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"I HEARD THAT VIKTOR'S the one who bailed Keigo out from jail after his asshole of a father told the authorities that he's the mastermind behind the theft incident," Hiro tells Max as the two sat face to face inside Hiro's van. After the kidnapping incident, Hiro and Max were able to talk about their past, opening new doors for Max to discover himself personally.

    Now Hiro was driving him back to the convenience store where he first took him so he could go back to his friends.

     "When did you discover that Viktor's still alive?" Max asks, now drinking the same wine that Hiro was having earlier.

     "After the bombing incident, our family took the initiative to look through the entire situation. That's when we discovered he was still alive. We were actually invited to the family's funeral too, but my father was still afraid to leave the country, so we didn't go," Hiro explains before touching his chin as he thinks of something.

     "I'm not certain if Viktor knows, but do you think he helped Keigo because he knows about his family background?" Hiro then asks.

     Max thought about it too, and earlier, he had this idea that Keigo being a part of the Takemitsu Clan could be the reason why Viktor helped him and made him an underling of Hee-joon's brotherhood, but he's not entirely sure about that either.

     "I don't remember much, but what I do know is that Viktor never really cared about Crème de la Crème or anything related to it. But I do solely believe that he helped him because of his extraordinary skills as a hacker," Max answers, making Hiro chuckle and look out of the car window again.

     "Keigo is an amazing boy, and I see a bright future for him. No one knows he's part of our family, and I want to keep it that way. I don't know how you two became acquainted, and I believe that this request may burden you more, adding to the weight you already carry on your back, but I hope you can look after him. This is a selfish request from his cousin," Hiro says before giving Max a respectful bow.

     Max was surprised, but he nodded his head anyway.

     "You didn't have to say all that. Keigo's my friend. I'll definitely be there if anything were to happen to him. But to honor your request, I will keep this as a promise," Max says, making Hiro smile.

     Soon after, the van parks in front of the convenience store so Hiro can finally drop the heir off.

     "Looks like we part ways here," Hiro says, grabbing the wine glass from Max's hand. "Keigo wanted to bring you all to the main house, but I told him that it may not be a good idea to bring all those heirs there. Besides, I'm pretty busy right now, so you'll have to head back home for now."

     "Thank you for everything, Hiro. I know this might not be much to you, but I'll definitely remember my past so we can share stories of our first meeting," Max then says, surprising Hiro.

     Hiro then chuckles at the promise, but then he nods his head before finally opening the door for Max. Max steps out of the van, and then he bows to Hiro again, making him laugh this time.

     "I can tell now why my cousin had a huge crush on you," Hiro suddenly blurts out, instantly making Max's eyes widen in shock. He is about to retaliate and say that Keigo has gotten over him, but Hiro cuts him off and says, "The kid I once met has now become an incredible man. Let us meet again someday, Maximilian."

     Max wasn't able to say anything back as the door closed. And as they drive away, Max smiles and waves goodbye before running back to the ramen shop where all his friends can be found.

     "Max! Where the heck did you go?!" Ari asks, now drinking alcohol with the rest of the guys.

     "I kinda got lost," Max lies, walking back to their table.

     "By the way, were you able to buy some cigarettes? Can I have some?" Nicolás then asks, making Max awkwardly laugh while scratching the back of his head.

     "About that..."

...

[Earlier, at the Brotherhood Association]

     "Arguing about stupid things...I enjoy watching them because there is nothing more entertaining than watching a bunch of sheep act like wolves," Viktor says, making some of the leaders gulp in terror. "Now then, President Janus will be arriving soon. If you have nothing else to say, I suggest you stay quiet. Because no one wants to listen to a leader who can't even rank 1."

     Most of the leaders in the room practically cursed at the king, but none of them dared to say a single thing. Instead, Uchdryd, leader of rank 7 brotherhood, stands from his seat to bow to him, automatically making the rest of the leaders—aside from Krist and the others—stand from their seats to bow to them as well.

     Viktor smirks in satisfaction before walking to their designated chairs.

     "Always so unnecessarily dramatic," Hans thought as the prince sat beside him while Viktor sat in the very middle, instantly making everyone go back to their seats as well.

     Compared to the noise and venomous words that were exchanged earlier, everyone was now completely quiet. None of them could say a thing. Well, other than the brotherhoods in the House of Kings.

     "Why do you always have to be so fucking late all the time? We don't have all day for you, you know?" Cj bravely says to Viktor while playing with the brooch on his collar. And even though it was Cj who said all that, the other leaders couldn't help but feel nervous for him.

     They all thought Viktor would get mad at the Count, but to their surprise, Viktor lazily rested his back on his chair and said, "It's not my fucking fault. Who even sets meetings this early in the day? Joon had to toss me out of bed just so I could wake up."

     "I bet it's the sleeping pills again," Hans mumbled to himself, making Viktor glare at the duke.

     "My king, I suggest you manage your sleeping schedule and avoid such medications. It will only worsen your condition if you continue with it," Siren then tells him, and this time, Viktor rolls his eyes back like a kid.

     "Oh please, the last thing I want is for my marquis to lecture me," Viktor replies, instantly making Krist laugh.

     "As if anyone could lecture a stubborn brat like you," Master Joker fires back.

     The brotherhood leaders of J.S High started arguing while Hee-joon just sighed and massaged his temple because of how loud everyone was. But while they were bickering at each other, the rest of the leaders couldn't help but stare at them with shock.

     No one said a thing, but all of them had the same questions in their heads.

     "Were they always this close to each other? They weren't like this before."

     The rest of the leaders continue to watch Viktor and the others in disbelief. But while they are talking, the door to the meeting room finally opens, revealing Darwin—the employee who assisted Hans when he arrived earlier.

     "Leaders, the meeting is about to begin. Please rise and welcome the council members of the Brotherhood Association," Darwin says, opening the door wider so the members can enter the room.

     The first to enter was the council Auditor, Roland Salvi, president of Roland's School for Boys, also known as the House of Rooks. Roland had bags under his eyes, and his posture was terrible. He was a former school director for twelve years before being invited by Janus and Janet to join the association.

     Next were the association's Treasurers, the twins Demetrius and Francis Beaumont, president of D & F High School, or better known as the House of Knights. Compared to Roland, who looked like he hadn't slept for days, the twins put pride in their Houses' name. They looked like the perfect gentlemen who would host extravagant parties.

     "It's been a while since we all gathered like this, my children," the council Secretary, Lucas Ivory, then says with a sweet smile on his face. Lucas, as surprising as it may seem, is a Catholic Bishop. Considering the true nature of the brotherhood houses, it's a surprise that he accepted the job as the president of St. George Academy, House of Bishops.

     The fourth to walk inside the room was the council's Vice President, Thomas Lionel. Thomas is the president of Thomas L. High School, better known as the House of Pawns. Thomas was an heir to the Lionel Company, but because of his troublesome past, his parents stripped his title away and forced him to sign up for the military. He served for 10 years before finally getting called by his dear friend Janus, asking him to help him run a school.

     "Why did we have to conduct this meeting so early," Thomas says before yawning and scratching the back of his head like he's not a vice president of an association.

     "It's because if we hold the meeting a little later, you're going to make excuses again and tell us you won't be able to make it," another voice then says.

     Thomas sighs and turns around. And finally, Janus Sinclaire, the school president of J.S High, as well as the president of the Brotherhood Association, enters the room wearing a red velvet suit, automatically making everyone hold their chest to bow to him.

     "Good morning, everyone," Janus greets with a charming smile as he and the other council members sit at the middle table in front of Viktor and the others, making the rest return to their seats.

     Darwin then runs to the control room to turn the cameras on so the other brotherhood leaders in Thomas L. High School can be able to watch the meeting live.

     "Before we officially begin today's meeting, I would first like to thank you all for the hard work you have done for representing your houses. I know you have all worked hard, but as always, we must hold the Annual Brotherhood Reranking, which may or may not change the course of your brotherhood's future endeavors," Janus says, the smile on his face slowly disappearing.

     Right after his introduction, all the lights turn off, and a hologram appears in the middle for everyone to see.

     "The Annual Brotherhood Reranking is a five-day event. It will be held next week on March 11 to 15, so you all still have a week left to train before the final battle. This is also the same date as the Annual Sisterhood Reranking, but you don't have to worry about that for now," Janus explains, automatically making the other leaders nervous while the others couldn't help but smile in excitement.

     An Annual Brotherhood Reranking is like a brotherhood battle, but instead of just two brotherhoods competing, all the brotherhoods will be competing against each other for the chance to rank up.

     There are thirty-ranked brotherhoods in total, but that does not mean that there are only thirty brotherhoods. Because if you all remember, in the House of Pawns—the school that Vice President Thomas Lionel handles—there are no white uniforms. All the students in this house are all brotherhood members, which means that this is the only opportunity they have where they can officially get a rank. They're not required to join, unlike the top 30, but most of them still put their life on the line.

     This is also how Crazy 8 got ranked. Payton Wolfe, the previous Siren, was a student in the House of Pawns. She made her own brotherhood alongside River and Sky and then joined the Annual Reranking. No one knew who they were, but in that single event, Crazy 8 rose from being a nobody in the House of Pawn to becoming the Marquis in the House of Kings.

     "Now, let us all look at your current ranks, shall we?" Janus says, and then a list flashes in front of them.

HOUSE OF KINGS

J.S HIGH

RANK 01: (KINGS) BUSTERS

RANK 02: (PRINCES) PRETTY, HOT, & DANGEROUS

RANK 03: (DUKES) BOYS NEXT DOOR

RANK 04: (MARQUIS) CRAZY 8

RANK 05: (COUNTS) CIGARETTES

RANK 06: (BARONS) JOKERS

HOUSE OF BISHOPS

ST. GEORGE ACADEMY

RANK 07: (LORDS) CHECKMATES

RANK 08: " " ARCHERS

RANK 09: " " RED TIGERS

RANK 10: " " SCARLET LETTER

RANK 11: " " NIGHTMARE

RANK 12: " " BLUE RAVENS

RANK 13: " " REAPERS

HOUSE OF KNIGHTS

D & F HIGH SCHOOL

RANK 14: (KNIGHT COMMANDER) GALLANTS

RANK 15: (KNIGHT MAJOR) PIRATES

RANK 16: (KNIGHT CAPTAIN) LOCK & KEY

RANK 17: (KNIGHT LIEUTENANT) ABLAZE

HOUSE OF ROOKS

ROLAND'S SCHOOL FOR BOYS

RANK 18: (CAPTAINS) JACK OF ALL TRADES

RANK 19: (1ST LIEUTENANT) ASSASSINS

RANK 20: (2ND LIEUTENANT) VICTORS

RANK 21: (SERGEANTS) LUCKY 7

RANK 22: (CORPORALS) YOUNG, WILD N' FREE

HOUSE OF PAWNS

THOMAS L. HIGH SCHOOL

RANK 23: (SOLDIERS) TITANS

RANK 24: " " BOMBERS

RANK 25: " " ANGELS

RANK 26: " " THE COMPASS

RANK 27: " " GOLDEN LIONS

RANK 28: " " PYTHONS

RANK 29: " " FULL MOON

RANK 30: " " GODFATHERS

     "There are 42 other registered brotherhoods in my House, making it 82 brotherhoods in total. Unfortunately, there can only be 30 brotherhoods who will officially be recognized," Thomas explains with an unserious tone while cleaning his ear with his index finger, making Janus and the rest of the council members sigh in frustration.

     "This is the reason why the 1st day will be very important to all of you. This is why the 1st day is called the Hell's Evaluation," Father Lucas then says with a sadistic grin on his face.

     As explained earlier, the Annual Brotherhood Reranking is a five-day event. On the first day, which will be held on March 11, the brotherhoods will have their evaluation.

1ST DAY: All brotherhoods (along with the unranked brotherhoods) will be evaluated by the five council members of the Brotherhood Association. All the brotherhoods will have a total of 100 pts, but it will be deducted if they have violated a rule. They will also be evaluated individually, which may greatly affect the group's overall score.

The association will also give additional points to those who performed well according to specific criteria.

After tallying the score, thirty of the highest scorers will officially be ranked, while those who did not make the cut will be cut off. The lowest eight among the top 30 will officially be declared as the new Top 8 brotherhoods under the House of Pawns, while the rest of the brotherhoods will be forced to also stay in the House of Pawns with no title.

This is why Viktor and the others have great respect for the rules. It doesn't matter if you're the strongest fighter and the best shooter. If you fail the first evaluation, it will all mean nothing.

     "The updated rankings will be posted through all the houses at exactly 4:00 PM. If you are currently in a high rank and you so happen to get demoted to the House of Pawns, your flag will fall, and you will immediately be sent to your new house. Those who rank 22 to 1 will continue their next battles on the second day," Thomas explains further.

     Everyone started talking amongst each other after hearing the stakes. It would really be embarrassing and shameful if you get demoted so low.

     "Now for the 2nd day..."

2ND DAY: The top 22 brotherhoods will be fighting against each other in a battle where teamwork is important. Each brotherhood must place flags in as many enemy bases as they can in under 10 minutes. The five brotherhoods with the lowest flags placed will be declared as Ranks 18-22 under the House of Rooks.

     "Where the battle will be held will only be announced on the day of the event. But know that will be in one of the school stadiums within the five houses," Francis Beaumont of the House of Rooks explains.

     "After the battle of teamwork, we will evaluate your knowledge next," Demetrius Beaumont then adds.

3RD DAY: The remaining 17 brotherhoods will then undergo an examination regarding the brotherhood rules, codes, mission & vision, etc. This will show how the brotherhoods value the principles of the association and their houses. Four brotherhoods with the lowest scores will then be declared as Ranks 14-17 under the House of Knights.

On the 4TH DAY: The top 13 remaining brotherhoods will once again battle each other like the first day, but instead of beating the time, the quickest will make up the top 6. The thirteen brotherhoods must place their flags on six enemy bases. The first six brotherhoods to do this will advance to the final reranking battle, while the seven lowest brotherhoods will be declared as Ranks 7-13 under the House of Bishops. The remaining 6 brotherhoods will then automatically become the brotherhoods that will occupy the House of Kings.

And on the 5TH DAY: The top six brotherhoods will be battling against each other in a regular Brotherhood Battle using the Battlegrounds that will be personally designed by the Brotherhood Association. The rankings will then be based on who will win and who will lose.

And thus concludes the Annual Brotherhood Reranking.

    "If your brotherhood changes house, your underlings have a choice on whether or not they will follow you to your new house. If not, they will automatically be stripped from their title as your underling," Janus finishes, and everyone in the room starts talking.

     "I bet if I get demoted, most of my Lighters will choose to stay in J.S High and just leave me," Cj says before chuckling at the idea of it.

     "Well, I have the same thoughts as you, but that doesn't really matter to me. What matters is my Jesters. Brave and I are 4th-year students. For the remaining months of this school year, we'll still be with them, but once we graduate, we'll have to leave them," Krist says with a worried tone. Despite the way he acts sometimes, he shows most of his sincere emotions when it comes to his brotherhood members.

     "If you're worried about that, imagine what that fucker feels," Cj then says with a lower tone before gesturing at Viktor, who looked bored to death.

     "All the members of Busters are fourth-year students, and if I remember correctly, they only have one underling, and that's vice president Gavriil. Once they graduate, Busters will automatically be disbanded, and the ranks will then move, possibly making PHD the new kings," Cj explains, making Hans and the other leaders overhear him.

     "Well, if PHD is still the prince, that is," Hans says with a confident look on his face. "Most of us are graduating too, but I have a dozen of amazing Roses who will take over once that happens. I wish to leave them the gift of being the princes," Hans then says, looking at Hee-joon this time.

     "So you better prepare yourself, Prince Kim Hee-Joon. I will definitely dethrone you," Hans says with determination.

     Joon, who also looks bored, turns his head to Hans with a serious expression. But then, a smirk slowly appears on his face as he replies, "Let me see you try, Duke Hans de Vries."

     Hans was surprised that Joon would even accept his challenge, but then a wide smile appeared on his face in complete excitement. Everyone in the room thought they would feel nervous, but they were all excited about the battles instead. This is the chance to rank up, which means everyone has the chance to be transferred to the castle itself, J.S High.

     "I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous since my brother and the previous Siren is no longer in our brotherhood, but I will make sure to keep my title or maybe even get promoted," Siren then says. "But then again, I am hoping that someone from the House of Pawns will rise up as we did in the past. It would definitely be a sight to behold."

     "Alright, everyone, settle down," Janus says as the lights inside the room turn on. "The rankings will be updated during the event, and the battles will be broadcasted live, so if you do not want to make a fool of yourselves, I suggest you train more."

     "And please, no incidents like last time," Roland adds.

     "We'll also have an assembly on March 11 where you will all be handing over your second brooches. If you want it back, then work hard," Thomas then adds, referring to the crown brooches that the brotherhoods have on their collars. This means that Max has to surrender the brooches his protectors gave him for the time being.

     "On the 6th day, March 16, we will have our closing ceremony. Your new titles will be formally given to you, and then we will also be crowning the new royals. That includes the princes, princesses, queens, and kings," Janus explains, making the other leaders look at Viktor and Hee-joon.

     "Now, this concludes our meeting for today. You may all head back," Janus says, standing from his seat, automatically making the leaders and the other council members stand from their seats as well.

     As soon as the brotherhood leaders bowed to the council members of the Brotherhood Association, Thomas lazily waved goodbye and left the room first, and then the rest followed. Janus, on the other hand, looked at all the leaders one by one, remembering all their faces before finally heading out.

     Everyone starts leaving the room as well, now heading to their brotherhood base to train with their members so they wouldn't have to waste a single second. But while they were walking out of the room, the brotherhoods from the House of Kings stayed behind.

     The six of them were still seated on their chairs even though all the other leaders had left. They were just there, quietly taking it all in, memories of their past suddenly flashing before them.

     "Looks like we're doing this again," Krist finally opens up. "I'm not gonna lie, I kinda like my current rank. Of course, it would still be great to rank up, but having the title of Baron kinda feels personal to me now."

     "Are you seriously acting sentimental right now, MJ?" Cj jokingly asks, making Krist punch his arm because of embarrassment.

     "Well, I'm not gonna lie. We've been in this game for four years now. Well, except for Siren here, but you get the point," Hans says with a somewhat sad expression on his face. "I don't know about you guys, but our end is getting closer. All of us...this is our last year in J.S High. If we get demoted—"

     "If...we get demoted," Viktor suddenly interrupts, making everyone turn their heads to their current king.

      Viktor takes a deep breath and stands from his seat to look at the five leaders in front of him with a serious expression. "I know you fuckers hate me, and I get that. But we've been in the House of Kings since those assholes, Paradox. Grey made sure we all get our spots here, so we're not letting anyone fucking demote us. I don't give a fuck if de Vries or Master Joker here becomes king, but I'm not stepping down from J.S High," Viktor says with such seriousness that it made everyone look at him with shock. Even Hee-joon was surprised to hear this from him.

     No one in the room ever thought that Viktor, their merciless king, would have such thoughts.

     "We are the leaders who reformed the system. We belong in J.S High more than anyone. We built this castle from the bottom, and I will not let an outsider enjoy the view from the top while we are still around. I will make sure no one steps foot in our house. I will swear it," Viktor declares, and Hans, Siren, CJ, Krist, and even Hee-joon, look at each other before looking back to their king with excited grins on their faces.

     This was the Viktor they knew in the past. 

     This was the king that they all looked up to.

     "I guess President Grey wasn't wrong about you after all," Hans says to himself, making the others laugh.

     But unknown to all of them, someone was outside the door, eavesdropping on their conversation. It was none other than the president of J.S High himself, Janus Sinclaire.

     Janus was leaning against the door with a small smile on his face. He knows he has made mistakes in the past, and there are things that he wishes to reveal to them but can't. But throughout the years they have been in J.S High, Janus considers them more than just mere students who study in his school. And one day, they will definitely understand why all their paths crossed here.

     "Well then, good luck, my kings. And let the brotherhood battles begin."

- END -