"Alright class. I know it's a 26 degrees, high time sunny day. But that doesn't give you all the excuse to appear so lethargic while I'm teaching…"

A young woman, a little over twenty. Whose only notability was her thick black rimmed glasses, clapped her hands, rousing the drowsy ones who had been sleeping in her class.

As she peered through the windows. The teacher noted the clear blue sky and the noisy cicadas that serenaded on the nearby trees.

'It isn't only you little ones.' The teacher thought, while wiping off the sweat on her neck with her handkerchief.

"Eh~! But sensei!"

The students couldn't help but cry. The island nation of Japan or rather western Tokyo as a whole is a weather physiological attack. The blistering sun didn't bulged even as the students wagged their tongues praying and cursing, so that meant they had to conserve their drying up energy somehow.

Most chose hibernation.

But the teacher only smiled and smacked the top of desk hard enough to rouse the somnolent class.

"… !"

"Don't you sensei me. We're all under the same sun. So let's all suffer in this together, alright?" She said with a jaunty smile that definitely didn't not connote with what she had just replied with.

"Tyrant!"

"Ehem!"

"Don't sound so proud of it!"

"… …"

"… …"

Both the students and the teacher narrowed their eyes, watching each other like gun-toting Wild West death-battle contest. But it wasn't for long, because…

"Pft… Ha ha ha ha ha ha…"

The teacher abruptly chuckled with the class immediately joining in. It seems like even the heat wasn't enough to cull the jovial atmosphere for the middle-school finalists. Some seconds later, the teacher clapped both her hands once again in an attempt to quell the remnant buzzing.

"Now, that you all are composed let us continue… Hmm? Is that?"

Seated at the second to the last row. A black spiky hair could be seen pointing upward, while its holder's head was pressed against the top of the desk snoring rather loudly.

Maybe on a normal day, she would have calmly told his seat-mate to wake him up, or yet, if she were in a better mood, she would have just let Mobius claim hold. But…

It was hot…

And she was DEFINITELY frustrated due to the heat. Even the laughter just a minute ago was just to chase her mind away from the boiling ambience.

A tic appeared at the teacher's forehead, as she pushed back her glasses while sporting the insane smile that had made her a spinster for all her life. Marching pass the shrinking pale boys and girls, she approached the sleepy spiky hair whose lack of danger sense appeared more commendable by each passing moments.

Oh, but he will learn…

Standing just before the slumbering student, the teacher raised her hand as if to perform a karate chop. Meanwhile the students turned blue faced as they all observed the ritual dubbed 'Sensei's Special.'

Rest in peace oh sleeping comrade…

"Kamijooou-kun~…"

Bam!

"Eeei~oouuuch~!"

Like someone who had been hit with a hammer, the spiky hair rose to his feet in a flash, and even completed it by standing at attention.

"This is Kamijou Touma! Reporting for duty, sir!"

He paused for some seconds, swaying like a drunken man, before correcting himself. "I mean, mam!"

From the class, a boy with bandana did a thumbs up, while guffawing. "7 out of 10. Try harder."

"Eh?!" Now fully awake, the now named Touma blinked, looking around the class who stared back at him sporting various intensity of amusement.

A cold shiver ran through Touma's back as the source of the chill calmly placed her hand on his shoulders.

'Dammit.' The boy's face twisted painful. From the strength of the vise grip, Touma could already tell who it is.

"Kamijoou-kuun~"

The drawn tone sounded so saccharine that he didn't want to turn back to see the Oni who would be staring at him with that phantom Hakama mask of hers.

'If only it's an Esper Ability.'

Touma moaned, his head pulsing while he clenched his right fist. The very moment it is needed, it has been deemed useless. Plastering a subservient smile, he turned to meet his doom while muttering out two words.

"Such misfortune…"

...

With a smile that spoke of a tension outlet. The teacher smile brightly for the class.

"Alright class, as I was saying before let's get back to Esper Studies."

"Yes, mam."

The entire class lightly replied… Of course with exception of the boy who winced while nursing the bump on his head.

Ouch…

Scribbling on the board, the teacher continued, -secretly to the relief of her students- "Let's do a little recap. An Esper, or you can say an Ability User is an individual who possess supernatural powers that can be scientifically explained and emit an AIM diffusion field…"

Kamijou Touma rested his face on his right palm with elbow serving as a pillar to stay upright, staring jadedly as the teacher droned on without pause.

He already knew all that. In fact, this was one of the first thing he was capable of comprehending when he first heard of Academy City. Children who attended the City were put in some form of curriculum that granted them superpowers.

That is an Esper.

But it was those exact words ' An individual who possess supernatural powers.' That irked him. For they were as scam as those bonanza ads after a TV soap opera.

As painful as it is, not all men are equal.

That was the harsh reality brought upon the over 80% hopefuls in Academy City. He wasn't thinking of the Esper status itself, because as long as anyone has gone through the Esper Power Development Curriculum, then that person is automatically deemed an Esper.

That wasn't the issue itself. For it was a little deeper than that.

An individual who possess supernatural powers.

Yes, Kamijou Touma like all 100% students in Academy City emits a special kind of field called an AIM diffusion field, but unlike the remaining 20% out of the 80%, he does not possess a tangible power.

You see Academy City classifies an Esper power in Levels which responds to the potency of the Esper Abilty they possess. Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6… Level 1 abilities are mostly insignificant to even be called an ability, while a Level 5 was said to hold enough firepower to challenge an army and win!

A Level 6… Well, he would have called it a myth. If he hadn't known one.

But still among the Levels a number seems to be missing. Yes, it is the number 0.

Just because it is called 0 means that there was a special meaning to it. There was no joker effect in a Level 0, as it isn't as great as one might think.

Or even great at all.

An ability invisible to the eyes of Ability Scanning machine or too minuscule to be called an Ability. In other words, No Power at All.

At that Kamijou Touma let out a large sigh that spared him curious but brief looks.

He was a Level 0. To put it in sweet words, he possess an ability too small to determine by the Ability Scanners. In reality that means no tangible power at all.

'No. That isn't exactly right.'

The Level 0 thought while switching his hand-rest, looking at his right hand.

He wasn't exactly powerless, as one might say. But his ability couldn't be determined by the Scanners.

Imagine Breaker…

A mysterious power in his right hand that had only brought him bad luck, or as his Best Friend had said, negates all forms of luck both good and bad, leaving him void-less in a world where everyone is allocated a form of precedence from the ones above.

Even till now, he honestly doesn't believe it.

Still his right hand also had another function, which helps him against any Esper unfortunate enough to underestimate him in a fight and let him come close.

Thonk!

"Ouch!"

Touma winced rubbing his forehead, while the smiling teacher played with the other half of the chalk that she had just lobbed.

"Kamijou-kun. Do you really love Sensei's Special version 1.0 that much? Don't you worry, keep that up and I'll introduce you to version 3.0."

She punctuated this by grinding the chalk in her hand to dust.

Gulping loudly, the Level 0 gradually raised his hand. "Uhm. Aren't you supposed to start with 2.0?"

"Huh?!"

"Nothing, mam!" The wielder of Imagine Breaker could only shrink back in fear at the unintentional gangster like reply.

Shaking her head like a general satisfied with the response given, she returned back to lecturing. Meanwhile the Level 0 was dumbfounded that he hadn't been given detention.

Looking at his hand in wonder, Touma thought while tears beaded his eyes.

'Oh, Imagine Breaker. At last have you finally decided to grant me this little victory… I shall savor this once in a blue moon moment thankfully with all my heart.'

…...

Later that day, Kamijou Touma will question while he even bothered. While cursing his luck like there is no tomorrow.

Literally…

…...

"Now let's go in briefly about the Level 5s, shall we."

A certain energy passed through the class, as faces of awe, envy, fear, respect and even adoration passed though the students, all the while not helping themselves but to glance back to the seat situated at Touma's right.

Yes, the Level 5s. The Specials of Academy City, Individuals with powers that bothered inhumane even among the super-powered Espers.

While from experience, they knew they were as human as one could be, their powers were still one to be envious of. Especially in a school where the highest average reportable Ability is Level 1.

Of course with the exception of the school's greatest pride.

It is the blatant favoritism of life in play. But that is how reality works.

Not all men are equal.

"These Esper's are otherwise called individuals with True Superpowers as opposed to their lower counterparts, with talents that far exceeds that of other Espers."

Seeing her student's now uncomfortable faces, the teacher gritted her teeth in frustration.

'Why are the higher-ups even adding these in the schemes?'

Like it wasn't enough for the world to tell them so, they even forced it into the school's syllabus. So as to cruelly hit the students with the fact that they aren't special in anyway. This wasn't the first time she had said this and this wouldn't be the last, for what could she do?

She was a coward at heart.

The new chalk in her hand snapped under the pressure exerted on it, as she took on a deep breath while putting on a smile.

"But we already know all that, so let's just get right to the individuals. Currently in Academy City, there are 8 Level 5s, with two of the Level 5s in Tokiwadai, while another in Amrata-gakuen and finally one in our very own school."

"Well, aren't we lucky?"

A girl muttered with thick sarcasm. The teacher clearly heard that but smoothly continued on. There was no need to make a mountain out of an anthill.

"But even among the Level 5s, there is still a hierarchy of sorts…"

"While clear specifics of their powers are not publicized. From common knowledge, we all know that Level 8 [Nen] is a Gemstone who possess an unexplainable form of power with both short and long range capabilities. #6 [Mental Out] is said to be the greatest Esper in the mental category. #5 [Meltdowner] is said to control electrons in their raw states, while #4 [Railgun] is classified as the most powerful electromaster who could call down actual lightning."

Pausing, the teacher smiled. "As for the top three. This is where things get really messy or, interesting, depending from how you see it."

At that, Touma perked up, with the numbing lethargy flushed from his system.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

He already knew the whole story, even got a front view as it happened. But there was still something exciting about the way sensei told it. Maybe it was her scheming tone and the body gestures that seemed to give the well-known news a certain kind of new life.

"Now," She began, smiling internally at the rapt attention her class paid.

'Kids no matter how you put them, are still kids.'

"Unlike the set position of the lower caches of the Level 5s. The #1 #2 #3, are in a quite mystifying situation. Can anyone tell me why?"

A hand shot up, which the teacher nodded. "Yes, Kanao-chan."

The middle-school girl that had a short hair with a black headband, answered concisely. "The #2 [Star Child]"

"Yes, [Star Child.] if #8 has inhumane supernatural physical specs, #6 the greatest mental Esper, #5 possess the capability to slice an Aegis into two, and #4 is the most powerful electromaster. Then [Star Child] can do all that and even more…"

…...

"Y-You all stay back! I'm warning you. One step closer, and I'll b-b-blow this old foggy's brain out! I swear I'll do it."

The man, a typical thug dressed in black jacket and black slacks with a plain white mask, hollered hysterically. One of his arm wrapped tightly around the neck of an old man of late 60s, while the other held a gun was pressed against his hostage's temple.

It was a sunny day in Academy City, with more than half the percentage of students in school, while the rests wandered around, truants or cold-hearted thugs. Including those who had been sucked into the parts known and unknown as the Dark Side.

Today at District 15, even the shades the high rising buildings provided did not help against the prideful radiance of the yellow star. The normal pandemonium of the commercial area was an all-time low, even most of the thugs retreated away from their alleys heading back home.

It was just a bad day to do business, they might accidently kill someone in this heat. And as Neutral citizens wise in the Dark side, that wasn't a good thing. Who knows what might happen if they got the wrong person…

But still there were some ignoramus who considered this to be the best time to rob an ATM, after all, lower passersby means lower chance of attracting Anti-Skill.

If only that were true…

"Drop your weapon and place your hands behind your back! And I guarantee a sweet serving of pudding in your cell!" A woman with a thick accent ordered in faux cheerfulness.

Tall, with a deceptively blue hair that had been tied into a ponytail, but still had left over locks spilling out. Her Anti-Skill uniform impressively hid her voluminous stature or as some of her students call it ' Dynamite Body.' All in all, she was a woman who normally had an intriguing sex appeal to her, which multiplied in effectiveness under this heat.

But still she wasn't smiling. Yomikawa Aiho wasn't glad to be under this frying sun.

"Like hell I will! Stay back, or this foggy gets it!"

"Tsk!"

Hearing the frenzied reply, Aiho clicked her tongue in irritation. Of all days, why today!

While ' A Certain High School,' wasn't an elite kind of school, at least the staff-rooms were equipped with ACs to steer away this heat! But now, she has to wear this stuffy uniform while trying to negotiate with a robber who probably forgot to check the calendar before robbing an ATM!

"I'll give him one hard smack on the head for all this mess, I swear it." The voluminous woman swore under her breathe.

She loves her job, after all it is her dream to protect the children of Academy City, and to correct them when they stray off. But sometimes while illogical, Yomikawa Aiho wishes that these delinquents actually takes some days off once in a while.

"Seems like your comedy-methods isn't working, Yomikawa." Her colleague said in a teasing tone, while wiping away the sweat on his forehead using his gloved hand, mindful enough to keep the other that held a stun-gun aimed at the mugger.

"Oh, buzz off, Itou."

The younger Anti-Skill narrowed his eyes resuming a serious expression.

Normally this was more in line with Judgment rather than Anti-Skill, but the two were just coming from a terrorist suppression exercise when they saw this happening. Naturally as social volunteers who wanted to keep Academy City safe no matter how rotten it is, they had no choice but to intervene.

"So, what's the plan, Yomikawa?"

"Eh, I'm thinking."

Yomikawa Aiho glanced around as she took in the situation.

Thankfully, apart from the younger man at the robber's side who appeared to be unconscious due to concussion -probably from the butt of the thief's gun- all seems to be fine. At least it shows that the mugger wasn't exactly a murder-hobo.

Although, she could do without this gathering crowd.

"Itou, reinforcement ETA?"

"4 minutes…"

She pursed her lips, turning to the robber whose panic seemed to be increasing by the second.

Four minutes might seem small, but she knew it was anything but that, especially in this kind of situation where a life is at stake as with each passing second tension on both sides will surely increase until one side makes a move.

While she was pondering on how to go about this, Itou drew her attention through his loud authoritative barking.

"Hey kid, get away from there! It's dangerous!"

"Hmm?"

Aiho turned her head ready to see the cause of commotion, only for her breathe to hitch at the familiar figure. Her mouth hung open for some seconds before stretching into a smile. Shaking her head, she holstered her gun.

'You sure have some crazy timing.'

"Itou, it's ok. You can put away your gun. Let's just wait for Judgment to arrive so that we can hand the robber over."

"Eh?"

Itou blinked in confusion, while his brain rebooted on what his partner said. From what he knew about the woman, she was very strict in the safety of children. Adults are to do what they have to do, rather seek and endanger the children of Academy City.

He could even say the woman was willing to die to keep it that way.

But here she was telling him to stand down.

Even as he mechanically did so, Itou couldn't help but ask. "Yomikawa, you do know he isn't Judgment, right?"

It is always part of the norm for any Judgment personnel to announce their presence. Not to mention the civilian wasn't wearing the armband. So why? Unless...

"Is he a strong Esper?"

She huffed folding her arms, " Strong Esper? Really Itou, are you saying you don't recognize that bizarre hairstyle?"

Still confused, Itou turned again to observe the figure when it hit him like a sonic grenade. Eyes dilated and Itou straightened in muted shock. The only word that came out of his mouth the second later was.

"Oh."

…...

"Originally [Star Child] had been classified as the #3 Esper." The teacher began. Her subtle nuances and movement, drawing her students in like a camp-fire story

"He was the definition of what a powerful Multi-Skill user would be like."

"The ability to fly with a speed over dozen times faster than sound, strong enough to lift over 50 peta-tons, not even nukes could faze him. Like that wasn't enough, [Star Child] had the ability to manipulate a unique form of energy that could take on any kind of effect. Fire, ice, electricity, etc. It was even said he can control minds better than [Mental Out.] and could even manipulate matter."

The class listened transfixed as the teacher continued.

They knew all that, had even at one time saw him juggle cars with one hand while playing with electricity for fun. But then again the fact just hit them as always and the green monster called envy reared up its ugly head.

'A winner in life.'

"But despite all that. He was allocated with #3 due to lacking a certain kind of uniqueness that the #2 and #1 possessed. But that all changed…"

…...

"W-Who the hell are you?!"

The robber howled. Eyes twitching erratically as he retreated back pulling the old man roughly with him.

The young stranger sighed. "Don't you have manners? Treat your elders with respect."

He was a well-fit young boy dressed in a black tank-top and blue jeans with a white mixed with black sneakers, his long shirt had been tied around his waist, with a headphone around his neck. The boy appeared to be dressed in a free but unique manner and he letting out his tank-top certainly was not due to the heat.

But that wasn't all…

His hair stood unnaturally straight with mismatched eyes of green and grey. A simple smile crested his lips as he looked straight in the eyes of the frantic robber.

"For now just let him go," The boy asked softly. Surprising even the robber himself as he expected an arrogant tone from the confident boy who stood before him.

"I know you don't want to hurt him, but with the way you're going, you just might do something you will regret."

The robber gritted his teeth behind the mask as he shook his head.

"Clear the way! I just need to get away from here and I'll release the old foggy, that's all I have to say!"

The boy's eyes widened slightly before sighing. "Well, I tried."

And then…

He took action.

…...

"The change began 5 years ago. There was a certain war between to first world states, Russia and Kazakhstan… It was a war that threatened the stability of the UNO and the world in general. Many tries to prevent the war were repelled by the warring countries. World War 3 was just around the corner… But the organization decided take one last shot. By requesting to Academy City for help."

She looked around her students, continuing ominously.

"The UNO expected equipment, tools for peace-keeping, artificial processed food for the hungry, but they got something different, they got the [Star Child]"

Touma who was listening still couldn't get around the fact that a 9 year old child had been sent into the battlefield. But still from what he told him, it had been his choice, he wasn't exactly coaxed into it.

"At first the #3 had been met with skepticism. The UNO and the world couldn't understand how a child was supposed to influence a war between two powerful nations. But that is where they were wrong. He wasn't an ordinary child."

"He was the [Star Child.]"

…...

To the robber, it felt like the boy before him shimmered out of existence disappearing from his sight. A split second later a sound akin to loud bang immediately followed.

"Wha…!"

Taking a few steps back, his eyes looked around to spot the apparent Esper, only to see he was near a nearby car with his…

"….!"

In alarm the robber looked at his arm only to see air, his hostage not in his grasp.

Meanwhile the boy settled the unconscious man against the car as he placed a glowing hand against the man's head. The red welt on his head vanished while the man's eyes weakly flickered open.

"Hmm… That's that." The boy nodded, turning to the old man.

"Sir, are you alright?"

The man appeared flummoxed for the sudden change of scenery before nodding. Apparently coming into terms that this was just another Esper Ability in display inside of Academy City.

"Yeah, kid. I'm alright."

"Good…" The boy turned to Yomikawa who arched a questioning brow that elicited a flinch from him.

"Anti-Skill is here so everything's going to fine."

Standing up, he returned to the robber who pointed the gun towards him.

Itou made a move to pull out his stun-gun, but Yomikawa moved stopping him.

"It's alright, he knows what he's doing. Besides, you shooting him could just make the robber pull the trigger in another direction. Let him handle it."

"A-Ah, right."

Yomikawa smiled as she returned observing the scene while sighing in exasperation. 'Although I have some words for you boy for playing truant. Again.'

…...

"The despondency the world held turned into hope when [Star Child] stepped into the battlefield. It was said every time the two opposing sides were to battle, he would arrive like a storm, tearing their tanks apart, bending every gun, while knocking the combatants out. It wasn't the life he took, it was their pride as soldiers."

For who would want to fight a fruitless battle where every battle-hardened soldier loses their dignity as patriotic men who were ready to die for their states.

"Some countries around the world even adulated him, calling him the Angel of Peace. But unfortunately it happened."

…...

"Te-Teleporter…"

The robber felt dizzy at the sudden turn of events. With amount people wondering about, it was supposed to be an easy job! Break the ATM, get the cash, and vamoose! It was that simple.

Then how... How did it progress to this extent?

The reappearance of the boy stunned the robber to the extent his hand unconsciously pressed the trigger.

Bang!

The robber winced closing his eyes, but it was too late. The bullet has already left the barrel. He expected to hear a cry of pain or even the sharp sound of an object being punctured, but he heard nothing at all.

He opened his eyes to a bizarre sight.

The fired bullet hovered just above the strange boy's palm. The boy squeezed the bullet and when he opened it… An intricate blue-butterfly construct came flapping out.

The boy blew upon it and one construct became twenty.

The robber was so transfixed by the sight that he never registered the boy entering within his proximity.

This time no hands were stretched. With eyes a tinge of vermillion fire, the boy uttered only one word.

" Sleep."

It was a soft alluring whisper to the robber's ears.

Like a puppet cut off its control strings, the robber slacked, eyes closed as everywhere turned dark. But at that moment, he had a thought that also sounded like a question.

'He's also a mental Esper!?'

…...

"No one knows what it was, but everyone knew the result. On that day, the skies of the former Soviet Union turned red. The two armies saw a vermillion star in the sky just at the border of both states. It illuminated so bright, some of the eye-witness later became color blind. It was on that day [Star Child] would perform a monumental feat."

"They said with a powerful fiery beam. A trench of over 5000m deep demarcated the boundary between the countries. Multiple warheads were unleased by both states in retaliation, but it did absolutely nothing… Well not exactly. They did say that after the barrage [Star Child] had been left with nothing but his birthday suit."

The class couldn't help breaking out a smile while some even straight up chortled. Touma on the other performed a face-palm, as he reminisced his reaction at that time. With a smile breaking out, Touma secretly admitted it was actually hilarious.

"But that wasn't all… [Star Child] finalized the war by coercing both Head of States into signing a peaceful treaty. How did he do it and what did he say? Still remains unknown. Nevertheless, the demarcation remains even to this day as a warning of sorts to both countries."

A student raised her hands up, "But wouldn't that sour the relationship between the two states and Academy City?"

The teacher shook her head with a soft smile.

"Rather the opposite. While the government were at odds with [Star Child] the people on the other hand loved him. After all, he ended the budding world war without any bloodshed, to the citizens, [Star Child] was the true hero. Shrines had been dedicated to him, erected by the people themselves."

Clearing her throat, the teacher continued.

"As a result of [Star Child] performance in the war, thing took an unprecedented turn in Academy City as questions arose concerning his position as the #3. Some felt he deserved better, arguing that neither #1 nor #2 could do the same thing he did. It was to the extent that the tiers for Level 5s upper caste were losing their credibility."

Touma knew the next part. Funnily enough, he never cared about ranking system, #1 #8 he never did see the important in that. But then #2 went and did that pissing him off. Till this day, the Level 0 could say he had never seen him blow a fuse like that.

And hopefully he never will…

"The Academy City directors decided that to repress the dissidents with a special private competition between #2 and #3 in District 21 to clear all doubts. The results… An overwhelming victory by [Star Child] and the creation of new canyon. Academy City's Level 5 ranking changed with [Star Child] now being #2."

"But sensei," A tall boy with glasses asked. "If [Star Child] is capable of defeating the previous #2 then why didn't they pit him against the #1?"

The teacher nodded, "… This is just a rumor. But according to some sources it was speculated that a skirmish between [Star Child] and [Accelerator] would lead to at least the total destruction of Academy City…"

One of the students inwardly shivered at the painted image of a city in flames. "What a daunting thought."

The teacher freely shrugged. "Well that's [Star Child] for you. The Ultimate Arsenal comparable to a state conglomerate."

-IAL-

He stood by the sideways as he watched Anti-Skill's procession with the robber in tow. Satisfied, he was about to leave as well when a gloved hand suddenly sank into his hair.

"Davvy-kun~!"

It was a feminine voice, one that spoke of great familiarity and maturity. One that elicited a shivering emotion out of him.

"Ugh, Yomikawa-san…"

With black lines, David Haller cranked his neck towards the brightly smiling Anti-Skill woman.

"Hahahahaha… You, truant. I know your school is very lax with you being #2 and all. But what's with this sudden malinger behavior, eh. Davy-kun."

"The hair! Watch the hair, Yomikawa-san. You're messing it up!"

"Ei! I'll mess it even more if that gets you to go back to school right this instant!- jian."

As Yomikawa kept on her devilish act of ruffling David's hair. An interrupting cough sounded by side, as she heard Itou's curious voice.

"So, Yomikawa. This is him, huh."

"Yes, Itou… Itou?" The School Teacher turned to reply, but was greeted with an empty space. Her eyes widened at the trick.

'Sound Resonance!'

She swerved to the obvious culprit only to see in his place was a dispersing energy outline of David Haller.

"Got you with that one, eh."

Hovering some distance away, David grinned impishly, while stuffing both arms into his pocket. His hair fixed back from its ruffled state.

"Every time it's always new tricks with you, Davy-kun." Yomikawa commented as she folded her arms.

"So, tell Onee-san. Why you are dissing school?"

"Got a little something I gotta' do. I've already gotten permission from the School Head."

The Anti-Skill scoffed, "For you, that plump woman would agree to anything. You are their Greatest Pride after all."

"Ugh. No need to tell me that." David replied uncomfortably. As he ascended a little higher, he paused.

"So Yomikawa-san. Remember the stuff coming up this Friday."

Smiling Yomikawa replied. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The boy smiled disappearing a moment later. With a sound akin to cannon going off accompanied with blustery winds, David Haller became a dot in the sky.

The smile on Yomikawa's face turned a little sad as he left.

'I see he still hasn't gotten over it. But I know he'll get better… I promise you that.'

…...

David Haller flew putting on his headphone as the music played.

{Oliver Tree Robin Schulz - Miss You}

Closing his eyes for a second and then opening it to see the bed of clouds below.

He smiled.

'It still fills me with wonder every time.'

He looked into the distance, the white and blue painted such a picturesque scene. Taking in the tingling cold air, David wanted to capture this moment. The Level 5 could actually do it if he wanted to. But he knew some things were never meant to be held close, rather they should be admired from afar.

Letting out a sigh, he released his flight, gravity taking claim as he fell back to academy city. He zipped passed birds that chirped at the absurdity, 10,000m remaining and friction from the re-entry heat had begun burning away his clothes.

At his right palm, a glyph resembling the combination of a star and a crescent moon glowed, and David Haller became the [Star Child]

It was like a swarm of ants crawled over him. His tank-top disappeared leaving a skin tight long sleeve of an unknown material, the edge of his sleeves were crimson accents and at his upper torso was the Star-Brand the same on his palm.

His pants turned black and sneakers bore a kind of lattice like red and dull gold. His long sleeve shirt vanished and in its place was a sash.

The smile on Star Child's face widened, 'Let's get this started.'

By then, Academy City had already lost its table-top like view, as it zoomed in with a loud sound. The breeze passed by him noisily, but his expression never changed.

The very moment he passed the 1000m mark, he twirled in the air causing a small air distortion and he rocked off with a roaring boom.

He zipped between buildings, ran on the titled steps. Performing acrobatic movement as he danced around the city. With bubbling laughter, he waved pass some shocked passersby, raced a train as it entered the subway. Even danced with some kids who were just exiting their schools.

Seeing their smiles made him smile as well…

This city is rotten. He knew that, broke and destroyed some research facilities along the way. Even though he had saved some children along the way, their initial states had always sparked a dark emotion within him.

Shaking his head as if to get rid of the thought. [Star Child] let out a whoop as he danced shamelessly to the beat.

As long as he could see it. Then he would stop it… Nothing more nothing less.

Even though he knew it wasn't enough…

-IAL-

David stood on the opposite side of a tall building, but his enhanced eyes could clearly see down below.

Where he spotted the black spiky hair boy leaving the restaurant with a Tokiwadai girl who kept straightening her skirt, and another from Yomikawa's school that smiled in amusement.

David sighed. "Let me see your story, Touma. The fire I saw that day. Allow me to observe your veracity. Hero…"