“Hand over your money, right now!”

“W-what?”

“Don't fuck around with me, you little whelp! Hand me over your wallet, right now!”

Such was the scene that ensued at the front of the school on one fine afternoon. A third year--his name wasn't important for the occasion--was towering over a first year that was just going to go home after doing his cleaning duty. As you might have imagined, the third year was a bully, and he was mugging the first year for his money.

It wasn't that unique of a scene. Bullies were many in the school unfortunately.

The first year--his name was Charles--realized that he was not going to get away from this without a fight. So he activated his electric power and gave a shock to the bigger boy.

Only to find out that his opponent's skin was now made out of rocks.

With a huge grin, the bully said, “Your power won't work against me, pretty boy! Now, hand me over your money! I know you rich folks always bring lots of money with you!”

Charles wasn't a brave man. In fact, he was quite a timid one. He looked somewhat girlish in fact, with his bright blue eyes, blond hair, and his youthful face.

Thus, he did as he was told, going over to his pocket to get out his wallet.

“Hmm? What's going on here, I wonder?”

From the building came Alicia in her school uniform, a light brown blazer over a white shirt with short plaid brown skirt and black stockings. Her bag was slung over her body and her cat was perched on her right shoulder.

“Hmm? What's this? Is this a mugging I see?” she said with her trademark amused smile.

“Y-you're the… the witch!” the bully said, fear rapidly filling his voice and expression at the same time.

“I...I-I'm sorry!”

The bully immediately ran as if he was afraid for his life.

“T-thank you!” Charles said with relief.

“Oh? A freshman, aren't you?”

Without warning, Alicia suddenly moved her right hand to his cheeks, touching and caressing it as she looked deeply at the boy's face.

“S-senpai?” Charles stuttered, blush creeping in to his white cherks.

“Well you're a cute one,” she said with a smile. “I've decided. You're going to be Anthony's replacement. He's getting boring these days.”

Her cat leaped to his right arm and scratched it, getting some of his blood on her claws. He yelped in pain while backing off, pressing his wound with the other hand.

“See you tomorrow,” Alicia waved as she walked past him.

“W-what was that all about?” Charles stood dumbfounded.

When the next morning came, Charles was all over Alicia. Another confession right in the middle of the class with him barging in without even asking for permission.

As for Alicia's former lover, he woke up from his love-induced slumber, never knowing why in the world he was dating her.

The witch had claimed her new victim.

Nidgardt

The last day had proceeded quietly and without much occurrances, apart from the older students picking on the younger rather than trying to help them evolve and get better at using their gifts. This day however might still prove to be an eventful, if not even fruitful one. The demondragon lift his head from his seat by the windows, his seat was far back in the room. As he prefered not having people at his back, that and that his large wings would make it near impossible for anyone else to actually see what the teacher was showing them.

A first year had made his way into the third year's classroom as the lesson was underway, barging in and proclaiming his love for Alica. The Witch as she was known among many of the other students. Nidgardt had not directly spoken with her Before, other than when he had to hand out notes from the teachers. Last years attempts to create a team had ended up in disaster with half of the group ranting on the other half, causing that half to quit being on the team and the remaining guys quitting due to lack of interest. This year they had to put a team together, a strong team capable of sticking together and make the best out of their gifts. Nidgardt considered Alicia as a potential powerful team member, the only problem was getting her to join. She was surely the type to only be into things for her own personal gain, and even then alot of others seemed to fear her. Perhaps even more so than people feared him. After all, he wasn't the type to pick on the weak, it was just his bloodline made his appearance a terrifying sight for those which did not know him.

Those which despised dragons and demons also bore a strong resentment towards him, but Nidgardt, just like most at the school knew that starting an actual real fight on the school grounds would lead to the teachers stepping in and there would be hefty punishment to be had.

He made up his mind as the lesson came to an end, the demondragon stood up from his seat and made his way over to Alicia. Whilst others seemed to fear her for her curses, Nidgardt was not easily frightened. In fact the opposite, he was drawn to powerful individuals. A way to test his might, but also understand others and how both could improve from it.

"Alicia, how would you like to apply for the Zarkov tournament team? Your skillset would be highly beneficial to our success, I'm sure there can be some form of benefit in it for you."

@Hammerman

---

"Oh? Well if it isn't the demon dragon himself. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Alicia greeted him with a grin. "I was just about to head home but Ibsuppose I could spare a few minutes."

She honestly did not expect him of all people to approach her. They never really crossed paths before and he wasn't really her type so he didn't interest her. Unlike most people, she didn't care if he was a demon or a dragon or whatever.

"Hmm? You want to recruit me for your team? Now that's a surprise," she replied, raising one of her legs over the other as she sat on her chair. "I honestly have no interest in such a thing. But you say you have something beneficial to me if I join me. Mind spelling out what it is?" She leaned forward towards him, her smile still as mocking as ever.

Nidgardt

The Young adult made a cracking sound with his oversized draconic hand and then, lowered his head to get into the same height as Alicia.

"If I am not mistaken, you enjoy having others be enthralled with you. What better way to enthrall the masses than in an arena as a reigning champion?" The demondragon asked, Before continuing with yet another question Before she could answer.

"If that alone is not enough to perk your interests, perhaps you could tell me what would?" Nidgardt did admit to himself that Alicia was likely going to be something to work with, since she was both feared and trouble to whomever happened to cross her path. Despite all that she was quite pretty, that was what Nidgardt at least thought. But he knew well to watch it, this young woman was prone to frighten others and cause some to get overly romantically enthralled in her. If this was a part of her powers or just a result of her good looks, Nidgardt did not know. He did follow her leg as she crossed it with her other nontheless, making careful note of the young witch's every move, under that visor of his.

"I am not a stranger to bargaining. I am partly demon after all." He said, not with any sense of pride or displeasure about it. Just a matter of fact that most demonkind enjoyed doing deals and bargains with each other and other beings alike. He was a Product of such a deal after all. He had to admit that Alicia was intriguing him, not because of a sense of fear or dread over what she could do, but a hunger to actually test out her might firsthand. It was his draconic side screaming out at him to test his awesome might, and his demonic side yelling for him to unleash all his power for the sake of dominating others. It was after all how demons duked it out in the hells, fighting each other, the strongest seizing the throne. A constant battle for power.

Nidgardt however did not feel overly pleased about his own blood screaming to him to subdue others, so he did his outmost to rebel against those natural, and unatural urges and feelings dwelling within him. A power struggle of another kind, one that he could not lose, for the fear of losing his own sense of whom he is, but also wounding his potential allies.

---

The quest marched onwards, no matter the sacrifices made. Life was but a test of fate and righteousness, and the gods always saw fit to test the mortals with their whims and hurdles. Sometimes, they were beyond their comprehension, but whom can comprehend a god? Sasha pondered, as she eyed the writings that defied any kind of human common sense. Math homework. That was a plebeian kind of thing! How dare they inflict that into her, the Illustrious of the Yenin? Still, if this was her test and ordeal, then so be it. She would conquer it with ever growing confidence.

Even if Yuri had once again, made her to fast in her vigil and denied her the sustenance of Tiramisu. Outrageous, but a Holy Maiden's job would be done in any kind of circumstance. She clung to her stomach, a gut feeling of emptiness within. The day and the class was done, and she could not think of anything better to do than to patrol the halls of the academy.

Justice would triumph!

She didn't have to wait long, for she spotted a covenant between third years. A couple of them, that as a newcomer, had only heard ghastly rumours and foul tales about. The Demondragon and the Witch. Would they join together and breed to cover the earth in foulspawn? She dared to think not. She clenched her fist in determination, as she slammed the door open.

"HALT EVILDOERS!" She announced. "What foul play is this, Nidfart the Wicked? Allying yourself with more dark powers to cover the school in foul-yet-cute demon-dragon-witch-spawn? I shall not abide such display in my honour as Yenin!" Sasha said, her hands quickly reaching for her hilt.

And then, the rumble of her stomach rudely interrupted her. How could that fool Yuri not give her sufficient food before questing?

---

"Hmm? I desire others to be enthralled with me? Now that's a funny thing to say. All those people who adore me do so simply because of my... ah, irresistible charm. Even you should have noticed that, no?"

With her index finger, she touched Nidgardt under his chin, caressing his skin lightly as she gave him a teasing smile. She then recrossed her legs, this time making sure to do it in such a way that she flashed him a glimpse of her black panties.

"I never really desire them," she continued. "I simply view them as simple amusement and nothing more. A little romance is part of your typical everyday school life after all."

"Although, I do have something that I do desire. That perhaps you could grant..."

Before she could tell him that however, Sasha barged in, saying some platitudes about evildoers and honor and whatever, as usual.

Alicia rolled her eyes. If not for her holy protection, she would've placed a curse on her. Maybe a depression curse, just to make her less annoying and chirpy. It could be a love curse too. The girl was pretty cute at all. And she's the type that would be fun to tease.

And then, she heard a stomach growl. It wasn't her of course. She always had a low appetite. And it didn't seem to come from dragon boy. So by process of elimination...

"You might want to hold of your crusade until you fill up that big stomach of yours, little Sasha," she said with a smirk.

"Just do it already!" The voice rung inside his head, filled with impatience. "You've been hesitating all week!"

"S-sorry..." Kato mumbled back to his sister. He was the only person who could hear her, of course.

"Do you want me to do it?"

"N-no! That's... always hard to explain, and half the time they never believe us anyway." He sighed.

"Is it because of how she looks?" This time there was an edge to her voice.

"No!" Kato's face tinged red. "I just... don't like it when you get disappointed. Nothing ever works."

"Wanna know what's more disappointing?"

"Me not even trying-"

"YOU NOT EVEN TRYING!"

"OK, OK, fine... I'll go..." Kato hung his head and shuffled off. He soon found the person he was looking for, Sasha, but she seemed in a bit of a hurry. "Uh-... um... excu-" Nope, she suddenly slammed a door open and began shouting. "Sp-spawn?"

He shook his head. This seemed like a bit of a misunderstanding. If he could just interject. "If-if you could give me a mome-" But then some girl began talking back to Sasha. Wait, wasn't that- He felt a chill run down his spine. "I-I-... e-exc-" He was in a cold sweat now. His eyes wandered over to a guy who looked... Oh gosh... it was him. He was scary. Kato froze up.

"Oh for the love of..."

Kato's blue eyes suddenly took on an amber hue and his expression hardened.

"AHEM!" Suddenly his voice was loud and clear. "That's neat and all, but you guys can bully each other later! I have something important I need to take care of here! You, pay attention! I've been following you for the last minute straight!" He pointed at Sasha. A bit of an exaggeration, but... well...

"I... I could have..." Kato whimpered, now in the backseat so to speak.

"No. No you could not have..." Kakra grumbled. ". . . Sorry." Kato hated it when she forced her control over him.

(To be clear, italics is when Kato is talking mentally, and bold is when Kakra is. Only normal text is out loud.)

Nidgardt

Whilst he was waiting for Alicia to give her reply, she had taken the liberty of touching under his chin using one of her hands, while at the same time smiling in a teasing manner. The demondragon narrowed his eyes somewhat under his visor, he knew what she was trying to do. She was attempting to do to him, what she may have done to all those which constantly follow her around.
Certainly she was beautiful, but none were that beautiful that would cause young men to abandon all reason. The girl had even moved her legs in such a manner she revealed her undergarments to him. She did it on purpose, of this he was certain.

This girl was feared for a reason. Her powers were more than just teasing and tempting others. That both made him more interested and more wary, more wary than she wearing black undergarments of all things. But then again so did he.

Alicia did say however that there was something she desired, that which he could grant. The demondragon pondered for a moment what that possibly would be. Would the price be too steep to pay? That's when he heard the door slam open and a loud voice entering the room and ringing in his ears He slowly turned around, his large wings still folded on his back. There was a girl standing there, by the looks of her she was a first year. He had not made note of her before, then again the school had alot of students, many of which he had never talked with.

The demondragon did not consider himself leader material, but someone had to be the one needed to gather together a team and attempt to keep it together. At least long enough until a leader could be put in place. As for the girl, she was sprouting words about him. Words that were untrue. At least for now, he did not know what Alicia had in mind after all. Though dwelling on possibilities was a dangerous past-time.

"Judging people because of their bloodline is not right. That makes you the evil doer!" He raised his voice for the last part of his sentence, not in a hostile manner, but a matter of fact. He wasn't prone to make judgements on first sight, but this was a good way for the girl no doubt to ponder on if she were. The girl had placed her hand placed at her weaponry already, but was seemingly interupted by a rumble in her stomach.

"Fight at an empty stomach?" The demondragon asked in an amused manner, it was more like a statement but this girl despite getting the wrong idea. Hopefully. Might be a possible recruit for the tournament team, though it may require some work.

"Hmm. How about I treat you to some food for free and you'll consider joining the tournament team?" Nidgardt offered, holding out his oversized arm and draconic claw as a prince would offer a princess for the waltz. In a much more frightening and brute manner. There was more people showing up, a boy appearantly. This was a second year student for certain, the demondragon knew he had seen him before. He's looking for the loud talking girl? I wonder why... surely it's not because he needs help with maths.

"You got the wrong idea, we are all on the same side here. We are all here to get stronger, where would bullying and bickering get us? You have buisness with this girl?" The demondragon inspected the newly arrived duo (Well, or trio. But he did not know that.). Perhaps I could put them through the test later. If they are strong or not, as long as they are willing to work hard and not quit they could potentially be good members of a team.

---

---

Aspirations are rarely achieved by those without initiative. Either you strive to gain what you desire - or you go without it. That's the way the world always has been, and always will be...

"Move it! Out of my way!" came a voice from the crowd. One of the school's several plazas was quickly filled, almost to the brim, as the concessions cart located near the center open its windows and rang for students to come purchase one of its recent specials - chocolate chip mint ice-cream. "I said move!"

The mass of bodies parted slowly as someone made their way through to the front. Aegus Reister - one of the newest students at the school - emerged from the crowd, waltzing up to the stand as he brushed off his sleeves and coat. When I say move, MOVE, damn it.. he scolded the crowd in thought as he looked down disapprovingly at his shirt, which had been stained by the touch of the commonfolk. Now I will have to throw out this outfit...it was one of my favorite too.. he griped inwardly.

Nonetheless, the white-haired student walked up to the stand and slapped a large bill onto the counter, not bothering to check the value before asking for their special. "Chocolate Chip Mint." he half-ordered. He waited shortly until the treat was delivered to his hands by the vendor. Aegus took off his canvas gloves, tucking them into his inner-chest pocket as he replaced them with napkins wrapped around the cone of his delicacy. He then would turn to continue towards where he normally wandered when it was his free period. However as he exited the other side of the crowd he heard a voice behind him. "Hey, asshole!" it called. "Who do you think you are? We were in line first!"

Aegus continued to walk, completely disregarding the possibility that one of the commoners had just addressed him in such a manner. It didn't seem possible to him.

But soon enough, a tall, but seemingly younger, student soon caught up to him and moved around him to block his path. "Hey, I'm talking to you." he said indignantly as he looked at the young man who was licking his ice-cream with a content face.

Aegus looked up. "Oh. You're talking to me, are you?" he said in an annoyed tone.

"YES!" he exclaimed angrily. "How would you like it if someone just walked up and pushed you out of the way?!" he asked, punctuating his question by shoving both of his palms into each of Aegus' shoulders. It was like shoving a brick wall.

The taller student's face contorted in confusion for a second before he found himself thwacked straight in the forehead by the flat of a broadsword. "SHOO! YOU ARE LUCKY I WAS BURNING THIS SHIRT ANYWAY, PEASANT! NOW GET AWAY FROM ME!" Aegus screamed at him with a now very angry expression, his ice-cream clutched in one hand, and the other occupied by the light sword that was now jabbing the other boy away from him.

He continued walking, and the student didn't follow him - he was too busy holding his throbbing forehead as he looked for stab-marks...while Aegus tried to cool himself down with the cold sugar.



Aegus soon arrived at his destination - the class he was assigned after this free period was over. He didn’t come early to study, or to be a good student, but because he had nowhere else to be. He sat on a bench by himself, now continuing to enjoy his (rather large) treat of mint ice-cream. He watched on as a commotion erupted nearby, a growing group of other individuals had seemed to come across some disagreements, or misunderstanding. He had nothing better to do, so why not eavesdrop?

He examined the few gathering there. The tallest of them seemed quite...different than the other people on the area. He seemed to have an enlarged, clawed arm. Another of them, who had recently arrived, seemed to be some form of...knight? They were an odd sight indeed. But he couldn't tell really what their capabilities were - so he had no clue if they were simple commonfolk, or something greater..

Aegus leaned back, watching the group as he enjoyed his leaf-flavored treat.

[Deleted due to faulty assumptions]

---

The taint of evil she-snakes was all-pervading, a testament on how mere words and acts could rot even the most pure thoughts and flail souls like the wrath of the gods and goddesses mars the flesh of sinners. That accursed hellion who spared no effort in even showing the clothing of her most intimate regions to the foul demonspawn in a moot attempt to cajole him in the unholy alliance, made a remark not unlike a poison barb coated in honey. Sasha's grip around her blade tightened, as the sound of metal against scabbard was heard.

But before she could expose how her heart matched those sinful albeit tasteful panties in colour, a peasant of the most rude persuasion dared interrupt her, with the excuse of importance. A fact the horrific demonspawn tried to capitalize by spouting drivel about judging people not by their appearance. As if! That witch-temptress underwear was proof of her sin! The one called Nid-whatever pressed on, with an offer of food, furthermore.

But she would not waver. Knowing these creatures, they would rather put a vile poison in her dish. Or badly-stewed broccoli.

"Justice never stops, not even against temptresses with hearts as black as their loincloths!" Sasha protested, throwing Alicia a glare with so much righteous fury her cheeks became puffy and her lips curled. Some people called it pouting, but they were uneducated villains.

Reluctantly ignoring the unholy couple (and most of the Nid-whatever drivel), Sasha spun around in her heels, turning to face the person whose demands of attention had broken any sort of etiquette.

"The nerve, peasant! Even if it most important, manners are to be observed. You don't want to end up like the harlot, flashing that black lace everywhere and making awful remarks about hunger just because she is sated by eating men! Nevertheless, in the name of Justice, I shall heed your request." She said, letting go of her sword.

"However, as punishment, you shall shoulder the costs of sating a crusader of Light like myself!" She demanded of Kato, as a second growl came from her stomach. If that stupid manservant of Yuri would not provide, the rude peasant should take his place!

---

Hmph, what a bore.

She had expected more of a reaction from him. But he kept his cool regardless, even after she flashed him her panties. It was almost like an insult for a man to not react at all to the sight of a woman's most sacred garment.

This is why she preferred the innocent types. So much more fun to tease.

And speaking of teasing, it seemed she had successfully teased the little crusader girl. How funny that she was more distraught by her black "loincloth" than Nidgardt, who was a man.

"Oh my, it seems I have accidentally revealed my undergarments due to my improper sitting position. Please excuse me for the uncouth display," she said with a knowing smirk. "And thank you, Lady Sasha, for notifying me of the matter."

She moved her legs around, as if to fix the problem. But she instead exposed her panties even more.

"As for you, dragon boy," she switched her attention to Nidgardt, "What I desire is money, simple as that. A lot of money, mind you. Around the ten digit range at the very least. In dollar, mind you."

With her frightening smile, she continued, "Or, you can give me access to meet someone really really rich in a one on one meeting without their bodyguards and such. I shall take care of the rest."

"So, how about it? Can you fulfill this wish of mine, hmm?"

She had noticed Kato's arrival. But she had nothing to say to the boy. Maybe he could "take care" of Sasha while she's settling her deal with Nidgardt.

"Yes..." Kakra as Kato said to Nigardt while staring down Sasha... before she unleashed the most entitled rant she'd ever heard. "P-peasant!? What the he-" Amber eyes narrowed angrily and she lifted a finger, aiming to jab Sasha in her ample chest before her hand froze. One of Kato's eyes returned to blue and the hand fell back to his side before he could further offend Sasha.

"Kakra, no! We need her to help us!"

"UGH! Fine... you're right..."

And then both eyes were blue again.

"S-so... what I meant to say was of course, w-, I'll be troubling you for your time so if you're hungry I'm happy to get you something," Kato told her politely. He then motioned for her to follow him a few steps away from the others, not wanting to be so close to the witch and the demon if he could help it. "You see, uhh, w-we- I heard a rumor about your powers, a-and when I was young my sister and I were cursed by a-" he glanced again at Alicia, "were cursed and were hoping you could help." No need to mention witches around the witch...

They'd never come across someone with abilities quite like Sasha before, so it was worth a shot.

Nidgardt

His initial conversation with Alicia had caused some others to take notice. He had been waylaid and now had to do something about it. Appearantly the loud girl with the rumbling stomach was drawing the lot over. Someone even watching from a bench outside of the classroom.

Good grief...

He thought to himself before turning to Sasha, the girl which was speaking of justice, Ioincloths and by the sounds of it eating. After she had finished talking, Alicia replied. But not only that she exposed her undergarments for all in the radius to behold yet again. It was almost as indeed she wanted attention to be drawn to them, the demondragon took note of them however. They were of black lace by the looks of it. Nidgardt thus came to remember the various kind of succubus types that was working for his father. Most of them did however not wear any garments at all, yet there was a common theme going on. Black cloth.

He had to admit it was not the worst choice in fashion, he wore it himself. Since the more natural colors like green, brown and grey always made him look more monsterous than he was. Then ofcourse there were colors which would never had fitted at all with him, like yellow, purple, blue or pink. Red? No. It was overly common among those whom submit themselves fully to evil causes, generally accompanied by black.

Sasha was speaking of being a crusader of light. Perhaps she too could be useful aswell? A matter he had to look into after his buisness with Alicia was concluded.

But back to the subject at hand. Not the girl's undergarments but the potential of recruiting her for the future Zarkov team. Alicia seemingly refered to him as 'Dragon boy'. It wasn't the first time he heard it, but few dared to say it in the manner she did. Then again she was feared herself. It wasn't untrue, he was draconic, but it was just a part of him.

What the young witch desired was money, and quite a large amount of it, that or being able to meet someone which had it. Nidgardt, whom had draconic blood recoiled abit to it. Out of raw instinct, not that he actually cared about money that much. But his dragon half was screaming in rage at the very notion, one of the most precious things to a dragon is their hoard of treasure. One which they would very seldom share anything from.

Such was the case with his father's vast fortune, enough so that he did very seldom leave his hoard unattended. The times he did, he had placed strong traps around it. And even then, was surely not far away. Just to make sure no one would dare put a finger on a single coin.
But there was just no way the demondragon could hope to pay Alicia for her co-operation, it was just an amount beyond his resources. That's when he felt a flinch from his demonic nature.

He could go with her second plan. He could give her access to meet someone whom is really rich and alone. He could arrange a meeting between her and his father, a being whom was surely beyond her influence. That was he could keep his part of the deal, while not losing anything. The very idea made him want to smirk, but he restrained himself. He didn't take any real pleasure in exploiting others, but in this case he needed members and this girl was by the looks of it very prone to try exploit others.

Nidgardt ponder on it for awhile. It could serve as a lesson for her, to not make deals with demons. Or part demons. And show restraint and humbleness. He finally decided to agree to her second offer.

"I will give you access to meet someone really rich in a one on one meeting, without any bodyguards. But only after the inter-area tournament. I would hate you to not feel motivated to win. Do we have a deal?" He said in a calm manner, as if he had worked it out in his head prior to opening his mouth.

"Not to mention there is usually a prize for attaining victory." He added as a bonus, he wasn't that interested in the prizes himself. He just wanted to advance and challenge alot of different people, to become stronger and watch as others became aswell. The only way to attain a peaceful and lasting future is by understanding and respect. This was what the fights would surely bring.

The demondragon took a couple of steps forwards and reached out his non-monstrous hand to close the deal with Alicia. She was prideful indeed, if she was to advance further on she would have to experience loss. Something she would remember. Nidgardt considered the options and decided on asking her for a deal she couldn't say no to.

"I wish to test your capabilities if they are as strong as the rumors go. Let us make it more interesting shall we? If you win, you can order me around for a week. If I win I can order you around for a week. Ofcourse the exception to this is breaking the Yekaterina laws and binding someone for a longer time. So no contracts, offering of blood or the like. What say you?"

If she wins she wins, I get to become more humble while learning more about her powers. If I win. Then she is going to become more humble. A win-win. He thought to himself.

---

To her surprise, dragon boy actually agreed with her condition. He would only give the chance of a meeting though, not the actual money itself. And he told her he would grant her condition after the inter-area tournament.

Hmm, perhaps she should ask for more details first.

"So, who's this rich person you have access to?" she asked him. "I don't imagine you to be the type that has an influence amongst the upper class."

"The prize, I do not care for. I have no need for a paltry sum of money or some meaningless trophy."

"And as for 'testing my capabilities', I shall remind you that I'm not a fighter in the slightest. If you were to punch me, you would probably knock me out in one hit. My expertise lies outside of combat. I would curse your opponents, preventing them from even appearing at all in the arena. Maybe give them a stomachache. Or, make them wake up late. And if you want something more extreme, I'll have them get caught in an accident that would cripple them to the hospital bed for a good while."

She recited all that with a gleeful look on her face. Here was someone who didn't hesitate playing dirty in the slightest.

---

---

Aegus raised his eyebrows. A tournament, hmm? He had never been in one, but he had heard of them. And he had nothing else to do - he was smart enough to not attend class - who needed to go to a financial math class when you were in a wealth class of your own? In any case, the proposition of a tournament intrigued him.

He stood up from where he had been eavesdropping outside of the room, while tossing the remnants of his icecream in the trash, and casually strolling over to the door, leaning against the frame of it - directly behind Kato.

”A tournament, you say? he interrupted. ”If you less fortunate folk need a sponsor, or perhaps a power-player, I may be your gentleman.” he said as he adjusted his canvas gloves, while looking directly at Nidgardt. Despite the fact that the white-haired boy was noticeably shorter than the Foul-breed, his gaze still implied that he was looking down on him. The group as a whole, even.

”I expect no material rewards, of course, you people can keep what gains they award - no, what I want is entertainment. Perhaps Glory - as I already have fame.” Well, at least that’s how he saw himself - partially famous. Though he wasn’t. Most people at the school who had seen what he was outwardly like during his short time here - would likey only see him as the “snobby asshole exchange student”.

However, his real motives - while they were somewhat influenced by his own need for entertainment - were to get his parents to notice what he could accomplish without his money. If they thought he didn’t need it, they would give it back.

But in Aegus’ eyes, he very much did need it.

---

The two dark ones continued in their dark covenant, the she-witch having the gall to thank Sasha in a condescending tone that was much more evil than stealing candy from children. And yet, the Crusader knew that the work was laid before her. There was a tortured soul in front of her, seeking redemption. A most wroth curse indeed, judging by the erratic gestures and the eyes changing colours all the time. He did look like that snake from that Selvatic Book or whatever. It was a peasant movie to be fair.

So she clacked her heel, standing tall (well... the most she could, she was still a young noblewoman, after all) in front of the supplicant."It would seem heartless to just force your punishment upon you given the urgency of your situation. I am one of the Yenin, and I say curses before lunch. But do not think you will be exempted of your debts." Sasha said, as she undid her gloves, and with the clap of thunder, squished Kato's cheeks, as her hands started to glow with her healing light.

"CURSE, BE GONE!" She announced out loud. Well, this time her stomach didn't ruin it with inopportune growling.

Kato looked very concerned. This was very sudden. He hadn't even gotten the chance to tell her the nature of the curse! They hadn't even left the room!

"Bwuh!?" His eyes went wide as she accosted his face. Soon he began to feel something... strange. Something very cold, as if ice was being drawn out of his veins from deep inside. It all came to a head with a sudden dim, violet glow. Spectral chains suddenly appeared all across his body, as if her touch had revealed them.

They seemed to strain and then, suddenly, one by one the links disconnected from one another.

Wait, was this actually working?!

These thoughts were punctuated by a calamitous boom. The chains blew apart, sending anything nearby that wasn't nailed down flying. Papers, pencils, skirts, desks -- Sasha. The force was enough to send the sacred girl into a wall.

When the dust settled, it was a rather spectacular sight. Chain links hovered ominously, orbiting about the room. Standing in the middle of it all were two people. One was Kato, and the other a girl who shone like the sun and gave off an incredible pressure. It had been midday, but by comparison it might as well have been midnight before.

"It... it worked?" The girl laughed giddily, staring at her own hands in awe. "It finally wo-!"

And then with a startling rattle, the chain-links flew together, reforming themselves and then pulling shut, binding the two back together, and in one last flash it all vanished, leaving Kato there... alone once more.

"Oh..." His face fell. Of course it hadn't worked.

It never did.

And then his eye flashed amber again and he flew over to Sasha, yanking her to her feet and grabbing her shoulders. There was an ecstatic grin upon his face.

"That was amazing! No one's ever come that close before!"

Alexei was tired. This wasn't an unusual state of affairs considering the amount of work he put in each day. It had been drilled into him by his father that you always put 120℅ into everything that you do, so just today in addition to his regular school duties he had arrived early to help Madame Vala in the library organize the nonfiction section after yesterdays history report rush, been pressed into guarding one of the smaller first years from the hazing that was still going on around the school, and had hunted down and apprehended a fellow first year that had deserted Professor Bruzoft class this morning and delivered him for reprimand. Yes, there was a whole lot to do in a day if you really tried and it was unfortunate that the strain of it would have killed him a long time ago if he hadn't mastered the art of the micronap.

It's what he was doing now, nestled in a slight shadow in one of the hallways trying to catch a few Zs before the after school activities began. Standing against a wall, eyes halfway shut, listening to the footsteps and voices going past him from just beyond the edge of waking. A few minutes of unthinking peace.

Then the world exploded.

He was moving before he was even fully awake, not that it took much. His legs carried him past the shocked and the curious. He saw a flash of light from around the corner as he neared the end of the hall and slid to a stop, pressing himself up against the corner and carefully peeking into the hallway.

He didn't see any scorch marks or structural damage in the hallway, and despite the blast and flash he didn't see and injured from his vantage point. In fact, the one person he could see seemed unusually pleased.

That didn't totally rule out terrorism, but it now seemed as though this was yet more hazing. He breathed a sigh of relief at that and decided it would probably be safe to approach. "What happened?" He asked as he made his way down the hall, his voice somewhere between commanding and weary. "How many injured? What was the source of the blast?"

"A dragon." The demondragon said in a firm tone of voice, there was no doubt at all in his voice. He knew this for a fact, what his father was and the wealth he held. Not only in money but knowledge too, in his vast lifetime who knew what secrets he had uncovered.

"By upper class you mean those having material wealth I assume? A few. What use is all that wealth if you cannot defend it though? Isn't knowledge how to defend yourself worth more?"
He asked but continued talking to reply to her other words, according to her she was not a very physical combatant. If such was to be believed it was just what she needed, some physical training.

"I understand. That means we have much work to do." Nidgardt nodded his head slowly and allowed a slight upturn form at the corner of his mouth. Before his attention was drawn to the side where the other individuals were located.

One in particular approached and asked about the tournament, Nidgardt knew this one. How could he not? This was Aegus Reister, a wealthy third year student. Not only that, but unbearable for most people due to his high and mighty attitude, being the type to constantly look down on others.

Despite that, he was also known to possess impressive powers which no doubt further tickled his ego. There was potential in having him on the team for certain. Nidgardt didn't think his view of him as inferior was a personal issue, but rather an issue that was preventing Aegus from truly shining. The demondragon pondered to himself.

'He needs to feel humiliation and defeat if he is to work good in a group. How do I make him more humble without breaking his spirit. He needs to lose, but also win to not lose motivation.

Aegus needs to be beaten in a one-on-one and then aided by his team, that will make him look at them with worth. Since they will spare him from utter ridicule.' The demondragon nodded to himself listening to Aegus while making out a scenario in his head.

"How very fortunate. We have need of a power-player." Nigardt rose up standing straight to tower slightly over Aegus. "You'll be the first member of the team then." Nidgardt reached out his non-monstrous hand to offer in a handshake, even though he knew Aegus would surely and most possibly reject the idea of shaking hands with someone he did not deem noble.

Then there was the voice of that loud girl again. This time she screamed out something about a curse and there was objects starting to fly through the room, then there was a light and the much more quiet boy which Sasha had spoken with and seemingly targetted with some form of command was now accompanied by some girl which emitted a very strong light.The girl allowed a few words escape her lips before she was fused again with the boy, Kato.

The demondragon stood still, his mouth slightly open in surprise. But also he felt his skin crawl on Sasha's use of power. There was something about it which made his very being scream, there was no doubt about it. Nidgardt thought to himself... 'Holy magic...'

He closed his mouth and assumed a more reserved stance. 'The girl possesses holy magic, and that boy is fused with another. Both of them could be great additions to a team, but not only that. Sasha had a power which Nidgardt was weak to. A chance to test his might against something like that, and potentially learn how to better resist it.

"Impressive. I did not expect someone with holy powers amongst the first years. How about you'll show me more of it later after you have had the nourishment you need. Unless your stomach be lying." He complimented. He had seen people with holy power before, but not someone openly using it in this manner and not a first year.

The demondragon looked Kato over. "I see you have a separation issue. Perhaps a combined effort can release you from it." Nidgardt said aloud, as if he pondered on the idea. He was not knowledgable in what it was that was binding the girl to him, but his father had used demons, binding them to his power. Surely this wouldn't be too different. If only he could find out more.

Then finally another person came into the scene, asking what had happened. Nidgardt decided to be silent and let one of the others explain, after all he was still waiting on Alicia to make her choice.