Tojo stepped up to the doorway of Class A and gave the group of first years a calm but confident smile.
"Good evening, everyone. I'm Tojo, leader of the High Alpha Alliance squad."
Tyrone leaned back casually in his seat. "Yo, what's good?"
Mia raised a brow, her eyes narrowing. "Okay, cool… but what are you guys here for—especially that weirdo."
Raijin groaned, hands in his pockets. "I'm trying my best to be on good behavior, so how about not testing it."
Gendai stepped forward, her expression calm. "We were sent by the Flame and Ice Vandors. We're here to assist you all in preparing for next week's Island Test."
At the back, Lihanna silently observed, her sharp eyes catching every word.
Tyrone perked up. "Oh yeah, the teacher mentioned that. What's it about again?"
Mia crossed her arms. "Nile already explained it. It's where you get noticed by the Vandors. Just do your best and stand out."
Tyrone snapped his fingers. "Right! Totally forgot."
Xavier stretched his arms with a cocky grin. "So… which of you wants to spar with me?"
Tojo chuckled. "Maybe we should let them choose."
Raijin smirked. "Great idea. I'm sure half of them wanna beat my ass."
Tyrone cracked his knuckles. "Yup. Like me. I'm callin' you out, Raijin."
Raijin rolled his eyes. "Sure thing, bitch-boy Tyrone."
Mia tilted her head with a smile. "I'll take you on, Tojo. You look like fun."
Tojo nodded, pleased. "I like the sound of that."
Evelyn stood up, her finger pointing at a shadowy figure.
"You. Dark edge lord."
Xavier blinked. "Me?"
"Yes. You're my opponent."
Xavier grinned. "Deal."
Tojo leaned over to Gendai and whispered, "Looks like you're paired with the katana girl over there."
Gendai glanced toward Lihanna. "Yeah. She's the most interesting one."
"She doesn't talk much, but judging by how she handled Raijin earlier—there's definitely something special there."
Gendai's eyes gleamed. "Can't wait to see her in action."
Raijin pointed dramatically. "Yo, Lihanna. I haven't forgotten about you."
Lihanna looked at him blankly. "Oh, but I have."
Raijin grinned. "Yeah, it's you I want the most."
"I know you want me," she replied coolly, "but I don't want you."
Raijin stumbled. "I didn't mean it that way, you salty—"
"I don't want you in either way. I want to spar with the succubus. She's the strongest of your trio."
Gendai met her gaze. "You looked more intimidating than the others. I watched your match. I wouldn't be surprised if he notices you with that fighting style."
Tyrone blinked. "Who's he?"
"You'll see," Gendai replied cryptically. "When the time comes."
Mia crossed her arms. "So, tell us more about the factions."
Gendai nodded. "Currently, there are two main factions: the Thunder Faction and the Shadow Faction. Each led by a Vandor."
Evelyn grinned. "I'll qualify easily. I hope the Thunder chooses me."
Gendai smirked. "Just don't end up in the Shadow Faction. That'd be unfortunate."
Mia looked thoughtful. "So this Island Test… we just need to perform our best, right? Take down enemies, get noticed?"
"Exactly," Tojo said, clapping his hands. "That's enough talk. Let's move to the simulation system and start your sessions."
Meanwhile, in the Academy Laboratory…
Nile stood over the console, typing rapidly. A holographic display of Felicia's systems glowed above them.
"There was an error in her data," he said. "Caused overheating… forced her to activate that dragon mode."
A nearby scientist adjusted her readings. "With the updates, she should be able to access that form without overloading. The energy core inside her is impressive—she can absorb external energy and use it at will. Honestly? Pretty badass."
Nile nodded. "She's basically a living conduit."
The scientist continued, "The system should've self-corrected, but I went ahead and refreshed everything. When she wakes up, she'll remember everything that happened."
Just then, Felicia stirred.
Her eyes opened. "Where am I?"
"You're in the lab," Nile said gently. "We were adjusting your suit."
Felicia frowned. "Nothing was wrong with it. Just a minor error. Didn't need to shut me down."
Nile scratched his head. "Didn't want to risk that mode activating again."
Felicia sighed. "It's fine. I get it."
At that moment, a graceful figure stepped into the lab—Riah, her white hair flowing behind her like fire and snow.
Nile straightened. "General Riah! What brings you here?"
Riah's gaze was distant. "I came to see if it's possible to resurrect Angelly. Some scientists believe it may be… if we return her core."
Nile blinked. "Oh… I see. Also, we have a mech here."
"I noticed," Riah said, her gaze settling on Felicia. "She's the one I was looking at."
Nile hesitated. "Is Kazimir with you?"
Riah shook her head. "No. He's headed back to the country. The royals requested his presence. He'll return today for the Faction Selection."
Felicia X's eyes glowed faintly as she scanned her systems.
"System… clear. No threats detected."
Riah smiled. "And what's your name, cutie? Can you move?"
Felicia X blinked. "My name is Felicia X. And yes, I can."
"Good." Riah offered her hand. "Come with me."
Felicia reached out and grasped it.
Riah turned to Nile. "I'm taking her with me. Later, Nile."
As the lab doors closed behind them, Felicia X walked beside Riah—unaware of the eyes she was already drawing to her.