Lawrence was about to kill Carly when a familiar figure saved her. "Who the—?" Lawrence watched as Ringmaster Wolf carried Carly in his arms, his eyes narrowing in confusion and anger. "Arata?" Carly, still in her Vulture Ringmaster suit, exclaimed, even though her face was hidden behind her visor, her surprise was evident in her voice.
"Let's get out of here for the time being," Arata said, his tone calm yet urgent. Without wasting a second, he sped away with a speed that was almost unbelievable, his movements a blur of precision and strength.
"Is that the Wolf?" Evan growled, his eyes following the disappearing figures.
"You are right… I am confused about how he got out of the storage locker…" Lawrence muttered, looking around with a mix of frustration and bewilderment. His fists clenched, and he scanned the area as if expecting Arata to reappear at any moment.
Arata's grip on Carly tightened as he navigated through the campus, his focus sharp. Carly, despite the pain and fatigue, couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The air rushed past them, and she could hear the pounding of Arata's heart in sync with his powerful strides.
Back on the battlefield, Evans and Lawrence exchanged a glance. "We need to regroup," Lawrence finally said, his voice laced with determination. "This isn't over."
On the other hand, Arata brought Carly to Elio and Dan, who were hiding in a classroom. "You guys, what are you doing here?" Carly asked as she untransformed from her Vulture Ringmaster form, her expression a mix of relief and confusion.
"Well, it was somewhat like this…" Arata began, untransforming from his Wolf Ringmaster form. He took a deep breath and started explaining, his voice steady but tinged with urgency.
"You… What are you doing here…?" Arata had been shocked, fear evident on his face. He recalled the moment vividly. "So, this is where they kept you, lone wolf?" A familiar figure had walked into the room, surrounded by many old items.
"Uriel… This was your doing, wasn’t it?" Arata had asked, his mind racing.
"Get out of here, lone wolf. Your friends need help," Uriel had said, his tone almost dismissive.
"What?" Arata had looked confused by Uriel’s words.
"The Queen is interested in you and she says that you need to be protected. At least for now… I will help you for the time being, but I won’t fight for you. You are on your own from here," Uriel had said while walking away, leaving the door to the old storage room open.
In the present, Arata looked at Elio and Dan, his expression serious. “Right after Uriel left, I made it to you two first,” he said, recalling the intense scene that occurred after Uriel had saved him.
When Dan and Elio were about to be trapped by Lauri, Arata in his Wolf Ringmaster form burst onto the scene. Lauri's grotesque form turned towards him, her leaf-like hair whipping around as she prepared to strike. “RUN AWAY! I WILL MEET UP WITH YOU!” Arata screamed, his voice echoing in the narrow alley.
Lauri lunged at Arata with incredible speed, her elongated arms covered in razor-sharp leaves slicing through the air. Arata dodged the attack, his movements fluid and precise. He countered with a powerful slash of his claws, aiming for Lauri's midsection. The blow landed, tearing through her leafy armor, but Lauri merely hissed and began to regenerate almost instantly.
“HELP CARLY AS WELL, ARATA! WE WILL WAIT AND SEND YOU OUR COORDINATES,” Elio screamed as he pulled Dan away from the fray. They ran, their footsteps echoing in the distance.
Arata focused on Lauri, his eyes narrowing. He knew he had to disable her quickly. He dashed forward, engaging her in a flurry of strikes and dodges. Lauri's body seemed to flow like water, constantly reshaping and healing from every wound he inflicted. Arata growled in frustration, realizing he needed to find a way to keep her down.
With a burst of speed, Arata tackled Lauri to the ground, pinning her with his full weight. He summoned a burst of energy from his ring, causing his claws to glow with a brilliant blue light. “Stay down!” he roared, plunging his claws into Lauri's chest. The energy surged through her, temporarily halting her regeneration.
Lauri shrieked in pain, her body convulsing. Arata knew he didn’t have much time. He glanced at his ring and saw Carly’s coordinates flashing. With one last push, he sent Lauri flying into a nearby wall, buying himself a few precious seconds. He turned and sprinted towards Carly’s location, leaving Lauri to recover slowly.
“And here I am, with you guys,” Arata said in the present, his voice steady as he sat on one of the benches. His body was tense, muscles coiled and ready for whatever came next.
“Uriel? Why would Uriel help us? He’s an Undergrounder. That just doesn’t make sense,” Carly said, her brows furrowed in confusion. She crossed her arms, her mind racing with questions.
Arata, leaning against the wall with his arms folded, glanced away, his expression thoughtful but unsure. “And what does the Queen have to do with you, Arata?” Carly pressed, her tone insistent. She took a step closer to him, her eyes searching his for any hint of an answer.
Arata just shrugged his shoulders, a helpless look on his face. “I honestly don’t know,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
Elio, who had been sitting with his head bowed, suddenly looked up, his eyes distant as he recalled a memory. “Honestly, it’s believable because even when I was kidnapped by Butter, I never once felt threatened for my life…” His voice trailed off, and he clenched his fists at the memory. “It honestly felt like they were desperate rather than focusing on killing.”
Carly turned her gaze to Elio, her expression softening as she saw the tension in his face. She nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. “I get what you mean,” she said, her voice gentle. She uncrossed her arms and took a step back, her mind piecing together the puzzling behavior of their enemies.
Arata remained silent, staring at the ground, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. He couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. The revelation about Uriel’s help and the Queen’s interest in him left him more confused than ever. He rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of it all.
Elio leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath. “It’s like they have a bigger plan,” he said, more to himself than to the others. His eyes flicked to Carly, who nodded in agreement.
Dan, seated on one of the benches, leaned forward and placed a ring on the table before everyone. "You guys are Ringmasters, right? This is something I found," he said, his tone cautious but intrigued.
Elio's curiosity piqued, and he walked over to examine the ring. He picked it up carefully, turning it over in his hands. "It’s the Ring of Bull. A Modern Ring," he announced, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized its details.
“For real? What was it doing with you?” Arata asked, his brow furrowed in thought. He took a step closer, his eyes fixed on the ring.
Dan pointed towards Carly and Elio. "I found it in the alleyway where we met," he explained, his voice steady but laced with a hint of uncertainty.
Carly, still standing near the table, exchanged a glance with Elio. She could see the wheels turning in his head. “A Modern Ring, huh?” she muttered, her fingers tapping against her thigh as she tried to piece together the significance of this discovery.
Arata, meanwhile, was deep in thought. He rubbed his chin, his mind racing with possibilities. "Why would it just be lying around?" he wondered aloud, his eyes still on the ring.
Elio set the ring down gently, his expression serious. "This isn’t something that just gets lost. Someone must have left it there on purpose," he said, his voice heavy with suspicion.
Dan looked between them, sensing the gravity of the situation. "I didn’t think much of it at first, but now I’m starting to realize it might be important," he said, his voice tinged with unease.
Carly nodded, her mind working through the implications. "If it’s a Modern Ring, it could have some serious power," she said, her tone thoughtful. She crossed her arms, her eyes still on the ring, as if trying to see the secrets it held.
Arata, finally breaking his deep concentration, looked at Dan. "Thanks for bringing this to us. It might be a clue to what’s going on," he said, his voice sincere. He placed a reassuring hand on Dan’s shoulder.
Dan gave a small, appreciative nod, though his face still showed signs of worry. "I just hope it helps," he said quietly, his eyes reflecting the uncertainty of the situation.
"Hey Elio, can this person wear the ring?" Arata asked, his gaze shifting from the ring to Dan.
Elio took the ring, examining it closely. He squinted at its surface, turning it slowly in his hands. "The Ring isn’t glowing, so it has only been activated but no one has tamed it yet. So if he can tame it, yes," he replied, handing it back to Arata.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Carly interjected, stepping forward with a look of disbelief on her face. “You want this bully to take the ring and fight with us? You have to be joking, right, Arata?” Her voice rose in pitch, her hands gesturing emphatically.
Arata looked puzzled, his brow furrowing as he turned to face Carly. “Why, what’s wrong with that?” he asked, his tone genuinely curious.
“Everything, Arata!” Carly exclaimed, her eyes wide with frustration. She took a step closer to Arata, her hands now clenched into fists at her sides. “He is a bully who tormented that guy—what’s his name, Elio?” she looked over at Elio for confirmation.
Elio, who had been engrossed in examining the ring, looked up, slightly startled. “Huh? Lawrence,” he replied, shaking his head to refocus.
“Yeah, Lawrence. And now he’s an Undergrounder,” Carly continued, her voice filled with anger and sadness. “I am sure Lawrence ended up like that because of this douche’s bullying.” She pointed accusingly at Dan, her eyes narrowing.
“Hey now, don’t just point your fingers willy-nilly at my face,” Dan said, his voice defensive, his posture tensing as he looked directly at Carly.
Carly crossed her arms and looked away, her disappointment evident in her body language. “See, my wolf instincts agree with him as well,” Arata added, trying to ease the tension.
“You and your wolf instincts,” Carly muttered, shaking her head as she turned away.
Arata turned a chair around and sat in front of Dan, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. “You said not to point fingers at you. So tell me why shouldn’t we?” he asked, his tone probing but not unkind.
Dan glanced around the room, avoiding eye contact. “Come on dude, now is not the time for this. You guys have a school to save,” he said, his voice strained with urgency.
Arata sighed and shook his head. “We can’t save anyone without a third member. We can’t fight 2 vs 3. We need a third person. Right now, Alex, Lila, and Jennifer aren’t here.” He pulled out his phone, tapping something on it as he placed it next to Dan. “So, we need you to wear the ring…”
Carly’s mouth opened to protest, but Arata raised a hand, stopping her before she could speak. “But I can’t just pass on the ring to random people. My leader would be mad at me and I don’t want that. So, I want to hear your story before I pass on the ring to you,” Arata said, his eyes locking onto Dan’s.
Dan sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world had settled on them. “Fine, I will tell you,” he said, turning to face Arata more directly. He adjusted his posture, sitting up straight and taking a deep breath, readying himself to share his story.
Carly watched intently, her eyes softening slightly as she saw Dan’s willingness to open up. Elio stood nearby, his gaze shifting between Dan and Arata, hoping this exchange would lead to a solution.
Dan took a deep breath, his eyes glazing over as he delved into his memories. “It started eight years ago,” he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia and regret. “Lawrence and I, we were really good friends in high school.”
The scene shifted in Dan’s mind to a bustling high school hallway. Students hurried to their classes, their chatter filling the air. Dan, a younger version of himself, walked down the hall with a confident stride, his books clutched under his arm. He had a reputation as a genius, and his peers often sought his help with difficult subjects.
In a crowded classroom, the teacher introduced a new student. “Class, this is Lawrence Reed. He’s joining us from another school, and I expect you all to make him feel welcome.”
Lawrence, a tall, slender boy with glasses that magnified his sharp, intelligent eyes, stood awkwardly at the front of the class. His nervousness was evident, but he exuded a quiet confidence. The teacher assigned him a seat next to Dan, recognizing the potential synergy between the two top students.
As Lawrence took his seat, Dan glanced over, intrigued. “Hey, I’m Dan,” he said, extending a hand with a welcoming smile.
“Lawrence,” the new student replied, shaking Dan’s hand. His grip was firm, and a spark of mutual respect passed between them.
Their first interaction set the tone for their friendship. In the following weeks, they quickly bonded over their shared love for science and technology. They spent hours in the library, debating theories and solving complex problems. Their collaboration was seamless, each complementing the other’s strengths and compensating for their weaknesses.
One afternoon, they found themselves in the school’s robotics lab, surrounded by circuits and wires. Dan was hunched over a robot they were building for a competition, his brow furrowed in concentration. Lawrence stood beside him, meticulously soldering connections.
“Pass me that microcontroller,” Dan said, not looking up from his work.
Lawrence handed it over without a word, their teamwork so synchronized that they didn’t need to communicate verbally. The robot began to take shape, a testament to their combined genius.
“Do you think it’ll work?” Lawrence asked, a hint of excitement in his voice as they made the final adjustments.
Dan grinned, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of creation. “With our brains? Of course it will.”
As the robot whirred to life, performing its programmed tasks flawlessly, they shared a moment of triumph. Their hard work had paid off, and their friendship was solidified by their shared success.
Back in the present, Dan’s expression softened as he recalled those early days. “We were inseparable,” he said, his voice tinged with sadness.
Dan's eyes softened as he continued to reminisce. “I was a nerd, he was a nerd. We both challenged each other to higher heights, each time breaking each other’s school records.”
The memory shifted to Fred High School, where the rivalry between Dan and Lawrence had become the stuff of legends. The two were constantly pushing each other to excel, turning every academic challenge into a friendly competition.
In the bustling cafeteria, students gathered around a bulletin board displaying the latest test scores. Dan and Lawrence’s names were always at the top, often switching places with each new test. Today was no different. Lawrence stood with his arms crossed, a satisfied smirk on his face as he saw his name at the number one spot, just above Dan's.
Dan approached, his expression a mix of determination and amusement. “Enjoy it while it lasts, Lawrence. The next math test is mine.”
Lawrence chuckled, adjusting his glasses. “We’ll see about that, Dan. I’ve already started studying.”
Their banter was light-hearted, but the intensity of their rivalry was palpable. They thrived on the competition, each pushing the other to be better. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about the thrill of the challenge.
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In the library, they often found themselves sitting at the same table, surrounded by stacks of books and notes. One evening, the quiet hum of the library was broken by their animated discussion about a particularly tricky calculus problem.
“You’re missing the point, Lawrence,” Dan said, scribbling furiously on a piece of paper. “If you integrate this part here, it changes the whole equation.”
Lawrence leaned over, his eyes narrowing as he studied Dan’s work. “You’re right,” he admitted, a rare concession. “But what about this variable? It’s not accounted for in your solution.”
They debated back and forth, their excitement growing as they delved deeper into the problem. Other students occasionally glanced over, bemused by the intensity of their discussion. For Dan and Lawrence, these moments were the highlight of their school days – the pure joy of intellectual challenge and camaraderie.
Their rivalry extended beyond academics. In the school’s science fair, they both entered projects that showcased their unique talents. Dan’s project, a robotic arm controlled by neural signals, drew a crowd with its futuristic appeal. Lawrence, not to be outdone, presented a groundbreaking experiment on renewable energy using microbial fuel cells.
As the judges moved between the exhibits, Dan and Lawrence exchanged competitive glances. “Impressive work, Dan,” Lawrence said, his tone genuine despite the rivalry.
“Same to you, Lawrence,” Dan replied, nodding appreciatively. “May the best nerd win.”
The results were announced, and Lawrence’s project took first place by a narrow margin. Dan’s eyes flashed with determination. “Next year, Lawrence,” he said, shaking his friend’s hand. “Next year, I’ll take that trophy.”
Lawrence grinned, his competitive spirit undimmed. “I look forward to it, Dan.”
Their challenges weren’t limited to the classroom and science fairs. They also pushed each other in more personal goals, like fitness and public speaking. On weekends, they’d run laps around the track, each trying to outpace the other. During school assemblies, they’d volunteer for debates, their arguments sharp and eloquent, always striving to outdo each other.
One memorable debate saw them pitted against each other on the topic of artificial intelligence. Lawrence argued passionately for the potential benefits, while Dan took a more cautious stance, highlighting ethical concerns. The audience was captivated, their exchange a masterclass in rhetoric and quick thinking.
As they left the stage, Lawrence clapped Dan on the back. “You almost had me there,” he said, his eyes shining with respect.
Dan’s expression grew wistful as he continued, “We were considered the heart of Fred High School.”
The memory drifted back to their final days at the school, where Dan and Lawrence were celebrated for their remarkable achievements. The trophies they had amassed stood as a testament to their hard work and intellectual prowess. In the school’s trophy case, their names were inscribed alongside their awards for top honors in science fairs, debate tournaments, and innovation contests.
One afternoon, the school hosted a ceremony to honor their achievements. Dan and Lawrence stood side by side on stage, beaming with pride as their latest award—a gold medal for their groundbreaking research—was presented. The applause from their peers and teachers echoed around them, a clear acknowledgment of their dedication and success.
“Look at this,” Lawrence said, holding up the medal with a grin. “We did it, Dan. All those hours of studying and working together, and it paid off.”
Dan chuckled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Couldn’t have done it without you, Lawrence. Here’s to more victories.”
Their bond was evident in their easy camaraderie and mutual respect. Even as they stood on the stage, they were already planning their next projects and challenges, eager to push their limits further.
Their enthusiasm for their future paths continued when they first heard about the Ringmaster test. They were both intrigued by the opportunity to join the ranks of the prestigious Ringmasters and eagerly prepared for the test. Their shared passion for science and discovery made the challenge even more exciting.
In a quiet laboratory, they prepared for the test, surrounded by blueprints, research papers, and various scientific equipment. Dan and Lawrence huddled over a large table, reviewing their strategies.
“You think we have a shot?” Lawrence asked, his brow furrowed in concentration as he adjusted his glasses.
Dan nodded, adjusting a complex diagram on the table. “Absolutely. We’ve got the brains, the skills, and the drive. Just need to channel it all into the test.”
Lawrence’s eyes lit up with determination. “Then let’s give it our best shot.”
Dan’s voice grew somber as he reflected on their past. He continued, “We did pass… Me on my first try and him on the third.”
The scene shifted to a bright and bustling day at the Ringmaster headquarters. Dan stood proudly, having just received flying colours in the researcher program of Hex’s organization. The room was alive with energy and congratulations from his peers. He beamed with satisfaction, his fingers lightly grazing the ring on his finger. The room was filled with a mix of admiration and curiosity as Dan discussed his achievement.
Lawrence, meanwhile, was seen in a corner of the room, observing Dan with a smile. “You did great, Dan. I’m sure I’ll catch up soon enough,” he said, his voice brimming with encouragement.
Dan nodded, a reassuring hand on Lawrence’s shoulder. “I know you will. Just give it time. We’ll be a team in no time.”
Over the next year and a half, the scenes showed Dan’s dedication to his new role. He immersed himself in the research and analysis team, working long hours in a high-tech lab filled with screens, data, and equipment. His days were consumed by studying Undergrounders, developing new strategies, and working on innovative tools. Dan was focused and determined, driven by the hope of reuniting with Lawrence and supporting his missions.
The lab was a flurry of activity as Dan and his colleagues pored over research papers and experimental data. His face was often illuminated by the glow of computer screens as he analyzed complex patterns and devised new techniques.
One particular scene highlighted Dan’s tireless efforts. He sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of documents and blueprints. His fingers flew over the keyboard as he input data into an advanced simulation program. His eyes were strained, but his resolve never wavered. Every breakthrough and discovery was meticulously noted, reflecting his dedication to the cause.
Lawrence finally achieved his goal and earned his Ring of Bull. The scene depicted Lawrence entering the lab, holding the ring with a look of triumph. He approached Dan, who was engrossed in his work.
“Hey Dan, guess what?” Lawrence said with a wide grin.
Dan looked up, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “You did it! You got the ring!”
Lawrence nodded, holding the ring up for Dan to see. “I finally passed. I’m ready to start this new chapter with you.”
Dan’s face broke into a proud smile. “That’s fantastic news, Lawrence. I’ve been waiting for this. We’ll make an amazing team.”
The atmosphere grew heavy as Dan recounted the painful memories, his voice tinged with sorrow. The scene transitioned to the past, reflecting the deepening chasm between Dan and Lawrence.
Dan’s face was a mixture of hope and concern as he stood beside Lawrence in the dimly lit room of the Hex training facility. Lawrence, visibly agitated, stood in the center of the room, attempting to summon his bull. His hands trembled as he chanted the incantation, his frustration growing with each failed attempt.
The large, imposing bull appeared briefly but then flickered, its form unstable and unresponsive. Lawrence’s face twisted in frustration. “Why isn’t it working? It should listen to me!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.
Dan watched from the sidelines, his expression a mix of worry and helplessness. “Maybe you just need more time,” he suggested softly, trying to offer support. But Lawrence, consumed by his frustration, dismissed him with a wave of his hand. “Time? I’ve been waiting for months! This bull is not responding, and I don’t know why!”
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Dan was often seen in the lab, working diligently on his research, but his eyes would frequently drift to the window, where Lawrence was visible training outside. The once vibrant and hopeful Lawrence now appeared withdrawn and disheartened.
One evening, Dan walked over to Lawrence, who was sitting on a bench, staring blankly at the floor. The lab was quiet, illuminated only by the soft glow of desk lamps. Dan’s voice was gentle as he approached. “I’ve been working on some new techniques. Maybe they can help with your transformation.”
Lawrence looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of bitterness and envy. “Save it. Nothing will help. I’m just a failure.”
Dan’s face fell, his shoulders slumping with the weight of Lawrence’s words. “You’re not a failure. Everyone has rough patches.”
Lawrence’s bitterness deepened. “You don’t get it. You got no ring, but you are a researcher and you’ve moved on. I’m stuck here, and it’s your fault.”
The scene shifted to the day of Dan’s important meeting. Dan was dressed sharply, his expression filled with anticipation and nervous excitement. His desk was covered with meticulously prepared documents and research on Undergrounders. He glanced at his watch, checking the time as he organized his papers for the presentation.
Lawrence appeared at the door, his face a mask of rage and desperation. Dan looked up, surprised to see him. “Lawrence? What are you doing here?”
Without a word, Lawrence marched over to Dan’s desk. In a fit of fury, he grabbed the carefully arranged documents and began tearing them apart. Dan’s eyes widened in horror as Lawrence threw the pieces onto the floor. “What are you doing?” Dan’s voice cracked with panic.
Lawrence’s face was twisted with anger and betrayal. “You think you’re so high and mighty now? You don’t deserve any of this! I worked just as hard, and you took everything from me!”
Dan’s hands shook as he tried to retrieve the scattered papers. His eyes filled with tears as he watched Lawrence destroy months of his hard work. “No… No, please. These are important. They were going to be presented today.”
Lawrence’s rage continued unabated as he tossed the last of the papers onto a growing pile of ashes in a trash can. “This is what you get for all those years of feeling superior! You think you’re better than me?”
Dan sank to his knees, staring at the remains of his work. His tears fell freely as he tried to salvage what he could. The room felt suffocating as Lawrence’s harsh words echoed in the background. The sense of loss and betrayal was palpable, the once-solid bond between them shattered beyond repair.
In the dim light of Dan’s lab, he sat alone amidst the remnants of his destroyed research. The room was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of torn papers. Dan’s shoulders were slumped, and his face was streaked with tears. He held a small, torn photograph of him and Lawrence from their earlier, happier days.
The photograph was frayed and stained, but Dan’s eyes remained fixed on it, the memories of their friendship a bittersweet reminder of what once was. He clutched it tightly to his chest, the weight of Lawrence’s betrayal heavy on his heart.
The scene ended with Dan sitting silently, the lab now a stark contrast to the vibrant place it once was, reflecting the profound sadness and disillusionment that had replaced the once-promising future.
The classroom fell into a contemplative silence, punctuated only by the soft rustle of papers and the hum of the air conditioning. Elio’s eyes, usually sharp and analytical, now reflected a mixture of curiosity and profound admiration as he looked at Dan.
“Dan Whitaker… That’s you, the prodigy who cracked the Ringmaster exams at just 13 years old on his first attempt and excelled as the foremost Research and Analysis expert and the Ring of Bull, that’s Lawrence’s…He passed but was never able to tame the Bull…” Elio said, his voice carrying a hint of sorrow along with genuine curiosity. The gravity of Dan’s past achievements was evident in the way he spoke, revealing an awe that stemmed from the juxtaposition of Dan’s impressive intellect and the tragic circumstances surrounding his former friend.
Dan, seated on the edge of a bench, appeared lost in thought. The weight of his past interactions with Lawrence seemed to settle heavily on his shoulders. The silence was punctuated by his voice, which broke the tension with words laden with a deep, resonant pain. “What use is a genius… When the genius’s friend is the first one to go against him…” Dan’s voice was tinged with bitterness and resignation, the words barely coherent but imbued with an emotional weight that enveloped the room.
His statement reverberated through the classroom, casting a pall over the atmosphere. The profound sense of betrayal and loss that Dan expressed seemed to shift the focus from his past accomplishments to the personal turmoil he endured. The room, once a place of action and urgency, now felt like a sanctuary for reflection on the deeper, more painful realities of human relationships and the often unspoken costs of personal and professional rivalries.
In the dim light of the classroom, Arata’s anger surged, palpable and intense. He glared at Dan with an intensity that could almost burn through steel. “Hey, you idiot…” Arata’s voice was sharp, edged with frustration.
Dan, caught off guard by the abruptness, looked up, his expression one of mild confusion mixed with a hint of resignation. “What?” he asked, his tone lacking the urgency of the moment.
Arata’s eyes locked onto the marks on Dan’s wrist, the scars of a past filled with deep emotional pain. “The marks on your wrist… Why? WHY DID YOU TRY TO KILL YOURSELF?!” Arata’s voice cracked with anger, each word a harsh reprimand.
Dan’s response was a small, bitter chuckle, a hollow gesture of mirth that did nothing to lighten the mood. “What would I do, Mister Arata?” he replied, his voice dripping with a mix of disdain and resignation. “I did it years ago and my parents shit themselves. They pleaded me, I am their one and only son after all… Honestly…I don’t care—”
Before Dan could finish, Arata’s fist connected with his face in a sharp, jarring impact. The sudden violence shocked Carly and Elio into action. “ARATA!” they yelled in unison, their voices filled with alarm and desperation as they tried to intervene.
But Arata was undeterred. With a fierce determination, he pounced on Dan, gripping him by the collar and lifting him off the bench. “LISTEN UP HERE,” Arata roared, his voice a thunderous command. His eyes were ablaze with a fierce intensity, conveying a depth of emotion that words alone could not express. “Don’t you dare go against your parents' wishes. Trust me when I say this. When the world is against you, when everyone is against you, they are the ones who stand by your side. Yeah, there are some shitty ones out there, but if they pleaded with you, they showed compassion to you, they love you, DON’T YOU DARE BETRAY THEIR TRUST!”
Arata’s words were a powerful, impassioned plea, each sentence delivered with the weight of personal experience and raw emotion. He held Dan’s gaze, his eyes burning with a fierce resolve, as if willing Dan to understand the gravity of his actions.
“This suicidal shit,” Arata continued, his voice now trembling with a mix of anger and sadness, “it’s not something to take lightly when there are people who care about you.”
With that, Arata released Dan’s collar and took a step back, his own anger and frustration palpable in the tense silence that followed. His posture, rigid and defiant, spoke volumes about the emotional turmoil he was experiencing. Without another word, Arata turned and walked away, his shoulders squared and his footsteps echoing with a sense of finality.
Dan, left standing alone, looked down at his feet, his face a mask of deep, conflicted emotions. The impact of Arata’s words and actions was clear, and the weight of the confrontation settled heavily on his shoulders. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the muted sounds of Arata’s retreat and the soft, stunned breaths of Carly and Elio.
The classroom was heavy with tension as Arata, his face marked with a deep sadness, settled onto a nearby bench. His gaze was distant, lost in the memories of his sister’s struggle. “I have a sister,” he began, his voice steady but carrying an underlying pain. “A few years ago, she went through a similar experience. Someone stole her work and claimed it as their own.”
Arata’s eyes darkened with the weight of his memories. “She tried to off herself as well.” His voice broke slightly, a tremor betraying the depth of his anguish. “I remember I couldn’t do jack shit as I watched my parents cry and plead to God that my sister survives…” He exhaled heavily, the sound a release of the pent-up sorrow he carried.
“I had a word with her as well,” Arata continued, his voice growing firmer but still tinged with sadness. “And I will be damned if I lose any of you guys due to bullshit like this.” His gaze swept over Carly and Elio, then focused on Dan. “Listen up, Carly, Elio, and you too, Dan.” His voice took on a tone of resolute finality. “Carly and Elio, you have been an important part of our team, and I do care for you two. I look at Carly as my little sister and Elio as my little brother.”
Arata’s expression softened as he spoke to Carly and Elio, his words a testament to the depth of his feelings for them. Then, turning to Dan, his tone grew more resolute. “As for you, Dan, wear that ring. If the ring accepts you, you will be part of the squad. Otherwise, you’re going to be my partner starting today. We are going to be fighting against Undergrounders. So, you better be ready.”
Dan’s eyes widened in surprise and a hint of apprehension. He opened his mouth to protest, but Arata was already moving forward, cutting him off. “A genius like you should be working as a partner with a strategist like me,” Arata said with a firm but encouraging smile. “Get over your problem, Dan. That is the only way to fight through this. Weak people do not survive in this world. You need a strong will to move forward from your past and accept what’s given to you.” His voice was a mixture of sternness and encouragement.
Dan stared at the ring in Arata’s outstretched hand, his expression a conflicted blend of reluctance and contemplation. Arata’s words echoed in his mind, each sentence a challenge and a reassurance. Dan’s gaze shifted to Arata’s determined face, the weight of his words sinking in.
“No matter what, do not give up,” Arata continued, his voice unwavering. “That is what my wolf’s instinct has always told me.” His eyes locked onto Dan’s, conveying a deep sense of trust and expectation.
“I agree,” Elio said, his voice filled with a supportive warmth as he nodded towards Dan.
Carly, her initial skepticism fading, nodded in agreement. “I guess you are right,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “Come on, genius, you got this,” Arata encouraged with a final, supportive smile.
Dan took a deep breath and wore the ring, his hesitation palpable. The ring on his finger seemed to hum with an almost imperceptible energy, its presence both foreign and strangely familiar. As he concentrated, the air around him crackled with anticipation.
“Bull… Rush…” Dan’s voice was calm yet resolute, cutting through the heavy silence.
Instantly, the transformation began. Rocks, seemingly materializing from nowhere, swirled around Dan’s body, forming an intricate, almost mesmerizing pattern. They coalesced into a robust armor that encased him. The armor was heavy and imposing, each piece meticulously detailed. It looked as though it had been forged from the very earth itself, rugged and unyielding. The metallic sheen of the armor glinted under the classroom lights, giving it a fierce, almost intimidating aura.
The vizer of his helmet was shaped like the narrow, piercing eyes of a bull, with an intensity that mirrored Dan’s focus. The helmet itself was crowned with a formidable, curved horn that jutted out, adding to the menacing look. The bull motif was evident in every aspect of his new form, from the horned helmet to the powerful bulk of his armor.
As the transformation completed, Dan’s expression shifted from apprehension to a steely resolve. He flexed his armored fist, feeling the weight and strength of the new form. The once hesitant, confused individual now stood with a newfound sense of purpose.
Arata’s smile was warm and reassuring, a beacon of support amidst the chaos. “Welcome to the squad… Ringmaster Bull,” he said, his voice laced with genuine encouragement.
Dan nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and a glimmer of hope. The armor felt both empowering and constricting, a physical manifestation of his commitment to fight alongside his new allies.
Elio’s eyes sparkled with a blend of excitement and urgency. “Let’s begin, operation take back the school,” he said, his tone firm and decisive.
Carly, her initial skepticism now replaced with a supportive smile, echoed the sentiment. “Let’s go!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm and readiness.
Dan looked at his armored fist, the weight of his new form settling in. He clenched it tightly, a sense of resolve burning in his eyes. “I am ready,” he said, his voice steady and filled with a newfound confidence.
The team’s resolve solidified, their determination palpable as they prepared to face the challenges ahead. Dan, now a full-fledged Ringmaster, stood alongside Arata, Carly, and Elio, ready to confront the dangers that awaited them.