Alan is lying on his bed.
Multiple thoughts run through his mind.
"How long has it been since then?"
Flashbacks of a enraged Jack charging at him, before Alan kicked him in the face.
"Has it been several months?"
---
Back in the past:
Students: Did you see that?
"He defeated Jack in a single attack."
"Is that even possible?"
One guy shrugs. "Must have been a lucky shot—Jack looked sore and tired."
Other student: That's not true—he overwhelmed Daniel in that same state.
"Meaning he was stronger than before, despite being exhausted."
Guy: Shut up, you girls always say stuff like that because you like those handsome boys.
Girl: What? It's not like that—
Boy: Then what is it?
Daniel looks up at Alan, who isn't bothered by their chattering.
Daniel: Alan?
Alan gives him a hand and helps him back on his feet.
Alan: I have nothing to say. I did what should be done.
Alan steals a glance at Ellie, who is watching in shock from her classroom.
"After that day, I didn't go to school—and I heard Jack has stopped coming to school as well."
Alan gets up from his bed, done with the thoughts.
"But there's one thing that keeps bugging me—"
Ellie's thoughts:
"She didn't approach me."
Alan grabs his shirt and gets ready.
"It's possible she didn't recognize me, as I was dead for everyone."
He leaves the house with his school bag.
"But—my first encounter with Bob and his group, I am sure I said that I am the same Alan."
"Maybe she is happy without it. I did get a gist of it—that day she tried to approach me."
"But she couldn't—as if she thinks I am not the same person I was supposed to be."
"Which doesn't truly make sense to me."
---
Alan enters the school grounds, noticing students staring at one place—some standing on the ground and some watching from their classroom windows.
Alan: What's going on here?
He walks toward the large crowd, and as they see him, everyone's attention shifts from the Daniel and Mark fight to Alan.
"Hey—get aside, it's Alan!"
"Alan? He came after so long!"
Mark blocks Daniel's kick and strikes back with a punch.
Daniel blocks it as well, and both of them continue fighting evenly.
Mark: You live up to your reputation.
Daniel: You too—
Both Daniel and Mark tilt their heads as everyone suddenly stops cheering.
Daniel: Alan?
Daniel stops fighting. Mark also stares at Alan.
Mark: Hey, Wayne! It's that guy?
Wayne: Yes—the guy who defeated Jack.
He says this while holding Chris.
Daniel: Hey, Alan! Where have you been?
He taps him on the shoulder.
Alan: Just at home. Nothing else.
He answers shortly, as always.
Daniel: Ahh, I see. Well, some people came inside our school, which is forbidden.
Alan looks at Mark, Wayne, and Chris.
Alan: I don't think it was intentional.
Everyone looks at him.
Daniel: What? It's still breaking a rule—
Alan: I think it's not their fault—
Alan notices Bob and his group, their bodies covered in blood and scars.
Alan: I'm not sure, but it looks like it's their fault for running inside the school in the middle of the fight.
Mark and Wayne can't believe that Alan has already cleared the misunderstanding.
Mark: Well—it's true. I tried explaining that our friend was not in his right mind and he came here chasing those guys.
Daniel: But, Alan—
Alan: If you're so desperate to fight, wouldn't it be better if it's done in a proper tournament?
Alan suggests that they should fight in a tournament, where they can also decide who the strongest B-rank is.
Everyone likes the idea and cheers for Alan.
Daniel: I mean, you're right… my bad.
Daniel walks back to Mark.
Daniel: Alright, we'll overlook the trespassing this time.
He lifts his hand.
Mark does the same and shakes it.
Mark: I'm down—rival.
He turns and leaves the school.
---
Alan walks back toward the classroom.
On the way—
Wayne: Tsk, how heavy is this guy? Wake up already.
Chris opens his eyes as Wayne drops him from his shoulders.
Chris: Ouch—watch it.
Wayne: Shut up! You left the school without telling us and caused all this trouble.
Chris: Because you guys would never let me get my revenge.
Wayne: That's not true. We would help you, but it was too dangerous to fight in that state.
Chris: I can't help it—it's not under my control.
Mark: Shut it, both of you!
Wayne: Anyway, aren't you mad about it?
Mark: About what?
Wayne: Those Blackridge students. They mocked you and said Daniel is going to beat your ass badly in the tournament.
Chris: Did they say that? I won't forgive them.
He spots two Blackridge students near the ice cream stand.
Chris: Talk about timing—should I install some fear in them?
Max and Kasey.
Chris: Well, well. Look who we have here.
Kasey and Max look at Chris.
Kasey: Who are you? What do you want?
Chris: Wow. You're already talking like a rude person.
Kasey: No, I didn't mean to—
Max: It's okay, Kasey. Hey, what do you want?
Chris: Pfft. Hey, Wayne, did you see that?
Wayne: Yeah. The little boy is acting tough.
Mark doesn't say anything, just watching.
Chris: Hey, I'm not here to fight or anything, but if you keep talking like that, I won't show mercy.
Kasey hides behind Max. Max looks at him.
Max: J-Just shut up already. You're the one who came here acting like you're something.
Max is shaking, but for Kasey, he speaks up.
Chris: Huh? Is that so?
He prepares to attack.
Mark: Enough, Chris. Let's not go that far.
Chris: Huh? Alright.
Max and Kasey walk away.
Chris: I could have taught him a lesson.
Mark: No. Can't you see it? That boy isn't really weak.
He sees a shadow lingering around Max—a hidden power inside him.
---
To be continued.