A.N. This won't be like the Atlas chapters, as there will be a lot more time skips.

Chapter 81 - Nepotism

A few weeks passed since Rudy got an order from Salem to enroll in Haven Academy. Rudy brought Cinder and Metis with him, and he and Cinder planned on partnering up during the school year.

Metis (who still looked like a child) will stay in a house provided for by Lionheart and do some miscellaneous tasks. Rudy really asked a lot from Lionheart, which also included asking Lionheart to directly enroll him and Cinder and skipping the initiation.

Nepotism for the win.

Rudy and Cinder stood on stage with two other students with Lionheart in front of them.

"From this day forward, you will work together as Team CRSM (Crimson), led by... Cinder Fall!"

Cinder looked surprised at the fact that she was chosen as the leader of the team. When the rest of the students left the auditorium, she quickly cornered Rudy.

"Why? Why did Lionheart make me the leader instead of you?"

"Because I told him to."

Cinder looked shocked. Rudy took the time to properly look at the girl he practically raised as his daughter. Already a grown woman in the eyes of the law, she had reached the same height as him and was beautiful in both appearance and spirit. For the last few years, she had faithfully listened to him during their various missions and jobs Salem had them do. She was similar, yet completely different, to the woman Rudy knew she could have been.

"Cinder. As much as this is a mission, you have to consider the fact that we are actually learning at a Huntsman Academy. The leadership position is not something that the school delegates randomly. As a learning institution, the role of a leader is given to those who need the experience and training to become a more formidable Hunter."

Rudy pressed his hand on Cinder's shoulder and gave her a kind look. It was only moments like this when his true age shown through.

"I want you to grow up into someone amazing. And I don't want to keep holding your hand forever. I already talked to Salem about this, and both of us agreed that... you will lead this mission for the entire duration of our stay here."

Cinder's shocked face almost made Rudy laugh, but he held it in and continued to smile warmly at her.

"Now... it's my turn to take orders from you."