No deduction

The Hunter looked at his watch then added, "Anyway, enough chatting for now! Go deposit your After finishing his speech, Jack Blades looked at his watch and said, "Hmm, enough chatting for now. Go deposit your luggage in your room and meet me in thirty minutes—that is to say, 7 o'clock sharp—for a light jog. If you're late, you'll lose 50 points. Those of you who have Hunter items already are encouraged to bring them. Dismissed!"

Every word was delivered with utmost confidence and authority. For a Tier-S Hunter accustomed to commanding dozens of men in a hostile environment, commanding a docile group was the simplest thing in the world.

As Alexandre was thinking over the impression Jack Blades had left on the crowd, he received a message from William telling him to meet up by one of the fountains in the main courtyard. A minute later, Alexandre, William, and Marlon were together once more.

William said, "I know we don't have much time, so I'll keep this brief. Individual accommodation here is quite expensive. A private room can cost thousands of dollars a month, so we'll have to share. I saw listings for three-bed dorm rooms that varied in cost quite a lot, up to $1,200."

Marlon laughed in disbelief. "$1,200 for a shared room!? What the hell are they smoking? That's as much as my old man makes, and that's after twenty years on the job!"

Alexandre replied thoughtfully, "We don't have much of a choice. I've also taken a look at available accommodations in the area, but our only other option would be living at a hotel. I don't know about you, but I certainly can't afford that. The academy is taking advantage of us, but what else can we do? If you've got a better idea, Marlon, I'm happy to hear it."

Marlon muttered under his breath, but said nothing more.

William glanced back and forth between them. "Alright, then, I hear no more protests. Come, let's check out what they have to offer."

The three men headed for the registration office. Several others were in line ahead of them, clearly wanting to seize the best opportunities before anyone else. But just as they were about to reach the desk, a newcomer pushed his way ahead of them. He was a young man with dark skin and long black hair, clearly of South Asian origin. He seemed quite rich, wearing a full set of metal armor. From his recent shopping trip, Alexandre knew that this armor must cost several million dollars.

Alexandre began to move forward, expecting that William would be intimidated and remain silent. He was quite surprised when William was the one who reacted first. "Hey! Get in line like everyone else, asshole!"

The man seemed surprised that anyone would dare speak to him. He turned to William and spoke in a light Indian accent. "Were you too stupid to understand what Jack Blades said? Here, only the rich rule, and your kind have to submit. Get out of my way before I get angry, you loser." He then turned back to the desk, as though he truly believed anyone would accept his words.

Alexandre would have loved to put this arrogant fool in his place, but he wanted to give William the opportunity to deal with his own problems, so he just crossed his arms and observed.

William seemed to be struggling to keep his anger in check. He clenched his fists and said, "You may have been daydreaming, because that's not at all what Jack Blades said. In fact, he had a lot to say about the value of individual skill, as did the general. Money is a mere reward, not proof of superiority!"

Alexandre was amused to hear how earnest William sounded. It was entertaining how both William and this newcomer both seemed to be taking themselves so seriously.

The man smiled and said, "What nerve you have to keep talking to me like you're my equal. What a lot of pride you have. What will it take to teach you the value of money? Perhaps I should throw your mother a bundle of money and you can watch her get on her knees."

At that, William's eyes flashed bright blue and Hunter energy surged through his body. He raised up his trembling fist, still wounded from his previous use of power. "Say that again."

The man laughed mockingly. "Ooh la la! I'm so scared! What are you waiting for!? Hit me!"

Alexandre put his hand on William's shoulder. "It's against the rules for students to fight. There's no sense in losing points so stupidly."

The man glared at Alexandre. "Stay out of this, peasant. Why is it always the way of rabble to make up for lack of quality through sheer numbers? Bah. If it's just a matter of points, don't let that stop you!"

He pointed a mocking finger at Alexandre. "You're poorly informed, as it happens. Students can indeed fight one another… in the arena." He turned back to William. "Let's fight tomorrow at 8 p.m. I'll make the reservation." The man raised his Pip-Boy with a sneer. "And don't think I'll just forget and that you can escape… my dear William Walton!" 

William replied without hesitation, "Whenever you like! Wherever you want!" He fumbled with his fingers on the controls as he raised his own Pip-Boy and tried to match the man's tone. "Don't think you can run away either, Chetan Ambani!"