09/18/3122 YDB – September 18th, 3122
The following morning as Archer Griffen walked his way towards Trinity Academy he was checking his phone. According to Julia earlier in the morning, the Bents were questioned by the police. When Archer asked how she heard of this and got the reply of gossip.
Taking a deep breath, Archer inwardly cursed at himself, thinking that maybe he should have played last night differently. The evidence he left with the police would've implicated the students who were lured there as victims. Of course after finding that out, the police would want to check on them.
Archer asked if Julia knew how long Rosa was held up for, Julia responded that it was only for a couple of hours, but really early in the morning. Archer's guilt only increased reading that, realizing that Rosaline probably didn't have a very restful night, something Archer understood very well. Archer made a mental note to himself that he needed to watch Rosaline today and make sure nothing worse happens.
It wasn't long before Archer made his way to the main gate of Trinity Academy and was greeted by Esme. Giving him a quick once-over, she was satisfied that he adhered to the dress code. As Archer passed by Esme, she quickly whispered a single question.
"Checking on Rosaline?"
Archer gave no verbal response, only offering a nod in response as he moved past the gate. Checking the message, Zoe, or Soothsayer-2 as her official title, sent him a message. After the encounter with the swordsman inside that office, Archer had reported him as a person of interest.
So far Zoe hadn't managed to get a name or a picture of the swordsman aside from the description and sketch Archer gave her. Though there had been reports involving the swordsman. Usually linked with criminal gangs.
The swordsman seemed to be some sort of vigilante. He was targeting gangs and doing his best to eradicate them. He had only appeared in the past few weeks, around the same time Archer got his message from the twins. Which gave Archer an inkling of where he may have come from. His theory was only supported by the pattern in which the man struck.
He went after were mostly small, fledgling gangs of varying threat levels. Many weren't related at all, but on occasion skirmishes with major gangs were reported. Though since the meeting with the white mummy, his activity slowed.
Archer was sure the swordsman wasn't really injured after their meeting, but clearly Archer did something to make the swordsman rethink his approach. The few deaths that the swordsman had irked at Archer, but it wasn't anything big enough for Archer to focus on. At least until he gets his gear.
Checking the time on his phone, he saw that there were still a few minutes before the first bell. Not enough time to find Rosaline, but enough time to ask some questions. Sending a message to Professor Phil Doyle, he asked if he had any update on Rosaline. A quick response told him that he would need to be patient.
Taking a sharp inhale, Archer proceeded to head to class before the first bell rang. As he entered the classroom, one bit of good news could be seen. Ran and his fellow F-rank classmates were conversing with each other excitedly over their achievements from last night.
Luna quickly gave Archer a smile as he passed by her. Quickly making himself scarce, he sat in his corner seat and watched. He naturally found himself listening in on Annaxia Tori, the A-rank that had her issues with Julia and Luna. She still had her battle wounds from the fight with Luna from yesterday.
"Hey Annaxia did you see Cassia?" One of her friends asked.
"What about that weirdo?" Annaxia said bored.
"She cut her hair."
"What?" Annaxia said surprised, "Isn't her hair as long as she is? How much?"
"Like a couple of feet. It's only down to her thighs now."
"She never cut her hair during middle school."
"I don't know, when someone asked she looked like she was going to cut their head off." Another friend said laughing.
Archer listening on this frowned slightly. No way… I'm not that lucky… am I? I should check at lunch. He wondered. He then glanced over to his right, where usually he would see the rather peculiar Kaiden Atkins sitting by himself. Only he wasn't there.
Archer once again felt guilty, he did have to fight him. Archer only punched him once and pulled it quite a bit. But then again, a one-hit knockout resulting in a concussion wouldn't be surprising. Before Archer could deliberate anymore, Professor Blackowl entered the class just as the bell to begin class rang. Cassia and Rosaline. Whichever comes first. He thought to himself as he discreetly texted Phil for information.
***
During lunch Archer quickly went to 'Holy Noodle' and helped himself to a quick bowl of 'Biang Biang' noodles. Thanking Grace, he then left the cafeteria, according to what Esme was able to gather, Rosaline was almost never in the cafeteria. It seemed that they ate elsewhere.
Archer had to admit, while he was hesitant with the group chat to begin with, it has proven very useful for his job. Based on Julia's info, Cassia was a prodigy swordswoman. Officially she was a mid-level A-rank but from what Julia gathered and confirmed by Phil, she was far more capable than her official rank.
Though actual information regarding Cassia's location was even harder to find than Rosaline. Rosaline at least at one point seemed to be popular with lots of friends, Cassia seemed to not talk to anyone. Though if she was secretly masquerading as a criminal, it would make a lot of sense.
Still she's human, she needs food. Archer thought before pausing on the spot, realizing that the easiest way to find where she was was to ask. But at his current F-rank, no one was going to talk to him. Closing his eyes, he asked himself why he was so stupid.
Before he could berate himself too much however, he received a message from the school's principal. Blinking in surprise he read the post.
What's this about a criminal in my school? – Electa
You know, technically with all the shenanigans everyone does, you have multiple criminals - Archer
Archer, I'm not in the mood for jokes. – Electa
Well – Archer
Okay – Archer
How do you even know about this? – Archer
Doyle told me. – Electa
I thought you wanted to be briefed after things were wrapped up – Archer
When it comes to something like this, I need to be updated on everything. – Electa
I told Phil the basics what else would u like to know? – Archer
Cassia is part of some criminal organization? – Electa
Maybe – Archer
Somebody I encountered while helping Rosaline seems to fit her description - Archer
But I haven't seen Cassia in person so not sure – Archer
Why was Rosaline and the other students even there in the first place? – Electa
Tricked by a student named sun – Archer
I'm aware, the board has already decided to cover it up. – Electa
That's quick – Archer
I haven't been given full access to everything about him, what do you know? – Electa
Only what I gave the cops – Archer
Sun started working with a group over the summer – Archer
Burner accounts, so hard to link – Archer
Looking into it – Archer
Oh yeah, the gang's name is called the untamed flags, pretty big gang in this city. Strange that they got at least two students from the academy involved – Archer
I am aware. – Electa
Archer, here are your orders: Figure out if Cassia is involved, if she is deal with her accordingly, go after the gang make sure that they don't do this again and find any other students stupid enough to help them. – Electa
Understood, where can I find her? – Archer
From what I gathered it seems that she has been seen within school grounds. Try the storage sheds. – Electa
Thank you - Archer
Archer quickly stashed his phone away and headed towards the storage sheds. It did briefly pass his mind that there were multiple storage sheds all over the large academy, but he should have enough time to scout through all of them. Besides, he might get lucky and find her on the first one.
As Archer opened the door to one of the other exits of the main building he paused. Wow, I really am lucky today. He thought as he spotted his target almost immediately. Across the field leaning against the shed was a woman with olive skin and long scarlet hair that reached down to her legs.
She seemed to be absentmindedly eating her meal, some pre-boxed lunch, her left hand was slightly bandaged up, and she seemed to pay little attention to anyone. Archer recognized the hairstyle and body type. If she wasn't the swordswoman from last night, then this is one hell of a coincidence.
She's also a sword fighter who's believed to be hiding her real talents. Who isn't close to any students and hard to contact. Archer thought, he was pretty sure that he could assume that this was the same woman.
Still, bold to go to the same school that your victims go to. Archer thought. Though, to be fair, Cassia wasn't one to let herself stand out, and F-ranks likely wouldn't be familiar with her. Archer supposed with how relaxed she was, she also didn't think the B-rank that Archer caught knew of her either. She did seem to be some extra muscle for that gang leader, he wouldn't be surprised if Sun had never seen her before.
Archer now having completed his first task of finding Cassia realized that he didn't really figure out what he was going to do afterwards. What was he going to do? Attack her during school? That's stupid.
Archer then decided that he would just need to keep track on her, report to the others of his suspicions. He doubted that the bandage on her hand was for show, she probably wanted to wait for it to heal before dealing with anything else.
Still, Archer thought about what he would do in her position. She knows that Rosaline and the others were around the school and there was a risk that they might put two and two together. Though them telling anyone of authority this would mean they would have to admit that they illegally entered a restricted area.
That may as well be a death sentence for students who gave it their all to make it to Trinity Academy. Expulsion after all that hard work was the last thing they wanted. So even if they figured out Cassia's identity they likely would keep quiet at first.
So, Cassia at the very least wouldn't be targeting anyone in the school quite yet. Though that doesn't mean that she isn't a criminal for hire. Archer would need to deal with her, but that could wait, as the victim comes first.
The other two F-ranks came from middle-class families, while decent equipment was expensive, they weren't desperate for it otherwise. Though they themselves lack any innate talent. They followed Sun in the hopes of making some money and perhaps obtaining some new items or skills that would allow them to rank up.
Rosaline didn't really seem to have any drive to rank up. More importantly for her was trying to make money to cover her and her brother's debts. Besides, she was also injured and likely hasn't been resting properly. Her brother didn't seem to pay much attention to her, and she looked like she really needed help.
She was also a Bent, and Dominic Bent seemed to be involved with a group of troublemakers that Archer could see both being useful and causing lots of problems in the future. Being near her would be useful, besides it's classic for a hero to help a damsel in distress. Archer cringed a bit as he thought about that.
Once coming up with his conclusion, he turned and headed back into the building. You're sounding worryingly like Dad. Archer thought with a shiver. I cannot be that bad. He then paused and realized that he was in a chat group with three women and suddenly felt very nervous.
No… I'm not like that. It's not like there was another ghost harassing a dude, there was just the one. Esme was the only victim in the school that got experimented on and Rosaline is linked to a large criminal plot. I would help Ran, but he needs to learn on his own. Nothing unnatural is happening to him. He argued with himself. I'm getting into my own head, I'm not like Dad! He fumed as he stormed off to find Rosaline. Only because it will help with his mission and because it's the right thing to do of course.
Okay, so what should I do when I find her anyway? He wondered to himself as he moved down the halls. She might be with her brother which is something I'll need to get around. Aside from that, she needs to trust me, right after another student tricked her. Hmm, this is going to be difficult.
Archer then eventually found his way over to Rosaline who was as he suspected, with her brother. They were also joined by a few others, friends of Dominic it seemed, as they paid Rosaline much attention. They were still having lunch, eating, talking, and joking. All except for Rosaline. She seemed to be busy handing everyone their food and taking their garbage.
As Archer thought about how to tactfully approach, someone called out to him. He was a pretty tall and handsome student with long flowing blonde locks. Archer vaguely recognized him as one of the five whom Luna while possessed as a ghost, managed to seduce; Ulmar, he believed his name was.
"You, I've been looking for you all week!" He said angrily and Archer gave a tired sigh. I can always deal with this after school. Archer thought as he began to slink away.
"Hey, stay there don't go anywhere!" Ulmar snapped as Archer entered one of the empty classrooms. Following Archer into it, he was ready to give the stupid F-rank a piece of his mind. Physically, if need be.
"Wait, huh?" Ulmar said as he entered the classroom, it was completely empty. Looking around he tried searching for Archer to no avail. Elsewhere Archer was making his way down the stairs texting Professor Phil what Rosaline's final class for the day would be.
A few hours later as the final bell rang and students began to pack up, Archer quickly navigated his way out of the classroom and after Rosaline. Before he could fully vanish, however, Professor Blackowl called after him.
"You, Griffen boy." Blackowl growled.
"Oh yes sir?" Archer replied respectfully back.
"The head office wants you, what trouble have you done now boy?"
"Uh, I wish I could say sir."
"Go and do not be late."
"Understood sir." Archer said as he curiously headed towards the main office where the main secretary sat.
"Yes?" She asked looking at Archer bored.
"I was asked to be here?"
"Oh it's you." The secretary said as she checked something on her computer, "Right take this and deliver it. Task given to you as punishment for during the dungeon diving." She said as she handed him a nondescript box.
"Right of course." Archer said taking the box as he read the address on top. It was to his own place, turning the box around he saw a single word labeled on it. Equipment. With a smile he could guess what was inside this thing. Quickly stuffing it into his backpack he then set out to find Rosaline. Games changed now. He thought whimsically.
For the past two weeks he hadn't been able to roam free at night, too worried without his costume on. Though judging from the weight and size of the box, it clearly wasn't everything, it was the beginning of something new for Archer. The monster in the darkness perhaps could begin to creep closer to the limelight. The gears began to turn within Archer's head as he continued his search for Rosaline.
It didn't take long to find her at her locker currently taking stock of what looked to be adventuring equipment. Archer glanced around, he didn't see her brother or anybody else really there at all. If there was a moment to move it would be now.
Now just need to figure out how to confront her. Archer thought. Overly friendly? Hmm, from what he's heard she's been approached that way several times already. He was going to help solve her financial problems, and the last one who offered nearly got her sold.
Okay, I haven't been allowed to be mean yet. Should be fun, just need to take it slow. Archer said as he approached Rosaline from behind. Perhaps it was due to the giddiness of receiving his new equipment, but he was ready for a change in attitude. She was too busy focusing on her items to notice him.
"Rosaline Bent." Archer called her out.
"Huh?" Rosaline said startled as she turned to see Archer, "Uh, do I know you?"
"Probably not, but I know the Bents." Archer said mostly lying, "Broke aren't you." He said as he looked at her cheap-looking backpack, "Rumours say that you owe people money. Some not very good people."
"They're just rumours." Rosaline whispered looking down.
"Rumours that hold some grain of truth, you are up your nose in debt aren't you?" Archer pointed out.
"I need to leave." She said as she tried to leave, body tensing as she did so. Afraid that Archer might put his hands on her.
"What? Off to be questioned by the police again?" Archer asked which caused her to freeze.
"How do you know about that?" Rosaline said whipping around eyes full of hostility.
"People talk." Archer said with a shrug, "Though nobody seems to know why."
Rosaline shook as she glared at Archer, "Your point?"
"I think they asked you because you entered the restricted area." Archer said as Rosaline turned pale, "Wow, you're bad at lying." He said with a laugh.
"Why? Why would you say that?"
"You're clearly desperate for money. How about a job that won't land you in prison?" Archer offered.
"What do you want?" Rosaline said brimming with suspicion ready for this snake oil salesman to try and peddle her goods.
But those three magic words was all he needed. The idea of earning some money still enticed her, and Archer was going to use that, "I need someone to carry my spoils, you're good at that right?"
"Your spoils?" Rosaline said with a scoff, "You're an F-rank, even I'm better than you."
"Yes, well. I have a license that allows me to climb up the tower."
"You're lying."
"Am I?" Archer said as she opened his wallet and flashed an explorer's license.
"How?" Rosaline said eyes widening staring at it.
"Who knows?"
"It-it has to be fake!"
"Eh, believe me or not." Archer said shrugging as he stashed his wallet and turned around, "If you're interested meet me at tower 22D, Saturday, noon. Tell anyone about this and your chance is gone."
"Why are you offering this to me?" Rosaline said after a moment.
"Because you're desperate and you don't have any friends." Archer said before leaving.
***
Elsewhere back at the WDO mainland headquarters things were quiet. Which was a good thing because it meant there was no immediate danger currently occurring. Currently manned by a few adult superheroes and some of the new generation, everyone was enjoying the peace.
It however quickly changed as a new arrival entered the headquarters. Immediately the man in charge of security, The Immovable Titan rushed to the front to intercept them. Stopping in his tracks he stared in awe at who was before him.
Platinum Warden, one of the original heroes who saved humanity from the horrors. A warrior goddess who descended down to fight alongside humanity against the forces of darkness. She was a tall, muscular woman with flowing black hair and a sharp complexion. Armed in her custom-made armour, she was the definition of a sculpted statue of immortality that sprang to life.
"Miss Regalis, you're back after your sabbatical." He said staring and feeling intimidated by the presence of greatness.
"Call me Talia, it's… Jake right?" Talia said recognizing him, "You've been promoted?" She asked seeing that he was in charge of the base.
"Oh, yes, though only when times are quiet. Did you enjoy your time away?" Titan said happy that he was recognized, still starstruck by her.
"Yes, it was rather enjoyable entering the realm of the beasts. The hunt for ancient dragons was rather enjoyable." Talia said, smiling and recalling the pleasant memories, "Tell me, how are the kids?"
As if on cue Zach Moore entered the room with a bright smile, "Miss Regalis!" He said happily.
"Zachery!" Talia said with a smile giving him a friendly hug, "It's good to see you, you grew taller." She said once breaking the embrace and noting that he was nearly as tall as she was now.
"Thanks." Zach said unable to not grin from ear to ear after meeting one of his mentors again after five months.
"How's my son doing?"
"Oh, he's on a job."
"Ah, that boy is always working." Talia said nodding her head in approval, "He needs to take longer breaks. When did he leave?"
"Uh, two weeks ago." Zach thinking back.
"Oh perfect, he should be back soon."
"Uh, actually he'll be gone for a while."
"What do you mean?"
"Archer took the Trinity Academy job."
"The Trinity job!" Talia's eyes widened and Zach saw fury behind her eyes.
"Uh, is something wrong?" Zach said.
Talia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "No, I just need to deal with something." She said her voice chilling.
Titan at this point backed away from the two as he could see Talia looked ready to kill something. Zach at this point also felt a bit nervous seeing Archer's adoptive mother look so angry.
"So… I take it that you're leaving?"
"Oh yes." Talia said leaving the building.
"To see Archer?"
"No, no. He's busy with his job…" She then paused for a moment, "Though I do need to see him again." She thought as she floated into the air.
"What do you want me to tell the others?" Zach called up to her.
"Don't worry, I'll tell them. Take care and be smart when you fight crime."
"I will!"
With a satisfied nod Talia then in the blink of an eye, flew through the air and out of sight from Zach. I sort of wish I was there with Archer now. He thought as he headed back inside.