“So what's the strategy now?” Efy asked concerningly. The trio were currently walking around the area, neither advancing nor the opposite. The titanic trees of the forest loomed over the vicinity, effortlessly shielding the sun rays from entering.

“It seems the border has started to close in as expected. Either way we’re forced to advance at some point. I'd say the three of us are more than capable of handling the chaotic calamity of the centre zone” Audrin responded after giving it some thought. If they did not ensure they were safe from the border, they would risk being disqualified if a circumstance was to occur. “Seems like a good idea, let's do it” Xander responded in agreement. Immediately, Xander and Audrin dashed off with immense speed, using their Xor to waste little time. “Wait!” Efy yelled at the top of his little lungs. Efy’s Xor Utilisation was still subpar for everything other than telekinetic influence. Luckily, Audrin and Xander had realized they left Efy behind.

“Pathetic as always…” Xander muttered under his breath. Efy squinted his eyes snarkily, ready to pick a fight amidst the chilling shade.

“Xander, carry Efy on your back. This place is far too large to move around without Xor.” Audrin’s voice held a powerful and threatening weight to it. It made Efy involuntarily shiver a little.

“Or else wha-” Before Xander could finish his sentence, Audrin had instantly appeared behind him with his sword held against Xander's neck. “Internal conflict causes inevitable destruction of a team, but if I must use such disciplinary measures to control you, I will. Understand?”

Efy felt a presence emitting from Audrin like never before, it was void of joy, and filled with a frigid sensation. It felt as if gravity itself was trying relentlessly to crush him whole.

“I- I understand.” Xander meekly replied, sweating profusely. He picked up Efy without the slightest delay and with Audrin’s cue they all sped off.

…

“...So, why do you hate me so much?” Efy poked Xander’s head as he questioned him. “Is it not obvious? Look at you. You're all…dark and stuff.” Efy knew just how much everyone in the city despised him for what he was, but he didn't know why. Why do they hate his skin tone? Why do they disallow getting tans in the sun? And why does the staff of the school not care at all?

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“But, why?”

…

For just a second, Xander looked troubled and slowed his steps just a little. But he immediately sped back up as if nothing happened.

It seems there's more to Xander than just a one track minded hothead. Efy shook his head. With that, he also questioned why Audrin didn't mind him. Audrin was a mystery of his own, all Efy knew was that he came from the noble Reinhart family, but detailed information about nobles were kept between nobles.

Just how did he get that strong? Although it seems that only I have the sixth sense among the students of the school, it's not strong enough at all to repel stronger opponents. The difference in strength between him and Audrin was like Heaven and Earth. He'd have to increase his activation time so that at some point he could see a little into the future.

“Well, even if you're always distasteful of me - I still enjoy your company.” Efy thought this would comfort Xander in a way, noticing his negative reaction to his previous question. Although he expected an instant reply, Xander kept silent, it was a rather unusual spectacle.

“Ahead. Party of 6, they all look to have decent items but don't seem that powerful themselves. Efy, stay hidden among the bushes, with your long ranged abilities you can assist Xander and I more cleverly. Xander you and I will go in the front lines and battle at least 2 people at a time.”

Audrin's leadership was admirable, it made Efy look at him, completely starstruck of his quick decision making. It was the first time Efy had ever been in any kind of organized squad.

“....I'm not as powerful as you Audrin, I'm not sure I can fight two at the same time, let alone the extra person that will be readily available to attack” Xander rebuttalled. He hated to admit it but he knew Audrin was superior to him in terms of, well, everything.

“You have to trust in Efy, he’ll know what to do. This is why I'm just rushing in without flanking or ambushing. I fully believe in his capabilities.” Audrin replied, confident in the little boy Efy.

Efy felt a sense of accomplishment, the fact that Audrin believed in his abilities fueled him with confidence…

He dashed towards and hid inside a fruitless bush nearby, not enough to hide his own vision but with the aid of his tiny figure and the trees, he was a chameleon.

Just then, Audrin and Xander nodded heads in affirmation and sprinted towards the human cattle, instantaneously disappearing and reappearing inside the centre of the herd. A slaughter was about to ensue.

As they got a closer look of their faces, Audrin and Xander were able to analyse their ranks. In a horrific turn of events, all 6 men happened to be ranked 100-200. Audrin was still confident in his own strength to be able to at least 1v2 but knew Xander was a lost cause in this situation. After all, Xander was the average rank, #2978.

Uncharacteristically, Audrin had made a slight oversight and had never thought 6 men of that caliber would still be wearing just decent equipment. Usually he would still take precautionary measures but this time he looked a little excited to see what Efy could do. Xander thought the same, was it because he's a dark-rat? Why would that be of this much significance? He doesn't seem to mind it anyway…

Xander could not wrap his head around what Audrin could be processing.

“Reinhart, your strength is nothing short of controlled destruction. However, we are very well aware you cannot fight us all simultaneously.” The tallest of the men spoke out to Audrin, his voice was deep and raspy, as if he had a cold. He wore a scruffy beard on the face that sat upon his muscular body. His eyes were of the sky and as cold as ice. He looked towards Xander and chuckled, “He won't be of any help either. He's utterly useless.”

Xander’s face of pride churned at the words of this menace, but the aura exuded kept him silent. This man was the highest ranked of the group, standing at rank #103. Xander was enraged.