Hiccup was now face-to-face with Nighteye, who was giving him a look as if he was looking into his very soul.
"You can see yourself out, I don't have time for this," he said.
"Sir Nighteye, you may not remember me, but I was roughly 7 years old when we met," said Hiccup.
Nighteye looked at him. "I know exactly who you are Hiccup."
"Then you know that I'm quite as stubborn as my father."
While the two of them were talking Marcario took this opportunity to free Bubble Girl, who was quite relieved that the tickling had stopped.
"Marcario, who is that?" she asked.
"An underclass I met at my school," said Marcario. "He's Skullcrusher's son."
Bubble Girl looked up. "That kid?"
Marcario watched as the two of them taught. 'Man, he hasn't made Sir, but he still holding his ground and it looks like he's making a good first impression.'
Nighteye and sat at his desk and began twiddling his fingers. "Interesting, you want to do work-study here because doing so will make you stronger?"
"Yes, sir," Hiccup nodded.
"We would have to draw up a contract."
Hiccup then began to fumble around with his backpack. "I have one right here."
"Do try not to interrupt me when I'm speaking to you," Nighteye warned.
"Sorry, sir," said Hiccup.
"Once I stamped this document, you will officially become contracted to my agency for a work-study."
"I know, sir."
"You have to understand that will be nothing like the week-long internships that you students take on so casually. You must work here for a minimum of four months and will be paid wages. However, your academic responsibilities will likely suffer due to absence you'll rack up. Which means your classmate will pull ahead of you."
"I understand that, but if I worry about what everyone else is doing never be number one."
Everyone was quiet waiting for Nighteye's to make his decision, and you could feel the tension in the air. He then raised his stamp and then stamped the table.
Hiccup looked at him blankly. "Uh, I think you missed."
"Because I'm not approving this," he said blankly.
"What?" Hiccup stared.
"I understand how working here will be beneficial to you, but what benefit would you bring to my agency? This office is currently run smoothly with two sidekicks and one work-study student already on my employ. So why would I add you on? How can you contribute to society? How can you be useful to others? In order to be acknowledged, you must be able to answer those questions unequivocally. Your father showed his worth using power and determination, he gave hope to those who lived in fear in criminals. That's why the people were happy to acknowledge him."
"You're right," Hiccup admitted. "I need to find out how I can help the world."
Nighteye then rose to his feet. "It's time for you to show me what you would bring to the table, using actions, not words." He then held out his stamp. "Three minutes, you have three minutes to try and take this seal from me. If you want to work as a hero under my guidance, then stand back contract yourself."
Hiccup looked at him. "Come again?"
"I'm saying that I'm giving you a chance." He then turned to Marcario and Bubble Girl. "You two, I want you to wait outside."
"Sir, yes, sir," they nodded.
"Once more with feeling!"
"Sir, yes, sir!" they yelled and saluted.
The two of them then left the office and made their way to the nearest vending machine.
"So did you have to do a practical interview like that?" Bubble Girl asked, looking at Marcario.
He shook his head. "Nah, Sir asked for me specifically, so I don't have to jump through hoops or anything."
"Geez, you really are his golden boy. Must be nice."
Marcario just laughed.
Bubble Girl should go ahead. "I can't believe I'm jealous of a high school Kid."
Marcario looked back at the office. 'This doesn't look good for Hiccup. His future just started looking dark. Up against, Sir power the odds of grim. It's basically going to be impossible to snatch that stamp or even get close.'
"I'll take no offence of measures during this time, and you're welcome to attack me in any manner you desire," said Nighteye as he played with the stamp casually. "Don't be concern yourself about what happens to the room. Just come and get it."
Hiccup grimaced. 'I know all about his power, but I don't have time to strategise. I just have to get that seal and forge my own path to the number one spot.'
Hiccup then allow the power to run through his body and then launched himself at Nighteye.
"An approach from the front, but it's merely a faint and a failed grab," said Nighteye as Hiccup jumped himself into the air he lowered his hand, causing Hiccup to miss the stamp. "And then another jump attack to no avail."
Hiccup had just launched himself off the desk and try to grab it while's back was turned, but once again he lowered his hand and Hiccup missed the stamp.
"I can see everything," said Nighteye.
'I knew it,' Hiccup grimaced and landed on the ground. 'I just keep trying moves…'
He then launched himself at Nighteye as quickly as he could trying to grab the stamp, but he kept on predicting his movements and moved the wage and every single time. Hiccup even tossed his backpack in the air in order to hide his site from Nighteye from moment just so to the stamp. However, Nighteye predicted this long before he did end just simply moved out of the way before he made his move.
"Is that all you got?" Nighteye asked, adjusting his spectacles. "I thought you were trying to prove your usefulness, this is a waste of time."
At the vending machine, Marcario and Bubble Girl could hear the commotion inside the office can only speculate what was going on in there.
"He's really stringing that kid along," said Bubble Girl.
"I know, right," said Marcario as if it differs can drink from the vending machine. 'I can tell from the noises coming out from the office that Sir is being serious. It's really not going to accept Hiccup?'
Hiccup was desperately trying to grab the stamp, but no matter what he did, Nighteye moved out of the way just seconds after he moved.
"One-minute passes and you stop briefly," said Nighteye just as Hiccup stopped his movements. "And appears nervous. Finally understanding that he cannot overcome my foresight."
Hiccup knew that Nighteye had the ability to see the future, but other than that he had no idea what the requirements were.
'Okay, it doesn't matter how many different moves I try one step ahead,' said Hiccup. 'There's got to be a way to slip past him.'
"I had high expectations for you, until now," said Nighteye. "You have the power to become a symbol, but you're mediocre. Meanwhile, villains are getting restless and gloom coming closer. You may be his son, but you're nothing like your father."
"What are you talking about?" said Hiccup.
"Don't get me wrong I respect your father, but so far you're not proving to be his inheritor. How can you succeed him?"
Hiccup just stood there. 'I don't know if I'm worthy enough to replace my father, mean how can someone be that brave that selfless. The only thing I can do is try.'
"You think you have time to stand there frozen or are you just getting tired and running out of ideas?" Nighteye asked. "I was honestly a bit curious why Marcario told me that he was going to bring you here today to introduce you. But it turns out that it was a waste of time, there's a candidate whose file worthy of taking the number one spot as such I cannot acknowledge you."
Hiccup clenched his fist. 'I can't let this shake me, I have to keep trying and prove that I am a hero. I have to keep fighting, surpassed my limits so that he can't react even if he does see me coming. I cannot let him reject me now, not after everything I've been through.'
Hiccup then began jumping around the office as quickly as he could. "I'm going to take that stamp from you, and I will make you acknowledge me!"
Hiccup continued jumping around, trying to find a blind spot. 'Nighteye's power allows you to see into the future. The question is how far into the future. My best bet is to make tons of moves as quickly as I can so that you won't have any time to think. If I leave, now it's like admitting that he is right.'
Hiccup managed to get behind Nighteye and then launched himself at the stamp, but once again he moved his hand just before he could grab the stamp.
"Now you're mimicking your mother's speed," said Nighteye and Hiccup quickly jumped back. "For the next hour, provided the conditions are met, I can see what you'll do and where ever you go. In case you're interested, two minutes from now you'll be slumped on the floor with neither the seal nor the contract."
While he was talking Hiccup kept on trying to get to the stamp, but it was useless.
"You have looked unsure ever since this trial began, with your father must have taught you better than that. Fear and indecision are luxuries a top hero cannot afford. Someone who understands that will always act with vision and purpose. You must have been told this countless times, but now when your training is being put to the test, you choke. You said that you would make me acknowledge you, but the more I see, the more convinced I become that you will ultimately fail."
"He said that I could do it," said Hiccup.
"Who said, one of your little friends?"
Hiccup then launched himself at him. "The greatest hero the world has ever seen!"
Hiccup then skidded across the ground and grabbed the bookshelf. "You did say not to worry about the room, right!"
Hiccup then scattered all the books and papers on the shelf across the room.
'What he said about his power, he said that he could see whatever I do and where ever I go,' said Hiccup. 'Why did he word it that way, what exactly is he seeing? What's going to happen all the actions of a specific target, me? It's time to test my theory. I'll scatter objects at random if I am his sole target in his foresight will be able to read my movements.'
Hiccup then launched himself at Nighteye. 'Nighteye, I'm not giving up now or ever.'
He then suddenly closed his eyes and reached out for the stamp, but Nighteye sidestepped out of the way.
"This doesn't alter what I see," he said.
Hiccup then crashed into the wall and fell onto the ground.
"It's over," said Nighteye.
"No, it's not," said Hiccup.
Nighteye pointed towards the clock. "Three minutes have passed."
"What?" Hiccup stared.
Nighteye shook his head. "You're the son of Skullcrusher. It beggars belief, you devised only a single plan, and it failed spectacularly leaving you worn out."
Hiccup looked at him. "Actually, I only half failed."
He then held out the stamp much to Nighteye's shock, and when he looked at his hand, he saw the stamp was gone. 'I didn't even notice. He must have closed his eyes just before he launched himself, preventing me from seeing his future. He just ran out of time with stamping the contract.'
The door then opened, and Marcario and Bubble Girl returned.
"Que our well-timed return," said Marcario.
"You're done, right, Sir?" Bubble Girl asked. "That loud bang, in the end, sounded pretty final."
Nighteye looked at Marcario. "I'll take the boy, Marcario."
Marcario's face lit up. "That's awesome!"
Hiccup stared at him. "What, but I don't understand? I failed to stamp the contract?"
"I never said that you would be rejected if you failed," said Nighteye.
"Yeah, but…"
"Congrats, Hiccup, you pulled it off," Marcario congratulated.
"I already decided that I would take you on when I heard you were coming," said Nighteye. "I also knew that you weren't entirely lacking in skill and intellect, but I still want to see it for myself. The Symbol of Peace is gone, and the people are not looking for a dim light but rather a dazzling one. You'll work alongside professionals and see, but even though you're Skullcrusher's son, I am going to treat you like a treat anyone else."
He then held out the contract and Hiccup stamped the form.
"I look forward to working with you," said Hiccup.
When Hiccup got back to the dorm, he told everyone else that you got a work placement at Nighteye's Agency, leaving them stunned.
"You found an agency for your work-study, congratulations?" said Fishlegs.
"Indeed, well-done Hiccup," said Speedfist shaking his hand.
"Thanks, guys," Hiccup smiled.
"Thank you, you're an example to us all."
"I don't know how the rest of us are supposed to compete though," said Clueless.
"Yeah, we'll be working at Sir Nighteye's agency that is seriously amazing," said Ragnar.
"And I hear that Marcario recommended you," Dogsbreath added.
"Pretty impressive, man," said Calder.
"Let's just see how it goes he made it clear that he was not going to give me special treatment," said Hiccup.
"The distance between us just keeps getting wider," said Ranger looking at Snotlout. "We've got to catch up and soon."
"Huh," Snotlout huffed.
"I wish I had a place to pick out?" said Fishlegs, "The scores said that Gunhead hasn't had enough interns, so his agency is a no-go."
"I know what you mean, Dagur is out as well," said Heather.
"So is Fourth Kind, he doesn't accept students for Work-Studies," Dogsbreath groaned.
"And Best Jeanist is still in the hospital after the raid, so his agency is out," Ragnar added.
"And like Hiccup, Technora is busy on another mission," said Astrid.
"The teachers sure aren't making it easy for us, rather?" said Tuffnut.
"Thanks to all these requirements ton of agencies are ruled off right off the bat," said Clueless.
"We can't really blame them, unlike the internships we'll be directly involved," Sven pointed out. "So if anything were to go wrong then—"
"The the pros will have to take responsibility for whatever happened," said Eret.
"Oh, hey, Mr Eret," said Clueless.
"Only pros who are the real deal will take on rookies like you guys, knowing the risks involved," said Eret and then he looked at Fishlegs. "Fishlegs looks like you got an offer from one of them… Hawks has invited you to work with him in Atlanta."
Everyone just stared at him openmouthed.
"No way," said Clueless.
"Dude, he's the number three hero," said Tuffnut.
"Wow, good job," said Calder.
"Why does he want me?" Fishlegs asked.
"Don't know, but you can ask if you're interested," said Eret.
Fishlegs looked at the others, and they nodded to encourage him. "I'll take it."
"Then I'll make sure you'll get the paperwork later, just let me know when you're expected in Atlanta, I can sign off on your absences," said Eret.
"Congrats, Fishlegs," said Magnus.
"Still don't know how I got his attention," said Fishlegs rubbing the back of his head.
"We really got to catch up," said Ranger.
"Would you stop saying that?" Snotlout grunted.
Eret then turned his gaze towards Ragnar and Dogsbreath. "Oh, Ragnar… Dogsbreath, apparently Asmund from the Big Three, wants to talk two you to about something."
Everyone then looked at the two of them.
"He wants us?" said Ragnar gesturing to himself and Dogsbreath.
"Astrid and Heather, you got your own Big Three summons from Ase," Eret continued. "You can track them down sometime tomorrow, that's all for now."
"Asmund, that's crazy," said Dogsbreath as Eret left. "I wonder what he wants?"
"Considering that I mean it could be about the Work-Study Program," said Heather.
"That would be too good to be true," said Astrid.
"But we won't find out until tomorrow though," said Ragnar folding his arms.
"Nowhere waiting for that long, I'm going to the third year dorm right now," said Dogsbreath and then grabbed Ragnar as he made his way to the door. "And you're coming with me."
"I don't think I can hold out any longer, let's go with them," said Heather looking at Astrid.
"Yeah," Astrid nodded, and the two girls left as well.
Ranger sighed. "We really really need to—"
"Will you just shut up!" Snotlout yelled.
"Man, I'm so jealous of those guys," said Clueless.
"Guess we just have to work harder," said Tuffnut.
Agnar huffed. "Who cares about Work Studies anyway. First years like us will just get stuck running errands and doing paperwork all day."
"Oh yeah, that would happen to you in your internship," Clueless teased.
"Don't remind me of my disgraceful past!" Agnar groaned.
Everyone burst out laughing.
Hiccup just sat there with apprehensive of tomorrow. 'Tomorrow, I start tomorrow.'
Soon it was the next day and the beginning of Hiccup's Work-Study. He met up with Bubble Girl and Marcario, who was wearing his costume which deemed had a big 1 million printed on the chest, in Nighteye's office.
"We will be doing patrols and surveillance," said Nighteye as he showed them a report book. "We will split up into two teams I will be with Bubble Girl and Marcario you'll be with Hiccup."
"Surveillance?" said Hiccup.
"Nighteye Agency is currently working on a secret investigation," Bubble Girl explained.
"The Dragon Killer Clan is a small crime syndicate," said Nighteye and then pointed the photo in the report. "That is Grimmel, as the young head of the group he's second in command and he has been behaving strangely lately. That plague mask it is his trademark."
"I thought there wasn't much trouble with organised crime these days since the police know who they are and monitor their movements?" Hiccup frowned.
"It's been ever since the big group spoke up, but this Grimmel guy is starting to gather them up together again, though we don't know why," Bubble Girl explained. "The details are unclear, but we do know that he made contact with the League of Villains recently."
Hiccup's eyes widened. "League of Villains?"
"Unfortunately we don't have solid proof linking him to anything criminal yet," said Nighteye regretfully. "Dragon Killer works in a legal grey area that that's close to black, but we can't treat them like villains. Our objective is to trail them and find out what they're up to, be careful not to arise any suspicion."
"Yes, sir!" they saluted.