2 Robert Leonard

Robert Leonard was a final year student at the Divine Gate Academy and also an ace that stood above all others. He was a tall man with rippling muscles and a weather-beaten face. A scar ran across his face giving him an intimidating look and right now he was glaring at a boy with long silver hairs as if he would plunge and tear him into pieces.

Robert was famous throughout the academy and a part of it was due to him being the next heir of The Order Of True Sky. The Order Of True Sky is one of largest sects in the federation that hold tremendous power over the decisions of the federation, giving them a position almost unbeatable in the federation and Robert being heir to such a powerful sect, was a loved and feared figure throughout the academy.

Let alone students but even teachers admired him for his power and influence at such a small age. In his bare teens, he already controlled a part of the sect and even boasted his own knightly order. His achievements in the grand magic games were well known and his prowess as a front-liner was also a topic of discussion amongst students.

Overall, Robert was a man who stood above even the best in the academy. He was well known but wasn't seen bullying or looking down on other students, many said that it was due to the fact that he was too above them to even look down on them while a few said he was also a very kind man. He was a famous topic of discussions amongst students and whispers about him flew left and right.

Right now Robert was sitting on his favourite seat, next to the window but instead of following the usual trend of looking out the window and admiring the scene, he was glaring at a boy sitting across him.

This boy was named Eric Sterling, another famous figure around the school. Except his fame was one that none across the academy wanted. He was well known for being an outcast, a student believed not to be worthy of attending the same institution like the ones of higher standing. His grades were the worst, he was an orphan and of common descent but what really got on everyone's nerves was that he was not ashamed to be an outcast like others.

He still stood up with pride visible in his eyes, this annoyed the people around them as they liked to torment people below them. The academy was full of twisted characters like these and it was an act which was deemed normal in the society as it was a society where the powerful ruled. Eric was also nefarious as a student who repeatedly skipped classes, it might not sound something bad but in the academy, it was seen as a sign of disrespect. An act which offended the teachers.

Robert was always curious about Eric as he seemed to be an interesting character. Robert might not look like one, but he was a curious boy, a man with a vivid personality. It was his first time witnessing Eric's prowesses as Eric had not participated in any Grand War Games in the past years. The Grand War Games was one of the biggest events in the academy and the federation that occurred each year. Students from all across the academy joined in as teams and fought a battle royale, witnessed by all the five major sects. This event was very special for the final year students as it became a deciding factor for their future.

The major sects chose the best few of the final year students as trainees and it was a chance for the other students to shine. The Grand Magic games were conducted three times a year and students were marked on their performances, given grades. The grades ranged from A+ to F. Where F meant to fail and A+ meant excellent performance. There was a special rank given to those who were acknowledged by the major sects and it was named S. Students in the S rank were practically stars, not only in the academy but in the Federation themselves. It was a very difficult task to gain the S rank and in the past five years, only three students were able to join the said rank.

Someone to skip out on such an important event was bound to be hated, but for Robert that made him even more interesting. As Eric noticed the shine in the devil's eyes get brighter, he couldn't help but sweat. 'Why!?' he thought to himself as the train came to a halt. Using his agility, he ran out with blinding speed as soon as the door opens while Robert simply walked out.

Eric was running through the crowds with an expression of urgency and fear as if the devil himself was behind him. 'How did I offend him!?' the same thought kept running through his head as he ran avoiding contact with the people that walked around him. Suddenly, he was grabbed by his shoulder, cold sweat appeared on his face and he almost shouted as he slowly turned his neck to look at who had caught him. Behind him stood Robert, with red glowing eyes, "eek!" he almost fainted seeing Robert. "W-Why a-" before Eric could even finish his sentence, Robert spoke up. "We have things to talk about!" as he said this Robert's eyes glowed brighter striking even more fear into Eric's heart and as he was dragged along by Robert into the gym, Eric couldn't help but cry and pray, for him to attain a painless death.

"You might be fast, but there is only one way which leads to the class. You were careless." Robert said as he dragged Eric along and went to the gym. "Why did you bring me here?" Eric asked a calmness was in his tone which shocked Robert at first. "You really are an interesting guy," said Robert as he looked at Eric who was now leaning against the gym wall with his hands folded.

"Get to the point, if there is some problem between us I'd like to fix it as it will be a pain later on," Eric said shifting his eyes at Robert. "I just wanted to know you better Eric Sterling," Robert replied with a shrug. "Are you serious?" Eric exclaimed in surprise. He was almost ready to run away if things went south but to his surprise, it went the way he never thought it would.

"You are interesting, unlike others. You don't have anyone backing you, no family, no teachers, no nobles yet you are strong. Your ability is unlike any other I have seen and your agility is already above expert class". The words of praise made Eric blush slightly as he rubbed his nose. "I am not that amazing," he said blushingly to which Robert laughed. "And you are funny as well! I like you, Eric Sterling. Let us be friends." Robert said extending his hand at Eric.

This was a first for Eric and he was quite shocked, he knew who Robert was and what he was capable of. Denying might come out as rude and as Eric looked at Robert with his brows raised and visible doubt in his eyes Robert slammed his hand on Eric's shoulder. "I don't bite you know," Robert said jokingly. "Well, they do say you eat humans for breakfast" Eric shrugged. "Do I look like I would harm anyone!?" Robert questioned. "You look like the devil reincarnates, I can understand," Eric said nodding to himself.

"What do you mean!? Where do you think you are going!? Oi!?" Robert shouted at Eric as he started to walk away. "Well, I find you interesting as well. Robert Leonard let me remind you, I am not called the worst for nothing" Eric said with his back facing Robert. As he heard this, Robert had a smirk on his face as he spoke. "I am the devil, right? I am not interested in angels either". Eric got a smile at the corner of his lips and both of them started walking towards the assembly grounds.

"What is your ability anyway? That weird black hole that you created." Robert asked Eric as both of them walked together. "My ability is to join two places in space, to create a portal and yours?" asked Eric. "My ability is to create shields". "Conjuring?" "My grandfather said it was something like creating matter but he said I was too stupid to understand," Robert said with a sigh. "He wasn't wrong. He sounds like a wise man" Eric mocked Robert and both of them walked into the distance laughing.