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THE ANNUAL BROTHERHOOD RERANKING has finally ended, both for the brotherhoods and the sisterhood. Now that the new ranks have been announced, all the groups have been summoned to the Sinclaire Stadium so they can officially claim their new titles.

     At the stadium, all the houses were present, from the six brotherhood houses to the six sisterhood houses. Even the members of each association were present. All the students were in the bleachers, while the middle area was occupied by the professors and the members of the 12 student councils. It was definitely a celebration.

     "Look at all these people!" Ari exclaimed, looking at the fully packed stadium.

     "Have you seen the press outside? There were dozens of them. The guards had to push them back because some were forcing themselves to get in," Ervin then replies.

      "But what I'm more surprised about is the fact that we own a stadium," Max then answers, instantly making Ervin and Ari look at each other, mentally telling each other the words, "Imagine not knowing you have a stadium with your name on it. It's definitely only a rich people problem."

     "Well, your uncle Janus Sinclaire is the president of the Brotherhood Association, and your aunt Janet Sinclaire is the president of the Sisterhood Association, so it would only be natural that they have something like this," Ari then explains.

     While the three of them were talking, Max noticed that a bunch of white uniforms from the other houses were stealing glances at him and whispering at each other. But what they were really staring at was his gold armband.

     "I don't remember doing anything crazy recently, so why are people looking at me?" Max asks, and Ervin and Ari turn their heads as well, noticing it too.

     "I guess it's because this is your first time to actually appear in front of everyone like this. The others are probably still surprised to actually see you in person wearing the white uniform," Ervin says, to which Ari nods his head to agree.

     "Well, besides achieving the gaffer title in your first year in J.S High, you're still pretty much a Sinclaire. And then there are all the achievements you've acquired so far. If I were them, I'd stare at you too," Ari then adds.

     "Then should I just—"

     "Guys!" Someone suddenly shouts, making Max, Ari, Ervin, ad even the other white uniforms look in the shouters' direction.

     Max and his friends weren't sure who it was, but when they turned their heads, they were surprised to see that it was actually their dear friend, Kawanishi Keigo, wearing St. George Academy's uniform.

     "I can't believe you're here!" Keigo shouts, running to his friends and grabbing them for a tight hug, making the rest of the white uniforms stare at them.

     Ari pushes Keigo away like the angsty teen that he is, worried that the other students would make fun of them, which is unlikely since they were a group of strong gaffers. No one would dare laugh at them even if they wanted to.

     "Keigo, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in your house?" Max then asks when they finally break free from the unexpected embrace.

     "Don't tell me that others are bullying you," Ervin asks next, which sounded more like an insult, but Ervin was actually worried. After all, Keigo was the "weaker" one in their group. They wouldn't be too thrilled if students from an entirely different school were stepping down on him.

     "No, don't worry about me. I've actually made a few friends on my first day," Keigo then explains, making his friends—even Ari—sigh in relief.

     "Well, he was the friendly type even before he got transferred to Class A," Max then comments before reaching out to pat Keigo on the head, instantly making Keigo blush. "I'm glad you're doing well," the young heir says, and Ari quickly pushes Max's hand away from Keigo, worried Keigo might end up having a  crush on their friend again.

     "Anyway, no one said we're required to sit with our house, so let me watch the ceremony with you guys," Keigo then states, squishing himself between Ervin and Ari, making Ari sigh while Ervin just chuckled.

     After a couple of minutes, the crowning ceremony finally started, with the host introducing all the student council members present.

     Max couldn't help but stare at the Elites from both the brotherhood and sisterhood houses, who received the loudest cheers. As always, President Ian Rothman waved to the crowd with his signature political smile, while President Alexandra Helena August also waved to the crowd, but this time with a much more reserved look compared to Ian.

     The two emitted so much authority that Max couldn't help but stare at them with both pride and jealousy. Even after everything he has accomplished so far, Max couldn't see himself taking Ian's place as the new president, and that was enough for Max to realize that he's still a long way to go before achieving his goal.

     "Thank you, student council officers, for gracing us at today's ceremony," the host says as both Ian and Helena finally go back to their seats.

     "Days like these are really special, don't you all agree? We are all gathered here, not just as white and black uniforms, and not just brotherhoods and sisterhoods, but as one student body who follows a similar ideal...to strive and become the greatest one can be. And as we end this year's Reranking, let us all witness the very thing that perfectly displayed this ideal. Everyone, to officially begin this historical ceremony, let us give warm applause to President Janus and President Janet Sinclaire!"

     The crowd cheered as the two presidents made their appearance. Janus was wearing a black suit, representing the black uniforms, while Janet wore a white suit which represented the white uniforms. Other than the fact that the two were twins, Janus and Janet were both equally intimidating. You could tell that both worked their way up to be where they are now.

     The two presidents went to the stage and were handed microphones. Janet looks at Janus and nods her head, signaling Janus to speak first.

     "Good day to everyone! I, along with President Janet, am honored and delighted to attend this ceremony," Janus begins.

     "But before we officially start the ceremony, I would also like to give a special mention to the members of the associations. Please, everyone, give them a round of applause," Janet then adds, gesturing at the other house presidents.

     "Now, for the past five days, a total of 82 participating brotherhoods, and 64 participating sisterhoods, have battled each other in hopes of entering the top 30. But after a series of challenging tests and unforgiving battles, the best of the best rose to the top. Now, without further ado, let us welcome ranks 23 to 30, the 8 Soldiers!" Janus shouted, and soon after, 8 brotherhoods and 8 sisterhoods made their appearance, immediately making the crowd cheer.

     They walked their way to the front as white uniforms also joined them, holding glass cases that contained their new brooches.

     The two presidents of the House of Pawns stood from their seats as the brotherhoods and sisterhoods were called one by one to be officially rewarded. Once they received their brooches, their flags were immediately dropped on both sides of the stadiums, hanging in the ceiling for everyone to see.

     "Students, let us give a round of applause to the strong soldiers of the House of Pawns!"

     The crowd continued to cheer as the soldiers made their way to their seats.

     "Up next, let us all welcome the brotherhoods and sisterhoods of the House of Rooks, rank 22, the Corporals!"

     As the brotherhoods and the sisterhoods were being called to enter the stadium, Max watched the ceremony with his friends, smiling and clapping their hands with the rest of the white uniforms. But as they were watching, the cell phone inside Max's pocket suddenly vibrated.

     "Excuse me," Max says as he stands from his seat to head out to the restroom. After checking that it was empty, he locked the door and pulled out his phone to see who the caller was. As expected, it was from an unknown number. After all, Étienne and everyone else he was close to calls from a different phone.

     The phone continues to ring, so Max quickly memorizes the number first and turns a recorder on before finally answering the call. He kept quiet and didn't say a single word as he waited for someone to speak.

     "Always so cautious," a feminine voice says, and Max instantly knows who it is.

     "Payton Wolfe. And here I thought I'd never hear from you again," Max says, and he could hear that Payton was chuckling on the other line.

     "You think you're a clever one, don't you? You think you have everything all planned out, and that's what I love about you, Max. You're bound to be victorious, but that will backfire you very soon," Payton tells him, but Max ignores it completely. He didn't want Payton to know that Max was keeping a close eye on her.

     "After everything you went through, you still decide to use other people for your dirty work. You never change, Payton. And if you think you'll get away with this, then—"

     "Oh, you mean that useless brotherhood Revels? They're just pawns to me, nothing important. They had one role, and that was to pull the trigger and cause a ripple. I don't care if they join your side. To be honest, the stunt Viktor pulled yesterday was a waste of time. He won't get anything from those good-for-nothing bastards. Well, I guess they could be errand boys, but more than that, they're useless," Payton coldly says, immediately making Max clench his fist in anger.

     Despite not knowing who Revels are and despite what the brotherhood has done, Max couldn't help but be angry for them. No one deserves to be called useless, especially from someone who used you.

     "What the hell do you want, Payton? Is this revenge for what happened in J.S High?" Max then asks, and Payton instantly starts laughing out loud.

     "Revenge? You think I'm gonna waste all my time and resources for something so petty? And here I thought you already knew me enough," Payton says in between her laughter.

      "This is more than just revenge, Sinclaire, and this is more than just the houses. I'm gonna make all of you pay. I'm gonna make sure you all fall. All 12 of you..." Payton then threatens.

     Max couldn't understand where this anger was coming from. He couldn't understand why Payton climbed her way to the top just to enter J.S High and fuck people over. But as Max was listening to her speak, something suddenly sparked inside him. This anger was almost similar to another group... 

     "You're working for Paradox, aren't you?" Max finally reveals, and Payton instantly falls quiet. "From the very beginning, you've been working for them. That's why...that's why you knew about Serenity. That's why you knew what happened to her.."

     "Look at you, Sinclaire. You're actually using your head," Payton sarcastically says, angering Max even more. "But what are you even going to do about it? You're an empty shell, Sinclaire. You don't even remember your childhood! So go ahead, collect your little brooches, and become the stupid president. But at the end of the day...what are you other than a hollow heir of a forgotten family?"

     Max is about to say something, but Payton immediately ends the call. As soon as Max heard the beeping sound, he angrily throws the phone toward the mirror in a complete rage.

     "Fuck you, Payton! Fuck you!" Max shouted before looking at the cracks in his reflection.

     As he stares at himself, he takes a deep breath and calms himself down. Payton was always the master manipulator. This is what she wants, and Max has to calm down and make sure he doesn't do exactly what Payton wants her to do.

     "Why can't I remember my past...why can't I fucking remember anything?" Max asks in irritation while hitting his own head. But when he looked back at the reflection again, Max was surprised to see a figure standing behind him.

     "G-Grey?!"

     Max immediately turned around, but no one was there. He was still alone in the restroom.

     "Shit...ever since I stopped taking those drugs, I've been seeing things," Max says, touching his chest and grabbing the phone again. The screen was cracked, but it was still functioning. Thankfully the recording wasn't deleted.

     "I need to relax and focus on the goal at hand. I'll have to worry about what Payton's planning later. For now, I need to focus on getting PHD back. That's the only thing I have to worry about now. I can't let Payton's words stir me up again. Not now...not ever."

...

"Now let us all welcome the seven strong Lords and Ladies of the House of Bishops!" Janet announces, and the 7 brotherhoods and 7 sisterhoods enter the stadium.

     The 14 groups went to the front while the presidents of both houses placed the brooches on their collars. Everyone was still clapping their hands, but the others couldn't hide their surprise when they saw Pretty, Hot, and Dangerous walking inside the stadium with the rest of the brotherhoods of St. George Academy.

     "They actually got demoted. That's crazy," a white uniform from one of the sisterhood houses stated.

     The others thought that PHD would act as if they had lost, but when they walked in the middle, some of the members were happily waving to the crowd while their leader, Kim Hee-Joon, was walking with his head held high. For a second, it looked like they were still the princes.

     "Congratulations," Reverend Father Lucas Ivory says as he pins the brooch on Joon's collar. "I hope you learn something from this, Joon, and just see this as an enjoyable experience. After all, Janus would kill me if something serious were to happen to your brotherhood while you're in my care."

     Joon didn't react to what the president said, but he touched his chest and bowed to him instead, making Bishop Lucas chuckle.

     After rewarding the 14 groups, their flags also appeared from the ceiling, making everyone cheer even louder.

     "Alright, looks like we have one house left. Janet, shall we walk down the stage together," Janus asks as he gives his sister his arm. Janet takes it, and the two of them walk down the stage to welcome the next brotherhoods who will appear.

     "Now, I know I'm going to be a little bias on this one, but please, to our dear students, let us all welcome your Rank 6 to 1, starting with Rank 6 of the House of Kings and Queens, the Barrons, and the Baroness!" Janus shouts, and the two groups enter the stadium, showing their excitement for the achievement.

     Jokers, who were wearing their clown masks, happily waved to the crowd, holding a bunch of horns and honking them uncontrollably.

     "I can't believe we're still holding the same title with these clowns," the leader of the sisterhood, Miss Sunday, who still holds the title of Baroness, says with an annoyed look while covering her ears because of the honking sounds coming from the jesters.

     Master Joker, who was walking beside the sisterhood, grins and drapes his arm around the leader before saying, "Oh come on, you know you love us."

     The leader doesn't say anything and just aggressively elbows Krist's side, instantly making him let go of her.

     "For fuck's sake, Eliza, we're cousins. At least give me some slack," Krist says, massaging the area that Eliza Hyusen just elbowed. But Eliza just rolls her eyes in annoyance as she and her sisterhood walk to where Janet is while Krist and the rest of the Jokers approach Janus.

     After putting their brooches on, their flags were dropped, and the next title was announced soon after.

     "Let us now welcome the Counts and the Countess!"

     The members of Cigarettes, and the sisterhood Marksmen, appears in front of everyone next to receive their titles. As always, the members of Cigarettes were jumping around in excitement, while the members of Marksmen were all serious and cold. The two were the complete opposite of each other.

     "Next is the Marquis and Marquess!"

     The sisterhood Red Rangers entered the stadium first. The others expected that the Revels would follow them, but to their surprise, Revels was nowhere to be found.

     "As per the Revels' request, they will not physically accept the title but will instead be rewarded privately, so we hope you all respect their decision," Janus explains, surprising everyone, even those at J.S High.

     "But regardless, let us still give a warm welcome to the Marquess!"

     The Red Rangers were given their brooches, and then theirs and the Revels' flags appeared at the ceiling for everyone to see, instantly making the students cheer again.

     "Now for our Dukes and Duchess! Let us give them a round of applause!"

     Two groups entered the stadium again. These were Crazy 8, where all 7 executives were present, alongside their leader Siren, and then La Séptima, who was led by none other than Crème de la Crème's rank 9, Scarlet Romano.

     Compared to the others, the two groups had the same vibe. They were both classy but still playful. Others could also tell that Siren and Scarlet had a little friendly chat backstage because they were seen talking to each other as they walked their way to the front, where Janus and Janet were waiting.

     "Whose being awarded now?" Max suddenly asked when he got back from the restroom.

     "Oh Max, just on time, our little friend's getting awarded," Keigo answers as Max sits on his seat again.

     "Hey Max, are you okay?" Ari then asks when he notices that Max's uniform is a little disheveled. But Max just brushes it off like he always does as he turns to his friends with a smile.

     "I'm good. Étienne just called me about a problem at the company, but nothing serious," Max explains, and Ari just nods his head, not forcing Max to explain anything to them.

     As Max tries his best not to make his friends worry, Max looks back at the members of Crazy 8, particularly Executive No. 7, Felix Campbell. Felix was still wearing a mask, but Max and his friends could already tell that it was him. They couldn't even help but smile proudly at their friend, proud he was able to show everyone what he could do and, at the same time, finish the battles without getting major injuries.

     "That's our Felix," Ari whispers under his breath, which Max and the others are able to overhear.

     "That's our Felix," Ervin then repeats, and the three of them start draping their arms around each other's shoulders, smiling like they were parents watching their kid graduate.

     After getting their brooches, the flags of both Crazy 8 and La Séptima falls from the ceiling for everyone to see, almost making Max and his friends tear up.

     "Janet, looks like it's time for us to announce the most important titles for this ceremony, don't you think?" Janus then asks, and Janet smiles and nods his head, excited about it too, like the others were.

     "Well then, let's not keep them waiting. To our Brotherhood and Sisterhood Houses, let us all welcome...the Royals!"

     Everyone immediately stood from their seats as trumpet sounds were heard throughout the stadium. Soon after, the Prince, Boys Next Door, and the Princess, Generation X, entered the stadium.

     All the students started bowing as the two royals walked to the middle. But while they were bowing, Max couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. Of course, despite the circumstance, he was glad that his brother Marcus was able to rank up. But more than that, this ceremony made him realize that his dear friend Cindy was still the queen. He couldn't help but sigh in relief.

     "Looks like the House of Queens didn't change. All of them kept their old titles," Max softly says as the prince and the princess walked to the front, where Janus and Janet can be found.

     Right after that, the two most powerful groups finally made their appearance. The Kings and the Queens, Busters, and Vixens.

     The members of Busters walked in first, followed by the members of Vixens. After they made their entrance, their leaders came next, wearing their long capes that waved with the wind as they walked side by side. Their appearance alone made the others shiver in fear.

     "I can't believe you let an outsider mock and disgrace you like that. How pathetic," Cindy says as he walks beside Viktor, who also has a cold expression on his face.

     "If you weren't my queen, I would have shot you for saying such a disrespectful thing," Viktor replies, making Cindy snort.

     "Oh please, even if I weren't queen, you wouldn't lay a finger on me. You're too much of a coward. You haven't changed since we were kids."

     "Just because Grey was in love with you in the past doesn't mean I'm still bounded to look after you. Remember Cindy, we both cut ties with each other," Viktor then blurts out, instantly making Cindy glare at him.

     "Don't even go there, Viktor."

     "Why? Feeling guilty for falling in love with someone else instead?"

     "I fucking hate you," Cindy says back, tears now appearing in her eyes.

     Viktor looks at Cindy, surprised that Cindy reacted in such a way. He wanted to say something, but Cindy had already walked to the left where Janet was, making Viktor sigh and walk in the opposite direction.

     "Congratulations, Hans. Remember, this was because of fate. Though the results might not be what you desired, but know that you worked hard and deserve to celebrate this honorable title," Janus says as he pins BND's brooch, as well as the crown brooch, on Hans's collar.

     Hans didn't feel right receiving this title, but he wasn't going to waste the opportunity either. While he wears this crown brooch, he will make sure to uphold the beliefs of a true prince and serve J.S High well.

     After receiving their brooches, BND moves aside to make way for the kings. Janus takes a deep breath as he starts pinning the brooches to each member. When he finally reaches Viktor, Janus stops and moves close to him.

     "You've done well. Especially during the 5th battle. You showed everyone what a true king is. A king who does not blindly seek revenge, but will use the available resources to move forward. For that, I give you my sincere congratulations," Janus says.

     "Who do you think taught me that?" Viktor then asks back, making Janus give out a small smile as he starts putting the brooch on Viktor's collar.

     "It felt like yesterday when your advisers gave me the task to take care of and look after you. But now look at what you've become. Your parents...your family...would have definitely been proud," Janus then mentions, immediately making Viktor look away from him.

     "How annoying," he whispers, but Viktor clenches his fist, trying not to show any emotions.

     When Janus finally places the crown brooch on Viktor, he pats his shoulder and grabs the microphone. "Once again, let us all give a round of applause to the thirty strong brotherhoods and sisterhoods!" Janus shouts, instantly making everyone clap their hands as the flags of the Royals fall from the ceiling, Busters and Vixens falling right in the middle for everyone to see.

     After everything that happened, it was finally over. The ranks have been declared, and the brooches have been pinned. It was a hectic week with ups and downs and an unexpected turn of events, but now, it is safe to say that...

     The Annual Brotherhood Reranking has finally come to an end.

- END -