into the area which was sealed by the Security.


    But, these two refused that they were not in that area and evacuated long ago. But, she had surely seen all around and asked a lot of people that day. Yet, not a single soul had seen them.


    Leo could feel Vanessa gaze on him. She had questioned him about that day a lot. He didn''t know what she wanted to know, but he wasn''t going to give her any answers that would create troubles.


    That day, the Dean had taken care of most matters.


    His violent act wasbelled as a misunderstanding by the Dean and he not only fired the Secretary for over exaggerating the matter but even scolded the Disciplinarymittee for roughly handling it.


    This was all done because he too was aware of Vanessa''s identity. He didn''t want her attention to be drawn towards Leo in an odd manner.


    As for the people who had seen the Zest, well they were all called.


    ¡­.


    The Day of the Incident..


    All the members of the Research Club as well as Amelia were called to the Dean''s office after things had calmed down a bit.


    Leo and Harry pretty much knew what it was all about.


    When they reached the office, their eyes widened a bit.


    The Dean was not all alone.


    There were two more people with him.


    Leo had seen both of them.


    [This son of b*tch-nya..] Aiden cursed at the sight of the man. He had hated this guy from the first day.


    It was the Emperor of course.


    As for the other person¡­


    "Dad!" Amelia immediately rushed up to him, and jumped in his arms while breaking out in tears.


    It was obvious that she wasn''t strong enough to handle things that had happened.


    Edgar sighed as he patted her back, and hugged her. He knew his daughter well. To be honest, if he wasn''t in this profession, he wouldn''t even have forced her to pick up a weapon. But, that wasn''t true, hence he had to let her face these things.


    He then looked at Leo, and nodded with a smile. He was indeed proud of him. He had heard what had happened. Leo not only gained an impossible victory today, but even yed a major role in catching that thing.


    As for the previous incident with Zest, he had heard about it as well.


    But, there was one catch here, the Dean had hidden the fact that Leo had activated his Will.


    Why?


    He knew how things were, and he understood it better than anyone around. People would be taken advantage of. He had seen it happening in front of his own eyes. He had lost a lot of pupils due to this, and this time, he didn''t n to see the same happening.


    Hence, he was preparing in advance.


    So, no one knew regarding this matter and even Leo was asked by him to keep a silence about this.


    "I am sure you two already know why all of you are here." Dean looked at Leo and then at Harry.


    The rest of the guys couldn''t help but give the two a look as well. They knew that they had found something wrong with Runeko way before than anyone else. It was clear that the two knew something which they didn''t.


    Spike was the only one who had some idea about it. To be honest, he hadn''t understood the situation well until now. But, looking at how these terrifying characters had assembled here because of this, it was clear how important it was.


    "What happened today¡­.I want you all to forget about it. There was just a murderer and he was caught by the Instructors," The Dean suddenly said.


    These guys couldn''t help but exchange a look.


    "From now on, the State would sponsor all of your Tuition fee. And, you would be guaranteed at least a post of a Squad Captain on graduation. And, if you want something else, that too is possible." Ragen, the Emperor smiled at them.


    But this only made the student feel even creeped up. There were no free lunches in the world. It was an Ancient saying. And, they understood it well.


    They couldn''t understand the reason for this sweet treatment.


    But, it seemed that they had seen something which they shouldn''t have.


    Sweat immediately began to form on their forehead.


    They knew what this meant.. If they opened their mouths about it, then¡­.

 Chapter 130 - 129: A New Drama?

    If you are reading this now, pleasee within 30 minutes. The chapter is under editing..


    Leo and Amelia finished their breakfast, and boarded their vehicel before going out for the Academy.


    "You haven''t told Vanessa about it, right?" Leo sudeenly asked as he looked at Amelia. He knew the two were very close and shared most of the things with each other.


    "No," Amelia shook her head, "Even Dad asked me to not talk about it. So, why would I?"


    Edgar was there in the Dean''s office too. So, he was in on the decision as well.


    Leo nodded at her. It was a good thing if she had taken that to heart.


    "How is Runeko?" Amelia whispered.


    Leo looked at her a bit in surprise, "Scared of her?"


    Amelia didn''t reply, but then shook her head.


    But, the hesitation was more than enough to tell what was going in her head.


    "She is depressed obviously. And, from what I hear, she had been crying nonstop." Leo calmly answered her question.


    What else would she do?


    With her character, she would feel guilty even for identally hurting someone. And, here she had killed a bunch of people.


    Yesterday, he heard from Nora that she wanted to quit the Academy and return back home.


    ''Maybe, I should try to talk her as well..'' He muttered inwardly.


    [There is no use in that-nya.] Aiden muttered in calm tone.


    [When you join the Military, there mighte a time when you will see innocent people being sacrificed. And, deaths are evenmon thanmon cold in Military. If she really goes ahead and join with her current attitude, all she would do is suffer-nya.]


    [It might be better if she quits now honestly. After all, her attitude won''t only cause trouble for her, but even the people who will be working with her-nya.]


    ''She is just a first year, can you stop being so harsh on her?'' Leo sighed.


    [This is the problem. People who awaken naturally thinks that power and Military is their only route. Something which would make them rich and sessful. It might be true, but notpletely. There is a lot of other things that they could work on by properly using their abilites-nya]


    [So, whye here knowing that this harsh environment isn''t something that you can handle-nya?]


    ¡­.


    After reaching Academy, Leo and Amelia went their separate ways.


    Leo as usual went towards the Club first. Most of the guys were already present. They were all here to discuss what they were going to do about Runeko''s current situation.


    She was a clubmate, and also a friend. And, no one like to see their friend depressed.


    As soon as Leo entered the room, he was met with an odd silence.


    These people had yet toe terms with the things that happened to all of them. They were now in on such a secret that could probably cause chaos if leaked.


    "Is it only me or anyone of you felt that you were under surveince?" Spike suddenly asked with weird look on his face.


    His question left everyone''s faces ugly.


    Actually no one was sure about it. But, Spike had said the same thing in their group earlier, and now everyone was very conscious about it. They all kept having the feeling that someone was looking at them.


    "Isn''t being alive a good thing? Why talk rubbish? All we need to do is keep our mouth shut.." Yuji calmly replied.


    And, the rest nodded as well.


    They weren''t killed to silence them on the matter. Wasn''t that a good thing? Hell, they even got a secure carrier as long as they shut their mouth properly.


    "It is better if we do not bring this matter up in the future." Harry who had just arrived shared the same opinion with Yuji as well.


    "I think you guys are being a bit too conscious about it." Leo spoke as he looked at everyone. "I mean even if we say about it, its not like we have any evidence to prove it."


    He was right all their devices had been seized and it was made sure that they hadn''t kept any kind of data with them. So, even if they went out and screamed about it, people would think them as crazy.


    And, yet even with that, the higher ups weren''t willing to take any kind of risk, and had offered them benefits to keep their mouth shut. It clearly showed how much importance they had put onto this matter.


    "Well, one good thing came out of this thing. This guy who had a little trouble regarding his grades now don''t even have that." Spike looked a the guy who was sleeping on the couch.


    To be honest, Paul wasn''t even aware of anything. He had been asleep the entire time. But, because he was in the Club as well, they had unknowingly grouped him in along with them. Hence, he was now on the same boat.


    "Will you stop talking about this and suggest what to do with Runeko.." Nora frowned. She had been worried about that girl all along. She could understand what that girl was going through right now.


    She had experienced a few things as well, and she knew how hard it was to go through something like this. Doing something which you would have never wanted to do, having your hands stained with blood. That was not a good feeling at all.


    "Before we talk anything to her, I think we need to be clear about what we say to her." Leo looked at everyone. He too thought that Aiden''s words were not wrong.


    "If we are just going to console her without any regards to the direction that we are giving her, it mighte to haunt herter on. Deaths are not something new in our profession, and sometimes, innocent might suffer as well. So, we need to make sure that even if it happens someday again, instead of breaking down, she would be able to handle herself."


    Everyone looked at Leo, a bit taken back. He hadn''t talked like this, more like he didn''t have any opportunity to do so.


    This made the people once again realized that he wasn''t referred to a Military Prodigy for no reason. It was a pity that he had fallen ever since his awakening.


    ¡­


    The group didn''te to any conclusion as they didn''t have much of a time in the morning. Hence, they parted after a small talk.


    "It''s packed up once again," Harry muttered as he looked around. The hallways which had been empty for a few days were now packed again.


    "Hmmn?"


    As they headed towards their ss, they soon saw a crowd gathering ahead.


    ''What''s going on?'' Leo frowned as he could hear some angry voice which most probably belonged to one of his ssmates.


    The people around were mostly from their ss, and as soon as they saw it was Leo and Harry, they parted ways. After all, the two were the direct subordinate of Billy who was supposed to be the Boss of the ss.


    Leo and Harry obviously weren''t prepared to be treated like this. They were suddenly shocked when a path opened up in front of them right towards the center of themotion and the one behind them closed.


    In the center of themotion stood two groups. One was from their ss. It was a bunch bullies and one of the guys even included that person of the Barbarian race, who had tried to force Leo into a fight for points on the first day of their new ss.


    Opposite to them was another group.


    The one leading them was a tall and handsome guy. There was an arrogant and proud look on his face. With him were five other people.


    "These people are the ones who started it. They not only came and talked trash about our ss but even picked up a fight first." One of the guy immediately pointed at the group while exining to Leo.


    Leo looked at the guy. He really wanted to know why was he being exined to. This had nothing to do with him or at least it should have been. But from the looks of it, it clearly wasn''t.


    It seemed getting associated with Billy had really changed the way that the ss looked at him.


    "What? Is he the leader? The person you have to support you?" The guy who seemed to be the leader of the other group smiled, and the the rest of his friends began tough as well.


    It was clear that he wasn''t putting Leo into his eyes.


    "Who are you?" Leo asked with a frown.


    And, as soon as that question came out, the entire ce turned silent.


    ''What the hell? Is he some sort of famous guy?'' Leo was taken back a bit.


    [Of course he is¡­He is the person with the Highest rank skill among all the people who hade from amon background-nya.]


    [His name is Quinton Sage-nya.]


    Leo finally realized what was going on.


    If some guy was well known in yourmunity and then you went ahead to ask them what their name was¡­what did that show?


    You arrogance...and mocking attitude..


    "You..." Quinton''s eyes shed with anger.

 Chapter 131 - 130: War

    "You.." Quinton red at Leo. He clenched his fist in anger as his body shook. But, he controlled himself. ''What qualification does he have to be looking down on me? He has nothing but a strong father to rely on.''


    ''I can''t believe Christina isparing me to him. I only need time to surpass this pathetic person who is nothing without his father.''


    Yes, this person, Quinton Sage, was Christina''s boyfriend.


    And, this guy was not any ordinary student. He had proved himself in every aspect. If you just wanted topare, he could almost bepared to the people who were at the top of their game in the second years.


    But, since this guy didn''t have any significant background like Billy, people didn''t put him on the same level as the bigger yers in the second year like Reba, Ronnie, Duke etc..


    "I am sorry, I didn''t mean it in the wrong way. I actually didn''t know about you." Leo forced a smile on his face as he saw the guy ring at him.


    "Why do you need to apologize? It''s not like he is the Prince or Princess of some kingdom. Who does he think he is to expect us to remember his name?" One of the guys from their ss mocked him.


    "Yeah, now that you have apologized to him, I bet he will brag about this historic moment to all his descendants. I made the son of the hero bow before me." Another guy mocked him.


    As soon as those words left his mouth, everyone around began tough. It was hard to control it. There were exceptions obviously, like Quinton''s group, they had a ugly look on their faces.


    These people letting outments were all a bunch of bullies in their ss. It was nothing new to them. To be honest, they had always carefully chosen their target and avoided people like Quinton who were strong. But now that they had a person leading them, it was obvious he would be taking the bullet for them.


    Not to mention, even these bullies had seen their worst days and suffered in front of the strongest people like this. So, it wasn''t odd if they wanted to use this opportunity to take out the anger hidden in their hearts.


    Leo in no way wanted to insult the other person. But, for some reason, Quinton was giving him murderous res. It was obvious that he had taken him to be the culprit here.


    Hell, he didn''t do anything though.


    "Can you guys sto-" Leo was about to ask his ssmates to stop, but before he could do so, a guy pped his back with augh, "Damn you are savage, you really didn''t need to go that far.."


    Leo turned his head, and saw Ronnie dying inughter.


    ''What the heck?! Where did hee from?'' Leo had no idea, but as soon as Ronnie''s words rang out, and his presence around was revealed, Quinton''s face changed for the worse.


    And, for some reason, his hostility for Leo increased.


    He already didn''t like the guy due to the thing with Christina. But, now this¡­


    ''You wanted me to be better than him, right? Fine, I will start it by crushing him..'' He muttered inwardly.


    "What can you expect from a pile of trash? They only know to talk garbage. If you have the ability, then you can prove yourself," Quinton spoked as his aura slowly began to leak out of his body.


    He alone suppressed most of the students around, even Leo felt a dangerous feeling rise across his heart.


    ''This guy is dangerous..''


    ''Scan him, Arthur..''


    [Scanning..]


    Name: [Quinton Sage]


    Lv 16: [Elite]


    Rank Skill: [???}


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [E+]


    ''He is strong..'' Leo''s face turned a bit dark. This guy was almost Lv 16. He truly could be considered to be at the top of the batch. And, then his Skill rank was not visible, meaning he was at least three ranks above.


    It meant he was stronger than your average Lv 16 Elite.


    "Who is creating trouble in my ss?" A voice suddenly sounded, and the next instant, another Arora energy swept the ce pushing Quinton''s energy away.


    Leo immediately turned his head and saw Billy walking through the crowd. At this moment, he really looked dependable.


    "So, you are the true leader of the ss?" Quinton looked at him, and then at Leo. He couldn''t help but give him a disdainful look. This guy wasn''t even at the top of his ss. How could such trash be even spoken in the same sentence as him?


    And, yet the truth was that this guy was beingpared to him. Hell, even being said to be better than him. But, not due to his skills, but his father.


    It was ridiculous..


    "I am the ss leader. What business do you have without ss?" Billy folded his arm as he looked at Quinton.


    "I don''t have any business with them. I was just passing by while speaking with my friends when I identally stepped up on some trash." He smiled while looking at the group of students who had been arguing with him earlier.


    "Y-You!!" The Barbarian guy was immediately enraged. He looked at Billy and spoked in anger, "This guy started it. They provoked us first.."


    "Provoked us? I don''t think so. I just remembered stating some facts." One of the guys beside Quinton spoked with a snort.


    These made a lot of peoples'' faces turn ugly.


    "If you think otherwise, then prove me what I said was wrong?" The guy asked with a smile, "I said this ss was made from the group of handpicked trash from all the other sses."


    "Now, who will tell me I am wrong?" He further asked while looking at everyone.


    ''


    But, the people could only re at him without any retort. They too knew this fact somewhere along.


    Billy looked at the guy, and then took a step forward.


    "Pa!"


    Leo''s eyes immediately went wide as a crisp pping noise rang across the hallway.


    A silence immediately engulfed the ce.


    "You!!" The person staggered a few steps from the impact. His cheek immediately began to swell. But, for some reason, there wasn''t a palm print on it.


    "How dare you?!!" Quinton immediately erupted in rage, and his Arora energy followed along.


    "Come if you wanna die.." Billy''s eyes shed in rage as he erupted with his own energy.


    "Get away!!" One of the guys shouted and the rest immediately moved back.


    Leo was really taken back for a moment. He had not expected things to change like this so quickly.


    "What are you doing, move?" Harry pulled Leo along with him as well.


    "Are they really going to fight?" Leo asked as he looked at Harry.


    "What do you think?" Harry asked with a speechless look on his face.


    This was how things rolled around in the Academy.


    Even when Leo had taken a fight with Morpheous by kicking him in the face, no one had done anything. Even Morpheous himself hadn''tined. It was obvious that the matter was a trivial one.


    "Bang!"


    A sh urred, and both Billy and Quinton separated from each other. It was clear that they hadn''t gone all out. But, it wasn''t a ce to be going all out as well.


    "You will regret it.." Quinton red at Billy.


    "What? Are you going to hold someone''s thigh, and beg him to crush me?" Billy asked with a mocking smile, "Because, I don''t think I will lose to people like you.."


    "The Instructor is on her way here!!" Someone suddenly yelled, a frown appeared on both Billy and Quinton ''s face.


    Even though they mostly turned blind eye to stuff like this, it was another matter if you fought right in front of them, and disobeyed the rules.


    "Consider yourself lucky.." Billy snorted as he looked at Quinton.


    "But, I don''t think you and your ss will be." Quinton scanned everyone, "This isn''t over yet¡­"


    He gave Leo ast look and then turned around to leave.


    "What''s going on here? Why are you all gathered here?" Vanessa''s voice sounded as she entered the hallway. She was surprised to see all the students standing there.


    "Nothing.." Billy replied and walked into the ss. Since he had spoken out, no one dared to go against it. And, just followed after him.


    "This will be troublesome.." Harry muttered with a frown as he walked towards the seat with the rest of the group.


    "Why?" Leo asked in confusion.


    [Why? A war is about toe-nya.] Aidenughed inwardly and his words made Leo frown.


    "What do you mean why? We beat their student, and since it wasn''t a fight epted by both sides and a one-sided beating, do you think they will be happy? Not to mention, Quinton is their ss leader."


    "What authority would he have left if some other dude beat his people right in front of his face? It will obviously shake his authority. People might even look down on him if that happens. So, he definitely won''t take it lying down¡­"


    "I just hope it isn''t going to be like the thing a year ago.." Harry shook his head.


    "A year ago?" Leo asked in confusion.


    "Don''t you remember how you got your reputation?"

 Chapter 132 - 131: Duke And Aiden

    "Don''t you remember how you got your reputation?" Harry looked at Leo in surprise.


    ''What the hell is he talking about?'' Leo asked inwardly.


    [Well..those are not some pleasant memories to talk about-nya.] Aiden replied in a heavy voice.


    "Don''t you even try to remember or search for things that happened in the past?" Harry asked Leo in confusion. If he was the one to have lost his memory, he sure would have tried to learn as much as he could about his own past.


    Leo could only force a smile in the past. Earlier, he was indeed trying to learn a bit from all ces, but now that Aiden was always by his side, he had eased his research on that front. After all, if he wanted to know anything, he could just ask this guy about it.


    Looking at Leo''s face, Harry shook his head, "A year ago, a conflict broke out between your previous section and Noah''s section."


    "Who is Noah?" Leo asked in confusion.


    Harry''s face twitched a bit.


    "Princess''s Fiance," Harry replied with an odd look on his face.


    Leo''s eyes immediately went wide on hearing that.


    [Tsk..it isn''t the truth-nya.] Aiden immediately retorted.


    "At least that''s what the rumors say," Harry further added with a smile, supporting Aiden''s statement.


    "Then why do you call him the Princess''s Fiance?" Leo asked in confusion.


    "Well, Noah is actually the Prince of Eternia."


    Leo sure was taken back on that. Eternia was another Superpower in the Interster Era. It''s Empire was almostparable to Gloria. Most of all, the Emperor of Eternia was another renowned Hero known throughout the Universe.


    "The rumors say that Emperor Ragen after getting drunk had made a promise with the Emperor of Eternia to marry his daughter to his son." Harry calmly exined, "Of course, there is no evidence or exnation about this matter from anywhere.."


    "But, Noah hade to Gloria for his studies. You could understand that he at least would have some kind of interest towards the Princess. And, this would again fuel the rumors.."


    "Well, enough about that jerk''s introduction. Let''s get back to the main topic." Harry sure didn''t seem to like this person At least it was clear from the way that he wasn''t giving him any respect. Well, it was true for most of the Glorians in the Academy. After all, this guy was trying to woo their Princess.


    If this didn''t deserve a death sentence, then no one knew what did¡­


    "Why did a fight break out between the two sses?" Leo asked Harry, continuing the topic.


    "Shouldn''t I be the one asking that?" Harry was speechless for a second, "It all started with your fight with Noah."


    "Me?" Leo was left speechless. He realized that it was better if he just allowed the guy to exin instead of questioning.


    "Yup, you. I don''t know what happened. But, in short, you were beaten. And, from that time onwards, you were constantly targeted by Noah''s ss. Your points practically hit zero for the next few months from that point. There wouldn''t be a day when you left without an injury."


    "But, I have to give it to you. You didn''t say a word orined to anyone and epted every fight. That is how you got your reputation."


    "Eventually, someone seemed to have enough of it." Harry paused, and then continued, "It was Duke."


    Leo''s eyes dted.


    What the hell?!


    What was going on?


    ''Didn''t you hate that guy? Why would he help you?'' Leo couldn''t help, but asked Aiden internally.


    [He pitied me-nya.] Aiden replied in an angry voice.


    Leo was sure that Aiden hated Duke. After all, in his monologue, Duke was the only person that he had cursed by taking his name.


    And, if Leo thought about it, Noah should be the one who had treated him the worse. So, it would only be fair if Noah was cursed as well. But, that wasn''t the case. It seemed there was more to the enmity between Duke and Aiden.


    "Duke intervened. And, when he did, two more sses did it together with him. Believe me, it wasn''t a scene you would see in the Academy. It was practically a war. Normally, the Academy would have allowed such situations. But, this time, it quickly got out of hand. And, in the end, the Academy intervened to stop the mess."


    "Noahter transferred back to his ce to study in Eterny Academy. And¡­" Harry paused as his face turned weird all of a sudden.


    "What?" Leo looked at him.


    "Umn.. I think something happened between you and Duke. After that, he began to target you, and the situation for you was not much different even while entering the second year."


    Leo went silent on that.


    It seemed there was definitely something that happened between Aiden and Duke that he wasn''t aware of.


    ''Are you going to give me some exnations, Sir?'' Leo asked internally.


    [It''s all in the past. That Noah was a jerk, but Duke is worse than him. That''s all you need to know-nya.]


    ''You are going to hide things from me as well?" Leo couldn''t help, but ask.


    [The past is not relevant. Those things have nothing to do with my current self. I have already walked down a new path. Looking back would only make me waver now-nya.]


    It seemed that Aiden still hadn''t gotten over a few things.


    After Leo had watched his monologue, he had indeed realized that Aiden was not fine. He was very stressed out. And, his mental state was not the best as well.


    And, the problem still didn''t seemed to be solved entirely.


    After all, the only relief that Aiden had right now was the fact that he didn''t have to live that troublesome life anymore. For now, Leo had taken that burden off of his shoulders.


    But, would he go back to his old ways if he recovered his body?


    Leo couldn''t say for sure, but the chances were high.


    He knew that he had to find out about Aiden. Only, then could he possibly help him with his problems.


    ¡­.


    In another section..


    Duke had just returned back to his ss. He had been recently missing sses due to that ridiculous punishment that Leo had made him face. Hence, he had missed a lot of things that happened these few days.


    "Yo¡­"


    A voice sounded from behind, and Duke turned his head to look at Ronnie standing behind him with a smile on his face.


    "What do you want?" Duke frowned while looking at him.


    "Do you really need to be so cold?" Ronnie asked with a dramatic look on his face. It was as if his feelings had been hurt by thatment.


    "Just get on with it. What do you want?" Duke gave him a re.


    "Fine, I am just here to give you your money." Ronnie smiled as he transferred the amount to Duke.


    "Money for what?" Duke frowned.


    "Look at you acting so innocent.." Ronnie shook his head.


    "Didn''t you ask Neil to bet on your behalf? I hear you bet a Million on Aiden winning.." Ronnie''s lips curled up into a smile as he casually took a step back and sat on the desk. "Since, you were absent, I took the money from him on your behalf."


    Duke''s face had slowly turned dark.


    "Scary.." Ronnieughed looking at his face, "You know right, I just need to snap my fingers to get anything out from a person."


    "Mind your own business." Duke had a serious look on his face.


    "Why are you two people so stubborn?" Ronnie asked as Duke turned around to leave.


    "That guy doesn''t belong here. He is pathetic¡­" Duke said as he stopped for a second.


    "Then why did you bet on him?" Ronnie asked him.


    "Who knows.." Duke answered after a long silence, and then went ahead.


    "These people.." Ronnie sighed.


    ¡­.


    The day soon came to an end..


    Leo got out of his club. They had stayed a bitte to discuss a few things. Later, Nora and Yuji headed towards the Dorms to talk with Runeko, while the rest went their own way.


    "Well, see youter.." Leo parted with Harry outside the gates, and then began to move towards his location.


    [Where are we going-nya?] Aiden asked in confusion. They sure weren''t headed towards their home.


    ''The matter with the Pet Beast had gone for a while. Let''s get over with it..'' Leo replied. This morning Edgar had asked him if he had visited the shop or not.


    Many things had happened recently, and he honestly had forgotten about it.


    So, he wanted to finish this thing first.


    ¡­


    After taking a public vehicle, Leo finally arrived at the location..


    ''This really brought me to the outskirts of the city¡­'' Leo looked around, and he could see the borders. He could even see the forest areas in the distance over the giant walls. Behind those ces was the wild where the Aora Beasts lived.


    He walked for a few minutes, and the ce that he had been looking for finally came into his view.


    An old and worn down sign hung loosely on the entrance of the ce.


    Old Town Farm.

 Chapter 133 - 132: An Odd Event

    Old Town Farm


    "Isn''t this a farm?" Leo muttered in confusion. Edgar had told him that it was a shop. But, no matter how he looked, it was indeed a farm. There was vastnd spread across the horizon. The plot was certainly long, and towards the left was a huge wall which was the border.


    There were somemon domesticated animals on the plot ofnd. It was very big, and surrounded by reinforced fences. There was a house situated in the very middle of the huge plot ofnd. Leo had no idea what it was.


    There was a path crafted towards the house by two fences on either side, creating a narrow path for visitors to take. A path which the animals couldn''te out at.


    ''Do you know anything about this ce?'' Leo asked internally. But, Aiden was as clueless as him. He had only heard about the ce from Aaron and his father before. It seemed that before Silvers rose to their current position, they used to live like farmers in the outskirts.


    It seemed their connections with this farm somehow ranged from back in those days.


    Leo slowly walked into the ce, looking around.


    ''I thought they used advanced technology to do farming. But, I don''t see any kind of equipment here.''


    [Well, they might be into organic farming. You know people are into that kind of stuff nowadays-nya.]


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Leo turned his head, and saw a dog barking at him from the other side of the fence. It was under the enclosure.


    "I haven''t seen this kind of dog, is it native to Gloria?" Leo asked as he got close to the fence, and stared at the strange dog with orange colored fur and green eyes. It looked like a wolf, but was thinner and smaller than it. It looked a bit demonic honestly.


    [Like in hell is it a dog!! It''s a me Hound-nya!!!] Aiden roared. It was clear that he was terrified by that thing.


    [Run-nya!!]


    Leo was clearly not prepared for the situation, but he just followed Aiden''s advice, and turned around.


    Suddenly, he felt a shadow leap over his head, and the next instant, the med houndnded right in front of Leo blocking his only escape path.


    ''Crap! What is it doing here? Did ite here from the wild?''


    The chances of that definitely weren''t low. The borders were nearby after all. But, there were rangers around, if anything happened, they would take care of the situation. And, in thest three years, there hasn''t been a single case like this.


    "Rarr!" The me Hound growled as it looked at Leo. It''s nostrils were breathing out mes as it slowly moved towards Leo.


    ''Crap..what now?'' Leo slowly prepared himself for a fight, but he still continued to move back.


    [How would I know? It''s not like I have ever been into a real fight with Arora Beast-nya!]


    ''Scan him, Arthur..''


    [Scanning..]


    Name: [me Hound]


    Lv: [???]


    Skill Rank: [???]


    Race: [Arora Beast]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [???]


    ''Sh*t..we are dead..'' Leo''s face turned pale when those statues came up in front of him. This thing was strong as hell, at least inparison to him. He would definitely get his ass kicked if he tried to fight it.


    And, that was considering that someone woulde to rescue him, if not, a gruesome death might await him.


    The me Hound looked at Leo, and it''s killing intent couldn''t have been anymore obvious to him. This creature was very territorial in nature. As long as one left it alone, it wouldn''t do you anything. But, if you made it think of you as a threat, then it was time to start remembering your prayers.


    The me Hound suddenly opened out its mouth, and a red glow began to emerge in it. Leo immediately felt a chill rising up his spine.


    "K!"


    A voice suddenly rang out, and the me Hound''s movement stopped for a second. It then closed its mouth and looked at the man who had emerged from the house.


    Leo wiped the sweat off his forehead in relief as well. He then turned his head around to look at this unfamiliar figure who hade out of the house. It was a bald and aged man. He seemed to be around in his 50s or 60s. He was in his working gears, and there was dirt all over his clothes.


    The man had actually heard the me Hound barking, and hence came out to see what it was all about. And, now he was thankful that he did.


    "Are you crazy young man?" The Farmer red at Leo. "The sign there clearly says what to do, and yet you.."


    Leo followed his finger, and there indeed was a sign near the entrance.


    No Entry Without Prior Appointments, Vition Would Put You In Physical Threat.


    "But, I had an appointment," Leo frowned as he looked at the farmer, "My father has asked me toe over here. I am sure he had made an appointment about it with you."


    "Who is your father?" The Farmer asked with a frown.


    "Edgar Silver.." Leo replied with aplicated look on his face.


    "Wait! You are Silver Brat''s son?" The Farmer asked in surprise.


    "Yeah.." Leo looked at him.


    "K.." The Farmer looked at his pet.


    K looked at Leo once again, but still barked at him in hostility.


    "This is strange.." The Farmer walked upto Leo while looking at his own pet in surprise.


    "What is?" Leo was confused.


    "Well, I have known Silvers for a long time. Even though you might not remember, you have been to this ce before when you were very little."


    "At that time, K was very fond of you."


    "I even asked her to look out for you today since she was familiar with you. But, she doesn''t seem to recognize you at all."


    "Is it possible that she forgot about me?" Leo asked, looking at him.


    "Impossible.."


    [Impossible-nya..]


    Both the old farmer and Aiden simultaneously spoke.


    "Even an ordinary dog wouldn''t forget someone so easily, much less an Arora Beast like K. She is not only very intelligent, but all her senses are terrifyingly strong even whenpared to Awakeners." The Old Farmer was confident in K''s ability, but today really was a strange day.


    ''Are you thinking the same thing that I am thinking?'' Leo asked Aiden.


    [Probably-nya.]


    They could only think the body changed to be the cause of it somehow.


    ''But, it doesn''t make sense. We have changed bodies. There should be no difference in us. How in hell did this thing recognize that I wasn''t you? Does it have some kind of psychic abilities?''


    [I can''t understand that too-nya.]


    It might have made sense if you said that the dog noticed the changes in his bodynguage, behavior or something like that. But, one thing had to be kept in mind. This was not their personal dog. Aiden had barely met him once. And, that too as a kid.


    Just what kind of person doesn''t change from their childhood days. Something was definitely odd here. It wasn''t as simple as it seemed.


    "Anyway,e inside. I have been waiting for you." The Old farmer smiled as he invited Leo in.


    K too tagged along. But, Leo was still a bit afraid of her.


    "I heard from your father that you are here for your beast pet. So, do you have any thing in your mind yet?" He asked.


    Leo clearly didn''t have enough time to do proper research on that. He was verycking for now. "I still am not sure about it. I don''t know much about them.."


    "I see. Then how about deciding first whether you want a little one or an egg?"


    Arora Beastid eggs. It was a known fact. But, most people usually took a hatched beast as a first choice. After all, hatching an egg on your own was tough work. There were not only chances of still born but a lot of otherplications as well.


    And, just like Skills were divided ording to the colors. The ability of the Beast''s followed the same pattern. After all, they too used the Arora energy as a medium to bring out their potential.


    The me Hound which Leo saw earlier was said to be a Red Rank Beast. And, ording to its rank, the color of its eggs were red as well.


    And, this obviously made Golden egg the most sought one in the market. But, it was almost impossible for things like that to reach the market.


    "Let me bring you to the nursery.." The Old Farmer smiled as he saw Leo contemting about it.


    ¡­


    This farm house was very big, even more than Leo had initially thought it to be.


    "We are here.." The Old farmer spoke as he walked inside a huge room, and Leo followed behind.


    The next instant, his eyes immediately widened in surprise.

 Chapter 134 - 133: A Perfect Match

    Leo stood there with an amazed look in his eyes. The sight in front of him was really something he had never seen before.


    There were thousands of eggs hanging from the ceiling on a tform all around while little Arora Beasts of different types were ying all around below. This ce was designed like a forest to make the little one to feel at ease. And, this replication could really make someone doubt their eyes.


    "Woro!!"


    A growl sounded around as a tortoise-like creature came running towards the Old farmer.


    "How are you doing, little guy?" The Old farmer smiled while patting the beast. "This is Wild Torc. As you can see they are pretty docile in nature. This is a perfect choice if you want a house pet."


    Leo sure wasn''t here for a house pet though. If he was going to select one, he might as well look for something strong.


    "Kaa!!!"


    Max looked above and saw a ck shadow flying around. It looked like a Raven to him. And, unlike the other beast, it was not a little one but a full grown adult. It''s sharp beaks and ws definitely look strong enough to rip a person''s head.


    "Don''t worry, it''s the guardian of the nursery. It won''t do anything to you unless you do something." The Old farmer smiled at Max.


    ''What''s wrong with this ce? Isn''t the security level a bit too frightening?'' Leo felt sweat forming on his forehead.


    [I bet there is more than what meets the eyes. After all, in Gloria the value of Arora beast is definitely not low-nya.] Aiden informed him.


    There weres where Arora Beast''s were hunted to extinction, somes where they were treated as delicacies. It was true that Gloria was not the only ce who had Beast Tamers, but whenpared to the tradition of keeping Beast as a pet, most ces definitely paled inparison.


    Gloria was the only ce where every person had a pet beast. That was something not easily seen. After all, it was not easy to form a bond with a high level beast. While low level one were useless.


    This was where changed took ce, even if amon person in Gloria wanted a pet, they would go for a low level Arora beast instead of a normal animal which was not normal at other ces.


    "Have a look around, see if anything catches your eyes.."


    Leo looked at the old man and nodded. He then quietly took a step ahead, and began to look around for a bit.


    There were indeed different kinds of Arora Beast out there. Some were four legged while some two. Most of them were under a year of age, and hence looked cute. But, when he tried to see what their adult form looked like on the, it honestly gave him a scare.


    Some could grow as tall as a hill. And, the cutest one could be as terrifying as a ugly looking monsters.


    ''They are cute but it doesn''t look like an easy task to handle them¡­'' Leo frowned as he looked at the little beast rubbing themselves against his legs. To be honest, he didn''t hate them. But, the thought of raising them definitely didn''t seem to be an easy task.


    [If it was that easy, won''t the whole world follow Gloria''s example? It is definitely not easy, you need to put a lot of attention to it. That is the reason it is a part of the tradition to make a person grow into a responsible individual-nya]


    ''Well, let''s look around a bit seriously..'' Leo muttered and scanned around trying to find a good pick.


    He looked at the guy who was following him around for a while. It was a puppy with snow white fur.


    Leo took out the booklet that the old man had passed him onto through his smart link. There was every information in it that he wanted to know. But, still to confirm it, Leo decided to scan the beasts.


    Name: [Snow Wolf]


    Lv 1: [Awake]


    Cyan Rank Skill: [Blizzard]


    Race: [Arora Beast]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F-]


    ''They have already been awakened since birth..'' Leo sighed.


    [That''s the reason they are called an Arora Beast. Are you really being jealous of them-nya?]


    ''It''s not like you can understand my feelings of not being awakened at all.'' Leo sighed remembering the past.


    [Ok, I get it. Now continue to do what we are here for-nya.]


    Leo nodded and then shifted his gaze towards a three tailed fox taking a nap in the distance.


    Name: [Three-Tailed Fire Fox]


    Lv 1: [Awake]


    Green Rank Skill: [Torch]


    Race: [Arora Beast]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F-]


    He shook his head and proceeded ahead, but didn''t find any beast exceeding Green Rank.


    After a while, he walked back towards the Old farmer who was surrounded by an army of a little beast as he distributed the food to them.


    "You are back?" The old man smiled as he looked at Leo. "It seems you didn''t find any partner."


    He could tell from Leo''s expression.


    "Are there no beast''s above Green Rank?" Leo asked as he looked at him. Even the eggs above were only in Yellow, Cyan and Green in color.


    "What''s your Skill rank?" The old man asked with a smile.


    "Yellow," Leo forced a smile on his face. It seemed a bit wrong somehow. He himself was a Yellow ranker, and yet he was looking down on Yellow rank beasts. But, he knew that he didn''t have that liberty. If something could help him to increase his strength with a guarantee then he had to take it now.


    "Hmmn¡­if you want a beast, it is better if you do not go three ranks above your own or it might turn dangerous. After all, unlike normal people, you aren''t going to be keeping it as a house pet, right?"


    Leo nodded.


    He nned to use it when the time came. That''s the reason he wanted a stronger beast.


    "Normally, it is tough for the owner below the ranks of a beast to bring out its full potential. In such cases, it might frustrate the Beast and bring out an aggressive behavior from it when put into fights. There has been not less than a few thousands cases in Gloria each year. And, a lot owner die after losing control of their own beast."


    It definitely was Leo''s first time hearing that.


    ''Why didn''t you tell me?'' Leo asked inwardly.


    [I had no idea about it too-nya.] Aiden wasn''t fully aware of it as well. It was possible that his parents hadn''t told him about it thinking that it would make him feel bad and further lessen his own value in his eyes.


    And, even his peers were all getting their beasts around this time so it was not discussed in the ss as well. Only less than 10% of his ssmates from his year had their own pet beast as of now. After all, most people would take their time in selection. Some would wait until they found the one they were looking for, while there were a few who would wait for their family to acquire a High rank pet beast for them.


    Hence it took time. But, it definitely would y a major role ahead. After all, the third years were engaged their Beast during duels as well. But, that was still nowhere to be seen among the first and second years.


    ''What to do now?'' Leo muttered with a frown.


    [Well what''s there to think about? We are going to break through all kinds of restrictions. If that happens, we will raise our rank as well. There should be no problem in taking a high rank beast, right-nya?]


    "Actually, I have received instructions from your father not to allow you anything above Green Rank." The Old man suddenly informed.


    [How can he do that-nya?] Aiden wasn''t happy.


    "He said that you wanted to break through your own limits. If that was the case, he wanted you to do the same with the partner you choose."


    "You can''t me him for that. He has the right to be worried about your safety. And, if you are that confident of oveing your own limitations. Then ranks shouldn''t matter in the first ce.." The old man further added with a smile.


    ''He is right, but..'' Leomented. If they could have taken a shortcut. Then it would have been nice. But, it was not like he couldn''t understand Edgar''s point. He was trying to ensure Aiden''s safety and at the same time encourage him as well.


    Go and find a way for your own breakthrough and do the same for your partner. That was probably his intention.


    ''Let''s look around for a bit more..'' Leo muttered, and then turned around to go on one more look out.


    He tried looking around, but nothing was working. The Beast''s surroundings were the same, and he didn''t find anyone who he could deem to be useful.


    ''Should I just pick this little guy?'' Leo was wondering as he looked at the snow wolf which was still following behind.


    But, suddenly, he remembered something. He had clearly forgotten to ask for Arthur''s opinion.


    ''Is there any beast around which suits me, Arthur?'' Leo asked.


    [Scanning¡­]


    [A match has been found...]

 Chapter 135 - 134: I Choose You!

    [A match has been found..]


    Leo''s eyes widened in surprise. He wasn''t expecting anything honestly. This really was a pleasant surprise to him.


    ''Which one is it?'' Leo asked, a bit excited.


    The next instant, an arrow suddenly formed in front of him. It was obviously Arthur''s doing.


    Leo just followed the arrow, and walked through the nursery passing through dozens of little beasts.


    ''Where is it?'' Leo frowned when he found himself walking towards one of the empty corners of the nursery. He couldn''t see any beast around, but the arrow was still pointing ahead.


    A few secondster, he came in front of a bush where the arrow blinked a few times before vanishing.


    ''Huh? Is it here?'' He asked in confusion, because he couldn''t see anything around.


    [It''s in the bush..] Arthur''s voice rang once again.


    Leo frowned a bit on hearing him, and then put his hands in bushes and tried to see if there was anything inside of it.


    ''Is there really anything around?'' He muttered as he searched, but nothing wasing in his sight.


    ''Hmmn?'' Leo suddenly froze as his eyes fell on a Leech in the bushes. ''You aren''t talking about this thing, right?''


    [Yes¡­]


    Leo''s face twitched on Arthur''s confirmation. He had no words to describe his current feeling right now. ''You are being serious?''


    [Yes, I am.]


    [He is trolling you-nya.] Aiden didn''t believe him either.


    Leo tried to look through the booklet to see what kind of creature it was, but there was no record of it.


    ''Scan it, Arthur.''


    He still wanted to see what was so special about this thing.


    [Scanning..]


    Name: [Arora Leech]


    Lv 1: [Awake]


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Suck]


    Race: [Arora Beast]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F-]


    Leo''s face slowly turned dark.


    ''You are messing with me?''


    There was nothing good about this thing!


    Hell, even if he randomly picked any beast from the nursery, it would easily kill it with a stomp.


    This thing was useless.


    [I thought it had something. But, it turns out to be just amon Leech. This thing sticks to the body of Arora Beast or sometimes even digs a hole into their body to suck off Arora energy. Aside from that, it has no use. I am not surprised to find one in this nursery-nya.]


    Leo was really left speechless. It seemed he had got his hope high in vain.


    [It is indeed useless on its own. But, who do you think my creator was..] Arthur''s voice rang in Leo''s head. And, the next instant, the Inheritance booked opened up to a particr page.


    [Pg- 431]


    [Parasite Heart Technique]


    ''What''s with the creepy name?'' Leo frowned. Just reading it gave him chills. Still, he gave it a thorough check, and with each sentence his face became uglier.


    [This is awesome-nya!]


    ''This is crazy!''


    Leo and Aiden simultaneously spoke, but their views on it differed though.


    ''I am not going to do this!!''


    [Are you an idiot!! How can you let go of such an opportunity-nya!!] Aiden protested. He really wanted toe out of the storage capsule and p this guy.


    This Parasitic Heart Technique was a method which allowed one to train an Energy sucking parasite like the Arora Leech to act as a container. A container to store energy. Normally a person could only have one container that was their body to store Energy. But, this technique allowed you to possess one more.


    It clearly allowed you a huge advantage inparison to your peers. It sounded a bit creepy, but the benefits far out ssed everything else about this technique. You just needed to let the Parasite into your body where it would feed on your energy.


    It would be a mutual rtionship of benefit between the two. The Parasite would get its food while the host could fill it with more than enough energy which could beter withdrawn for use.


    If people found out that such a miraculous technique existed, they might even abandon Golden eggs for it. Umn..It might have been a bit exaggerated but it was definitely close for sure.


    And, the best of all.


    This kind of Parasite beast didn''t need any kind of attention tomand at all. It was another major benefit for a person.


    Leo and Aiden went back and forth on the topic of the [Parasite Heart Technique]. Even though Leo was very reluctant, he couldn''t deny the benefits that the technique was going to bring him.


    In the end, he reluctant picked up the Leech using a stick.


    [Are you really going to act like that? You have to let that thing burrow a hole into your body-nya.]


    ''Stop scaring me!! I am trying!!'' Leo retorted in anger.


    ''Anyway, what will I say to that old farmer and the rest of the family? You don''t expect me to say that I got a Leech as my Pet Beast, right?''


    [...] Aiden turned silent for a second.


    It was true. He couldn''t even imagine how people would react if he told them that. Hell, he would surely turn into a joke if this matter spread to the public.


    The two contemted the matter but couldn''te up with any solution.


    [Why don''t you take another pet beast with you-nya?] Aiden suggested.


    ''Do I look like a Beast Tamer to you?'' Leo retorted. Even though people in Gloria were sometimes referred to as Beast Tamers, they weren''t actually so in true sense.


    Only people who would train more than one beast went onto the path of being a true Beast Tamer. And, such people usually have skills rted to this kind of profession. But, for normal people, just one beast was more than a handful.


    And, unless you had a wish for trouble, you wouldn''t want another one.


    A few minutes passed, but no solution hade out yet.


    ''Just let it be, it''s not like I haven''t done anything against the norm. Besides, no one except your father and the old farmer will know about it. We can just ask them to keep quiet about it, and say to others that we haven''t found a beast that we are looking for..''


    [We can fool others. But, what about mom? She would not be happy with this when the matteres to light-nya.]


    ''We still have at least 6 months to a year at max, right?'' Leo asked. This is what he had heard. People usually didn''t wait any longer than that. By the mid term of the third year, most people usually had their pet beast with them.


    [Yeah, what about it-nya?]


    ''Within this time, we already would have a huge hurdle in front of us, the Lv 11. If we achieve that, do you think that your mother would care if we had parasites for a pet?'' Leo asked with a smile.


    That certainly was true. After all, it wasn''t necessary for people to have pets. And, most people couldn''t even raise their pets to a great level, andter they would just end up like house guards after their level fell way behind their owners.


    This was amon urrence.


    After all, it was so easy and full of benefits, wouldn''t every person in the world raise beasts as well?


    ¡­.


    "You have returned?" The old farmer looked at Leo, and then around him. But failed to see any beast around. "Unable to reach a decision?"


    Leo forced a smile on his face, "No, I have selected.."


    "Which one is it?" The old man asked with a pleasant smile on his face, and Leo''s face twitched.


    Leo controlled his trembling hands, and slowly brought the stick in front which he had been hiding all along.


    The old farmer''s face slowly turned dark, "Where did you find it? I have been looking all around for this little prick. A few of the pets had fallen sick due to Arora Deficiency, I knew one this pricks was behind it."


    "Give it to me, I will take care of it.."


    The old man looked at Leo, but for some reason he didn''t pass it to him.


    "What''s the matter?" He asked Leo in confusion.


    "Actually¡­this..is the one I sel.e.c¡­t..ed.. Leo''s voice almost turned into whispers towards the end.


    "What are you saying? Can you be a bit loud?" The old man looked at Leo with an odd face.


    Leo sighed and then looked at the old man with a serious face, "This is my choice, I want this Leech.."


    "..."


    The two stared at each other for a few seconds.


    "Sorry,e again. I am getting old. My hearing is really deteriorating." The old smiled helplessly.


    "This is my choice." Leo tried to maintain a straight face, but the old farmer sure couldn''t. When he heard the same thing for a second time, his eyes slowly turned wide. He now knew that it wasn''t his ears that weren''t working, but Leo''s mouth.


    This brat had definitely forgotten how to speak properly!!

 Chapter 136 - 135: Parasite Heart

    "Stop joking around! Do you think it''s funny?" The old farmer red at Leo. He definitely wasn''t finding it funny at all.


    "I am serious.." Leo really felt tired exining it to the old man, but it wasn''t like he couldn''t understand it. To be honest, he still felt that this was a ridiculous idea. But, [Parasite Heart Technique] was indeed no joke.


    "Why? Just give me one reason?" He looked at Leo, and Leo really had no idea what to say. He definitely wasn''t going to let out his secret, and aside from that, there was nothing else that he could tell about it. There was nothing good about this creature.


    "It''s¡­.cute?" Leo could only force a smile on his face knowing how ridiculous his own words were. If this wasn''t bullsh*t, he didn''t know what was. And, as expected, the old farmer just stood there giving Leo a deadly re.


    "..."


    The silence remained, none of them were willing to back down. But, since Leo knew how ridiculous his own words were, he finally couldn''t bear the shame any longer. He knew that the old man probably wouldn''t let him leave until he gave him a valid reason.


    "Fine, I actually don''t want a pet." Leo looked at the old man as his expression changed into that of a serious one.


    This change surprised both the old farmer and Aiden who had no idea what this was all about.


    [What the hell are you talking about-nya?]


    "You know I am a Yellow Ranker.." Leo continued, "But, I don''t n on staying the same. I want to break through the limit. So, I don''t think I have enough time to put on raising a beast."


    The Old farmer frowned. He understood what Leo meant now. But, Silvers were an Aristocrat family now, won''t his actions cause trouble for his family? After all, if even the Aristocrats began to abandon traditions like this, then what about the rest?


    "Have you talked about this with your father?" He couldn''t help, but ask.


    "I will do it soon," Leo replied.


    Well, it made sense. If his family allowed him to do as he wished, he wouldn''t be here to select a pet.


    "Are you sure about it?" The old farmer once again asked, and Leo nodded.


    "Fine," The old farmer sighed, and then continued, "You can take it, and if you ever have a change of mind, then you are wee."


    "How much do I need to pay for th-"


    "You don''t need to pay for it. It wasn''t even listed as one of our Beasts, you can just say that you caught it from the wild." The old man cut him off, and then waved his hand.


    Leo thanked him, and before leaving, he made sure to ask the Old farmer to keep it a secret. The man was definitely someone who could be trusted, if not, there was no way Edgar would have sent him here.


    ¡­.


    "You didn''t find the one you were looking for?" Amelia was a bit disappointed when Leo returned empty handed. She was looking forward to seeing a little one, but there was nothing she could do now. Even Nyanden always ignored her. The little kitten would only allow Leo and Viona to touch it. Aside from that, if anyone had the audacity, then it''s ws were ready to make a mess of their face.


    Obviously, Aaron and Edgar didn''t try to pounce on the cat like Amelia did.


    "What are you looking for exactly?" Vanessa suddenly asked. She was on the table as well.


    "Umn..I don''t know. I actually just didn''t feel the connection." Leo didn''t give out a particr name. They were not normal people after all, who knew if they would find the beast that he spoke of.


    "That is very vague.." Aaron shook his head, "But, it''s not like I can''t understand.."


    Viona nodded as well.


    No one seemed to put any kind of pressure on Leo for it.


    ¡­


    "It went well-nya," Aiden sighed in relief.


    "Well, for now at least." Leo nodded as he sat on the couch reading the Inheritance book.


    Time slowly passed, and after an hour or so, Leo finally got up.


    "Let''s give it a try.."


    "You already have a grasp on the technique-nya?" Aiden asked in surprise.


    "Well, I have Arthur to lead me, there shouldn''t be any problem with him leading." Leo smiled. Evenst time, Arthur had led Leo in learning the Niverian Kicking Arts.


    Leo took out a box which was kept underneath his bed. And, inside it was the Arora Leech.


    "Gulp!"


    Just the thought of allowing it to burrow into his body gave Leo chills. But, he knew that he had to do it. There was no turning back now.


    "Just man up! You are already Lv 9, we are almost there-nya!!" Aiden encouraged him. It was true, Leo had indeed hit Lv 9 after the recent events. The progress was ridiculous.


    Aiden began to feel that something was definitely wrong with this guy. Common sense wasn''t applicable to him anymore. How much time has it been?


    It has been less than three months!!


    And, this guy went from Lv 1 to 9.


    Bullsh*t!


    Aiden spent years doing that!!


    This just didn''t make sense.


    When they asked Arthur about it, he only had one thing to say.


    How could the person who chosen to be the Inheritor of my Creator''s Legacy be so simple?


    Leo was indeed a bit ttered by it, but he would have loved some detailed exnation on that. Unfortunately, there wasn''t any.


    "I am about to begin." Leo suddenly announced he took his shirt off, and gritted his teeth before letting the Leech bite onto his chest.


    [Let your Arora energy flow towards it. Guide it towards the core of your body.]


    Even though it was called Parasite Heart, it didn''t essentially mean a heart. It was only called so, because just like a heart, the parasites would pump Arora energy throughout the body in the time of need.


    The Leech slowly began burrowing it''s way into Leo''s body, and he slowly guided it towards his core using his energy while bearing the pain. When it finally settled onto the designated ce, Leo calmed down and continued to feed it his energy.


    "How much could this thing eat?" Leo''s face began to turn pale, and sweat dripped down his forehead as time continued to tick. But, there was no sign of this guy stopping.


    Luckily, a minuteter, the thing finally stopped when Leo had less than 50% of his energy left.


    ''Such a tiny little thing, and it has such an appetite..'' He really was surprised.


    [Hurry, up and begin to gather your energy. If it changed its mind, and began to crave for more energy. Then it would be troublesome. If it doesn''t find Arora energy, it would begin to eat your body.]


    Leo immediately felt a chill rising up his spine.


    It was true, the two of them had juste into contact. They still hadn''t established a mutual rtionship yet to understand their position clearly. It was going to take time for the Leech to understand that following Leo''s direction would be in its benefit for the long term.


    "How was it-nya?" Aiden asked in excitement when Leo finally rxed.


    "It went well for now," Leo said with a smile, "It is only at Lv 1, and still could consume half of my energy. If it can level up then..."


    Leo finally began to feel excited.


    He could already fight against people above his Level if they were Yellow rankers. To be honest, he felt that he was equivalent to a green ranker on the same level.


    After all, he had fought Billyst time, and even though both didn''t go all out, Leo knew that he would have lost. Initially, he didn''t think like that, but now he no longer dared to overestimate himself.


    Hell, even Morpheous lost to him because he had underestimated him. Not to mention, he wanted to use the skill that he hadn''t taken proper control of. Secondly, he didn''t even use the main skill of an Elite which was the ability to form a barrier using Arora energy.


    ''If I assume that this Leech could increase my current capacity from 100 to 200, then I might be able to evenpare to Red Rankers on the same level.'' Leo muttered inwardly.


    But, he had to take note of one thing. This was only in the current case. If Leo''s level increased, then his overall pool of energy would increase. This would mean that the Leech at Lv 1 would no longer be able to provide Leo with 50% more energy.


    To make it simple, lets assume just how much Arora energy could this Leech suck off from some in Lv 50 or 60? It wouldn''t even be 1%.. Hence, he would need to Level up the Leech as well otherwise it would be useless to him in future.

 Chapter 137 - 136: Sign Of A Storm

    "You arete today.." Harry smiled at Leo.


    "Got caught up in something," Leo forced a smile on his face. It was just that the Arora Leech was acting up in the morning, and sucked up a good portion of his energy.


    The two slowly walked towards the ss as they continued to chat.


    Yesterday, Yuji and Nora had talked with Runeko. She still was depressed, but it wasn''t something that could be easily forgotten. She would also be returning to attend her sses from today.


    It was a good thing that she wasn''t talking about leaving for the time being.


    When Leo and Harry finally walked into the ss, they were surprised to see a group of students with bruises all over their body.


    "What happened to you people?" Harry couldn''t help, but ask.


    "It was that ss C¡­that Quinton''s ss.." One of them groaned in anger. It was very obvious what had happened.


    The sses actually weren''t divided on the basis of ranking, but still most people thought them to be if you looked at the average power level.


    For example, Leo''s previous ss was B, and it had pretty strong people, even including the Princess. But, in terms of overall strength, they might be a tiny bitcking inparison to ss A.


    And, here they were obviously the famous ss F¡­


    So, individually the section-wise ranking might not be true, but as a group, there might be some truth to it.


    After all, you only needed to look at the points board. ss A always had the most points after the end of each month. No one could deny the fact.


    But, individually, the person leading the points board was Reba from ss B.


    "You guys got into a fight?" Leo asked as he looked at them.


    "Those guys started it for no reason, and even when we tried to back away, they didn''t let us do so.." One of the guys with a ck eyeined.


    Leo didn''t think they were lying. These people were the weakest in the ss. Even lower than Leo, after all, he had levelled up now, going up to Lv 9 and the weakest among them was Lv 7.


    "This is wrong!" This group had a face which clearly said they had been wronged, and they wanted justice.


    But, that wasn''t the problem, the problem was that they continued to look at Leo and Harry like little puppies. They were waiting to hear what they had to say on this matter. After all, technically, they were the leading figures in the ss.


    Harry looked at Leo, and his action immediately made people do the same. It was clear now that Leo was above Harry in terms of ranking. Not to mention, he was popr in one way or the other and even had a powerful background.


    ''This guy..'' Leo red at Harry, but he just feigned ignorance.


    "Uhmn..calm down for now. If you are wronged, then we will definitely seek justice.." His words immediately made the student''s eyes to light up in appreciation. It was just that he did notplete his sentence, which went like ''seek justice through proper channels''.


    ¡­


    "You gonna seek justice now?" Harry asked with a smile when the people around dispersed.


    "You wanna get punched in the face?" Leo asked, feeling a bit annoyed.


    "What did I do? Weren''t those your own words?" Harry asked innocently.


    Leo sneered at him, "I will tell Billy about it. He will deal with it. And, if he asks me for advice, I will definitely go ahead, andin to the Instructors or Disciplinarymittee.."


    [My age is slowly decreasing because of you-nya.] Aiden sighed inwardly, but Leo just ignored him.


    He knew that fights were a good way of training. But, this wasn''t fighting, it was just one sided beating. There was no use in going through it. Those guys were stronger than them in every way.


    [Bro, a man fights even when the odds are against him-nya.] Aiden clearly seemed to understand Leo''s thought process.


    ''I am a man who doesn''t fight losing battles. Besides, I believe in the ancient quote that 10 years is not too early for a man''s revenge.''


    [...] Aiden surely was grinding his teeth in anger right now.


    "By the way, why don''t I see Paul and Biggie?" Leo asked in confusion as he looked at Harry.


    "You know Dean Valeford''s promise?" Harry asked with a weird look on his face.


    [Please Refer to Author Noter for this change.]


    Leo nodded.


    "Since that guy has an assurity to pass and have a secure future, he says that there is no meaning in attending sses. So, he might as well sleep."


    "..."


    Leo and Harry looked at each other for a few seconds.


    "Are you kidding me?"


    "Nope.."


    The two simultaneously sighed. That guy really was a unique one. No one knew what was going through his head.


    "What about Biggie?"


    "He went out looking for Paul saying that Paul wasn''t doing the right thing, and it would harm himter," Harry replied.


    "So, he went out and missed the ss together with him?" Leo asked, and Harry nodded.


    At this moment, Billy arrived in the ssroom.


    And, his appearance immediately made several people frightened.


    "Did you get hurt?" Harry asked as the guy arrived in front of them.


    "No, why do you ask?" Billy asked with an amused look on his face. He didn''t seem hurt in any way.


    Harry and Leo exchanged a look.


    "What''s with the blood on your shirt then?" Leo asked as he pointed at it.


    Billy looked at his own shirt, and his figure froze the next instant.


    "No wonder people were giving me looks in the hallway. This blood isn''t mine, some trash from ss C tried to y smart with me. I just taught them who was smarter." Billy shook his head with a smile, and his reply immediately relieved most of the people.


    As long as their leader was still standing tall, then they could raise their heads.


    Only Leo wasn''t relieved. He knew that things had definitely gotten out of hand now.


    "And, I hear you guys got beaten up?" Billy suddenly looked towards the group who had ck and blue bruises all over.


    "Yes..but we didn''t do anything. They were the ones at fault." One of the guys among that group spoke.


    "Do you think anyone cares about that?" Billy asked him in return as he casually walked up to their desk and sat on it. "So how many guys did you beat up?"


    "Huh?" The person was obviously confused.


    "I said how many guys did you beat up?" Billy repeated once again.


    "That..I¡­" The Person began to fumble nervously.


    "Don''t make me repeat myself.."


    "None.." the person immediately replied in fear.


    "Useless, no wonder they call you trash. Looking at you, I bet you couldn''t even throw a punch.." Billie snorted in disdain as he saw the person flinch. It seemed his guesses were correct.


    "Stay behind for an extra two hours. All of you.." Billy red at the group.


    Earlier Billy had decided to train the ss, but the murder incident had prevented him to do so. But, no more. With Harry''s help, a schedule was already derived. And, Leo with Aiden''s help showed his knowledge in this field, making a training routine.


    Within these three days, all the students had already experienced the horror of this training. They would have no strength left after this extra training and now Billy had asked them for two more hours. That was impossible. But, who dared to stand up against him.


    None..


    Hell, even in the ss, only a few were able to talk with him.


    There was an exception in the training though. Any person could skip the training if they felt that they could do better on their own. But, if at the end of the month, they didn''t show the results then..


    There were no clear details as to what would happen, but looking at Billy''s bloody shirt, no one was interested in finding out.


    ¡­.


    Year 2 ss C, MTP.


    A group of five students were standing in a line with a broken nose, and bandages all over their body. This was the group that Billy had dealt with.


    "We can''t let those losers look down on us. They are clearly provoking us!" One of the students shouted in anger when he showed the condition of his ssmates. In fact most people were enraged or at least were not feeling well.


    After all, no matter how much they hated each other. They were still under one umbre. And, if someone said your umbre sucked, you couldn''t remain unaffected. After all, no one liked hearing some trash talk about their things.


    "I don''t think we should be so early to reach any decision." This feminine voice belonged to a very familiar person.


    It was Christina.


    "What early decision is this? Do we still need any more proof?" Quinton''s voice sounded across the room.. And, his words made Christina frown.

 Chapter 138 - 137: A Path Of No Regrets

    "What early decision is this? Do we still need any more proof?"


    Christina looked at Quinton with a frown on her face. She didn''t know how the conflict between the sses had started, but one thing was for sure, that Quinton just didn''t have any good intentions towards the ss because of Aiden.


    She had indeed told him that if he wanted to make her change her mind and win her parents favour, he had to achieve something and prove himself to be better than Aiden.


    It seemed it was a bad decision on her part. From the current situation, it looked like he would take it out on Aiden using this opportunity. But, she couldn''t me him for it. Who would be able to keep their calm in such a situation?


    She was indeed regretting now. Maybe it would have been better if she hadn''t taken Aiden''s name to rile him up. She had no idea that this situation was not just a coincidence which was going to allow Quinton to take his anger out, rather, it was a situation specifically created by him to take his anger out.


    One could clearly see that he didn''t care for others and would do anything to achieve his personal motive.


    "I think Quinton is right. We have our pride as well. How can we just let them get away with it?" Another student spoke up, he was another strong guy and it was obvious for people to look up to the stronger ones.


    At this moment, the Instructor entered the ss.


    "What''s going on?" He frowned when he saw the students gather in the center of the ss. He could even see a few students who had been badly battered up.


    "The ss F has been picking fights with us, Instructor," Quinton immediately replied.


    "That''s it?" The Instructor asked in confusion. Such a small matter?


    "What is there to discuss in this?" He asked as his gaze swept around the ss, "WHEN SOMEONE FIGHTS YOU WHAT DO YOU DO?!!"


    His voice was loud, and rang across the room like thunder.


    The students looked at each other, and then replied in a simr voice, "WE FIGHT BACK!!"


    Christina knew there was no helping it now. Things had always been simple, besides when it came to fight between sses, right and wrong no longer matter. You fight if your ssmates fights. This was how it went..


    What kind of person are you if you watch your teammates getting beaten just because you have no idea if he was in right or wrong? You need to have full trust in them. After all, if you don''t have trust, how will you be able to leave your back to them in a battlefield.


    "And, since this is an Academy, I will prefer you guys to not use any underhanded methods." The Instructor added.


    But, a few of the students were smart enough to notice that he had used the word ''prefer''. It means there was still a scope, and it would probably be fine as long as no one finds out about it.


    It was important for students to know that things weren''t always fair on the battlefield. Sometimes you have to bear the underhanded methods while other times use it yourself.


    There was not much of a choice when you had millions of innocent lives behind you.


    It was all well, but when one viewed it from an educational point of view, it was indeed something not very suitable for young people.


    But, this was why the Academy''s structure was built very loosely. There were rules to ensure nothing was wrong, but people who tried to use these rules would be isted and have an impact on their career if it was deemed that someone as a soldier shouldn''t have done that.


    Whoever hade up with this system was indeed a clever person. At one side, they were showing the world that they had ensured students safety and everything. But, on the darker side, this was all going on.


    But, the current generation Dean was a smart person. He knew that his system which was designed during the war era wasn''t in the best interests of the students in the current time. But, it was difficult to change it all at once.


    There would always be people who would resist change, and those who would prefer the orthodox methods.


    And, this Instructor from ss C sure was one.


    His name was Zedrick Maestro. He was from a family of minor nobles. More like he had been bestowed the title of a minor noble for his years of service. He was one of the few who supported the Orthodox faction.


    And, this wasn''t only limited to the Academy.


    There were even a few people who shared the same sentiments, and were unhappy with the Current Emperor Ragen and his rules.


    After all, Ragen had brought a lot of change in Gloria''s current structure, not to mention, he was the main reason that the new Military families had risen like this.


    And, the worst of all was the guy himself. Who could tell that person was an Emperor?


    There are viral pictures and videos of the guy all over the Net. That guy was seen in shorts and slippers in the streets on more than a dozen asions. Hell, he was even found eating on the roadside stalls in a cheap locality.


    His behavior was really upsetting a lot of people.


    ¡­.


    Dean''s Office.


    Dean Valeford sat on his chair as he looked at the person standing in front of him.


    "So, have you decided on it?" He asked with a calm look on his face as he closed the projection screen and focused his attention on the girl in front. It was clear that he was attaching a lot of importance to her.


    This girl was none other than Runeko.


    The day after the murder incident was over, the Dean had visited Runeko. It was to make an offer.


    He exined to her that she possessed a Golden Ranked Skill one and the person who had evaluated her had made a mistake.


    He had already gone through everything and found out that Runeko was evaluated by a Scouter.


    These were people hired by Academies to visit backwards areas to search for talent.


    This person obviouslycked the talent to evaluate her, but luckily, she was the one who he had judged to be the best around her area, and gave her a rmendation letter. After all, the Academy would also make sure that there was representation from all corners of the universe.


    Once the Dean was sure that there was nothing wrong with her, he made the first move. Just who would let such a person get away. Besides, he was not here with any ill intention. To be honest, he just didn''t want her to end up like his previous students.


    Hence, he offered her a helping hand.


    He was willing to take her in as a Private student.


    It was an opportunity which was not so easy toe by. The Dean was one of the strongest individuals around. The rumors said that he was a Lv 71 or above King. He was an existence only below the Heroes. And, he had raised Heroes in the past. Edgar was one of them.


    It could be said that this was a very big opportunity for Runeko. But, the girl obviously didn''t understand it clearly. Not to mention, her current mental state wasn''t the best.


    "So, you still couldn''t decide?" The Dean asked her with a smile.


    Runeko held both her hands together nervously, and couldn''t answer.


    "You don''t need to be so nervous." He shook his head with a smile.


    "I-I don''t know if I can continue this any longer.." Runeko finally spoke in a meek tone.


    Dean looked at him, and sighed inwardly. He knew that it was difficult for her. But, he couldn''t possibly let her return. The world was not a nice ce. A person like her had a lot of value. If some wrong person ended up finding out about her, then not only will she have to go through hell, but she might even bring trouble to the rest of the Universe.


    After all, if she ended up maturing in a wrong manner, and took a wrong path, the consequences weren''t something that people could bear.


    "Are you feeling guilty for what happened?" The Dean asked her.


    "Umn.." Runeko nodded.


    "But, it wasn''t your fault. You were forced to do it." He replied, "Besides, will anything change if you quit?"


    "I don''t think so." He continued when Runeko didn''t reply, "Nothing will change if you quit here. It would just be something which would be forgotten by everyone, and if you aren''t lucky enough to forget it, you would suffer for your life."


    "What should I do then?" Runeko raised her head to look at him with teary eyes.


    "Be strong, and move ahead. You have the power, hence you should shoulder the responsibility for the power you hold. If you continue on this path, I won''t guarantee you that there won''t be a tragic ending. You might even see more deaths, but when the endes, you won''t have regrets. You will be able to say that you tried your best, and didn''t run away from it."


    "You will be able to look everyone in the eyes throughout your life and raise your head high. Is that not enough?" He asked with a smile. Even though he indeed wanted to convince her, he still couldn''t let her have fake hopes.. He wanted her to know the reality.

 Chapter 139 - 132: Blank Skill

    ''What should I do?'' Runeko walked back towards her ss from the Dean''s office. She was very confused right now. And, couldn''t get to a decision at all. She knew that she was worrying a lot of people right now.


    "Hey, can''t you hear us.."


    "Punch him, it might wake him up.."


    Runeko suddenly stopped when she heard some voicesing from the stairways. These stairways are all for emergency purposes as people would use elevators most of the time.


    She looked around and saw that there weren''t many people around. She hesitated a bit, but still walked towards the railing and peaked below to see what was going on.


    There were five guys below on the lower floor. They had surrounded a guy who wasying on the floor with his back against the wall. This guy had a sleeping mask on, and appeared very familiar to Runeko.


    "Hey, didn''t you hear me? I said get your ass moving. This is our spot.." One of them put his leg on the wall right beside the sleeping guy''s face, but he seemed to be deep in asleep.


    "Which ss is this b*started from?" The person who seemed to be in the lead asked as he looked at his friend.


    "I think I have seen him somewhere before.." One of the people seemed to have recognized him. This person thought for a bit before finally remembering, "Yeah, this is a F section b*stard!"


    The words immediately cause the faces of the people to change severely. They were all students from section C after all.


    "Look how funny it is, we didn''t even have to go and find a sheep. It has walked right in front of us." The person in the leadughed as he looked at the guy who was deep in sleep.


    This person sleeping here was Paul.


    The guy who was missing since morning, and also the person that Biggie had been looking for.


    "Let''s teach him a lesson.." Another guy smiled, and as he took a step forward, a voice rang from behind.


    "S-Stop! "


    The group immediately paused, and turned their heads to see a girl standing behind nervously. It was a cat girl, a Demi-Human.


    "What do you want?" The person asked Runeko with a frown. He could see that she was a first year, and hence didn''t want to get her involved with this.


    "What are you trying to do to him?" Runeko asked nervously as she looked at Paul. She had clearly heard what they were talking about.


    "This doesn''t involve you, a first year. Just return to your ss, and don''t meddle in other people''s business." The person waved his hand at her, and turned around.


    "If you don''t stop, I willin to an Instructor.." Even though she was nervous, she didn''t back down.


    "Look at this girl.." The person once again turned his head with an annoyed look on his face. He definitely was not happy with her.


    The people aroundughed as well.


    "Don''t you know how to respect your seniors? I have been going easy on you because you are a first year. But, it seems like I will need to show you your ce." He then turned his head towards one of his guys, and spoke, "Don''t leave a mark on the face, just teach her enough so that she knows her ce the next time."


    The guyughed and then took a step forward, "It seems I am in luck."


    Runeko immediately took a step backward nervously. She tried to take a fighting stance, but it all crumbled as the memories from a few days ago shed past her eyes. It was still very clear that thest time she had tried to fight, she ended up killing everyone.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you lowering your hands now? You''re gonna beg for forgiveness?" The person asked with augh, "If you still leave, I will let you go.."


    Runeko gulped as her body shivered. But, when she looked at Paul, her body didn''t move. For some reason, she didn''t wanna leave. She didn''t want to see the people she had called friends get hurt again.


    She knew that she had already done much worse to her friends these days. But, she couldn''t change any of those yet, the least she could do now was stand with them.


    "I-I won''t leave, you should stop this.." She gritted her teeth and raised her head to face the guy head on.


    The person in front was immediately taken back by her sudden show of stubborness.


    "Hahaha!!! Look at that guy, he thought he got the girl under control.." The other guysughed at this fellow who had gone to deal with Runeko.


    This person''s face immediately turned dark, and he raised his hand in anger, " This b*tch.."


    Runeko closed her eyes, seeing the palming swinging straight towards her.


    "Whoosh!"


    She felt a slight tug on her back, and her body tilted backwards. A light breeze brushed past her face which was very likely from the palm missing her face.


    She slowly squinted her eyes open, wondering what had happened.


    But, the ce seemed to have frozen for some reason. Everyone had a shocked look on their eyes.


    "What are you doing here? Did you want to take a nap as well?" A tired voice entered Runeko''s ears, and she turned her head to see the person who had pulled her back.


    It was Paul.


    But¡­.


    She immediately turned her head towards the ce where he was sleeping a moment ago, but there was no one there.


    The guy who had just wanted to p Runeko stood there with a frightened look on his face as a drop of sweat slid down his forehead.


    The rest of the guy seemed to have been frightened as well.


    "Is something wrong?" Paul asked Runeko who seemed to be in a daze.


    "Uh..no..but you.." Runeko shook her head, but her confusion still remained.


    "What are you standing there for? It just might be his weird ability. Don''t overestimate him." the leader of the group finally seemed to pull himself back.


    If Paul was that strong, there was no way that they hadn''t heard of him. Hence, it was more likely to assume that it had something to do with his ability. As long as they could figure his ability out, there was nothing to be afraid of.


    "Careful, they were nning to attack you." Runeko immediately informed him.


    "Ah..so that wasn''t a dream." Paul was a bit surprised. He honestly thought that it was all a dream. His words made everyone speechless.


    "This idiot.." The person who was standing in front of Runeko and Paul suddenly felt as if he wasn an idiot for feeling afraid of a guy like this. It was honestly embarrassing.


    He suddenly clenched his fist, and swung it towards Paul as a cyan colored glow emerged from his body and surrounded his fist. "Die!"


    Paul raised his forefinger and slowly muttered, "10x."


    "Bang!"


    The fist struck the finger, but in front of everyone''s widening eyes, it stopped.


    Yes¡­


    A finger had stopped a fist.


    A skinny guy had stopped a buffed guy''s fist with a finger.


    No one could believe what they had just witnessed. What kind of monster was this? And, why had no one heard about him?


    "20x" Paul lightly muttered as he clenched his other fist, and then shot into his opponent''s abdomen.


    "Bang!"


    The guy''s eyes immediately rolled out as saliva flew out of his mouth. His body flew through the air like a canon and crashed into the wall.


    A silence immediately enveloped the ce.


    "What are you looking at?! Run!!" The rest of the guys no longer had the courage to face this monster. They immediately picked their fallen friend up, and ran away.


    Runeko saw the entire scene with a surprised look in her eyes. She never knew this quiet guy was so strong.


    "How di-"


    "Thud!"


    Before Runeko could say anything, Paul copsed on the ground with a heavy thud.


    This gave Runeko a fright, and she rushed up to him with a tensed look on her face. "Are you hurt anywhere? Should I take you to infirmary?"


    "I-I am tired, and sleepy¡­.z m¡­zz m.." Paul''s eyes shut close, and he began to snore.


    Runeko looked at him with a dumbfounded look on her face.


    This just hadn''t happened...


    It didn''t make any sense.


    Not many people knew, but Paul Bourne, was one of a rare Skill possessor. It was a state which was referred to as nk Skill.


    It was said so, because such skill levels couldn''t be determined.


    Such people''s skill would fluctuate when attempted to be measured. It would show random ranks everytime it was tested, and sometimes it wouldn''t even show it at all.


    And, this guy here had such a skill called [Amplify]


    A skill which had got him a direct entry into the Academy without any test.

 Chapter 140 - 139: Feud

    "Is he alright?" Runeko asked as she looked at the nurse in the infirmary with a worried look on her face.


    "Don''t worry, he has just exhausted his Arora Energy. He must have overworked himself." The Nurse shook her ahead as it was not something serious.


    ''Overwork?'' Runeko sure was confused. She looked at Paul, and just couldn''t understand what nurse meant by overwork. This guy had just made two moves at most, and even before that, he was just sleeping.


    She looked at the time, and saw that there was the break time now. Hence, she decided to stay around.


    A whileter, Paul finally woke up realizing that he was in a different ce.


    "Where am I?"


    "I brought you to the infirmary.." Runeko immediately informed him. "You seemed to have exhausted yourself.."


    "Ah..I indeed used my skill.." Paul remembered it. He then pulled the nket, trying to make himselffortable and go to sleep once again. He clearly wasn''t interested in anything else.


    "Umn..Why did you fall asleep like that? Is it possible that you sleep because you have some problem?" Runeko asked in a meek little voice. She wasn''t usually the type to ask people for their problems. But, this time, she was taking the initiative.


    If it was true that Paul slept because he didn''t have a choice, then it would mean that everybody had wronged him. They were thinking all this time that he was just azy bum when he wasn''t.


    "My skill¡­it can be exhausting.." Paul replied with a tired look on his face, his eyes were almost about to shut due sleepiness.


    "What kind of skill is it?" Runeko asked, but immediately realized that it might not have been an appropriate thing to ask.


    But, Paul didn''t seem to mind at all, and replied, "It''s called [Amplify]. It allows me to multiply my stats. But, the more I amplify, the faster it drains my energy."


    Earlier, he had gone beyond his way to save Runeko. This had really exhausted him, and after only two more moves, his reserves were empty. Luckily, the people around had been all scared by him. If not, they would have been in a lot of trouble.


    ¡­


    In another corner of the Academy..


    "Are you sure about it?" Vanessa asked as she looked at the staff in front of him.


    "Yes, Mam. There had been an incident where a person''s Pet beast had gone out of control and ended up hurting two students. But, it isn''t true. I was in the area they had put under lockdown. There wasn''t even a single roar of a Beast." The person honestly exined.


    It sure was odd.


    If you said that fight broke out with an Arora Beast involved, there was no way that no one had heard its roars.


    ''Something is off..'' Vanessa waved her hand, sending the person away. But, the frown on her face still remained. She had been investigating all the incidents that had happened in the Academy from the day that the traces of the Demon King''s will had been felt in the Academy.


    No matter whether it was something insignificant, or something very serious. She had the list of all of it, and was going through it in a detailed manner.


    The incident that she was talking about with the person from the staff was very well known in the Academy. Even Vanessa had heard of it before, because Aiden was apparently injured in it.


    But, it had be suspicious now that this person had revealed some information.


    Something definitely felt off about it.


    Not to mention, this Beast incident had happened near the same time as that incident.


    ''Is he involved?'' Vanessa frowned. She was worried if Aiden was in some kind of trouble. She was not suspecting him of being the culprit at all.


    ''Right.. there was one more person..'' Vanessa suddenly looked at the information of the other person, and a picture appeared in her smart link.


    It was Harry.


    She knew this guy as well. He was Aiden''s friend and was in her ss too.


    ''I will need to find out about him..'' She didn''t know whether they had anything to do with that incident. But, if she had to suspect anyone between the two to have any knowledge of something, it would be Harry.


    After all, she didn''t want to drag Aiden into this mess.


    ¡­


    Harry''s body suddenly shivered as he felt a chill running down his spine.


    "What''s wrong?" Leo asked in confusion.


    "Nothing¡­I just.." Harry didn''t continue and shook his head. He just felt a chill for some reason, having a bad feeling. But, this feeling didn''tst long, and he only thought of it to be an illusion.


    "By the way, are those guys following us?" Leo asked in a low voice.


    "Yeah, they have been, ever since we left the ss." Harry forced a smile on face. His senses were even more frightening, and he had noticed them long ago.


    ''Scan them Arthur..'' Leomanded inwardly.


    Within a few seconds, the data was all avable with Leo.


    There were a total of five of them. With one at Lv 10, and the rest were all Lv 11.


    And, one of them even had a Green Rank Skill.


    It was evident that Harry and Leo weren''t going to be their match if trouble urred. Until now Leo knew that they were at war with Section C, but that feeling seems to have be more real right now.


    "There is a turning ahead, the moment we cross. Run at full speed.." Leo whispered to Harry, and he was surprised for a second, but then nodded with a smile.


    The group following behind them was indeed from Sections C, and they surely weren''t here with good intentions.


    "Why aren''t we making a move on them?" One of the guys asked with a frown.


    "Do you want to fight in this hallway? Can''t you see the other students around?" Another replied with an annoyed look on his face. If they started a fight here, it was very likely that a few other people would end up being dragged into it.


    This wouldn''t end well for anyone. Not to mention, if the Section Leader of the other ss took it in a bad manner. No one knew how the current situation would be affected. It might turn into a multiway battle or a handicapped one if the other party allied with their enemies.


    Hence, they could only slowly follow them in hopes of finding a better ce to take them out.


    When these groups took a turn around the corner, their eyes widened. They could see Leo and Harry had already reached the end of the hallways on the other side, and were about to take another turn.


    Those two b*stars had clearly broken out into a sprint.


    "Chase them!"


    A person suddenly yelled, and the group ran after them.


    The onlookers were amused at the scene. They were already hearing things about the feud between Section F and C.


    "It seems to have started now.." One of guy from a different section smiled as he looked at the people running around.


    "Well, things will be more interesting this way." Anotherughed.


    ¡­


    Washroom..


    "Are we really going to hidden in here forever?" Harry asked with a helpless look on his face.


    Leo, who was in the cabin next to him, could only reply in a simr manner, "What do you think we should do then? Go and get beaten by them?"


    Like he said, this wasn''t even a match. But, just one sided beating.


    At this moment, a couple of students seem to enter the ce.


    "I heard that a few of the Section F trash has already been taken care of while most of them seemed to be escaping us." A person spoke.


    "Well, that was expected. Just what could they possibly do.." Another voice sounded. This time it was a familiar one. Both Leo and Harry recognized it. It belonged to Quinton.


    "But, that Billy is giving a lot of trouble to our students." The other person seemed to be irritated.


    "Don''t worry, I will take care of him soon," Quiton replied. "And, what about the guy that I asked you to catch?"


    "Aiden?" The other guy asked.


    Those words made both Leo and Harry''s brows jump a bit.


    "Do you have a personal grudge against him? Why do you want to beat him with your own two hands?" The other person asked in an amused tone.


    "I would have killed him if it wasn''t the Academy. He should be grateful that I am only nning to break a few of his bones, and wipe the floor with his face." Quinton snorted. "That guy is nothing but trash with a good father. Without the Silver behind him, he is nothing."


    Leo frowned on hearing that. That was some intense hatred on that guy''s side. He clearly wasn''t joking when he said that he wanted to kill him.


    ''Did you have a feud with this guy?'' He asked inwardly to the guy who knew the answer.


    [Well, I have one now-nya.]

 Chapter 141 - 140: Bully Being Bullied

    [Well, I have one now-nya.]


    "..."


    Leo was really left speechless for a second.


    ''Why would he want to kill you if he has nothing to do with you?'' He further asked internally. There was no way that this made sense. Why would you want to kill a person without any reason, unless you were a psycho.


    [We should be asking him that question. I don''t think I have given him any reason to hate me to this extent. Hell, I don''t even know him-nya.]


    "It seems they have got some trouble on their side, I will leave." The other person outside seemed to have received some kind of message, and immediately left.


    Quinton was still in the washroom, and a secondter, he seemed to enter one of the cabins to relieve himself.


    At this moment, a message came into Leo''s smart link. It was from Harry, he was asking him to quietlye out.


    Leo was nning to do the same, it would be troublesome if that guy found him here.


    But, the moment he walked out, a frown appeared on his face.


    "What are you doing?" He whispered looking at Harry who seemed to be unscrewing the toilet pipelines for some reason.


    "Don''t worry, I have turned the knob. Just help me, get this thing out. We don''t have much time."


    Leo had no idea what this guy was trying to do, but he just helped him in it. After all, it would be bad if Quinton came out before they could leave.


    A minuteter, they pulled the pipe out, and disconnected it from it''s mainline. The moment it was done, a horrendous stench began to leak out of it, and Leo almost puked.


    The two of them hurriedly held their breaths, and with all their strength turned the opening of the pipe towards one of the restroom cabins. By now, Leo was already aware of Harry''s ns. Even an idiot would know where this was going.


    "This would really be bad.." He looked at Harry with a frown on his face.


    [What are you scared of? He wants to kill us-nya?] Aiden for the first time didn''t seem to care about his image at all. It seems that he was slowly changing.


    "This guy wants to harm you. He clearly started all of this, and even if we don''t do anything, he will stille at us." Harry retorted, it was clear that even he was a bit afraid. But, when it came to being decisive about something, this guy was very clear.


    Evenst time, when he had decided to go after Runeko, he was very clear on his point. He only made a move when he determined that there was no other choice.


    "Fine.." Leo gave up on any of his hesitation as his eyes shed with a decisive light. If they wanted a war, he would give them one.


    When they were done turning the pipe, Harry pulled out a steel string using his ability and attached one of it''s ends to the door of the cabin which Quinton was in, and the other was attached to the knob which was a kind of switch for the pipelines.


    "Let''s go.." Harry looked at Leo and two of them immediately ran out of the ce.


    Two minutester, the cabin of the restroom finally opened as Quinton walked out with a satisfied expression on his face. But, the next thing he saw was a ck jet of water hitting him straight into the face.


    The stench immediately made him go crazy, he pulled himself back and tried to turn around and protect his face from any more disaster. But, in doing so, his feet slipped on the feces which had fallen onto the floor. Before he could understand what was going on, he fell facefirst onto the toilet seat.


    He immediately tried to grab onto something, but his luck seemed to have hit the rock bottom today. His palm grabbed onto the flush and his face broke through the toilet seat. The next second, his hand pulled the flushed because of the impact.


    Heid still in shock for a second. His face was inside the toilet while his back was being drenched in the ck water.


    Themotion attracted a few people, and when a person walked in to see what had happened, his eyes immediately widened in horror. The next instant, he held his nose and ran out of the ce.


    Soon a crowd had gathered around the ce, but no one dared to go in. Even standing a few feet away from the restroom was bing unbearable for them.


    At this moment, a person walked out of the washroom. His body was covered in a ck slimy liquid. The pipeline system was built in such a way that the things would quickly dpose in it. And, this was probably the result of it.


    There were even a few lumps of feces still sticking behind Quinton which he probably wasn''t aware of. But, the most attractive one was definitely a perfect coiling turd on Quinton''s head which seemed to resemble a crown. Even if it wasn''t a golden crown, it at least resembled something simr.


    "Uahh!!" A girl couldn''t seem to take anymore, and ran towards the bin in hurry before puking.


    Quinton''s shoulders were trembling. He was in rage. A rage which wasn''t going to calm down until he found out the culprits. He swore in his heart to take his revenge. He could feel all those gazes which were being directed at him.


    Some were filled with disgust, some with pity, there were even those mocking ones who seemed to be enjoying his state.


    He clenched his fist as his nails dug into his palm. He was definitely not going to let this go.


    "Move to the side! Give me a path!" The security staff on duty immediately arrived after hearing of the incident. Along with him was the plumber who was also part of the staff.


    When the two saw Quinton''s state, they froze.


    "Don''t worry, we will help you.." The Security personnel forced a smile on his face.


    But, as Quinton took a step ahead, he immediately backed away by one as well. Not only him, but the whole crowd did.


    "Umn..it''s better if you don''t move," The man further said.


    And, the whole crowd nodded with him.


    Quinton''s rage peaked at this moment. He had never felt so humiliated. He had always been a source of admiration. He was one of the most talented people, and he deserved much more than he originally had. This was not supposed to be happening. He wanted to be showered by revering looks, but not this.


    "Ah!" A squeak escaped Quinton''s mouth as blood rushed upto his head in anger, and he copsed onto the ground.


    It seemed he had a panic attack or his stress levels had shot through the sky.


    ¡­


    It didn''t make much time before the incident spread like wildfire along with the viral videos of the incident.


    Quinton was immediately turned into a joke from a person that one would only look upto. But, that was only temporarily. After all, a person''s character determines their image in a person''s eyes.


    It was just a random incident, and would most likely be treated as something that he would be teased for in the future. And, nothing much. It would be eventually forgotten, and even if it wasn''t, it wouldn''t be something that would change his whole life.


    But, Quinton who had just woken up in the infirmary didn''t think so. He was going crazy in rage. He even ended up beating two of his ssmates for pissing him off, and then employed everything he had to search for the culprit.


    There was no way that he was going to take this lying down.


    As for the culprits¡­


    ¡­


    The atmosphere in the ss F was pretty joyful. The students around seemed to have suffered different kinds of injuries, and this was for more than half of the students in the ss, and yet they still had a smile on their faces for some reason.


    They had all been targeted by ss C. And, more than 70% of the students had lost more than a hundred points today.


    They were forced to participate in mock fights or had to give up to their opponents under pressure.


    Even though this was supposed to be against the rules set up by the institute, no one had any intention toin.


    This attitude of people was what Leo could never understand.


    But, one day he would understand it and make an important decision, but it was still a long way into the future.


    "Did you guys see it? I can''t stopughing! Hahahahaha!!!" Aughter rang across the ss. It was Billy, he had already seen the video of Quinton.


    This was also the reason why the ss was in a good mood. They had been bullied, and now seeing their bullies going through the same was definitely satisfying to them.


    "I wonder who did it to him," Billy said with a smile.


    "Yeah¡­I wonder too.." Harry forced a smile on his face, and Leo just kept quiet and stared at him.


    ''This guy...'' He really didn''t know what to say.

 Chapter 142 - 141: Increasing Tensions

    ''This guy¡­'' Leo looked at Harry who had a smile on his face. The guy was clearly pretending to be innocent here after doing all of that. It was clear that he wanted to stay away, and prevent his name from getting out. After all, any idiot could tell that revenge would being towards the Culprit if Quinton was to ever find out about his identity.


    "What? Afraid now?" Leo asked as he looked at him.


    "Uhmn..a shinobi works through the shadows. It''s against my code of conduct to be caught." Harry acted as if there was nothing wrong with his actions.


    "Why? Do you want to proim yourself as the culprit and take that honor?" He looked at Leo and further asked.


    Leo forced a smile on his face, and shook his head. Well, he wouldn''t. Why would one get into some trouble if they could?


    "But, won''t that guy target us for this? I mean, seeing the current situation, it would be very obvious if the person who did it to him was from our ss.." Gramos, the Orc, spoke.


    He was another strong man of the ss, and like Leo and Harry, he was one of the few who had the ability to converse with Billy. He was even in charge of training the ss along with a few others.


    "So, what if he mes us? To be honest, it sounds like a good idea, maybe I should take responsibility for it." Billy onlyughed at it. He was fine if the ss C wanted toe at him. He would take on them in anyway they wanted.


    Harry''s eyes lit up on hearing that. If Billy took the responsibility then he really would have less things to worry about. But, Billy''s next words poured a bucket of cold water on his head.


    "On another thought, I should refrain from doing such a thing. It''s not like me to call another''s achievement as mine." Billy shook his head, "I might as well, do something simr to that guy.."


    Those words which were spoken with a devious smile send chills running down the people''s spine.


    "Bang!"


    At this moment, the door to the ssroom was suddenly flung open, and it attracted everyone''s attention.


    The visitor was Quinton.


    The guy walked into the ss huge steps, there was anger written all over his face. And, he wasn''t alone. There was a group of people behind him, almost half of his ss.


    Billy mmed the desk as he got up, and walked towards the guy who had barged in uninvited. The rest of the ss followed after him as well.


    "What the hell are you walking in here for? You stink!!" Billy''s words immediately made Quinton''s face to turn dark.


    He took a few steps forward, and came right in front of Billy''s face.


    "Try and say that again.."


    It seemed that a fight was inevitable.


    "Oh my¡­he is angry guys.." Billyughed as he looked at people behind him.


    Even though the ss was not all united with the matter of fighting, it was another thing when the enemies walked right in with such hostile intentions.


    "Can you stay away from my face¡­because you s-t-i-n-k.." Billy lightly whispered to him.


    "You b*stard!!" Quinton snapped, he raised his fist, as a Cyan aura erupted from his body.


    The people around all prepared themselves as well.


    "Stop!!"


    A thunderous voice rang across the ss, and the next instant, all the students felt a huge suppressing feeling on their shoulders.


    Leo turned his head, and saw Vanessa walking into the ss.


    There was an ugly look on her face.


    ''Thank god, I had made it on time.''


    "What do you think you are doing? Is this how you act? Who is your Instructor?!!" The students of ss C immediately had their faces turned ashen.


    It was very rare for an Instructor to interfere in student''s matters like this. But, Vanessa clearly was nning to do so.


    "Are you not even going to ask who is wrong or who is right?" Quinton asked with an angry look on his face. He wasn''t even showing respect to the Instructor. And, there was a reason for it, Vanessa and Silver''s rtionship was not a hidden fact, he clearly felt that she was being biased because of Aiden''s presence in the ss. Otherwise, when did instructors interfere in someone else''s matter like this?


    "Right and wrong?" Vanessa snorted as she looked at the rude student. She didn''t know who the student was, nor did she care about it. To her he was just a student, and nothing above or below that mattered.


    "You barge into a different ss, and try to start a fight. And, you dare to talk about wrong and right?" She red at him. It was very obvious that this was not within the rules.


    "And, why does it stink here?" Vanessa suddenly frowned.


    Her words immediately caused a lot of the students to break out inughter. It was hard to control.


    Quinton clenched his fists in anger. His situation was known throughout the Academy by now.


    And, yet Vanessa seemed to be clueless about it. To him, it was just a method of her insulting him. In his anger, he was viewing everything in the wrong manner.


    "Let''s go.." He immediately turned around to leave.


    "Who allowed you to leave?" Vaneesa frowned. She hated when people gave her the attitude. At least to the people she has no rtionship with.


    "Go out in the hall, and kneel."


    The students of ss C looked at her, but what could they do?


    She was an Instructor, if you tried to piss her off, it might show on your results card.


    "And, you, go and call their Instructor." She picked one of the students from her own ss.


    Quinton looked at Vanessa with mes of anger burning in his heart, and then shifted his attention to Leo.


    It was obvious that he couldn''t do anything to Vanessa. But, what about this guy?


    As the students went out to kneel, Vanessa looked at her own ss, "And, you guys. I know that some of you have been pushing this fight as well. I am giving you a warning, and don''t try to y smart with me.."


    She then turned her attention towards her smart link.


    There was a message in it, informing her about Quinton and his group heading for the ss F.


    If not for this person, informing her on time. It was evident a huge incident would ur.


    And, the ss F overall was no match for ss C.


    She really wanted to thank this informer, but she had no idea the person was.


    ¡­


    "I hope she reached on time.." Christina looked at the message she had sent to Vanessa.


    Yes, she was the informer.


    She felt a weird feeling umting in her heart. It was as if she had betrayed her ss, and her love as well. But, at the same time, she knew that it was Quinton who was wrongly taking his anger out on Aiden and his ss.


    It was all because of her ns.


    ''Why is he acting like this?'' She couldn''t understand it at all. The guy who she knew was definitely not this kind of a person. Just where was it going wrong?


    ¡­


    ss F


    Vanessa waited in the ss. It was still the break hours. And, there was time before another Instructor came to take the ss.


    It was at this moment that the Instructor of ss C arrived.


    Behind him was Quinton.


    And, Leo could see that the other students kneeling in the hallway had begun to leave as well.


    "I didn''t remember allowing them to leave, Instructor Maestro." Vanessa looked at him with an unpleasant look on her face.


    "Miss Regalia, do we really need to interfere in the matters of the students? It doesn''t look good doing that as Instructors. These people are going to protect our Nation in the future. If they can''t even handle such a small matter on their own, how would they shoulder bigger responsibility?"


    "So, you are willing to put the students in harm''s way just because of that? Don''t forget that they are not your real soldiers as of yet."


    "They will be there one day¡­" Instructor Maestro replied.


    "We will see when the timees. The military won''t just drop the fresh recruits to the battlefield would they? When the timees, they would allow them to have proper experience before giving them actual task." Vanessa looked at him.


    "The Era of war is over, it''s better if youe out of it now." She further added.


    "There is no scarcity of enemies for our nation, Miss Regalia. So, it''s better if you don''t need teach me how to do things." He said with a calm look, and then turned around to leave, "Besides..I don''t want a traitor to teach me how to do things. I don''t know what the higher ups are thinking."


    Even though his voice was low, he didn''t seem too keen on hiding it.


    Anyone with a good ear could hear him, and a lot of them sure did.


    Vanessa''s face turned dark.


    She had been often referred to as a traitor for leaving Gloria to join the Temple of Light.


    "I will give you onest warning, I don''t want any more of this." She didn''t retort to him for thatment, but she didn''t want this ss war thing anymore.


    Instructor Maestro stopped and turned to look at her, "Let''s see what you could do then.."


    The atmosphere in the ss suddenly turned heavy.

 Chapter 143 - 142: Shocking People With Skills

    A silence prevailed in the ss. Nobody dared to speak.


    Vabessa and Instructor Maestro looked at each other, both trying to intimidate each other.


    "You don''t need to worry, Instructor Regalia. It was only a light hearted joke. After all, I can''t go against the rules. So, you don''t have to worry, my students wouldn''t allow you to have anything toin about." Instructor Maestro smiled, and then turned around to leave.


    From a simple look, it seemed that he had backed off.


    But, people who knew about his personality, knew it definitely wasn''t so. Even his words seemed to have another way of understanding it. He had said that his students wouldn''t allow Vanessa to have anything which she couldin for. It could also be taken as the fact that there would be no evidence left for which they could be held responsible.


    Vanessa too had a little frown on her face as she left the ssroom. It seemed that she had some doubts about this as well.


    "Do you think it''s over?" Harry asked as he looked at Leo.


    [It obviously not-nya.] Aiden''s voice sounded in Leo''s mind, and he sounded very confident. It seemed troubles were far from over. Instead what was about toe might be even harder to deal with.


    ¡­


    The day was finally over, and Leo went to the inner stadium with his ssmates for extra training. Everyone was present, no one dared to go against Billy, and with the recent incident, many people seemed willing to go through the training even if it could provide a little help to them.


    The contents of the training were simple.


    It helped one to build their stamina and strength.


    And, then a few students who were proficient in use of their Arora energy would help other students with their own skills.


    There were a total 12 Elites in their ss, 13 if we included Harry who was pretending to be yellow.


    These numbers were very low whenpared to the other sses where at least 60 to 70% students were Elites, and some were not just at Lv 11, but higher.


    In ss F, 7 of the 12 Elites were at Lv 11, and none other exceeded Lv 13 except for Billy who was at Lv 17.


    The rest of the ss were at Lv 9 or 10 Awake. It was very poor for a second year, especially when they were half way through the session.


    "Damn it! Is this really training? Or some kind ofedy skit?" The Barbarian cursed and crashed onto the ground once again.


    What he was trying to do was a simple task of bncing himself on a rope which was tied to heavy poles on the ground.


    There were a lot of other students who were groaning beside him in a simr manner. All of them had bruises on their body. It was all because none of them were allowed to use their energies to protect themselves.


    "How will this help us?" Another studentined.


    Billy looked at themotion and frowned. That particr set of training hade from Leo''s suggestion. He understood what Leo was trying to get the students to do, but it was not an easy task.


    Even he could barely bnce himself on the rope.


    And, if it was just a thing to improve your sense of bnce, he felt there were several other ways to achieve that.


    The Barbarian guy today had enough of this silly training. Even while others seemingly had stoppedining, he didn''t.


    "I want to know what''s the benefit of this training? If not, I won''t do it!!" He shouted, and then came towards Billy. But, his haughtiness from earlier was gone, and he politely exined that the method was useless and a waste of time.


    "Aiden.." Billy looked at the guy who was still near the sandbag in one corner of the stadium.


    Leo was always busy with his own training. Whether he was at home or the Academy. These were already his training hours.


    "What''s the matter?" He asked as he walked up to them.


    "It seems people are unhappy with your method." Billy shook his head with a helpless smile.


    Leo looked at the Barbarian guy, and sighed. "If they can''t do it, then we can only rece it."


    It was not like he was trying to teach them Niverian Kicking Arts. He was just trying to improve their sense of bnce and calmness during the battle.


    "What do you mean, we can''t do it?!! It''s just useless! That''s the reason we are not willing to do it.." The Barbarian guy frowned, and so did a few other students. No one liked to be looked down upon.


    Leo didn''t think they would react like that. He was just trying to be nice.


    "Hmph! Just because you can''t do it, doesn''t mean it''s useless!!" Harry''s voice sounded as he walked from behind, "Show them how it''s done!"


    He pped Leo''s back with a proud look on his face. When they were setting up the training methods, Leo had shown him something which had blown his mind away.


    ''This guy..'' Leo red at him. He was trying to defuse tension, but now. He could clearly feel some intense gazes from behind. He wasn''t going anywhere without proving himself.


    "Well, I can demonstrate its use if everybody wants to see.." He forced a smile on his face.


    "Good, then let''s stop for a while and have everybody observe it as well." Billy sped his hands with a smile.


    A minuteter, everybody gathered.


    Leo then pressed his feet onto the thin rope, and lifted his other foot up before standing onto it.


    The rope didn''t shake a bit.


    It seemed as if he wasn''t'' standing on a rope, but normal ground.


    His actions really made everyone''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "This rope''s first use is to improve your bnce. I am sure everyone is aware of it." Leo calmly stated as he brought his arms behind his back, walked from one end to the other of the rope without causing any excessive shaking of the rope. It was very stable.


    "Obviously, bnce is important, but there is another easier way to achieve this as well. But, the main purpose of this rope is not only bncing. But, it''s to improve your calmness and environmental awareness."


    As soon as he said that, his body moved and he demonstrated a few moves on the thin rope. It went from the simple boxing technique that he had seen the students perform to his very kicks.


    The scene left everyone dumbfounded.


    Some couldn''t even maintain their bnce of the thin rope for a second, and yet here this guy had done something which they couldn''t even have dreamt off. Even Billy was dumbfounded.


    "If you could do the same, and fight on the thin rope. I don''t think you won''t be prepared for a battle anywhere else. Not to mention, you will have enough awareness about your surroundings. You might even be able to make a safe escape.." Leo put a few points of his own.


    These methods were all taught to him by Arthur, and he had just dropped one here.


    In the present date, people were too focused on using of technologies and exact method of training which were developed in the Current era. People really had forgotten about other useful methods.


    "Was this helpful?" Leo asked with a forced smile when he saw that everyone was just staring at him without any words. "If not, I guess we will have to change it.."


    "No!!" The Barbarian guy who hadined earlier screamed, and the others followed.


    How the hell could they let it go after seeing something so freaking cool?!!!


    Hell!! What was that?!!


    "Is there still anyone with a problem?" Billy asked with a smile as he looked at the people around.


    How could anyone object now?


    If they did, they might even be beaten by the rest of the ss.


    From this even today, Leo''s image had immediately gone soaring up into the sky.


    Even an idiot could tell that level of control wasn''t achieved in a day.


    Too bad for them, even though Leo hadn''t achieved in days, it was still within months.


    He had Arthur with him after all.


    ¡­.


    The next day, Leo''s video of his rope dance had gone viral.


    Some just mocked it as mere tricks, but a lot knew how dangerous a person who knew these tricks could be in a battle.


    "This guy¡­" Duke looked at the footage with his eyes gleaming in a strange light.


    ¡­


    The next few days passed in calm..


    It was very unexpected, everyone had thought that Sections C would cause trouble but it didn''t happen.


    The normal routine continued for Leo.


    Studying and Training.


    He had even decided on his next product to craft, as Yuji''s invention of prototype model was finallying to an end, and then he would have the working room for himself. For now, he was trying to understand the product''s characteristics and search for materials required to make it.


    He was really excited to make this new product.


    And, his Parasite Heart was almost formed as well.


    With that two weeks had passed with peacefully.


    "Finally!!" Leo clenched his fist excitedly.


    It was formed.


    His Parasite Heart had formed!!

 Chapter 144 - 143: Attack

    "You look to be in a good mood today?" Yuji asked as he looked at Leo who had a pleasant smile on his face.


    "Do I?" Leo asked, pretending not to know anything. He was actually happy because he had been able to finally form his Parasite Heart. And, it had really brought him some unexpected surprise.


    Name: [Leo Allison]


    Lv 9: [Awake]


    Yellow Rank Skill: [Charge] , [A.I. Mind] ]


    Branch Skill: [Burst], [Scan], [Enhance], [Virtual Projection] , [Update], [Parasite Heart]


    Race: [Glorian]


    Comprehensive Body Assessment: [F+]


    [Stats]


    Strength: [91] +31


    Agility: [82]


    Stamina: [84] +42


    As you can see, he didn''t only manage to get a Branch Skill out of it, but even his Comprehensive Body Assessment had gone up to F+ as his stamina stats had gone shooting through the sky.


    As for why his stats appeared in such a divided manner, well, it was because the Awakeners card seemed to have differentiated a few things.


    The Awakeners card was something which had been passed down since ancient times. Since the times the first civilization entered the Interster era. It was hard to determine its origin.


    But, one thing was for sure, it was mysterious, and only the Gctic Science and Technology Union seemed to have an idea about its creation process while it''s regtion was under control of the Interster Races Alliance.


    After a few trials, this thing seems to realize the difference between Leo''s increase in strength. The increase which came as a result of his direct training and increase in his level were separated from the ones obtained through the technology and techniques.


    ording to Arthur, it seemed the Awakener ID was a creation of another great figure, obviously the guy was still no match for Arthur''s creator. Still, this person seemed to have created the Awakener ID in such a way that it was able to distinguish between things.


    And, now looking at it, Leo could tell the benefits that he was receiving from the Inheritance book were being excluded by the Awakener Card.


    The day Awakener ID first realized this difference, Leo''s level had fallen as his stats were separated into two columns. Even though it didn''t actually lower his strength, it still hurt a bit seeing his level fall like that. It was only after spending the entire two weeks did Leo manage to get back to Lv 9.


    And as you can see, his stats had already stepped into the level of Elite, but unfortunately, neither the Levelling system nor the Aurora energy recognize the extra additions. So, he was still an Awake.


    But, he was definitely way stronger than other people with Yellow rank skill.


    ''I wonder if I can take on an Indigo ranker..'' Leo muttered inwardly. He had absolute confidence to fight red rankers at his level, only those above were the one who could peek his interest.


    "Are you daydreaming?" Yuji broke Leo out of his thoughts.


    "Uh.." Leo forced a smile on his face.


    "Anyway, help me with the final touches. I am nning to submit the prototype in an exhibition to try and attract some investors for my Mark O2 Ultra Mech Mobility System."


    Leo''s face twitched on hearing that name. It didn''t even make much sense except for the mobility part.


    Yuji was actually trying to design a different kind of mobility function for a Mech. It was supposed to be one which was light on its feet. It was a known fact that Mech''s were heavy and it''s mere movement could make buildings copse. Hence, they were not seen near cities.


    Yuji''s design was currently only in the development phase, and they had just made a miniature prototype which still had a lot of problems with it. But, it was still enough to be showcased. Now they just had to hope some rich guy would show interest.


    "Is this exhibition organized by some Academy?" Leo asked as he looked at Yuji.


    "No, it''s being organized by Star Corp." Yuji shook his head.


    Star Corp. was a multinationalpany. It was a giant in the Mech Industry.


    If they are holding thepetition, then it must mean that a fiercepetition would take ce.


    "Runeko is here as well.." Yuji smiled as he looked at the door.


    Leo turned around and smiled as well. She was looking better with each day, but there still seemed to be something weighing on her mind. But, it was better if she dealt it with herself. After all, somethings has to be ovee by one''s own self. They were obviously there if she needed help though.


    "Let''s start then.." Yuji led the two of them towards the working room.


    ¡­


    An hour soon passed..


    And, it was time for the sses to begin. They had actuallye early to finish the miniature model by today.


    "Finally done.." As Leo came out of the working room, he bumped into Harry who had juste into the club with a dark look on his face.


    "What''s wrong?" Leo asked him in confusion.


    "They finally made a move," Harry replied.


    "They? Who?" Leo frowned.


    "ss C.." Harry''s face twitched.


    "Wasn''t that over?" Leo''s frown deepened. It had been more than half a month since the incident.


    "Isn''t it obvious they were pretending to lie down until now?" Harry sighed as he took a seat.


    For the first time, he had forgotten to put on his ninja uniform in the club. It was obvious how much he was affected by this.


    "They really dared to step on my grounds. They really pped me in the face this time.."


    "What are you talking about? Will you talk normally?" Leo asked with a serious look on his face.


    Harry raised his hand with his five fingers pointing out, "Those guys attacked five people including me, all around the same time. And, outside of the Academy.."


    Leo''s face changed.


    "They didn''t even try to hide it was them! They know the Academy won''t have to take responsibility for what happens outside." Harry clenched his fist in anger, "Do you understand why they were quiet these past two weeks? They were spying on us, and collecting information on us. That is how they were able to corner some of our students in empty spots and beat them down."


    "What about the injuries of our students?" Leo asked.


    "I managed to get away but the rest of them had at least a bone broken.."


    Runeko trembled when she heard that.


    "You might not have felt anyone trailing you because you use your own vehicle. But, I clearly felt them. But, I never took it as anything seriously. Damn it! I should have alerted everyone.." Harry''s face twitched in anger. It was not his fault though, he never thought the people were from ss C. He thought it was people who were keeping an eye on them because of the Zerg incident.


    To be honest, Harry seemed to be more angry at the fact that he was beaten at plotting and his shinobi skills than at the fact that his ssmates were beaten up.


    "Is Billy here?" Leo asked.


    "Not until now.." Harry shook his head.


    The two understood the expression on each other''s faces. Billy came alone as well. It was very likely that he would have been targeted.


    If he was beaten, then the ss''s morale would hit rock bottom.


    "How can they just get away with it?" Yuji asked with a frown. "Even if the Academy can''t interfere in the matters outside, it doesn''t mean the word outside iswless.."


    Leo nodded as well.


    "I know. But, that is what''s troubling me. Do you think they are foolish enough to do this when they know that the punishment from the authorities outside will be even severe than what they could possibly get from the Academy." Harry''s words truly left everyone in confusion.


    "Let''s go to ss, we will see what these guys n to do when this matter is brought up." Leo got up from his seat, and along with Harry returned to the ss.


    On the way, they met Biggie as well who was walking towards the ss with Paul on his shoulder.


    Apparently, he had gone toy in wait in front of Paul''s house, and grabbed him the moment he came out.


    What surprised them was the fact that even they were targeted. And, there were actually 8 students who had been send after them.


    The route was the one which Paul took, so it meant that the ss C had deployed 8 people to deal with a single Paul. It really seemed like an overkill. Luckily, Biggie was there, and as soon as the fight broke out, an adult seemed to have discovered it. This forced those people to run away.


    When the group entered the ss, the entire ss was enveloped in silence. There was a gloomy aura surrounding them.


    There were a few students who seemed to have suffered some things as well. But, they got out of it with minor injuries. It looked like the initial estimation of five attacks were not true.


    The students all turned their face towards Leo on seeing him walk in.


    Leo could clearly feel their feelings through the looks in their eyes. It was the first time that he felt this feeling from other people. There was not any mocking or angry look in their eyes but one which was seeking justice from him.


    He really felt his shoulders turn heavy.

 Chapter 145 - Golden Crown Academy

    "It seems the rumours were true?"


    A voice entered Leo''s ear, and he turned around to see Quinton walk into the ss with a few other students. These not only included the students of his own section but others as well.


    A few students who could be considered to be at the top of their sses seemed to havee as well. They were most likely here to find more about the situation. It seemed the attacks that had urred were no longer a secret to anyone.


    The students of ss F immediately red at Quinton the moment he entered the room. But, the one who was in the lead was Reba.


    No one dared to do anything with her leading the group. It was most likely that people had just allowed her to walk forward, rather than her leading all of them here.


    "What''s going on?" Reba looked at Leo, who seemed to be the person in the lead. At least that is how it appeared.


    And, when everyone in the ss turned their heads to look at Leo for the answer, it was made clear whom the ss looked up as their leader, at least in Billy''s absence.


    This really surprised quite a few people. After all, Leo was still a Yellow ranker, and there were quite a few people stronger than him in the ss. It didn''t make sense for him to be the leading figure unless they brought his father into the equation.


    But, no one was going to touch this topic here.


    Leo looked at Reba. It seemed that she had gotten over the things in the days he hadn''t seen her. It was good for her.


    "The students were attacked on their way towards the Academy." Leo calmly exined the entire situation to her.


    "How is this possible?" Reba frowned. If it was all true, then it was indeed a big matter. If the streets couldn''t even be safe for military students, then what about others?


    "It''s their doing!!" A student finally couldn''t seem to endure it any longer, and pointed at Quinton ming him for all of this.


    "Me? What proof do you have? Just because we had a little fight, doesn''t mean that I will go and break thews of our nation." Quinton snorted at him.


    And, his words really made sense.


    Not to mention, this definitely wasn''t something a group of students were capable of doing on their own.


    But, all of Leo''s ssmate knew that it was these ss C b*stards. They had recognized a few of these people''s faces after all. But, they had no evidence to prove it. It happened in such a manner that most didn''t have time to think about collecting some evidence.


    "Where is your leader by the way? I am sure, this person is just an underling." Quintont looked at Leo disdainfully. His words made quite a few people frown. Even though it wasn''t time to be fighting between themselves, people were aware about the situation between the two sses.


    Quinton seemed to notice the situation, and corrected himself, "I mean, what could we possibly gain from talking to someone like him?"


    "I think we should talk to the Dean. This isn''t just a matter about a single ss, but the student body as a whole." Reba stated, and most of the people agreed with it.


    "There isn''t a need to talk about any of it.." A voice rang in the ssroom as Billy walked in.


    It didn''t seem he was injured, and a frown immediately appeared on Quinton''s face on seeing him perfectly fine.


    "Surprised?" Billy asked Quinton with a smile, and everybody''s gaze turned towards him.


    "What do you mean?" Quinton asked with a frown.


    "It''s turning interesting.." Ronnie, who was looking at the scene from the hallway, smiled a little excitedly.


    "What is there to feel excited about?" Duke snorted. He wasn''t happy about being dragged here.


    "Come on, do you always need to act like that? You clearly wanted toe yet you sent a different guy to collect information about the situation."


    "Shut up¡­" Duke gave him a look, and Ronnie shut his mouth up.


    On the other side, Quinton and Billy still stood in front of each other.


    "Don''t try to frame me without any evidence.." Quinton red at him.


    "Evidence.." Billy smiled, "You better pray that I don''t find any, otherwise, you will definitely be packing your things to leave.."


    Billy then turned around, and spoke in a loud voice, "The people responsible for this are the students of Golden Crown Academy. And, I am sure they are not alone in this.." He snorted before giving Quinton a look. And, everybody understood what was going on.


    Golden Crown Academy as one could guess from its name. It was the institute set up by the Royal Family.


    But, the Royal family from thest two generations had started to shift its attention from Golden Crown Academy towards the Glory Academy. The reasons were not known, but one thing which wasmon knowledge was that this Academy was even more ortrhodox then Glory Academy.


    In the Glory Academy at least there were rules, even though people didn''t use it or cared for it.


    But, in the Golden Crown Academy, even those weren''t present. It was literally a battlefield.


    It would not be a surprise if the students of the two Academy shed. It had happened in the past as well.


    Glory Academy was considered the best in Gloria and one of the top in the Universe as well. Because of this, the Golden Crown Academy had lost its shine. This led to a sh between the two for deciding superiority.


    What they had done was obviously against the rule, and as long as evidence appeared, they would surely be finding themselves in trouble.


    But, it was not as easy as it seemed.


    First of all, if they didn''t take the challenge head on, they will bebelled as cowards. And, this might even shake their position. Secondly, it was obvious that the students didn''t have enough courage to n an attack like this on their own.


    "Tsk! It''s the Golden Crown Students and you want to pin the me on me as well!" Quiton was furious at Billy.


    "Keep acting, I would like to see how much time it takes for me to tear this fake face of yours." Billy was pissed this time.


    "What do we do? Do we let them go like this?" The leader of Section D asked as he looked at everyone. This person had a huge body with a big shell on his back, and his skin was covered in scales. Leo had no idea what this turtle-like creature actually was.


    "I am not a fan of backing down from challenges." The Vice leader of ss A spoke with a smile. It was a savage looking guy, his personality and aura waspletely different from Duke.


    He was from Asura Race.


    One of a race whose mere name could cause people to shake in fear.


    They were counted among the top races like Glorians.


    "I don''t know what you people want to do. But, this is my nation. And, I won''t tolerate suchwlessness.." Reba announce and everyone turned silent.


    Her words of resorting to authority to solve the problem wasn''t looked down on by anyone. After all, she was the Princess. Ignoring the authority was equivalent to pping her face. She would obviously retort with legal means to get back at them.


    ''If I were to say the same thing, how do you think people would react?'' Leo helplessly asked internally.


    [They would have eaten you alive if I exaggerate it a bit-nya.] Aiden truthfully replied. Other races may not consider pride and culture with much importance. But, for Gloria, it was even more important than their own life.


    "Instructors are arriving!" Someone shouted in the hallway.


    The students looked at each other wondering what to do.


    "Since we didn''te to any decision, I would act as I see fit.." The Asura guy from ss A took the lead, "ss A will deal with this matter on their own. Let''s go.."


    "Well, I am not in a hurry to make any move.." The person from ss D took his leave as well, followed by ss E who didn''t make their stance clear.


    Quinton looked at Billy and snorted, "We are not cowards, we will fight.."


    With that he left behind only Reba. She was alone here, and Serina wasn''t around her for some reason.


    "Report it to the Instructor, since you people were the one toe in contact with them. Or I will bring the matter up, and you will be called regardless." She looked at Billy, who just gave her a nod.


    And, soon the crowd had disappeared before the Instructors could arrive.


    "Come with me for a second.." Billy looked at Leo, and then walked out of the ssroom.


    Once they reached a deserted hallway, Billy''s figure suddenly swayed, and Leo immediately hurried to catch him.


    "Y-You are injured!" Leo looked at him in disbelief as sweat dripped down Billy''s face, as he tried to hold himself onto his feet.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!