I can’t remember the last time I’ve lost. I’ve only won time and time again. It has almost made life too easy and boring. I do remember when I started on my little conquest, though.

It was some time in elementary school. My parents were going through a difficult time. I don’t quite remember what it was that drove them finally apart, and I had always kept to myself. I do know some bits and pieces.

 I did not have many toys or anything to play with. The only thing that could keep me occupied was my father’s library. A great number of books, but not to the point of turning it into a luxurious library. On the contrary, it was only enough books to fill about two bookshelves.

Most of the books were haphazardly placed into the bookshelves, with zero regard to order. Thus, I would simply pick a book at random and read. Nobody really minded me. Mostly because my parents weren't there most of the time. From my memories, he was a business man. A failure of a business man. So, my mother had to work more in order to help with money. 

Mother would always complain (with just cause) about the financial situation and my father’s lack of ability. Even though my father had acquired the many books to become a successful business man, he somehow couldn’t put it into practice. I, however, am glad to have been able to read those books.

Not only was there information on business management and investing, there were also topics on human psychology, reading body language, the art of war, and many more books on human behavior.

My parents divorced when I was in middle school. My mother won custody and, much to my dismay, I was separated from my books. Thankfully, mother would drive me to the library often. Unthankfully, I would have to babysit my little sister. At first, she was easy to handle. She’s become more and more troublesome recently. No matter, I’ll handle it.

The bell rang.

“Alright, make sure the project is finished by Wednesday. The earlier you start, the better. Have a good weekend, everybody!”

With that, the teacher left.

With that, the room’s volume increased.

“Ugh, that was soooo boring!”

“I know, right!? How can someone talk that long about something that happened, like, a million years in the past?”

I’d have to agree, it was very boring. I’ve already finished reading the entirety of the textbook at the beginning of the year and finished all that I can from the syllabus. I end up dozing off and thinking of something else.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Hey, you wanna skip practice today? I got some girls that wanna meet up! It’ll be party!”

“Yeah, let’s totally do it! Let’s hit up some chicks!”

“But guys, the match is next month. Shouldn’t we put as much practice in as we can?”

“You’re always ruining the fun. Are you a pussy? Wait. Are you still a virgin? Hahaha!”

Sigh. Why did you join soccer in the first place? If you are so undriven, then find a different sport or join a different club! What’s the point in investing your time and effort into something you’d give up without a second thought.

I grab my things and follow the flow of the crowd out the door. Unfortunately, something was obstructing the traffic.

“Is Kastille in this room? Where is he? I’d like to talk to him.”

A girl’s voice. It’s loud enough to hear, but restrained enough to sound stately. The voice of someone who could calm a cacophony.

And she’s blocking the exit.

“Huh? Who are you?”

“Get out of the way, I want to go home!”

“Hey, isn’t she that…”

“Did she say Kastille?”

“Yo, somebody’s calling for Kastille. Where’s he at?”

“Found him! He’s over here!”

“Get him up here so he can get the girl out of the way! I want to go home!”

I sigh and push my way through the crowd. Not long after, the crowd parted itself for me and revealed the offending obstacle.

There were three people blocking the way to freedom. At the center is a girl with a long, black hair. She tied some part of her hair into a plain-looking ribbon to the back, a pin to hold her bangs, and let the rest flow freely. The way she presents herself is something you could admire. She kept her back straight, puffing out her modest chest. She kept her feet pointing outwards, sending an open invitation. Her hands are on her hips and she holds a stern face with piercing grey-green eyes, but emitted an aura of benevolence.

To her right is another girl. She has her blonde hair braided that is made to rest over her right shoulder. Her posture is like the first girl’s. Straight, but not stiff, accentuating her more adult figure. She holds a tablet in her left hand and to the side, close to her chest, but not using it as a barrier for her front. Keeping her chin up, her blue eyes scan the crowd in front of her through glasses with serenity. Her footing seems practiced yet subconscious. It seems she knows some martial arts. She gives an aura of authority and loyalty, yet her face is warm and loving.

The final one, a boy to the left from the girl at the center, has a colorful set of hair. He seems to have dyed it with purple or blue, which seems to have somewhat faded and revealed some of the darker black of his original hair. Even though his hair’s wavelength is loose, his hair is well-kept. The same could be said for his clothes; not a wrinkle nor a stain in sight. His ambition for being clean and neat is praiseworthy. As with the other two, he keeps his back straight, with his hands behind his back as if he is a soldier awaiting his orders. Unlike the other two, he is keeping his head on a swivel, looking behind them and their surroundings. He gives an aura of faithfulness and obedience, but keeps true to his own self.

Such a bother.

I work out a smile, “Yes, I’m Kastille. Is there something you need form me?”

The girl at the center spoke first, “I’m the Student Council President, Stella Uhana. This is my Vice President, Liliana Forschmann.”

The blonde girl smiled, “Pleased to meet you.”

“And this is my Secretary, Rhys Miller.”

The fancy boy gave a slight nod. 

She gave a small pause. I took it as my turn to speak.

“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance.”

“I am here to challenge you to a duel!”

Stella and I spoke at the same time.

“What?”

“Did she say duel?”

“But, with Kastille? He’s, like, you know…”

“Can you guys at least move out of the way so I can go home!”