____________________________Chapter 40: Unwanted Attention
April adjusted the straps of her bag as she walked through Westgate's highschool gates, already regretting this whole situation.
She made her way through the halls, her footsteps steady, her senses sharp. Even though she couldn't see or hear in the traditional sense, her Gear had long since made up for it.
She could feel the vibrations of the world around her, the air shifting, the movement of people—it was enough.
She walked past groups of students whispering about her.
"So that's the blind transfer girl, right?"
"Yeah, I heard a rumor saying that even though she's blind, she somehow always knows when someone's talking about her. That's kinda creepy."
April ignored them. She was used to it.
But then—
"April, right?"
A voice. Close. Directed at her.
She turned slightly, sensing a presence beside her. The person was a tall male, with broad-shoulders, he carried an air of confidence that was almost too casual.
Michelangelo
April heard of him. Everyone did.
He was one of the most popular guys in school—not the arrogant, over-the-top kind, but the effortlessly cool kind.
Always smiling, always friendly, and—if the rumors were true—insanely good at skateboarding.
April tilted her head. "Yeah?"
"Didn't think I'd see you here. You're kinda like a ghost."
April smirked. "I prefer 'low profile.'"
Michelangelo chuckled. "Fair enough. Do you mind if I walk with you?"
April shrugged. "Not stopping you."
He fell into step beside her, and just like that, the whispering around them exploded.
"Why is Michelangelo talking to her?"
"Seriously, what's so special about her?"
"I swear, she's faking it. There's no way she's actually blind."
April could already sense the storm brewing.
And she was right.
Because across the hall, someone was watching.
Tessa Lane.
The school's queen bee, social royalty, and the girl who definitely didn't like April getting attention from Michelangelo.
Tessa's eyes narrowed as she watched them walk together.
April could feel the hostility radiating off of her.
Great. Just what I needed.
____________________________Chapter 41: Lines in the Sand
April could already tell this was going to be a problem.
Michelangelo wasn't just some random popular guy—he was de guy. The one everyone liked, the one who could walk into a room and have people gravitate toward him.
And now he was walking with her.
April felt the burning stares, the whispers turning into full-blown conversations behind her back.
"She has to be faking it."
"How does she always know when people are talking?"
"Michelangelo's just being nice… right?"
April rolled her eyes. She'd dealt with worse.
Michelangelo, completely unfazed, shoved his hands in his pockets. "So, are you always this quiet, or am I just that boring?"
April smirked. "I don't do small talk."
"Good. Neither do I."
That actually caught her off guard.
Before she could respond, a sickly sweet voice cut through the tension.
"Oh Michelangelo—"
April could already guess who it belonged to.
Tessa Lane.
The queen of this place, the one who decided who was in and who was out.
Michelangelo sighed. "Here we go."
April didn't turn, but she could feel Tessa approaching—heels clicking against the floor, her presence heavy with manufactured confidence.
"Mickey," Tessa said, all fake warmth, "I was looking for you."
Mickey raised an eyebrow. "Were you?"
Tessa ignored the question and instead turned to April.
April didn't react, just waited.
Tessa tilted her head. "You are April, right?"
April finally turned toward her, her expression unreadable. "Yeah."
Tessa's lips curled into a smile, but there was no kindness in it.
"How interesting," she mused. "I hear that you're blind and can't hear, but it's so funny—" She leaned in slightly. "But you always know when people are talking about you."
April didn't flinch. She simply crossed her arms. "Maybe you're just loud."
A flicker of annoyance flashed across Tessa's face.
Michelangelo stifled a laugh. "Man, this is entertaining."
Tessa shot him a glare before returning her attention to April.
"You know," she said, voice laced with fake concern, "it must be so hard for you. Always having to act like you don't hear things you're not supposed to."
April smirked. "Oh, I don't have to act. I just don't care."
Tessa's expression faltered for a split second before she masked it with a laugh.
"Right. Well, I just think it's adorable that Michelangelo is taking pity on you."
Michelangelo's smile dropped. "Tessa—"
April cut him off.
"Pity?" She took a step forward, tilting her head slightly. "That's funny, because from where I'm standing, you're the one that looks desperate."
A sharp gasp echoed around them.
Tessa's face froze.
April didn't need to see it to know she had struck a nerve.
Michelangelo grinned. "Welp. That's my cue to go."
Tessa's voice was tight with barely restrained anger. "You—"
But April was already walking away.
She could feel Tessa's fury burning into her back.
The rival war had just begun.
____________________________Chapter 42: The Food Chain
Lunchtime.
April sat alone at the far end of the cafeteria, quietly eating her food. She didn't mind being alone—actually, she preferred it. The only issue was that she could feel eyes on her.
Tessa wasn't done.
The queen bee had taken their earlier encounter personally.
April had embarrassed her in front of everyone, and Tessa wasn't the type to let things go.
April calmly took another bite of her food, waiting.
Then, she felt it.
A sudden movement behind her. A shift in the air. The subtle whoosh of something being thrown—
April's hand shot up.
She caught it.
The entire cafeteria fell into stunned silence.
In her grasp was a chunk of food—mashed potatoes, dripping with gravy, meant to splatter all over the back of her head.
April didn't react.
She didn't need to.
Because the real moment came when she casually flicked her wrist—
And launched the food right back.
Perfectly.
The mashed potatoes smacked Tessa dead center in the face.
A gasp rippled through the cafeteria.
Tessa froze.
The once-pristine queen bee now stood there, face covered in food, eyes wide with shock.
Silence.
Then—
Laughter erupted.
"Oh my god!"
"Did you see that?!"
"That was perfect!"
Even Michelangelo, sitting across the room, had to hold back a laugh.
April?
She just calmly wiped her hand with a napkin and went back to eating.
Tessa, still frozen, finally let out a furious shriek. "YOU—!"
April didn't even look at her.
"You should really work on your aim," she said casually. "That was kinda pathetic."
More laughter.
Tessa stormed out of the cafeteria, humiliated.
April smirked.
____________________________Chapter 43: Silent Victories
The cafeteria was still buzzing with laughter and whispers long after Tessa stormed out. April, unfazed, finished her meal at a leisurely pace. She could feel people sneaking glances at her, some amused, others impressed, and a few just downright confused.
She wasn't surprised. Most of them still refused to believe she was really blind and deaf. But after today? She had a feeling the rumors would only get wilder.
A chair scraped across from her.
"That," Michelangelo said, grinning, "was legendary."
April didn't bother looking up. "What do you want?"
Michelangelo rested his chin on his hand.
"Oh, nothing much. Just admiring a master at work."
April stabbed a piece of food with her fork.
"If you're expecting me to be grateful for the attention, don't hold your breath."
"Ouch," he said, placing a hand over his heart. "You wound me, April."
She rolled her eyes. "Go bother someone else."
Michelangelo chuckled but didn't move.
Other students were still watching them, and April could already tell what they were thinking.
Why is he still talking to her?
Is he actually interested?
Is she some kind of freak?
April didn't care. She had bigger problems to deal with than high school gossip.
Michelangelo leaned forward. "You know, you just made an enemy for life, right?"
April smirked. "She started it."
"And you ended it. Beautifully, I might add." He tilted his head. "But don't think for a second that Tessa's gonna take this loss quietly."
"I'd be disappointed if she did," April said.
Michelangelo laughed. "I think I like you."
"Tragic," she deadpanned.
He grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
"Alright, alright. I'll leave you alone—for now. But just so you know..." He stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "You're officially on Tessa's hit list now. Hope you're ready for round two."
April barely acknowledged him. "She can try."
Michelangelo smirked. "I really like you."
And with that, he walked off, leaving April alone again.
She sighed, rubbing her temple.
Highschool was already annoying before.
Now it's just getting worse.
____________________________Chapter 44: Round Two Begins
The fallout from the cafeteria incident didn't take long.
By the next day, Tessa had already set her plans in motion.
April walked into school, fully aware of the whispering around her. She could feel the tension in the air, the barely concealed glances, the passive-aggressive giggles from Tessa's usual group.
Here we go.
She made it to her locker, moving smoothly as always, when she felt another presence step beside her.
"You're popular today," Michelangelo's voice came, amused as always.
April sighed. "And here I thought you'd have better things to do."
He chuckled. "Nah. Watching this whole drama unfold is way too entertaining."
April ignored him and opened her locker.
But as soon as she did, a thick pile of papers spilled out, scattering all over the floor.
She froze.
Michelangelo bent down and picked one up. The second he saw it, his grin vanished.
April didn't need to see it to know what it was.
Because the entire hallway had gone silent.
She took the paper from his hand. The texture was off—thicker, almost glossy.
It was a printed photo.
Of her.
More specifically, of her sitting alone in the cafeteria, completely unaware that someone had taken a picture. Bold text was written across it:
"FAKE BLIND FREAK"
April's grip tightened.
The other students stood in awkward silence, watching, waiting for her reaction.
Some were amused. Others looked guilty. A few quickly turned away, pretending they hadn't seen anything.
Michelangelo let out a slow breath. "Damn. She really went all in on this one."
April crouched down, calmly picking up the photos. Not a single sign of anger crossed her face.
She wasn't going to give them that satisfaction.
Instead, she took every last one, stacked them neatly, and—without a word—ripped them in half.
Michelangelo blinked. "That's it?"
April turned to him, smirking slightly.
"What? You wanted a dramatic speech?"
He grinned. "I mean, yeah. A little bit."
She scoffed and threw the torn pieces into the trash. "Tessa's an idiot if she thinks this is enough to get under my skin."
But even as she said it, she could feel Tessa watching.
Across the hall, leaning against the lockers with her arms crossed, the queen bee smirked.
____________________________Chapter 45: Checkmate in Progress
April didn't acknowledge Tessa. Didn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
Instead, she shut her locker and walked off, completely unaffected.
Or at least, that's what it looked like.
Michelangelo followed after her, hands in his pockets. "So, what's the plan?"
April tilted her head slightly. "Plan?"
He grinned. "Oh, come on. I know you're not just gonna let this slide."
April gave a small smirk. "I don't need to do anything. She's already setting herself up for failure."
Michelangelo let out a low whistle. "Cold."
"Efficient," she corrected.
Tessa thrived on control. On making people react. But April had seen this kind of person before. Tessa needed a response. The moment April gave her one, she'd keep escalating, pushing, making things worse.
But if April didn't play her game?
Tessa would spiral on her own.
Michelangelo studied her for a moment before shaking his head, amused.
"Remind me never to get on your bad side."
"Smart decision."
Before he could reply, another voice cut in.
"I knew you were just acting."
April didn't even have to turn to know who it was.
Here we go.
Tessa had finally decided to make her next move.
April exhaled, already bored. "Tessa."
The queen bee strutted in front of them, arms crossed, her signature fake smile in place. "I have to say, I'm impressed."
April raised an eyebrow. "That you managed to print a hundred copies of the same pathetic insult? Yeah, I guess that's an achievement."
Tessa's eye twitched.
Michelangelo stifled a laugh. "I'm just here for the show."
Tessa ignored him, locking eyes with April.
"You can drop the act. No one actually believes you're blind."
April tilted her head. "You sure? Because I've definitely seen you make some dumb choices."
The students nearby let out a few gasps. Someone muttered, "Oh, damn."
Tessa clenched her jaw, but she covered it quickly with another smile. "You're just lucky Michelangelo finds you entertaining."
April smirked. "And you hate that, don't you?"
Tessa's fingers twitched, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she gave a small, amused laugh. "Enjoy your little moment, April. Because trust me—when I'm done, you won't have anywhere to hide."
April shrugged. "That's cute. But next time, if you're gonna try and ruin me, at least be original."
Tessa's expression darkened.
And for the first time—April knew she had gotten under her skin.
Checkmate is coming.
____________________________Chapter 46: Unseen Eyes
The rest of the school day passed uneventfully—at least on the surface.
Tessa didn't make another move, but April could feel her watching. The queen bee wasn't done. Far from it.
Still, it wasn't Tessa that set off April's instincts.
It was something else.
As she walked out of the school gates, she became aware of a presence. Not loud, not obvious—just... there. A lingering weight in the background.
Someone was watching her.
April adjusted her bag strap, walking as if she hadn't noticed. She wasn't the type to imagine things. Her Gear had enhanced her instincts beyond normal human levels.
If she felt something, it was real.
The real question was who.
And why.
She took her usual route home, letting the presence follow. A few streets down, the crowd thinned, and she took a sudden turn into an alley.
A dead end.
Then, she stopped.
Silence.
The presence hesitated.
'Got you.'
April turned on her heel. "Alright," she called out, voice calm but sharp. "You can come out now."
Silence stretched.
Then—
A figure stepped forward from behind a parked car.
A young man, maybe a few years older than her. Dark hoodie, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.
He didn't seem threatening. Just... watching. Studying.
April crossed her arms. "You've been following me."
The guy didn't deny it. "You noticed."
April tilted her head. "You wanted me to notice."
He smirked slightly. "Not many people would."
"Lucky me." Her voice stayed flat. "Now, are you gonna tell me why, or do I have to start assuming the worst?"
He exhaled. "Relax. I was just... curious."
April narrowed her eyes. "About what?"
He studied her for a moment. Then, with a small, knowing smile, he said—
"You."
April's patience thinned. "Not an answer."
His smirk didn't fade. "You're not like the others."
April felt something cold settle in her chest.
This wasn't about high school drama. This wasn't about Tessa.
This was something else entirely.
And she was about to find out exactly what.
____________________________Chapter 47: A Strange Encounter
April didn't move, didn't blink. She had dealt with too many unknowns to let some random stalker throw her off.
The guy held his ground, hands still in his hoodie pockets, watching her with casual interest.
"You're not like the others," he repeated.
April tilted her head slightly. "That's vague. Try again."
He smirked. "You hide it well, but I see it."
"See what?"
"The way you move. The way you react." His eyes sharpened slightly. "Like someone who's trained."
April's pulse remained steady, but her mind raced.
He wasn't wrong. Even while acting like an average high schooler, she couldn't erase her instincts. The way she knew where everything was without looking. The way she never hesitated.
Most wouldn't pick up on it.
But he did.
And that meant he wasn't normal either.
April adjusted her stance slightly—just enough to be ready. "And what exactly does that mean to you?"
The guy shrugged. "Means I was right to keep an eye on you."
"Flattering," she said dryly. "Now tell me who you are before I stop being polite."
For the first time, he actually seemed amused. "Polite? This is you being polite?"
April didn't respond.
He exhaled, as if debating something.
Then, finally—
"Name's River."
She raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
"For now."
April sighed. "Right. Mysterious stranger routine. Got it."
River chuckled. "You catch on quick."
"Then let me take a guess." April took a step forward. "You're either some wannabe detective, or you have a reason to be very interested in who I really am."
River's smirk faded slightly.
Bullseye.
April continued, voice calm. "So what is it? Who sent you?"
River looked at her for a long moment. Then—
"No one," he said simply.
She didn't believe him.
He must've sensed that because he sighed. "Look, I don't work for anyone. No secret orders. No hidden agendas. I just..." He hesitated. "Notice things."
April stayed silent, waiting.
River ran a hand through his hair. "And when I see something that doesn't add up, I like to figure out why."
April narrowed her eyes. "And you think I don't add up?"
His smirk returned. "Not one bit."
April clicked her tongue. "Well, that makes two of us, River."
River's expression didn't change, but something in his posture did. As if he was now being watched.
April had enough for today. If he was a threat, she'd deal with him later.
She turned. "Stay out of my way."
River chuckled. "No promises."
April walked off, not bothering to look back.
But she felt his eyes on her until she turned the corner.
Who the hell are you, River?
____________________________Chapter 48: Breaking Limits
The weekend meant one thing—training.
April didn't waste time. The moment Saturday morning came, she was already in the underground training facility beneath the Hollow.
The others had their own routines. Jax was off running combat drills. Saya was meditating, fine-tuning her Gear's abilities. Kai and Dante were sparring.
April?
She was pushing herself past her limits.
She stood in the center of the training hall, her breathing steady. The walls around her were lined with reinforced steel, made to withstand extreme force. Perfect for what she was about to do.
She exhaled slowly, reaching up to touch the back of her head.
Her sigil—the angel wing-shaped mark—felt warm under her fingertips. A reminder of how much stronger she had become. But not enough. Not yet.
Jax's words echoed in her mind.
"For you to pass the next barrier, your Gear has to tell you its official name. The name that defines it. Only then will you reach the next stage."
April clenched her fists. She wasn't there yet. But she would be.
She activated her Gear.
A pulse of energy rippled through her body, a familiar yet untamed force. She needed to refine it. Control it.
Push it further.
She shifted into a stance. Training dummies—reinforced with combat AI—activated around her, their red eyes glowing.
April smirked.
"Come on, then."
The first dummy lunged. April sidestepped effortlessly, her movements fluid. She twisted, bringing her elbow down onto its back. The metal groaned under the impact as the dummy hit the ground.
The second came from behind. April reacted instantly—ducking, spinning, striking. A precise kick sent it crashing into the wall.
She didn't stop.
More dummies activated, increasing their speed.
April adjusted. Her Gear pulsed, sharpening her reflexes. Every movement was exact. Every hit was calculated.
But it wasn't enough.
She needed more.
The dummies recalibrated, their attacks coming faster, stronger. April dodged, countered, but she felt the strain.
Then—
Pain.
A dummy managed to land a glancing hit on her ribs. Not enough to do real damage, but enough to remind her—
She was still holding back.
April exhaled sharply. No more limits.
She reached for more.
Energy surged through her, stronger than before. Her movements blurred. She struck with impossible speed, dismantling the dummies one by one.
She wasn't fighting anymore.
She was dominating.
Within moments, the last dummy crumbled to the ground.
Silence.
April stood there, breath steady, heart pounding. The air around her felt different.
She reached up, touching her sigil again. It was glowing.
And then—
A voice.
Calm, yet powerful.
"You are ready."
April's eyes widened.
Then everything shifted.
_________________________________
Chapter 49: The Name of Power
April's breath hitched. The voice wasn't external—it resonated inside her, deep within her core.
She felt a rush of energy, her body tingling with newfound awareness.
"You are ready."
The words echoed in her mind. But before she could fully grasp them, something else emerged. A presence—not physical, but there.
It was her Gear. Speaking to her.
A single name burned into her thoughts.
"Ultima."
April's eyes widened.
The name.
The name of her Gear. The name that marked it, that defined what it was.
It was more than a name. It was a threshold. A doorway.
But even as she processed this revelation, the voice spoke again.
"You have taken the first step. But to break the next barrier… you must fight. Truly fight."
April's jaw tightened. "What do you mean?"
The response was calm. Absolute.
"Only in a battle of life and death will you awaken further. Only when you face true destruction will you break your limits."
A cold weight settled in her chest.
She had grown stronger. Faster. More precise.
But it wasn't enough.
Not yet.
She clenched her fists. "A life-or-death battle, huh?"
Her mind flashed to Ragnarök. To Vance. To the enemies lurking in the shadows.
She exhaled slowly. "Fine. If that's what it takes… then bring it on."
The glow from her sigil faded, but something within her had changed.
Ultima had spoken.
And now, it was only a matter of time.
____________________________Chapter 50: The Name That Marks Her
April gathered the team in the training hall. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the weight of anticipation.
Jax leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Kai and Dante stood nearby, curiosity clear on their faces. Saya watched quietly, her sharp eyes studying April.
April took a breath. "My Gear spoke to me," she said. "Its name is Ultima."
Silence.
Then, Jax smirked. "Well, damn."
Saya nodded. "A fitting name."
Kai whistled. "So what, do we call you Ultima now?"
April crossed her arms. "Yeah. From now on, that's my name in battle."
Dante grinned. "Has a nice ring to it. Ultima. Sounds dangerous."
April exhaled. This wasn't just a new title. It was a statement. A declaration of power.
Jax pushed off the wall. "Then I guess it's time we do the same."
April raised an eyebrow. "You mean—"
Jax nodded. "Every Gear has a name. You know yours now. It's only fair we tell you ours."
The atmosphere shifted.
Jax stepped forward first. His voice was steady.
"Mine is Mufasa."
April felt the weight behind the name—solid, unshakable, just like him. But once she registered the name April raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Mufasa?"
Jax grinned wide.
"Isn't that an African type name?"
"Yea. You'll understand why it's named that when you see me in my TakeOver Mode," explained Jax.
April just nodded to his explanation. She then looked towards Saya.
Due to April focusing her attention towards Saya she didn't hear Jax's mumbled words.
"And I truly hope you won't need to."
Saya was next. Her voice was quieter, but no less powerful.
"My Gear's name is Seraphim."
A name that suited her perfectly. Graceful. Lethal.
Kai smirked. "Alright, my turn. Mine'sInferno Edge."
Dante rolled his eyes. "So dramatic."
Kai shot him a look. "Says the one with—"
Dante cut him off with a grin. "Mine is TitanFall."
April absorbed each name, committing them to memory.
Mufasa. Seraphim.InfernoEdge.Titan fall.
They weren't just individuals anymore.
They were something more.
Jax nodded. "Now that you've taken the next step, it's time to upgrade your gear."
He gestured toward the far wall, where a sealed compartment slid open. Inside—
April's breath caught.
It was high-tech. Sleek. Designed for both mobility and durability. Black and violet with a hooded design. The same battle suit used by high-ranking operatives.
Jax smirked. "This is your official organization-issued combat suit. Custom-fitted, reinforced, and built to work with your Gear."
April ran her fingers over the material. Lightweight, but sturdy. It felt right.
"Put it on," Jax said.
April didn't hesitate. She slipped into the suit, fastening the reinforced straps. The moment it settled against her skin, she could feel the difference. The energy flowed seamlessly through it, almost as if it was part of her.
Kai gave a thumbs-up. "Looks badass."
Dante nodded. "Definitely an upgrade."
April pulled the hood over her head, the sleek design covering her shoulders.
"Feels like it was made for me."
Jax smirked. "It was."
Then his expression hardened. "Now, before we move forward, you need to understand what we're up against. Ragnarök isn't just some random group. They have ranks."
He turned to a digital screen, tapping a command. A diagram appeared.
[Ragnarok's Hierarchy:]
Squad Commanders– Squad commanders are the lowest ranking officers. Skilled, but replaceable. Each one leads a small combat unit," Explained Saya. Executioners– "Executioners are the elite fighters. Rare, but dangerous. Each one is a walking disaster in battle," this time Dante explained. The Enforcers– "Enforcers are high-ranking members who act as Ragnarök's direct enforcers. They take orders from the top and eliminate threats personally," Explained Kai. The Pillars– "The pillars are four most powerful members of Ragnarok. Each one is strong enough to wipe out entire cities alone," Explained Saya. The Supreme Leader's– All we know is that they're 4 of them they are the strongest of Ragnörak. No name, no face. Only rumors. It's said they possess a completely unknown Gear. And… Ragnörak's leader is part of them. He or she is the strongest among all of them," seriously explained Jax.
Jax turned back to April. "This is what we're dealing with. If you want to survive, Ultima, you'd better be ready."
April's fingers curled into fists.
She was ready.
And soon—Ragnarök would know it too.
____________________________Chapter 51: The Warpath Ahead
April sat in silence, absorbing the information. The names, the hierarchy—it all solidified the reality of what they were up against. Ragnarök wasn't just a rogue faction. It was an empire of destruction, built on power and precision.
Jax leaned against the table. "Now that you know, what's your plan?"
April looked up, eyes burning with determination. "Simple. I get stronger. Fast."
Kai smirked. "That's the spirit."
Saya crossed her arms. "Strength alone won't be enough. The Executioners and Enforcers don't just rely on brute force. They're specialists. Each of them has mastered their Gear in ways that most people can't even comprehend."
Dante nodded. "If you want to take them on, you'll need to learn everything about your own Gear. No shortcuts."
April exhaled. She already knew that. Ultima had made it clear—her next evolution would only come in a battle where her life was truly at stake.
But she wasn't about to sit around and wait for that moment to happen.
She stood up. "Then let's start training."
Jax grinned. "Thought you'd say that."
He turned, motioning for them to follow.
They moved through the underground base, the halls quiet except for the hum of machinery.
As they stepped into the training facility, April took in the sight—advanced combat dummies, reinforced sparring rings, a full-scale battlefield simulator.
Jax stopped in the center. "We're not just testing raw power. You need to learn control. Adaptability. And most importantly—how to win against someone stronger than you."
He cracked his knuckles. "Which means you're sparring against us."
April smirked. "Good. I was hoping for that."
Kai stretched his arms. "Alright, but don't get cocky. You might be Ultima now, but we've been at this a lot longer than you."
April pulled her hood up, adjusting her stance. "Then show me what that experience is worth."
Dante grinned. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."
Saya's expression remained calm, but there was a glint of excitement in her eyes.
Jax rolled his shoulders. "Alright. First round—April versus me."
April's smirk widened.
Mufasaversus Ultima.
This was exactly what she needed.
____________________________Chapter 52: Mufasa vs. Ultima
April adjusted her stance, feet firm against the training mat. Jax stood across from her, relaxed but watchful. The weight of his presence alone was enough to make anyone second-guess attacking first.
Not her.
Kai, Dante, and Saya stood along the edges of the training area, watching.
Jax rolled his shoulders. "Let's see how far you've come, Ultima."
April smirked. "Try to keep up."
A sharp beep signaled the start of the match.
Jax moved.
Not just fast—explosively fast. His foot slammed into the ground, and the sheer force cracked the reinforced floor beneath him.
He was on her in an instant, fist reared back.
April barely had time to react.
Dodge—!
She twisted, Jax's punch grazing past her, but the shockwave alone sent her skidding back. The air rippled with the force of his raw power.
"Come on," Jax called. "That all you got?"
April narrowed her eyes. She wasn't about to play defense the entire match.
She pushed forward, her body moving instinctively. The moment her foot hit the ground, she surged toward him, her movements sharper, cleaner.
She swung—
Jax deflected with his forearm, but April was already shifting, her second strike aiming for his ribs.
Blocked.
She clicked her tongue. He was reading her movements like an open book.
Jax smirked. "You're fast. But speed alone won't cut it."
Then, he stepped in—too close.
April barely had time to brace before his knee slammed into her stomach. The impact sent her airborne, and before she could adjust, Jax vanished—only to reappear above her mid-fall.
She had one second.
April twisted her body in midair, using the momentum to kick off his descending fist, flipping backward before landing.
The moment her feet touched the ground, she crouched and launched herself forward, fist aiming straight for his jaw.
Jax's eyes flickered with amusement.
CRACK!
April's punch connected.
Or at least—it should have.
Instead, Jax's skin hardened, a metallic sheen covering his jaw for a split second before fading.
Her attack did nothing.
April barely had time to react before Jax grabbed her arm, yanked her forward, and spun, using her own momentum to hurl her across the room.
She hit the ground, rolled, and skidded to a stop.
Pain shot through her body, but she ignored it. She could still move. That was all that mattered.
Dante whistled. "Damn. She's actually keeping up."
Kai crossed his arms. "Yeah, but keeping up isn't winning."
April pushed herself to her feet, breathing heavy.
Jax tilted his head. "Your instincts are sharp, but you're still hesitating. You hold back. Afraid of using too much power? Or afraid of what'll happen when you lose control?"
April clenched her fists.
She wasn't hesitating.
She just wasn't there yet.
But she would be.
Jax smirked. "Alright. Let's turn it up a notch."
Then—his presence changed.
It was subtle, but she felt it.
The pressure in the air thickened. His breathing shifted.
Saya's eyes sharpened. "He's activating Mufasa's next phase. Mufasa's G-force energy."
Kai muttered, "She better brace herself."
April took a stance.
Jax grinned. "Let's see how you handle this—Ultima."
Then, he vanished.
And the real fight began.
____________________________Chapter 53: Crumbling Limits
April had no time to think.
Jax disappeared—only for her instincts to scream above!
She twisted, barely dodging as he came down like a meteor, the sheer force of his landing sending shockwaves through the training floor.
Cracks spiderwebbed beneath him.
Too late.
Jax's arm swung, catching her mid-dodge, sending her spiraling through the air.
April hit the wall hard, but instead of collapsing, she kicked off it, using the momentum to launch herself right back at him.
This time, she wasn't aiming blindly.
She concentrated—her movements sharper, faster, cleaner. Ultima's energy flared, responding to her will.
She twisted midair, fist glowing faintly as she drove it straight at Jax's temple.
CRACK!
His head jerked slightly—just slightly.
April landed, sliding back. Her knuckles ached from the impact. Jax barely looked fazed.
"Not bad," he admitted. "You actually made me feel that."
April exhaled sharply. It wasn't enough.
Not yet.
Jax suddenly rolled his shoulders, his stance changing. The tension in the air shifted again.
Then, his body pulsed.
April's breath hitched. That feeling…
Saya's eyes narrowed. "He's using it."
Kai's expression darkened. "Oh, shit. He's about to use Mufasa's G-force."
A deep, heavy thud echoed through the room as Jax took a step forward. His muscles tensed, his entire body hardening like reinforced steel.
But it wasn't just a defensive ability. It was some kind of an energy source.
April could feel it.
His movements would be faster. His strength—overwhelming.
Dante grinned. "Now it's a real fight."
April steadied herself. Fine. If that was how it was going to be—
She exhaled.
Her body relaxed.
Then—Ultima responded.
A faint, eerie hum filled the air. Energy crackled, invisible but present.
Jax's smirk faltered just a little.
Then he charged.
April reacted instantly.
She moved.
Not just fast—inhumanly fast.
Their blows clashed in an instant—one after another, too fast for normal eyes to follow. Each hit sent out shockwaves, forcing Kai and the others to step back.
Fist met fist. Kick met kick. Every impact sent tremors through the floor.
Jax swung—April ducked.
April struck—Jax blocked with his forearm, but this time, he actually skidded back.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face.
April smirked. "Didn't expect that?"
Jax wiped a thumb across his jaw. "You're learning."
Then he vanished again.
April's heart pounded.
She had to push further.
She had to break through.
But deep down, she knew—
This wasn't enough.
Not yet.
Not until Ultima gave her what she needed.
Not until she reached the next barrier.
Jax's voice echoed through the space.
"Come on, Ultima. Show me what you've got."
April narrowed her eyes.
She had every intention to.
____________________________Chapter 54: The Next Barrier
April's body moved on instinct.
Jax's Mufasa's G-force made him a monster in combat—every strike he threw had the force to break her if she wasn't careful.
But being careful wasn't going to win.
She had to push beyond.
Jax disappeared again, but this time, April felt where he would be.
A second before he appeared, she was already moving—ducking under his fist, twisting behind him.
Her body reacted faster than her thoughts, every motion cleaner, sharper.
Jax smirked. "You're keeping up."
April's breath was steady. "Not for long."
Then she attacked.
Her fists struck out—one, two, three—faster, harder.
Jax blocked, but she was already moving to his side, landing a clean kick to his ribs.
For the first time, Jax staggered back.
Kai and Saya tensed.
Dante whistled. "She actually made him—"
But then Jax grinned.
"Good," he said. "Now break past it."
Then he rushed her.
April barely had time to react—his knee slammed into her stomach, lifting her off the ground.
Before she could even register the pain, Jax's fist was already coming down.
She raised her arms to block—
Too slow.
CRASH!
Her body slammed into the floor, dust and debris scattering.
April gasped, the air knocked from her lungs. The impact rattled her bones, pain shooting through her body.
Jax stood over her. "Still not enough."
Her fingers twitched.
Her heart pounded.
She knew this wasn't enough.
She had to break through.
Her vision blurred. Move.
Her body refused.
Stand.
The weight on her limbs felt unbearable.
Her fingers clenched into fists.
And then—
A pulse.
A whisper.
April.
Her mind froze.
"That voice—
…Ultima."
Then, everything shifted.
Her surroundings blurred. She was no longer in the training room. Instead—
A vast, endless darkness.
A single, glowing sigil floated in the void, pulsing softly.
April's breath was shallow. "What…?"
The voice came again—closer, clearer.
"You have reached the wall. The limit."
She stared at the sigil. "Then break it."
A pause.
"Tell me my name."
April blinked.
It's name?
A cold realization settled over her.
She knew it.
It had always been there—just waiting.
Her lips parted, and she whispered it.
"Ultima."
The sigil pulsed.
Then—
Power exploded around her.
For a brief second April saw her sigil slowly starting to shift into an unknown shape or form, but before she could see what form or shape it took on a bright light blinded her.
Outside, in the training room—
Jax stepped back, his expression shifting.
April's body trembled, her hands pressing against the cracked floor.
Then, energy flared.
A sharp, resonating hum filled the air, vibrating through the entire facility. The ground beneath April cracked, splitting apart from the sheer force surging around her.
Kai's eyes widened. "Is she—?"
Saya whispered, "She broke through."
April slowly lifted her head, her dull-orange hair flickering with traces of energy.
Then she vanished.
Jax's eyes barely had time to widen before she reappeared in front of him, fist already flying forward.
Too fast.
For the first time—
Jax couldn't block it.
BOOM!
The force of the impact sent him skidding back.
Jax's fingers twitched. He let out a breath—then grinned.
"Now we're talking."
____________________________Chapter 55: U.i Mode—Ultima's Instincts
April's body felt weightless. The energy flowing through her veins wasn't just power—it was instinct. A new force guiding her beyond thought, beyond strategy.
Her dull-orange hair suddenly flared, growing rapidly, the strands lengthening until they reached the small of her back. It moved as if alive, flickering with invisible currents of energy.
Her silver eyes, once sharp, now gleamed—not just bright, but glacier-like, a cold, unshakable presence.
A shiver ran through the room.
Kai exhaled. "Oh… oh, that's new."
Saya's expression darkened. "She's in U.i Mode."
Dante grinned. "Ultima's Instincts, huh? Now this I wanna see."
Jax rolled his shoulders. "Good. But if you're gonna wield that power, show me you deserve it."
April didn't answer.
She didn't need to.
Her body moved before she could even think.
One second she was standing still—
The next, she was already behind Jax.
BOOM!
Jax barely twisted in time, but April's fist still grazed his ribs, sending a shockwave through the air. The sheer force cracked the reinforced walls behind them.
She moved again—faster, sharper.
Jax blocked, countered, but April was already gone before his strikes could land.
She wasn't fighting like before.
There was no hesitation. No wasted movement.
She wasn't thinking—she was reacting.
Like an animal responding to danger, like a predator closing in on its prey.
Jax grinned, despite the sweat forming on his brow. "That's real combat instincts."
April struck again. Jax blocked. But her foot was already coming up—
A high kick, straight to his jaw.
Jax barely dodged, flipping back.
But April followed instantly, her movements relentless.
Kai's jaw tightened. "She's not giving him time to breathe."
Saya's voice was quiet. "That's U.i Mode."
Jax landed, skidding back, his arms crossed in front of him.
His grin widened.
Then he cracked his neck.
"Alright, Ultima." His stance shifted—more aggressive, more serious.
"Let's see how long you can hold that form."
April's glowing silver eyes locked onto him.
She exhaled.
Then she disappeared again.
____________________________Chapter 56: The Predator's Dance
Jax barely caught sight of April before she vanished again.
His instincts flared.
Right—!
He twisted, but—
Too slow.
A knee slammed into his side.
The force sent him skidding, boots carving trenches into the ground. But before he could stabilize—
April was already above him.
Her heel descended.
Jax crossed his arms just in time—
BOOM!
The impact sent a shockwave through the room, shattering the floor beneath him. Jax grit his teeth, but April didn't stop.
She was relentless.
Her movements blurred, each attack flowing into the next. No wasted motion. No hesitation.
It was pure instinct.
Kai watched in awe. "She's fighting like she knows what he's going to do before he does it."
Dante whistled. "That's U.i Mode. No thinking, no planning. Just raw, perfect reaction time."
Saya's arms were crossed. "She won't last long, though."
Kai frowned. "What do you mean?"
Saya's gaze was sharp. "U.i Mode burns through stamina and… G-force fast. Her body can't keep up with the speed it's moving. The moment she loses momentum—"
In the fight, Jax's eyes narrowed.
Now.
He let one of April's punches land.
But the second she made contact—
His arms locked around her wrist.
April's instincts flared, but Jax had already twisted, using her own speed against her.
Her body whipped through the air.
Then—
CRASH!
She slammed into the ground, the impact forming a crater beneath her.
Dust and debris scattered.
For the first time—April wasn't moving.
Silence.
Kai tensed. "Is she—"
A shiver ran through the room.
April's fingers twitched.
Then—
Her body flickered.
Jax's pupils shrank.
Already—?!
Before he could react—
She was behind him again.
This time, he had no time to block.
April's palm pressed against his back—
BOOM!
A direct hit.
Jax stumbled forward from the force.
His eyes were wide.
Nobody ever pushed him like this.
April stood behind him, her hair glowing, her silver eyes sharp as ice.
She exhaled.
"I'm not done."
Jax turned, grinning. "Good."
Then—
He charged again.
____________________________Chapter 57: Fear Itself
Jax's grin was gone.
His heart pounded. His instincts screamed.
April wasn't just fighting him anymore.
She was hunting him.
Every attack, every counter—it was like she was reading his soul.
The sheer precision of her movements left no room for error. Every time he tried to gain distance, she was already there.
Too fast.
Too sharp.
Jax's breath came out ragged as he dodged, barely avoiding a palm strike that would have crushed his ribs.
His body moved on reflex, but his mind…
His mind flashed back.
He remembered the last time he had felt this kind of pressure.
That suffocating feeling.
That raw instinctual fear.
It was the same sensation he felt when he first fought him
…Ragnarök's leader.
Jax's pupils contracted.
She's forcing me into a corner.
April struck again—
Jax barely managed to twist, his back slamming against the training room wall. His fingers twitched—
His body wanted to shift.
TakeOver was clawing at him, urging him to transform.
To survive.
A low growl built in his throat.
Kai's eyes widened. "Jax—"
Jax exhaled sharply, his body tensing.
No.
Not here.
Not against her.
April's silver eyes pierced into him. She moved—
But before she could land another strike—
"Enough!"
Kai, Dante, and Saya stepped in.
Kai grabbed April's wrist. Dante placed a hand on Jax's shoulder. Saya positioned herself between them.
The room crackled with leftover tension.
April's body was still in U.i Mode, her hair glowing, her silver eyes sharp.
Jax's hands clenched into fists. His TakeOver form had been seconds from activating.
He let out a slow breath.
Dante smirked. "Damn, Jax. You actually looked scared for a second."
Jax didn't respond. He looked at April.
She stood frozen, her body still ready to fight.
Then—
Her glowing eyes flickered.
Her hair shortened, returning to its normal state.
U.i Mode had run out.
April staggered, sweat dripping from her forehead.
Kai kept his grip on her wrist, steadying her. "Hey, you good?"
April took a deep breath, then nodded.
"…Yeah."
Jax finally relaxed, rolling his shoulders. He let out a short laugh.
"Alright. I get it now."
April looked at him. "Get what?"
Jax smirked. "You? You're terrifying."
April blinked.
Then, slowly, a small grin tugged at her lips.
"Good."
____________________________Chapter 58: The Nameless King
The dining hall was filled with the quiet clatter of utensils and the occasional murmur of conversation.
The team sat around a long metal table, plates stacked with whatever Juno had managed to cook up—mostly grilled meat, rice, and vegetables.
April sat at the end, her head resting on her palm as she absentmindedly poked at her food.
Her mind was still reeling from the fight, from how close Jax had been to using his TakeOver.
But more than that—
She had a question.
A question she had been dying to ask since she joined the team.
She finally set her fork down. "Hey."
Everyone turned to her.
April leaned forward, her silver eyes narrowing slightly. "Why is the leader called 'Leader?'"
There was a brief silence.
Then—
Dante snorted. "Of course, you'd be the one to ask that."
Kai smirked. "It's weird, huh? He doesn't go by an alias, doesn't use a codename. Just 'Leader.'"
April's fingers drummed against the table.
"Yeah, but why?" She glanced at Jax. "You've been with him the longest. You gotta know."
Jax chewed thoughtfully, then swallowed.
"It's not complicated."
April raised a brow.
Jax set his fork down. "Leader doesn't want his name to be known. Simple as that."
April frowned. "That's it?"
Saya nodded. "He only gives his name to those who've earned his respect."
April leaned back, considering that. "Has anyone here earned it?"
Silence.
Kai shrugged. "If anyone has, it's probably Jax."
Jax didn't confirm or deny it. He just kept eating.
April exhaled, rubbing her temple.
"Alright… Then what about the leader of Ragnarök?"
The mood shifted.
The air became heavier.
Saya was the one who finally spoke.
"From what we do know, our Leader and Ragnarök's leader knew each other."
April stiffened. "What?"
Dante nodded. "Yeah. But we don't know the full story. Leader doesn't talk about it, and we don't ask."
Kai crossed his arms. "All we do know is that whatever happened between them—it's personal."
April sat back, her mind racing.
Their Leader and Ragnarök's Leader had history.
But what kind of history?
And more importantly…
What would happen when they finally met again?
____________________________Chapter 59: Buried Histories
April twirled her fork between her fingers, processing everything.
So their Leader and Ragnarök's Leader knew each other, but no one knew how or why.
That didn't sit right with her.
"You're telling me no one has ever asked him?" she pressed, eyes scanning the team.
Kai smirked. "Oh, people have asked. Just not twice."
April frowned. "What, he just ignores you?"
Dante chuckled. "Nah. It's worse. He looks at you."
April raised a brow.
Dante leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"Have you ever had a guy stare straight through you like he already knows your soul? Like he's already decided you're not worth answering?"
April went silent.
She could imagine it.
A man so sure of himself, so above explanations, that the weight of his gaze alone made you drop the subject.
Jax finally spoke. "Leader doesn't waste words. If he hasn't told us, it's because he doesn't want us to know." He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Maybe it's to protect us. Maybe it's because it doesn't matter to the mission. Either way, if you want answers, you'll have to earn them."
April exhaled slowly.
So that was it.
If she wanted to know, she had to prove herself.
She tapped her fingers against the table, then smirked. "Fine by me."
Kai grinned. "Figures you'd say that."
Dante stretched. "Alright, enough talk about the mysterious past. Let's focus on the terrifying present." He pointed his fork at April. "Namely, you."
April raised an eyebrow. "Me?"
Saya nodded. "You unlocked your U.I. Mode—and with it, your G-Force. That means you're one step closer to breaking your next barrier."
April leaned forward, intrigued. "Yeah… Ultima told me that would only happen during a battle of life and death."
Then her mind caught up with what Saya had said.
"Wait—what? I unlocked my G-Force? When did that happen?" she exclaimed.
The team exchanged knowing looks before Saya spoke again.
"During your fight with Jax. The energy you were releasing then? That was G-Force."
April furrowed her brows. "Okay, you gave me a basic idea of what G-Force is before, but I still don't fully understand it. If my Gear is powered by stamina, then what exactly is G-Force? And what's it actually used for?"
Saya let out a sigh. "If you want a full explanation, you'll have to hear it from the Leader himself. Like we said before, to get that kind of information, you need to earn his respect first. So… any more questions?"
April paused, taking in Saya's words. She turned her attention to Jax, who responded with a subtle gesture—zipping his lips shut.
Understanding the message, April lowered her head with a sigh of defeat.
Jax broke the silence. "Alright, moving on. A life-or-death battle, huh? That means we need to start preparing you. Because your next real fight… it might be the one that decides everything."
April smirked. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Kai laughed. "Damn. You're always ready to throw hands."
Dante grinned. "No complaints here."
Jax stood up. "Finish eating. After that—training starts now."
April exhaled.
This was it.
If she wanted to earn her answers—if she wanted to be ready for whatever was coming—she had to push further than she ever had before.
And she would.
____________________________Chapter 60: Echoes of a Game
Monday dragged on, and by the time lunch arrived, April was already predicting some sort of nonsense.
Sure enough, as she entered the cafeteria, the air felt charged—students whispering, eyes darting toward her, subtle smirks exchanged between cliques.
April didn't need enhanced senses to know Tessa Lane had done something.
She calmly grabbed her tray and made her way to an empty table. Michelangelo appeared a moment later, dropping into the seat across from her.
He sighed. "You're trending again."
April didn't even look up. "Let me guess—Tessa?"
"Obviously." He leaned back, crossing his arms. "She's spreading something about you cheating on a mystery boyfriend."
April paused mid-bite. "…What?"
Mickey smirked. "Yep. Apparently, you've been 'leading on' some poor guy and toying with his feelings."
April let out a slow breath. "Does this poor guy have a name?"
"Nope. That's the genius of it. It's all vague—no proof, no real details. Just enough to make people talk."
April set her fork down. "And you're telling me this because…?"
Mickey shrugged. "I find it entertaining."
April shook her head. "I don't even talk to people."
"Exactly. Which is why this is so funny."
April rested her chin on her hand. "And people are actually buying this?"
Mickey grinned. "Oh, they want to. It's Tessa. She has influence." He tapped his fingers against the table. "She's smart. She doesn't need people to believe it—she just needs them to wonder."
April exhaled through her nose. "Annoying."
Mickey snorted. "Welcome to high school."
April considered her options. She could ignore it, let it die out… but where was the fun in that?
A slow smirk curled her lips.
"Mickey," she said smoothly.
He raised a brow. "Yeah?"
"Feel like playing a game?"
His grin widened. "I love games."
April leaned in slightly. "Good. Let's make Tessa regret starting this one."
Mickey's laugh was low and amused. "Oh, this I gotta see."
April just smiled.
Tessa wanted a game?
Fine.
Let's play.
____________________________Chapter 61: Rules of the Game
April didn't need to retaliate immediately.
No, she knew the best way to deal with someone like Tessa was to control the narrative.
If Tessa's strategy was to make people wonder about April's nonexistent love life, then April would do something worse—she'd make people question Tessa's credibility.
And the best way to do that?
Confusion.
So when the final period ended and students began filing out of classrooms, April deliberately waited.
She knew Tessa was watching—she was always watching.
Mickey walked past her near the lockers, hands in his pockets. "So, what's the move?"
April's lips barely moved as she responded, "You'll see."
And then she did the simplest thing.
She smiled.
Not just her usual smirk, not the subtle curve of amusement—this was a gentle, sweet, almost affectionate smile.
And she directed it at Mickey.
He raised a brow but played along, tilting his head as if they were sharing some inside joke.
A few students saw. A few more turned.
April then shifted slightly toward him, as if engaged in an intimate conversation. She even brushed a strand of hair behind her ear—deliberate, precise, calculated.
Tessa Lane, standing near the entrance with her usual group of followers, froze.
April caught the brief flicker of confusion in Tessa's expression before she masked it with an unimpressed scoff. But it was too late.
Whispers started.
Mickey, to his credit, didn't burst out laughing. Instead, he leaned against the lockers, playing along effortlessly. "Subtle," he murmured.
April's voice was light. "I know."
By the time she walked past Tessa, the Queen Bee's expression had tightened just a little. Not enough for anyone else to notice—but April did.
Checkmate.
____________________________Chapter 62: The Queen's Move
April didn't expect Tessa to react immediately.
A girl like her wasn't impulsive—she was calculated. She would take her time, watch, analyze, and then strike.
Which is exactly why April wasn't surprised when, the next morning, she walked into school and felt the shift in atmosphere.
The whispers had changed.
Yesterday, the rumors had been about April—some vague nonsense about a "mystery boyfriend."
Today?
"Tessa was crying in the bathroom."
"I heard she and Michelangelo had a fight."
"No way, he'd never—"
"But she looked pissed when she left."
April kept her expression neutral as she strolled past groups of gossiping students. Interesting.
Tessa had flipped the script.
Instead of denying or countering April's silent move, she had redirected it—turning herself into the victim.
Now, instead of questioning April, people were questioning Mickey.
Brilliant.
April smirked slightly. Oh, this is fun.
By lunchtime, it was impossible to ignore.
Tessa was seated at her usual table, surrounded by her clique, looking perfectly put together—but her expression was just a little too composed.
A deliberate choice.
Make people wonder if she was upset. Let them fill in the blanks.
April sat across from Mickey, setting down her tray. "You seeing this?"
Mickey, casually biting into an apple, nodded. "Mhm. She's playing the long game."
"Annoying."
"Impressive."
April rolled her eyes. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Of course. It's like watching two chess masters pretend they're not playing chess."
April exhaled. "Fine. Let's make this more interesting."
Mickey grinned. "I love interesting."
April picked up her drink, took a sip, and then, in the most casual, offhanded manner, said just loud enough for the nearby students to hear—
"So, are we still on for Saturday?"
Mickey nearly choked on his apple.
He coughed, eyes widening slightly, before quickly masking his surprise with a smirk.
"Of course."
April smiled. "Great."
Silence.
Then—whispers.
She didn't need enhanced senses to know people had heard.
And across the cafeteria, for the briefest moment, she saw Tessa tense.
April took another sip of her drink, completely unbothered.
Your move, Queen Bee.
____________________________Chapter 63: A Game of Threads
Tessa didn't act immediately.
No, she let the tension build.
By Wednesday, the rumor mill was spinning wildly.
The latest gossip?
Michelangelo and April had plans.
The mystery surrounding it made it worse—what plans? Was it a date? Were they secretly close? Did Tessa know?
April barely reacted to any of it, which only made people more desperate for answers.
And Tessa?
Tessa was quiet.
Too quiet.
By Friday, April knew something was coming.
So when she walked into class and found a folded note slipped under her desk, she wasn't surprised.
She unfolded it.
Rooftop. Lunch. Come alone.
April smirked. Finally.
When lunchtime arrived, April made her way up to the rooftop, the door creaking open as she stepped outside.
Tessa Lane stood near the railing, arms crossed, the wind lightly shifting her perfectly styled hair.
April leaned against the doorway.
"Dramatic."
Tessa turned slowly, her expression unreadable. "You think you're clever, don't you?"
April tilted her head. "I know I am."
Tessa's lips pressed into a thin line.
"Whatever you're doing—whatever game you're playing—you should stop."
April smiled. "Why? Afraid you'll lose?"
Tessa took a step forward. "You don't belong here. You think because you've got Mickey's attention, you can just walk into our world?"
April raised a brow. "Your world?"
"Yes." Tessa's voice was low, sharp. "You don't understand how things work here. You think you're untouchable, but I can make things very difficult for you."
April sighed, pushing off the wall. "See, that's where you're wrong. You can try, but I don't break. You can throw whatever petty schemes you want—I'll just keep walking through them."
Tessa's nails dug into her palm. "You don't even know why I hate you."
April smirked. "I don't care why you hate me."
Silence.
Then—Tessa laughed. A soft, disbelieving chuckle. "You really think you're something special, huh?"
April stepped closer, her silver eyes glinting. "No. I just think you're threatened."
Tessa's smile dropped.
April leaned in slightly. "And that is why you'll never win."
With that, she turned, walking back toward the door.
Tessa didn't stop her.
But April could feel her glare burning into her back.
The game wasn't over.
Not even close.
____________________________Chapter 64: The Next Barrier
That night, after April returned from school, Jax and the others gathered in the training hall of their underground base.
Jax stood in front of her, arms crossed.
"Alright, Ultima. Now that you've gotten past your second barrier—unlocking your Gear's name—it's time to talk about the third."
April raised an eyebrow. "Third?"
Saya nodded. "The first was your sigil. The second was learning your Gear's true name. The third?" She smirked. "Martial arts."
April narrowed her eyes. "I know martial arts."
Dante leaned against the wall. "You know techniques. But you haven't trained in a style that fits your nature."
April crossed her arms. "And what does that mean?"
Jax stepped forward. "Your instincts—the animalistic nature of your Gear—need a martial art that matches it. Something that can merge with your movements, enhance your combat ability naturally."
April frowned. "So, what? I just pick one?"
Kai chuckled. "More like, one picks you."
April exhaled. She had a feeling she already knew which one that was.
Jax continued. "After martial arts, the fourth barrier is weapon mastery. Once you master a weapon that complements your style, you'll break through again."
April processed this. "So, once I complete all these barriers, I'll be at your level?"
Jax smirked. "You're already getting there."
He glanced at the rest of the team. "Right now, you're strong enough to take on ten Ragnörak squad commanders and their full squads alone."
April blinked. "...That strong?"
Jax nodded. "Vance—the Cobra Gear user you defeated—was Executioner Level. That means you already surpass most of Ragnarök's elites."
Saya leaned forward. "The rest of us, except for Jax and the Leader, are Pillar Level."
April tilted her head. "And Jax?"
Dante grinned. "Jax and the Leader? Supreme Leader Level."
April whistled. "That's... concerning."
Jax smirked. "Our Organization's goal is to gather more Gear users, train them to reach Pillar Level, and eventually challenge Ragnarök's Supreme Leader."
April crossed her arms. "Big plan."
Jax shrugged. "Big war."
April exhaled. "Alright. Got it."
Now, all April had to do was figure out how to break through her next barrier.
"Wait," she said suddenly, "won't it take me a long time to learn martial arts and master a weapon?"
Saya grinned. "That would be true—if you were a normal human."
April raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
Kai jumped in with a playful smirk. "Ultima, have you forgotten? A Gear is built with advanced nanotech. Everything you learn—future martial arts, weapons, even knowledge—is automatically registered into your neural network. Think about it. How does a girl who never even went to high school understand complex equations and advanced material so easily?"
April's confusion melted away, slowly replaced by disbelief.
Jax took over the explanation. "All you need to do is find a martial art and weapon style that suits you. Once you've gained enough experience with them, that data is absorbed and stored by your Gear—permanently."
The team fell silent as they watched April.
Her earlier disbelief faded completely, replaced by a look of realization. For a long second, they simply stared—synchronized in their awe—as April's expression shifted into one of clear and total understanding.
__________________________________
Chapter 65: The Art of Combat
The next morning, April strolled through the school halls, lost in thought.
Martial arts…
She needed something raw. Something that fit her instincts.
A sudden thud snapped her out of her thoughts.
It was coming from outside.
She followed the sounds, slipping past the back entrance of the school.
When she reached the courtyard, she paused.
There were clubs.
A dozen different combat-focused groups were scattered across the area—boxing, judo, kendo—but one, in particular, caught her attention.
A group of students stood in a circle, watching as two fighters clashed in the center.
But this wasn't ordinary karate.
It was Kyokushin Karate.
Full-contact. Brutal. Designed for real combat.
April watched, her silver eyes narrowing as one fighter—a girl with sharp eyes and a disciplined stance—drove a kick straight into her opponent's ribs, sending him crashing to the ground.
She didn't hesitate. No wasted movements. No flashy tricks.
Just raw, overwhelming power.
April's pulse quickened.
This is it.
This was the style she needed.
The girl adjusted her gi, her expression unreadable.
April exhaled. As she knew she needed to find a real Kyokushin master to learn under.
And she knew it wouldn't be easy.
_________________________________
Chapter 66: The Trial of Kyokushin
April spent the rest of the day searching.
She didn't tell Jax or the others—this was her test.
By evening, she finally tracked down an old dojo at the edge of the city.
It was small, barely noticeable, but the moment she stepped inside, she felt the intensity in the air.
At the center of the room stood a middle-aged man, arms crossed, his gaze sharp as steel.
"You're not a student here."
April met his eyes. "Not yet."
The master studied her for a moment. "You want to learn Kyokushin?"
"Yes."
He scoffed. "Do you even know what it is?"
April smirked. "A full-contact style. No holding back. No retreating. Just power."
The master raised an eyebrow. "Then you know we don't just accept students."
April shrugged. "Didn't expect you to."
He smirked slightly. "Good. Because before I consider training you… you'll have to pass a trial."
April crossed her arms. "Name it."
The master gestured toward the back of the dojo, where several students were practicing.
"You will fight."
April's smirk widened. "Perfect."
The master's expression darkened. "You will fight all of them."
April's smirk vanished.
"…Excuse me?"
"You will take on every student in this dojo—one after another. No breaks. No resting. If you can last until the end, you might be worth training."
April stared at him.
Then she grinned.
"Fine. Bring it."
This was going to be fun.
____________________________Chapter 67: The Trial Begins
April rolled her shoulders, standing in the center of the dojo as the Kyokushin students gathered around.
There were at least ten of them—each one disciplined, trained, and ready to break her apart.
The master stepped forward. "You will fight in succession. No stopping. If you fall, you fail."
April smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get on with it."
The first opponent stepped in.
A tall, broad-shouldered student with sharp eyes. His stance was solid, his movements disciplined. A straightforward Kyokushin fighter.
Let's see what this style is really about.
The first strike came fast.
A straight punch—sharp, powerful. April dodged, shifting just out of reach.
But before she could counter, a second punch followed. Then a third.
Kyokushin wasn't just about power—it was about relentlessness.
April smirked, dodging another strike before launching a counter.
Her fist slammed into his ribs.
He didn't even flinch.
Instead, he drove a kick straight at her stomach.
April blocked, but the force behind it sent her skidding backward.
Damn… these guys are built different.
She reset her stance. Fine. If power was the game—
She'd play it.
April dashed in, slipping past his defenses, and slammed her elbow into his jaw.
He staggered.
She followed up with a roundhouse kick, striking his ribs with enough force to send him sprawling across the mat.
First one down.
The second opponent stepped in immediately.
April exhaled.
Alright. Let's go.
____________________________Chapter 67: The Trial Begins
April rolled her shoulders, standing in the center of the dojo as the Kyokushin students gathered around.
There were at least ten of them—each one disciplined, trained, and ready to break her apart.
The master stepped forward. "You will fight in succession. No stopping. If you fall, you fail."
April smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get on with it."
The first opponent stepped in.
A tall, broad-shouldered student with sharp eyes. His stance was solid, his movements disciplined. A straightforward Kyokushin fighter.
Let's see what this style is really about.
The first strike came fast.
A straight punch—sharp, powerful. April dodged, shifting just out of reach.
But before she could counter, a second punch followed. Then a third.
Kyokushin wasn't just about power—it was about relentlessness.
April smirked, dodging another strike before launching a counter.
Her fist slammed into his ribs.
He didn't even flinch.
Instead, he drove a kick straight at her stomach.
April blocked, but the force behind it sent her skidding backward.
Damn… these guys are built different.
She reset her stance. Fine. If power was the game—
She'd play it.
April dashed in, slipping past his defenses, and slammed her elbow into his jaw.
He staggered.
She followed up with a roundhouse kick, striking his ribs with enough force to send him sprawling across the mat.
First one down.
The second opponent stepped in immediately.
April exhaled.
Alright. Let's go.
_________________________________
Chapter 68: No Breaks, No Mercy
Opponent after opponent came at her.
Each fighter had their own strengths—some were more aggressive, others more defensive.
Some tried to wear her down, while others went for direct knockouts.
But April adapted.
She flowed through the fights, dodging, countering, and striking with precision.
Her instincts sharpened.
Her movements became smoother.
She felt herself syncing with the combat style.
Each fight pushed her limits. Each opponent forced her to evolve.
And then—
The final opponent stepped forward.
April's breathing was heavy, sweat dripping from her brow. Her muscles burned.
But she grinned.
"Still got one more?" she taunted.
The final student was different.
She was calm. Focused.
The same girl April had seen at school.
Her stance was perfect. Her eyes were cold.
"Let's see if you're really worth it," the girl said.
April cracked her knuckles.
Oh, she was ready.
_________________________________
Chapter 69: Clash of Fighters
The two stared at each other.
The dojo was silent.
Then—
The girl moved.
Fast.
April barely had time to react before a brutal kick shot toward her ribs.
She blocked—
And almost buckled from the force.
Shit, she's strong.
April countered, aiming a punch at her face—
But the girl dodged, weaving around her strike and landing a precise knee to April's stomach.
April grunted, stumbling back.
The girl didn't let up.
She came at April like a storm—punches, kicks, sweeps—each attack sharp and calculated.
April blocked, dodged, and barely managed to keep up.
But she wasn't going down.
She adjusted.
Her instincts kicked in.
She matched the girl's rhythm, countering with her own brutal strikes.
The fight became a blur of motion.
The girl swung a high kick—
April ducked and swept her legs.
The girl caught herself mid-fall and retaliated with a spinning elbow.
April blocked and countered with a gut punch.
They separated, both breathing hard.
Then—
The girl smirked.
"…Not bad."
April wiped blood from her lip and grinned. "Not bad yourself."
The master finally stepped forward.
"…Enough."
April straightened, cracking her neck.
"Did I pass?"
The master studied her for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"You begin training tomorrow."
April exhaled, letting a slow smile creep onto her face.
Barrier Three… here I come.
____________________________Chapter 68: Training Begins
The next morning, April stood in the dojo, dressed in a simple training gi. The other students watched as the master approached, his sharp eyes studying her stance.
"Kyokushin is not about flashy moves or unnecessary footwork," he began. "It is about endurance, precision, and overwhelming force. If you cannot endure, you cannot fight."
April nodded. She was used to intense training, but something told her this would be different.
"First, we build your foundation."
And just like that—her trial began.
_________________________________
Chapter 69: Conditioning Hell
April wasn't prepared.
She thought she was, but this training was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
No punches. No kicks. Just raw endurance.
The first task? Holding a horse stance for an hour.
April's legs burned within minutes, but she gritted her teeth and endured. The other students stood firm, barely wavering.
The master occasionally struck their legs with a wooden staff.
"Lower," he ordered.
April's thighs screamed, but she obeyed.
Then came knuckle push-ups—on concrete.
Her fists ached, skin scraping against the rough ground, but she continued.
Next? Repeated kicks against a heavy bag—until her legs went numb.
Each strike sent a dull pain up her shin, but she didn't stop.
By the time training ended, she could barely walk.
Yet, despite everything, she smiled.
This was exactly what she needed.
_________________________________
Chapter 70: The Master's Warning
After training, the master approached her.
"You have potential," he admitted. "But raw talent means nothing without discipline."
April raised a brow. "I think I'm pretty disciplined."
He frowned. "No. You are instinctual. That is different."
He folded his arms. "You fight like a wild animal. Quick, vicious, reactive. But Kyokushin is about controlled power. If you cannot control yourself, you will never reach your full potential."
April clenched her jaw.
"I can learn," she said.
The master studied her. Then he nodded.
"We'll see."