North noticed us approaching and turned with a small smile.
"You're back."
She gestured to the three people standing with her.
"Come here, I'll introduce you."
I slowed my steps, glancing at the guy standing too close to her: Mark Salt.
He was still lingering by her side, his body slightly angled toward her, like he was trying to claim space that wasn't his. I already didn't like him.
North pointed at the girl first.
"This is Sara Winter, my cousin."
I looked at her.
Sara had soft brown eyes and black hair that reached just past her shoulders. Her round, chubby face gave her a friendly look, and at about 5'7", she was slightly shorter than North. Despite her smaller frame, she carried herself with confidence.
Sara gave us a friendly wave. She had the same sharp eyes as North, but her expression was softer.
"Nice to meet you guys. North talked about you a lot."
Steve perked up.
"Oh? Only good things, I hope."
Sara chuckled.
"Mostly."
Then she glanced at me and winked.
"And you've got quite the look going on. After hearing about the top ranker, I was curious to see who it was. I must say, this wasn't what I expected."
I glanced around and, sure enough, everyone else was in uniform. Even North was wearing hers which was mine actually. I was the only one standing there, almost 80% naked.
I smiled at Sara and replied,
"Well, good things are meant to be exposed."
'...Ah, crap. That didn't sound as good as I thought it would.'
North ignored us and motioned to the guy next to her.
"This is Mark Salt."
Mark stood at the same height as North, his short black hair neatly styled, and his black eyes sharp and observant.
His square-shaped face added to his structured, disciplined appearance. He was fit, the tightness of his uniform making sure everyone noticed.
Mark gave a confident smirk and crossed his arms.
"Hi, Billion. It's nice to finally meet you. I've been wanting to ever since the Commander mentioned he increased the difficulty because of you."
'Sure you did.'
I nodded stiffly.
"Right."
North then pointed at the last guy, who looked the most neutral of the three.
"And this is Brad Park."
Brad, on the other hand, was taller than all of us.
Big and broad, he looked like he could crush someone with a single hand. His brown hair was slightly messy, giving him a more laid-back look compared to the other two. His posture was relaxed, but there was no mistaking the strength beneath it.
Brad gave us a nod.
"Hey."
Compared to Mark, he seemed more laid-back, like he wasn't trying to impress anyone.
North turned back to me and Steve.
"And these two are Billion and Steve. I've been fighting alongside them for the past week."
Mark's smirk didn't fade as he glanced me up and down.
"What is your goal running around naked like this Billion?"
I gave him a nod, keeping my expression neutral.
"To grow strong."
He chuckled, the kind of laugh that carried just a hint of condescension.
"Well, you're certainly strong. But strength isn't everything, you know. Back in the capital, we're taught that power without refinement is just wasted potential."
He dusted off an imaginary speck from his sleeve.
"That's why noble families like mine invest in proper training, strategy, and connections. It's what separates warriors from brutes."
Steve tensed beside me, but I didn't react.
I just shrugged.
"Sounds nice."
Mark's smile twitched slightly at my lack of response, but he recovered quickly.
He turned to North.
"You know, North and I go way back. Since the start of our academy days. We've trained together, studied together. Our families have been close for years."
He glanced at me, his eyes gauging my reaction.
"It's funny, I never imagined she'd end up in Unit 02. I always thought she would be fighting along side members of Unit 01."
North just crossed her arms.
"Well, things don't always go as planned."
Mark's smile stiffened, but he kept going.
"Still, it's good to see you. You've always had talent, North. I remember when we used to spar—you were one of the few people who could beat me."
"Mm," North hummed, unimpressed. "And I remember you always dodging when things got too rough."
Steve let out a quiet snort. I bit back a smirk.
Mark chuckled, though his jaw clenched slightly.
"Tactical retreats, North. That's what separates a fighter from a reckless brawler."
He glanced at me again, clearly hoping for some kind of reaction, but I just nodded.
"Right."
Brad, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke up.
"So, are we just going to stand here all day, or are we actually going to talk about something useful?"
Mark huffed a small laugh and shook his head.
"Patience, Brad. I was just getting to know Billion here." He turned to me again. "You know, Ironhart, it's impressive how far you've come. Most people in your position would have struggled without proper training from an early age."
I tilted my head slightly.
"Is that so?"
Mark gave a knowing nod.
"Of course. See, in the capital, we start young—structured training, disciplined guidance, exposure to advanced combat strategies. It's a different level of preparation."
He smiled, but there was something pointed in the way he said it.
"I imagine it must've been… different for you."
I shrugged.
"Yeah, a little different."
Mark seemed to be waiting for me to say more, but I didn't. The silence stretched for a second before he continued.
"Well, at least North has some familiar faces here. We've been through a lot together, after all."
He turned to her with a fond smile.
"Remember our first team exercise at the academy? We got paired up and ended up leading the group. The instructors said we had great synergy."
North nodded, but her face remained unreadable, "Yeah, I remember. It was a long time ago."
Mark chuckled.
"Feels like just yesterday. We always made a good team, didn't we?"
North hummed in response, noncommittal.
I stayed silent, just watching.
Mark was trying to get a reaction out of me—subtly pushing the idea that he and North had history, that they belonged in the same world.
But I wasn't about to play along.
I simply crossed my arms and looked at him.
Finally, North broke the silence.
"So, I was thinking all of us could work together starting tomorrow and take on the Abominations as a team.
We can help each other out, make the best use of our abilities, and level up faster while improving our skills."
I glanced at her, my brows furrowing.
I didn't like that idea.
Mark aside, none of these two were strong enough to fight alongside me. Even Steve and North struggled to keep up, let alone these three.
Mark was level 9, while Sara and Brad were only level 8.
There was no way they'd be able to match my pace. Not even Steve's.
I had originally planned to suggest that Steve and North fight together, they could support each other while I rampaged across the battlefield.
But it looked like things were going to be different now.
Mark took that moment to speak up.
Mark crossed his arms and shook his head.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
North frowned.
"Why not? If we work together, we'll have better chances at handling tougher fights."
Mark sighed as if he was being forced to explain something obvious.
"North, we've been together since the start of the academy. We know how to fight as a unit. Throwing in new people especially ones we've never worked with could mess up our coordination."
He glanced at me and Steve, his expression unreadable.
"Besides, the way they fight is different from us. Too reckless."
I raised an eyebrow wondering.
'When did this Mark bitch saw us fight.'
Mark turned back to North, his voice softer.
"We should stick with what we know. You, me, Sara, and Brad—we've been through everything together. It just makes sense."
North hesitated.
I watched her, feeling something tight in my chest.
She wasn't really considering this, was she?
She looked at me for a second, and I met her gaze, waiting.
I could see something in her gaze, but I wasn't sharp enough to understand such things. So I wanted her to just say whatever was on her mind.
But then she simply nodded.
"Alright. I'll go with you guys."
I exhaled slowly, not even realizing I had been holding my breath.
"Good," Mark said, his smirk returning. "Let's not waste any more time, then."
North gave me a small smile.
"Billion, we'll meet up later, okay?"
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral.
And just like that, she walked away with them.
I stared at her back as they walked away, saying their goodbyes. Mark shot me one last look, smirked, and then left with North.