Hey guys, another update here. While I dislike having long A/N at the start, I just need to set up some format. Nothing big though. Let us start now.

Book 1: Killer of the Old City

Arc I: New Age

Chapter 2: A Dark Cloud

"What is 'Aria' in this world?" Mary asked as she turned around, eyeing everyone in the room. It's the following day and we're in the rundown building. We had arranged the room a bit to make us all visible towards Mary, and wherever we sat, there is always a desk accompanying it. And of course, Mary was doing her duties while we focused on her.

Senjou raised her hand and said, "It's the world's, or rather, the human's current power source."

Mary made a nod and walked towards a self made chart she had just put up this morning. The chart had all of our names, including hers. Mary placed a start sticker at Senjou's name and smiled. "Yes! Aria is what make the world go round simply put. While the supernatural world has magic, spheres, orbs and other assortments to power their inventions, we have 'Aria'!"

Kuro looked disinterest as he eyed outside the window and-

"Hurk!" The boy felt his body tensed as he whipped his head towards Mary who held a pout. "Asuka-kun, please focus in class!" Mary said in a serious manner as Asuka tilt his head back.

"But Sensei…I already know this story!"

"Then can you care to explain it to us all?"

"Yeah yeah…" Asuka lazily said. "So first there was some researcher, then they were like 'Omg we have no buckz' and decided to go digging, then they hit gold and went 'have the buckz now. Letz sell it to people' and thus the world prospered."

"…"

The class went silent as all eyes fell on him, then at Mary who I expected to tell him out like a teacher, but instead she looked down at her feet. "A-Am I doing something wrong to make you disinterest in class?" She said quietly, shaking a bit as she did that.

Oi.

"I-I'm not a good teacher am I?"

H-Hey…

Asuka was slapped on the back of his head by his sister as Asuka sighed. "L-Look Sensei…I'm sorry. I should've paid attention…" He started slowly, the sense of guilt rising in his chest.

Oh my god…she's guilt tripping Asuka! Mary sniffled and said, "R-Really? S-So I'm not a bad teacher?"

And it's unintentional too! Is she a natural?! Asuka quickly shook his head with a guilty face and instantly stood up as he said, "'I'm sorry Sensei…"

"I-It's fine…" Mary assured Asuka as she drew a star on his chart. "Ehm. Points for honesty?"

S-She's too good to be a teacher. She could be a Student Council Leader with that kindness! As Mary took a deep breath, she said, "C-Continuing class…from before. Asuka-kun. Can you explain on how 'Aria' came into our world?"

Asuka coughed as he stood straight and said, "Aria is a power source used in our current modern world. It was founded just after the Apocalypse, but was fully utilized in the crisis of Heaven's Fall. It was founded first directly in the sea region of Japan, where humans had begun to slowly recover from the loss due to the impact of the Apocalypse."

"Correct!" Mary said happily and placed another star on Asuka's name. "Keep up the good work and you'll receive a full start sheet in no time!"

Asuka made a nod, this time making sure not to upset the timid Mary. Anyway, Mary turned and wrote down something on the chalkboard. It spelled 'EFFECTS'.

"Satoshi-san, can you explain what did we do to 'Aria' after that?" Mary said as said boy stood up straight.

"Yes Sensei!" Satoshi started and coughed a bit. "Aria is a power source know for it's 'infinite' use, but due to it's fragile nature, the energy output it gives immediately dissipate after leaving the main core within just few meters. Japan had developed special generators to be able to able to suck it out and expand it further. We now have over a thousand generators around the world, each using a special method to connect to the main core directly."

"Yes!" Mary happily said and placed a star on Satoshi's name. "Moving on, Kyousuke-kun!"

"Yes Sensei?"

"Can you explain what has 'Aria' done for this world?"

Coughing, I stood up straight and begin my explanation. "Aria has many application in this world. It does not run out like oil, yet it's much more fragile comparing to fossil based energy or even solar energy. Due to this, the world took so much care into it to the point it actually stopped energy consumption problem. The next thing it did was powering up every single thing known to man without having any energy withdrawal problem, such us using so much watts, taking too much energy etc etc. Now we have even an Aria power car, using a special case, or rather, a 'mini generator', we have developed a way to carry a portable Aria, though not in a large amount, it is enough to power up a car. Also, it has many uses in this world now and it basically powers up the entire world up to a stunning SEVENTY-NINE percent."

As I finished my explanation, Mary eyed me, as if expecting something. I tilt my head sideways, thinking-

OOOOH.

Thatthing.

"Ah, my mistake. The Blessed Ones correct?"

"Yes!" Mary said happily, putting a star on my name. Quite the nice teacher ain't she? Anyway I continued my explanation.

"Thanks to Scientist studying Aria, they have confirmed that they are indeed safe to be put into human bodies, for medical purpose of course. Due to their 'Pure' nature, Aria has an affinity for, currently unknown reason, for the human flesh. Supernatural creatures has a certain aura, or rather, 'Soul' within them that makes them…well…Supernatural creature. It is believed that Aria was a final gift from the will of god himself, hence due to this it has only effected humans in a positive manner."

I made a small smile considering the next information is pretty amazing.

"Now then…Aria has also been used to…per say, evolve us humans. Aria enhances us to the point of nigh levels that can be considered inhuman. Medical wise, we can cure any diseases and sickness…but in another hand, we are able to keep up against the supernatural world in terms of individual power now. So basically, we become a power ranger…or something like that…"

The class snickered at my last bit as I continued my explanation. "How does Aria effect us that makes us enable to fight? Well like I said, it enhances our human body to nigh levels. Example! Increases our muscle by the legs to jump so high in the air, or arms in the muscle strength. Interestingly, it also can develop mutations amongst us, such as expanding the human skeleton to develop wings, or controlling the heat density on our eyes to fire of lasers, or even increasing the magnet sensitivity on our body to be a magneto."

"So we can be Professor X too?!" Asuka joked nearby earning a giggle from Mary.

I couldn't help but chuckle as well before continuing, "Truly, Aria, while still very much mysterious, is also a wonderful thing. While it does sound good, it has it's downside as well. Those who wants to be a power up human must go through a small surgery by simply injecting Aria directly into their bloodstream. Those who are able to synchronize with it are blessed while the ones not…well…risk comatose and death. Though the chances are relatively low, so low that the last case of an Aria infusion death was nearly ten years ago!"

Mary clapped her hands and placed another star in my name. "Yes Kyousuke-kun, you sure studied your history so well!"

"Funny…" I admitted. "I haven't touched a history book in my life…maybe the internet has taught me more things…"

"Well I suppose that you did well. One more question and you're free to go." Mary said and eyed Aris. "Aris-san, can you explain the term 'Blessed Ones and The Seven Will?"

"With pleasure Sensei." Aris said and stood up. "Starting with the 'Blessed Ones', they are Aria infused people who gain…unusual traits. Supernatural traits to be exact. Example, it's normal to see a human to make fire out of their body without magic by simply increasing their body heat level to make a fire. Those are normal. A Blessed One…is…similar to a supernatural being. Such as controlling gravity, making a clone of themselves, turning people to stone at their gaze, etc etc. All of Blessed Ones has a resemblance to something supernatural, so it isn't strange to see a person turning into a minotaur, or even a gorgon!"

Huh…that explains some horned people I've seen before. Aris opts a mad grin and said, "Here's my favorite part. The Seven Will. They are…extra special. Possibly, a power that rivals, or even superior, to the legendary Thirteen Longinus! The Seven Will isn't an Aria infused, nor a Blessed One. They are…born you could say, and there could only be one of each power. The Seven Will follows the concept of God as he created this world…"

Aria raised her hand and said slowly counted with her fingers-

The First Will – Art of Creation – Simply put, the power to make ones imagination to reality.

The Second Will – Art of Time – To be able to control the flow of Time.

The Third Will – Art of Space – Able to go through different dimension and reality.

The Fourth Will – Art of Nature – Control the forces of the elemental matrix and geo terrain, in other words, nature itself.

The Fifth Will – Art of Force – Compress Force of self, and unleashes a destructive out put. A homage to the Buddha's Palm and God's Force.

The Sixth Will – Art of Judgement – Unleashes a devastating light force. A homage to God's Judgement and his divine light.

The Seventh Will – Art of Infinite – To put it bluntly, Immortality.

As she said that, she counted each with her fingers, before hearing a clap. Mary looked very happy as she placed a star at Aris's name. "Aaah! My students are well informed in their studies!" The girl exclaims in happiness, before looking at a nearby clock she had placed earlier in the morning. "Ah! Perfect timing. Class is dismissed!"

Everyone stood up before going to do their activities. I for one decide to explore the place even more. As everyone left to do their own thing, I explored the place. Suffice to say, almost all floors were the same design and structure, though the floor our classroom were in was a bit more tidy and furnished. The rest, utterly sad looking.

The cafeteria was…urf…just plain looking said. I opt to walk behind the building and saw we had our own running track, equipment shed and an indoor swimming pool but alas, the track was destroyed, there wasn't any equipment in the shed let alone the roof and the swimming pool looked too unhealthy to swim.

And…was that something moving in the pool? I for one ain't about to be a victim to a horror movie so I fled the scene. At the end of the day, I find myself bored at the classroom. "Gahaha!" Aris's laughing was heard from the classroom next to ours.

Mary flinched at the laughing and eyed me with equally confused expression. Curious, the two of us peaked our head in before-

"Welcome Mongrel…and Sensei!" Aris's voice was heard, standing in a rather…comfy looking room. Like, real comfy. It still looked rundown, but had windows now which mysteriously wasn't present yesterday. The room was rid of it's chairs and desks and was very much spacious. Next, the middle of the room had an actual carpet with comfy couch nearby. At the back side was a small cheap looking television with good old antenna, behind the couch was a long table with a tea set, a shelf filled with various tea and coffee and a machine to heat up water coming in a pair.

Finally, at the back side of the room was a shady looking curtained area. I took a peek nearby and saw several sleeping bags rolled up. If anyone guessed it, it is indeed a recreation room. "What do you think?" Aris said with a grin as Mary widens her eyes.

"H-How did-"

"I stayed over night." Aris admitted with triumph. "With the help of Galahad and Hifumi-kun of course."

"Huh! While the others went off slacking at home, I for one opt myself to do a proper job and made this place better…" Hifumi said nearby with a smug tone. "But I suppose it's understandable with plebeians like you guys needing rest."

"Gee thanks almighty…Budget Guy!" Kuro exclaims nearby in a couch, snickering as he did that. "Nice touch though. Where did you get the money?"

"It was merely scavenged in Downtown…" Aris said. "Truly the place is beautiful. To have hidden gems…just like us!"

"I-I'm so proud of you guys!" Mary exclaims in happiness, nearly crying for real as trickles came out of her eyes. "I-I'll go place a star in your name!"

Mary tried to leave the room only to be held back by Aris who held down her collar, prompting the poor short girl to gargle before falling on her butt.

"Kya?!"

"You mustn't leave yet!" Aris exclaimed as she walked towards a large round table I failed to notice. She placed a paper and said, "We're making our first move!"

"First…move?" Mary said in an unsure tone as Aris grinned.

"Correct Sensei! We are going to make our first move…against the student council!"

Hmm…maybe this is her rebellion mumbo jumbo she spoke about. I eyed the paper she placed on the table and inspected it. It was a form of…complaint, stating that the Student Council had gone against the rule.

"Rule?" I asked as Aris snapped her hand.

Galahad appeared behind her and said, "Rule 103,Section Ninety-Nine, Row Eight. Members of the Student Council must help out should they see any place that is deemed broken, unused, rundown or anything that fits this criteria."

"And seeing as I am technically a part of the Student Council, I have the right to push this notice forward!" Aris exclaims with a smirk. "Those fools won't see what's coming against them…"

Mary and I share a look of uncertainty, before I said, "And why am I a part of this?"

"Because Vice is Vice." Kuro's voice chirped in nearby as I saw him lounging on a nearby couch. "To plea forward a bill of complaint or desire, there are certain criteria that needs to be filled. One, to plea forward, you must have Student Council Member, along with it's Vice, Secretary and Assigned Teacher. Remember, each Student Council has their own Faction."

Oh yeah…I forgot about that. Each Student Council Member represents their class, and we have a lot of class rooms even for a Year One student. So if others have their fancy class, we have Aris…and we are her underlings.

"Wouldn't imagine my Year starts off being a subordinate or something…" I mused as Aris grinned.

"Come Mongrel! To the Main Academy Building!"

On the way, Aris kept exclaiming how those 'fools' above would probably be regretting putting her on where she is now while Mary seemed nervous the entire time. Poor girl. Beside her was Senjou busy eyeing her phone, which in the future mind you, is like glass.

Anyway, Senjou was watching a video where I peaked in a bit. It was a news reporter currently doing a live show where they were at a crime scene of sorts. Behind her I saw a gruesome body with an unidentified gender person, due to their face actually being…off. Like, no skin, eyes and lips. The neck looked as if it shared the same fate though some skin remain intact and nasty stab wounds.

'Apparently the 'Devourer' has struck once more within the Downtown making this their eight victim this month. The Devourer is a notorious serial killer who mysteriously appeared last year and has over sixty-five victims so far. The Devourer has been targeting important figures within the Downtown, and out of sixty five victims, ten of them are from Uptown which eliminates the possibility of a political movement. Each victims are somehow involved in the incident which happened ten years ago-'

"Can you believe this?" Senjou muses her irritation. "This murderer has no direction whatsoever! I just hope the authorities could get this…Devourer quickly…"

"I'm not too updated recently…" I admitted and scratched my head. "Why are they called the Devourer anyway?"

"Because the killer exhibits signs of cannibalism. The victim before the one you heard had only their head, torso and ankles left." Aris cuts in a serious tone. "Truly a gruesome problem."

"Well here's hoping we won't be targeted…"

"D-Don't speak like that!" Mary spoke in a shaky voice. "I-It could be your fate!"

"Settle down. If you're so scared you can just stay in the building up here. Ain't like the killer getting through the Academy's defense system…or can they?"

"Hiii?!"

BAHK!

I felt a slap on my head as Senjou looked displeased. "Watch your mouth Vice. She's still our Sensei!"

I took a moment to stare at a shaken Mary, before sighing. "Right…I'm sorry…" I apologized to the Mary. Hey, for a guy who was a shut most of his life, you can't blame me. "No…I'm really sorry…" I lowered my head in shame.

The girls looked a bit surprised, before Mary shook her head only to be cut off by Aris. "Then learn your place Mongrel lest I kick you out. I am entitled to do that."

"Yes. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Mm…well I would rather not lose any friends that I've gained so far…are they friends? Well I do consider them as one but what about the other one? Is it a one sided thing? It does count as friendship if I think of them right?

As I had my own internal talk, we finally arrived at the main academy building. Aris brushed through the doors without a care in the world, earning stares from other students, before they recoil in disgust. Geez they really don't like us huh?

Aris barges through the Council Room doors, instantly alerting the members within, before they noticed Aris and sighed heavily. "It's this girl again…"

"What the hell is she doing here?"

"Damn fools should have stayed where they belong…"

"Hah!" Aris brushed off the insult remarks like a breeze. "I do not associate myself with fools unless I have my own agenda. I merely came here to assert my power…"

"Power?" The dark blue haired boy from yesterday spoke up. "I don't see-"

"Shin-chan…" Aris interjects as the boy sighed.

"It's Shintaro."

"Shin-chan. Do I have to remind you that I am also a member of the Student Council? I'm just the same as you guys."

The blue haired boy, Shintaro, blinked in surprise before saying, "What…are you saying?"

"Hmph…I suppose that you have forgotten the Academy rules. Very well then, I shall explain. Exactly at the Rule No. 2, Section Three and Row Number four. A Student who is entitled, trusted or chosen as a class representative, is automatically a member of the Student Council."

"…"

"Therefore…I hold the same power as you guys." Aris said with a triumph smirk as she noticed an empty chair with the name 'MARY ANTOINETTE' inscribed into it. Oh yeah…Mary was a former member right? Casually, Aris sat on the chair and grinned. "So…I wish to exert my own power."

"This is an outrage!" The blonde guy from yesterday complained as he stood up and slammed both of his hands down on the large table. "I refuse to accept this bitch! She doesn't deserve to-"

"Hah!" Aris's scoff interrupted the guy's rants. "Deserve? I absolutely deserve to be in this place!" The Tyrant Queen boasts as she stood up with a confident demeanor. "I am one of the strongest person in this Academy, not to mention the achievements I had since middle school as I brought this Academy into glory! I am Aris Aria, the Tyrannical Queen!"

"Tch…I don't care for your achievements…"

"Exactly." Aris said, seemingly to prove her unknown point. "I have bestowed achievements, and I have made this Academy proud…I earned where I am now. While you, the son of some rich hot shot, merely made his way into here. Some person you are…"

"Why you-" The blonde boy grits his teeth as Aris grinned.

"Julius Alcentaro, the direct son of one of the Academy Board of Directors. You are not worthy on where you stand. You used money and influence to be where you are now. Therefore, you are but a simple fish in this vast ocean!"

"Enough!" The blonde boy, or Julius, raged as he stood up. "I will not take your insolence any longer!"

"Oh? You started it. I merely returned the shots fired at me." Aris casually said as Julius grits his teeth. As he walked towards Aris, he leveled his head, eyeing her intensely. "You. Me. The Court. Now."

"U-Um…how did it come to this?" Mary shakily said as she hid behind me, trying to avoid some students from the Main Building eyeing us weirdly.

Nearby, Senjou sighed and said, "We came here peacefully, then they fired their shots at us. It's only natural in a war to return the fire back. Aris is deemed as the Tyrannical Queen for a reason…"

Anyway, I eyed the view in front of me. We were in a stadium where the Academy takes their combat classes at. There wasn't much people save for some Main Academy students walking about, and me, Mary and Senjou.

Aris was in the arena in the middle of the stadium, wearing a different outfit this time which I assume was her combat uniform. She wore a black, yet sharp and razor looking tiara atop her head. She wore a one piece black dress which stopped at her thighs, beneath several things. For one thing, she had metallic pauldrons on her shoulders which was black and shaped like a wolf's head. One her forearms and hands lies black metallic coloured gauntlet with sharp fingers.

Above the gauntlets which nearly covered them was long red detached sleeves with golden eccentrics and design. On her chest lies a black metallic chest plate which had golden marks and designs on them. On her hips lies a metallic tasset with red robes reaching her ankles. Below, she wore black metallic, thigh high greaves with…heels.

Wow this lady wear heels into battle?!

…

Well she's deemed Tyrant Queen for nothing. Regal as she looked, she placed her hands at her hips with a confident gaze as she eyed her opponent. Julius stood before her with also another change of attire. He wore a white coloured Japanese military uniform, with white gloves and black boots.

The guy had a katana strapped to his hips as he drew it. "I will put you where your place is!"

"Hmm…I do wonder why are you so feisty against us Downtown Residents…" Aris mused casually, before opting a battle crazed grin. "But no matter. It'll be over quick."

Aris pulled out a small…stick of sorts hidden on one of the greaves, before she twirled it slowly. Sparks of flame ignites on the stick as it turned into a long pole, thick and had a sharp looking end. She stabbed the blunt side of the pole into the ground and instantly stomped her foot on the ground prompting it to crack and erupts itself on the pole, raising it a meter or so.

Slowly, Aris placed a hand on the pole and slowly pulled it, causing the ground to crack before she pulled out a large hammer, regal looking it was as it was jet black in colour with golden ornaments, yet held a sharp point at the back resembling that of a dragon's talons.

"Hahahaha!" Aris howled as she placed the large hammer on the ground, stepping on it. "Let is commence a Tyrant's Reign!"

Julius ignored Aris as he drew his katana, a power surge across the area as black wings erupts from his back, signifying a Fallen Angel. He took flight and rushed in at Aris who grinned madly and rushed in with her hammer in hand.

As the two fighters enclosed each other, they raised their weapons and-

"Enough!"

BASSSHIIIN!

A single cross shaped blast jets it self in between Aris and Julius as the two instantly stepped back followed by a-

"Restrain!"

"Ugoh!"

"Kuh!"

Julius and Aris grunts respectively and was instantly smashed onto the ground, a large palm like crack was seen after that. As I raised my head, I saw a single light beaming itself into the arena, before it died down and was replaced with a girl standing in the middle.

Unlike others, she had a modified uniform. It was black similar like ours, yet it was a three tail coat with golden trimmings, and a dark blue vest was seen within. She wore a checkered dark blue and black skirt with golden trimmings and black boots. On her hand lies fingerless gloves as she held a katana, with a black scabbard and blue grip, the guard was oval shaped and had a single string on the handle itself.

She flicked her dark blue hair secured into a pony tail with a red string, before huffing some bangs of her face. She opened her eyes where fiery cyan coloured eyes was seen, matching her smooth complexion as she clicked her tongue.

"You are…The Seven Will?!" Julius growls as the girl glared at Julius, enough to silence him. The girl was about to say something only to be cut off by a new voice.

"Oi Oi Karen-chan…do calm down. Ain't worth giving them Judgement anyway…"

A lone boy was seem suspended midair, casually floating about. Similar to the girl, or Karen I presume, he had a modified uniform. He had a hoodie beneath the black jacket, golden in colour and had maroon coloured pants and black shoes. His messy golden hair match his golden eyes as he flashed a grin.

"Soyo." Karem firmly said to the boy. "I do not wish to waste my time at fools who abuses their power. Judgement will be swift."

"But like I said, it ain't worth it. We have Uptown-kun and Downtown-chan merely having a disagreement…and a stupid ego fight."

"Huh…to think the Seven Will would go stopping such a small matter." Aris huffed, unfazed at probably two of the seven most powerful people in the Academy. "But I suppose they don't much to do either, so it can't be helped."

"That you are correct Downtown-chan." Soyo chuckled and floated down. "But truth to be told, while I dislike doing these things, you do know that fighting without a supervised teacher is against the rules yes?"

"We do have a teacher." Aris stated simply and pointed at Mary. "She's standing right there."

CHOOM!

"Kya?!" Mary flinched as Karen appeared next to her. Shit I forgot she can teleport with that…bright beam of hers. The girl stared down at Mary as she said, "Mary Antoinette of the Council?"

"She was revoked of her position to be assigned teacher of the Special Program…I think." Soyo stated as Karen squinted her eyes.

"How useless."

"F-Feh?"

"What kind of teacher allows her students to fight one another?!"

"B-But-"

"And I absolutely dislike on how you didn't get a fellow staff's help!"

"I-I…I…" Mary shakily said as she took a step back, Karen glaring down at her.

"You are not fit to be a teacher! You are not fit to be in this Academy! Those who are unfit…are not worthy!"

Mary flinched, taking a step back only to trip on herself and fell back. Karen glared down at Mary with disgust, before raising an eyebrow as a looming shadow was seen. A person towered over her. Someone with enough balls actually stood in front of her, one of the Seven Will.

Me.

"Oi." I mused my dislike. "I get that you're pissed but don't bitch around. Mary…Sensei. Sensei is good enough for us."

"K-Kyousuke-kun!" Mary protested but I ignored her words as I stood in front of her, glaring down at Karen. While I am not the most chivalrous person, nor the most social one, I despise people like her Thinking they have the right to judge other people's strength and weaknesses. How cowardly.

As I glared at her, with her returning, I walked away. "And where are you going?" Karen growled as I stopped, staring at Mary who looked shaky, before grinning and tilt my head back.

"To the Arena of course."

"What?"

"Sound baffled? You should be." I stated firmly as I turned around. "As the Vice of my Class…I challenge you onto a personal fight."

"What?!"

"Mm…" I chuckled. "The sooner we get it on, the lest time I have to waste time on you."

Of course, this garners rage from Karen as I felt an overwhelming power surge. As I went past by Mary, I leaned onto her and whispered, "Don't worry, victory is mine within the second hit."

"H-Huh?"

I left a confused Mary and made my way into the arena where Aris raised an eyebrow. "I assume you have a plan to take on a person of her level?"

"Of course. Perfectly full proof."

Aris eyed me once more with a raised eyebrow, before grinning, patting me on the back which honestly rivals the strength of three bears wearing a metallic glove…while inside of a monster truck. "Give 'em hell."

"R-Right…" I winced a bit as Aris walked away. I took a deep breath and eyed the scene before me. Karen was already standing before me, still looking a bit baffled. "Do tell…" She said in a serious and annoyed tone. "I do not back down from a challenge. I am one of the Seven Will and holds one of the highest power on this Academy. Why did you challenge me?"

"Wow you don't even know why I challenge you!"

Honestly stuck up people like are insensitive towards a person's feelings. As I took a deep breath, I said, "You berated my Teacher as if you could've done a better job. That is more then a reason to stand up against you. And also…"

I tilt my head back towards Aris who watched me. "I'm merely following orders. To stir up a Rebellion…that is my goal."

Aris grinned at me as I eyed forward towards my opponent. While I am very much skeptical towards Aris's 'Rebllion' jumbo, I do believe in changing this Academy, even if I were to go through obstacles like this. As I smirked at her, I used my index finger to taunt her.

"This will end within two strikes. And it's my win." I said in a purposely smug tone. "Seven Will? Pah. More like the exaggerated one."

Karen widens her eyes in rage as she clenched her katana, a massive power surge leaking out of her. And with that…I took a stance. Readying myself for combat, I prepared the perfect plan to win against her within two strikes. As she took a step forward, she instantly dispersed, signifying my victory

Thwack!

"Guh!" I screamed in pain as Karen appeared next to me, instantly smashing her sheathed sword onto my knee as it audibly lets out a nasty 'CRACK!' followed by her smashing my stomach and blasts me away.

It hurts! And yet…I smirked. "Ugoh?!" I grunted out as I felt my back smashed onto the walls just outside the arena, blood splattering out my mouth. My head felt light, I felt my legs numb and my back smashed.

That's it.

I lost. And won.

In two hits.

As I eyed Karen who looked extremely shocked at the predicament, I eyed Aris who looked equally shocked.

"He is…full human?!"

Not totally expecting the events, Aris, Mary and Senjou widens their eyes in shock as Kyousuke, smashed onto the wall all bloody and battered, instantly went limp and unconscious.

He was not an Aria Infused. Nor a Blessed One. Not a Seven Will. Not even a Supernatural Creature. He was just a plain old human and with Karen being a Seven Will, small wonder she devastated, no scratch that, nearly killed Kyousuke within a hit.

Karen took a step back in shock as she said, "W-What the hell?! What do you mean he's human?!"

"Must've been an Academic rather than a normal person who fights…" Soyo mused casually. "And…he did win the match…technically."

"…It's…against the law to lay harm against a human…" Senjou quickly pointed out as she rushed towards Kyousuke and pried him off the wall. "We need to get him to a Hospital quickly!"

"Our infirmary would be efficient. We are the best after all…" Soyo pointed out. "Plus it's closer."

Senjou quickly carried the boy with ease and rushed away, passing by Aris who merely stared at Karen, who was still in shock. "Hmm…" Aris mused and eyed Karen. "I know what he meant by his victory…"

"Huh?"

"You will listen to my plea!" Aris declared boldly as Karen hardens her gaze. "Why should I? I do not listen to those inferior to me!"

"So do I." Aris said, before smiling. "But you wouldn't want the world to know that a Seven Will laid harm to a human do you?"

"Kuh!" Karen clenched her teeth as Aris made a triumph smirk, before walking away.

"I will forward my bill of complaint and request soon. See you in the Council Meeting~."

"…Uhn…"

Oooh….crap. My head feels like it had been drilled and my body ached so bad. As I slowly opened my eyes, I find myself in a rather…fancy looking infirmary which honestly is just the same as a hospital. I looked down to see one of my leg bandaged and my head felt like it had a bandaged too.

What…happened? I'm a human so it would make perfect sense that I didn't fight-

Ooooooh.

Right. I mocked a Seven Will. And got brutalized. Second day into the new year and I had sustained a major injury. I eyed a nearby window to see night had fallen and apparently I'm still within the Academy. It was no stranger the Academy was open 24/7 so I made a small sigh.

"…Zzz…" I heard a soft snore. Blinking, I looked around only to see a small lump beneath a blanket on a nearby couch. "What the…" I mused and looked around. Someone was waiting for me? That's new. "O-Oi…" I called out. "It's night time. Shouldn't you like…go home?"

"Zzz…just…a few minutes…" A feminine voice was heard from the lump. A girl no less! I have a girl waiting for me! Not in a million years I could've thought this! Though I suppose it's out of pity and so I decided to use the fastest method to wake the girl beneath the lump up.

I picked up my pillow.

And threw it at her.

BOOKH!

"EXCALIBUUUUUUR!" A startled Mary shot out from the lump as I visibly saw her hair glowed white. She rapidly blinked her eyes, before noticing me as she widens her eyes. "K-Kyousuke-kun! You're awake!"

"Sensei?" I blurted out my surprise. Strange, I get that she's a teacher and all but shouldn't she go back? "What…what are you doing? Shouldn't you go back already?"

"I-It's a duty for a teacher to wait for their students! And please, call me Mary while we're out of school hours, we're the same age after all," Mary slowly said, the glowing in her hair died down as she slowly stood up. "A-At any rate, are you fine now?"

"I can't feel one of my legs, my back is stinging like butt but otherwise, I'm fine." I assured Mary. "Thank you for waiting for me."

"I-It's the least I could do to…um…repay you for standing up for us…" Mary said in a slow tone. "B-But you shouldn't have gone so far!"

"If being a Martyr is the fastest way to go about then so be it." I shrugged. "Besides, I won didn't I?"

"Technically yes but…I don't like your methods." Mary stated firmly. "A-As a teacher, I disapprove of your methods!"

"Mm…well I don't really mind so as long as it come up with results. Thanks for the thought of mind though."

Hmm…I am indeed curious as why she disapproves. I mean, it obtains results doesn't it? While not the most 'nicest' method, I seriously believe it's one of the best ways to solve a problem. Because it's fast. And if you're not the one who will do it, who will?

Mary merely stared at me with shock and disapproval in her eyes, before sighing. "I-I can't honestly ask you to change but…just know that I dislike your methods."

"Y-Yes Sensei…"

"Let's go home now okay?" Mary said as she handed me walking crutches. Seriously? I eyed Mary who pouted at my raised eyebrow. "Kyousuke-kun…"

"Fine fine…" I groaned out my defeat. Slowly, I stood up as Mary handed me the crutch. I wasn't the one foreign to medical situation so I used it with ease. Mary walked at my slow pace, which I appreciated by the way, as we had another awkward silence.

Suffice to say, and you can probably tell by now, but I am horrible at interacting with people. I can blend in, talk through the flow of a conversation but to start one was another story. As I eyed Mary, she darted her eyes around at the visible awkward silence.

Well I guess she's the same as me I suppose. We made it all the way back to Downtown in silence and walked back home together. "Um…if I may ask Kyousuke-kun…"

"…?"

"Why…Why didn't you take the Aria Surgery?"

Ah…that. It's actually a tradition in this age to infuse a person with Aria as soon as they are born. Risky, yet it holds good benefits. Even if you don't fight and is a pacifist, it can help you resist deadly viruses and adds positive health impacts.

So basically, normal humans like me is rather rare.

If I were to calculate, not including the supernatural creature, out of one hundred percent of the human population, SIXTY NINE percent is Aria infused, then the others are either a trained/born magician or normal humans like me.

Interesting huh?

Anyway, I looked up into the sky, staring at the massive Uptown/the sky. "I suppose it's rather…I can't. My process failed when I tried years ago."

"But-"

"I didn't die. Weird huh? After all those savings I scavenged from Downtown…it only went down the drain. So here I am, alive and kicking, a normal human and a resident of Downtown."

"…Oh. Um…are…are you fine with it?"

"Of course. I'm still alive aren't I?" I said with a small smirk. "I like to enjoy the small bits of life I suppose."

Mary stared at me for a bit, seemingly surprised as I sighed. "The thing is, I am aware of the horrible condition Downtown is. How we live like scumbags, stay in a rather dangerous area and how poor we all are."

I took a turn, going against the usual way to Kuoh Academy as Mary tilts her head in confusion. We took a walk several more blocks as I continued, "Yet I do not let these things hinder me. Rather…"

"Aaah! It's Dai-sensei!"

"I like to think Downtown has it's own set of charms." I said with a grin as we arrived in a very large, abandoned parking lot filled with tents, stalls and several broken down playgrounds. It looks like a mix of bazaar and tent complex truth to be told.

As I noticed several kids run up to me, I grinned and knelt down. "Dai-sensei!" A little boy with a cap greeted me. "Y-You're back again!"

"Well the weekends are coming up so I might be more loose than I expected." I mused and stood up. "Been reading up?"

"Of course!" A little girl in pink dress chirped. "We've been preparing ourselves so your silly random pop quiz would not surprise us!"

"Heeeee…" I slyly grinned. "Okay then, trick question. Who's this girl next to me?"

"Aaaaah! No fair no fair no fair!" The cap boy growled in frustration as the little girl pouted. "That's not even related to our lessons!"

"…W-When was this established?" Mary voices out her surprise. "I-I never knew about this!"

"Well like all of the residents of Downtown, they immediately go into their homes or where they can crash out of the view of others, afraid of the bad stuff that happens in this god forsaken place. But this place serves as a neutral ground so even crooks alike are able to visit, and people won't have to worry about being…well…ill treated suffice to say."

Mary widens her eyes in shock. "B-But this is Downtown! There isn't any order or law! How are you able to sustain it here?!"

"There is always a rule in all hierarchy!" A female voice spoke up. "And there is only one power in this god forsaken place. Power!"

Mary flinched at the sight of a lady floating down from above. Differing from Soyo, she looked like as if she had control of herself midair. The girl floated down near me before letting out a beast crashing slap on my back.

"Ugoh?!" I grunt and fell forward at the sheer strength as the girl laughed aloud. "Haha! Kyou-chan is still as jelly as ever-"

"Haruno-san what the hell?!" I groaned and stood up. "Don't do that again!"

Mary blinked at eyed the new stranger. She stood tall, a bit shorter than me and had the appearance of a young youthful girl in her early or mid twenties. Her silver hair rest just below her shoulders and her green eyes sparked with life and energy.

She wore a white shirt with it's sleeves rolled up beneath a white apron, below she wore a black long skirt and black boots. Mary unconsciously said, "U-Um…hello there-"

"Ah! Is this your girlfriend?!"

"No! She's my teacher!"

"So you're into older ladies?"

"She's the same age as me!"

"Mm…am I still young enough for you then?~"

"You're no less older than me damn it!" I fumed. Haruno laughed and eyed Mary.

"And you are Kyou-chan's Sensei?"

"Y-Yes!" Mary quickly stuttered out. "M-Mary Antoinette! I am Kyousuke-kun's Teacher at the Academy and-"

"That's it?"

"H-Huh?"

"Haruno-san!" I bonked out the girl on the head as she pouted at me. "It's only been my second day of the new year!"

"And you're already wearing crutches? Geez you got your problems loaded up." Haruno mused nonchalantly as she eyed Mary again. "So who's the asshole that did this to my buddy here?"

"Just leave it." I pointed out and walked ahead. "Ain't like it's a problem. Give this guy a rest a day or two and I'll be back up and running. Medicine is so much easier in this new age!"

"Learn to care for others caring about you Kyou-chan." Haruno reminded and slithered behind me, a teasing smile opts on het face. "Because like, you're a nice guy. Lots of ladies would want you~."

I felt two soft sensations behind me as I stiffened up, before peering back and saw Haruno's sultry smile. Of course, I did the most sensible thing to do at this situation.

BIFF!

"What kind of ass hat hits a sexy lady like me with his crutch?!" Haruno fumed and clutched her toes as I smirked at her.

I continued walking as I said, "Me."

"Damn Hikkikomori virgin son of a-"

"Ah ah!" I mused and raised a hand, stopping Haruno. "Those are facts therefore couldn't be used as an insult."

I tilt my head back with a sly grin.

"Besides…you're also a virgin, a stuttering mess around people she likes and finally…you never had experience with boys yourself. Therefore, minus a Hikkikomori, you're just like me."

With Kyousuke and Haruno bickering, Mary stood at the back, shocked at the words she was hearing. The fact that someone wasn't murdered by a mere insult was amazing, no less it was this huge place…and they were insulting their flaws without a care in the world!

"Dai-sensei and Haruno-nee is so close…" The cap boy mused nearby, eyeing Mary. "Is Onee-san Dai-sensei's…Sensei?"

"A-Ah…yes…" Mary quickly replied. "If I may ask…why is Kyousuke-kun called Dai-sensei?"

"Because he's like…um… teacher to the kids here!...even though he's grumpy soooooo mean!" The little girl nearby exclaims, spreading her arms in a cute manner. "But Dai-sensei is also really nice! But he spend most of his days cooped up at his home asides weekends…"

"…Does he now?" Mary went in amazement as she eyed Kyousuke who twitched an eyebrow at Haruno's statement about 'sizes' or something like that. Anyway, Haruno was about to say something when a voice interrupted.

"Haruno-san. I'm done with moving the boxes." A feminine voice came in as Mary and Kyousuke turns their head to the voice. A walked up to them, probably around Kyousuke's age. She had her jet black hair tied into a pony tail with some bangs framing her face. She wore a simple white T-shirt, black jeans and boots. Similar to Haruno, she had a white apron on.

"Ah good timing Maaya." Haruno mused. "Just clean up by the stand. Weekends is nearing and I suppose you've earned your weekly rest!"

"Okay." The girl, or rather Maaya, nods, before Kyousuke and Mary.

"Curious are you?" Haruno chirps. "This albino girl here is Mary, Kyousuke's teacher. And Kyousuke is this stud next to me!"

"…And Haruno is this old bag next to me."

"Hey!"

Maaya stared at Kyousuke, before saying, "Kyousuke…Kazuo?"

"You met?" Haruno voices her curiosity as Kyousuke merely raised an eyebrow.

"I seriously doubt that. Maybe you've heard of me as Dai-sensei?"

"…I suppose." Maaya said and walked away but not before sending a glance as Kyousuke. As the girl left the groups eye vision, Haruno grinned. "I sense a crush!"

"We just met!"

"I believe in love at first sight!"

"It's bull damn it!"

"It ain't!"

"Is!"

"Ain't!"

"G-Guys…" Mary sighs as the two started bickering again. The albino couldn't help but shake her head at the sight, but not before eyeing the direction where Maaya went. "Something wrong?" Kyousuke questions, seeing Mary space off.

"O-Oh! Um…nothing…it's…nothing." Mary mused. "It's just…did you guys smell raw meat all of a sudden?"

"…" Maaya stared at the group. "Kyousuke…Kazuo." She mused quietly, before walking away from the large parking lot. Haruno wouldn't mind if she went home early today. The girl tossed her apron randomly as she walked into an alleyway as something slithered on the ground as she walked.

And then…she stepped into her shadow. Literally. The girl entered her very own shadow before she arrived in a different place entirely. She arrived in a rather rundown facility/factory of sorts as the distinct smell of raw and rotten meat lingers in the air.

Maaya shrugged the smell off as she walked deeper into the building. She took some turns and there before arriving in a very large room where a grotesque scene greeted her. Blood was splattered everywhere. Rotten limbs were hung and sprawled about but just within on corner was but a clean space where lots of paper and maps were attached to a board.

"Mm...Maaya? Are you back already?" A feminine voice greeted her as Maaya eyed straight ahead. Hanging literally upside on the wall was but a girl in a white dress save for it being bloodstained. Long ankle length pink hair was seen as her unique eyes stared at Maaya. The girls eyes doesn't have any iris at all. Instead, it looks like a clock, with it being blue on the left and red on the right.

"I am." Maaya answered with a strain in her voice. Her Master suffice to say…creeped her out despite her own actions may make others think of her as a monster. "I have news."

"You've taken care of the latest target?"

"No."

"…I told you I wanted no failures." The girl said in a low tone as a visible crack was seen on the air, before it shatters and the girl already leveled her face with Maaya. The latter merely shrugs of the proximity but said, "It's done."

"…?"

"I've done it. I've found the First Will."

End of Chapter

Hey folks! A new chapter a new update and new stuff to read! So what do you think? I wont mark which POV's switch as they will ruin the flow so please squint your eyes and read properly :D!

Also, what do you think of the chapter? More information and story and shit. Tell me what you guys think!

Jibster out!