CH. 20 - The Eval Tournament Begins!

One of the teachers wears a big winter coat despite it being a bright sunny day out while the other staff member wears a long white coat and glasses. The other teacher there is Director Teach. The class looks excited and a bit relieved to see him.

“Teach! Glad we get to see you before going in.” Wolf says happily. Teach raises an eyebrow at her with a smirk.

“Is that so? Not gonna skip out on this training too?” He asks, teasingly. Wolf sweats and rubs the back of her head awkwardly before Teach rubs the top of her head playfully. “I’m only teasing. I’m sure you know how important this is.” Teach says calmly. Wolf nods a bit as she smiles. The others also smile mixes of excitement, anxiety and composure. Teach turns his attention to the rest of the class before speaking.

“I am here now to answer any last questions you might have to ease your minds and souls. So, any questions?” He asks the class. Saika then raises his hand and asks.

“Yeah. Who’s that?” He asks, pointing to the oddly dressed teacher. The teacher perks up, gaining his attention and stutters to answers.

“O-oh, right! Hello! Welcome students! M-my name is Wither, a Tier 3 hero here at the academy! I was told you were an impressive class but I gotta say, I set my expectations too low! You lot look like you have quite a lot of potential! I can’t wait to see just how far you’ll go in my Reigndome!” He says with an enthusiastic tone. The class stares at him for a moment before Phoenix raises her hand too. Teach looks at her with a smile.

“Yes?”

“Yeahhh, so I was curious, and I know I might be acting anxious here but, what if we don’t have powers or control over, let’s say, odd things we might be able to do? I think we might’ve totally glossed over this fact. Won’t that be dangerous..?” Phoenix asks, anxious about this whole thing. Teach smiles warmly before answering.

“I can assure you, almost everybody in the class has powers. Almost.” Teach says while looking softly at Moshiro, who looks away with a subtly upset look. He exhales a little before continuing. “With that being said, the main point of the Eval Tournament is to test who you are at your core without any outside influence. Honestly, the less experience you have, the better.” Teach explains as Wither lifts his hand.

“It’s perfectly safe, I can assure you. Just a bit painful.” He says. Their words gives Phoenix some comfort. This makes her eyes light up with determination as she looks at her hand.

‘So that means I really must have powers..!’ Phoenix thinks as she clenches her fist excitedly before Cole speaks up.

“Do not mistake his words. That last part wasn’t meant for you.” He says plainly, noticing her look. She looks at him confused as he continues. “I have seen your soul, examined it, like I have the rest of you. You do not have any powers.” Cole says directly before stepping past her. She stares at him, a little shocked and confused.

‘What? That can’t be right...’ Phoenix thinks as they continue. Wither speaks to the class.

“I trust your professors have got you properly prepared for the upcoming trial?” Wither asks. Octavia rolls her eyes a bit.

“That’s one way to put it.” She says with an attitude. Wither looks at Teach a little confused as he shrugs.

“You know how Nobody is. A little confusing.” Teach says. Wither just smiles a big smile.

“Perfect! Geto? I take it the dome is prepared for the tournament?” Wither asks the assisting staff member next to him.

“Of course. It is operating at peak efficiency and is prepared for any and all possible outcomes.” The assistant says. Saika sweats a bit.

“They’re talking about this place like it’s alive or something…” Saika whispers, leaning to Tadashi.

“That’s because it is.” They are surprised by Wither’s response, having heard them at all. He smiles widely at them. “My Reigndome is state of the art. Created with a multitude of environments that adapt to the things happening inside of it, it serves as the perfect training ground for everyone! I can’t have my baby being misunderstood now.” He says with a confident smile as the class looks in awe.

“Upon entering the main gate here, you will be escorted by my team to your own platforms where you will await further instructions. Then the real fun begins!” Wither explains as the class listens, intense excitement and anxiety building in their chests. Wither turns around as the main doors open. “Now come along! I welcome you to my Reigndome!” He says, marching inside as the class follows him in.

They walk through a dimly lit path with tall metal walls surrounding them. As they walk, they come across a door with a number 14 above it and a staff member waiting by it.

“Ivailia Myfel. Please report.” The staff says as the class looks surprised but Ivailia does as she’s told. The door opens as the staff member leads her inside, shutting the metal door behind them. Alston sweats a bit.

“Yeah, that’s not creepy at all.” She says. Wither smirks and keeps walking.

“Come on.” He says with a smile as they continue to the next door with an 8 above it.

“Saika Martinez. Please report.” The staff says. Saika gets a scared look as Phoenix rubs his back a bit.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be okay. See you inside?” Phoenix says supportively. Saika relaxes a little and nods.

“See you inside.” He says with a weak smile as he enters the room. As they continue to walk, one by one, the class is called forward to enter the room with a random number between 1 and 20 above the doors. 

“Tadashi Gin. Please report.”

Tadashi grabs Killian’s hand tightly before they pull in for a quick hug as Wolf gives him a thumbs up.

“Yoko Tatsuo. Please report.”

“Yeah! Let’s go! I’m totally gonna kick some-” Yoko shouts, rushing into the room before it closes behind them.

“I wish I had that kind of confidence.” Phoenix says with an awkwardly anxious smile. Wolf sees her anxiety and gently grabs her hand, holding it firmly as she leads Phoenix down the dark hall behind Wither. 

“They really know how to build up the anticipation, don’t they?” Killian asks with a smile while taking Phoenix’s other hand, also providing comfort for her. She blushes as the two hold her hands. Eventually though, even they are separated into their own rooms, leaving behind only Wolf.

“And finally, you, Ms. Anderson. Platform 4.” Wither says with a warm smile. He stops and lifts his hand to the door. Wolf looks at it with a confused look, noticing its different size and shape from the others.

“Why is it bigger?” She asks.

“Well, I was informed by Teach that you possess particularly impressive skills and prowess. Combine that with the feat Southpaw saw the day you met, and you end up here.” Wither explains rather poorly. Wolf looks a bit upset, not really accepting that answer.

“And that means?..” She asks with attitude, feeling singled out.

“Teach and I may or may not have decided to give you a special task today.” Wither says playfully. Wolf looks a bit concerned, more for the effort she’ll need to put in than anything else.

“Why am I getting singled out?” Wolf asks as Wither pushes her along into the room.

“Oh, never mind all that. Now get in there!” Wither kicks her in the butt causing her to stumble deeper into the room before the door shuts behind her. She rubs her butt as she pouts a bit.

“What’s with these people? I’m not anything special yet they’re acting as if I am or something.” Wolf says, thinking about the words Professor Nobody had with her just a bit earlier.

“Anderson. A word please.” Nobody says. Wolf stops and looks at him surprised but does as she’s told. The rest of the class leaves as she looks at Nobody.

“Did I do something wrong? Cause if I did, just blame Jigoku and his big ass head.” Wolf says, crossing her arms.

“No, no trouble. Just curiosity.” Nobody says. Wolf looks surprised as he continues. “Earlier as I was explaining the system here at the academy, you seemed disinterested at best. Why is that?” Professor Nobody asks with a calm tone. Wolf realizes she wasn’t paying the closest attention because the topic wasn’t interesting to her.

“Yeah.. sorry about that. I tend not to pay much attention to things that are boring.” She says while rubbing the back of her head. Nobody’s eyes widen just a bit at her response.

“Boring? How so? Are you not interested in becoming an agent of the ASA?” He asks. Wolf thinks for a moment with a pressed look.

“Well… it’s not that exactly…” Wolf says. Nobody doesn’t speak and only listens. “I just… I’m only here to gain the strength to protect the people I love. I don’t really care about the rest.” Wolf says plainly and directly. Despite her answer, Nobody sits in silence for a moment before nodding softly.

“Okay.” He says. Wolf looks surprised.

“Okay? You’re not gonna reprimand me for not paying attention or something?”

“Nope!” He stands up. “I just wanted to be sure.” He says casually. Wolf sweats a bit.

“Sure about what..?” She asks. Nobody smirks at her.

“Go on. Don’t keep them waiting or I’ll bop you one.” Nobody says. Wolf is confused but does as she’s told and leaves the classroom without another word.

“I didn’t do anything special… Why was he acting like that?” Wolf says out loud to herself.

“That’s because you are special.” A woman’s voice says as Wolf jumps a little, looking behind her to see a staff member smiling at her. “I apologize. Your report said your senses are multiple times greater than the average human. I assumed you knew I was here.” The staff member says. Wolf sweats a little.

“Yeah, I was lost in thought, sorry…” Wolf says with a lowered look as the staff member approaches a small counter in the corner of the room. “What exactly do you mean I am special?” Wolf asks as the lady writes something down on a clip board, turning around.

“Just that. You are. All of you. To us, the staff of the academy, we think every student is special and encourage you to reach for that special standard, knowing you can do it.” She says supportively as Wolf looks at her. She steps around Wolf, examining her, running slight diagnostic checks before they begin.

“… You’re just saying that because it’s rehearsed to calm the souls of the new students, right?” Wolf asks as the lady shines a little light in her pupil. The lady steps back with a sweat and an awkward smile.

“Ah… you’re quite the observant one, aren’t you?” She asks as Wolf chuckles a little.

“I guess so. Not that I mind, I just wanted to know if I was right..” Wolf says softly as the lady checks Wolf’s pulse and continues to write something down. She clicks her pen and puts the clipboard down before coming back to Wolf.

“Well, if it means anything, I really do believe it.” She says warmly as Wolf looks surprised. The staff member then checks Wolf’s shoes to make sure they’re properly secured before adjusting her uniform a little. “I wasn’t born with any powers so I’ve never known what it was like to be extraordinary. But I’m okay with that because I get to work in a place where young heroes like yourself get to grow and shine brighter than ever before.” She says as flashes of the others getting the same checkups and talk. Some of them are focused while others are nervous.

“All of you are so young yet you’re putting yourself through this rigorous training to become greater heroes for the sake of normal people like me. It makes me happy to know our future is in such good hands. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be!” She says with a smile to Wolf as her eyes shine, looking at this woman before her. “So give it your all, okay?” The lady says, patting Wolf on the shoulder.

“I.. will..” Wolf says softly. The lady steps towards the door before turning around and smiling at her.

“Alright. Is there anything else you need before we get started? Any belongings you need stored or a bathroom break perhaps?” She offers.

“No, I’m… I’m ready.” Wolf says with determined eyes. The lady nods and exits out the same door they entered before it closes behind her. Wolf stares at the door for a moment before taking in a deep breath and letting it out.

Elsewhere, in a sort of large control deck overlooking the main area of the Reigndome, the staff gathers with Wither at the helm. The lady from Wolf’s room steps in and looks at Wither.

“Platform 4, preparations all clear. She’s ready to go.” She says. Wither smiles and nods at her as she takes a seat.

“Perfect. That’s all of ‘em! Let’s get this thing rolling, shall we?” He asks his team excitedly.

In the platforms, as the students mentally prepare themselves and check themselves out one last time, a voice rings out from speakers in the roofs above the students.

“Hello? Hellooo? Oh, it’s on. Okay, hi, welcome new students to my Reigndome! I hope yall are ready for the test of your lives!” Wither announces happily. Tadashi looks up as he listens, thinking of his professor’s words.

“Professor, what exactly does the Eval Tournament require of us?” Tadashi asks.

“Good question. It’s simple really. Fight and defeat killer robots.” Nobody says casually. The class’s eyes widen.

“Killer robots?!” They all shout in shock. 

In the platform, Tadashi chuckles to himself a bit as he looks ahead, sweating with an anxious smile on his face.

“Guess there’s no holding back anymore.” He says softly but passionately.

Saika stretches in his room as a cat would before shaking it out a bit. He sweats nervously as his hands shake.

“Okay. It’s okay. Just gotta give it my all, nothing else I can do!” Saika says, clenching his fists in determination, trying his best to keep his hands from shaking and his fear down. He then thinks back to class.

“We’re fighting in a dome? Like a big one? What happens if we run into the others while they’re fighting?” He asks.

“Hm, that’s a tough one. I guess you can help each other if you want? Or just stay out of the way? Who knows?” Nobody says, shrugging, not giving it much thought, as Saika sweats.

“So helpful…” He mumbles.

In Phoenix’s room, she looks nervous as she rolls her wrist and cracking her neck a bit. She exhales. 

“Okay, this is the real deal. No more mistakes. I have to make this count!” Phoenix says, trying to build up her confidence. She thinks back to class.

“Professor, even if we get any kind of training beforehand, do you really think it’s safe to put new students in such a dangerous situation? What if someone gets seriously hurt?” Phoenix asks.

“Well, worrying hasn’t ever been one of my strong suits. Want my advice for the Eval Tournament?” Nobody looks at her.

“Yes, anything would be good.” Phoenix answers, desperate for confirmation.

“I’d say, probably best if you all just tried not to die.” Nobody says genuinely as she looks completely lost for words.

Back in her room, she looks up and smiles a nervous, anxious smile.

“This place is actually crazy..” She whispers, sweating.

Outside, on an observation deck, Professor Nobody leans against the railing as Nazuna steps next to him with a sharp smile on her face and her hands behind her back all proper like.

“Professor.” She says.

“Nazuna.” He says back without looking at her.

“I take it you gave our new students the proper amount of education for the tournament?” Nazuna asks.

“Of course. Only the finest of lessons.” Nobody says back.

“And you made sure to stress how light of a test this is, right? So they don’t freak out about it and can stay calm?” Nazuna asks, looking out towards the area before them.

“Oh no, I told them they could totally fail.” Nobody says back casually. Nazuna looks at him, stunned.

“You did what??” She shouts, jumping back, shocked. Teach then approaches the two from behind with a frustrated look.

“I really wish you would be fired already..” Teach says. Nobody smirks at him.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” He asks. Teach keeps his eyes closed while answering.

“Very much, yes.” Teach says. Nazuna then shifts her attention with a smile.

“Teach! Glad you made it!” She says warmly while hugging him.

“They are my students too, after all. How could I miss their first real event?” Teach says as they all stand against the railing, overlooking the large area before them.

“Hey Teach, how’s your cart doing?” Nobody asks with a cocky smirk. Teach gets a vein pop on his head.

“Very motor-less thanks to you!” Teach shouts.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nobody says smugly while looking away as Teach fumes. 

“Boys, would you stop? We’re here for the students, not your petty little prank war.” Nazuna says slightly annoyed. They both look at her in shock.

“Prank war??” Teach says.

“Petty??” Nobody says.

“He started it! I don’t even prank him back!” Teach tries to say but Nazuna just shakes her head. Teach composes himself with a sigh as Nobody pouts.

“I can’t believe you think my pranks are petty…” Nobody mumbles.

“Teach, how do you think they’re gonna do?” Nazuna asks, trying to shift the conversation. Teach calms down and exhales a bit before looking out into the Reigndome.

“I have high expectations for these students. Among them are some of the brightest we’ve seen in years. Not just that, but from the bits I’ve been able to see, they have extraordinary powers. Some I haven’t even seen in ages.” Teach says with proud eyes. Nazuna looks surprised and in awe of the students.

“They must really be something if you’re saying that.” Nazuna says, looking out into the Reigndome. Nobody watches them as they talk before his eyes wander past them and to the group of five students standing down the deck, waiting and watching as well. Nobody’s eyes sharpen ever so subtly.

“Representatives.” He says softly. Teach notices and looks at them.

“Yes, Southpaw wanted me to bring them to observe. He said it would be good for them to critique the performance.” Teach explains.

“Where’s Marcus? I don’t see him.” Nazuna asks. Teach shakes his head.

“Despite my best efforts, I could only find the five in class. Who knows where that boy is.” Teach says with a slightly frustrated tone. Nobody watches them with focused eyes, as if analyzing every detail of the rather extraordinary looking students.

“Give him the title of Strongest Student and of course he’d do whatever he wants. What a joke.” Nobody says with a scoff as he looks away. Nazuna notices his distaste for the Representatives as Teach sighs a bit, not saying another word.

In the control room of the Reigndome, Wither sits in a chair overlooking the room as his staff work the computers and mechanisms running the complex.

“One last check before the greenlight. Everything good?” Wither asks his team.

“Yes, power centers are outputting consistently and steadily.” One staff member says.

“All androids are prepared for drop with steady charge and intelligence interface.” Another says too. Wither smiles excitedly.

“Good. Then let’s get this show on the road!” He says with a smirk. Back over the speakers to the rooms.

“Okay everyone! Prepare your butts because doors are about to open! Do your best and give it your all for the most accurate rating! Oh and number 6, watch out for the tentacles.” Wither says quickly at the end of his sentence. Killian stops retying his shoe as he looks up, shocked.

“What? Tentacles? What?”

“Okay let’s do this!” Wither shouts excitedly, cracking his fingers as a computer countdown begins from 5 over the speakers. Moshiro gives a sharp, determined look. 4. Cole adjusts his glasses. 3. Yoko punches their fists together with an excited smile. 2. Alston tightens her ponytails as she smirks, slight nervousness on her face. 1. Wolf takes a deep breath in.

‘This is it. No more weakness. No more losing control. I will get stronger. I will protect my friends!’ She thinks about her loss to the boar-man in the mall. She thinks about the time she lost control years ago and seeing Alston injured on the ground. She thinks about her friends smiling at her as she opens her eyes with a sharp look, her purple eyes glowing a bit.

“I am Wolf Anderson!” She shouts as a loud buzzer sounds throughout the Reigndome and the large metal gates open up, everyone dashing out as the Eval Tournament begins.