Tojo pushed open the tall, rune-etched doors of the Vandor tower, his footsteps echoing as he and Gendai stepped into the chamber.
Tojo: (rubbing the back of his neck) "Sorry we're late. Gendai and I got caught up watching some of the First Move test matches."
At the center of the room, Vandor Neve sat cross-legged on a floating cushion, surrounded by stacks of food trays, casually stuffing her face.
Gendai: (arms crossed) "The most unserious Vandor in existence…"
Neve: (glancing over, mouth half-full) "At the end of the day, you two were late. So—what kept you?"
Tojo: "Just some of the matches. A few students stood out."
Before Neve could respond, the door behind them opened again. Jessie entered with Raijin in tow, his expression vaguely annoyed.
Jessie: (to Neve) "Had to bring this idiot back. Word of what he did already spread through the academy."
Neve: (sighing) "Always him. Of course."
Jessie: "Anyway, we've made a decision. With how the numbers in the Shadow Faction are shrinking day by day, we've decided to merge the factions. Two Vandors—one united front. Just like Kazimir and Riah's model."
Gendai: (nodding) "Makes sense."
Tojo: (grinning) "So that means we're all working together now, huh? That's not bad."
Xavier: (leaning against the wall) "Guess that makes us full-time residents on campus. Not a bad shift."
Raijin: (raising a hand) "Okay, yeah, that's great and all—but can I go now? I got a lady waitin' on me."
Neve: (smirking) "Why stay with her when both me and Jessie are right here?"
Raijin: (deadpan) "Because you two are dangerous and absolutely not to be trusted."
Jessie: "Dangerous? Or just keeping the girls on campus safe from you?"
Gendai: (stepping in, amused) "He got humbled by a first-year girl today."
Jessie: (raising an eyebrow) "Really now? What's her name?"
Gendai: "Lihanna. Wields a massive katana, elf lineage. Manipulates water. Skilled."
Neve: (snorting) "So that's who wrecked him. Should've known."
Gendai: "She'd make a solid recruit."
Jessie: "Would've been, but this year's divisions are locked. Shadow Faction and the new Thunder Faction."
Raijin: "Is there… any way I can join Kazimir's faction?"
Jessie: "Only if he accepts you. I know I don't."
Neve: "Same here. Feel free to walk out that door."
Raijin: "Damn. I'm still the greatest in the room."
Jessie: "Yeah? The greatest slut maybe."
Neve burst out laughing, nearly dropping the snack in her hand.
Neve: (wiping tears) "Didn't see that one coming—sorry."
Xavier: (smirking) "Bro, just accept it. Go ahead and put the fries in the bag—you're done. Thee Greatest Slut of Astral Legion."
Raijin: "Man, fuck you, Xavier."
Jessie: (giggling softly)
Neve: (narrowing her eyes) "Wait. Did you just giggle?"
Jessie: "And what if I did?"
Neve: (smiling) "Nothing."
Jessie: (turning back to the group) "So, any of you heading out on a task today?"
Tojo: "No missions today. We're taking it easy—it's only day one."
Jessie: "Alright. Then this week, help the first years."
Gendai: "Help them with… what exactly?"
Neve: "Training, presence, basic guidance. Be around them."
Tojo: (saluting playfully) "If that's your will, General, we'll give it our all."
Neve: "This is why I trust all of you—except him—" (points at Raijin) "—who only cares about his joystick getting played with."
Raijin: (grinning) "Well, how about you play with it?"
A dangerous silence fell over the room. Neve rose slowly from her cushion, the playful air gone in an instant. She stepped toward him, each step carrying the weight of command.
Raijin: (stepping back instinctively)
Neve: (coldly) "Don't run. I'm not Jessie—I won't waste my effort on someone like you. But know this: you've achieved nothing yet. You beat a few A-rank parasites. That's progress, sure—but don't let it inflate your ego. Don't confuse minor victory for significance. You're not special. You're not untouchable. And I'm not one of those girls you charm with slick talk. Next time you speak like that, the faction won't defend you. They'll deal with you."
Raijin: (bowing his head) "Understood. My apologies."
Neve: (turning away) "Good. Now leave the tower. The rest of you are dismissed as well. Carry out the assignment and stay sharp."
Tojo: (nodding) "As you command, General."
The group exited the tower together, the weight of Neve's words still hanging over them.
Raijin: (stretching) "So I guess the other factions got this task too. We just got our assignment a little later."
Tojo: (checking his comm) "Yeah. She's sending us to Class A. No idea where the class teacher is, but let's go introduce ourselves and get started."