CH. 29 - Partnership

A different day in class, all the students sit and wait as Teach, Nazuna and Nobody stand before them with excited, proud looks.

“I hope you all rested well because it’s time we take you to the next level.” Professor Nobody says. The class begins to get excited as Killian looks confused.

“What’s the special occasion?” Killian asks.

“You dork, it’s about our evaluation.” Phoenix says, slightly frustrated by Killian’s lack of attention.

“Ohh right, got it.” Killian nods as Phoenix smiles and shakes her head.

“Exactly. Today you receive your classifications and ranks.” Nobody says.

“I do apologize it took longer than expected to get the results. But after the androids attacked, it was rather difficult to figure out where you all land. But we have come to a conclusion and feel you’ve all done more than earn it.” Teach says proudly.

“Before we get into all that, why don’t I explain a little of what happens next-” Nazuna begins saying before Wolf speaks up.

“Wait, Nazuna?” Wolf calls out. Nazuna looks at her surprised as Wolf has a serious look on her face. “About the other person who came to the academy the other day. After we were released from the infirmary.” Wolf brings up. The class begins to whisper amongst themselves, remembering what happened. Wolf squints her eyes a bit almost as if demanding an answer. “Who was that?” She asks. Teach’s eyes sharpen a bit as he subtly looks over at Nobody, who just lightly nods in response. Nazuna sweats a little as she smiles awkwardly.

“Well… we’re not entirely sure…” Nazuna says. Wolf’s gaze softens a bit, disappointed by her answer, as the other students gasp a little as the teacher’s answer. Nazuna continues. “But from what we gathered, the two situations had nothing to do with one another. I promise, we are doing all we can to make sure you all are safe and sound-”

“Not that you’re supposed to be.” Nobody interrupts. Nazuna looks at him surprised as he steps forward. “You came here to become strong, right? Don’t let some random attackers strike fear in your souls.”

The class stares for a moment before smirking and snickering. Alston throws her arms back behind her head.

“Not that I was afraid to begin with.” She says.

“I was only wondering who it was that broke the law and attacked innocent students.” Killian says firmly. Tadashi smirks and pushes up his glasses as Yoko gets an excited look.

“Yeah! No fear in sight, only vengeance!” Yoko shouts, slamming their fist in their hand. Teach sighs a light sigh of relief as Nobody gets a prideful look.

“Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, shall we continue?” Nobody asks, continuing on. Wolf slides down in her chair a bit with a frustrated look on her face.

“I just wanna know whose ass I’m gonna kick…” She says under her breath as Phoenix watches her from the side of her eye before smiling a soft smile and focusing on the teachers.

“After you receive your ranks from Nobody, you will be given a chance to design a combat outfit of your choice, and we’ll place the academy’s crest on it to signal to everyone that you’re students of the ASA!” Nazuna explains excitedly.

“Don’t hold back, we’ve got all the resources you could possibly need.” Teach adds.

“Right. Then, come tomorrow, the academy will hold a small festival of sorts for all the new students. You’ll get a name tag with your classification on it and a chance to mingle with students from the other classes. That’s where you’ll meet your brand new partners and become full fledged students of the academy! It’ll be so much fun for you!” Nazuna says happily as the class gets excited.

“Now, let’s get started.” Nobody says with an intensely excited look. It fades to black as the class prepares themselves for the official start of their new lives as student agents of the Academy of Superior Abilities.

“Now remember, your ranks are decided based on your performance. You will all start as 1st Tiers among the agents here. Hunters are the more sharp witted, focused partner while Vanguard are the power of the partnership. Together you will be an unstoppable pair! So make sure you choose your partners wisely since your relationship will be crucial to how well you perform here at the ASA.” Nazuna says supportively as the class works diligently on their outfit designs. Wolf stares at the paper in front of her with a blank stare.

‘The partners are picked… Which means I won’t…’ she thinks as she shifts her gaze over to Phoenix who’s happily thinking about her outfit before perking up and writing something down. Wolf stares with worried eyes as she lowers her head. Once the class ends, so does the day and soon, the partnership festival begins.

In a large hall of the academy, students mingle and chat, dressed to catch attention, wearing their clear nametags stating ‘HUNTER’ or ‘VANGUARD’. The pack enters the room and looks around, feeling a slight anxiety in their souls. Saika smiles as he sweats a little.

“Oookay. I guess we better get to it.” He says. Killian nods at him.

“Right. Meet you guys after we find our partners?” He asks the others with a confident smile and his hands on his hips.

“Right!” They say back before they step on in, heads held high as they search for their partners. Cole huffs as he walks away from Alston, who sighs a little but walks in a different direction. Immediately, Yoko jumps onto one of the mini tables set up and points a finger into the air with a proud smirk.

“Alright you weak humans! You’re now in the presence of Yoko Tatsuo, the great dragon! I know each and every one of you want a chance to be partners with me, so form a single file line and I’ll decide if you’re good enough to be my partner! Oh, and remind me of all your names, I forgot.” Yoko shouts boldly as everyone stares at them in silence. Moshiro sweats with a droop.

“What an idiot...” she mumbles. A few other students whisper to each other around her.

“Check that out. At least they’re cute..” one boy whispers.

“Totally, but that personality is a bit much..” a girl whispers back. Tadashi shakes his head a bit as he leans on another mini table before taking a sip of water. As he does, Dante leans on the opposite end of the table with a smirk. Tadashi raises an eyebrow at him.

“You’re one of Wolf’s childhood friends, right?”

“Yes sir.” Dante responds.

“Why don’t you go partner with her?”

“You’re part of the Gin family.” Dante says with a snap. Tadashi’s head lifts sharply before his gaze intensifies.

“I am.. Why do you care?..” Tadashi asks softly. Dante smirks more.

“I don’t. It’s just that we’re both cool guys. You’re a Hunter, I’m a Vanguard. Your powers are green, mine are kinda green. I think there’s a lot of chemistry going on here.” Dante says casually. Tadashi squints at him a little.

“Why should I be your partner?.” Tadashi asks softly.

“I think you need me. Be my partner.” Dante asks, leaning closer to Tadashi. He leans back with a sweat for a moment before smirking with a chuckle. He looks at Dante.

“Whatever.” he says. Dante smiles a big smile.

“Alright! That’s what I’m talking about!” he says happily before the two of them clasp their hands together in a tight dap. In the crowd, Saika wanders around with a slightly anxious look on his face until a student approaches him.

“Hey, you’re a Hunter. That’s great! I’m a Vanguard looking for a partner like you.” This large student says with a smile. Saika smiles nervously at him.

“O-oh yeah? What do you mean?.” he asks timidly.

“Well, you’re small and I’m large. I feel like that fits the dynamic well. We should get to know each other more!” He says with his arms spread out. Saika smiles nervously before ducking past him, waving his hands gently.

“Yeah! Maybe! I’m gonna keep talking around first though. Then I’ll come meet you later if you don’t have a partner, okay?” Saika says. The student nods with a smile before another student approaches him. Saika sighs in relief as he walks off through the crowd. ‘I really overestimated myself here... The idea of partnering with someone I just met is working up a lot of anxiety in me.. What if it doesn’t work out? Will I be able to switch partners later? There’s so many possibilities, I just don’t know...’ Saika thinks with an overwhelmed tone as he hangs his head low. As he walks, he accidentally bumps into someone from behind. He’s shocked as he looks up. “Ah-! Sorry, I wasn’t looking-” he says before he notices Killian looking back at him.

“Saika?” he says before smiling at him. He then turns back to the student he was talking to before shaking her hand. “I’ll talk to you more later.” he says as she waves and walks off. Killian then turns to look at Saika with a smile. “What’re doing bumping into me? Weren’t you looking for your new partner?” Killian asks as Saika smiles awkwardly.

“Ahha... Yeah, I guess. I’m supposed to be but it seems I’m a little.. not so good at that stuff. Everyone who’s come up to me so far just doesn’t really help me feel at ease. It’s like they just keep making my anxiety worse...” Saika explains as Killian nods.

“You have always been a scaredy cat.” Killian says with a laugh as Saika pouts.

“I am not! I’m just...” he sighs. “I guess I am... Change is scary. What if someone seems cool but totally blows later down the line? What if you guys don’t like them? We’re supposed to stick together once we’re assigned so I’d want someone my bestfriends would like too.” Saika says, explaining his anxieties. Killian nods again, putting his hand on his chin.

“I see your problem.” he says.

“Maybe I should just wait until there’s no one left..” Saika mopes.

“Well, think about it this way. All you’ve got to do is this, but with somebody else.” Killian says, motioning to them. “You don’t seem to have any anxiety talking to me.” he says with a smile. Saika looks up at him with a slight shine in his eyes.

“I guess I don’t...” he says softly.

“See? You can do it! Just get out there and show them the amazing Saika I know and love!” Killian says encouragingly. Saika looks up at him sharply with a blush on his cheeks.

“L-love!?” he says.

“Of course. I love all of my friends!” Killian says happily. Saika is surprised before lowering his head, a little flustered.

“O-oh, right...” he says quietly. They stand in silence for a moment before Saika lifts his gaze a little towards Killian. “Hey, Kill..? Have you.. found a partner yet?” he asks timidly. Killian looks a little surprised.

“Me? Oh no, not yet. I’m still waiting for you.” he says. Saika looks at him confused.

“Huh?” Saika voices as Killian smiles at him.

“Well, obviously I’d be your partner. There’s no one else I’d wanna be with, but I wanted to let you go out and explore your options first before telling you that. Just to make sure I wasn’t holding you back.” Killian says genuinely and happily as he smiles at Saika. Saika just stares at him with wide eyes as he blushes. He slowly lowers his head again as Killian’s words echo in his mind. “Anyway, you should probably get back out there before all the good students get snatched up. Find me when you find your partner, yeah?” Killian says as he goes to step away, but something tugs his jacket sleeve. He looks down surprised to see Saika holding onto his sleeve.

“Killian...” Saika says softly before looking up at him smiling with shining eyes. “I think I found my partner.” he says softly as Killian smiles warmly back.

“Okay.” he says, taking his hand in his.

As the event goes on, more and more students start finding their own partners. Ivailia stands as a student signs to her but she shakes her head so the student leaves. Angie then steps next to her before transforming her body to look just like the boy she was just talking to. Ivailia giggles before taking Angie’s hand and walking off with her. Law says something to a student before the student stiffens up and walks away as if controlled by someone. Law sighs before another student approaches her. He leans over with a cool smirk, offering his hand as he says something. Law stares at him before smirking back, shaking his hand. Octavia and Jeni talk with students before they turn around and step quickly, bumping into each other as they do. The force of their collision causes Jeni’s cape to flip over them and cover them both. After a moment in the dark, Octavia’s hand lights up as they’re both illuminated. Jeni is in awe as Octavia adjusts her big, round glasses. She looks at Jeni for a moment before rolling her eyes and offering her hand. Jeni smiles before taking it, Octavia leading them out of the cape and away.

As this all happens, Phoenix is surrounded by quite a few other students. They all seem eager to get her attention as she smiles shyly at them with a sweat.

“There’s so many..! And you all want to be my Hunter?..” she asks.

“Of course! Everyone heard what you did during your Eval Tournament!” one student says.

“What other 1st Tier has that kind of fire power??” another says.

“Not just that, but look at you! You’re so pretty and kind! Combined with your power, you’re the perfect Vanguard!” a third student says as they all start trying to get her attention. Phoenix laughs bashfully.

“Ha.. Well, that’s all very nice but I actually still wanna look around a bit. There’s a Hunter I personally want to have a conversation with, if she hasn’t found a partner already..” Phoenix says softly as she steps back. The students get upset but let her be, turning around with a pout.

“I bet she’s talking about that weird girl over there...” someone whispers as Phoenix stops with wide eyes.

“The one with the purple eyes?.. Talk about creepy...” another says. Phoenix looks up with a sad look, realizing what this event must be like for Wolf. Off to the side, Wolf stands by herself, her eyes fixated on the floor in front of her.

‘I knew this would happen. It’s not surprising. I expected this.’ Wolf thinks as the other students talk all around her. ‘I knew it because this is how it always goes...’ Wolf thinks as she remembers moments from her past growing up. ‘It didn’t matter what the assignment was or what we were doing. If it meant letting the other kids pick their partners, I’d always end up alone because of my eyes or behavior.’ Wolf thinks, remembering getting turned down or turned away as she stares at them with her bright purple eyes. She then chuckles a little to herself. ‘But it all got better when I met Phoenix and the others. They never left me behind, even when they really wanted to.’ she thinks with a gentle laugh. Her look drops though as she continues to think.

‘But now.. since they’re getting new partners, there’s a good chance I’ll end up all alone again... It’s not like their partners will suddenly start liking me. But it’s alright...’ she thinks as she starts leaning against the wall, hearing the whispers of the students around her.

“Why are her eyes purple? Think she’s wearing contacts?..” a student asks.

“I don’t know if that’d be weirder or not. Either way...”

“I heard she doesn’t believe in God and disrespects the Temple...”

“Yeah, probably because she’s a Devil herself... Look at her eyes...” the students say. Wolf’s eyes stay clear as she stares at the ground.

‘I’ll be alright...’ Wolf thinks.

“Someone told me she doesn’t even want to be a hero...”

“Not that she could be... Just look at her soul.. It’s purple and tiny. It’s even smaller than some of the unpowered students...”

“She should just leave...” a student says in a harsh whisper. These students start blending together into shadowy figures as Wolf’s vision begins to tunnel, the room slightly spinning around her. Her eyes finally begin to weaken as sadness lays across them. She slowly slides down as she sits on the ground against the wall.

‘It doesn’t matter... I’ll be alright...’ Wolf thinks with a sad tone. Off to the side, a few teachers hang around, answering questions and the like. Teach leans against the wall as Nazuna approaches him.

“It’s rare to see you at these events. You’re usually not as involved in the students’ partnerships.” Nazuna says with a smile. Teach hums in response. Nazuna looks at him before smirking a little. “Could it be because your daughter is a student now?..” she asks smugly as Teach sweats.

“No… it is my duty to make sure the new students are well trained. My daughter being here is of no relevance.” He says back as Nazuna chuckles.

“That’s why you haven’t taken your eyes off her since she got here?” She says as Teach gets embarrassed and looks away.

“…you got me…” he mutters as Nazuna giggles. Teach then looks back at Moshiro with a gentle gaze. “She’s never been the easiest child to get along with. Making friends was hard for her because she spent so much of her childhood training. Her inferiority complex really made her social skills suffer.” He says as he watches Moshiro talk with two Vanguard who approached her. “That’s why I’m eternally grateful to Wolf and her friends. Despite her abrasiveness, they still stuck around and became the best friends she’s ever had. And they don’t make her change or feel bad being who she is. I just… want them all to be safe.” Teach admits with a gentle worry on his face as Nazuna smiles at him. She then looks at the students too.

“I get you. Worry for the youth of the next generation is something I feel we should all have as teachers.” Nazuna says gently in response.

“Which is why we’re supposed to make them stronger- Hey! Hurry up and find your partners already so we can get to training!” Professor Nobody shouts while interrupting the other two teachers. Nazuna and Teach quickly grab him by the mouth to shut him up.

“Ahha.. don’t mind him! Take all the time you need!” Nazuna says to the students with a sweat as they look at them before continuing what they were doing. Nazuna pouts at Nobody. “Don’t rush them! This decision is very important for them!” She says.

“I gyet tat. Doen’t min I hav tu lik it.” Nobody says as they hold his face. They let him go with a sigh as he rubs his chin. “I mean, why can’t I just make an algorithm to pick the most ideal partners for them?” he asks. Teach sighs as he leans back.

“You and your algorithms...” he huffs. “This is about more than just efficiency. It’s about their souls.” Teach says as Nobody looks at him. “Just because two students might physically compliment each other with their skills or powers, that doesn’t mean their souls will be compatible. And if their souls aren’t in sync, then they’ll never grow stronger. But if they choose their partners...” he says as they look at the students laughing and mingling with each other. Saika surrounded by a few others as well as Phoenix, who laughs nervously. Nobody huffs gently as he understands Teach’s words.

“I suppose... Still, this method leaves room for... that.” he says as he points over into the crowd. Nazuna and Teach look over before Teach gets a softly sad look.

“Aye, Wolf...” he says softly as Wolf stands alone with no one paying her any mind. At least, not in the ways she’d want.

“When you let kids like these decide themselves, it leaves room for odd ones like her to be left out. Not to mention, some of these students have been at the academy for years and have already decided their partners on their own.” Nobody says. Nazuna looks a little concerned.

“That’s true... Is it really a good idea to give other students the chance to come between those partners?” Nazuna asks, looking at Alston as she laughs with a couple other students while Cole watches her, talking to someone else, but his gaze fixed on her.

“That’s a part of the process.” Teach says clearly. The others look at him as he looks at the students confidently. “If something as simple as someone talking to their partners can weaken their Frequency, then maybe they weren’t meant to be together in the first place.” He says. The two other teachers look at him for a moment before Nobody nods with a sharp exhale, crossing his arms.

“Well put.” he says as Nazuna smiles.

“Besides, it might not look like it now, but Wolf’s not as alone as it seems.” Teach says with a gentle smile.

In the crowd of students that has slowly thinned out a bit, Phoenix steps through and looks around before finally noticing Wolf. She smiles and steps towards her when Galen interrupts her.

“Hey, Phoenix! I finally get a chance to talk to you. You’re pretty popular, huh?” he asks with a smile. Phoenix smiles back with a sweat.

“Uh, yeah. I guess so.”

“Anyway, what do you think about being partners? We seem to click really well and I’d love to help train your powers. You said you were having a hard time with them, right?” Galen asks. Phoenix looks past him a little as she smile awkwardly at him.

“Yeah, that sounds great. You know I’d love to but... I think.. my bestfriend needs me right now.” Phoenix says with a gentle smile, trying to be polite. Galen looks confused before turning around and seeing Wolf. He then faces Phoenix again with a smirk.

“Ah, I get it. Hey, don’t let me stop you. Tell her she can talk to me sometime if she needs.” He says as he steps out of the way. Phoenix lights up then hugs him tightly before letting go.

“Thank you! You’re the best!” she says as she rushes to Wolf. Teach smiles warmly.

“She found her partner a long time ago.” Teach says. Galen watches Phoenix approach Wolf with a smile, hinting at slight jealousy but it goes away when Harley rushes up to him.

“Hey, Galen! I’ve been looking for you.” she says as he looks at her confused.

“Looking for me?” he asks. Harley nods happily.

“Mhm! I was wondering if you wanted to be partners with me? I figured since I’m a physical combat fighter and you know magic and stuff, it’d be a good balance for our partnership to have. Kind of a win-win, ya know?” Harley says clearly. She then blushes a little as she scratches her freckled cheek gently. “And uh... you’re kinda cute so that’s another win for me..” she admits awkwardly. Galen stares at her before blushing and smirking back.

“Heh, well, when you put it that way.” he offers his hand to her. “I’m kinda winning here too.” he says. Harley smiles and nods, taking his hand firmly as they shake.

Wolf sits against the wall with her head lowered and her eyes struggling to fight back the pain this event has caused. Focused on her thoughts, she doesn’t notice as Phoenix approaches until she steps close enough for Wolf to see her shoes right in front of her. Wolf slowly looks up to see Phoenix smiling at her, leaning forward with her hands behind her back.

“Hellooo~” Phoenix says playfully. Wolf looks at her, not saying anything really. Phoenix just smiles at her, knowing how she is. “Did you get to talk to any cool Vanguard yet, Wolfy?” she asks. Wolf looks down a little.

“No...” she says softly before looking away with an upset look. “You should be careful. Talking to me could hurt your reputation..” Wolf says. Phoenix hums a little with a smile on her face as she leans closer.

“Is that so? Well, I think I’ll be alright because I got the strong, cool Wolf Anderson here to watch out for me.” Phoenix says. Wolf’s eyes light up as she looks at Phoenix.

“Cool?..” she says quietly. Phoenix nods happily.

“Yep! How else would I describe you? You’ve always been there to protect me no matter what, you're extremely honest even when it pisses me off, and despite all the hate you get, you’re still here trying to become a hero who protects people. All for me.” Phoenix says as she blushes a little, smiling at Wolf. “I’d say that’s pretty cool.” As Phoenix speaks, Wolf’s eyes shine as she blushes, looking away a little.

“O-oh yeah?.. I mean, who else is gonna take care of your anxiety ridden self? It’s definitely not Saika, I’ll tell you that.” Wolf says with a smirk. Phoenix giggles as she smiles at Wolf before she offers her hand to her.

“So, what do you think? Do you wanna be partners with me?” Phoenix asks. Wolf stares at her hand for a moment before her gaze shifts to the students watching them from behind. The glares and whispers about them. Wolf stares for a moment as she thinks.

‘All of them want to be partners with her. They’re probably cooler, smarter, stronger too. And if she becomes partners with me, I’ll probably end up dragging her down.’ Wolf thinks as she looks up at Phoenix who smiles warmly at her. ‘But then again... How could I say no to her?’ Wolf thinks as she smirks before taking Phoenix’s hand. She then pulls her up with a swift motion, spinning around to face each other still holding hands. ‘I never cared about what anyone else thought about me. I’m not gonna start now.’ Wolf thinks as her grip on Phoenix’s hand tightens just a little. “You’re a real brat, you know that? Cornering me like that.” Wolf says with a smirk as Phoenix as she giggles.

“It’s the only way I can get you to stop moping around.” she says back before she smiles softly, looking at their hands with a blush. “You know.. it’s kind of nostalgic..” Phoenix says softly as Wolf looks at her surprised. “This reminds me of how we met when we were kids.. You looked so lonely..” Phoenix says softly as she recalls memories of when they were younger, her looking at Wolf before they took each other's hands for the first time. “I couldn’t bear to see such pretty eyes hurt like that...” Phoenix says in almost a whisper as Wolf blushes at her words. Phoenix blushes too, realizing what she said before getting embarrassed. “Ah! Not that I think you’re pretty or anything! Wait, that’s not true.. B-but I meant it more in like the friendly way! You know! How friends compliment each other all the time!-” Phoenix stutters as Wolf watches her before she starts laughing, catching her off guard.

“Pfft! Hahaha! You really are something else, you know that?” Wolf says as Phoenix slowly calms down, blushing at her. “Oh yeah. I do remember that day. You had your hair pinned to the side making your forehead look huge and shiny.” Wolf says as Phoenix gets angry before she punches Wolf on the top of the head.

“Don’t say I have a big forehead, you dumbass!” Phoenix shouts angrily. Wolf holds her head in pain as she crouches down.

“I didn’t say you did, I just said it looked like it...” Wolf groans. Despite this, their hands never once let go. The teachers see this as Nazuna smiles.

“She really did.” she says warmly.

“Looks a little abusive to me.” Nobody says.

“Like we were any different!” Nazuna scolds him. Teach watches with a warm smile, his eyes shining as Wolf and Phoenix still smile and laugh a little despite Phoenix hitting her.

Eventually, the hall is thinned out as one by one, new partners make their way out of the hall together. The event starts to close up as Cole stands with his arms crossed, staring into the hall. His eyes are narrow and focused, but lined with a bit of frustration and sadness. Alston then approaches him from the side. Not even able to finish walking, Cole speaks to her.

“You got a lot of offers.” he says clearly. Alston smirks smugly at him.

“Were you stalking me or what?” she asks. Cole doesn’t answer as he keeps his gaze focused ahead. Alston’s look softens a little before she speaks again. “Is that why you’re all alone?” she asks gently. Cole hesitates to answer, his gaze softening.

“The other students I spoke to began to notice I seemed distracted by someone else as we conversed...” Cole admits quietly. Alston nods a little as she turns to face the same way he is. They stand in silence for a moment before Cole speaks again. “Were you able to find a suitable partner?” he asks. Alston squints a little with a slight pout.

“Of course I did.. Years ago..” she says softly. Cole’s eyes widen a little as she continues. “We promised, didn’t we? I was never going to partner with anyone else.” Alston says softly as her eyes squint a little more and she blushes. “..I just wanted to make sure you were serious about me too...” she says quietly. Cole doesn’t say anything before he smiles a little. Alston notices and smiles smugly, pointing at him. “Ahha! I knew you were worried! And here I thought you didn’t care.” she teases as Cole pushes up his glasses.

“Let us go get signed up.” he says, walking away from her. Alston looks offended.

“Hey! Don’t walk away from me!” she says before she rushes up to him and grabs his hand, walking next to him. “We’re partners now. You have to be nicer to me.” Alston says with a pout and a firm look. Cole adjusts his glasses again as his nods slightly.

“Right.” he says as they walk off.

Moshiro and Yoko stand next to each other as the last ones left in the hall. Moshiro leans against the wall with a casual look as Yoko stands next to her smugly.

“So I guess no one wanted you.” Moshiro says casually. Yoko snickers.

“Nonsense! Its simple! All these humans were too intimidated by my powerful soul and realized none of them would be able to keep up with me! I expected such since this room was filled with nothing but feeble humans and I am a great dragon after all! Ha ha ha!” Yoko says with a proud laugh. Moshiro tries to hold in a laugh and ends up giggles to herself a little. Yoko looks at her surprised before their eyes light up. “Woah! I didn’t realize you were capable of such expressions, dumb human!” Yoko shouts. Moshiro composes herself.

“Yeah, well, I am. Don’t get used to it. I just find your lonerness amusing.” she says back. Yoko smirks as they float up a little.

“Well, human, it appears you’re also all alone.” Yoko says.

“Of course. I didn’t find anyone here I got along with very well.” Moshiro says as Yoko looks at them. “It’s important for personalities to match as well as Frequencies. I could sync my Frequency to just about anyone but if I don’t like who you are in here, there’d be no point.” Moshiro says as he pokes her chest before lowering her hand and look. “I guess no one here made me want to match their soul.” Moshiro says before smiling very subtly. “But since we’re here.” Moshiro offers her hand to Yoko casually. “I might as well match with you.” she says with a gentle smile to Yoko. Yoko’s eyes shine as they look at her hand.

“You... like my chest?” they say softly before smiling a big smile. “I like your chest too!” Yoko shouts as Moshiro blushes and sweats.

“I meant your soul...” Moshiro mutters before smirking a little. “Like I said, I can match my Frequency to anyone so don’t hold back.” Moshiro says as Yoko stares with their big eyes. “Don’t worry about being too much. Give it your all and I’ll handle the rest.” Moshiro says softly as Yoko smiles with a slight blush.

“Okay.” they say before taking her hand. After a moment, Yoko can’t contain themself so they latch onto Moshiro’s head, hugging her tightly as they cheer. “Yippie! I found a partner! This dumb human will be my partner!” they shout excitedly as Moshiro stumbles around, trying to pry them off.

“Agh! What the Hell?? Get off of me!” she shouts, muffled by Yoko’s hug. With that, every student has gained a partner as the hall empties. The sound of attentive clapping can be heard as the rowdy class collects themselves in their classroom.

“Alright, settle down. Now let’s get started with your missions.” Professor Nobody says to the class as Nazuna baps him on the back of the head.

“Not yet!” She shouts angrily. Teach smiles at the class standing before him.

“Yes, there are a few things I’d like to say before we get to your debut missions. So please, take a seat anywhere you’d like as long as you’re next to your partner.” Teach says with a smile. The class does just that as the new partners smile at each other excitedly. Once settled, Teach speaks again.

“First off, I’d like to congratulate you all on completing your preliminary requisites. With the Eval Tournament complete, your ranks and now your partners assigned, you have officially made it as full fledged students of the ASA. Give yourselves a round of applause.” Teach says as the teachers clap and the class starts clapping too. Wolf tries to hide her pride but her smile gives it away as Phoenix takes her hand, a tremor of excitement noticeable in her soul. “Secondly, I’d like to welcome a new student to the class. Danni Ryukyu.” Teach says as he stands up next to Law. “With Rye partnering with a student from another class, Ryukyu will be joining us in their place. He did well in his Eval Tournament performance so I’m sure he’ll have no issues keeping up. Be sure to give him a warm welcome.” Teach says as Ryukyu bows a little then sits again. “Now finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…” Teach says as he steps back and Nazuna steps forward.

“The combat outfits you all designed have been completed which means everything is ready to go for your first official missions as ASA students!” Nazuna says excitedly as everyone begins anticipating the coming adventures.

“Finally.” Nobody mutters as he steps next to Nazuna. “I will be assigning you each a mission hand picked by us from the mission board. Going forward, you’ll be able to choose your own missions for extra points but for now, I don’t wanna hear any complaints. You will receive you mission, conduct it with efficiency and integrity, and show the world how strong you young souls are, am I clear?” Nobody asks loudly as the class responds sharply. Nobody smirks under his mask. “Good. Now, to begin…” he says as he trails off, the first of the mission assignments about to begin…