The principal's voice was cool and measured, each word dropping like a stone inside the silent and expansive office. " Ren Katagiri, you're expelled from school."
She didn't look up as she spoke, instead she was passing through a slim folder of documents across a polished surface of her desk towards him.
Horikita stood rigidly besides Ren, her usual composed self tightened into a mask of formality as she quietly watched the scene unfold.
Ren remained in his seat, his face perfect, neutral mask as he analyzed the situation.
The office was large, dominated by a massive window that made long afternoon shadows. Bookshelves lined across the walls filled with good and unread volumes.
' Besides not being who I expected, she is young, sharped eyed and also has a terrible sense of humor. Lies like that don't work on me. '
The Principal, Kotegawa finally lifted her gaze to study his face.
She searched for a crack, a flicker of fear, anger or anything while trying not to let her own curiosity show.
But show found nothing but a face wouldn't look any more indifferent.
She let out a soft, deep sigh that seemed to carry the weight of her position as she the papers down after a definitive tap.
" How boring. No reaction at all.... But it is as expected, " She said, her striking purple eyes making eye contact with red unblinking ones.
' Ren Katagiri, ' she thought, her eyes flicking down to the open document.
' No background details, no clear information about his family. Most of the information here is ' unknown ' or ' classified ' yet he's met every requirement to attend this school as a honour student. Just who are you? '
" Tell me why you called me here? " Ren asked his calm and level as if they were discussing the weather.
" You're among the best first years, who not only excel academically but also well disciplined. I want you to join the student as the vice president. " The principal leaned forward resting her chin on her intertwined fingers.
She expression unreadable.
' I'm not really interested in holding power. That in itself is form of restraint.... So i must have triggered an event. Did happen because of my earlier encounter with president, or was it always predetermined. '
" I'm not really interested, " Ren replied." But if you tell me the real reason, I might just think about it. "
The principal's expression darkened a little. " Due to last semester's.... incident.... some of the students ended up getting hurt. The Raikou board of directors decided to change things up because they don't want a repeat of that. "
At the mention of the word " incident, " Horikita's eyes darted to the floor. Her hands clenched at the sides as they began visibly shaking.
The principal the handed Ren a separate stack of documents and these were thicker.
' Just calling an incident is putting it mildly, ' he thought as he accepted them.
' I get it, Due to what happened last semester the old student council was dismantled and now they're trying rebuild it with only first years they can mold. '
The only audible sound in the room was the rapid shuff sound of Ren flipping through the pages. his eyes scanned the text with inhuman speed, he absorbed the full details of the tragedy and policies in minutes.
" You have presented a fine argument... " He said putting the documents on the desk quietly. " I'll do a trail run. That should work best for all of us.
After the heavy door clicked shut, Ren left the office. Horikita finally moved grabbing the documents Ren had been reading.
' So that just leaves one more member.... and student council will whole again. ' she noted.
" Principal Kotegawa, " Horikita asked, sinking into the a chair, her energy spent. " What did you think of the boy? "
" he's... strange..... I threatened to expell him and he didn't even flinch. But what stood out the most was the look in eyes, it was like I didn't even exist. " A noted of awe in her voice as she explained.
" I don't know that what means. "
" You don't have to, just make sure to keep a close eye on him just as a precaution measure. " The principal replied.
Classes continued without much interruptions.
Rumours however spread like wild fire just like every story when passed around many times the details became warped from the original version.
The sun was nearing it's dawn. Classes ended and students flooded the hallways, each heading home.
" Did you hear about that guy who fell so down bad for the new girl that he proposed on the spot. " A student said playfully to his friend.
" She must have a face of a goddess if he it was that bad. "
" Some are saying that she was an appearance similar to the genius child actor who disappeared a couple of years back. " Another added lowering his voice consipiratorially.
Tatsuya head it all, he couldn't wait to get a piece of Rick. He leaned against the shoe lockers, fuming.
" Tatsuya, an angry face like that will make you look even uglier, did you receive the quest notification. " Rick approached with a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth, holding a designer bag in his hands.
" why the hell did you use my name like that? " Tatsuya asked in a low voice and his eyes focused.
" Because I knew it would work wonders for the quest, And who would have guessed, a bonus I sure didn't that coming. " Rick explained as he switched his shoes.
" What?.... I'm going to kill you! Because of you, now everyone thinks I asked out a 3D girl gaaaarrhh. " Tatsuya slammed his fist against the metal of the locker, the sound echoing down the hallway.
" That's what bother you the most out of all of this?" Rick shook his head disprove, " you are really are a loser. " The smirk never left his face.
" I'm going to wipe that smug look off your face! " Tatsuya yelled, tightening a fist and getting ready to throw a punch.
Rick intertwined his fingers and stretched his hands forward in a lazy defensive gesture. " Some one is getting ahead of themselves. Have you forgetten what Ren said?"
Tatsuya's punch stopped inches away from Rick's face, At the mention of Ren, it was like all his anger was debuffed. His arm dropped to his side.
" There should be no fight amongst ourselves," Tatsuya recited, the words coming out like a memorized scripture.
" if you want to resolve conflict, do it through a game so no one gets hurt and you level up in the process."
" Exactly, " Rick said, his smirk returning now that the immediate threat was gone. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "And besides, you really don't want to fight me."
He straightened up, gave a final, infuriatingly casual wave, and walked away, leaving a fuming but pacified Tatsuya behind.
Tatsuya stood there frozen for a few moments, the fight drained him. As he deflated, he noticed Rick left his bag behind.
' That idiot... he left his bag and I don't really care much this incident I just hate feeling weak, and there's just something about that smug look rubs that me the wrong way. ' he sighed and lifted the surprising heavy bag.
As he was about to start walking, he peaked inside on top a expensive looking anime cards and a figure with found a note attached.
It read." Here's what I owe you..... also Ren told me we should discuss how we proceed, so let's meet at the usual. "
As Tatsuya looked Inside the bag there were a few expensive anime cards and limited edition figures were at the top.
'I couldn't afford these even if I got a full-time job... That idiot has too much money.' He thought, a grudging sense of appeasement settling over him as he walked away.
With that, the day was about to end. But for the trio, it was just the start of a new chapter
" So what do you guys think? Should we accept the new offer by the Guide app? " Ren asked, as they entered their usual cafe a quiet place with a large tea sign on top.
" well I think we'll let you decide Ren since you know what's best for us. " Rick added as sat down the table.
The inside was warm and relaxing, with a faint saint of coffee and pastries.
"Well, I think we'll let you decide, Ren. Since you know what's best for us," Rick added, sliding into his seat at their regular table.
Ren sat on the other side, placing his bag neatly beside him, while Tatsuya and Rick faced him.
"Well, I think it serves our best interest to upgrade the system. Besides, I'm curious to know what the upgrade comes with," Tatsuya explained, gently placing his new figure on the table between them.
"Well, on our way here, I already clicked 'accept'," Ren said, pulling a small book from his bag. "I was just curious about what you were going to say."
"Good afternoon. Or should I say, good evening? It's nice to see you guys again." A waitress appeared, bowing her head before them. She had long, pink hair and sharp, observant purple eyes that lingered a little too long on Ren.
"Evening is fine. It's about to get dark soon," Rick replied, glancing out the huge glass window at the nearly settled sun.
Ren was already absorbed in his book, while Tatsuya was meticulously examining the blindfold on his new figure.
"So, will you guys be having the usual?" the girl asked cheerfully, though her predatory gaze on Ren never wavered.
"Yes, we'll take the usual," Rick answered for the group.
"Then please wait a moment." She bowed again before gliding away.
"So what happened after you clicked accept?" Tatsuya asked, not looking up from his figure.
"Check for yourselves. The update should be complete in about ten seconds," Ren explained, his red eyes never leaving the page of his book.
Rick quickly took out his phone. The system had just finished upgrading. "The overall appearance looks darker," he observed. "More serious. It has more details about every quest we've done so far and the required conditions to complete them."
The moment Tatsuya took out his phone, all three devices buzzed simultaneously.
"Oh, this is new. Three quests at once!" Tatsuya exclaimed.
"I guess the upgrade worked. Maybe worked a little too well. This is exciting," Rick said, his eyes widening as an amused smirk played on his lips.
"It's nothing we can't handle. Each of our skill sets is perfectly suited for these quests," Ren commented coolly, finally looking up.
The three new quests read:
1. "THERE ARE A FEW STUDENTS CAUSING TROUBLE AT YOUR SCHOOL IN THE SHADOWS. TAKE THEM DOWN. THE METHOD IS UP TO YOU. +200 POINTS. DURATION: 7 DAYS."
2. "HELP THE LITERATURE CLUB FROM FALLING APART. +50 POINTS. DURATION: 3 DAYS."
3. "TAKE PART IN THE NEW DRAMA CLUB PROJECT. +100 POINTS. DURATION: 5 DAYS."
The thick, charged air between them was suddenly cut by a cheerful voice.
"Your order is here," the waitress said, placing a tray of drinks and pastries on the table with a smile.