"Wait… those are katanas, right?" Barb asked as they walked.
"Yes," replied Kanji.
"Then why did you let yourself be bullied? You should have used them to fight back—or at least threatened them. Or is it just for fancy?" said Barb.
"No. My katanas are not to be used unless necessary," said Kanji.
"So when is that? When your face is beyond recognition? Because I can see the marks they left on your face," said Barb.
"Not really. I had a plan before you came," replied Kanji.
"Yeah, sure. No problem. Let me guess—being beaten half-dead and having your things stolen?" said Barb.
"No. I was going to report them to the school authorities," said Kanji.
"Yeah, and then be beaten again. They won't stop if you do that—it will only make them come after you more. Trust me," said Barb.
"I don't really know…" said Kanji.
"Sure, no problem. Now you know—you have to fight back all the time or be a stepping stone for others. And wait, don't you have powers or something like that?" said Barb.
"I do, but it's not stable, so I don't use it," said Kanji.
"Hmmm… and you can't fight really. What then can you do," said Barb.
"I can fight, but not in school," said Kanji.
"Wow, then that's really great. Were you planning on waiting after school to fight back?" said Barb.
"Would that not work?" said Kanji.
"Yes. It won't work. Like they say, food is best served when hot. Why don't we just change the topic? But next time, try to fight back. And… are you from the Japonis Shogunate, right?" said Barb.
"Yes. How did you know?" said Kanji.
"First, your face gave me a hint. Then the katanas—because you're the only people who carry things like that," replied Barb.
"Let me guess, you're from—" said Kanji.
"Nigerion Dominion," Barb cut him off.
"I have heard of it before, but this is my first time meeting someone from there. So what is it like there?" said Kanji.
"That's going to be a story for another day. This is my first day—I don't want to be late," said Barb.
"I totally forgot… which class are you in?" said Kanji.
"Class B or something like that," said Barb.
She walked straight ahead, leaving him behind.
"Wait! That's also where I'm in! It was destiny that brought us together today—we're going to be best of friends!" said Kanji, running after her.
"Right… whatever helps you sleep," she said, spreading her hands to each side.
They walked past classes and along the hallway before arriving at the door of Class B.
"We are here," said Kanji, opening the door.
A boy with blonde hair, 6.5 feet tall, stood there in a well-arranged uniform. He walked toward them before asking,
"Are you part of this class?" asked the blonde-haired boy.
"Yes. And you are?" Barb said, waiting for an answer.
"I am Viktor Dragunov, son of Dragunov Drury the Great, from the Volgravia Empire—a member of this class," said the blonde-haired boy.
"That's quite the title for a fool. If you will excuse me, I need to find a seat," said Barb.
"How disrespectful of you! Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" said Viktor.
"This is Amerion, not Volgravia. Keep the title to yourself," said Kanji, following Barb.
"Never mind you people—you're not worth it," Viktor said before walking back to his seat at the middle of the class.
"And why are you following me?" said Barb.
"We are friends now, remember? And you saved me, so to repay you, I must support you," said Kanji.
"I hear you, so please find somewhere to sit first. I've just found the perfect place for me," said Barb, walking to sit on the left side near the window at the end.
"I will just sit there close to you," Kanji said, pointing to an empty seat opposite the one Barb was going to sit on.
A female teacher walked in.
She had short black hair, stood at 6.7 feet tall, wore glasses, and had a scar across her nose. In her left hand, she held a book, and her cold glare silenced the room. She wore a formal up-and-down suit.
"I am Miss Laura Belmont, your head teacher. You are all students of this great school now, and this will be the beginning of a new atmosphere for you all. But first, I want you all to introduce yourselves and what you want to become after you leave this school, because I need to know how to bring out the best in you," the teacher said, her hands folded across her chest as she gave them a cold glare.
"Is there anything else we need to know or do, Miss Laura?" Kanji asked.
Everyone looked at him before turning back to the teacher.
"Yes. I will be giving you a handbook for the school—what to do and what not to do—before the assembly for first years later. But first, I want you all to introduce yourselves and so I can find someone who will be your class representative. Before your first lesson will begin. You must all know that this school is all about your power. Only the strong can survive in this school, because it's going to be a long journey for all of you," she said, pointing toward a boy at the back.