It was finally time for classes to end. It was an interesting first day back at school and Eugene was already ready to leave after all that. He was thinking of inviting Alphonse over, but he still felt a bit uncomfortable with the idea of showing someone his house.

Still, he did want to find a reason to hang out with him, so he worked up the courage to ask him.

“Say, if you don’t mind me asking. Do you want to hang out after school later?”

The fox man seemed a bit surprised when Eugene asked but tried to recompose himself. “I-If you don’t mind…”

Eugene smiled from his response “Great, maybe we can go to your place.”

“O-okay…”

With the invite settled Eugene was ready to leave the classroom. But as he did, he was given a few glares on his way out. It was starting to get to him before his familiars came into view.

“Heya boss, man that was an interesting first day of school! I’m all ready to plop down on the couch!” As he speaks Sife wrapped his large arm around Eugene.

Meanwhile Ryuze was standing behind them, his body tensed as he glared back at the others, taking them aback.

“Master Eugene, this unit has registered your plans with Mr. Alphonse and his familiar. It is recommended we return home as soon as possible so this unit could make it presentable for guests.”

Listening to the robot’s suggestions Eugene nodded in agreement. Besides he wanted to get away from everyone else’s stares as soon as he could. He waved goodbye to the Demihuman who waved nervously backed.

No sooner had they left the classroom than they managed to find the halls bustling with activity. It makes sense after all considering it was the first day, though there did seem to be a bit of commotion nearby.

There was a group of students crowding over a particular looking one and his familiar. A young student that had spiky hair combed back with red highlights at the edges, wearing a leather jacket on top of an orange shirt with a design of a claw mark on it.

Next to him was his familiar, based on the way he looked he must have been from the world of Terminus. He had a hulking upper black body which looked rather charred as streaks of red glowing lines are drawn across his body. His head had two large horns as well as two smaller ones that seem to curve towards each other as well he had a skull for a face as well as flames that imitate hair flowing at the back of his head. The flames, unlike normal fire had a darker more ominous feel to it, indicating it to be hellfire instead which would mean that he was probably of the Sin of Wrath.

The crowd seemed to be fascinated by the two as they all seemed to try to take turns talking to him.

“You have such a powerful looking familiar and he’s from Terminus too, I’m so jealous!”

“Me too! I got a Terminus familiar as well but he’s just a Sin of Sloth…”

“Well, better that then a common Beastman heck I would even take a Dragonoid, at least those submissive lizards won’t talk back as much. ~”

Upon hearing the mocking comment, it took what restraint Ryuze had to keep himself from doing something reckless, but Eugene couldn’t help but notice his eye was twitching. Seeing how uncomfortable he was feeling the Dragonoid was feeling, the human student took the initiative.

Stolen novel; please report.

“Come on, let’s go. Abdul did recommend we get back home soon anyway.”

Hearing his summoner, Ryuze took a deep breath before calming down and nodding. “Yes, lord Eugene.”

They proceeded to leave the school as intended, but unfortunately someone had noticed them. It was the spiky-haired student that was getting everyone’s attention. He had already placed himself and his familiar in front of the quartet, blocking their way.

“Well well well now if it isn’t the Beastman fanatic. ~”

Eugene could only look away from the man, not wanting to even have eye contact with him. “What do you want Axel?”

Axel spread his arms up in a dramatic fashion, probably trying to gather more people’s attention “Come now, what’s with the attitude. We’ve known each other for a few years now. Is that really how you should speak to an old acquaintance?”

Trying to ignore him, Eugene tried to get everyone to walk around him, but he was stopped by the demon familiar, as he intensified the flames on his head.

“How rude, and here I was trying to see if that rumor about you having multiple familiars with you was true.”

He began to eye each of them before giving off a smirk. “Seems the rumors are true, but they don’t look all that tough. Just a common Beastman, a weak-willed Dragonoid, and a servant Robo.”

His insults didn’t seem to faze Abdul and Sife, the robot not giving off any readable emotions on his mechanical body while the Bull simply chuckled to himself while smiling. Ryuze on the other hand…

“Oh, looks like the lizard has something to say. Come on, go ahead. ~ Or are you too afraid you’ll cause your master trouble.”

The Dragonoid’s hands were shaking, as he started to form a fist. He began to open his mouth and was about to say something before he was suddenly interrupted. A hand blocked his way as Eugene stepped up and began to speak.

“Ok that’s enough Axel. What exactly are you trying to do?”

Axel was taken aback a bit, from as long as he known the runt he never tried to fight back against him. Not out of fear, this much the young student picked up on, but because he didn’t want to cause a scene. It had always ticked the fiery boy off because it gave the impression that he thought himself above him and he wanted to prove him wrong.

He always tried to get a rise out of him but never could get him to bite back, irritating him further. But now… now he finally got something out of him. He began to laugh, concerning the onlookers a bit.

“Well well, guess the fanatic finally grew a back bone huh? And what will you do about it?”

It took a moment before Eugene realized what he was doing. He usually tried to avoid unnecessary confrontations, mostly not wanting to cause more problems than was already happening. He was used to getting picked on for both his capabilities and his interest in Beastman but can usually shrug it off. But it felt different having to endure his familiars getting the same treatment.

When he tried to speak, he found it a bit difficult for the words to come out.

“I…I….”

But just as he was finding himself grow quiet, the words suddenly came bursting out. “Then how about a battle then?!”

Hearing those words come out of his mouth, Eugene immediately covered his mouth, wondering why he had said that.

Axel’s meanwhile was a bit stunned, but he quickly formed a smile as he started to laugh. Some of the students with him joined in as well. “You battle me?! Oh, that’s rich! Alright little man I accept. Should be a good opportunity to show off my familiar in action~”

Some of the students who didn’t join in the ridicule where whispering amongst themselves “Doesn’t he know? They managed to hold off that crazy beast last week.”

“Yeah, but wasn’t that a fluke? I mean four against one is a big difference, maybe they got lucky.”

Axel, after having his laugh, began to issue the challenge, giving the details of the fight. “Alright then if you’re serious meet me at the school battleground. And you can face us with all your familiars at once, should make it just fair enough wouldn’t you say?”

Before Eugene could accept, Ryuze stepped up “No need, Lord Eugene will only require my help. If of course my lord will allow me?”

Eugene looked at the other two who showed no sign of rejecting the Dragonoid’s request. Seeing he got their approval Eugene looked back towards Ryuze. “Sure thing Ryuze, if that’s what you want. But are you sure?”

Ryuze nodded as he got on one knee and bowed “Yes Lord Eugene, and I do apologize for speaking out of turn. I’ll accept your punishment after everything is said and done.”

Eugene panicked a bit while shaking his hands “N-no it’s alright, there won’t be any need for that.”

“If you’re done, I’ll meet you in the battleground in five minutes. I don’t why you want to face me with just that lizard, but you had your chance. Don’t go crying to me once I win.”

With that last statement Axel left, his familiar and many students following. Eager to watch the first fight of the school year.

“Well, I say this will be an interesting way to end the school day don’t you think? ~” Sife stated, a hearty laugh escaping his lips.