Ranking day a few years ago

Kyro had the top score so far. Level 14, ¾ of the way. The objective was not to kill the bosses, but to gain items. However, Signas knew that in 15, the assignment would change. He noticed some girl rookie studying the placement chart. He smiled. He already had the thing memorized.

1-3= rookie

3-6= f class

6-9= e class

9-12= d class

12-15= c class

15-18= b class

18-21= a class

21-24= special A class

24-27= top class

Signas knew that there were more levels, of course, but the odds of a first-year rookie reaching those levels were pretty hard. The girl was called up, focused, and reached level 4. None of them were supposed to be a rookie again, but it was really hard for the humans, who had to train extra hard.

One did grab a good spot, below Kyro. The human wasn't buff, wasn't exceptionally slim, or fast, but was brilliant and had good hand-eye coordination. He was, however, pretty injured afterward.

Signas sighed, and was called up. No big, right? Just fighting your teachers.

A voice spoke. "Level One. Mission: get the teddy bear." Signas nodded, and jumped as soon as the level started, sensing the huge arms that threatened to crush him into the wall. He ran, dodged over spikes, and entered the big, purple door that was insanely stupid. Wait. The entire thing was insanely stupid.

Shelia greeted him, dressed in full battle armor. She held up her beam saber, and Signas held up his. They met each other's eyes, and began to fight.

"What's going on in there?" X whispered to Chaos, who had been watching. Kyro laughed, as he was standing next to her, trying to goad her into giving him a higher level.

"Signas has reached level nine at an amazing pace. Won't be able to keep it up. Level ten has some nasty bats in it."

Chamberlin nodded, holding one up. "I know. I trained them myself." Kyro jumped instantly as the beast was shoved into his face. Chaos said nothing, but was calm and quiet, like a general should be. X was surprised at it; Chaos often was hyperactive and annoying. But then he remembered that Chaos had been alive for billions of lives, and had probably fought war in a lot of them. Hyperactivity was a cover. It was impossible to see who she really was. It was impossible to find out what she really was. He wondered if she knew who she was.

Kyro's mouth dropped open as Signas passed number 11. "Well… maybe…"

Chaos's eyes moved with disgust in Kyro's direction. The crowd gathered around the door, wondering when Signas would come out, battered and beaten.

The real shock came when Signas moved on to level 15. The group turned to Kyro, except for X, Chamberlin, and Chaos. Kyro's pride was stuck. "No way…" he choked. Chaos made no move for support. An ego like Kyro's was easily bruised, and easily shamed.

Kyro fumed out, knowing there was no way now that he would be better than everyone else.

X wanted to go after him, but Chaos said, "Don't." X turned. "Why?"

"I have seen those kind before. They won't take support, they won't accept those who are better than them at their same level, and they are easily swayed by visions of power. Nothing good will come of him."

Signas emerged only when the computer refused to give him anymore levels. He was at half strength, but could manage to walk flawlessly. He went straight to Chaos, and saluted. She smiled, and returned the salute. The group suddenly knew who was going to be the next leader.

Kyro watched all this outside the window. "One day, Signas," he whispered, "One day, I will have my revenge."