"Thank you for your time, we'll send in your Hundred results to the Little Garden by the end of the day." An elderly man said as he guided a twelve-year-old boy and his parents out back into the busy lobby. The building was a Hundred testing facility, where they would evaluate and measure a person's compatibility with the weapon system.

Given the nature of the equipment, most applicants are around twelve to sixteen, with the development between being key in predicting the person's connection with the equipment. Being a Slayer these days was much more complicated, and with the users being younger, the training would have to be more through than with the previous generation back in the early days of the Savage invasions.

"Would a… Art-orian please come for his testing?' The man asked, looking at his clipboard for the next applicant's name.

In response to being called out, Artorian stood up at full height, drawing the attention of the entire lobby as he did. Ten years have passed since Artorian's father died in the Savage attack, and in that time he grew to a staggering 6'5. Over the course of the years, his physic had improved greatly as well, appearing similarly built as his father had before his mutation. He had bags around his eyes, clear signs that he hadn't been getting much sleep. He wore a loose white shirt and blue pants, a simple outfit for an otherwise special appearance. "That would be me, and it's pronounced Are-tore-ian." He spoke, reaching the man.

"O-Oh, uh… my mistake." The man stuttered, intimidated by Artorian's imposing appearance. "P-Please, follow me to the testing room." He would direct Artorian, the two walking through the hall before entering his room. "Please, take a seat, Mr. Artorian." Artorian would do so as instructed, shifting a bit as he tried to get comfortable on the examination bed, a pure metal base with little to comfort.

Turning on a holographic computer, the man would scroll through the hundreds of forms that were submitted, stopping when he found Artorian's. He'd then read through it, rubbing his chin as he did. "So, Mr. Artorian, I can see that you've kept yourself rather healthy. And I can see you've passed all the academic courses needed to apply for the Hundred test, even if just by a few points. But what made you wait so long? With the information I've gathered, you should have tried to come here when you were younger, perhaps when you were fourteen?"

"I never had the drive to." Artorian answered honestly, confusing the man as he looked back to him. "I didn't have an interest in becoming a Slayer, in fact right now the idea of becoming one isn't the way I planned on spending my life."

"Really now?" The evaluator asked, turning back to his equipment and typing on a console. "Then why volunteer for this line of work if it doesn't interest you? I'm unaware if your Hundred score will be enough, but even if it was there's little point to becoming a Slayer if you don't want to."

"Let's just say I have a promise to keep, and the only way to keep it is by becoming a Slayer." Artorian said, refusing to speak any more on the subject.

"I see… well I can understand from that viewpoint." The man responded, several mechanical arms popping out of the examination table. "I was once a Slayer as well, one of the few that had lived long enough to retire. Although that's mostly because the original Slayer project's enhancements damaged us to an extent we couldn't continue for long. A few were acceptations, but most of us could only serve as Slayers for five years."

"Right, back before the Hundred was created." Artorian spoke, his dad lingering in his head. "There were other methods than the synthetic enhancements, but those were likely worse off than those that suffered internal damage."

"Ah, you knew about them?" The man hummed, looking back to Artorian as a hologram appeared in front of him. "Could you please put your hand on the hologram? It'll determine where the best place to draw your blood is."

"You need to draw blood?" Artorian questioned, although not hesitating to put his hand on the hologram scanner.

"Of course, blood is the main identification for the Hundred to draw from." The man explained, the hologram vanishing while the arms began to move. "With how unique they can be, the blood of the users is the key ingredient in determining compatibility." The arms then all clasped around Artorian's head and shoulder, shifting his neck to stretch to the left, a needle slowly being readied at a vein. "I'm unaware of how compatible you'll be, most who apply after the age of sixteen have rather low scores, considering their body is nearing maturity and the inclusion of a Hundred isn't as subtle."

The needle then pierced Artorian's skin into his vein, drawing blood from him slowly while the other arms kept him still. "But you are well above the average male for your age, so you're physic might provide a better handling for the Hundred if you prove compatible." When enough blood was taken, the needle was taken out safely and the hands released Artorian, allowing him to rub where he was punctured.

The vial that held the blood then disconnected from the needle, allowing the man to grab it. "And now, we have it interact with our systems, and we'll get a read on just how compatible you are with a Hundred. This will only take a second." He said as he placed the vial onto a stand, several tubes rising up and connecting to the glass. The blood then slowly drained out and went into the man's desk, several holograms popping up and running through more data then Artorian could follow.

It had only taken a few minutes before all of the data had been compiled. And once it was done, the results appeared across all the screens. "Well, that's a rather unique outcome." The man said, grabbing one of the holograms and going over it. "Well then Mr. Artorian, it looks like you've managed to pass the compatibility test rather well. You have a compatibility rating of 79%, that's above the average for testers at the age of 15."

"Is that really good though?" Artorian asked. "79% leaves a portion that would make it still fail. Over a solid fifth to be precise."

"Oh, you misunderstand sir." The man responded. "The compatibility isn't a matter of you being able to activate a Hundred. It simply demonstrates how much of the Hundred's power you'll be able to draw out. You'll have no problem with activating your Hundred, in fact you'll do better than most of your fellow students. You're rating actually matches up with the average second-year student at Little Garden."

"Well, I guess that is good." Artorian muttered, standing up as he kept rubbing his neck. "So is there anything else I have to do right now? Any after test stuff before I submit everything in to the Little Garden?"

The man shook his head in response. "If you already have a prior agreement with them you shouldn't have anything to do here. A representative will be by to receive the information and from there they'll contact you."

"Thank you." Artorian nodded, walking to the door and taking a step out before the man spoke up again.

"You're aware of what you carry, correct?" The man's question caught Artorian off guard, as he paused through his step. "I recognize your eyes, and I know where I've seen them before. From my old commander back at the early days of the Savage invasion. The fool who took the biggest leap into the madness of humanity. Did he tell you?"

"…He told me when I was five." Artorian responded, walking out and closing the door behind him as he did. He missed the man's heavy sigh, and refused to look back as he walked back to the lobby. From there, he stepped right out and exited the building, looking to his right for his sword. His sword was his father's old blade, the damaged and broken greatsword still serving the purpose as his main weapon.

The damage was just as it was before, as Artorian hadn't done anything to it other than clean it. He wanted to keep it as it was, serving as a reminder of what his father was in the end. Picking the sword up, he rested the blade on his shoulder before he started to walk, his destination the hospital that was a few miles away.

"I'm back." Artorian announced as he maneuvered through a hospital room door, avoiding hitting the edge of the frame.

"Artorian!" Karen cheered as she looked to him, sitting up on her hospital bed to greet him.

A few months after the Savage attack, Karen had contracted a potent virus. Known as Severance, it was an air-born virus from a Savage's vanishing energy that had a random infection rate among humanity. Most times it would do little, nothing more than a simple cold that would disappear after a week. But due to Karen's age and weakened state when exposed to it, she lost all feeling in her legs and became extremely weak. Her body appeared frail, much thinner and less developed then she should be at her current age. But even then, her hair managed to grow to a long length, and she was able to smile despite her state.

Because they had both lost their families, the local hospital had accepted her and would give her treatment. Severance had no cure, but if treated the severe cases wouldn't cause any pain. But now that Karen was reaching the age of 16, the disease would begin to take effect in a manner that they wouldn't be able to treat. Which had lead Artorian to take a desperate measure.

"Hi Karen, sorry I took so long." Artorian responded, placing his sword against the wall as he sat down in a chair next to her. "You wouldn't believe how long the wait was at the place. I swear there was way more people checking for this kind of thing than I was expecting."

"How did it go?" She asked, looking intrigued as she leaned closer to him. "Were you able to pass? Are you able to actually use a Hundred?"

Artorian nodded in response, smiling as he patted her head. "Yep, I'm compatible enough to pilot and use a Hundred if I wanted to."

Karen would beam in joy as she heard that, sighing in bliss as he ruffled her hair. "That must be so cool, knowing that you can use a Hundred. I can only imagine how it would feel to use one. All the freedom and movement you must be able to achieve while having it activated."

"I'm sure the experience would be amazing for you." Artorian would say as he wiped some of her hair out of her face. "But for right now, I think we should focus on getting you the best care that we can give you."

The mention of her care brought a frown to Karen's face, as she looked away in disappointment. "Does that mean you're going through with joining Little Garden?"

"I know you didn't want me to, but we're in a difficult spot right now." Artorian would explain, using his thumb to keep her hair out of her face. "Your Severance is entering its final stage, and the equipment here simply can't accommodate for all the complications it could have on you. Little Garden has the technology to make that you'll be better than you are right now."

He then put both his hands on her cheeks and turned her face back to him, placing their foreheads together as he continued. "My father didn't want me to become a Slayer either, but I made a promise to protect you for as long as I breathe. I didn't come to this conclusion right away, but I can't think of any other possible ways of keeping you healthy."

Feeling his hands on her face, Karen closed her eyes as a sign of complete trust. "You have to promise me to visit every day you can. And I expected my special reward every time you have to leave from our visits."

The demand caused Artorian to chuckle, shaking his head as the two separated. "Twist my arm why don't you? You're going to throw everything you can at me to feel as guilty for this as possible, aren't you?" When Karen refused to respond while pouting her lips, he'd roll his eyes before placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

She would open her eyes and smile in response, seeing Artorian stand up after giving her her reward. "When will we be moving to Little Garden?"

"If I remember the deal I made with the administrator right, you'll be moving out in a few hours." Artorian answered, picking up his sword. "As for me, I have to wait for a day to get my uniform. From there, I'll be flown to the ship some time around noon."

"We aren't traveling together?"

"I'm afraid not." Artorian shook his head. "The students at Little Garden are going to be brought in tomorrow for orientation. But once that's done, I'll come a visit you in your new room, sound good?"

Karen would smile once again, nodding once as she looked up to Artorian. "You better not break that promise."

"I'll be there as soon as I can." He then reached his free hand into his pocket, rummaging around it as he took a more serious expression. "I need to go make a call, I'll see you tomorrow Karen."

"See you there." Karen responded as Artorian walked out.

Once he was out, he would pull out his phone and go to his recent calls. Seeing "Judal Harvey" at the top, he selected it and put the phone to his ear. The phone had only rung three times before Judal answered. "Ah, Artorian, it's good to have to calling again. To what do I owe this honor?" Judal Harvey was a 25-year-old man, and head of the Warslran Research Facility.

"Cut the shit Judal, you know exactly why I'm calling." Artorian spat as he started to walk down the hall, ignoring all the stares at his sword. "You made the offer that if I joined your Slayer group on Little Garden that Karen would get top of the line care."

"Of course, I am a man of my word." Judal stated, his tone calm and professional. "Karen Kisaragi will be treated with the most up to date technology Warslran has to offer. She'll feel healthier with us then she ever had in her time with Severance. That was the offer I gave you when we had met a week ago."

"Don't even try to make it like you gave me a choice." Artorian growled. "We both know you've been planning to recruit me ever since I turned twelve. Karen's Severance hitting a critical stage just made it easy for you to twist and manipulate me." Artorian's hostility came straight and simple, as he didn't trust Judal for a second. He was a man of war, someone who was uncaring and focused only on his end goal. He played Artorian like a game of chess for the past six years in waiting for him to have to become a Slayer.

The man would only chuckle in response. "Your friend will be getting proper medical treatment, when she very well should've died a long time ago. I believe my offer is more than fair considering that much."

"Utter another word about her and you're dead." Artorian stated with hatred. "Just send someone to get Karen, or there will be hell to pay."

"With a threat coming from the great Artorias' son, I would expect no less. Our team will be there for her within the hour."

"Good."

"Oh and Artorian." Judal added in, just before Artorian could hang up. "We will be expecting a lot from you. It will be under your best interest to not let us down when the time comes."

Artorian wouldn't even give him the satisfaction of a response, hanging up just as he stepped outside of the hospital. But even then, Judal's warning carried over the message that he had planned. If Artorian didn't keep up his side of the deal at all, or on the likely chance he would die as a Slayer, Karen would be all alone.

And Judal wouldn't have a reason to keep her treated.

"What's with the special treatment?" Artorian thought to himself as he sat in a private jet, wearing the uniform that was provided to him. He had seen that the students were all given top quality planes to ride to Little Garden, but they would be transported in dozens at a time. He was the only one given his own plane, something that he felt more of a spit on him than a compliment.

Although at the same time, it gave Artorias more time to prepare himself for when he'd be unable to avoid crowds. He was never a fan of them, but because he was just another face among them it made ignoring everyone easy. But at Little Garden, all of the students are going to be training to become Slayers. Which meant that all of them would know of Artorias' name, and in return be aware of who Artorian was.

And even if by some miracle they didn't know exactly who Artorian was, there was no doubt in his mind that when their training began he'd be pulled into the spotlight. No matter what way he looked at it, Artorian was aware of his chances of remaining just another face would be pointless, so he'd have to find a way to leave a mark on not to be bothered with.

When the plane finally landed, Artorian reached to his side and grabbed his greatsword before standing up. Little Garden was a massive battleship that could serve as it's own city, capable of holding over 10,000 students and staff. But even then, it was well designed to fit the needs of everyone on board, with naturally grown grass, trees and all sorts of plants growing at the established areas. It made sense, as the ship would serve as the Slayer's home and main base.

He was deep in thought as he began to walk out, going down the retractable staircase on the side before he heard someone call out his name.

"Artorian!" Looking towards where he heard his name, he visibly cringed as he saw two girls standing on the platform above to his right, a banner with "Welcome Son of Artorias" plastered on it in bright colors. The words alone were enough to get his eyes to roll, but what left a bad taste in his mouth was how the two thought putting that on was a good idea.

Sighing, Artorian's shoulders dropped before he walked into the open, looking up to the two girls. "Can I help you?"

"Ah Artorian! Welcome to Little Garden!" One of the girls cheered as she looked down to him, waving as she smiled. "We heard you were coming just a few hours ago! It's an honor to meet the son of Artorias!"

'That shit again?' Artorian thought to himself as he stood with his greatsword resting on his shoulder.

"Would you like us to help give you a tour? We heard you were a late sign up."

"Yeah, sure… just let me try to find a way up there." Artorian rolled his eyes as he began to walk out of sight, completely ignoring them and heading towards the auditorium. He was more than aware of the layout of the ship that students were allowed to access, and even if he needed the guidance he didn't feel like putting the effort to leap up the 10 meters it would take to reach them.

"Now then, let's go and get this over with." He groaned as he started to walk, following the path on the map he had memorized. The building the orientation would be in was near the combat arena at the center of Little Garden's surface, meaning it was only going to be a couple minutes of walking before he'd make it there. The city on the ship as also surprisingly lively, with different year students all interacting and socializing among their peers.

'Poor fools, probably don't even know their chances of survival once they leave this place.' Artorian thought as he continued to walk, feeling the stares directed towards him as he moved. Just like with his father, Artorian's impressive stature and massive weapon caught everyone's attention, an unavoidable outcome for him having the weapon close by. It didn't bother him any more now than it did back then, but now he was going through the stares alone.

When he saw the orientation building, Artorian would roll his shoulders in preparation, seeing the dozens of students waiting outside. "Well then, guess it's now or never." He muttered to himself as he walked towards the closest student. "Hey, this is where the entrance ceremony's taking place, right?"

"Hmm?" The student hummed as he turned around. "Oh, yeah this is the place." Now that he was close enough, Artorian realized just how distinct the student was. Like himself, the guy was tall and well built, leaner than Artorian but standing at the same 6'5. He had bright blonde hair and dark black eyes, the two contrasting against each other.

The student then blinked, as if noticing something about Artorian. But before he could speak up, a girl came running through the crowd, discovery on her face as she pointed up to Artorian. "Wait! Are you Artorian!? The son of Artorias Abyssal!?" The girl was significantly shorter than Artorian; in fact she was shorter than all of the students outside with them. She had chestnut brown hair and purple eyes, the bright colors going well with her rather loud voice.

At her calling him out, almost all of the students quickly realized just how similar Artorian looked to his father, even recognizing the damaged sword that was on his back.

"No way!" One exclaimed.

"He has the right hair and eyes!"

"And he's even extremely tall like his father!"

"Not to mention the sword!"

The students were then about to crowd around Artorian, but stopped as he impaled his sword into the ground in front of him. "Listen now and listen well, because I'm only going to say this once." Artorian warned, his eyes narrowed as he glared at the entire crowd. "Yes, my name is Artorian, and I am the son of Artorias Abyssal. However, you would do well to not affiliate myself with my father. I am not him and will despise each and every one of you that refer to me as "the son of Artorias" from this point on. I also do not do crowds; so don't even consider crowding around me in a barrage of comments and questions. And last but not least, do not consider touching me in any sense. Any attempt outside of sparing or through an unavoidable action will result in you meeting the edge of this sword. Are we clear?"

When no one moved any closer, Artorian gave a toothy grin before grabbing his sword's hilt. "Good, now that that's out the way we shouldn't have any further probl-"

"Artorian!" Before he could finish his sentence, a student who was coming from across the other side of the building shouted out to him and lunged at him. When they connected to him they wrapped their arms tight around Artorian in a hug, sounding ecstatic.

"Am I a joke to you?" Artorian questioned, suddenly questioning every decision that was made leading up to now. The impact from the student barely did more than make him budge, but the fact that a student was willing to try and tackle him was beyond what he could understand.

"What, are you kidding? I've been waiting for the opportunity to meet you!" The student stated as he looked up to Artorian, revealing their features. Long white hair that was tied back with a special diamond shaped hairpiece with a blue ribbon and bright green eyes decorated the near feminine face of the student, but by the sound of the voice they could very well be male as well. "The name's Emile, Emile Crossfode! Let's be friends, okay?" Emile grinned at Artorian, getting a blank stare in response.

'Emile, Seriously? That was the best you could come up with?' Artorian thought to himself, showing little reaction to the hug.

"Um, Artorian?"

"Huh? Oh yeah sure, whatever man." Artorian rolled his eyes, patting Emile's head before pushing him away. "Let's be friends and all that mess. Quick rule, no surprise hugs, it's weird." He then turned his attention to the crowd, hearing the murmurs going around as they looked at the two. "The hell are all of you looking at?" He questioned, ripping his blade out of the ground and resting it back on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry for calling you out like that." The girl who had shouted out Artorian's name, Reitia Saintemillion, apologized when they were in the building. Aside from her and Artorian, the blonde student Artorian first talked to and Emile were present, the rest of the students going around and socializing like they were before.

"I'm sorry as well." Matthew Ornisium, the blonde student, added in as he placed his hand on Reitia's head. "As the senior here I should have recognized that a scene would've sparked and stop Reitia here from shouting out like that. I made the mistake of thinking she was more mature than she was."

"Matthew!" Reitia protested as she moved her head away, glaring up at the boy. "I told you to stop treating me like a kid! You're only two years older than me!"

"Start acting your age and I might actually do that." He responded, crossing his arms as he looked down to her.

"Matthew moved to Liberia a few years ago and the two became friends shortly after." Emile explained, smiling at the two before wrapping his arms around Artorian's left arm. "They're really close, huh?"

"You said you're a senior?" Artorian questioned, ignoring Emile's clear violation of his "No Touch" policy but not doing anything to stop it. "I thought you're the same year as us?"

"Well, technically I am a senior here in Little Garden, but I've been participating mostly in combat rather than academics." Matthew explained. "This'll be my first year in an actual class so we will officially be the same year." He then took note of how calm Artorian was with Emile holding onto him, raising an eyebrow before commenting. "Not to pry into something that isn't my business, but you guys seem pretty close for people who just met."

"Yeah." Reitia agreed. "It's almost like you're not both guys."

Matthew then lightly smacked the back of Reitia's head, shaking his head as he rubbed his forehead. "Don't be rude Reitia."

"Really?" Emile chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. He played it off before looking up to Artorian, his smile remaining. "What should we do, Artorian?"

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm going to get a seat in the auditorium before they're all taken." Artorian said as he began to walk, seeing them letting students in now as the ceremony was about to begin. The four had taken seats near the back of the auditorium, Artorian sitting with his greatsword placed between his legs blade down. It was comical sight seeing the massive weapon being held while he was seated, but no one made a comment on it.

After waiting about ten minutes, two girls in blue versions of the uniform walked out on stage, heading to the microphone on the podium furthest to their left. "I would like to welcome all of the new students here. We will be your MCs for today. I am Erica Candle, second-year military arts student at the Little Garden and student council vice president." The girl with short brown hair and eyes informed. The only notable thing about her outside of her collected voice was her glasses, giving Artorian a vibe of a regular rule follower.

"Likewise. Liddy Steinberg." The second one simply introduced. Unlike Erica, Liddy had a much more defining and unique appearance to her. From her darker skin, green hair with a ponytail and framing her face, and matching green eyes she was much more identifiable. She also appeared more developed as well, likely from a less strict diet but more rigorous training.

"The captain of the Little Garden, as well as our president, Claire Harvey, will greet you." As Liddy set up the introduction, Claire would walk out and head for the center podium. Her hair was a bright blonde, tied back in a twin drill fashion that screamed attention. Her eyes were a surprisingly light blue, adding light to her face that was strict yet elegant. Out of the three girls on staged, it was more than notable she was the most developed, yet the air around her made it feel to most students that she was not to be messed with. She also had on a red variation of the student uniform, signaling her captain rank and third-year status.

"The student council president is also the captain of the whole ship?" Artorian whispered over to Matthew, who nodded in response.

"Claire's an extremely gifted and skilled individual, she's the strongest student currently enrolled here." He explained, whispering back to avoid being heard by the student council. "She also has the highest Hundred compatibility record to date, going up to 92%."

"That high, huh?" Artorian questioned. "She doesn't look that tough, not nearly as intimidating as her brother either."

"Trust me Artorian, she isn't anything to scoff at." Matthew warned. "I've gone on a few missions with her in the past, she's able to demolish most Venti-class Savage like they're nothing. Trenta can be a challenge but that's only if she gives them enough time to prepare itself for her attacks."

"Hmm." Artorian hummed, looking back towards the president.

"I'm sure she isn't nearly as capable as you though Artorian." Emile grinned as he patted his shoulder. "She might have a good Hundred, but there's no way she can compete with your physical ability."

"We'll see."

When Claire had finally reached the podium, she wasn't given any time to speak before the sound of the doors at the side of the auditorium opened, revealing the two girls that were waiting for Artorian at the airport. "Sorry…"

"Sorry we're late!"

'Ah shit.' Artorian thought, now remembering that he had literally bailed on the two. Normally he wouldn't care, but he could tell from the tension in the air that something bad was going to happen.

"Late for the entrance ceremony, right off the bat?" Claire asked to the two, disappoint clear in her voice. "You two sure have some nerve."

"W-We're sorry!" The two apologized again. "We had gone to the airport to pick up Artorian Abyssal, but we're afraid he got lost on and went looking for him, and then…"

"Enough excuses!" Liddy interrupted. "Artorian has been here the whole time." She stated, pointing over to the student.

"Shit." He whispered, looking around his sword to look at the less than pleased student council members.

"Noa Sheldon. Liu Xuemei." Claire spoke, her stare cold as ice as she regarded the two. "There is no place in the Little Garden for those who cannot follow the rules. Collect your things and leave."

The news had surprised everyone in the room, starting a spread of murmurs over the immediate expulsion, aside from the student council and Matthew. Even Artorian looked down in slight shame over the news, feeling responsible for what was happening. But before he could even consider saying anything, Emile stood up and spoke out in protest. "I think you're being too harsh here!"

"Emile?" Artorian looked over to the white haired student, leaning over and stepping up to grab his shoulder.

"Student council president or not, you can't kick them out for making one mistake. That's awful!"

"That's enough Emile."

"No Artorian, I'm not done!" Emile ignored Artorian's warning, shaking his hand off and turning his attention back to Claire. "I can't stand people who abuse their power like that."

"You are in no position to speak out of turn like that." Liddy responded, calling out the protest.

"You're acting like they got someone killed or something, that isn't right!"

"Emile Crossfode… no, I will say this to everyone here." Claire picked up, the tension increasing further as the conversation went on. "You are not just students. You are fledgling Slayers that will risk their lives to fight the Savage. On the battlefield, a single mistake can prove fatal and destroy an entire squad. It is not a matter of frequency, failure to follow a single order will lead to death."

"But there are times when orders can be wrong!"

"That is enough, Emile Crossfode." Erica said. "Claire's orders are absolute. She is the queen of our military arts department."

"Queen my butt! Artorian's capable of doing way more than she could against a Savage."

"Hey, don't you bring me into your banter!" Artorian protested, pushing on his sword to stand up to his full height.

"Emile Crossfode, if you try to demean her any further, you'll be expelled as well!" Liddy warned.

"Bring it on!" Emile dared, shocking Artorian. "Just you try-!"

"Would you just shut up already!?" Artorian said to her, covering her mouth with his right hand while holding his sword with his left. "You're going to get yourself in more trouble if you don't keep your mouth shut!" Emile was fighting against his hold, trying to further his protest, but wasn't able to budge much due to their physical differences.

"Very well." Claire stated, pausing the two as they looked to her. "As you wish, you will be expelled along with the previous two."

That caused Emile to try and fight out Artorian's grasp more, screaming against his hand as he held him close to his side. "Stop moving around! Take a second to calm down and think for a second!"

"Artorian Abyssal." Clair called out to the student, getting his attention again. He released Emile in response, causing him to fall back down to his chair. "Do you object to their expulsion?"

"You're asking me?" Artorian muttered.

"Speak up."

"I didn't say anything… you blonde bimbo." Artorian responded, lowering his voice to less than a whisper for the last part before continuing. "And to be honest, I normally wouldn't have given a damn about anyone's expulsion, I didn't necessarily come here to make friends or watch out for everyone. However, I will say that I think your idea of expelling the three is complete bullshit."

The vulgar response got gasps across the entire room, even Matthew was caught off guard by it. "Artorian, what are you doing?"

"The two girls were late purely because I told them I'd meet them so they could show me to here." Artorian explained. "I already knew my way around from the map and the banner the two made put me in a bad mood, so I lied and they were waiting for me to show up when I was nowhere near them. And then Emile was just sticking up for them, something any respectable student would do in face of what they felt was an unjust punishment."

"So as my official and honest opinion on this: I'd say the expulsion is pointless and forgiving this one incident should be fair." He finished, glaring up to the student council president, who returned the stare with cold fury.

"Artorian, know your place!"

"Very well." Despite Liddy's response to him, Claire held her hand to silence her before continuing on. "How about this then?" The president then pointed out to the standing student, the tension in the room reaching its boiling point as she did. "Artorian Abyssal. I, Claire Harvey, challenge you to a duel."

"Eh?" Artorian responded, confused by the challenge.

"If you beat me, I will reverse their expulsion. We will duel tomorrow afternoon in the main coliseum." Claire detailed. "You will be given your Hundred early so that you may fairly participate, as well as your variable suit to properly regulate it."

"A duel, you must be kidding." He grunted.

'Right off the bat I'll have a duel with the president of Little Garden?' He'd think, weighing the options that he currently had. 'Whether or not I duel her, my position in the academy isn't in any danger, so Karen will still get her treatment for Severance. But if I don't duel or lose, then the three will be kicked out. And Claire isn't challenging me out of the idea of fairness, she knows our compatibility is far apart, and according to Matthew she has plenty of experience fighting with her Hundred.'

Any way he looked at it, he'd likely be going through hell accepting the duel. He wouldn't admit it, but now that her attention was fully on him, Artorian could sense the pressure that was coming from her was surprisingly strong. She was confident, the certainty of her own skills matched towards how Artorian felt about his own.

But looking down to Emile, he didn't even think twice before he responded, pulling his sword up and throwing it into the air. The action surprised most of the room, Claire and Matthew being the only two not reacting before he reached up with his right hand and catching the handle, returning the blade to resting on his shoulder. "A duel against the Invincible Queen of Little Garden? Sure then, why the hell not? I'll play your game and we'll fight."

Twisting the blade around him, Artorian pointed the blade up to Claire, grinning as his eyes glowed for a split second. "Word of advice though: say my last name again and there's going to be trouble. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, especially when someone like you says it."

"Is that all?" Claire questioned, getting a nod from Artorian. "Very well then, our duel will begin at 1500 hours sharp. If you're late by even a minute then that will result in an immediate forfeit. Am I understood."

"Crystal."

(A/N): Well this came out extremely late, and all I can really use as an excuse is a lack of access to playing Dark Souls on my end. Recently moved and the lack of playing it has made writing this a little difficult. I have my Xbox back though so I can at least play the first Dark Souls, which should serve as a way of keeping me focused on this for a bit. Can't really say much else with how little is currently in this story, but I hope that everyone reading is enjoying what I currently have out. I'm hoping to get a few more chapters out, although it might take time since I'm putting time into my other stories/taking small breaks to rethink or plan out some of them. To those who were patient, thank you, and for any new reader I say again I hope you enjoy this story.