Well shit, my procrastination and ADHD took a turn for the worse these past three weeks. Apologies for that, I'll try to limit weeks without posting an update to only 1 or 2 weeks.

Chapter 10: Classes, Combat and Crimes

"Are you sure you don't need help?" Jaune asked nervously with his sword and shield at the ready.

"Yeah," With closed eyes, Gin stood in a side stance where his right foot was at the front. His left hand hung freely while his right held Steel Seer forward in a reverse grip with the tip towards the ground.

"This is personal between me and his kind," The Swordsman grinned at the approaching Ursa.

Jaune twisted his lips. "Okay, look man. I'm not trying to put you down or anything but Ursai hit really fucking hard. A single claw strike might be more dangerous than a Beowolf bite."

"I know, I know. We fought one together, idiot." He huffed, "If it'll get you to shut up, then you can rush in and help if I get injured."

"… Alright," Jaune took on a resolved expression and tensed his body, prepared to spring forth at a moment's notice.

"Hmph." Gin focused all his attention on the Ursa that was now right in front of him. The monster rose on its hind legs and roared.

He answered its challenge with a grin.

Minutes later, Gin fell on one knee with his other one supporting his sword arm. He panted for a few seconds before gaining control of his breathing and long silver eyelashes parted to reveal light-red eyes that gazed ahead without focus.

A light chuckle followed as he smirked at the dead Ursa before him. Though, it was still technically in one piece, there were various cuts adorning its jet-black body as it dissipated into the air.

"Nice work man," Jaune came to him while sheathing his sword into his shield. He held out a hand for him.

"I regret saying you could step in if I got hurt," Gin took the offered hand and got up. "I knew you would do that if I spilt even a single drop of blood. So I had to fight extra carefully and limit myself," He sheathed his sword after giving it a twirl.

Jaune scratched his cheek and looked away.

"I'd be mad at you if you were anyone else. But I know you're the last one who'd pity me for anything," said Gin with a wry smile.

Jaune turned back to him before he smiled back.

"Yeah, why would I pity a dick like you? I'm the one who should be getting pitied for putting up with your dumb ass."

"Damn. So, I'm a dick with an ass that's dumb." Gin shrugged, "Not a bad combination, I suppose."

They shared a laugh with each other.

However, they were interrupted when they heard the sound of another Grimm. And it was another Ursa too.

"Let me take this one," Jaune drew his sword and approached the monster.

"May the Brother Gods be with ya," Gin threw him a thumbs up and activated his Aura Realm.

Unlike the other one, this Ursa didn't bother to try and intimidate its opponent. It just pounced in with a snarl and threw its right claw in a slash.

Jaune responded by rushing in without fear. He bashed the claw away and used the force of the bash to steer to the right so that he could lunge his sword up under the Ursa's neck while evading the monster. He didn't pull his sword out in time so it got stuck and he lost his sword. But that didn't matter at the moment since the Grimm died when it fell to the ground with a loud thump.

. . .

"You forgot to struggle, asshole!" An irritated Gin complained loudly.

Jaune just shrugged his hands and moved on to get his sword back.

Gin released a sigh and shook his head.

[Gin, you've received a text from Little Rose,] Rin reported. [Should I read it for you?]

"Hmm?" He raised a brow. Taking his Scroll out, Gin concentrated Aura on his eyes and looked at the message.

A brow was raised before a smile soon followed.

/-/

Ruby and her teammate - Blake - strode into the classroom for the subject, Legends of Remnant. They wore the female version of Beacon's uniform where some differences were red plaid skirts, stockings of various lengths, a brown jacket with a tan vest and a red ribbon tied at the collar. Though it seems Ruby decided to modify her uniform a bit by wearing her red cape over it.

"Gin!" Ruby hollered as she spotted a certain silver-haired boy.

From his seat at the corner of one of the benches, Gin noticed her and nodded with a smile.

Ruby came over while pulling her teammate with her. "Can we sit next to you?" The younger girl asked.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure," He shifted to the side so that they could move inside. "I'm not handing over the corner seat though," He added with a grin.

"Sure," Ruby giggled. "And thanks," She let Blake go in first. Then she scooted in and put down her books and tools.

"Oh right. Blake, Gin. Gin, Blake," Ruby introduced while moving her hands back and forth.

"Suzume," Gin added with a partial bow from his seat. "A pleasure."

"Belladonna," Blake reciprocated with a nod. "Nice to meet you."

"So, you girls aren't late today, huh?" Gin noted.

"Yeah," said Ruby, looking a little embarrassed. "Yesterday was just a mistake."

"Oh?" Gin smiled, "And I thought you girls just wanted to be fashionably late on the first day. Like main characters in a comic about high school or something."

Blake snorted while Ruby blushed with a smile.

"Nooo, it really was just a mistake," Ruby denied.

"I'll take your word for it," Gin conceded with a smile.

"By the way, do you remember my text this morning?" She asked.

"Yeah. And again, I'm glad that you and Weiss made up. I didn't think she would be the one to come to you. I was wrong about her being a complete bitch," said Gin who had been quite surprised to hear that Weiss said she'll be the best teammate ever after telling Ruby that she had the quality to be a leader.

Blake looked slightly scandalised at him while Ruby just snickered, "Yeah, I'm glad that we made up too. And I've decided that I'm going to be more serious and do my best to be a leader now." She emphasised her point by clenching both her fists in front of her.

Gin gave her a sincere smile, "Good. I'm confident that you can do it too."

"Thanks," She replied with a shy smile. "Hey, are your teammates taking Dust class? Yang and Weiss are."

"Yeah, my teammates are too," Gin confirmed. "I don't really care for Dust so I think I'll take that class in my last year or so."

"What? Why? I don't really use Dust that much, except for Dust bullets, but they're really important for a Huntsman, you know."

"I'm a Swordsman before a Huntsman, Ruby. I don't need guns or Dust," Gin claimed and made both girls raise their brows.

"But, but guns are cool," Ruby reasoned.

Gin laughed, "Okay, fair enough. What about you two? Why this class instead of Dust."

"Hehe, I just really like fairy tales and stories," Ruby admitted while scratching her cheek."

"I'm the same," said Blake simply.

"Blake likes reading a lot of books," Ruby added when Blake didn't say anything else. "And I love them too. My sister used to read me stories of heroes and monsters and they were always so fun."

"That sounds wonderful," Gin said sincerely. "My mom and I used to have reading sessions every day back home. She'd narrate books while I listened and we'd have discussions about the story every time."

Ruby's eyes slightly widened.

Then she smiled softly, "That must have been fun."

Gin nodded, "They were." He smirked, "Though, I like reading books by myself too."

"Like Audiobooks?" Blake asked.

"… Damn, I was hoping one of you would ask me how I read," Gin admitted which made the girls smirk.

"We're not dumb, you know," said Ruby while playfully rolling her eyes.

"Right sorry. So yes, Audiobooks. But I can still read normal books too."

"Yeah, you still have your central vision, right?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah. It's really blurry but Aura can help, at least for close distances," said Gin. "Anyway, Blake, what kind of books do you read?"

She looked away. "Usually fantasy and romance. Yeah, I know. Stereotypical girl stuff," She added with a dry tone.

"Hey, I don't care about things like that," Gin shrugged his shoulders. "People should read what they enjoy. That matters more than what other people think."

Yellow eyes returned to him, this time with a slight smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But you're not just saying that because you read romance too are you?" Blake teased.

Gin chuckled, "I'm afraid not. I only read them if they're sub-genres. I do read fantasy though, mainly with action and adventure." He gave a sly grin, "You know, stereotypical boy stuff."

Blake laughed and so did Ruby, who was glad to see them getting along.

"Hey Blake," said Ruby, "I think I saw one of your books before. It was 'Ninjas of Love' I think. Is that a romance?"

Blake's eyes widened.

Gin laughed, "That sounds like a smut."

"It's not," Blake denied, her tone was a little too strong because it made the two look at her strangely. "Um, Ruby was right. It's just a romance, the light-hearted kind."

The two seemed to just accept her words and left it at that which relieved Blake. Though she sincerely hoped that Gin forgot about the title and didn't try to search for it online or something. He said that he wasn't interested in romance so he probably wouldn't. Right?

Yeah, it's definitely smut, Gin thought.

Before they could talk anymore, the professor for this class practically flew into the room. He had messy green hair which was pushed back. He wore a dishevelled white shirt partially tucked into his dark-green pants and its collar raised, showing a slack yellow tie, along with mismatched brown and black shoes. He also has round glasses that appear to be opaque.

"Good morning students! I am Bartholomew Oobleck and I shall be teaching this class," The Professor spoke quickly while basically gliding about with a coffee mug in hand. "And though I may be your Professor, please address me as Dr Oobleck. I didn't earn my PhD for nothing, after all."

Dr Oobleck took a sip of his coffee, "Now, my passion may lie in the histories of Remnant, but legends and stories are a part of it as well and I am fully aware of their significance in our world. Why, I'd even go so far as to say that they are history told through the lens of entertainment. So, for our first lesson, let us begin with the classic, 'The Story of the Seasons' that I'm sure some of you are already familiar with but I shall regale you all again."

Taking a drink of his coffee, the hyperactive and possibly caffeine-addicted Professor told them all the Tale of the Four Maidens.

An old and reclusive man once lived in the mountains by himself. He spent his days cold and uncaring for the rest of the world,

Until one day he is visited by four travelling sisters. The first sister, Winter, understands him and urges him to use his time in solitude to reflect and meditate. The second, Spring, brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalising his garden. The third, Summer, warms the man's heart and convinces him to step outside and embrace the world around him. And the final sister, Fall, begs him to look at all that he has and be thankful for it.

Through their kindness and patience, the old man regains his humanity and in return, he grants the maidens incredible powers, so that they may continue to help others all over the world.

They graciously accept, and promise to share their gifts to the people of Remnant until the end of days.

/-/

"Oh boy, I knew taking this class was a good idea," Ruby gushed as walked through the halls. "I didn't even feel sleepy the entire class, even when Dr Oobleck made us do boring stuff."

Gin sniggered, "Yeah. But analyzing fairy tales and literature, in general, is pretty fun, you know."

"Ehhh?" Ruby shrugged.

"Speaking of fairy tales," Blake began, "Gin, did you know that Ruby wants to become a Huntsmen because she wants to be a storybook hero and save lives?"

"Hey, what the heck?" Ruby complained.

Blake just smiled while thinking, That's what you get for revealing my smut.

"I see," Gin hummed.

"Were it anyone else, I'd have my doubts about that. But something tells me that Ruby is being sincere," He gave her a confident and pleasant smile.

Ruby looked away shyly while joining her arms behind her. "Thanks," She muttered.

"What about you, Gin?" Ruby changed the subject. "Why do you want to be a Huntsman?"

"Tax exemption."

The girls looked at him and both said, "What?"

"In some circumstances, Huntsmen don't have to pay taxes." Gin grinned, "Need I say more?"

Smiles and giggles adorned their faces but it was taken over by outright laughter.

"Gin, that's terrible!" said Ruby in a high-pitched voice.

"The worst reason to aspire to be a Huntsman I've heard yet," said Blake with a dry tone.

"Hey, hey, that's just one of my many reasons," Gin defended. "And the others are even worse."

That got another laugh out of the girls.

Gin joined them with his own light laugh before he suddenly paused.

"... Hey, I have to go do something. I'll see you girls later."

"Huh? Well, okay. See you later Gin," said Ruby while giving a little wave of her hand.

"Bye then," Meanwhile, Blake waved only once.

He nodded, about turned and walked to the opposite path.

The girls then continued their way and met up with the rest of their teammates several seconds later.

"So Ruby, how was class?" Yang asked with a smile.

"It was great! I knew it would be fun and I was right. Me and Blake even sat with Gin and he was really fun to talk to so the class was even better."

Yang's cheerful expression shifted a little, "Gin huh?"

"Yeah, he's really nice and even Blake got along with him," Ruby sent her teammate a grin.

"Not as well as you did since apparently, you two have been texting," Blake teased back with a smirk.

"What the what?" Yang's eyes widened. "My big sister's alarm is ringing like crazy right now!"

Ruby groaned. "It's not like thaaat," She whined. "We're just friends."

"I understand you, Ruby." Weiss sighed, "Why is it that when people of opposite genders get along with each other, people automatically assume romance?"

"Exactly!" Ruby brought her fists close to her chest. "It's so annoying!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Yang easily dismissed it. "So, you're serious when you say you're just friends?"

"Yes," said Ruby with an annoyed look. "I don't see him like that and he doesn't either."

Yang snorted.

"Xiao-Long," Weiss warned with narrowed eyes. "You better not be thinking of making a blind joke."

"Yang!" Ruby shrieked.

"I wasn't going to!" Yang quickly defended herself with raised hands. "I like making puns but c'mon, even I know what things I shouldn't joke about. It was Ruby who had to put it like that."

Ruby pouted and crossed her arms. "I was going to say that Gin felt like a big brother and now I think he would be a better sibling than you."

Yang staggered like she'd just been shot, even doing a heart clutch.

"Whoa," She croaked. "I can't believe I actually prefer you crushing on him over that…"

Ruby tried to not smile but she was failing. Blake and Weiss even laughed as well.

"Damn, I finally got you two to laugh at one of my jokes and it's at my expense." Yang shook her fist at them, "Traitors!"

That made the two laugh harder and it even broke Ruby's dam because she joined them.

Yang huffed before she grinned and started snickering too. A win is a win, she guessed.

/-/

Russel punched his palm with a grin, "Finally, Combat Class."

Team CLGR and some other teams were changing into their combat outfits and getting their equipment in the locker rooms.

"Yeah," said Cardin who lightly swung his mace up before letting it rest on his shoulder. "We'll finally get to see who's the top percent in our year."

"And it's going to be us," Cardin proclaimed with a grin.

Russel laughed, "I like the confidence but that would be Team Ruby or Juniper, yeah?"

Cardin scoffed, "Just because they can handle some Grimm doesn't mean shit. Fighting with people is way different."

"Agreed," said Gin.

"Yeah. And besides, we'll probably be having one on one fights so nobody will have their teammates to save them." Their team leader looked at each of them, "Especially from us."

They laughed at the bold words but none could deny that it fired them up. And so, Team CLGR headed to the amphitheatre with high spirits.

There, they joined up with the rest of the students as some sat on arranged benches before the stage instead of the raised bleachers of the amphitheatre. Glynda Goodwitch stood on the stage, holding a large Scroll in one arm and her crop whip in the other hand.

A mere clearing of her throat was enough to get their silence and command their full attention.

"For our first day of Combat Class," Glynda started, "each and every one of you will get a match so that I may access you all. Which means we will need to take at least two classes worth of time. And yes, as some of you may have already guessed, ranks shall be assigned so as to foster your competitive spirits and encourage improvement. They will be assigned at the end of every month and will be based on overall performances, so you shall have enough chances to prove yourselves. How the matchups are determined will depend on my mood."

"And I shall say this now," Her tone suddenly took on a sharp edge. "I expect absolute discipline from all of you. Excessive force, such as even lightly attacking an opponent who's already had their Aura broken, shall not be excused under any circumstances. Such antics deserve nothing less than zero tolerance," The crack of her crop whip pierced through the air, causing more than one student to gulp.

With her point made, Glynda decided to use a randomiser program on her Scroll for today's matches.

Thus, the fighters were selected,

Weiss Schnee Vs Gin Suzume.

Cardin patted his partner's shoulder, "Represent Team Cigar and show everyone what we're made of, bro."

Russel tapped Gin's chest with a grin, "Aye. And take that rich bitch down from her high horse."

Sky gave Gin a thumbs up, "Brutalise that female and become a Sigma male."

They all stared at Sky for a second before they collectively told him to shut up.

"And don't worry guys," said Gin with a smirk. "A Swordsman like me won't lose to some Fencer," He spoke the last word with a scoff.

"Huh? Aren't Fencers Swordsmen too?" Cardin asked.

Gin guffawed as if Cardin just said something absurd.

"Fighters! Step onto the rest," Glynda commanded. "The rest shall remain where they are until called upon."

And so, Gin and his opponent marched towards the stage from opposite sides.

"Yo, dude," Jaune came to him at the last minute and spoke quickly. "Good luck in there."

Gin grinned, "You're wishing me instead of your crush?"

"Nah, I already wished her first."

His expression turned flat. "Yeah, well good. She'll need it a lot more than me," With that bold statement, Gin resumed his march to his match while tucking Steel Seer in his sash.

As he got onto the stairs, he let his haori drop from his shoulders so he could tie it on his hip and brandish his muscular arms along with the scar on his right bicep.

Closing his light red eyes, Gin drew his sword in a reverse grip as he stood a couple of steps away from Weiss who stood calm and ready with her rapier already drawn.

Aura Realm

The two people on the stage shivered and they looked at Gin who cracked his left shoulder with his right hand and deactivated his Realm after he finished surveying the stage.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Yang's lilac eyes turned red for a split second. Then they narrowed suspiciously at the silver-haired boy.

Shaking off that weird feeling, Glynda started reciting the standard rules of combat involving Aura. When she was done, the other lights in the amphitheatre switched off and only the stage was illuminated, giving the fighters the illusion that only they existed.

Miss Goodwitch raised a hand in preparation to bring it down and start the match.

Both fighters got into their stances.

Gin flexed his offhand, opening and closing it as if trying to grasp something. It was something that did not escape Weiss's notice.

Glynda's hand fell, cutting through the air as she leapt back.

Just as Gin leapt forward, with his left arm up like a shield and his sword at the back.

Weiss thrust her rapier and was fast enough to hit Gin 3 times but he let his Aura tank the blows and gritted his teeth through the pain.

Weiss moved to the side but Gin followed. When he got close enough, Steel Seer attacked and was met by Myrtenaster in a block.

Just as Gin planned, he grabbed the rapier by the blade with his offhand. Aura assisted his grip as he pulled the rapier down and flipped his katana into a regular one-handed grip.

With a victorious grin, he drew his sword arm up in preparation for a powerful—

Gin's expression morphed into surprise as he sensed Aura building up beneath his feet and behind Weiss as well.

Then he realised that the buildup of Aura was because Glyphs were about to take form. Schnee's Semblance.

Aura Ripple

Gin immediately jumped back and in his panic, he used his Ripple on his feet to launch himself too high into the air.

Myrtenaster's chamber rotated as Weiss pulled the rapier back near her face in preparation for a thrust attack. The white Glyph under Gin had disappeared but the one behind her turned black and it launched Weiss forward like an arrow.

Right at Gin who was just about to land.

She stabbed his free-falling gut and used Wind Dust at the same time to create a great gust on impact. This led to Gin flying back from the Dust-enhanced attack, far enough that he crashed into a wall.

He slid down the wall but he landed on his feet with a grunt.

The lights turned back on, announcing the end of the match that lasted less than 10 seconds.

Long silver eyelashes opened and blinked as Gin realised that he landed outside the stage.

Despite themselves, the rest of Team CLGR laughed.

But Jaune laughed harder than all of them combined.

Even when Pyrrha slapped his arm, incredulous at how he was being, Jaune didn't stop and instead keeled over while clutching his gut.

The combination of the laughter and Gin's current situation made his eyes twitch.

That was such bullshit, He thought with his teeth grinding. I would have— No. I lost. I need to accept that with dignity. Anything less is beneath me.

Taking a deep breath with his eyes closed again, Gin calmed himself and stood straight. Besides, it doesn't matter. I would have easily won with my own superior Semblance. Schnee is lucky I can't afford to use it. Gin reassured himself with those words in his mind.

Then he made a startled noise because he suddenly floated back onto the stage.

The cause was Miss Goodwitch's Semblance, Telekinesis. Using her whip like a wand, she gently set Gin back down so he could stand.

"Mr Suzume," Glynda started, "although you charged in with a plan, it was a poor one that was no different from brute forcing your way through a problem. More often than not, simple plans are the ones that tend to fail. You did well in evading Miss Schnee's Semblance beneath you, but you overextended in your panic."

Guiding the blade with his off-hand, Gin sheathed his sword and gave a partial bow. "I thank you for your advice, Miss Goodwitch. I will endeavour to do better."

Glynda looked slightly surprised for a second before nodding, "Good." She turned to Weiss, "Miss Schnee, you were able to win quickly through the use of calm counters and spatial awareness. Well done."

Weiss stood straighter at the praise and smiled widely. "Thank you, Miss Goodwitch. Attempting to grab my rapier is a common tactic that I've faced before. So, my Glyphs were planned in advance as traps. Though I admit that I didn't expect Suzume," She nodded at him, "to be able to dodge the one under him. But his high jump achieved a similar effect which allowed my plan to follow through."

She didn't even ask, stupid, Gin thought with a neutral face.

Glynda merely nodded and directed them to leave the stage for the next fighters.

"Mr Arc," Glynda looked at Jaune who immediately stopped snickering. "Since you found the match so entertaining, how about you participate in the next one? I'm sure your partner, Miss Nikos, would be willing to join you as your opponent."

Haha! Get fucked shithead, Gin thought with a vindicated grin that he hoped Jaune saw.

When Gin got back to where the rest of his team was, he was greeted with jeers.

"Guess you didn't have what it took to be a Sigma male," said Sky.

"What the fuck, mate? You broke your word to us," said Russel.

"Not a very good representation of our team, man," said Cardin.

"All of you can fuck off," Gin replied without missing a beat. "I'll accept your shit when you win your own matches. Hell, let's bet on it. I'll give a thousand Lien to the winners and the losers can give it to me."

His team accepted his challenge with grins.

/-/

"Welp, guess it's my turn," said Sky as he stood up. "Looks like you're gonna be the only loser in our team, Gin." He smirked, referring to Cardin and Russel who had already won their own matches.

"I wouldn't take Ruby so lightly if I were you," Gin smirked back.

"Yeah, sure," Sky dismissed. "Just know that I'm a true advocate for gender equality so I won't go easy on little girls. And before anyone asks, yes. I DO unironically think beating women up is gender equality. I'm that based," He laughed dramatically and marched towards his match while his teammates just gave him flat looks.

"So oi Gin, you sorta sound like you know Rose," said Russel.

"Yeah, we're friends."

"You fancy her?" Russel asked.

"What?" Gin turned to Russel with an incredulous look. "No. She's two years younger than us, man."

It was Russel's turn to look incredulous. "Ya make that sound like a big deal. It's just two bloody years.

"Yeah, well whatever. I'm not interested in Ruby like that. Honestly, she's more like a little sister than anything."

"So, you wanna smack her and disturb her for no reason?" Russel asked.

Gin rolled his eyes, "Can't you just be a caring brother and role model for your younger siblings?"

"Yeah, you definitely don't have any siblings." Russel paused. "What about cousins and shit?

"Yeah, I have quite a lot of them," said Gin.

"And how do you like them?"

Gin looked away, "… No comment."

"Holy shit," said Cardin whose attention had been on Sky's match the entire time. "He's getting fucking destroyed in there."

Cardin's words were no exaggeration, Sky was indeed getting fucking destroyed on stage by Ruby who was somehow leaving rose petals in her wake. Most likely a product of her Semblance.

Both fighters were using polearms - and Ruby even shot bullets from the tip - yet she wielded her giant scythe with such speed and finesse that it seemed as if she was dancing in a shower of petals. It was a beautiful sight that mesmerised most while also making them wary, for it was a dance that promised death and Sky was her current partner.

Needless to say, the advocate for gender equality was being force-fed humility.

/-/

The next day had passed by without much happening for Gin who spent his time studying, training and hanging with friends. Today had mostly been the same as it was now night-time and Team CLGR was mostly lounging in their room.

"Hey Sky, clean your table after you're done eating," Cardin ordered while he was folding his clothes on his bed. "We're all sharing this room so we all have to do our part and keep it tidy."

"Roger that," Sky droned from where he was eating snacks and playing video games on his holographic laptop.

"Bloody hell. You're so lucky that you get to do homework digitally, Gin," Russel whined from his table where he was writing on paper.

"That's true," Gin agreed from his own table where he was typing on his larger Scroll. "But I think that makes it less likely for my work to get skipped."

"... Yeah maybe. By the way fam," Russel turned his chair around to face his teammates. "I've been wondering, when are we going to talk about our Semblances?" He asked.

. . .

"Don't have one," said Cardin.

"Never got it," said Sky.

"Haven't unlocked mine," said Gin.

The three of them had announced that at almost the same time.

Looks of confusion crossed all their faces as they turned to each other.

"What the fuck? All three of you don't have Semblances yet?" Russel asked.

The accused 3 tentatively confirmed it.

"Huh, that's a weird coincidence." Russel grinned, "Well, I reckon that means I'm better than you lot." He laughed.

"Then what's your Semblance?" Gin asked while nodding up at Russel.

"Resonance," said a smiling Russel. "When me and someone else is feeling the same thing, I can make the feelin' stronger for us. It gets even stronger with more guys but five is the limit."

"So, basically it's the amplification of shared emotions," Gin clarified to which Russel nodded.

"Huh," Cardin grabbed his chin. "That ability would be pretty useful in team fights for morale and shit."

"Aye," He grinned. "But It's got a downside. I can turn it on when I want but sometimes it gets turned on by itself. And it's when the feelings are shitty ones like anger and fear. That shit is why I gotta keep meself in check all the time."

Cardin stared at him. "And you didn't tell us this until now?"

Russel just shrugged.

"Damn dude," Sky spoke up. "That would be an okay setback for a support skill if it was a game, but IRL that's freaking harsh."

"Don't worry, fam. I'm the chillest guy you lot will ever meet," Russel pointed at himself with his thumbs and gave a sleazy grin.

"... Okay," said Cardin a little warily. "Then does your Semblance have a range?"

[Gin, an unknown number is calling you,] Rin notified.

"Huh?" Slightly confused for a second, Gin picked up his while his teammates talked in the background. "Hello, who's this?" He asked.

"Heya kid, so how were the transcripts for you and your friend?"

. . .

"Trick question, I already know they're great. I made them after all," the voice on the scroll laughed.

Gin leaned in towards his desk. "I don't remember giving you my number," He spoke in a low tone so that his teammates couldn't hear him.

"Probably because you didn't. Anyway, I'm guessing you got company so I'll get to the point. Come to Junior's club so we can talk about something. I don't recommend refusing because something tells me that Beacon Academy might find out about some… unwelcomed students," Roman chuckled.

Gin's body tensed and his face twisted but he managed to quickly gain control of himself and relaxed.

"Oh, and you can bring your weapon if it will make you feel better. But don't tell your blonde friend about this," With that, the call ended.

Gin stared at his scroll for several seconds in silence.

Then he stood and moved to his closet and started taking out some clothes.

"Hey, Are you going out or something?" Cardin asked.

"Yeah." He started changing, "I got a call from a… friend. He needs my help with something so I'm going into the city to meet him."

Sky glanced at him.

"At this hour?" Cardin asked with an incredulous tone.

"Shit, we'll go with you. Let's have a boy's night out since tomorrow's a weekend," Russel suggested.

"No," said Gin. "Sorry, but I need to go there alone."

"Aww, why?"

"It's kind of private so I can't say. Sorry again."

"Fine," Russel sulked.

"Good luck with that I guess," said Cardin. "Don't get yourself in any trouble and shit. At least not without us," He joked with a grin.

Gin could only give a weak nod in reply.

/-/

Flashing lights illuminated a nightclub decorated mostly in black colours, yet it also had glass decorations that reflected the lights in a beautiful sight.

Music played throughout the club as various people danced to it while some others preferred to just chat with each other as they drank alcohol of different kinds.

Rare were those without company of at least some kind, but they did exist. One such lone being stalked through the club towards the bar.

This person was quite short and wore a simple grey hoodie with black pants and sneakers. One hand was inside the hoodie's pocket while the other carried a black shirasaya. The hoodie almost covered the entire face and left only a mouth visible.

The bouncers of this club eyed the suspicious person but they didn't impede his path.

Hei Xiong, AKA Junior, was behind the counter working as the bartender this time. He saw the figure approaching him. There was no worry or surprise in Junior's eyes.

"I'm here for Roman," Gin declared with a clipped tone. "I can tell that he's upstairs in the same place. Will your men let me through?"

"They will, don't worry," said Junior. "You want a drink first? I know first-hand that Roman's a pain in the ass to deal with, so you can have one on the house as my condolence."

The blind boy pursed his lips. "… Any sweet non-alcoholic drink?"

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"Long time no see, kid!" Roman greeted with his arms spread out, his cane hanging on one arm. "Uh, that's not an offensive thing to say, is it?"

"What do you want?"

"Oh don't be like that," Roman lit a cigar and took a puff out of it. "Mind if I call you Gin or do you prefer Hoody? Eh, that nickname's stupid so I'm just going to call you Gin. Anyway, I'm sure you've noticed we're in a nightclub right now. And you might not know this but having fun is a law here."

Gin angled Steel Seer for Roman to see it click free.

Roman chuckled, "Then again, we're both lawbreakers sooo," He shrugged his hands.

"Don't lump in with you, scumbag," Gin insulted in a neutral tone.

Roman smoked his cigar again with a smile. "Alright, straight to the point then. You found out who I am now, right?"

"An infamous thief, apparently."

"A gentlemanly thief, please," He gave a mock bow. "And I would like to hire you to help me with my gentlemanly endeavours."

"I refuse."

"And I would like to blackmail you to help me with my gentlemanly endeavours," Roman replied without missing a beat and took another huff of his—

Blackout

Roman's chin got pushed up by the tip of a katana. His dark green eyes also took notice of his cigar having been cut while still in his lips and between his fingers.

"You've had your Aura up from the moment I stepped foot in this place," said Gin. "If you're so afraid of me, then what made you think provoking me was a good idea?"

"Come now, don't tell me you're one of those idiots who can't tell the difference between being smart and being scared," Roman replied, utterly calm despite the sword essentially tracing his neck.

"And what are you even going to do, kill me?" The thief asked. "Even if you got the balls, do you think you'd get away with it scot-free? I've got a little helper who would expose your dirty laundry even without me. Including murder if you do kill me. After all, I may be a criminal but we live in a civilised society where murder is still murder," He laughed mockingly.

Snarling, Gin pushed his sword further but Roman didn't relent in his smug glee.

Finally, the boy flicked his sword to the side - slightly hurting Roman - before sheathing it with a reverse grip.

"Fine," Gin spat the word. "But there are lines that even your blackmail won't make me cross."

"Of course, of course," Roman rubbed the underside of his chin. "Pleasure doing business with you," His left hand threw a thumbs up with a smile.

Some far distance away, a shadowy figure lowered their rifle.

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Inside a Dust store, people who look like regular customers and the owner were standing in one corner of the store.

However, it didn't look like they got there on their own. Instead, it seemed like they had been haphazardly placed there as if they were mannequins.

Gin stood near with his back towards them.

He also had a change in appearance as he now wore a grey duster coat that almost reached his feet. Its double-breasted buttons were closed, even up to its high collar but it didn't cover his mouth. It seems that he still had his hoodie on underneath the coat from the same hood that veiled his face. Both his hands were inside the coat's pocket this time, neither holding Steel Seer which was underneath the coat and tucked vertically in his belt so it would align with his leg and not jut out.

The store's door opened to let Roman saunter in with his suited goons. After he gave orders to them to take all the Dust they can get their hands on, he walked towards Gin with a pleased smile.

"Well done, kid," said Roman who made sure to keep his distance from Gin who refreshed the effects of his Semblance on the people behind him.

"Tch, don't patronise me," said Gin. "I'm blind, not a baby. Even small fry could have done something as simple as this."

"Jeez," Roman rolled his eyes. "Can't you just take the compliment for what it is?"

"Maybe I'd do that if it was actually sincere, shitheel," replied Gin who thought the compliment felt like one of those annoying compliments where people would call him 'brave' or 'inspirational' for being able to do something mundane.

"Teenagers. So damn angsty all the time," Roman sighed dramatically. "Well, whatever. So, how's my old coat fitting you? I'd say it suits you well even if it's a little big."

"Why do you even need my help for this?" Gin asked his own question. "I thought a supposed master criminal would be able to easily rob a place like this. Then again," He smirked, "Ruby was able to stop and beat you, didn't she?"

"Oh, so you know Little Red eh?" Roman chuckled. "And you answered your own question. Sure, I can do this easily enough but I'd like some insurance in case something like that happens again. And besides," He spread his arms dramatically with a wide grin, "who the hell wouldn't want to make their jobs easier with such a convenient and useful tool like you?"

. . .

"Die."

Roman's laughter echoed in the blind boy's mind through the night as he was forced to help rob more stores,

Further dirtying his hands.

End of Chapter

L after L for Gin this chapter, lol.

Anyway, to any TTS or Screen Reader users, can you tell me if my story's format is easy to follow or not? I don't know if I did a good job but I try to write with you lot in mind. It's why I reiterate the dialogue of characters sometimes and why I don't change the spellings for Russel's accent but I might start doing that for some words at least after this chapter. I've tried downloading TTS apps but I couldn't find any free ones that were good.

Until next time, bye bye.