6 o'clock. The sun was beginning to set, sending streaks of pink and purple across the darkening sky as Art entered the square in front of the administration hall.
The courtyard was now almost empty, revealing its white marble tiling. The stark contrast between now and the chaotic mass of students that cluttered the square just a couple hours before was startling.
Looking around, Art spotted the headmaster and a small group of 4 other students standing next to the entrance of the administration hall. Art walked over to them, giving a polite bow to the headmaster and the other representatives apart from Flint, to whom he merely shot a cold and disdainful glance.
The headmaster joyfully introduced Art to the others.
"Everyone! This is Arthur Vale, he'll be serving as year representative for the new students."
"Waahhh so cuute!!"
Releasing this cry without warning, one of the two girls amongst the representatives bounded over towards Art, the entirety of her impressive frame bouncing as she did so. Her whole body oozed sex appeal, with ample, perky breasts, a thin waist and large, rounded and firm behind, the slightest movement of her body would cause countless men to drool. Unfortunately, her brain didn't seem quite as developed.
Upon seeing Art's stunning visage, her immediate reaction was to rush over and attempt to squeeze him into a crushing hug, as if to suffocate him in the depths of her cleavage. Unfortunately for her, even while most would happily accept such an opportunity, Art quickly raised a thick film of water between them, causing her to bounce off backward.
After flashing Art a wounded look, she quickly brightened up and swung her golden hair behind her back. Her red lips stretching into a smile, she warmly said, "I'm Sarah, representative of the third years. It's so nice to meet you."
Art politely nodded to her, although he was inwardly put off by her unreserved nature, before looking to the rest of the representatives.
There were mixed reactions to his arrival.
The second year rep, Flint, merely snorted and looked away, not even bothering to keep up pretenses, although a flash of jealousy did flash through his eyes when he saw Sarah's enthusiastic greeting.
The next to respond was a boy with shoulder length purple hair and glasses. Seeing Art look at him, he pushed his glasses up on his nose, a cunning half-smile hidden behind his hand.
"Trin, representing the fourth years. A pleasure."
The final representative was also a girl. If Sarah emitted endless charm and sexiness, she radiated an aura of pure and untouchable beauty and elegance. She had silky black hair, and electric blue eyes that stood out against her flawless snow white skin and robes. She was visibly cold and distant.
"Lyria. 5th year." She introduced herself simply.
Not taking notice of the tense interaction between Art and Flint, or perhaps enjoying the potential for drama, the headmaster happily moved towards the administration hall.
"Well, now that we all know each other, let's head to my office and commence our first, and hopefully only, meeting."
Entering the administration hall, Art began up the stairs. He was the second last going up - Sarah had waited for him to go first and he could feel her hungry gaze burning into his back as he climbed the stairs.
Finally, after what felt like the longest couple of flights of stairs of Art's life, the group reached the top floor and settled into the meeting room next to the headmaster's office. Although there was enough space for them all to fit in his office, the headmaster decided to use the meeting room instead as he liked the 'fancy table' in it.
The headmaster sat at the head of the table, leaving Art and Lyria on one side and the remaining three facing them across the table. The headmaster began speaking.
"Ahem. I'd like to keep this meeting short as.... I'm sure you have many other matters to attend to..."
5 blank faces stared at him judgmentally.
"So I will just be quickly explaining what is expected of you as representatives of your year and the benefits you will receive in return for completing your duties satisfactorily. Essentially, you are charged with four responsibilities."
"One, you must ensure that order is maintained in your year and that school rules are followed, almost like a disciplinary committee. You will prevent unauthorized fights, stepping in and using force to calm down a situation when necessary."
"If you wish to do so, you can create a disciplinary team to which you appoint members to help you with this duty. I leave this entirely up to you."
"Second, you will be in charge of organizing events, clubs and other extracurricular aspects of student life here at Silver Dragon Academy. The only mandatory event is an end of year dance, but let me say now that your position as year representative, while largely based on rank (position on the ranking stone), can be withdrawn if students demonstrate widespread dissatisfaction. Organizing events can help with your image as year president. The 5 of you will also work together on organizing larger events that all grades will participate in."
"Third, you will be in charge of communicating any complaints of the student body to the school's administration. But... wherever possible, and I mean as much as possible... deal with it yourselves..."
"Ahem. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you will be in charge of selecting, managing, and for some of you, captaining your years battle squadron. These are teams that will represent each year of our Academy in interchanges and tournaments with other schools. Each team consists of 7 main members, and as many substitutes and reserves as you deem suitable. There are also special training grounds designated for official battle squads."
As the headmaster finished detailing the responsibilities of the student council, a single thought ran through the minds of all five representatives, even those who had heard all of this before.
"The headmaster... is basically pushing all administrative duties that would normally be carried out by him onto us...."
Completely disregarding the judgmental stares directed at him, the headmaster continued speaking.
"Of course, you enjoy certain benefits in return for shouldering these responsibilities. You will not be penalized for missing classes. You will receive more resources than normal students. You have access to special areas of the school grounds. You have one free weekly use of elemental training grounds. Most importantly, you can access more information, records, and advice in the library about cultivation and how to improve your understanding of the elements."
"This all is to say that with greater responsibility comes greater reward. I hope that you will all take advantage of this opportunity to improve not only your own experience at Silver Dragon Academy, but also that of your fellow students."
Although the headmaster tried to finish on a more inspiring note, the reps had long since been numbed to any positive emotions by the sheer shamelessness of the headmaster as he casually pushed all his duties onto the shoulders of the student council and even told them it was for their own benefit.
Of course, not even a trace of a blush colored the headmaster's wrinkled cheeks.
"Well, that concludes this meeting. I hope not to hear from any of you for the rest of the year, and once again wish you all the best at Silver Dragon Academy!"
Thus saying, the headmaster happily stood up, humming a little ditty to himself as he prepared to leave, full of pride and satisfaction at his ingenious ability to push all his work onto others.
"Actually, headmaster, there is one matter I would like to raise before you leave."
Art's smooth, cold voice cut into the awkward atmosphere as he stared directly at Flint (second year rep).
"Ahh what is it now brat?!"
'He was about to get away with another year of peace! This brat better not try and ruin it!' Vernon thought.
"I request that a second year by the name of Jaxon Enosk be expelled from the academy."