Cassie walked back towards her class, lost in thought as Viara caught up to her quickly.

“Are you okay? You scared me when you jumped down like that,” she asked, concerned.

Cassie sighed. “I’m fine. Just... angry.”

“It wasn’t his fault. Just forgive and forget it,” Viara replied, falling into step beside her.

“Not because of that. He... he dodged my attacks so effortlessly. How?” Cassie explained.

“Well, maybe he’s got some tricks up his sleeve,” Viara said, optimistic as always. “I mean, even the lower-ranked students have some skill. Besides, he only transferred here a few days ago. We don’t know much about him.”

As they walked, Cassie's mind drifted back to the moment he stared directly into her eyes.
“That facial expression. It felt just like every one of her victims described,” she thought.

She suddenly turned around and walked the other way.
“You go back to class. I’ll be right back.”

“Wait, where are you going?” Viara asked. “Classes are starting.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t take too long,” Cassie replied as she walked away fast towards the data center.

Viara couldn’t help but return to class, though she was concerned about what Cassie was up to.

Soon, lunchtime approached. At the rooftop of the academy building, Zen stood, leaning forward against the railing, enjoying the breeze as he sipped a chocolate milkshake while gazing down at the school field.

Some students were gathered in a group, sharing homemade lunches, but most of the rooftop was empty, even during lunch.

Madoka arrived without wasting too much time. She stopped beside Zen by the railing, finally getting a moment to talk. She glanced around, ensuring no one was close by, before asking, “So, what brings you back to school?”

Zen took another sip of his milkshake before replying in a calm, low voice, “Mandatory cooldown period. Commander Stelle ordered me to take a break before redeployment.”

Madoka smirked, unimpressed. “Figured as much. You’re not the type to willingly return to basics. Must be frustrating for someone of your caliber to act... mediocre. It’s painfully convincing, though.”

She finally looked at Zen, properly this time since morning, noticing the changes in his appearance. “You changed your hair and eye color, too?”

“No, it’s just the camouflage function of my gear.” He showed her his left hand with the black, fingerless glove that had “A-02” written on its back in silver metallic print.

“It allows me to change some biological traits. I changed my hair and eye color to white and brown. Good enough to keep me from getting recognized too easily,” Zen explained as he took another sip of his drink.

She observed his hand. “A-02? That isn’t your gear, is it?”

“It is mine, but for more discreet use. Dr. Frank modified a gear from the Alpha series and gave me a more customized version,” Zen replied. “This is Alpha version two. It’s a second-generation model, unlike my primary gear, Protocol-4.”

She smirked. “Must be nice, having two separate custom gears made exclusively for you… completely free of charge.”

Zen looked up at the sky and thought for a second, “I wouldn’t deny it when you put it like that, but it’s out of necessity. Protocol is a widely recognizable figure to civilians and criminals alike. If that identity were exposed, every criminal faction in this city would come for me.”

“This place would turn into a warzone overnight,” Madoka said while staring at the school field.

“By the way, when exactly did you transfer here?” she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Like… three or four days ago,” he replied.

Madoka’s eyes narrowed with disappointment at Zen’s words. “Three days... yet you didn’t bother to contact me or meet me. What kind of brother are you that I only hear about a transfer student sharing my surname from my instructor, and not from you?”

She exhaled as if trying to calm a storm inside her. “So, how long do you plan to stay hidden?”

“I’m not necessarily hiding. More like trying to avoid attention. I just want some peace.” Zen replied as he finished his drink.

Right then, Cassie arrived at the rooftop, her presence immediately demanding attention. It was pretty clear she was looking for something... or a certain someone.

She noticed Madoka and Zen standing together. “Madoka Fuyukawa. Didn’t expect to see you consorting with a... lesser student.”

Zen looked at Madoka. “You should get going.”

Madoka raised an eyebrow at him, “Is that an order, bro?”

She scoffed. “Fine, I’ll comply this time.”

She walked by Cassie without making eye contact and walked away back down the stairs without hesitation, leaving the two alone.

“I find it hard to believe that someone like you is related to a skilled warrior like her,” Cassie said, curious.

“We’re step-siblings. I was adopted,” Zen replied as he steadied up from the railing while throwing the empty juice box in the trash can.

“No wonder,” Cassie scoffed with a piercing gaze.

“We’re close regardless,” he said as he walked by Cassie.

Cassie’s eyes narrowed slightly. “How interesting. An F-rank with the confidence to walk away from royalty. I don’t recall dismissing you, Zen Fuyukawa.”

Zen rolled his eyes, unimpressed. “Jeez, this is a school, not your palace. Do I really need permission to walk back to class now?”

“Sure, run along then. I look forward to tomorrow’s combat demonstration. I’ve requested you as my sparring partner. The instructors were... amused by my choice. See you at the school arena tomorrow after the second period,” Cassie said with a triumphant grin.

Zen stopped at Cassie’s words and glanced back at her.
“Why are you wasting your time on me?”

Cassie chuckled as she continued, “You see, I’ve studied the combat profile of a lot of students in this academy, including many F-ranks. Most F-ranks have consistent histories of failure. Yet you... Your records only began recently. Almost as if it were... forged. Convenient, isn’t it?” Cassie smiled with satisfaction, knowing she was getting under his skin.

Zen sighed yet stayed calm, stoic as ever. “And? What do you want from me?”

Cassie narrowed her eyes mockingly, grinning. “Nothing too much. Just wondering how you dodged my attacks so fluently while being a slacker. You’re not getting away with it until I get answers.”

Zen stared at her for a few seconds before turning back to the stairs.

“Sure, I’ll be there. Whatever pleases you.”

He walked down the stairs, heading back to class, completely unfazed. His agreeing to the duel so easily couldn’t help but make Cassie feel more intrigued to find out what was truly going on. She laid down a very clever trap, and Zen was aware of it.

Zen returned to class and sat down at his desk by the window, staring outside, lost in thought.

After a minute, Finn sat down at his desk. He could practically feel Zen’s mood.

“You look like the cafeteria just ran out of milkshake,” Finn whispered. “You okay, dude?”

“…remember what happened this morning?” Zen asked calmly.

“…yeah?” Finn replied, curiosity piqued. “She asked me where you were earlier.”

Zen raised an eyebrow, unsurprised. “And you told her?”

“Yeah,” Finn replied. “I thought, maybe she wanted to apologize for that misunderstanding.”

Zen sighed. “Solheim requested me as a sparring partner in a demo match.”

“What?” Finn blinked, caught off guard.

Zen propped his chin on one hand. “You heard me.”

“Oh… that’s concerning. Why not just refuse?” Finn asked.

“Do you think she’ll let me be at peace if I refuse?” Zen said while gazing outside.
“Better to play along.”

“Are you sure? You struggle a lot with holding back,” Finn whispered.Zen exhaled. “You’re not wrong.”

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunchtime and the start of the next period. Finn gave him a mock salute before turning back to his desk.

Zen could only sit at his desk and wonder if his peaceful days were coming to an end so soon. Tomorrow might just be an interesting day.