Shortly after their group meet-up, they all returned to the academy. However, Jasper and Clover left to deal with some personal business shortly after. Now, just August and Zachry remain as they walked toward the quad.

“Back at the library, you said something about a problem closer to home. What do you mean by that?” August asks.

“What do I mean?” Zachry responds, baffled by his question, “Did you think that after disgracing Leo as you did there wouldn’t be consequences?” 

“You got jumped by two of his bootlickers didn’t you?”

“Yeah, and now two of the cruelest and most vindictive persons you’ll ever meet are coming after us. And did I mention that apart from the heirs they’re the strongest in the school?”

“From the moment I’ve set foot in this academy, it’s been heir this, heir that.”

“That’s because you challenged their rule.”

‘I get the feeling this is more about him than it is about me…’

“If their rule over the school is bothering you that much, why don’t you put a stop to it? Or are you too much of a coward?”

Hearing August’s words reminds Zachry of the conversation he had with Valencia about the topic of change. So he asks August the same thing Valencia asked him.

“Might I propose a hypothetical situation?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Let’s say someone challenged the heirs’ rule and defeats them. What next? Do you think they should now be the ruling party?” 

“Yeah, that’s how it usually goes. But speaking from my point of view, I couldn’t care less. I have no interest in politics or whatever you people have going on. The only interest I have is in self and other related matters.”

Just as they arrive at the quad. In the corner of his eye, August sees a young boy getting bullied by two older male students. After getting knocked to the ground. The boy looks up and sees the pair across the quad. August’s eyes meet the boy’s as he recognizes the feeling hidden behind them.

“What do you mean you couldn’t care less? You were the one who challenged them and won. You have a right to uphold the responsibility–”

“How about I explain my philosophy on self-interest another time?” August asks, interrupting Zachry, “But for now I’d like to exercise said philosophy.” He finishes and begins walking away.

“What? What are you talking about?”

Zachry’s question gets answered as he looks at where August is going.

‘Is he going to do what I think he’s going to do? Surely he wouldn’t, given his condition.’

August confidently approaches them as a familiar look appears in his eyes. Confirming Zachry’s suspicion. It doesn’t take long for Zachry to realize and stop him.

“What do you think you're doing in your condition?” Zachry asks him as he grabs his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. Even without the use of aether, I can still take them on, no sweat.”

“Have you learned nothing? This blatant overconfidence of yours is what got you in this condition.”

“Just because you’re right doesn’t mean you’re correct,” August says.

“Wha–”

August doesn’t let him finish as he moves pasts him and within earshot of the bullies.

‘You arrogant brat…!’

“C’mon Jaku. Borrowing money from the mistress and then failing to pay on time isn’t a good look for house Orion. Oh wait, there isn’t a house named Orion anymore.”  One of the older students said as he starts to laugh.

“Then the same can be said for house Fuimaono.” The boy claps back.

“You disrespectful little shit!”

He stomps on the boy’s back repeatedly before being interrupted.

“You there!” August shouts, pretending to be a knight, “I command you to cease this injustice at once!”

“August! August, what are you doing?” Zachry asks.

“I’m playing hero and putting a stop to their reign of terror just like you wanted,” August answers jokingly.

“And who are you supposed to be? His night in shining armor?” The other one asks.

“Blake, you idiot! Are you blind? Don’t you know who that is?” 

“No Jabir, I don’t know who he is. Why should I?” Blake responds lazily.

“Look closely. Red eyes and white hair with a dark skin tone. He’s August Stride.”

‘He’s August Stride? From what I’ve heard I thought he’d be taller and less sickly looking.’ The boy’s first thought as he looked up at August.

“August Stride? No way he’d be that sickly after all he did beat Leo.” Blake says, denying the possibility.

“He’s right you know. I am August Stride.”

“Alright then, if you are who you say you are, what do you want with us?” Blake asks still denying the obvious truth.”

“Well, I’d like to know what you’re doing to my protege?”

“Protege? I’m no ones protege.” The boy lashes out.

“Hah! Your lies betray you, August Stride. But, if you want to help him so badly then pay us what he owes.”

“So what? You’re doing all this just for some spare change? Don’t you have a life?” August asks confused by their reason for beating the poor boy.

“This is our life. Besides we’ve given him ample time to pay us back.” Jabir answers calmly.

“And what is your idea of ample time?”

“The original three weeks he agreed on and the additional two weeks we graciously gave him. And today makes two weeks since the end of the additional time.”

“And he hasn’t paid back a single cent!” Blake shouts as he kicks the boy.

“Well, how much does he owe?”

“By my calculations and the mistress’ interest rates, I’d say around a million credits,” Jabir says with a thieving smirk.

“A million credits?” August says taken aback by the large amount, “That’s a lot of money. A lot of money I don’t feel like handing over to just anyone.”

“Then our discussion ends here.”

“Now hold on. I didn’t say I wasn’t going to pay. I just believe that since it’s such a large sum of money an audience with your mistress is in order.”

“An audience with the mistress herself? That’s highly improbable.”

“I don’t believe Jaku is in any position to pay you but I am. And if you want to get your money back get me an audience with your mistress.” August demands menacingly.

“Alright then so be it. I’ll mention it to her. But I doubt she’ll be very welcoming of your suggestion.” Jabir gives in although not out of fear.

Jabir walks past August followed closely by Blake. The pair make their way down one of the neighboring hallways. Now out of earshot, Blake chastises Jabir for giving into August’s demand.

“What the hell do you you think you’re doing!? The mistress gave us strict orders against having dealings with August Stride!”

“Shut it! Don’t you think I know that?” Jibar says as he turns and looks at August one last time, “Just shut up and follow my lead. Do you want to be a debt collector for the rest of your life? Or do you want to make hundreds of thousands of credits?”

“I dunno man. This seems kinda risky if you ask me.”