‘Gary, just how did you manage to make even the rank 1 of this place interested in you?’ Izzy thought as she gulped hard. ‘I asked about what happened at the canteen, but from what I’ve been told, the only one you antagonised was Sty. Is Apollo asking because of the pact that the top rankers made?
‘Was he the one who sent over those twins? No, I doubt it. From the things I’ve heard, he is the type who acts on his own just like he is doing now. Unfortunately, Ian has a point, although I haven’t seen Apollo act, making an enemy of the strongest person in this place isn’t a good idea.’
Apollo continued to do nothing but smile at the duo who looked at him like a pair of frightened bunnies. Ian was looking at Izzy for an answer.
“What exactly do you want to know?” Izzy asked cautiously.
——
After answering all of Apollo's questions, the top ranker simply walked away, even thanking them for the talk. The two breathed out a sigh of relief, while the large student decided to head back to his room. Thankfully, for Izzy and Ian, Apollo’s actions were more friendly than his looks.
The rank one’s room was great in size and included everything anyone could ever wish for, rivalling the suite in a luxury five-star hotel.
A large super king-size mattress, the comfiest sheets, a bathtub and a rainfall shower were just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it was so nice, that his two friends would often come over just to hang out, despite their rooms not being too far off.
When he came in, he found Wu and Snow already playing a game of cards on the table.
“So, did you find what you wanted?” Wu asked, as he looked over his cards, raising the pot.
“Yeah… but it was a bit disappointing,” Apollo answered with a sigh. “Turns out he comes from a Tier-3 town, apparently one that hasn’t any redeeming qualities. The only interesting part about it was that he is backed by a gang.”
“Honestly, what exactly did you expect from someone who wasn’t scouted? If he was worth his salt, he wouldn’t continue being a low ranker. He's probably just acting tough because he’s in a gang.” Snow replied, revealing his cards and winning all the snacks that had been in the middle of the table. The first thing he did was munch on a carrot in delight.
“Haha, looks like your killer instinct is getting dull from you not doing anything.” Snow teased his friend. “Don’t worry, you’re not completely to blame for that, given his confidence he even made a fool out of Sty.”
Apollo laid down on his bed, wondering whether there was some truth in what his friend said, but there was one thing he kept thinking about, something he had overheard from Izzy and Ian’s earlier conversation.
‘She said, she was more scared of him than the twins? From what I’ve seen, she seems to be a smart cookie, so she must have realised that those two had been sent by Sty or another of the top rankers… and there’s also the look in his eyes. If he can actually fake that, he deserves an oscar.’ Apollo thought.
At that moment, there was a light knock at the door. “Come in.”
Opening the door and closing it behind him, they saw that it was just the guy they had mentioned. Immediately, Apollo laid back down on his bed, as he wasn't really interested in what Sty had to say.
“Skip the formalities, alright? That's only for outside this place and when our two families meet. Why did you come to me?” Apollo asked without much enthusiasm.
“Alright.” Sty replied, his voice a little shaky, indicating that he was nervous in the other student’s presence. “I’m here to ask for your permission to deal with the annoying guy. You all heard what that guy said at the canteen. He needs to be taught a lesson before others start thinking they can do the same to us.
“I’m not here asking to break the pact. I agree that it's far more important for us to move onto the next stage and enter the academy, which is why I'm asking if you won’t mind me sending my men to act.”
Hearing this, Apollo actually rose up from his bed, and looked towards Sty. “That’s a far more reasonable request from you than I had expected. Sure, feel free to send out some of your guys.”
Having been granted permission, Sty immediately left the room, though he found the reaction odd. He had been prepared to convince Apollo somehow, only to be given his full blessing.
Of course, he had no way of knowing that the rank 1 student was already looking forward to how the person of his interest would deal with the twins.
——
Gary had gone down to breakfast, but as usual, the food really wasn’t enough to fill him up. His Energy had finally dropped below 150, which had only strengthened his resolve to act today.
‘Should I just go and teach that Sty guy a lesson? No, it might affect Numba if I do that. Unfortunately, it looks like he will have to endure his treatment for four more days. Hmmm, what if I go for Rank 3 instead? If I win that fight, then maybe I’ll have a bit more influence over Sty and can tell him to stop.’
Contemplating this possibility, Gary was ready to leave his room, but just then, a pair of red-headed brothers entered his room. It was already a small place, so they blocked almost all the light coming in.
“Next time, think twice whether you should open your stupid mouth.” The student with the rank 42 mouthed off, as his face started to change and transform, while his brother was doing the same.
Gary looked at the small space he was in, it wasn't the best place to fight, but there was one good point about it. Nobody should be able to see what he was about to do.
“I'm sorry guys… but your red hair and the fact that you’re brothers really piss me off. I’ve been hangry for the last few days and since you came to me, don’t blame me for retaliating.” Gary replied, his eyes starting to turn red.
——
Finally, it was time for lunch. The students flocked in, and Ian went over to sit with Izzy at Gary’s table, so they could enjoy their food together. Numba stood by Sty who had a large smile on his face for some reason.
“Hey… Gary he’s late.” Izzy said. “You don’t think, that someone went after him?”
“I mean, that guy is never late for lunch…it can only be that… do you think that top ranker acted even though he promised he wouldn’t do anything?”
Just then as the two were about to leave the canteen, they saw someone enter through the double doors.
“Phew, he's here.” Ian let out a sigh. “Hey, Gary, we’ve been waiting for you. If you don’t hurry, your soup will get cold.”
Gary just gave him a thumbs up. “I’ll be over in a second.”
The Werewolf took a moment to locate the seat numbered 42, and grabbed the food from there.
‘Finally, a worthy meal!’ He thought to himself, as he stared at the steak, potatoes and extras.
******
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