People change? No, Mask falls off .5

Having dedicated an entire night to his virtual exploits, Aiken eventually found himself within the virtual embrace of Orion, a realm he navigated through until exhaustion beckoned him to seek respite. His weary eyes scanned for an inn, a haven to rest, and with a final sigh, he disengaged from the immersive game. The journey had stretched on for nearly six hours, a testament to his unyielding determination. A glance at his real-world surroundings would reveal the toll – the numerous instances of misplaced routes to home and school bore testament to his conspicuously challenged sense of direction.

Emerging from his virtual reverie, Aiken greeted the dawn with a refreshed spirit, setting in motion his preparations for the day ahead. The mundane rhythm of his life was disrupted by a rare utterance from him, a simple yet unexpected "Good Morning ^_^." The greeting reverberated in the air, leaving Henry momentarily flabbergasted. Aiken's typical solemnity was briefly cast aside, replaced by an uncharacteristic warmth. The momentary bewilderment that swept over Henry was dismissed as his imagination playing tricks on him.

As the seconds elapsed, the initial shock subsided, and Henry's head shook subtly, dispelling any lingering doubts. "Ey Aiken, looking gloomy as always..." Henry began, his voice trailing off as a knowing smile crept across his lips. Aiken's fleeting departure from his customary demeanor had left an indelible impression, a spark of surprise and curiosity kindling within Henry's mind. Though the nuances of the moment were bound by an air of uncertainty, Henry dismissed his musings with a dismissive gesture. "Good Morning ^_^," he echoed, his nonchalant response masking an undercurrent of intrigue, as the ordinary rhythm of their shared existence resumed its course.

The school day unfolded with a seamless cadence, the familiar routine proceeding without hitches. However, the tranquility was swiftly disrupted when Scarface, the math professor, sprang a surprise test upon the unsuspecting students – a test of substantial length. As students grappled with the unexpected challenge, a collective shock washed over them. Amidst this atmosphere of surprise, Aiken's demeanor underwent a remarkable transformation, unbeknownst to him. His responses flowed forth with a remarkable speed, his mind navigating the questions effortlessly, drawing the admiration of his peers who watched in awe.

Within the classroom, a hushed reverence enveloped the space as Aiken's prowess captured the attention of those around him. Unbeknownst to him, his anticipation for the impending duel with 'Sco' infused him with a contagious excitement, propelling his thoughts and actions. Restlessness gnawed at him, every passing second a reminder of the impending showdown. Aiken's fervor manifested in his swift completion of the test, and with a sense of satisfaction, he dispatched the five-page assessment onto Scarface's desk.

His resolve unwavering, Aiken rose from his seat, his intent clear as he moved to exit the room. Yet, his departure was halted by Scarface's voice, demanding an explanation for his hasty exit. Aiken remained steadfast, his gaze focused ahead, refusing to be drawn into dialogue that could rupture his fleeting moment of happiness. The weight of Scarface's inquiry hung in the air, a testament to Aiken's determination to preserve the precious sliver of contentment he had momentarily claimed.

"Then check it, right here right now," Aiken asserted, his head turning slightly as he pushed his thick glasses back up the bridge of his nose, an air of unwavering confidence surrounding him. His lips curled into a subtle smirk, a trace of self-assuredness that caught the attention of those present. Murmurs rippled through the room, the collective gasp a testament to the disbelief that Aiken, often perceived as an unassuming figure, could exhibit such audacity. Amidst the onlookers, Henry remained unfazed, privy to the truth that lay beneath the surface.

Scarface, unyielding in his determination to showcase Aiken's perceived shortcomings, laid out the terms of the challenge. His voice held an edge of vindictiveness as he set forth the consequences: a score of 75% or below would condemn the offender to a night of relentless questioning. The very notion of an adult resorting to such juvenile tactics cast a pall over the room.

As the examination unfolded, Scarface's expression soured incrementally. Aiken's responses, one after the other, bore the mark of accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail. An accusatory glare hung in the air, poised to denounce a presumed act of cheating. Yet, a revelation awaited Scarface as he traced Aiken's gaze – the young man had vanished.

A smoldering anger gripped Scarface, the intensity of his emotions reverberating throughout the room. The culmination of his ire was potent, unsettling even the sturdiest of students. In the aftermath of Aiken's sudden departure, the atmosphere was charged with the lingering aftermath of the confrontation.

Meanwhile, Aiken was on the move, hastening toward the bus station with a haste that matched his urgency. However, his propensity for losing his bearings proved an unwelcome companion on this particular journey. Standing before the bus, the minutes ticked by as Aiken periodically consulted his wrist for the time – '16:34'. And then, in a horrifying twist of fate, an unthinkable collision shattered the tranquility.

The heart-stopping crash of metal against concrete reverberated through the air as a truck collided with the bus, a cataclysmic event that sent shockwaves through the very core of Aiken's reality.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

**THE CURRENT RANKING**

**Top 12 Guilds**

**12 • Typho | Guild Leader: Koi**

A guild known for its resilience and adaptability, led by the capable Koi.

**11 • Ganymede | Guild Leader: Rius**

Ganymede, a guild that values strategic prowess and camaraderie, under the guidance of Rius.

**10 • Amalth | Guild Leader: Rhion**

Amalth, a guild renowned for its innovation and creativity, helmed by the visionary Rhion.

**09 • Pegasus | Guild Leader: Stallion**

Pegasus, a guild of swift and relentless players, united under the leadership of Stallion.

**08 • Antares | Guild Leader: Madouri**

Antares, led by the enigmatic Madouri, known as Sco, wields formidable strength and mystery.

**07 • Atlanta | Guild Leader: Theo**

Atlanta, a guild that values unity and harmony, flourishes under the wise leadership of Theo.

**06 • Astraea | Guild Leader: Ceres**

Astraea, guided by Ceres, known as Lustitia, strikes a balance between justice and prowess.

**05 • Guise | Guild Leader: Nemean**

Guise, a guild embodying courage and valor, rallies under the leadership of the fierce Nemean.

**04 • Hydra | Guild Leader: Cancri**

Hydra, a guild with a multi-faceted approach, thrives under the leadership of the versatile Cancri.

**03 • Deuce | Guild Leader: Castor**

Deuce, a guild known for adaptability and resourcefulness, follows the lead of Castor.

**02 • Gliese | Guild Leader: Aleph**

Gliese, a guild of precision and intellect, stands strong under the guidance of Aleph.

**01 • Colchis | Guild Leader: Ram**

Colchis, the top-ranking guild, is spearheaded by the formidable leader, Ram.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

**Top 15**

**15 • Myrpho**

Myrpho, a skilled player with strategic acumen, holds a crucial position in the top 15.

**14 • Koi**

Koi, a leader of Typho, is a formidable presence in both leadership and gameplay.

**13 • Cziell<(???)**

Cziell, known for his swift ascent and unyielding ambition, commands attention.

**12 • Sco [Madouri]<(...)**

Sco, or Madouri, a leader shrouded in mystery and strength, occupies a significant rank.

**11 • Rius**

Rius, a master of strategy, secures a noteworthy place among the top 15 players.

**10 • Theo**

Theo, a charismatic and insightful player, stands tall in the elite ranks.

**09 • Zach**

Zach, a player of tenacity and skill, commands respect within the top 15.

**08 • Rhion**

Rhion, a visionary leader of Amalth, shapes the guild's legacy within the ranks.

**07 • Stallion**

Stallion's relentless pursuit of excellence places him prominently in the top 15.

**06 • Nemean<(hi!)**

Nemean, a courageous leader of Guise, extends a friendly greeting from his strong position.

**05 • Lustitia [Ceres]**

Lustitia, known as Ceres, balances justice and strength within the top 15.

**04 • Castor**

Castor's adaptability and resourcefulness solidify his place in the esteemed top 15.

**03 • Cancri**

Cancri's multifaceted approach ensures a significant presence among the top 15.

**02 • Aleph**

Aleph's precision and intellect grant him a deserving spot near the pinnacle of the top 15.

**01 • Ram**

Ram, a formidable leader of Colchis, claims the topmost position with mastery and might.