William couldn't help but overhear their one-way conversation, and think how it doesn't make sense. They aren't that loud. Sharie alone, that is.

Celleste is right before her, calm and collected and her back faces Sharie. Like the rest, they want to get their belongings that Butlers are yet to take out. Celleste is silent, and the glare that aims away from Sharie obviously shows disinterest. It is Sharie who is pestering her, but not in a bad way.

Walking towards their back, William notices they are in some form of the queue, but no one is yet to recover their belongings, he supposes.

“Huh... What I am supposed to do next again?” William asks himself, holding the bag of his belongings over his shoulder, and no longer wears his uniform over his shoulders. “And where is Roman? He said he should be somewhere, didn't he? Should I contact someone from the Academy who will know him?” He assumes he should be somewhere, so he folds his right hand into his pocket, which still hurts like most of his body. He is no longer shirtless and wears a thin cotton shirt with short sleeves.

Some eyes are upon him the moment he entered this room, and he could tell that most of them are curious. They are coming from butlers, but some are from the students of the academy, who are staying for some reason in this room.

In front of the counter are Onga and Kiryu, who are trying to retrieve their belongings first, since it seems to be their focus for their other priorities.

Though, as William waits and wonders where Roman is, the rest of the first-timers do wait the same. Then, a familiar butler appears, bearing some luggage. That is Agatha, whom they haven't seen in a good while, and most know she is very familiar with Tiberon. She hadn't taken part in the 2nd Trial for a good reason.

“Hello again, kids,” Agatha tells and watches the few first-timers that are present. “With the 2nd Trial being over, I hope you all will take some breath, and think of the 3rd. That's about it for now. More information about it will come up later, and Tiberon seemed to have done his job this time well, albeit with some surprises. Even for me, that is surprising, but that's not the problem. Here, take your stuff and hear my message.” She tosses some bags, and leather boxes to them, who take them with their hands, or bodies.

4 of the first-timers retrieve the little things that they have and could be allowed to take here. They don't question her words or actions, and having rest at this time doesn't seem like a bother to them at all. Although, some sure seem like they are ready to go all the way to the 3rd Trial. Some aren't ready, and Academy knows it.

In fact, some past Trials went like a flash of lighting, and 3 Trials would be done in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, Tiberon is making them harder and longer, and also a bit messy for the usual standards of the Emblem Academy. They are creating individual care, and also specific needs. It has complications, and not bad ones, per se. They are there to get a better vision of who is to come to the Academy, so everything is worth it.

“Alright. Not all of you are here, but the rest aren't important. They know their stuff, and that will wait, I guess. Not like it's too important.” Agatha dismisses Stark's ground, and since she knows him, she figures he has his own intentions for the rest of the day.

“All of you are new to this place, apart from you, young lady.” she looks at Sharie who is briefly taking a break from pursuing Celleste's friendship. “Academy grounds are a large place, and most of you are clueless about it, or its layout. So, before the start of the 3rd Trial, I will pressure some of the students toward each of you. No complaints, right?” she tells, smiling at the students around this place since they have time, and some benefits from this.

Something is always brewing around the Academy Trials, and they want to take part in this. Most of them, that is.

Hearing Agatha's order is making it rather difficult for them to decline, and isn't as if they want to complain. Any newcomer to this Academy is a worthy friend, and there is no small amount of friendships one can get out of them. There are also other incentives and benefits, but most of them are behind the curtain that is Agatha.

However, there is a catch about their presence. Agatha wants to party them up with first-timers who fought with them in the 1st Trial, which definitely makes things difficult.

This is a recipe for getting to know each other, but to what extent can it work?

There are sure some grudges when pain and competition appear around teenagers. No matter what, they are all young, even though the apocalypse makes the age of Walkers less than important.

Dark beings don't ask when one is old or young. They eat. That's it.

Dramas can always linger within those teenagers. That won't change. Walker or not, most of them are still 16 years old. In fact, all of them are around that age.

As the 4 others look at Agatha, William is clutching his bag, trying to come up with some reasons to get out on his own, but it doesn't seem to be the case. If someone helps him get around those huge ass islands, he won't complain for sure.

Before he knew when and from where, a hand pats his back, revealing a girl whom he remembers for obvious reasons.

His heart skips a beat, and he also shouts in surprise. “Oh, crap.” He says and turns his head. Before him is Jullieta, who is glaring at William's attire and body, since she is paired with him, much to her complaints and disappointment to be with Celleste instead.

“What was that crap for? Is that a complaint?” She ask, looking straight at his face and even a bit close than he would like. “Are you not satisfied with me, being your helper for not even half a day?”

“Yeah, I suppose.” William couldn't help but to says the truth. One way or another this girl would know a lie from a truth, and he feels he doesn't need this practice of pairing. He may as well sleep outside of this place, and ask around where the 3rd Trial would take place. Some people around should know it, he bet.

Streets and surroundings appear clean as if the apocalypse isn't part of this place at all. Vegetation spreads through many streets, with lawns, and trees scattered around the streets, and roads. There are even some forests he noticed from the skyscraper. Those would make a perfect place for a good sleep.

Although, it wouldn't be as great as his sleeping in a very comfortable bed. Even the mattress was something he dreamed of before, yet it is probably in the past. He won't get much of such luxuries unless one would get them, create them, or buy them in some way.

He wonders if the Academy has some nice apartments for such newcomers like him. If they do, are they in the same way as in the Federation? How expensive are they? There must be some sense of hierarchy and money, considering the floors above his head where many people live. There are perfect living apartments here, after all, and he saw a lot of them. Some are even way too large to be called a home, but it is true.

Frowning and glaring at him in silence, Jullieta makes this whole situation uncomfortable with her looks and words. She is open, and honest, and doesn't hide how pissed she looks. Though, William is yet to know why she is like this since it's not because of this pair-up.

It shouldn't make much difference if it is him or others, right?

“You wish you would get more than half a day. Get some proper clothes on yourself for the sun's sake! You appear like a vagabond and clean yourself too... All this blood and bruisers don't make it good. Your arm is also.... right. Injured. Sorry.” She tells, and after all of that, she calms down and notices how haggard he looks.

He had a terrible time in the 2nd Trial, so she clutches her fist around her hips and decides on a couple of things. “Fine. I will do this with you, alright? Such a thing is the least of a problem for someone like me. Hmph!” she flickers her hair around her head and puffs her chest. She appears confident in her stakes, and taking care of him is basically an easy way to get some reputable vials that Agatha promised to give them.

William backs away a step and looks at himself, and sees nothing wrong. In fact, he has been worse than this in the past, so what she says isn't right.

Still, some bath wouldn't hurt. He knows that much.

“Oh, alright... Good that you've calmed down.” William says and pats his shirt, which is no longer clean. He miscalculated, and as expected, the new shirt got dirty because he is dirty. Yet, there is no need to pick the next shirt, since it isn't worth it.

This one is the same as many he wore before, with a dull color scheme since it is cheap and comfortable.

With this excuse being over, William holds his bag and glances at her in wonder at what will happen next. She is also getting to know this youth better, so Jullieta is waiting for nothing. From the moment she patted his shoulder, she already knew what would happen anyway. She saw him from the distance and also saw his little play at the bunker. It was a savage time, and also an impressive one.

That much, she acknowledges, and also... he did hold back a lot against her after all. That angers her, which is why her face is the way it seems.

“Well,” William awkwardly scratches his head. “We meet again, I suppose. I will be in your care.” he bows his head.

“Hmph! It's your luck because of a random draft by Agatha after the 2nd Trial's end. We all got a chance, and I won. That is all to this luck or whatever this is for you, but I don't mind it.” She tells, after accepting her fate. “Follow me then already. Everyone has a newbie, and the rest are already away with them.”

Jullieta walks away and follows the route of the corridors that move outside.

William figures she doesn't live in this skyscraper, or this whole thing isn't about that? She is to help him in other ways? HE follows her in full curiosity, and last glances at the butlers, who appear to watch them at all times.

“This gives me creeps... No wonder the case with Richards was so damn strange. I see he is a Butler like the rest” he makes more than a factual assumption and follows the door to the outside of the skyscraper.

It is yet to be fully dark, as the day still has at least an hour or so of the sun beyond the horizon.

Jullieta takes a deep breath, stretching her arms high in the sky, since it has been a long day for her too. It has been not physically, but mentally draining. All this work and shit around the Trials is making her upset she doesn't work on herself. The 1st Trial was, however, fantastic, and she got plenty of benefits out of that. The rest, not so much.

After a couple of moments of stretches, she stops and faces William behind her. “Alright. I bet you are clueless about this place as far as I can guess?”

“Ehm... guess? Isn't it normal to know nothing about this place? It is in the middle of nowhere and talked like a paradise Outside. Of course I know nothing. It's not that the Academy is well-known even in the Federation. I never knew about its location, or how it is constructed, but I know it is an artificial archipelago. I got into this recently... as most newcomers do.” William says, not wanting to appear as clueless as he is.

“Artifical? That is your guess?” Jullieta says, smiling in return.

“Is that wrong? I read about how people built such islands before the apocalypse. This one is too big but stands like a charm. Also, I am sure something like this wasn't on the map in the proximity of Bermuda Isles. Is that wrong?”

His argument surprises her and causes her to be momentarily stunned at what to say.

“Alright... you aren't wrong,” she says, figuring to no longer continue with this conversation. “Are you hungry, tired, or sleepy? I am supposed to care for your well beings for some weird reasons by the Academy. Well, it isn't weird. It is a reward for both of us. You get to know this place even if you fail or not. It is a win-win for everyone.”

“You don't have to care for me if you don't want to.” William shakes his head in unwillingness.

“And I, for once, agree, but this is a mission set up by Agatha. Her! A witch that I am talking about!” she points with her finger to his face, asserting much importance with her words. “She is an utter witch! The administrator of the Butlers, and quite a figure in the Academy. She told me specifically to take care of your head, including your wounds in the West Ward. You are a bloody animal, let me tell you that. I hope you will at least get some rest for the sake of the 3rd Trial since I am speechless that you even went that far in the 2nd Trial. Tiberon would let you pass anyway. He has plenty of ways to get it done, but he forced it and you took the bait. How laughable and improper. Then, there are your injuries.” she chuckles and points to his right hand.

This explains some things that William wonders about. He made a couple of mistakes at the 2nd Trial for sure. He acknowledges that, but he doesn't regret a thing.

Sighting, William is speechless by her words and accepts the past for the sake of the future because of his actions. That is how he does things constantly, which doesn't make him upset or happy.

Though, he would rather be alone for sure.

With that said, his little journey in the Academy continues. This time isn't that terrible. The presence that Jullieta has around her is cheerful and open, as one would expect from a Rank 2 Walker of the Academy.

As they walk through the street, she makes many explanations, which William doesn't even ask for. It is something that she speaks to pass the time, and also what she is probably required to tell. It is part of the help and mission, and Academy is quite important.

It is not like he is complaining, since getting to know the Academy is pretty good. The only thing he doesn't understand is how much she is telling him about, and not.

William figures if he fails his last trial, he will sign a contract to not talk about this.

That really seems so stupid to him, and this idea almost causes him to stop her from talking and explaining so much. However, as a Walker, he isn't required to worry about knowing things. In fact, it is redundant to not know them.

Knowledge about the Emblem Academy is strict with non-Walkers. Everyone else is free to know all about this place, its rules, Wards, and places to visit.

Not like Jillieta would be one to listen to some rules either way.

William has no choice but to listen, which he does with interest and care.

What he could gather is a rough appearance of the Academy which consist of 4 big islands. There are about 10 smaller ones and around 16 skyscrapers that act as their vessels so they wouldn't crumble apart. It is more about securing the earth, that wasn't here in this place to begin with.

What he has no idea about, and what Jullieta doesn't explains is the history of this place, which she doesn't know herself.

Right now, they are heading to the western side of the archipelago which is a place called West Ward. It's a place with a lot of research builds and where Walkers go to heal or something along those lines.

William complains, “Alright, I get why you want to take me there, but I will be fine when I wake up. I swear this is just a scratch!”

“Don't quote me on that. You have no idea about the limits or walker's injuries!” Julliate barks at him. “I, for once, am curious if there is some problem with your Emblem. Just look at your damned hand. It's still lingering with the Annihilation from whatever Tiberon forced you through. Isn't it painful?”

Pulling his right hand forward from the pocket isn't even fitting for his forearm, that is for all eyes to see. It's still strained, but not enough for it to be unmovable. “I get this pain and mess a lot. It will calm down in a couple of hours. I swear.” he shakes his hand away, hiding his palm in his pocket, which amounts to nothing since the Emblem is on his forearm. “I am still sure this is of very little concern. In fact, I hoped to get some answers from my Instructor that remained to watch my Trials. No idea where he is though.” William explains.

“What? Your instructor remained here?” Julliate exclaims in surprise. “That's indeed rare. You must have made quite an impression if that's the case. Who was it?”

“Roman Antler.”

“Him? ” Jullieta stops in her tracks. “You had Unmoving Mountain as your teacher?”

“M-mountain?” William mutters, looking at her with a questionable look. “If you wish to ask me more about him, then I have a lot to tell but this is about this, right?” he lifts his hand again and glances at his Emblem. “Again, as you must know, It's the case of the Annihilation Element. He has it as well, so he taught me how to control mine. It is that simple, you see?” William explains.

Jullieta looks at him in bewilderment, but his words seem to ignite her spirit. “What is he like? Did he use his Core Skills in your training? I bet he did, so he would make some examples and impress you.” She showers him with questions, appearing completely different from her usual demeanor. It seems she heard a lot of stories regarding Roman, and William doesn't fault her.

He begins to talk in greater detail about his experiences with him along with their journey to the West Ward.

It took them more than half an hour to walk from the southern section of the archipelago where is the skyscraper where 1st and 2nd Trial, happened.

Unlike his expectations of the Academy, William doesn't find the sighting that strange. Federation already made sure to broaden his horizons, and this place is a huge city, albeit rather unique. It resembles a more advanced Federation and almost seems like a nation on its own, which isn't far from the truth. That may be because of those skyscrapers, and the plethora of other buildings.

Acres of land, that isn't used for farms are also questionable. Those are for training purposes, or a place for future buildings.

In fact, he is quite shocked by the sheer amount of working people around. They aren't Walkers of course, but contracted workers that work for the Academy. Such things happen in the Federation, and this place is no different. The workforce is important, and Walkers are there to kill the darks, and others will support that.

Though not much about it can be guessed by William, who doesn't know this place, he can guess many things from his sight alone.

These wonders aren't met with answers, because Jullieta is still keenly listening to his explanations about Roman. She is even asking questions, and William doesn't have a choice but continue talking.