D turned towards Bart with a confused expression. “Is that a Catgirl?”

The entire group turned and remained silent, until Bart spoke up. “Well, if my source material is accurate…” Bart rummaged through one of his pockets for a few seconds before pulling out a manga with a cat on the cover. “Yes, that is indeed a cat girl.”

Jace opened one of his eyes in surprise as he looked at the manga. [Isn’t that from that one author who was arrested a while back? I believe he wrote about some kid getting magical powers and something about an alien invasion.]

“For starters, that is a beastman. While you could call her a cat-girl, that is highly offensive.” Jace made finger quotes while calling the person on stage a cat girl. “There are a lot of sensitive topics when it comes to beastmen since they have a really complicated background. It’s a sensitive topic, so we-”

Before Jace could finish his sentence, the girl interrupted him with a hint of agitation. “They are essentially the product of breeding between monsters and humans. Though there are quite a few that are just humanoid monsters. Essentially, they were created by some ancient being who wanted to wipe out the human race or play god. Now be quiet, they already started!” The girl redirected the trio to the girl on the stage who had been talking for a couple of minutes.

“Now I know some of you are anxious, I get it. Not everyone was born here and it can be disorienting, but it could be-”

**BANG**

A loud slam could be heard as a door burst open at the back of the auditorium, silencing most of the conversations going around. A toned man wearing a white shirt and baggy black pants stumbled forward. His clothes were disheveled and he reeked of alcohol. He carried a katana on his side and a wooden bottle on a rope in his right hand. Most of the people in the auditorium turned towards him as he stumbled through the rows of chairs pushing people aside. “Excuse me. Coming through. Watch your face. Ooh, now hey there hot stuff.” The man continued walking through the crowd, occasionally kicking people and throwing some lecherous gazes and comments towards the women nearby, until he stopped at group with a large trashcan moving around in front. “Hm, it smells like vomit. Looks lik-” The man immediately collapsed on D and vomited towards Bart.

Barts’ eyes flashed as he quickly tried to grab the nearby ‘friend’ who was somehow already behind the drunk swordsman. In that moment Bart tried to think of a plan, only to be met with the unfortunate truth of his situation. “Aaah!” Bart fell to the ground. “Ha, so this where I fall. D, tell my story. Write that I was the most handsome man you have ever met, and that everyone loved me. Let them know…” Bart raised his hand as the light started to vanish from his sight. “That I was better than Jace.” His eyes closed as he lay still drawing one final breath.

D looked at Bart for a moment before turning back towards Jace who was helping the man walk towards the nearby walkway. [Well, that is one way to make an entrance.]

The girl on the other hand was shaking. Her hands trembled as she looked down, unable to move. Bart meanwhile had already given his clothes to the strange machine that had just arrived to clean up the initial incident. “Well, I guess I’m going to live for a bit longer, but it appears I’m going to have to destroy my social life’s computer.”

D looked at Bart with a wrinkled forehead. “Sorry, but what exactly are you talking about.”

“Well, you know. It’s the thing you do when someone dies. It’s customary to throw their hard drive in a bathtub or burn it, right?”

“Um, where exactly did you here that.”

Bart flashed a grin as he reached into his underwear. “I’m glad you asked.” He pulled out a pair of pants and reached into its pocket to retrieve another manga. “You see, I learned it from this guide I found. A while back I met a man who was a master of social interactions. He was one of the best. He called himself an ‘Otaku’. Supposedly that translates to a master of social skills or something. His skills were so impressive that he managed to get everyone in the village to leave him alone. Heck they practically did everything in their power to avoid him. He said something about 3D girls not being good enough for him or something. Regardless, it was clear he was different from the others.” D started to stare at Bart while the girl also turned his way. Her eyes displayed the shock she felt while hearing the man’s explanation. “I know, I don’t have the power to talk about such a great person yet, but he said I showed potential. He even gave me some of his precious guides so I could learn the ways of an Otaku. It was from those guides that I learned that a computer must be destroyed in honor of the life of its wielder. Likely so they may continue to use its power to gain more knowledge in the afterlife.”

Bart’s gaze turned towards a random ceiling light, as the other two stared at the man then nodded to one another. Acknowledging that this man’s delusion must not be broken for the sake of his own well being. It had nothing to do with his belief in manga being hilarious. No, they were good people that knew he needed this… for something. Although his reaction towards Jace seems strange. As if he didn’t know the origins of most manga. Then again, both D and the girl knew that wasn’t the strangest thing about Bart.

While the two were having their own understanding, the catgirl called out to the audience. “It appears that our star of the show has arrived a bit late. Although I’m sure he had his reasons. I would like to introduce to you the winner of this year’s third year ultimate tournament…” The girl stopped as her eye twitched. She remained silent while the swordsman opened the wooden bottled and downed the contents. “No, I can’t deal with him. Someone else-”

Before she could continue, the mic vanished from her hand as the swordsman walked to the front of the stage. “Now then, where to begin. Welcome to he- My bad. Welcome to Redemption. The school where we let you do whatever you want while subtly implying that you shouldn’t do that. While I would LOVE to watch all of you little … ah … students?” The man shrugged as he took another swig of his drink. “Well, the ages vary as some of you are probably around 20 while others are brats. Although there are some older people here. Regardless of age, race, species, gender, or whatever classifier you use like serial number, port, or version. I don’t care.” The man started to frown. “This place is rough on newbies, and I bet most of you will be dead by the end of the year, but don’t worry. I’m sure your next of kin will never find your body. Now, let’s get started.” The man walked over to the podium and pressed a few buttons. A projector lowered to reveal a slide. “My name is Maximum Nefarious. You can call me the great sage if you would prefer. If you want my business card, you can find it in one of your apps on your brand-new phones that will be given to you as you leave the lobby. If you are an android or a cyborg that has compatibility with the internet… too bad.” Maximum continued walking on the stage as the slides changed. “Now, the school is pretty large and has a LOT of fun places. However, most places require you to have credits. What are these credits you ask?” Maximum smiled as he waited for an answer.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

A girl with pink hair stood up and gave a sarcastic remark in turn. “Is it money?”

Maximum remained motionless as he continued to wait. Another person stood up, but his eyes turned towards the man, forcing him to sit after his back was drenched in a cold sweat. “ERR. Wrong. The correct answer was money. Now let’s continue. On your new phone you will find a map icon. You can use that to find classes or more interesting things like… well, adult shops.”

“Like adult video stores!” A random excited voice called out.

“No, more like brothels or gambling dens. Actual adult shops. Oh, though I really don’t recommend leaving the school. It’s unsafe outside the university, since there are no laws protecting you. Which brings us to the next point. Some parts of the school have rules that must be followed, while others offer freedom to what you want. Your maps will tell you what you can and can’t do. The disciplinary committee and student council are supposed to deal with rule breakers, but trust me when I say you do not want to have a teacher get involved. The principal is a cranky old man with a god-complex who often gets pissed. Offend him and your life will be miserable.” The swordsman paused as he tilted his head a bit and wore a smirk. “Unless you are as powerful as me. The old man can’t do much to me, nor could any of you. Such is life. Oh, how lonely it is from the top.” A single fake tear trailed down Maximum’s face. The beastgirl beside him had been growing restless for a while now, but she had finally reached her limit.

“You cheated! If not for your despicable methods, you would have never beaten me!”

The swordsman turned his head over his shoulder towards the beastman without turning around. He looked down on her as a smirk bloomed and burst into a full blown smile. “Really? I recall you giving up before getting a single scratch. Also, what happened to your pathetic attempt to please the masses with your weird calling card-NYA?” The beastgirl’s face tensed up after hearing his snide comment.

“Ha. You are a despicable bastard. How dare you aim for a maiden’s clothes! How was supposed to fight after you-”

“Hey, don’t act like you are some benevolent saint. We both know you have QUITE the body count. Heck, your body count could almost be compared to mine. Plus, you also stripped some of the men during the competition, yet it’s fine since you’re a woman? Also, I left you with the top layer. I’m not a demon like you. I even returned your underwear to you like the gentleman that I am.” Maximum’s smile was replaced with a frown. “Although I do remember someone offering a decent bit of money to see you humiliated, I would never stoop- Oh wait, I did. Buwhahahaha!” Maximum turned back towards the crowd. “You know, personally I would continue fighting even if I was naked. My pride prevents me from losing to someone weaker than me. Heck, I refuse to lose to people stronger than me. So I guess that makes a coward who gives up over something as futile as shame beneath m-”

**Bang**

Maximum looked up to see a smoking foot on his head. “So, I take it you want to get humiliated again.” Maximum looked down to see himself buried up to his waste in the ground. “Well, I was bored anyways, and I was paid up front for this. Well, my adorable freshmen, I have to deal with this sore loser. I’ll be posting humiliating, yet appropriate-ish, pictures on my website. Of course, it cost you a bit of money, but what doesn’t. You can all head towards the back to get your phones. After that, you should check out your homeroom classes. They will be important so don’t miss them. Also, I recommend you get your phones as soon as possible, they should have a connection to the school’s intranet. You can look up many answers to your current predicament there. If you have any other questions, ask your homeroom teacher. I have better things to do.” Maximum got up from the stage and turned towards the beastman. “Now then, I feel like having a maid for a month could be entertaining. Care to join me in the ring?”

The beastman through a punch generated excessive wind force, stopping in front of Maximums’ face. “What a coincidence, I could also use a maid.”

Maximums face turned into a frown. “I don’t plan on hiring a maid for you, but you can continue your delusions later. Let’s get this over with quickly. There’s an old man I need to annoy.”

***

The group of four reunited as they waited for everyone else to get their phones first. Others also decided to wait while some were rushing to get a phone as quickly as possible. Some even started fights over positions in line. Meanwhile, a small majority looked around with confusion, hesitating to rush into the crowd.

Bart turned towards a lone pink haired girl. “Guys! I spotted easy prey. Let’s add her to our collection!”

Everyone looked at Bart. Jace finally decided to ask. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, the more the merrier, right? We must expand our guild if we want to become the best!”

Jace turned towards the others, but they just shrugged. “Couldn’t you have worded it better. That sounded weird. Why did you say collection?”

Bart ignored Jace and dashed towards the pink haired girl who ignored him. The others decided to follow him. Some for the amusement. “So, do you want to join us Miss Strawberry?”

The pink haired girl flung her hair over her shoulder to leave. “I don’t associate with commoners. Hmph.”

Bart gasped before grabbing another manga from his new pants. “I know what this is. It’s the legendary tsundere!” Bart pulled out a baseball hat and put it on backwards. One of his eyes turned into a shining diamond while the other was covered in darkness. “It appears we truly have our hands full. This one is rare, but we must catch it. Now then, according to the guides, we must injure it to invoke a sense of dominance over it. Then we brainwash it with our friendship.” Bart pulled out a mp3 player that began playing a battle theme. “Go, Jace! Show them your protagonist vibes!”

The pink haired girl and everyone else remained still. They all exchanged glances between one another as D stepped forward. “Care to make a friend? This place is likely going to be difficult on your own.”

The pink haired girl contemplated for a minute before reluctantly shrugging her shoulders. “Hmph. I guess it’s my job as royalty to help those below me. Very well commoner. Consider yourself blessed by this great one’s presence. Ohohoho!”

Bart looked at Jace. A tear rolling down his cheek. The battle music intensified. “Jace. How could you do this to me. I thought we were on the same side.”

Jace ignored him while the pink haired girl introduced herself. “Though you may have the honor of calling me Rose. For I am the fifth heir of the Rosewood Bloodline. Rose Blossom Rosewood”

The silver haired girl let out a groan. “Great. Now we have a demon lord’s decedent with us. Three humans, an android, and a monster. That already sounds like the start of a bad joke.” The girl let out a sigh. “Well, you can call me Alpha-01-5. Or perhaps something more human?”

Meanwhile, both D and Bart were shocked to find that there was an android in their mitts. Bart was also starting to understand why things weren’t going as he planned. “This makes perfect sense now. No wonder Jace didn’t follow the guide’s teachings. He was an android all along. No wonder why he was so strange. Man, can you believe it D. My best friend was an android all this time, yet he kept it from me. Me! His best friend! Can you believe it!” Everyone looked towards Bart. Unsure whether that was a Joke or if he was serious. “What is it, is there something on my face?”