Of Mystery Men and Cliffs
«»
(Dante POV)
Considering Ciel and Leonard where the two out of four of us that were younger, they had to attend a different class currently. And earlier than we did.
Hehe… Too bad so sad.
I waited outside our dorm room with two metal 10 oz. cup of coffee. Since Ciel and Leo had to start early, they were the first ones to leave. Since I was already up at the time, I was waiting for Inuba to wake up. She took a shower and came back, which then signaled my exit.
And so while I've been waiting, I went and grabbed the two of us coffee with our custom made cups. The metal was colored white, and had a rather cute, nine tailed fox etched in black on both cups.
Thankfully they fill up personal mugs.
For Inuba, I got her a simple mocha, since she likes those a lot. Me? I got this iced latte called "The Widowmaker" latte. At first I was expecting something maybe spicy, because usually anything that has a name like that is spicy. But no, it was actually a sweet surprise. No seriously, it's actually slightly sweet.
The Widowmaker was a sweet and simple thing really. Had the normal makings of a mocha mixed with some liquid Ghirardelli dark chocolate. And I think the other liquid they put in was something cinnamon flavored. Maybe it's called the Widowmaker Latte because the sweetness can kill you?
I only shrugged my shoulders and soon heard the door open, my partner exiting our room.
"Looking good, partner." I complimented.
"H-Huh?! Oh, t-thank you!" she said slamming the door shut.
"Easy on the door there."
"S-Sorry…"
"Here. Got you something to start the day." I said handing her a cup.
"Thank you." She said taking her cup, allowing us to move to our class.
I never thought to take a closer look until now, but Inuba actually looks good in that uniform. Especially with the black stockings that really make her legs look really go-
No no no. Focus. She's your partner. And we have class right now. Besides, I don't think-
"How did you sleep last night, Master?"
"Huh? Oh, I didn't sleep."
"Master…" she said with a serious tone, "Not sleeping is unhealthy for someone your age. You're still a growing boy."
"Boy? Not even. I'm a man." I proudly stated with a hand on my hip, earning a giggle from my partner.
"With your childish antics, I still categorize you as more of a boy than a man, Master." she replied with a coy smile.
Well, that's that then. War has been declared.
I poked her in the side, forcing a silent yelp out of her, and she poked me back, forcing me to let out a strained exhale. But we both knew a poking war would have to wait until next time. We had coffee. Spilling it would be a grave sin none of us would like to commit.
"What were you up to last night if you weren't sleeping?"
"Well, I've been working on a little something something. More of a side project really. Remnant's technology isn't as advanced as in Primordial, but even so, it's working out. Albeit slowly, I'm still making it work."
"What are you working on?"
"That's a secret."
It actually is. It's not something I'd discuss freely. With anyone really. Unless I was bribed. With graham crackers. Maybe.
I meant what I said about technology on Primordial being more advanced though. Instead of focusing our efforts on killing one another around the globe, once the ruling system was remade, we focused more on the problems we faced as a people, as well as the scars we gave our world because of our greed. Well...humanity's greed if I were to be more precise.
So...instead of turning our efforts towards violence, we studied hard and constantly created new technologies or continued improving existing ones. Not exactly a perfect world, but still far better than most.
"Very well then. I hope your secret project goes as planned then. Just...don't get into trouble, please."
"You worry too much." I said taking a sip from my cup, tasting the sweetness of the mix of dark chocolate and cinnamon.
"For good reasons." She stated, her tone growing more serious, "I'm…"
She seemed as though she didn't want to go ahead with what she was about to say. Probably because shed think I'd be angry about. But I've told her many times before that she can speak up at any time about anything. Inuba doesn't have to be afraid to voice her opinion.
"I fear for you at times."
"What do you mean?"
"It's just… Adjusting to everything given what happened… I want to make sure you're fine and comfortable and-"
"Look, with the things happened… They just happened. And they kinda really don't have anything to do with...well, all this. Don't worry about me. I'm fine."
"But Master, there's always someone or something that's willing to do harm, wherever we may be. Even here, there's Grimm and-"
I stopped her there by poking her softly in the forehead, which made her fox ears fold against her head for a few moments.
"You leave all the fighting to me."
I heard her gasp and looked at her to see wide eyes, almost as if she were in disbelief.
"What? Something I said?"
"N-No…" she said softly, looking down towards the ground with what seemed to be a slight bit of disappointment.
I looked at her with confusion, not really understanding her sudden reaction just now. Rather, I couldn't understand why she seemed disappointed. So I just let it be. Mainly because I wouldn't get anymore answers, but also because we reached our destination.
"Here we are." I said opening the door, "After you madame Fox." I said with a bow.
She smiled at me warmly and entered inside, I myself following in after her immediately. But as soon as we did, we were both on guard immediately. Why you ask?
There was a freaking miniature sized Nevermore in the corner of the classroom.
A mini-me Nevermore.
What the hell man?! Is this professor a Grimm Tamer or something?! Seriously!
"Master is that-"
"Yup. Grimm birdie is definitely sitting in the corner."
"But… How… Why-?"
"It's best if we don't question it." I said finding us seats near the midsection of the desk layouts.
"Why is there such an open amount of seats further below?" Asked Inuba as she scanned the lower section.
There was an easy answer to that. One that I felt when I entered the room. HE was here.
"Why do you think?" I replied, nodding my head further down towards the lone figure.
"Niro Ezdeil…"
"Bingo."
"Does he have some sort of reputation? Why is everyone sitting so far away from him?"
"Not a clue. All I've heard is that he isn't exactly the friendly type. Might even be involved in some shady business. You know, girl gossip around the halls."
"Girl gossip?" She asked amusedly.
"What? It's an actual thing."
She only raised an eyebrow at me.
"I'm serious. Besides, you never went to high school, so you wouldn't know."
"True, but...I find it hard to believe girls would gossip this much. Especially in a school."
"Well, part of it's a general label that applies to girls that do like to gossip. It's also something that applies to guys at times, but those are basically rumors and such."
"So..?"
"We're all girl gossipers. IF we play into gossip that is." I replied.
She only smiled at me and shook her head as we returned our attention back down towards Niro, who now apparently had a guest.
Frame that was elegant and smaller in comparison to most girls her age. Black crop top that would expose her pale shoulders if it wasn't hidden beneath a black jacket with sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Not that bulky, so it had to be made of thin material.
The tail of her jacket fell near where her shorts ended, length measuring slightly past them as it lay folded against the bench beneath her. Her shorts were black, fading down to a deep purple before falling further into black tights and similarly colored combat boots. She also wore a white wide scarf delicately around her neck, its ends frayed and wrapped in a style to rest the majority of the soft cloth on her chest. It was an ombre scarf with triangular like ends.
Not bad. The look works for her.
"It seems he has company." noted Inuba.
"Yup."
"Where is the rest of his team?" she asked looking around.
"Maybe the have other classes like Ciel and Leo." I shrugged, noticing a white haired and rather sassy girl down below.
Looked as though she was warning the other girl sitting next to Niro to move away as quick as she could.
"Master?"
"Hmm?"
"Have you heard any bad rumors about him? Mr. Ezdeil I mean."
"Uh… No actually." I honestly answered, "I'm not the type to openly listen to gossip and rumors unless I need to for information. But I'm definitely going to keep my ears open."
He...has my interest. Slightly. That Aura of his… I don't know how or why everyone else can't feel it and only I can. It's...creepy. Slightly intimidating. It was like I was staring at a force of nature condensed into a human body. Whatever it was, it wasn't normal. He wasn't normal.
There's a lot of things I've seen so far in my life. Gods, Angels, Dark Entities, anything and everything almost that can be considered a force of nature outside of human control.
He wasn't a Dark Entity, that's for sure. Otherwise I'd know since we'd resonate slightly. It's how I'm able to sniff out Dark Entities. Same for Angels strangely enough…
Whatever he was, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. Just need to keep close watch and listen carefully.
"Where is the professor?" Asked Inuba, "There's only five more minutes until we're allowed to leave."
"Trying to leave so soon? Careful Inuba, if you start cutting class, you might eventually get a nice tan and start acting like a gyaru."
"I-I would never become that kind of woman!" she said with a deep redness to her cheeks.
I held back my laughter and slightly slammed my palm against the top of the table.
"I know I know!" I said killing off my laughter, "You're way too proper a girl to be like that."
She puffed her cheeks and pouted at me slightly until her attention snapped to someone to my side, that same someone slamming their hand down on the table desk in front of me.
Speaking of tans, I think I know who this hand belongs too.
"I've finally found you!"
Please god no. No.
My head slowly freaked around, shattering all my hopes, dreams and desires when I saw who it was.
Musashi Ryūjinhonō had arrived.
Goddammit…
"Um… Nice to meet you...person I've never seen before…" I awkwardly responded.
"You can't fool me Dante! Leader of team DICL (Dicilius)!"
Oh my god. Please… Just-
"We have a score to settle!" she confidently replied, standing straight up with her hands on her hips.
Huh… Surprisingly she was actually wearing the girls school uniform. Only she didn't have a ribbon and her blouse was...opened up until the center of her chest.
Look away.
"Um, look, Musashi, right?"
"So you do remember me!"
"Yeah, listen, I'm not going to fight you. Or settle a score or whatever."
"I see! So you do not consider me a worthy opponent, is that it?"
"No actually, I just don't want to fight you. At all. Ever. Like never."
"What must I do to prove myself to be an opponent worthy of your skill?"
"Uh, nothing at since I'm not going to fight you. And besides, I'm not that great-"
"You cannot fool me Dante of Team DICL. My eyes never deceive me when determining the worth, power, and skill of an opponent. You're strong. Very strong. And that's all that matters to me when deciding to fight someone. Stopping my sword before giving me the chance to draw was proof enough for me."
Damn… I probably shouldn't have stopped from drawing and ran away. Then again, she probably would have chased me down instead.
"I don't understand. Why is it that you wish to fight him so much? What do you possibly gain?" asked Inuba, whom I could see tensing up to move at any moment.
"Power. You can never grow entirely strong by fighting weaker enemies. You can never always grow stronger from fighting an opponent of equal strength. No… You must seek out those who are stronger and take them down so you can become stronger. You must always seek battle with those who are stronger in order to become stronger yourself. And so...I will continue to seek out those who are strong and challenge them. And I will never stop until I am the strongest."
Great… So she's the kind who really really really likes fighting. And apparently, I'm now on her radar. Great. Just great.
"Look, that's a great reason. Really. It is."
It isn't. It's the worst reason in the world.
"But I don't have any interest in fighting you. Ever."
"Heh! Are you afraid of me?"
"No."
"Are you afraid your reputation might suffer if you were to be defeated by a woman?"
"No. And for the record, I have had my rear handed to me by women before."
I was just about to say Inuba is one of said women, who is the only one that's been constant with her wins against me, but that would've shifted Musashi's focus to her, something I didn't want. So I kept my mouth shut about it.
"Then engage me in battle! Let us cross swords! Even if I may fail against you, I will return to face you again!"
Oh good. Persistent tant too. Just what I needed.
"Alright alright, save it for later Musashi."
I leaned forward to see the new arrival to be none other than Nori Andel, Musashi's teammate, and behind him, his partner, Kaliel Sapphira.
Nori wore the standard male uniform only he didn't wear the tie and had his shirt unbuttoned slightly. Kaliel was the only one who wore the full uniform. The only difference about Kaliel was that this time she was wearing rectangular, azure blue glasses.
Musashi wasn't eager to retreat from her declaration to fight me, but she only gave a huff and sat down next to me, Nori and Kaliel sittng next to her too.
"Sorry about that. Musashi is...well...pushy a bit."
Pushy huh? Gee, I didn't realize that.
"Nice way to describe it." I retorted.
He simply shrugged before leaning back in his seat and extending his arm to me so that it wouldn't be in Musashi's way.
"Nori Andel."
"Dante."
"So we've heard. Hello to you too young miss." He said winking towards Inuba.
For some reason, that made me a bit...twitchy.
"Hello." She said brushing off his wink and greeting him normally.
"And this is my partner, Kaliel Sapphira." Nori added, waving his hand towards her.
"H-Hello…" she greeted back meekly with a soft voice.
I noticed that their leader wasn't with them. She had a distinct presence that could never be missed,
"Your leader in another class?" I asked.
"No. She should be here actually. This is her next class." Said Nori in a confused tone as he looked around, "Oh, there she is."
The five of us looked to the doorway and saw Bailey Lianna stride in...with my brother Leo and Ciel next to her.
Looks like they became friends quickly.
"Yo, what's up everyone?" said Ciel.
For some reason, as soon as Musashi saw Ciel, she immediately forced Nori and Kaliel to move three seats over along with her, an action that all of us found rather strange. That, and she was doing her absolute best to avoid eye contact with Ciel entirely.
I could only imagine what trouble my little sister could have gotten into without my supervision. Ciel sat next to me, Leo next to her, and Bailey in between Musashi and Leo.
"So, how did your guys' class go this morning?"
"Just fine actually." replied Bailey immediately.
"Indeed. A rather simple class. I do worry that Ciel might have had trouble keeping up." My little brother replied with a grin.
"Hey! That is so not true!" She said before turning to me, "I swear it was no biggie. I was paying attention and stuff."
I raised my eyebrow to silently question the statement of my little sister, the troublemaker.
"I so was!"
"Alright, I believe you. Just make sure you keep it up and don't slack off in class." I said nudging her before she nudged back.
"I can attest to that statement myself." Said Bailey leaning forward a bit.
I actually just noticed she was still wearing her blindfold. Huh. So she even wears it as not part of her combat attire. Interesting.
Wait. She just said she can attest to Ciel's statement, right?
"You three had class together?"
"Yep!" Replied my sister as she quickly brought forth her HoloScroll to continue playing a game she left off from.
Surely that had to be a coincidence…
"Teacher still hasn't showed up yet…" noted Nori.
"M-Maybe she's running late..?" spoke Kaliel.
"Maybe…"
I looked further down to see Niro looking up at the doorway in anticipation. I didn't know anything about him really, but it looked like he was actually hoping the professor wouldn't show so he could leave and...go do whatever it is that wonderful individual does. Unfortunately for him, his desire to leave was dashed when the door opened, allowing team JNPR to step in.
And then, our professor stepped in.
She probably had a fun morning, given that she still smelled of alcohol when she passed by me. Gotta give her props for using some minty scents to cover it up.
Out professor for this class was a well-built woman, and average height with waist length dark blue hair, pairing naturally with piercing dark blue eyes, all nestled beneath a black cowboy hat.
You know those types of teachers you read about in like, manga I guess,
or see in anime or just really dramatic tv show where teachers flirt with students? Yeah, I don't think she was above flirting with students. I mean, she was young. Probably in her early twenties. And we weren't that much younger. See a potential pattern forming?
To further add to her attention-drawing style, she wore tight-fitting black leather pants and black leather heeled boots, each reaching the center shins. And as if the pants that showed off her curves really well wasn't enough, she even wore a form-fitting tube top that revealed more than an ample amount of cleavage.
Remember how I said Musashi's budget sarashi was revealing? Yeah, I think she and this professor are first place contenders so far for "revealing tops".
Well, at least she had a shapely, and also very form-fitting, long, black trench coat.
Ezdeil looks a bit frustrated down there… He's probably reconsidering his "western" style approach to clothes. But I'm not one to judge or point fingers or say who can wear what. Will I say something now and then? Yeah. But not today.
Needless to say, she was probably becoming part of most of the boys fantasies in this class. No, not probably. Definitely.
"Hello~"
Her voice was soft and gentle, almost like that of a temptress, but not exactly a temptress. Maybe something on the middle? Does something like that even exist?
"My name is Professor Miralla, but I prefer you just call me by my first name, Caza."
She's...an interesting individual. From what I could sense of her Aura Signature, she was easily a notch above most of us in the room. Then again, there were us few above her. Like myself. Or the King of Edginess down below. But despite, she still had that sense of authority about her that somewhat moved away from the usual strictness of Beacon's rules. It's like they didn't really exist for her.
"Now, as some of you may have known or heard by now," Caza strolled over to her teacher's desk and leaned against its front edge, supporting herself just enough to cross one ankle in front of the other and place her hands softly on the surface at her sides, "this class teaches you how to survive, track, and navigate your way through unfamiliar and dangerous territories. And, additionally, how to engage Grimm you've never encountered before."
Experiment and observe. Draw out their attacks, watch for patterns and sit back. When the opportunity is right, you strike and continue watching for weaknesses.
Don't need to tell me how to do my job.
Looking at the majority of the class, I could see that they were definitely paying attention to the professor. Though, it wasn't likely to what she was saying.
"So," Caza clapped her hands and regarded the classroom in a sweeping gaze, "We're going on a little field trip. Leave your belongings since you won't need them."
She slipped away from her desk and made her way over to the door, turning only to say one more thing as her...Nevermore pet got up as well and made its way across the room.
"Oh, and no stopping by your weapons lockers on the way. It's best you learn this lesson without weapons."
Well...I guess that's that.
I stood up from my seat like everyone else was and made for the door with Inuba and my siblings following close behind. Surprisingly, all of LMKN folowed next to me.
Even moving forward...I couldn't help but feel Ezdeil's Aura Signature creeping up on me from behind, like a ghost lying in wait to strangle its prey. Creepy...but nothing I couldn't handle.
Cliffsides. Yay.
Are we practicing-?
No no, that's dumb.
Either way, Jaune Arc's looking a bit pale. Jitters from being launched during initiation? Very likely
Besides that, I didn't like the way Ezdeil was looking at him like a piece of meat to be dangled down to lions down below. Seriously man, back off already. We get it, you're...powerful or whatever. No need to assert your dominance.
So, our professor took us out to Beacon's cliffside that overlooked the entire Emerald Forest, a small gale of wind rushing up from the from the forest below. Other than that, the cliff we stood on wasn't entirely the largest cliff in the whole wide world, but giving it a quick look over told me that a little stumble off it would very likely kill someone. Jaune Arc for example if a certain edgy person was going to go through with his plan to kick him off the cliffside.
"Now, I'm sure you all had landing strategies during initiation. But, of course, that was with your weapons and equipment." Caza explained.
No, not really. I just...stood I guess? Literally, I positioned myself in a way that made it look like I was standing while flying through the air, then just...plop. My feet found themselves on the floor safe and sound.
"Your first assignment of my class is to survive this fall, but without any assistance from external mechanisms. You are only allowed to use your body and your Aura. Any violation of that rule will result in an immediate failure of the task for the day."
Oh~! A challenge! This'll be fun.
"Is anyone here feeling confident enough to give us a demonstration of what I expect of you?"
I wonder...
"Nobody? How about...you. Mister Dante, would you care to be our demonstration?"
Would she even allow it?
"Master…"
No… I don't think so… Still I should-
"Master!" said Inuba in a raised but still hushed tone, elbowing me in the side.
"Huh?"
Looking up, I saw everyone staring at me.
But then I looked to Inuba, who nodded towards the professor that was waiting on me.
Oh. Did she call on me?
Without saying another word I took steps forward to the cliffside, thinking I should maybe ask my question. Even with that in mind, I couldn't help feeling a certain someone was cursing me to fall to my immediate demise.
Might as well ask I guess.
"Uh, so we can use nothing but our body and Aura, right?" I asked, standing at the edge and gazing down the outcrop below.
Still pretty steep… Even I get a bit uncomfortable standing over cliffs
"That is correct." Caza replied, crossing her arms as she watched.
She's probably thinking that I'm thinking of chickening out. But that wasn't my intention at all.
"Well, Aura isn't exactly necessary is it? Would I be breaking the rules going without it?"
I could hear everyone gasping behind me like I was mental for even suggesting that. Was it that unheard of?
Crap.
I slapped a hand over my forehead, not believing I simply forgot a basic thing like that. Of course humans can't jump off cliffs like this one and expect to be fine, especially without using Aura.
"Without Aur? I won't allow you to potentially kill yourself, Mister Dante, if that's what you're asking for." Caza replied, fixing me a critical gaze.
"Sorry professor, I didn't mean it like that. I know I can handle the drop, which is why I asked if I can do it without Aura." I explained, taking a step back as he glanced at our professor.
"Is that guy insane?"
"He's got to be if he thinks he can drop from this high."
"That or he isn't human or whatever."
Well, you aren't wrong about that whoever you are...
"Very well, I expect you to be successful then."
Our professor gestured to the cliffside as that pet Nevermore clawed his way over to the cliff's edge.
Safety net maybe? Not that I actually need one, but… Could that bird actually carry me up? I'm curious now...
Well, here goes nothing.
I took a single step off the cliff and let gravity do the rest as I dropped down, feeling the wind rushing past my face. There was one thing I did miss from my old powers.
Flying.
Graceful and epic freedom… Just some nice parts to flying. If you think about it, this kinda counts, but back then I actually had control of where I went and how I flew.
The past is the past. Can't do much about it.
I noticed I was approaching ground level quickly and flipped once to orient my feet to the floor, making a soft landing on the floor.
That wasn't so bad.
"First student passes with flying colors. Nicely done!" called out ms. Miralla from up above.
I only gave her a thumbs up and a smile, finding a rock to sit down on while waiting for the others to drop. Hopefully I gave the others a bit more confidence to jump down now. Aura included of course.
"Anyone willing to follow up the demonstration?" Caza asked, turning to the class once more.
One by one I watched everyone follow after, Inuba, my brother and sister being the next few before everyone else.
It was interesting watching everyone use their Aura on their way down, different colors and all that. It was like watching the elements moving in fluid motion in so many different colors. Like Bailey with her grey color Aura that looked like wind. Or Nori, whose blood red Aura ironically formed almost like a smooth sheet of metal to ease his fall.
"Man, you must be made of sterner stuff if you can handle falls like that without using Aura. What's your secret?" asked Nori as he sat next to me.
"Good food and exercise." I replied with a coy smile, not keen on revealing my secret to him so soon.
"Ah come on man, not even a serious answer?" he replied with disappointment.
"Not kidding. My partner's food is magic-like. I wouldn't be surprised if it's reinforced my body drastically."
I seriously wouldnt be shrouded if that's the case...
"No kidding? Speaking of which… Your partner is a kitsune right? Like the ones of old with super powerful magic, right?"
"Huh? Kitsune and fox Faunus are different?"
"Yeah man. Fox Faunus are just that. Kitsune are sort of mythical in the sense that they're a really rare find. But what really sets them apart is a Kitsune's ability to use magic. There's even legends out there that they're apparently stronger than the four maidens."
"Four maidens?"
"Man, how up to speed are you on myths surrounding Remnant?"
Now that you mention it…
"Not very." I replied, "Haven't had the time. Been doing what I can to get here into Beacon."
"No kidding… Getting accepted isn't the easiest thing in the world. But when you set your mind to it, it isn't entirely the hardest either."
"Optimistic myth-man Nori."
"Please tell me that isn't my nickname from now on."
"Relax, I'm not that kind of person." I said waving off his worries.
"Thank goodness…"
Nori Andel… Don't know much about him either besides that he's the only guy in LMKN. Obviously an optimist.
"How's living with the rest of them? Your team I mean?" I asked him.
"It's good. Bailey's...well...quiet. Not a big talker, but she does say what she needs to. But pretty much that. Musashi's...well...she's an interesting character."
"I noticed given that she's about ready to take on the whole wide world." I replied.
He only laughed a bit before given me more of a rundown.
"Well, if you want to be the strongest, you have to start from somewhere. Apparently we're the starting point."
"She try picking a fight with you?"
"Yeah, but I went down quick."
"You say that as if you didn't put in enough effort."
"Of course I didn't man. I don't want future rematches against her anytime soon. Especially with how hard she hits with her fists alone."
Interesting… She used her bare fists against him. Yet with me, she was about ready to draw her sword. Just how dangerous are you Musashi?
"Good thing I turned her down…"
"Yeah man, it probably wouldn't be the best of times. She's a really tough customer… So...what's the deal with the cowboy uptop?"
"Niro Ezdeil?"
"Yeah, anything on him?"
"Nothing so far. Other than he gives me the Creeps a bit. Not from his actions or anything, just-"
"His Aura, right?"
Well this is surprising… Does he..?
"You too then..?" I asked calmly.
"You've been getting a weird feeling from his Aura too?"
"Yeah. But whenever I asked anyone else, he just seemed normal to them. As if-"
"Nothing was wrong…"
"Yeah…" I replied softly.
"Heh, maybe we're special that way?"
"No way. Doomed if anything."
"Wha-?!"
Nori seemed surprised by my statement given he raised up his hands with shock.
"N-Now I really never want to get into a fight with him…"
"I don't think he's like Musashi in the sense he'll seek you out to fight him. I'm guessing he's more of the type that if you give him a reason to, he'll definitely bring the fight to you. Best not provoke him."
We both looked up to hear the screaming of someone from above, seeing that it was Jaune Arc who was falling now. Looking even further, I saw "who" it was that kicked him off the cliff.
That bastard actually did it…
Fortunately, we didn't have to make a move, and neither did professor Miralla up above. We saw a student from where we were outstretch her hand, and just like that, Jaune Arc's descent was instantly halted a few feet from the floor.
Pyrrha Nikos had saved the blonde knight in blue denim.
Speaking of, she's actually pretty good when it comes to fighting. Well, pretty good is underplaying it. Scary good is what I should have said at first. For a human at least.
So young, and yet so competent and strong. But she has to be. This world isn't an easy one. It's harsh. And it's filled with all sorts of terrors that humans from my world would shrink away from at first...before turning the tide and facing them head on. Unlike the humans from my world, the people of Remnant have struggled to survive since the very beginning. And to this day, that struggle continues.
Like Pyrrha Nikos, humanity and Faunus kind here on Remnant have to be strong. There's no other choice really. It's either that...or annihilation.
That's IF we don't turn on each other in the long run.
Seriously… I had my theories that the guy was a jerk. But kicking someone off a cliff? I'll admit, Jaune Arc isn't the most impressive of people, for now anyway, but that doesn't really warrant that kind of behavior towards him. Yeah, you might think it could be help by making him stronger in the long run, but that kind of thing can also backfire if you push too much. And I have a feeling you're the type who doesn't care. It's one way or the other with you,
"Man, that guy's a dick." said Ciel as she approached with my brother, Inuba, and the rest of LMKN.
Though for some reason, Musashi seemed...flustered. Tremendously. One second she's all "Fight me!", and now she's acting more like a girl? What is up with this one?
"You saw?" I asked.
"Yes. I find Niro Ezdeil's action towards Jaune Arc...regrettable." Commented Bailey.
"Even I would never do something as abhorrent as picking on those weaker than me…" added Musashi.
That's because you're too busy trying to pick fights with those stronger than you…
I let out a sigh and looked up towards the sky, past the students and past Ezdeil and professor Miralla. Wasn't too sunny, slightly cloudy, but still a few rays had managed to peek through.
"Yo, big brother. Six o'clock."
Don't need to tell me.
I heard the growl of a Beowolf and leaned backwards slightly to grab hold of the creature's head before I flipped it over my body, slammed it into the ground, and crushed its skull with my heel, killing it instantly.
"Seems we have uninvited guests…" I said standing up and turning to face the forest, watching as Beowolves slowly crept out from the forest.
I guess it's time to-
Huh..?
I turned around the same time Nori did as we both watched Ezdeil take a step off the ledge, then...reappear immediately on the ground floor.
I doubt Nori saw it...but I saw it all. Niro Ezdeil had condensed his Aura and...forced himself to break the sound barrier with his fall… Not only that...but with the force he landed with, the whole forest floor for miles had been cracked.
For me, time seemingly moved slowly during the whole thing. It's why I could see Niro and could feel he had forcefully broken the sound barrier quicker than any jet or vehicle ever could. Not only that, but he landed on the floor with the explosive force of an orbital bombarded, literally shattering the ground beneath him. Not only that, but it seemed to cave in.
But just like that, with a flash of crackling lime green Aura, everything had quickly repaired itself. I'd be in awe...if I wasn't more concerned about how in the world he actually did what he did without ripping his body apart. Not only that...but…
I turned my head around slightly to confirm what I felt. No presence of Grimm. For miles on end…
If I had to guess...he dispelled the force from his landing and spread it out through the forest to eliminate any and all Grimm for miles while also MAKING that same wave of force avoid everyone else.
I...don't understand this individual… I've never seen anything like him, nor understood how exactly he did what he did. He virtually just...manipulated everything around him… Gravity, air, earth…
Just what the hell are you exactly that you can do all this and more? He's human. That much I'm sure of. But what power have you been blessed or cursed with to allow you to do all that?
I'll admit… I wasn't all too interested in getting to know you...before now that is. You have my full attention...Niro Ezdeil… And one way or another…I'll figure it out.
"What the hell was that..?" Nori whispered to me, still in disbelief with what he managed to see.
I watched Niro storm off, as if he had just reached his maximum limit for tolerating something that made him angry. Did the professor say something to set him off?
"I have no idea Nori…"
But I intend to find out as quick as possible. A guy like that…he can be a potential threat in the future. And like always, I'd rather be prepared for the worst just in case, rather than be caught with my pants around my ankles.
Expect to see more of me in the future...Niro.
Fairly simple chapter this week. But hey, we see a certain someone becoming a topic of interest recently. What mysteries lie behind the man, the myth, the legend Niro Ezdeil? Well, I already know what those mysteries are practically. But still, mystery enough for you.
Really all I had to say there, so with that...
I highly recommend you all go check out the freaking amazing collab Xera Stark and I are currently working on concerning his story XSRA's Flame. His story overall is absolutely fantastic and is a must read, so I suggest you read from the very start. But, if you're just interested in the awesome collab our two minds put together have created, then mozy on down to chapter 53 of his story for the start. I've said it once and will say it again, you won't want to miss out on this story, and especially this exciting story arc we've created.
Not only that, but check out his other awesome and highly entertaining story Rogue Huntsmen as I mentioned above. It's just pure awesomeness bundled into one story. Trust me, you'll love it. And hey! Go check out HydraFLow's story Lost in Binary! It's equally as awesome and entertaining, definitely worth spending the time reading and enjoying.
Questions? Ask them anytime. I will try to answer without spoiling.
Please remember to review, follow and favorite this story if you really enjoyed it and want to continue seeing more of it. And hey, even tell others about this story! Remember that your support is what helps make this story grow even larger and what helps improve it. With that, I bid you all an excellent week/weekend!
Bye-bye now!
