September had arrived, and with it, the start of a new academic year at Fortress Academy. Students bustled through the halls, laughter and chatter blending with the crisp autumn air. Form 2 was settling in, including Mark Velocida, Ariel, Risa, Light, Heather, and Brandon Silver— all survivors of Iris, all carrying their own burdens.

The principal stood on the stage in the courtyard, her gaze sweeping across the students. “Welcome to a new year,” she began, her voice firm yet warm. “As is tradition, I ask our Student Council President to give a few words. Mark?”

Mark rose from the front of the crowd, stepping up to the podium. His golden blazer gleamed in the sunlight. Calm and composed, he looked over the students, then began.

“Good morning, everyone. Today, we say our goodbyes to our seniors—the people we’ve looked up to, the people who will go on to achieve great things and represent this school. The world is harsh. We lose friends, we lose family. But as our Form 5 graduates step into it, I ask you… make the world better. Thank you.”

The crowd erupted in polite applause, some students nodding solemnly at his words. Later, Ariel approached him quietly. “When you said ‘lose family’…” she began.

Mark met her gaze. “Yes. I spoke from experience,” he said softly.

Classes resumed after the ceremony, but peace didn’t last long. Ariel and Brandon were seated together, laughing quietly. Risa and Light appeared next, recently released from medical care. Light’s eyes widened as he caught sight of Brandon in the distance. A bright beam of light shot forward without warning. Ariel instinctively blocked it and prepared to retaliate—but before she could strike, Mark intervened. He moved with precision, taking her down gently but firmly. Calmly, he guided everyone outside into the courtyard.

“ArieL!” Light shouted, exasperated. “That’s Brandon Silver! Are you crazy?”

Ariel’s eyes narrowed, glancing at Mark. “So what? Last I checked, he hasn’t killed anyone.”

Risa’s voice cut sharply through the tension. “Wake up, girl! He’s using you to get to Mark!”

Ariel shot lightning at Mark. He caught it effortlessly, blocking the strike. “Ariel, you’re Head Girl,” he said firmly. “You can’t be doing this. You’re supposed to be an example.”

The principal appeared at the doorway, summoned by Brandon’s call, looking furious. “Mark! Ariel! Fighting? Both of you are leaders—you cannot be doing this!” She stepped forward. “I’m putting you both on warning. Immediately.”

Ariel’s shoulders sagged slightly as the principal escorted her away, leaving Mark and Brandon standing a short distance apart. Brandon smirked knowingly. Mark’s cold, blank stare met it, unwavering and unreadable.

Later, in her office, the principal spoke to Ariel—not as Head of the school, but as her mother. “I’m not speaking as a principal, or as a hero,” she said softly. “I’m speaking as your mother. Fighting isn’t who you are. Violence isn’t who you are. Mark is a leader—and so are you. Look at all he’s done. He defended you. He made you Head Girl. He has done nothing wrong. Forget the past. Look to the future only.”

Ariel looked down, conflicted, her emotions churning. The world had shifted around her—her trust, her heart, and her sense of duty all in turmoil.

Mark, meanwhile, waited silently, his mind already calculating the next moves. Brandon’s smirk lingered in his memory, a reminder that the games were far from over. And as the courtyard buzzed with the start of a new year, one thing was certain: this Form 2 was going to be unlike any other.